Short Films: Group Discussion

On the project Trapped the director had decided he didn’t want to re- film a second edit all that had changed was a second cut from the beginning because some of the shots were too dark for example when he is running round in the room down in the cellar wasn’t clear enough to begin with but the camera operator and the director re-filmed this particular scene. As a group we thought some of the scenes were not as well as they could be shot and could be made to look more realistic but the director decided he didn’t want to re- shoot so we already had our final edit.

In the other projects Pause and Kids and Pranks, we were all contributing in both of the projects so we arranged dates that we could all meet up which first began with the 3^rd June which was cancelled because the actress in Pause short film she was also a camera operator in Kids and Pranks was not very well on the day. But also Daniel the director of Pause told us just before we couldn’t use the current location we used before at his to film this also effected Kids and Pranks because the actor John was the main character in that film. As we had many problems we had to delay filming to the 6^th June.

We then planned to film on the 6^th June which didn’t go to plan either because Daniel the director of Pause said again we couldn’t use his house as a location that once again affected Kids and Pranks for the main character. We were going to film in another location but the directors came to a decision that they didn’t want to re-film for a final cut because they couldn’t get a location and didn’t have the money to travel to the location.

The Amy and Poppy Show/ Production Assistant for Sound Hounds

Today was production day. We all arrived at the studio for 9am where we all set up and decided where we wanted which lights to go where and where we wanted the sofa for the presenters to go. I and Amy worked with the Production Assistant to get the timings of each of our segments of us talking would last around and get the length of the each of the videotape items because this would help us when filming to know how long we had left. We also had to get the script into the autocue and everything set up for production.

At about 9:50am we started our first take of rehearsals and recording this take we didn’t get all the way through we didn’t deliver the lines as well as we possibly could and we was getting confused with cameras moving and not shooting on the camera we agreed and the autocue was going a bit quick. We tried again which it was very similar to this so we went and spoke to the director and discussed a better arrangement. We had a few difficulties on the way when things would stop working which caused a bit of arguments and problems which delayed us quite a lot by the time all this had happened we didn’t so much time left so we did a last take.

Our final take went quite good I thought I don’t think it went as good as I would have hoped maybe we could have addressed the audience better and it’d be more of a laugh. I and Amy was getting quite stressed because of cameras not begin where we had discussed we had to but I think the deliver went well because the autocue was going quite slow at one part I did miss a line me and Amy were supposed to deliver and the same time. But all in all I think we did a good job except for some technical difficulties but I think as presenting we did a good well and said what needed to be said.

To improve next time I think I would like to be more out there and having a great time so we was getting our audiences attention and if we had some dialogue and few changes I think it’d of gone really well. But because of the stress I think it nudged us from delivering it as well as we possibly could have.

Today, I also helped out being in Sound Hounds I jumped in being their production assistant which I basically using writing and communicating skills to keep track of timings of each of the videotape items and adverts and then let them know how long we have left. Also I had to try making sure everything went okay.

They had a few problems as a few people were late from printing of scripts and other paperwork that were needed. In the meantime rest of group members were setting up the studio to make it ready for their show and getting the lighting correcting.

When we read through the script they realised it was right as it didn’t fit to the videos they had to see we had to go through the script and change lots of paragraphs and words to make sure it made sense to the videos we had and then some of the videos didn’t work which we then had to change again to make sure it did work correctly then we had to input all of this in the autocue.

I got a record of all the timings of the videos and each section so I could give timings of how long we had left so I could let everyone know and make sure we was always on time. I did a countdown from before we went back to the studio.  I also let the floor manager know how long we had left of the whole two hour slot.

We did two proper recording all the way through which I think they went quite successful and they did a real good job of it going smoothly and going from one shot to another. We did another one just to make sure it was good enough and because we had enough time in the time limit.

Overall, I think I did an alright job of making everything go well and smoothly I tried to make everyone get on so we could start filming. I did all the timings and wrote them down and let everyone know. 

The Amy and Poppy Show Script

Today, I and Amy carried on working on our script that we began the week before. We started to work from scratch because our original version would have been dragged out a lot longer that was possible. This is because we counted up all the timings of each of our videotape items and adverts which made us only have 4 to 5 minutes to play around with talking time in the studio.

We began starting our script very simple just introducing ourselves like any other program but we added a connection like between both of us that related to like Ant and Dec to make us known to be like them as we made a reference of being the female version of them but actually better. We also made it as if we were finishing each of sentences so once again it was like Ant and Dec and like there’s a connection.

As we didn’t have much talking time we had a few comments to each other between each of the videotape items then just introduced everything and commented on it after.

I think our script was very simple but effective it included some funny parts in and just added a nice chilled out effect as the age we are aiming to hit. But if I had any improvements I probably would try and make it longer if I could and make some of the videotape items shorter so we could talk more or even have a interview or singer or something to make it stand out and not be just videos. 

Production/Post-production (Make up challenge)

Today, we were planning on filming mine and Amy’s Make up Challenge video at about 9.30 am in the television studio. Whilst Kyle, Kenny and Luke edit Chadachino and Cooking like a Bause with Extra Sauce on Final Cut Pro back in the classroom. Jonathan was going to be doing the Get Fit pre-production paperwork so we could quickly film a little version for a VT item sequence in our video. Me and Amy changed our cameraman to be Chad as he was available at the time whilst the director of Get Fit! Was currently busy.

We were on schedule as we got into the television studio about 9.20am and started setting up. We moved the sofa towards the back corner of the studio and brought round the green screen as this felt a more appropriate colour than black and blue because it just stood out more. I began to set up the tripod with Chad as we got it at an appropriate level which was a mid-shot of us both sitting down. We wanted to go with a theme like we did shoot it ourselves without a cameraman or anything or different shots because we thought it would be more appropriate to do it this way because of the style of the show and the presenters we are crazy and outgoing so we wanted our video to be like that and not professional.

I brought my own camera with me which is a Canon 60D we used mine because it is much easier to film with and we wanted to keep going down the route of us doing it ourselves and not a real film that we cut and stop it.

When we got that set up we got a little table in front of the sofa where we put our entire make up during the video so it was easy to access but it wasn’t something we could in the actual video.

We made 3 different sections this was because of interruptions. The first section was where we introduced ourselves and said what we were doing in this week’s video we made it like that because we wanted to do this like we do a weekly video. Then we got straight into Amy putting my make up on first so this meant she was blind folded. Then we stopped the video and made a separate section for when I put Amy’s makeup on. Then the end section was just a closing message thank you for watching.

I think our filming went successfully it went exactly how we wanted and what we expected so we were happy with it. It was a shame we had a few interruptions because that got in the way where we had to cut the footage and make it look more unnatural. But I think we worked well as a team and thought that what our video was made for within the show was totally appropriate and what we wanted.

When we finished filming we decided as a group we were not to use the Get Fit! Idea it took a lot of time to realise we didn’t want to because we couldn’t film something that would look suitable enough and as good as we expected. So because of this we decided that we would use some past videos we have created before we are going to be using Chad shopping channel video where he tells a Slanket and cut it down to an advertisement then we also used Video Killed The Radio Star music video.

Me and Amy decided to edit our videos which took a very long to load on the computer which we didn’t expect so this put us back in time quite a lot. When we began editing it took a lot of time because our footage was a lot longer than we expected it to be so we had to cut out masses of it which caused a lot of stress and we didn’t know what we wanted to cut and what we wanted to keep. It took us a long time to cut a lot down but it didn’t seem to make as much sense when we did because it missed a lot of talking and just general from one piece of make up to the other. We finally edited the videos in two separate ones which were about 5 minutes apiece we ran over the deadline by a long time which we didn’t want to do.

Whilst out final cuts were exporting we recorded a few voice recording for Jonathan who were creating the opening titles so he would work through them and put on which was best and went with the show.

Overall, I feel the day went successful and that our final cut videos I were happy with and turned out how I wanted them to do. The only disadvantage was missing the deadline because of the time it took to export and import the footage to begin with. 

Pre-production

We all got in our separate groups for the VT items and started doing the paperwork. We needed to do a synopsis, storyboard, breakdown sheets and risk assessments. For our synopsis we just basically said what our little VT was about and what we were going to be doing.

Then the storyboards Amy drew the four shots as this is what decided then I filled in the description boxes. We decided to stick to the same shot type all the way through as our video will just be linked into the show to what we did later and will not be complicated but just filmed by ourselves. The first shot was us introducing ourselves and what we were going to do then followed on to Amy starting to put make up on me then us talking about that then me putting make up on Amy then finishing up with a goodbye message.

Then Amy completed the breakdown sheet it was fairly straightforward as we had a few make up props like blusher, foundation, mascara etc. Then our crew role Jonathan Cawston the camera op and I and Amy are going to be cast members. I at this point was filling out our risk assessments which we didn’t have any concerns or risks that may occur. Then got our paperwork signed off.

Jonathan was started the opening credits for the show to make it entertaining as possible he was trying out as many effects  just trying out different fonts and transitions etc to make it look effective.

Next time on 23^rd May we are planning to get straight on with filming the Make up challenge in the studio with Jonathan our camera operator whilst everyone else begins to edit their videos. Then we are going to film the Get Fit video then edit them all ready for the end of the lesson.

Presentation/Pitch

When we started Bryony asked us if we would mind her joining our show so we many tiny changes in the crew roles as she wanted to be a camera operator or presenter but as we already had the presenters chosen which we preferred on because the presenters work together well which will make the show flow well and seem natural. Kyle said he would be a production assistant so that Bryony could be a camera operator as well as a floor manager.

After we got that sorted we cracked on with our presentation which we had about two hours to do. We did a slide of the presenters and a few pictures then we did a slide on all the production crew roles so that it was made clear. Then we made a slide each for the VT items and Ads.

VTs and Ads:

Cooking – this was directed by Kenny, Kyle and Luke and also presented by them. This video they are going to do a cooking segment for something ridiculous. Ben is going to be in this video for being the taster.

Reviews - Directed and Presented by Ben and Bryony. They will basically giving a review on songs and games they like. Also they will be giving the prices.

Make up Challenge – Amy and Poppy directing and presenting. Basically one of us will have a blind fold on and be doing the make-up of the other one of us then swapping round. This video was inspired from Zoella on YouTube.

Get Fit – This will be directed by Jonathan as he is not being in any other videos. All of us will be taking part in this and be getting fit.

Chadachino – Is going to be Chad selling his own brand of coffee in an advert. This will link to the comedic effect and the theme of the show.

We are also hoping to use the melon advert from last year’s groups which is donating money to melons that also links to the ridiculous of our show. Also we would like to use the other groups advert and for them to be able to use ours if not we will ask if we can use another one of last year’s adverts.

At 11.40am we decided to pitch our ideas to the other group so we were selling our show to them. I thought it went really well and was pleased with the outcome with few slight changes in that is filming and how we are going to film some of the parts. 

Final ideas (Amy and Poppy Show)

After pitching our first ideas into mini groups we got into groups of 9 because this is half of the class in two groups. We got into groups considering who is good with filming and is reliable and also the ideas of their first idea in the mini groups.

Together as a group we spoke about as many creative and comedic ideas a possible as we wanted to go with a comedic theme rather than serious. We thought this would be good as it could draw in our audience. Just before the ideas we wrote down the production roles for the actual show and what everyone would be doing.

Chad Bronson – Director

Ben Hayes – Vision Mixer

No decided yet – Production Assistant

Kyle Jones – Camera Op/ Floor Manager

Luke Mellor – Camera Op

Kenny Pope- Camera Op

Jonathan Cawston – Autocue

No decided – Sound Op

Amy Mills and Poppy Furness – Presenters

All we had to do from this was find somebody to be our production assistant and sound operator so we had a full production crew. But a person from our group was not here so they are only 8 of us at the moment.

Chad our director started writing down our ideas as we all discussed them and thought of ones that were on the list of what we might do. We came up with quite a long list from Bake offs, Fashion, Zumba, Yoga and Chadachino Ads.

At the same time as this we was thinking of names for our show which we could not decide so it was still a working title we didn’t come up with many suggestions that we all agreed on such as studio life.

Pitch (Mini-groups)

Today, we finished last touches on our presentation before we pitched it to the class. The pitch I think went reasonable well we sold our idea and knew what we wanted but we still didn’t have a name for the show as it was still a working title. We all took in turns to speak in our own individual categories in which we were presenting and directing ourselves.

From the feedback we got we knew they was lots of unanswered questions that we didn’t come across when pitching the ideas for example the chocolate chilli challenge that might be dangerous and how and where would we melt the chocolate to coat them in. Also we were not allowed to use copyright materials for the dance section which is a shame as we really did enjoy this particular part. Another thing was the Poppy and Amy Show and Music Anew was going to come across effectively and to be filmed. So we went off and thought about this so we could expand or create new ideas for the final idea.

Ideas (Mini-groups)

Today 13^th May, I had been put in a group with three other people. We spoke together about magazine shows and what we like about them and what we could include in ours and make ourselves. We all came up with separate ideas and then we put together a PowerPoint presentation of our very own magazine show. Some of the ideas we came up with not all of the group’s members agreed on which caused an argument but we spoke to them about it and worked out where we could all include our own segment so we was all satisfied.

Some of the ideas that we came up with was that we would like to do: Music anew this would be about all the up to date music, the price of them and just a person review which would be directed and presented by Bryony Rogers as she felt more comfortable in this area. We thought this idea would work well on a magazine show because it fits the right target audience and is telling the audience exactly what they want to know. We also had a game review very similar to this that Ben wanted to direct and present exactly the same scenario of Music Anew but with games.

Another of the ideas was a segment called ‘Poppy and Amy Show’ this consisted of two people talking in a studio playing the Heads up game which is basically an app on the iPhone that a person has to put it on their head and the other person has to give them as many clues as possible to try pass in the time limit.

We came up with a mini contest called ‘The Chocolate Chilli Challenge’ this is basically dipping the hot chillies into melted chocolate then eating them and see the reactions from each of the people. We thought this might be a comedy element as not many people like too many hot foods and we thought we would mix it up a little with the chocolate to make it even stranger.

At the end of the show we wanted to make a little dance remix between lots of dancing songs such as Macarena, Harlem Shake, Cha Cha Slide and Gangnam Slide. We thought this would be funny and also give a comedic view as we would all be dancing and then wanted the crew members wearing crew t-shirts to come on and start as well. This was inspiration from Celebrity Juice when they close the show and all dance to a song. 

First cut feedback

Today, we watched everybody’s first cut of the short films and gave any constructive critism as we possibly can. The directors took notes so we could talk about them and think what we could do to change. We then got our feedback from the questionnaires we gave out.

The feedback from Kids and Pranks was not very positive. I expected this because I could see the down sides of the short film and I did not think it reached its full potential as it could have been.

Not many people liked the actual video they thought the acting wasn’t very suitable and seemed like it was staged and just fake. I agree with this I think out next shoot we are going to get in another actor as they would play this role a lot better and not be as fake. Also the shot where the character looks like a silhouette when he is speaking near the window everyone picked up on that which we also noticed and are planning to change.

The majority of people understood the concept of the film, which is a good thing, but our next shoot we need to make sure we make it more entertaining and make people want to watch it. They also thought the audio worked well.

The feedback from Pause was quite good they really liked the rewind but they thought it looked unnatural this is what we also picked up on and agreed and we are going to re shoot something’s as it is a little grainy. We also broke the 180 degree rule that we need to go back and reshoot because we swap when shooting over the shoulder.

The feedback from Trapped were very positive except from the first sequence were quite fake which I agree on because it didn’t look like something was actual happening. Also the lighting was picked up on because it didn’t look like it was as scary and dark as it was suppose to be.

We are going to go back out and film some appropriate scenes and also tweak some of the editing such as the sound clips of walking and breathing was a bit exaggerated and did not fit very well.

Continued post-production (kids and pranks)

Today was deadline day for the first cut. They were only a few things we had to do but it did stretch out longer than we were expecting. We started off with cutting down some of the clips so they were shorter and fitted tightly so that it worked well.

We looked through all different sound effects and clips to add in for the phone ringing and laughing and things. But some of these we didn’t think were very appropriate so we filmed laughing and whispering. Also the voiceover after these took about 5 minutes per try we took a few takes of each of them and I thought these worked in our video.

I edited in these in the appropriate places to fit in with the storyboards. I also got the directors help with opening sequence we he choose and put in the appropriate data. Also he put a music soundtrack from final cut I didn’t think it worked very well as it should have it was too jolly and didn’t fit the theme of the short film.

Overall, I don’t think I was as pleased with the first cut as I hoped I think some of the footage was not appropriate which didn’t fit correct when editing. Next time for final cut I hope to film it again to make it perfect and clear to the audience as much as possible.

Post- production (kids and pranks)

Today, we continued with post-production. I began with looking through all the clips that I might use and might not. I inserted all the necessary clips and cut them down to what I wanted to use them I used the storyboard and script to help me with this so they were in the right order.

I found a few problems, as they were not enough clips filmed for a particular part in where he says a line. The clip was very dark and couldn’t see the character for when he was talking. I spoke with the director about trying to film this particular bit again as it would work very well but he wanted to leave it so we did. Some shots didn’t quite fit together but I tried the best as I could to get through it and do it well.

Overall, I think this editing session went quite well except for minor errors in a few clips but apart from that I think it went well. I think that some of the footage is not as good as we were hoping but I think before the final cut we should reschedule and film it again.

Next lesson, I need work with the director to film some audio for particular bits in the shot film such as the answer machine and talking and whispering in the background when the character answers the phone and there is no response.

Production Stills (Pause)

Here are a few productions still of Pause

Production Stills (Kids and Pranks)

Here is a few production stills on set of Kids and Pranks: 

Production (Pause)

At half past 1 we started setting up for the next film Pause in the kitchen where the majority of our film was being set except a snippet scene in the bathroom. The crew changed round roles and we also had to wait for new crew members and cast to arrive. One our main characters the male playing Sean could not make it so we had a contingency plan that our sound operator would play this role this meant that me and the director had to work between being sound operator and then camera operator as he had to leave early.

The kitchen scene took us around 3 hours we had many shots to take in this and we had to set up the location differently according to the time difference. I think we worked really well as a crew some shots we had to repeat many of times because of laughing and doing things wrong but I feel like we got some really good footage and that in post – production it will really well. 

The bathroom scene took us around 30 minutes to do this included setting up the equipment and moving around the camera I think it looked really well and we finished around half past 5. 

Production (Kids and Pranks)

Today, I was filming two different projects one in the morning Kids and Pranks and one in the afternoon Pause for these I was playing both production managers but at times because of people having to be at different places I stepped in and helped be sound operator and camera operator.

We met at 9am at college where we met collected our equipment; Z7 camera, tripod and Canon 1000d then set off to Huddersfield Road the location where we were shooting our video it took us around 15 minutes to get there so we started setting up for our production about 9.30am where we started filming Kids and Pranks.

We began setting up for in the living room, as this is the first location on Kids and Pranks that we put in our shooting schedule. In the meanwhile our cast member John played by John Smith was rehearsing his lines just before shooting. This scene took a while for us to get going and moving the camera round and for the actor to get used to it but I think it went really well. I were a production manager so I was just making sure that everything was running through properly. I also did the log sheet where I logged every take we took and what shot number and the description to why it didn’t work or if it was good enough to use and I took some production stills. This scene took about 45 minutes to shoot this was a little longer than we hoped but a lot of it contained with getting everything set up. After this we had to have our camera operator and sound operator to leave as they had to be somewhere else but the director and me shared roles with these as well as shoot the kitchen scene.

When we started filming in the kitchen I thought that it was a lot quicker and easier. As we were on a role and the cast was so it was quite quick and altogether with this project I feel it went good but I think the director should have not made it so complicated when filming in kitchen. I think when editing it may be a little jumpy because he changes the camera position when it was supposed to be used on the same shots. Also some of the shots I think the character didn’t deliver his lines as good as we were hoping and I think we should have re done this one again. In pre-production we said we was going to re shoot a line in the script ‘I’m going to kill that kid’ in a different context as it may not be appropriate with the particular audience but the director wouldn’t consider doing this in production. We finished filming about half past 11.

Production (Trapped)

Today, I was being a production manager for the short film Trapped. I was trying to make sure that everything was running smoothly, doing a log sheet and also taking production stills as this would influence on our paperwork and show us doing our jobs.

To begin with we set of late because we didn’t have a log sheet and stills camera ready and also we didn’t have all our cast and crew when we were supposed to as they turned up about 40 minutes late. We set of without them and filmed scenes in the park on Church Street across the road from college to begin with as these shots didn’t include any cast or crew that were there. We were here about 15 minutes we were a little behind schedule than we were hoping.

When we arrived at Elias house to film in the basement we began to set up the Z7 cameras and tripod and we followed through the steps and camera positions and shots we wanted to do and shoot. This took a little while to make sure we got the best shots and lighting as we possibly could so that it could compliment the final cut. 

I think filming went quite successfully as we may have been a little behind schedule than what was planned but I think we had shot some good footage and if needed we have plenty of extra time to go back and shoot some scenes again. At times we did disagree on things and may have gone slightly of track.

Throughout this process I took production stills and logged all the tape information such as timings, shots, takes and description as this would be easier when editing as we can just import the important footage and not everything.

At one point the camera didn’t work properly and the contract and brightness was really dull this took us about 15 minutes to try and overcome this so that it looked similar to before as we didn’t want to make any continuity errors.

When we got back to college I uploaded the production stills on to my computer as well as imported the footage. I feel that the majority of the footage will look really good and fit to what we were planning on but if we think some shots don’t seem to benefit how we wanted them to come across we may need to shoot more footage.

Tomorrow I will be filming two other projects Pause and Kids and Pranks. I will be production manager again in both of these projects which I think I may have more knowledge in what I will be doing and hopefully I will benefit and o better at this role. 

Continued Pre-production

Today, I started off by making a shooting schedule with the director of Kids and Pranks. We looked through previous paperwork to help relate and put together a schedule. We put in appropriate information such as dates, days, crew, cast, equipment etc.

After that we worked closely in finishing of the shooting order for scene 2 in the kitchen to do this we looked at our camera plans and shot list so we could arrange as easy as possible when shooting which shots to film and when. We grouped together particular shots such as close ups and different locations shots so this would be easier when filming.

To finish of with we put all our paperwork in the correct places so that it would be easier when signing of and stapled relevant paperwork together such as risk assessments with floor plans and location release.

I also did a call sheet to finish off with for Pause to put in all the different times and places cast and crew need to be which we will be giving them.

Tomorrow, I am planning on filming Trapped. Then filming Pause and Kids and Pranks on the 1^st May.

Pre-production

Today, I have been working closely on the project Kids and Pranks. To begin with the director was finishing off the lasts of the storyboards by adding the description details of shot types, audio, transitions etc. In the mean time I were doing a shot list for the storyboards by linking up the appropriate details such as shot types, numbers, audio and visuals so we can reference to this when filming.

After this I started doing breakdown sheets for the two different scenes that we are filming. We filled in the cast, crew, props and clothing these are the only ones that apply to this project, as not much is needed. We collected our floor plans and risk assessments from the sound operator as this is whose house the project is going to be filmed at.

In the meanwhile me and the director were working on call sheets so we can put in the appropriate details to cast and crew which we will give them so they know what and where they have to be and what we will be doing on the day. I also made a call sheet for another project for Pause.

From the floor plans that were electronically we got our shot list and storyboards and tried to put together a camera plan in what positions the camera will be in and what shots are appropriate for this. The camera plan we worked with to make a shooting order, which we put in what camera positions and numbers will be where, and the order they will be shot in. Now I need to make schedules for the projects and just alter minor changes in call sheets. Also I need to a location and realise form. 

Group Presentation Pitch

In our session today we did not need to make any changes towards any of the presentations we felt we were happy with the information and that it had every applicable for example: synopsis, target audience, BBFC, constraints, budget, props etc.

In two of the groups Pause and Kids and Pranks, we discussed within our group how we were going to effectively pitch our ideas. We separated the slides up and had approximately three slides a person to get across clearly the idea and what we are expecting. I think I knew my production role and what I need to be doing but together as a group I feel we need to be more confident, address the group and be clear and precise. Next time I would like to feel I could be more confident in myself and put across to everybody why I am an asset crew member to that group.

Trapped the other short film, I am helping out on. I feel we did not come across well as a group I think we are going to work harder on communication and helping each other out. The director of the group did the majority of the reading out except from the other crew members who read out their role. To improve this I would like to come closer as a group and be all as confident as each other in the group and help each other out to make a great short film.

After our presentations, I found out from each of the crew members in all of the groups I am associated in when they are free to film and in lesson time so I as a production manager can start putting together a schedule. I will also be coming up with a contingency plan if we do not succeed in fitting in our original plan and time limits. I will be working on this between today and Thursday as well as other production paper along with my group members.

This is the availability of each of the crew members outside class:

Bryony (Camera operator in Kids and Pranks/ Trapped and editor in Pause) –

Bryony is free weekday and weekend till the 3^rd of May.

After 3^rd May she can do Monday morning, evening and weekends.

Daniel (Director in Pause and a sound operator in Kids and Pranks) –

Daniel can do any weekday. Not weekends.

Jonathan- (Director/Production Manager in Kids and Pranks and sound in Pause) –

Jonathan can do any weekday and weekends.

Elias- (Director/Editor of Trapped) –

Elias is free every weekday and weekend.

Not 2^nd May midday.

Poppy- (Production Manager in Kids and Pranks, Pause and Trapped and Editor in Kids and Pranks) –

Poppy cannot do weekends or Thursdays.

Availability in class sessions -

Thursday 25^th April

Monday 29^th April

Tuesday 30^th April

Thursday 2^nd May

Tuesday 7^th May – Part of the lesson

Thursday 9^th May

Tuesday 14^th May – First Cut – 5pm

Tuesday 21^st May – Final Cut – 5pm

Red – Deadline

Yellow – Might have time to do some work in lesson. 

Final Presentation

Today we got in our groups and did a final first draft presentation on the ideas we have chosen to take into production. 

I worked between three different groups as these are the ones I am currently in. We brought up the original presentations that had already been made as a treatment presentation and cut out unnecessary slides such as a breakdown of the scenes, mood board and one liner. 

We did put in some new slides such as an action plan on dates we are aiming to get everything done like production post and pre-production. To do this we looked at the calendar and discussed what we could get done by what time that it is good enough and not rushed. 

We decided to do pre-production for the 25th, production for the 7th then 14th for post-production. I suggested these ideas because I think we are able to get them all done by these dates and will also have a fall-back time if needed.

We also changed appropriate parts where the synopsis may have changed or the target audience or genre. 

I helped out with putting the presentations together on PowerPoint along with the rest of the group.

From my research into crew roles of production manager and editor I had put key essential items and skills of these particular job roles into the PowerPoint so when we pitch the final idea it is known that I know my part is and how to take on this role. 

In the meantime for pre-production paperwork the storyboards and breakdown sheet will be done by the director and may also be helped by the camera operator. I as a production manager will come up with some dates and times I will get together information to when people are able to film and make up a schedule. Other crew members will take care of risk assessments and floor plans. The rest of the paperwork we will do together in our groups next week Tuesday 23rd April. 

Groups

Today, we have chosen the final short films we are putting into production. I decided not to take mine further into production because I feel it is to complex and may not come across as good as I would have hoped.

But from this I have volunteered myself to be in several different projects: I am being a production manager in Pause which is basically a remote that a man can control and it all goes when he breaks and his girlfriend stays paused. I am also a production manager for Trapped, which is a man who gets kidnapped and is put into a cellar. 60 Minutes I am co- production manager so I will be helping out the director for this project I am also helping out being an editor.

We have read through all the different scripts and made any alterations that have been needed and now we are ready to go on to the next stage of production such as making the storyboards and risk assessments etc. 

Scipts

Today, we spent the morning reading through everyone’s scripts to the idea that they had pitched the previous lesson. We played a script editor for everyone and evaluated spelling mistakes, punctuation, and layout, how it could be improved etc. We wrote down all our notes whilst reading through them and got time to tell our thoughts of each other scripts. They were some scripts better than others and help to see what was realistic and could be put into production.

A few people gave me some suggestions to how I could improve the idea for example instead of Beau and Harvey going out it should be Beau really loves Harvey and she wants to meet him but when she turns up he is actually meeting someone he likes and wants to be with. Another suggestion was they thought it would be good if the whole thing was a dream but in then end Harvey wakes Beau up and realises it was a dream.

The next lesson, I made a second draft of the script. I made some minor changes of words needed to be added and also to add a bit more to the story so because it wasn’t quite longer enough. I made some more links to the balloons in two of the scenes to see the resemblance. I also took advice from some of the feedback from my reading the scripts and thought it would be more effective and work better.

The lines of the songs could be an issue with copyright. They thought when Harvey read the message the audience should actually see the message because it would connect to why he is annoyed and link in later on.

Short Film Pitch

Today I pitched my final idea, which were Loves Despair I thought the pitch went reasonable well I didn’t feel very nervous and I felt I was confident in my idea and happy with it.

‘A young adult, Beau Hinchliffe 19 years old truly deeply devoted to her boyfriend Harvey Doyle. One night she gets attacked in the street and sees the unexpected her boyfriend with another woman. But do things take a turn for the worst?’

From my feedback from the group, they thought that something were unclear in the story like the link to the girl who is cheating with the boy and main character from the start. They gave me some suggestions to this with the balloon in the dream sequence should be also seen in the last scene when he is walking off with Leah the girl he was with.

Other feedback I got from the group was that they thought a lot was going on and could be quite complicated for the amount of time that were needed and if it were to be put in production it needed to be done quite effectively to work. 

My Life video and questionnaire

Project Connect – Self Development

My Life

Below are a few questions on Self Development for Project Connect. If you could spare 5 minutes of your time to complete this questionnaire it would be very grateful to us if questions were answered honestly so we can take on board your opinions and feelings to make a better product. Please answer in the comments below.

1.    Do you watch any stop motion?

2.    Are you Male or Female?

3.    How old will you be on 1^st April 2013 (In Years)?     

4.    What is your ethnicity?

5.    What city/country do you live in?

6.    Do you like stop motion films?

7.    Have you seen any stop motion films?

8.    What was it about these stop motion films that you liked/disliked?

9.    What would you like to see more of in a stop motion film?

10. Did you like the Self Development film My Life?

11.  What did you like/dislike about My Life?

12.  Do you find My Life Inspirational?

13.  Why?

14.   Do you think whiteboard animation looks effective?

15.  Would you show My Life to your friends/family?

16.  Why?

17.  What improvements could be made to My Life if you think there is any to be made?

18. Overall, please can you summarise your own thoughts and opinions with stop motion and My Life?