W/C 11th March

W/C 11^th March

My client is unable to come down for the photo shoot until after Easter so I will continue with the storyboard planning

My Personal Reflection Report

During my second year on the FDA Digital Media course, I have had numerous learning experiences from which I have gained multiple skills and obtained more of an understanding of my strengths as well as my weaknesses.  I found this year to be more of a challenge, as I wanted to try and come out of my comfort zone of working alone and work with others as part of a team.

I recently had the chance to work alongside a fellow student to produce a music video for the unit ‘Performance Video’.  Having previous experience of creating my own music videos, I found this project to be very much within my own comfort zone.  As I am generally lacking skills of with working with others, this was quite an experience for me, as well as an opportunity to improve my confidence in this area.  However, reflecting back on this project, I did find it quite difficult and very competitive to share responsibility with another person, having said that the project went well and the experience has taught me a lot; I find I am able to trust companions more than I did before.

For the unit of ‘Future Cinema’, I started off working as part of a team.  The assignment was to come up with a unique, futuristic way of viewing media in a cinematic style; we would then create a demonstration of the idea.  However, this turned out to be more of a challenge than I expected; I found it to be a struggle to put my suggestions forward as well as letting my voice be heard,

this was due to the large amount of people in the group.  In order for me to showcase my skills, despite the short amount of time left, I chose to split from the group and work on my own solo project; designing a motion control chair with a story narrative.  Although I put myself under a lot of pressure by choosing to work alone with so little time left, I feel that I was able to demonstrate my adaptability by learning a whole new set of practical skills (building the vibrating chair) combined with an audio story narrative.  This is the first time I have done a project without a video and it has also helped me to develop my story line narrative and audio skills.

Writing the essay on ‘New Perspectives for New Contexts’ was very interesting, but a lot harder than I imagined.   My aim was to write a critical essay, discussing a specific side-effect effect of media technology.  For this essay, I used Charlie Booker’s Black Mirror Series, ‘Be Right Back’, in order to portray the darker side of using social media.  Writing has previously been one of my fortes, but I spent far to long developing a theme for the essay and struggled with the referencing.  This essay has helped me to improve my critical writing skills, but I feel that I need more guidance on referencing and I also would benefit from reading more books for use as research and for quotes.   Although I managed to finish the essay on time, I don’t feel that it was to the best of my ability.  If I had spent less time developing the theme, I would have had more time to focus on the content and the referencing.  I will definitely need to improve my writing skills, as I understand that the essay in year 3 is a major part of the course

Working on the Professional Project was an invaluable opportunity to experience work as an independent media practitioner.  My aim for this project was to produce a short promotional video and a series of photographs for my client, ‘Terence Martin’, who specializes in Life Coaching and NLP (Neuro-linguistic programming).  I chose to take on this work as it is something I would like to do in the future.  Initially, I hoped that doing a project like this would help to boost my confidence, as well as give me more experience of doing freelance work for companies in the near future.  However, throughout this project I came across many problems and made numerous mistakes that I have been able to learn from and build on.  One of my main problems was not having my own professional equipment, this meant that I had to hire it from the University and learn how to use it.  Also, my client was based in Swindon and the distance from Bournemouth to Swindon meant that my client wasn’t readily available, which made it difficult to tie up equipment hire with client availability.  I realize that although I already own my own camera, I will need to purchase my own high quality professional equipment before setting up on my own in the future.  Although I have used my technical skills for promotional projects before, this unit has also involved important business skills such as; planning, budgeting, legal requirements, time management and invoicing.  Although I was disappointed with my final video, I am grateful that I had the opportunity to make my mistakes on this whist at university before stepping out alone into the world of media as a freelance professional.  I am also thankful that I have now learnt how to use professional equipment such as the Cannon 5D and different types of lenses, this will be of great benefit to me in the future when selecting me own equipment.

 

After having the experience of working freelance, I now understand the importance of business management skills and also using the correct professional equipment. I realize that in order to broaden my horizons, save sufficient funds to buy my equipment and build up a wider range of skills in different aspects of media, I might need to work for a media company before branching out and working for myself.  Working for a company will not only gain me more skills, but also give me more of an understanding of how a real company operates.  To understand more about this line of work, as well as how to get into it, I had an email interview with an employee of Dolby Digital, named ‘Christopher Ralph’.  I had originally thought of Dolby as a large company but have discovered that it has only recently become ‘Big’, up until a few years ago it was privately owned by ‘Ray Dolby’ before going public.  Chris states that they have a strong brand in the professional sector and a very strong reputation for quality and trust.

From my interview with Chris Ralph, I have discovered just how much simply working in the industry can help you to build more contacts and gain recognition.  I have also realized that the line of work you set out to do doesn’t always end up as planned but, may lead to newer and exciting opportunities.  Chris originally trained as an acoustics engineer and started working for Dolby as part of his degree, he quickly progressed to sound consultant, but due to the onset of Digital Cinema in 2005, he began working with the software and hardware required for Digital Cinema.   Chris is now a Senior Mastering Engineer in Digital Cinema, working on mastering and distribution services for digital cinemas.  His work involves companies such as; Disney, Warner Bros Fox as well as independent film makers.  As part of his job, Chris gets to travel to tradeshows in Amsterdam, Las vegas and Los Angeles, this something I would love to do as part of my role in the media industry.  Although working for a large company has its’ benefits there are also disadvantages such as bureaucracy which slows down the making of decisions and restricts ability to react quickly to changing market trends.

From my research, I have discovered that it’s best not to limit yourself to one line of work but to embrace and learn from different sources, life is constantly changing and we continue to develop our personalities and grow as people.

‘Be enthusiastic about what you like do and show great interest in different ideas and ways of working.  Take any and every opportunity, good and bad experience is priceless and will shape what you want to do and the way you want to do it.’ (Chris Ralph, Interview – Media Professional 9^th May 2013)

My previous work experience has mostly been working freelance to produce short promotional videos, photographs and flyers for small companies.  However, I recently had the opportunity to work with a small freelance media company, specialising in web design and istock photography.  Working with this company has given me more of an insight into being self-employed, and has also given me some experience of working in web design, which is a different type of work to what I have become accustomed.

All of my work experience to date has been unpaid and I would really like to start charging for my work as a professional.  Although I have many media related skills, I feel that I would need to get my name more established and build up confidence in my own abilities in order to justify charging for my work.  Also, although I own a reasonable camera and camcorder and am able to hire professional equipment from the university, in the long term, I would need to invest in my own professional equipment to ensure that my work is of the highest standard.  Therefore, in order to broaden my horizons, and build up some capital to purchase the equipment needed, I feel that it’s time for me to seek part-time employment.   Although I would like to obtain work in the media industry, it may not be possible on a part-time basis, therefore any work within

reason would be welcome, this would help to build up my confidence and communication skills whilst earning money at the same time.

Although I am hoping to return back to university, to top up to a BA Honours Degree in Digital Media Production, later this year, there are so many projects I would like to do in the future.  Throughout the years I have always seemed to produce things to demonstrate my range of inherited skills in media, but I seem to have lacked a way of displaying  my own passion and moral values in my work .  I recently had the opportunity to get involved in a fundraising event at the Bournemouth University by collecting money and giving out flyers for a documentary of the forgotten children of Syria.  I have never done anything like this before and it really made me see how any small promotion can help a great deal. Therefore, I would like to put my skills in media towards a good cause.

Having been diagnosed with severe OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) four years ago, and still slowly recovering, I have struggled quite a lot with everyday things.  Although OCD is listed as one of the top ten illnesses, I feel people don’t have a real understanding about OCD, and the different types of time-consuming rituals there can be.  For this reason, would like to create something, perhaps a short film, showing how much OCD can control a person.

Also, Being a recent convert to the religion of Islam, I have always felt Islam has been continuously portrayed negatively in the media, causing people to make false interpretations; not seeing the real meaning and beauty of Islam.  Converting to Islam has helped me on my road to recovery with OCD, enabled me to finally be accepted for who I am and make new friends.  I think with my knowledge and skills in media. I could be able to make a documentary showing the good and real side of this religion.

I would also like to create a website, promoting and selling clothing I have designed.  I feel in the society we live in today, fashion is heavily making people lose respect for themselves.  I would like to use my media and imaginative skills to create modest designs for T-shirts and promote them through photography.

Although I am still not entirely sure of my long-term career plans, I am interested in working for a media company similar to Dolby to build up my knowledge, skills and contacts.  I would also like to travel to gain new experiences, I would ideally like to do this as part of my media work.  All of these experiences will hopefully gain me more experience and the confidence to enable me to work as a freelance media professional in the future.

Interview with Chris Ralph

Chris Ralph – Dolby Laboritories.

What are your qualifications and did you attend university?

I completed A-Level:

Maths, Further Maths, Physics, General Studies.

I also completed a BEng in Electroacoustics at Salford University.

What was your previous work experience?

Aside from various unrelated part time work, I spent a couple of days at a music recording studio in central London and a couple of days at the University of Westminster TV department.

As part of my degree, I spent my third year working at Dolby. This was a work placement where I spent 6 months in London encoding Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound audio masters for Trailers and Adverts for cinema. The remaining 6 months was in Wootton Bassett working in manufacturing with Professional Audio products, maintaining equipment and going to Dubbing Studios for feature film 5.1 Audio mastering.

What is your current job title and role?

Senior Mastering Engineer, Digital Cinema:

I work with a small team who provide Mastering and Distribution services for digital cinemas. We master and re-version content for a wide range of Theatrical Distributors. We work with the major studios (Disney, Warner Bros Fox) as well as Independents and film makers. My role specifically is to ensure our technical capability and workflow is appropriate for whatever projects are in progress or coming up.

I advise on equipment which needs to be purchased and offer input on new services and ways of working to improve efficiency and generate more custom.

I also provide development input for some of our Professional products and support many external international customers using these products.

Has this always been your role?

No; I started Dolby as an Applications Engineer. This was starting role where I maintained equipment and tried to gain as much knowledge, expertise and experience as I could. My role quickly progress to Sound Consultant, where I was primarily attending Print Mastering at the Dubbing Studios (consulting, approving and transferring the final audio mix of a feature film for use on 35mm Film). This role involved travelling all across Europe attending this sessions for all manner of films being made. There was also a fair amount of Screening work where the early copies of a feature film are rehearsal for Cast and Crew, Studio screening or Premieres. My role here was to calibrate the cinema and check the film plays and sounds as expected.

Around 2005, Digital Cinema started (hard drives are used instead of 35mm Film). Dolby were keen to be involved in this revolution of Cinema and I began working with the early software and hardware required for a Digital Cinema.

What do you enjoy about your work?

I work with a great team of people and like being involved with Theatrical Content. I get to see and occasionally directly meet and work with and advise the best of Hollywood.

I also have relative freedom to explore different technologies and ideas in the context of giving people a fantastic cinema experience.

What are the benefits of working for a large company such as Dolby?

Interestingly Dolby is not all that big and only recently has become “big”. Dolby was privately own by Ray Dolby until a few years ago when it went Public. The main advantage is that we have a very strong brand and in the professional sector and very strong reputation for quality and trust.

What are the disadvantages?

As a company grows, the mechanics of how the company needs to operate has to change. This can add a burden of bureaucracy. This slows down decision making and can restrict the ability to react quickly to changing markets.

What film are you currently working on?

We have a few versions of Epic currently going through.

Is your work solely based on site in Wootton Bassett, or do you have the chance to travel?

I am primarily based in Wootton Bassett, but go to London at least every few weeks for meetings or to our London office. I sometimes travel to foreign countries to install equipment and provide training.

I also usually attend a couple of tradeshows in Amsterdam, Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

Would you consider setting up your own company and working freelance?

I may consider that, although I would probably do slightly different work but still related to Cinema.

What do you feel the future of cinema holds?

This is a big question. To be honest I am not sure. There is something magical about seeing a movie in a Theatre on a big screen. I have always considered Cinema to be a technology experience, with the biggest and best picture and audio.

Consumer technology is advancing so fast that it already equals and will overtake Cinema technology in the next couple of years. This situation will only get worse in time and the economics of Cinema do not allow cinemas to keep ahead of consumers. This means that Cinema will become almost entirely a social experience. I see development in the Social or interactive aspect of cinema much more so than technological development. I also see that movie making styles will change to somehow involve the audience with the presentation.

I am sure there will be further technology improvements. Laser projection will be released in the coming years which will have a wider colour gamut than anything seen before (even colours which do not exist in nature!) and offer super bright and super dark images.

I also expect Augmented Reality to find its way into Cinema somehow, where elements of the movie can be seen in the theatre and you can look around at them.

Finally, what advice would you give to someone looking to gain work in the film production industry?

Be enthusiastic about what you like to do and show great interest in different ideas and ways of working. Take any and every opportunity, good and bad experience is priceless and will shape what you want to do and the way you want to do it.

EXTRACTS FROM MY SKETCHBOOK

In the world of Digital Media we couldn’t be blamed for thinking that the use of pen and paper have become extinct.  However, keeping a hand written sketchbook help with organisation, focus the mind and provide a record of thoughts and ideas that can be referred back to.  An on-line version of this is ‘Pinetrest’ – a pinboard-style photo sharing website that allows users to create and manage theme-based image collections such as events, interests, and hobbies. Users can browse other pinboards for images, ‘re-pin’ images to their own pinboards, or ‘like’ photos.  But even though we all have access to the internet at our finger tips with mobile devices, it can sometimes be easier just to jot things down.

http://uk.about.pinterest.com/

These extracts are for my Professional Project.

 

 

PPRD 2 DIARY

Please refer to individual unit blogs for web blog/ diary/ progress files, for more detailed information and project evaluations:

Professional Project

Performance Video

Future Cinema

New Perspectives For New Contexts

W/C 8^th April

This week I have been adapting my CV for a possible job vacancy at a local fast food chain, although I haven’t had much paid work experience, I have listed my previous work placements and freelance projects.  Although I would prefer some part-time work in the media industry, at the moment, any paid work would be welcome.

I have also re-written my CV for work in the Media Industry.  I realise that I have accumulated a lot of transferable skills and qualifications from my time at college and university, these skills, together with the live projects I have worked on could help me to gain work in the media industry.

W/C 15^th April

I have attended my first interview for part-time work at a local fast food chain.  Although I was able to adapt my CV to suit the job, I felt I was not prepared for all of the questions asked of me in the interview, it is also the first time I have had to verbally promote myself and range of skills.  I found this very challenging and although I may not have proved myself suitable for the job, I now understand more about the interview process and how to prepare myself for future interviews.  The types of questions seemed to be:

• A recent job you had or have
• What do you know about Subway
• Why should I hire you

 

W/C 22^nd April

I have now been informed that the deadline has been extended for PPRD2 to 10^th May.  This will enable me complete and review my professional project before to adding the information to my report.

This week, I have also been working on my PPRD questionnaire, this has enabled me to look back on my work during my second year at The Arts University, reflect on my current skills and areas for improvement.  The action plan had helped me to think more about what the future holds and set goals for myself.

I have chosen to do my interview with media professional Chris Ralph, who works for Dolby Digital in Wootton Bassett, Swindon.  Chris works on 3D animation for major film companies such as ‘Pixar’.  I was introduced to Chris Ralph a few years ago through a family friend and was lucky enough to have a tour of the Dolby studios and be shown the technical equipment used for the editing processes.  Although this currently has no direct connection with my desire to work as a freelance media professional, 3D animation has always been of great interest to me.  I would like to broaden my horizons and get more of an insight into what it would be like to work for a major company, such as Dolby.  In the future, I may need to gain experience and save up sufficient funds to enable me to purchase the professional equipment required to work independently, and this may involve working for a media/film company first.

The work done for my PPRD questionnaire has helped me to think about the questions needed for my interview with Chris Ralph.   I need to find out about the skills required to work for a film/media company as well as the benefits and disadvantages of working for a large company.

W/C 29^th April

I have now finalised my questions for Chris Ralph.  As Chris is currently working to a deadline on a major film, he is also working in the evenings, therefore, I have agreed to e-mailed my questionnaire across.

I have started to plan and write my report, I will be incorporating some of the information from my PPRD2 questions into my essay.

W/C 7^th May

I managed to approach a manager at a recently new barbershop, I suggested to him how I could promote his business through media; such as video.  With him willing to let me help him, I find this will be a great way to build up contacts and get known in the area.  I found doing this course has really made me more confident in approaching people and put my skills to the test.

Media professional Chris Ralph has emailed me with the answers to my questionnaire:

I have now been able to complete my PPRD report.  Writing this report has been of great benefit as it has enabled me to look back on my past achievements, skills and strengths, together with my weaknesses, ways to overcome them and career plans for the future.

PPRD Questionaire

1.     How has previous work experience influenced your ideas regarding personal and professional development?

I have enjoyed making music videos for many years now as a hobby, but my previous work experience has mostly been working freelance to produce short promotional videos, photographs and flyers for small companies.  However, I recently had the opportunity to work with a small freelance media company, specialising in web design and istock photography.  Working with this company has given me more of an insight into being self-employed, and has also given me some experience of working in web design, which is a different type of work to what I have become accustomed.

All of my work experience to date has been unpaid and I would really like to start charging for my work as a professional.  Although I have many media related skills, I feel that I would need to get my name more established and build up confidence in my own abilities in order to justify charging for my work.  Also, although I own a reasonable camera and camcorder and am able to hire professional equipment from the university, in the long term, I would need to invest in my own professional equipment to ensure that my work is of the highest standard.  Therefore, in order to broaden my horizons, and build up some capital to purchase the equipment needed, I feel that it’s time for me to seek part-time employment.   Although I would like to obtain work in the media industry, it may not be possible on a part-time basis, therefore any work within reason would be welcome, this would help to build up my confidence and communication skills whilst earning money at the same time.  I am hoping to return back to university to top up to a BA in Digital Media Production later this year, as this would help to further prepare me for a full-time career in the media industry.

2.     How have the projects undertaken in the course so far influenced your ideas about personal and professional development?

During my second year at university, the projects have been varied and challenging.  I had the opportunity to work alongside a fellow student to produce a music video (Performance Video).  I enjoyed this project as this is very much within my comfort zone, but I did found it quite difficult and more competitive to share responsibility with another person as I am very much used to working alone.

I started off working as part of a team in the Future Cinema project but found it a struggle to put my ideas forward and be heard due to too many people being in my group.  In order for me to showcase my skills, despite the short amount of time left, I chose to split from the group and work on my own solo project, designing a motion control chair with a story narrative.  Although I put myself under a lot of pressure by choosing to work alone with so little time left, I feel that I was able to demonstrate my adaptability by learning a whole new set of practical skills and combining them with my existing media skills.

Although writing has previously been one of my stronger skills, I spent ages developing a theme for the essay (New Perspectives for New Contexts) and struggled with the referencing.  Although I managed to finish the essay on time, I don’t feel that it was my best work but I am hoping it will be good enough for a pass.

Working on the Professional Project was an invaluable opportunity to experience work as an independent media practitioner.  Although I had done promotional projects before, this time I was able to gain professional business knowledge and learn about the written processes required from start to finish to enable me to set up my own media business in the future.

I aim to continue producing music videos as a hobby and pursuing my interest in working freelance.  However, I need more practice at critical essay writing and experience of working as part of a team, this further reinforces my aim to complete a third year at university and seek part-time employment.

3.  What would you consider to be the vocational context of your work and why?

 Throughout the years I have always seemed to produce things to demonstrate my range of inherited skills in media, but I seemed to have always lacked putting my passion behind things.  Recently I had the opportunity to get involved in a fundraising event at the Bournemouth University for the forgotten children of Syria.  I have never done anything like this before and it really helped me to broaden my horizons and see how any small promotion can help a great deal

My work to date has been very much based around my own small world, current media trends and course requirements.  Although I would like to continue to produce promotional videos, I now feel it is my duty to produce something with real meaning such as factual documentaries, to help raise awareness of what is happening around us in the real world and other countries.

 

4. What kinds of self directed learning or work placement do you hope to be involved in during your time on the course?

I hope to get more involved with fund-raising events and businesses in the local community.  I am currently seeking part-time employment and have also offered to produce a promotional video for a local barber’s shop in Charminster.  I am interested in producing more promotional videos and would also very much like to travel in the future and work abroad for a short period of time to learn more about other cultures.

5.    How will you set about making this happen and developing contacts outside of the university?

My recent involvement with the fund raising event has broadened my network of contacts both within and outside of university.  I have met others with the same faith and, as a result, have been introduced to more people.  Producing a video for the local barbers will help to showcase my work and will hopefully bring more opportunities my way.  I intend to apply for part-time work, my CV will help me to do this and obtaining work will also develop new contacts.  Once I have the funds to purchase a professional camera, I could also approach web designers and media companies in the area who at present do not provide video services, this could be an opportunity to gain work.  I will also be looking online for future work placements abroad.

6.    What range of skills do you currently have to enable you to function successfully in a professional environment?

 I have a broad range of technical skills including photography, sound production, filming, editing and animation.  These skills should enable me to work for a media company or set up my own business.  I am experienced in using various types of editing software and I find it easy to adapt to new technology.  My previous work experience together with my work on the professional project has helped to develop my knowledge and skills in business management.  I enjoy challenges, and perform well under pressure.

7.    What skills do you think you need to acquire in these areas?

Despite my technical skills and experiences of working independently, I still feel that I lack the confidence in my own abilities and myself as a person.

A recent acting course has helped me to develop my personality and communication skills but there is still room for improvement.  I am a naturally quiet person and do not communicate that easily.  However, a recent interview has given me more guidance on how to professionally promote myself.

Although my organisational skills are improving, I need to ensure that I prepare my equipment ahead of time and have a back up plan, should things fail.  Backing up my work has never been a strong point and I have suffered with hard disc failure a number of times.  My time management is again improving but could be better with better use of a diary.

8.    What is your intention regarding the production of portfolio work?

I have purchased the domain name ‘mbproductions.co.uk’ and in the long term, I aim to create a web site detailing my range of services together with examples of my best work and references from satisfied customers, in the meantime, my blog will be my show case.  I have produced and up to date CV and aim to create a professional profile on Linkedin.

9.    How will this portfolio help you in the short, medium and long term?

In the short term, my CV and blog will enable me to show case my skills to any potential employers.  In the medium term, my professional profile on Linkedin will give me more access to potential employers.  In the long term, my proposed web site will give me a professional edge and make me look more established.  It will also be something I can direct customers and companies to, enabling me to showcase my work.

10. From the points you have made, begin to formulate a self -evaluation and a bullet pointed action plan that is divided into short, medium and long term goals – see Action Plan Below:

ACTION PLAN

Short Term Goals: 0 – 12 Months 

Successfully graduate from the FDA in Digital Media Production

Obtain part-time employment

Commence 3^rd year in Digital Media Production to obtain an Honours Degree

Produce my first documentary video

Medium Term Goals: 12 – 24 Months

Continue in part-time employment

Gain new skills and expand on existing through projects and work placements

Research work experience abroad

Graduate and obtain Honours Degree

Travel to gain worldly knowledge and experience new cultures

Decide on my specialist area of media

Long Term Goals: 24 Months Onwards

Obtain work in the media industry

Create my own website ‘MB Productions’

Set up my own media company

W/C 29th April

I have started to work on the sound track for the video, using my keyboard and audio software Logic Pro.  This is a long process, as I need to create a style of music that has an inspirational feel but is not too upbeat for a life coaching video.  I have been looking at other coaching videos for comparison and motivation:

http://auspicium.co.uk/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqhXqzDrluA

The first video is on an NLP website, it has an uplifting sound track but could be a bit too upbeat for life coaching.  I found the second video on YouTube, I feel that this video is too long and drawn out and the sound track is too sad and depressing.  I will need to create a short instrumental that is in between the two.

From some discussions with my client, we agreed on a soft sounding, up beat melody.  I suggested strings would be quite effective for this.

To begin, I used a lot of inspiration from the song ‘Fireflies’ by Owl City.

Firstly I set up my workspace.

I used the digital instrument of strings and played a pattern of slow moving chords. Then played a short pattern with a synth lead instrument and repeated this throughout the song.

String melody:

https://soundcloud.com/matthiasmckay/strings

Synth Melody 1:

https://soundcloud.com/matthiasmckay/hybrid-melody

Synth Melody 2:

https://soundcloud.com/matthiasmckay/hybrid-low

Background noise:

https://soundcloud.com/matthiasmckay/bubble-background-noise

Finished Result:

https://soundcloud.com/matthiasmckay/soundtrack

My client has finally come down this week for the filming and I have hired out the Canon 5D along with the 3 lenses and microphone.  As a back-up, I have hired the equipment for Thursday/Friday and the bank holiday weekend.  As I will be recording the narrative along with the video, to make sure everything goes according to plan. I have met with the client to discuss and rehearse the script.

The filming took place over 2 days in three different locations.  The main problem I had was getting the microphone to work, as I was not told that the microphone itself required a battery.  I also needed a third person to hold the microphone and do the sound recording,

because of these hold-ups, part of the day was wasted.  Other problems encountered were; getting

the client to act natural in front of the camera and also to remember the lines.  I ended up doing a countless amount of takes and ran out of space on the memory card, not knowing which ones to delete.

The second day of filming ran according to plan and I was also able to approach a member of the public who was doing yoga on the beach and ask if they would like to appear in the video.  This person turned out to be a media graduate herself and was only too happy to help out.  I also did another photo shoot of the client near the seafront as this will give them a broader range of photos to chose from.

As I wasn’t too sure whether the video with the sound recording would be clear enough, I recorded the client voice over on it’s own (using Logic Pro) as a back up (see previous script).

I have begun the editing process, my main problem is that the music track I have created doesn’t blend together very well with the video and voice recording.  After agreement, I have decided not to use the video clips of my client after all and instead have decided to use my music track with the running and yoga clips, adding in some dramatic wording.

To create and animate the titles, I used Adobe After Effects.

Using the technique of key framing, to set different points of movement for each word I wanted to animate.

I managed to make the background of the text in software ‘Adobe Photoshop’.  The background was influenced from the titles in the video I watched by ‘auspicium.co.uk’.

It took a while to actually get an effective colour, making sure the text could be seen properly over it.

When editing and organising all the clips together, I used ‘Adobe Premiere Pro’ editing suite.

I adjusted the brightness/contrast as well as the colour for each clip to set a mood.

 

The editing has taken a lot longer than expected and has only resulted in a short video, I am also unhappy with the rendering.  I have now run out of time and am not happy with the final result, I would like to film my client again but there is not enough time.

As this is a project I will not be charging the client, in real life I wouldn’t feel that the work I completed would justify the charge.  I intend to use some of the clips to create a second video of my client with the narrative and also a sound clip for my client to use as he wishes.  I have now raised an invoice for the works that in real life I would be sending to the client.

Even though I am not happy with the result, I have received the evaluation form back from the client, it seems that he is happy with the works and is also aware that the whole project was delayed due to his inability to travel to Bournemouth when originally planned.  I have also compared my video to others of the same nature and feel that it would be acceptable to go on a life coaching website.

W/C 7^th May

The group presentation and crit took place on Tuesday 7^th May.

I didn’t feel confident in presenting my video and photo gallery as I am not happy with my finished work and feel that compared to everyone else’s work, my video is far too short.

After completing my professional project, I am not entirely happy with the end result and do not feel that it is my best work, but I am glad that I was able to make my mistakes whilst at University and before setting up my own media business.  I think what let the project down was not having enough time with the client and also not having my own professional equipment that I am familiar with.  If I had the chance to do this project again, I would choose a client that is local to the area and hire the equipment for a few days first to learn how to use it properly.  I have however learnt a lot about the business side of things and legal requirements, which will help me in the future.

Studio Hire

Legal Requirements

Final Photographs