So after thinking about this all week, and talking to friends, I came up with two ideas.
1.) The holiday season is coming up, and for most people this is the time to spend with their families. What about the people that have nothing to look forward to during the holidays? Homelessness and poverty is a big issue in New York City. I’m interested in seeing how these people are strong enough to live their lives without having much. Also to learn about them as individuals and how did they end up this way.
As far as multimedia, I would like to get their permission to take pictures and film them. Possibly work with a few homeless shelters, volunteer at food drives. If it comes down to it, talk to random people on the street that I walk by everyday.
2.) My second idea is food. I’m not too sure how this wasn’t the first thing that came to mind. I would venture around the city to try to find some of the best small, family owned restaurants. No big chains. Talking to the owner, cooks, visitors and try the food myself (of course!). If I have to choose a particular type of food that’s fine. Figure out what it takes to have a successful restaurant in New York during a time where many businesses fail to make a profit.
I would definitely try to film inside the kitchen and interview the owner. Take pictures of the location and the food. Talk to the people who eat there. If the food is good usually people are willing to talk about it.