Tuesday, 9 June 2015

LO 4: Task 5 and 6 - Selecting, Creating and Evaluating my Portfolio



I curated this selection of work, selecting clips that I felt best represented my skills in film and television production and were the most relevant. The portfolio includes work on 2 narrative short films, work with Sheffeild Live! TV's show, The Games Corner as well as work with Jose Spinola. He approached my production team asking us to help with creating a promotional video for a Sheffield Live! radio show he hosts called Urban Expression.

All individual videos can be viewed on my resource evaluation post.
I also justify and briefly describe what I did throughout each project.

The footage ranges from different use of focusing, angles and camera movement. I also selected clips that included video transitions, sfx and title overlays demonstrating my knowledge and application of using Adobe Premiere. Out of all the software I have used throughout my last 2 years at UTC Sheffield, I believe I gained the greatest proficiency in Premiere, essential video editing software that I hope to use throughout course at university and improve my skills.

Prior to studying at UTC Sheffield, I had already developed a passion for producing videos, using iMovie and screen capture software to make gaming videos which I uploaded to YouTube.

Tuesday, 26 May 2015

LO 3: Task 4 - Understanding my own potential career/study routes

Personal Plan



I have layed this out in a flowchart, so it is clear which steps I should take in order to begin a career in the film industry.

Monday, 11 May 2015

LO 2: Task 3 - Evaluation of my resources

In order to progress onto higher education where I want to pursue a career in television production by beginning taking a Television Production course at Gloucestershire University (1).
The entry requirements for this course require 300 UCAS points from at least any 2 A-Levels and combination of UCAS recognised qualifications. Applicants are selected by interview, so it is important that I put together a portfolio of my relevant media work I created over the course of my Cambridge Technical  at UTC Sheffield.

Access to Equipment

UTC Sheffield has an excellent bank of software, cameras, computers and equipment that I have used in order to work on my projects. For the practical film units I have mostly used the Canon 650D DSLR Camera to record film with which I now have great proficiency with and knowledge of use. I have worked with RODE Sound Hardware including their Shotgun Microphones, personal voice recorders, the RODE DeadCat sound muffler, clip-on interview microphones and a RODE Boom Mics. Supporting equipment I have utilised include tripods, a professional jib-system, a Steadi-Cam apparatus, shoulder mounts and Camera Sliders.
In terms of production software, I generally use the Adobe Creative Cloud program package which consists of Premiere Pro for editing film, Audition for editing sound, Photoshop and Illustrator for producing graphic design, Bridge for organising and ordering footage and images and Dreamweaver for Web Design.

Work I have created and selection for my portfolio

My most notable visual production projects include:
We were tasked with creating a trailer for a short film; along with 3 other people and the help of 4 local actors, we produced a crime/mystery/thriller called 'In Static'. We were presented to this task by Mark Herbert, a founding member of Sheffield based WARP Films company, made successful by the hugely popular Dead Man Shoes, Four Lions and many more feature length films. This was part of UTC Sheffield's employer opportunity scheme.




We are currently working on a full 5-10 minute short film, called Alter,which is set in an apocalyptic dystopia; the film is a mystery and action hybrid. Here is an early draft of the work:



While filming for 'In Static', we met Jose Spinola, a radio host for a Sheffield Live! program called Urban Expression (5). He asked us if we could help with creating a promotional film for his show; Urban Expression is a Sheffield based Underground hip hop show. This promotional film will also be shown on Sheffield Live! TV.


As part of the many employer led units at UTC Sheffield, for this unit we were asked to create a 5 minute segment for an actual gaming focused TV Show called 'The Games Corner' for Sheffield Live! TV. The video covers a gaming night at the Sheffield RSPCA centre. I also created a shorter 3 minutes coverage video for EGX 2014, a gaming expo in London, and assisted with filming for The Bowery 'Game Over' event (7).







Other relevant units include:
In conjunction with creating the television segment above, I created a script for the fourth episode of The Games Corner. It consisted of recent news stories spanning gaming events, the latest game and tech releases as well as local stories. I gained knowledge of script structures and styles as well how to create an industry standard script for a genuine Television Show.
I created a report outlining the required skills and the duties of two members of media production teams; a Sound producer and Director. The latter I analysed more closely referring to my own skillset and personality and comparing and contrasting this analysis with my own profile and experience I gained while working on my Media qualification.
In this unit I gained the fundamental knowledge of the production processes of Media Products, the Advertising and Distribution methods, the legal and ethical considerations facing production teams and how we categorize audiences using the NRS Social Grades, Demographics and audience interests.

Locations
Transportation to the following venues have generally been from public transport

Sheffield
  • Streets and Bridges (For Urban Expression)
  • UTC Sheffield College (For Production)
  • Sheffield Live! Offices (For In Static and Urban Expression scenes)
  • Sylvester Gardens Derelict Factory (For In Static, Alter and Urban Expression scenes)
  • RSPCA Centre (For Games Corner Segment)
  • Showroom Cinema (Our trailer for In Static was showcased here on a Students Film Showcase event)
London - Eurogamer Expo 2014 (For Games Corner Segment)
Salford - Media City UK Tour

Contacts
For 'In Static', we enlisted the help of 4 willing local actors who were contacted by Will Hewitt, a recurring member of my production teams. Will has contact with Rob Speranza, director of the South Yorkshire Filmmaker Network and Film Producer, who put him in touch with these actors. Rob has also come into our college several times providing advice on starting a career in film and television and gave feedback on our work. This proved very valuable as getting criticism from an industry professional helped to improve our projects massively. Other film and television related individuals who came into college to give advice regarding Media Careers and project feedback include:
  • Vicky Kilby and Jordan Turner, the clients and hosts of our Games Corner Projects 
  • Hussain Currimbhoy, an organiser for Sheffield DocFest
  • Ralph Razor - Event Organiser
  • Duncan Philpott - Steel City Media, specialising in sports videography
  • Nigel Stafford - Clear Channel UK
  • Mark Herbert, founder of WARP Films.
SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)
  1. Strengths - Managing and Organising production teams, Great knowledge of Adobe Premiere  
  2. Weaknesses - Camera operation (based on previous experience, there have been instances where I have not been so skilled with operating a camera, leading to poor quality footage. I need to learn how to fully work with the specific model, I will be investing in a Canon 650D DSLR which is the model I have used most during college)
  3. Opportunities - To speak with the people above provided an excellent networking opportunity, especially Rob Speranza who works with young talents producing short film. These are contacts 
  4. Threats - In my opinion, lack of funding could be a threat; if I didn't have enough savings to purchase my own equipment then I wouldn't be able to begin by working freelance, a potential career path. Not particularly a threat, but following university, work could be slow to acquire at first but once I establish my own name and upgrade my equipment I can start getting better work.

Sources of Funding and Investments

In order to pursue the career path, I need set up a more independent equipment collection meaning I will have to invest in my own personal recording equipment and editing software, Over the Media course, I have grown to work with Adobe Premiere and Audition efficiently so I will purchase my own license for the Adobe Creative Cloud. I quite enjoy using the Canon 650D DSLR and I have gained good knowledge of application and use so I will also buy my own, along with additional lenses in the future. For Sound recording, I will get a voice recorder and Shotgun microphone for the camera. Additional Equipment like portable lighting, tripod and memory storage I will also be investing in, including a dedicated camera bag to transport all equipment safely. The course at Gloucestershire offers high end camera equipment and equipped studios already (1), yet I believe it will be important to have my own equipment for personal projects which I will hopefully acquire over the 3 year degree.
Funding for this equipment will come from my income as I currently work as a retail assistant at Boundary Mills.

Budget Plan - I will rank equipment in order of most necessary.

Equipment
Use
Cost and Source
Adobe Creative Cloud Complete
Editing video and Sound Footage
£15.49/month (x36 = 3 years) = £557.64
http://www.adobe.com/uk/creativecloud/buy/students.html
Canon 650D DSLR Camera
Recording Film
£439.99
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-EOS-650D-Digital-Camera/dp/B0089V4CJC
16Gb SD Cards
Storing Memory
£6.50 (x2) = £13.00
http://www.amazon.co.uk/SanDisk-SDSDUN-016G-FFP-Ultra-UHS-I-Memory/dp/B00MWXUVH0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1431382725&sr=8-3&keywords=sd+card+16+gb+sandisk
Camera Case
Transporting equipment safely
£14.99
http://www.amazon.co.uk/AmazonBasics-Holster-Camera-Cameras-Black/dp/B008MWBY6W/ref=sr_1_18?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1431383198&sr=1-18&keywords=amazonbasics+camera+bag
Shotgun Microphone
Capturing improved Sound whilst recording
£19.27
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Neewer%C2%AE-SG-108-Camera-Shotgun-Microphone/dp/B008FTX1PE/ref=sr_1_9?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1431384189&sr=1-9&keywords=camera+microphone
Tripod
Steady shots
£14.00
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hama-00004161-Star-61-Tripod/dp/B0000WXD0W/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1431383582&sr=1-1
Voice Recorder
Handy for interviews
£21.79
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-ICD-BX140-Digital-Voice-Recorder/dp/B00IZEJFF4/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1431383952&sr=1-3&keywords=voice+recorder
Portable Lighting
For filming at night or dark scenes
£13.04
http://www.amazon.co.uk/NEEWER%C2%AE-CN-LUX360-Dimmable-Camera-Camcorder/dp/B00FOHJNSO/ref=sr_1_19?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1431383848&sr=1-19&keywords=led+camera+lighting

Total over 3 years = £1093.72

The University may be able to subsidise some costs such as the Creative Cloud as that is the most expensive part of the budget.
References:

Friday, 1 May 2015

LO 2: Task 2 - Evaluating my own profile

Personal Characteristics

  • Team Player/Leader
Being a part of activity organisations including the Scouts and Air Cadets.
  • Personable
  • Knowledgeable
  • Over-doer 


Skills


Over the last 2 years throughout my media qualification, I have developed industry standard methods of production and planning including research and referencing, social media application and professional understanding of production software. This includes Adobe Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Premiere, Audition, Illustrator, Bridge and Apple iMovie.  I have particular proficiency in editing and camerawork having worked on 3 film productions; 'In Static' a short  crime thriller film, 'Urban Expression', a documentary about Hip Hop and the a promo to the radio show of the same name on Sheffield Live! FM and 'Alter' a mystery short film.

Relevant Achievements
  • Education Qualifications - 2010 to 2015
GCSE - 2010 to 2013
Physics - A*
Maths - A*
Geography - A*
Technology: Electronic Products - A
Physical Education - A
Spanish - A
Religious Education - A
English Literature - A
English Language - A
Chemistry - A
Biology - A
Further Maths - B
English Functional Skills - Pass
Maths Functional Skills - Pass
ICT Level 2 National First Award - Pass

GCE - 2014 to 2015
Maths - (Predicted) A
Physics - (Predicted) B
Creative and Digital Media Diploma - (Predicted) Double Distinction*

  • Retail Experience
Certificate of Safe Working Standards and Operations
  • Air Cadets
Fundraising for Poppy Appeal and Coming Home Charities
- Raised £700 alone over 24 hours for Poppy Appeal

Experience and Interests
  • National Citizenship Service (NCS) - Summer 2014
I have also assisted with recruiting new participants for Summer 2015's NCS.
  • Air Cadets - November 2010 to November 2013
This helped me develop a range of team skills, especially when I was promoted to Senior rank Corporal and had the opportunity to direct Drill and assert myself as a leader. Through the 3 years I was involved, I had attained a first diploma in Aviation Studies, represented the squadron in a dozen parades and assisted in charity work such as the poppy appeal while interacting closely with the general public. I have also partaken in powered flying and gliding sessions.
  • Employment
Current Boundary Mills Catcliffe - Started October 6th 2014
Working in retail for almost a year has taught me standard working practices and professional conduct.

Monday, 20 April 2015

LO 1: Task 1 - Available Jobs and Learning within the Television Industry

Education Opportunities

Local:

1. Broadcast Journalism at the University of Sheffield
This course aims to equip students with the required skills, knowledge and understanding to enable them to work successfully in the broadcast media, to reflect upon media issues, to understand the role of the journalist in society, and to practise to high ethical and professional standards. Teaching takes place in dedicated newsrooms under conditions that replicate industry practice and by staff with extensive professional backgrounds as well as by leading journalism academics.

2. Film and Media at Sheffield Hallam University
This course focuses on drama, documentary and experimental filmmaking in the context of critical and theoretical study. You can also choose to develop your screenwriting skills. In year one, we introduce you to core skills, theories and techniques. You explore your media practice through individual and group projects across a range of genres and disciplines. You also take part in a location field trip and a residential filming trip. In year two you select two areas of specialism from • cinematography • sound recording and design • post-production • directing and producing • digital skills for film.  In year three you create a significant showreel piece in your chosen genre. Supervised by your own personal tutor, you form production teams to carry out creative and technical roles on each other’s productions.


National:
3. Television Production at the University of Gloucestershire
'Television is a largely practical course. You will work with our top-end cameras and professionally equipped studio to produce programmes for television, web and mobile. You will develop specialist skills in front-end production with single and multi-camera set-ups. You will explore a range of genres including documentaries, dramas, current affairs and entertainment programmes. The course has its own newly-built HDTV studio, access to a TV news studio and excellent location filming equipment. Alongside learning from our teaching team, which includes experienced BBC and ITV producers and directors, you will have the opportunity to work with leading businesses in the creative industries. There is a compulsory work placement at the end of the final year. In addition, you will gain a thorough understanding of governing ethical and legal frameworks, critical to professional practice.'

4. Television at Edinburgh Napier University
You will learn by a variety of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials, seminars, demonstrations, screenings and through independent study, however most modules are practice-led and involve workshops and practical projects in the television studio or filming on location.


5. Professional Sound and Video Technology at the University of Salford
  • You will be based at MediaCityUK – the heart of media production in the north, next door to the BBC and ITV
  • You will use excellent facilities including TV Studios and ProTools based multitrack sound recording studios
  • You will have opportunities to build a great portfolio including, project work for real clients, making films and helping run the University TV channel QuaysTV and work experience
Apprenticeships

6. Digital Journalist Apprenticeship with the BBC

"Our Digital Journalist Apprentices will write stories for the web and radio, connect with our audiences on social media, find guests and film news reports. Your own news stories could make it to air and be watched by millions. Your apprenticeship will combine paid multi-platform work experience with a formal journalism qualification, supported by the National Council for the Training of Journalists."
7. Level 3 Creative and Digital Media Advanced Apprenticeship
This course covers work across the creative and digital media industries including TV, film, digital graphics and photo imaging. You and your employer can tailor your programme selecting a combination of options including production, editing, interactive media, audiovisual journalism, camerawork, set design and photo imaging. The course takes place at West Hertfordshire College.

8. Sheffield Live! TV Production Assistant
Sheffield Live! TV (SLTV) is the new local television channel for Sheffield working in co-operation with Sheffield Live! 93.2fm community radio and the SheffieldLive.org website. Following the successful launch of SLTV we are now recruiting for the following positions for Digital Media Exchange, a project to support jobs and enterprise in creative and digital media.
  • To assist in maintenance of studio and mobile audio visual facilities
  • To provide production assistance and support to start‐up enterprises using the SLTV facilities for
    business development and broadcast, including with production and editing.
  • To provide production support for the location based production and distribution of audio visual
    content by neighbourhood and community based social enterprises.
  • To undertake such other tasks as may be reasonably required. 
Jobs

9. Host and Presenter for Reverence TV
REVERENCE TV (RTV) is a new Christian youth entertainment and educational program mainly aimed at the youths across the globe. The vision is to unearth talents, connect young people across the globe and hold the mantel as the only well establish youth tv network in the world. The ad says 'I am looking for a present/host who want to work with us as internship to produce this tv programme. I believe this will be a great experience for the chosen persons and in the long term provide an employment opportunities'. 

ITV are offering short and long term careers in the editorial production team for both Coronation Street and Emmerdale. They are looking for Script Editors, Story Liners, Editorial and Script Assistants 
Researchers and Research Assistants.













References:
  1. The University of Sheffield (2015) MA Broadcast Journalism [Online], Available:                     http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/journalism/masters/broadcast/index                                                        Accessed 20.04.15
  2. Sheffield Hallam University (2015) BA (Honors) Film and Media Production [Online], Available:                                                                                                                                         http://www.shu.ac.uk/prospectus/course/535/                                                                                   Accessed 20.04.15
  3. University of Gloucestershire (2015) Television Production (BA Hons), [Online], Available:      http://www.glos.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/tvp/pages/television-production-ba-hons.aspx         Accessed 20.04.15
  4. Edinburgh Napier (2015) Television BA (Hons), [Online], Available:                                            http://www.courses.napier.ac.uk/Television_U54115.htm                                                                  Accessed 20.04.15
  5. University of Salford (2015) Professional Sound and Video Technology, [Online], Available:                         http://www.salford.ac.uk/ug-courses/professional-sound-and-video-technology                                                   Accessed 24.04.15 
  6. BBC (2015) Digital Journalist Apprenticeship, [Online], Available:                         http://www.bbc.co.uk/careers/trainee-schemes-and-apprenticeships/journalism/dja                                          Accessed 24.04.15
  7. Hotcourses Ltd. (2015) Creative and Digital Media Advanced Apprenticeship Level 3, [Online], Available: http://www.hotcourses.com/courses-by-subject/Creative-and-Digital-Media-Advanced-Apprenticeship-Level-3-courses/54492540/                                                                                                                              Accessed 24.04.15
  8. Sheffield Live! (2015) Production Assistant (SLTV), [Online], Available:       http://www.sheffieldlive.org/job-opportunities1014/                                              http://www.sheffieldlive.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/DME-JD-SLTV-Production-Assistant.pdf       Accessed 24.04.15
  9. StarNow Limited (2015) Urgently Looking for Presenter/Host for a New Youth TV Show, [Online], Available: http://www.starnow.co.uk/Casting-Calls/Crew-wanted/Production/urgently_looking_for_presenter_host_for_a_new_youth_tv_show_1.htm            Accessed 24.04.15
  10. ITV PLC (2011) Editorial Talent Pool - Coronation Street and Emmerdale, [Online], Available:             https://itv.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl                                                                                          Accessed 24.04.15