Saturday 24 February 2018

Promo Test Shoot Day 2

The second shoot day consisted of recreating a catwalk inside the UCA Rochester Campus as a continuation of the test promo.

The idea was to have the same actor as before walking down a catwalk with the items of clothing that had been stolen and pointing towards the camera. It was decided that this scene should be enacted in the 'cheesiest' way possible which our temporary actor fulfilled to great effect.

A last minute idea involved having somebody sat behind the actor in the room, with the actor not knowing they are there. This would allow some comedy to be included in the trailer. Eventually, the person behind would then cough and the actor would suddenly realise they are not alone in the room and walk off, embarrassed. I was chosen to fill this role.

The filming itself went rather smoothly as we thankfully had our director with us, meaning that all the majority of the creative decisions came from the one person, meaning that there was a lot more focus on the direction. The shoot ended up only taking ten minutes.

Overall I am happy with what has been shot. A rough edit was put together and I feel it looks good but needs to be cut down considerably as several shots linger for far too long.


Thursday 22 February 2018

Test Promo Shoot Day 1

The shoot for our test promo today went surprisingly well and the filming process was much faster than I had anticipated.

We unfortunately started a little later than planned, hoping to start at 9:30 and there were issues with traffic and I personally had a hard time finding a place to park but we eventually met at the shop which served as the shoot location and got to work at around 9:50.

Connor, the researcher for promos, stepped into the role of director due to the promo director's absence and also starred as the lead who would eventually be portrayed by one or both of the presenters during the final promo.

I monitored the sound whilst also assisting the cameraman when they were setting up each shot and advising them on various aspects such as the exposure and speed of which they should move the camera. We only used the small 'shotgun' microphone instead of the 'boom' microphone as we felt that there would not be any proper diegetic sound to this particular segment and there was no speaking. I shall help to work around this as sound editor during the editing process.

Certain problems during the shoot included:
- The Sun- Sometimes the sun would keep reappearing from behind the cloud and would change the lighting during a few of the longer shots, however this can be worked around during the edit and we took multiple takes of each shot anyway.
- I felt that having the person run away from camera after stealing the mannequin and exiting the shot didn't quite work as well as having them run towards the camera. However, this can be decided if this is to be changed for the proper shoot down the line.

Despite this very minor problems, I am very happy with how this shoot went and, upon looking at the playback, I am happy with the footage taken. Now it would just need some polish during the edit to make it work.

We all managed to leave there very early, with the shop owners being gracious hosts as we were gone from there just as things started to get a bit busier.

Saturday 17 February 2018

Test Promo- Final Idea & Shooting Schedule

The final idea for our test promo shoot will be:

A person walks up to a clothing store and looks at a mannequin with clothes on inside the shop window. They will then enter the shop. Then cut to the person running out of the show with the mannequin while the shop owner runs after him towards the camera. The title 'Steal The Style' will then appear on screen.

Another small segment will then involve the person walking along a catwalk wearing the items that were on the mannequin.

We have a location confirmed at a shop in Sittingborne thanks to the resources of a student lives local to that area plus we have also gained access to a mannequin thanks to the UCA. We hope to film this on Thursday 22nd February. Unfortunately we will not have our promo director for this shoot due to their being out of the country which had understandably been planned in advance of learning of these test promos. However, the promo researcher had offered to stand in as director and that decision has been made. I would have happily stepped in but I was beaten to the job.

The catwalk segment will be film as the UCA in Rochester the day after, on Friday 23rd February. Although I have not seen it, there is apparently an area that would be appropriate for use as a catwalk-like setting for this shoot in particular.

I managed to help the camera assistant with the booking of the Sony EX Camera and sound equipment for this shoot and others have devised risk assessments and permissions for shooting locations.

As this is a test shoot, it is yet to be decided if this will be representative of the final promo but we will be hoping that, if this idea is kept, we would use one of or both of the presenters of the live show as the people who would be stealing ad running away with the mannequin. We do have an actor place for this particular test-shoot however.


Other ideas that I don't think we will be filming for this test shoot but may keep for the final shoot involve small ten second 'skits' involving the presenters but we would need to have our presenters confirmed before we would try and do this.


Thursday 15 February 2018

Production Role- Critical Analysis Guidance

Critical analysis component for Studio Unit:

-30% Production Role Critical Analysis (2000 Words)- Details the production role.

-Crucially it should include research into studio production and specific professional role you have undertaken and how that research formed your actual role and the production.

-Think of this as a piece of writing that teaches the Reader about your role and uses the experience of this production as anecdotal evidence to illustrate typical tasks, issues and skills

-For this reason it should not wait until the production is completed to be written- it is as much about informing yourself during the production about your methodology and approach as it is a piece of critical writing.

-Show the reader that you can critically evaluate your own work and that you understand Professional Approaches and Context through a focus on Academic Referencing Throughout.

-Thus you will demonstrate and evidence that all decision and critical reflections are informed by research and development by use of appropriate quotations.


What do we expect?

-Delivered in a report style, it is a document that allows us to see now just what you have done but rather How and Why you have chosen to do something- Methodology...


Reminder- Journal Content

This should not be merely a narrative describing what you did, but rather should evidence:
-The processes and methodology adopted.
-Your research into the wider context of your chosen area of work and established methodologies and processes- You must research your chosen role.
-Contextual information for each project and background
-Load your prep/ test shoots/ scripts/ paperwork etc to evidence methodology
It is your sketchbook.

Use Journal for presentation/ supporting info- Your blog is the ideal day to day record of your research and development of your work which can then be drawn upon to aide your report writing, however it should not replicate it- precisely, structure and formalise for the report.


What to include and structuring:

-Draw up a general list of areas you will need to cover- try Mind Mapping.

-Ovetall rule- tell them what you are going to say (Intro), tell them (Main Body), then tell them what you told them (Conclusion)!

-Always write a draft!


What to include: Headings and Sub-headings

-Headings guide the reader

Suggested headings to include:
-Introduction
-My production role
-Creative methodologies
-Critical reflections
-Conclusions
-Bibliography
-Illustrations
-Appendix


Layout:

Report Format: 'You need to use a combination of the following:
-Bullet points
-Titles, headings and subheadings
-Illustrations/ jpegs
-Page numbers- essential!
-Footnotes
-Bibliography
-Citations through Harvard method.


Souces of Information:
-People
-Books and other publications
-IT/ ONLINE
-Events and places.
-The usual rules apply- accuracy and check up to date!


Style of writing:

-Always adopt a formal writing style and one which is 'unobtrusive'.

-Argue your points as with an essay by providing RELEVANT RELIABLE RECOGNISED evidence.

-AVOID COLLOQUIALISMS!

-SPAG and avoid overly long sentences and paragraphs! (para NO MORE THAN HALF A PAGE, sentences concise.

-Check it before you submit!

-Be concise and clear- it should be easy for anyone, however unfamiliar whey are with the subject to follow.
-USe simple language and avoid pointless phrases ad words e.g. 'basically'.


Research And This Report

-So why bother doing research and report?

-Well- It justifies your creative methodologies' -i.e. the reason you have chosen a particular way of working and indeed what you are working on MUST be informed.


DRAFT- due after study week (1600- 1700 1st March 2017)

- Use the draft opportunity for guidance- provide evidence of your research plan and quotations you use.

-Show me your report plan re: headings/ subheadings and likely content

-Bibliography surnames in alphabetical order.









Sunday 11 February 2018

Research for : 'Steals of the Season'

During recent development, we were given a sign up sheets for research segments. I ended up signing up to research on 'Steals of the Season' which had the following briefing:



Here is some of the research that I had compiled. My contribution mostly consisted of searching around for the following items listed:

Top Trends:
Bazaar:
Sequins
Pastels
Checks
Plastics
Fringing
Bold
Colours
Sheer
Ruffles
Cinderella shoes
Multiple bags
who what wear:

Decade 1980's
Trench coats
Sneakers
Trouser suits
Bum bags and belts
Waist belts
Loud logos
Summer plaids
Polka dots
Vintage florals
Crazy brights
Pencil skirts


Here is a copy of my contribution to this segment which features list of websites that I have found:

Here is a list of websites I managed to find that sell the trending items listed by Danny.

I listed the websites that I managed to find the majority of these cheap items in but can put in specific links if they are needed.

Websites for cheaper clothing:

Missrebel
https://www.missrebel.co.uk
Cheap women's clothing, Features specific trends section

WearAll
https://www.wearall.com/new-in/
Womens clothing which sells for cheaper than most- specific link refers to a section which showcases the newest items/ trends in stock.

SelectFashion
http://www.selectfashion.co.uk/new-in/
Sells cheaper clothing items- link refers to new stock

Get The Label
https://www.getthelabel.com/c/new-in
Men and women’s clothing, showcases latest trend for discounted prices ‘On Tend, Off Price’- link to latest stock

Shop Priceless
https://www.shoppriceless.com/collections/new-arrivals
Mid-priced women’s clothing- latest stock

Thursday 8 February 2018

Promo Prep: Ideas

Ideas for promo teaser:

1. model walking down street in fashion clothes - camera click sounds as a transition - editing background changes and style either changes or stays the same -green screen fashion walkway 

2. bruce almighty swap clothes in shop - clothes from mannequin appear on person (will be introduced in the show) 

3. stealing a mannequin (Steal the style) - comical

Promo Prep Assignment:

In your production teams, create a mock-up/ role played version of an item/ graphic/ promo (preferably complex/ challenging) you are thinking of producing for the programme.

Use this opportunity to explore not just WHAT is shot/ created, but HOW- treatment/ style etc.

Your team’s picture editor/s will cut these, however director/ producer should be guiding the edit.

Please book out kit as usual with Fergus

The development for these should be evident through your blogs- RELEVANT R&D PLEASE!

Load the finished items on your blog- they must be ready to critique on the 1st March.

Presentation- VT

VT Inserts are a familiar part of many As Lives and Lives
They can perform a number of roles:
- Adding value to the studio production
-Provide talking points and background information.

Why use VT?
Purpose can vary by genre:
-Quiz show- provide package for question.
-Discussion Programme- illustrative/ background info
-Magazine programme- items such as fashion, features.

The Vt should feel part of the rest of the programme- style/ approach
-It should add to the studio content and have a specific purpose
-Entertaining and creative
-Comprehensible and comprehensive ('complete package')
-QUALITY- should be consistent with the rest of the programme.

Just like any other film they take considerable development and organisation:
-Research and. reach
-Locations and paperwork
-Casting/ contributors and paperwork
-Scripting

Monday 5 February 2018

More info on my Production Role

My production role, which was designated as 'Promos Assistant Camera and Sound/ Behind The Scenes Camera and Sound' involves mostly working with the Promo team in order to help create small trailers for the show for advertising as well as filming behind the scenes to showcase for anybody who would be interested.

The Assistant Camera job specifically will entail working with the cameras and making sure that the shots and picture will be of good quality. However, I will only be assistant to the main camera operator for the promos who will most likely take the most responsibility when it comes to filming. My job would just involve assisting them with the set-up of the equipment and shots and reviewing the footage with them afterwards.

The Sound on the other hand would be the aspect I will be the involved in. This will include using the boom microphone while monitoring the sound quality as well as editing the sound for the promos. Other areas will also include the creation of the soundtrack for the promos which would mostly just consist of small 'stings'. However, the producers may already have some stock music in mind which I would then edit for proper use during the promos. This may also be the case for the actual live show itself. For this, I will have to refer back and forth to the main sound operator of the live show so that they have the necessary sound to work with for the live show.

Friday 2 February 2018

Presentation: Critical Perspectives- Dissertations 2

Introduction:
-Needs to be clear to follow
-Clearly establish your themes and issues that will be discussed ( like the 'contents' page)


Conclusion:
Make sure you have enough depth in summarising your key findings, and return to your question.

Structure:
-To avoid missing up with points referred to in different places, etc.new argument/ point = new paragraph.

Formatting:
-Havard Referencing
-Numbered pages
-Check for syntax and spelling errors.
-Check origins of case studies.
No bullet points
-Quotes should be indented and single line spaced if they are longer quotes.

Analysis, Evidence and Arguments:
-Have a lot of relevant theorists
-Avoid being too descriptive
-Avoid referring to yourself and your own viewpoints
-Avoid only describing differences between films, concepts etc.- Use theory for exploration.
-'Signpost' clearly when making a transition form one point to another.
-Avoid only using arguments to make your own points
-Avoid over-reliance on online sources.
-Avoid arguments being to hard/ complicated to follow.
-Avoid vague or unclear arguments.
-Avoid generalised assumptions

Thursday 1 February 2018

Presentation: Production Management: 'As-Live' Show

What is Production Management
- Management/ overseeing all aspects of the production.
- Managing People/ crew/ performers
- Budget/ Finances.
- Scheduling
- Contactual agreements- crew, music licences, release forms.
- Insurance/ Health and Safety/ Risk Assessment
- Cross-platform considerations (frame rates/ graphics/ green screen).
- Hammering down the best deal for a studio/ location (looking at the finer detail).
- Intellectual Property (IP), Archive clearances Music/ painting.
- Keeping across the latest technology & Channel Tech Specs.

Production Mistakes:
- Leaving things to the last minute
- Not delegating
- Over delegating
- Hoarding information
- Not knowing the role
- Not working with their team
- When they think they know best

Production Do's:
- Make a schedule and stick to it
- Create call sheets
- Risk Assessment/ Safety
- Contact lists/ book staff
- Are you on a budget?
- Release forms
- Tech Specs
- Collating floor plans, lighting plans etc
- Communication is key!

Filming Abroad:
- Find a good 'Fixer' and sound them out! There are good ones and bad ones!- get them to sign 'anti-bribery clause (BBC)
- Baggage Allowance - Bain on one's finances
- If at the BBC- Contact the IFA (International Filming Advice) tell them where you are filming and they will give you advice. If not speak to the embassy/ ask the relevant FB groups on working abroad.
- Equipment- Sort out a 'Carnet'.
- Visas/ Permits- Speak to your fixer and find out if you need permits as you may not be able to film without them. These can take anything from one week to three months to finalise!
- Book flights as far in advance as you can.
- The more you prep the easier it is- organise tech recess (these are budget dependent)

Studio Hire:
- Studio Productions can be very costly and our s is no exception. Remember- time is money so we will be working to a tight schedule which is non-negotiable.

Budget
- At the outset of a production, a budget will be agreed.
- The decision regarding how this this budget is allocated is dictated by the needs and aims of the production.