Single Camera Drama Submission

Link to Short Film - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtqN-Rm49Hw&feature=youtu.be
Link to BTS - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFKFWRgA-9o
Link to Portfolio - https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0Mi2vFkLL0pZnJwQ3lwQS10dlU/edit?usp=sharing

NOTE: Copyright music is used in the BTS. For release of this professionally, I would remove the soundtrack and replace it with royalty free music.

Sound PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0Mi2vFkLL0pQWYwd1N5SWcxS28/edit?usp=sharing
Presentation - https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0Mi2vFkLL0pRUhRYWFaUjU1dmc/edit?usp=sharing

Note: The sound presentation content is to back up the sound work. Darren has the audio recording however the presentation is above.

It's done.....

My Role Week 4 - 28.04.14 - SNN

Group: Becky, Rislene, Sana
Role: Sound

For Becky' group, I had the role of sound technician which I was doing with Nathan. Before we started setting up and doing the rehearsals, I spoke to both Nathan and Sana to talk about the set-up. Nathan had done sound before so he knew what to do and it was Sana's show so I could consult her on what was happening. We decided to use the boom microphones as they were more reliable, rather than risk the clip on mic's. We had a few issues with a buzzing noise however this was quickly sorted out by plugging the XLR cable into a new slot. We did a sound check and adjusted the volume levels and also changed the positioning of the microphones.

During the recordings, I was in charge of the sound levels. I had to turn the off when there was a VT and fade them out at the end. The first recording was stopped half way through however we started a new one in which I resumed this role.

Overall I think that I've performed my roles well. I enjoyed being both in front and behind the camera as I could use different skills and see the production in a different way. 

My Role Week 3 - 31.03.14 The Cloud News

Group: Briana, Nathan, Emily, Alice
Role: Host

For Briana's group, my role was the host. I dressed accordingly and wore a suit and shirt. A blazer wasn't required as I was going for more of the Channel 4 look, with sleeves rolled up. I was presented with the script a few weeks prior however on the day a couple of stories were added including one that I couldn't know until we started recording. To prepare for this, I checked the script before hand and practised saying the lines on an autocue. I also liaised with the main group members.

When we entered the TV studio, I helped the others to set up as well as sitting in the desk so that the camera's can be adjusted (height of the camera, focus, lighting e.t.c) As I was host, there wasn't a lot I could do until rehearsals but I read through the script and made some spelling/grammar changed which were to be tweaked for the autocue. I had my microphone on which was changed after the sound check as it wasn't working well. We had three rehearsals with the last one going better. I thought the whole show went well however the speed of the auto cue at times was off putting. When I had the breaking news for the main story I had to look around in shock. The auto cue went on a bit long whilst it said "host looks around....." and as it was live I couldn't tell them to go faster.

I felt comfortable during the rehearsals and main recording. The main recording went well and I was happy with the final result (although I haven't seen the recorded version).

My Role & Group Performance Week 2 - 24.03.14 South Essex News

Group: Me, Sam, Tom & James
Role: Camera Man/Producer

Today it was the production for my group, South Essex News (SEN). I was a producer and also camera man. We have three full rehearsals and 4 weather rehearsals. As part of my role of producer, I had to make sure that everyone was organised. I started by printing off the scripts and also the check-list for Paul. James collected these sheets as he didn't have a job to do at the time (he was host). Once they were handed out, I printed out some more scripts with the breaking news section on it. James hadn't see this and wasn't allowed until he was saying it live. I had to prepare the breaking news article the night before; I also sent Sana the weather bluescreen background and script the previous night as she would need to know where to move her hands in sync with the background.

Breaking News:

We are currently receiving some breaking news about a gas leak in Southchurch. Fire-fighters are at the scene currently and have evacuated seven people and have stopped access to Ely Road. It's reported that a gas main has been damaged in someone's garden, with reports suggesting that a resident accidently damaged it. We will keep you up to date about further developments on that.

I thought the rehearsals went well considering they were only rehearsals and they were the first full ones for a month or so. We made the decision to only use the background with 'SEN' on as this was easier for Sam on the vision mixer and it still looked effective. During rehearsals I only made one mistake, this was putting the camera back down after the weather (as Sana was standing up and James was sitting at a desk) however I moved it back as soon as I saw it was wrong. Once we had the full rehearsals we changed a bit of the TV display. We also did about 4 weather rehearsals afterwards as the auto cue wasn't in time with the background video which meant Sana wasn't in time. We tried this differently with me giving Sana a countdown, telling her when to hurry up or slow down e.t.c We were running out of time so we had to go into the main show.

The main show went very well. James said the lines properly including the breaking news which he hadn't seen. Sana also spoke in time with the bluecreen background and Sam paused it on the vision mixer. As camera man, I adjusted the camera, followed the script with what the host was saying, I told the runners when to move the table and Dan when to change to 'Breaking News', I communicated with Nathan and Sam using the headsets and was able to give James and Sana a countdown and tell them how long they had left before the VT ended and also when to speak. This went well and was in time.

Everyone in the group performed well however Charlie wasn't in for the show and Alice was only in for the first half. We looked at the contingency plan and Becky (who was originally a runner), took over Charlie's job which she did really well and Nathan controlled the sound.

My Role Performance Week 1 - 17.03.14 EMC News

Group: Charlie, Harrison, Dan and David
Role: Host

This was the first live show recording that we had done and the first show/rehearsal with the auto cue's up and running. I wore my 'outfit' which was a suit as I was the host and had to look smart. I was presented with the script on Monday morning (although I had seen it before) so I was able to read this throughout the day.

When we entered the TV studio, I helped the others to set up. As I was host, there wasn't a lot I could do until rehearsals so I helped moved the chairs, put the cushions on the sofa and spoke to people about whether or not they needed help. I had my microphone on which was changed after the sound check as it wasn't working well. We had three rehearsals with the last one going better. The first one wasn't really a rehearsal, Harrison checked how to work the auto cue and tested the pace that me and Sana had to read at. This went a bit wrong in the second rehearsal, which was the first 'main' one. The auto cue paused at times and went too fast at other times. Me and Sana had to improvise. We thought this was important as we would have to just carry on during the main recording. We also got a taste of the timings and layout. We knew roughly how long to talk for and what to do and when. I thought the group was very organised and subsequently went very well.

I felt comfortable during the rehearsals and main recording. I was a bit wary before we started as this was going to be the first main recording and the cameras were all on me! I got feedback after the rehearsals which were mainly good apart from a couple of improvements. The main recording went very well and I was happy with the final result (although I haven't seen the recorded version).

Practising for my Roles

My roles:
(1)My Group - Producer/Cameraman
(2)Charlie's Group - Co-Host
(3)Briana's Group - Host
(4)Becky's Group - Sound

I am happy with the roles that I am doing as they are quite different. I am happy to be host and co-host however it could be challenging if the auto-cues were to not work as I would have to improvise live and it's myself in front of the camera, not the behind the scenes people.

Preparation:

1. To practise for this I have checked the script for where the host is situated so I know when my camera is live. In rehearsals I have also liaised with the vision mixer to give a count down to when the host is going live. In rehearsals and the main recording, I will have a copy of the script and running order so that I know who is going to be where and when.
2. To practise for this, I have read the script of what I've got to do and I've also spoken with Sana (who I'm co-hosting with) so that we are comfortable with each other and so that we know what to do. I have also practised reading off a Teleprompter. I have also liaised with Charlie about getting changed.
3. For Briana's group, I have made myself familiar with the script as well as tweaking it with her. I have read the script fully several times on a Teleprompter so that I am familiar with it. I'm about unsure about the piece on Southend airport as it's quite long.
4. I have practised with Nathan the setting up of the clip on microphones as well as the boom microphone. This worked well however sometimes the batteries weren't available for the clip on mic's.

A Working Day Short Script & Video (ORIGINAL)

We were required to write a short conversation script between two characters that we have been writing about. It was to include our main character in some way however not directly. I decided to have two of my main characters colleagues talking about him. I followed the script well however I didn't include the character Paul, and I cut out the singing bit for Sally and put part of the soundtrack at the end. The script is below as Celtx wouldn't load up.

INT: OFFICE BUILDING CORRIDOR - DAY

SALLY

I have a  meeting later on with Sam to see if he's done the preparation for the client meeting.

BEN

Looking forward to it?

SALLY

Oh yeah! Haha, on a serious note I don't mind Sam.

BEN

He's always singing!

SALLY

I know but that's what makes him cute. There's just something about him, he's too sweet!

BEN

Cute? He's half your age.

SALLY

Well… I've been single too long.

BEN

Yeah, you can tell

Sally starts to sing.

SALLY

Half past twelve and I'm watching the late show in my flat all alone, how I hate to spend the evening on my own! Autumn winds blowing outside the window as I look around the room. And it makes me so depressed to see the gloom.

Her friend Paul joins them.

BEN

Okay, it's clear you like him even though you won't admit it so ask him out.

PAUL
You talking about Sam?

SALLY

Oh I don't like him.

Ben

Promise me!

SALLY

Ben stop it!

PAUL
Sally, it's Sam! Of all people!

SALLY
And? He works hard and he's always positive. Anyway, meeting time now.

CUT TO:

Black

For the time I think that I did okay with the script and final video. If I was to be marked on this piece, I would have spent longer on it and would have made it perfect, getting rid of the bad audio quality. I feel the actors did well considering they only had a short bit of script to read and 'fit into' the story. I think you can tell that they aren't genuinely talking to each other however for the time limit we had, I think that this was acceptable. 

Factual Programming Assignment: TASK 2 & TASK 3 Final Hand In - Joe Mander, Thomas Davis, Sam Murray & James Clarke

Tom Davis - www.50173502tomdavistvandfilm.blogspot.co.uk
Sam Murray - www.50172769sammurraytvandfilm.blogspot.co.uk
James Clarke - www.50172486.blogspot.co.uk

Task 2: Plan your live show.
Here is the link for the Live Show Pre- Production document:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3XNExw_p_qUY19ZbndGX05rckU/edit?usp=sharing
(Call sheet in the document completed by myself)

Here is the link for the Legal Application forms, filled out by actors & location owner(s)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3XNExw_p_qUVlFoMUM4VXFpR2M/edit?usp=sharing

Task 3: VT inserts
The Pre- Production for the VT Inserts is inside of the Live Show Pre-Production document:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3XNExw_p_qUY19ZbndGX05rckU/edit?usp=sharing

As a group we produced 5 VT inserts. The videos are embedded below:

Southbank VT:

Written by: Thomas Davis

Camera: Thomas Davis

Editing: Thomas Davis

Reporter: Sam Murray

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGGFlDZC87Q

Basildon VT:

Written by: Sam Murray & James Clarke

Camera: Thomas Davis

Editing: Thomas Davis

Reporter: Sam Murray

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYbjT0_Kpbg

Southend Airport VT:

Written by: Joe Mander 

Camera: Thomas Davis & Joe Mander

Editing: Thomas Davis

Reporter: Sam Murray

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-xdTKR68p4

Canvey Seawall VT:

Written by: James Clarke

Camera: Joe Mander 

Editing: Joe Mander

Reporter: James Clarke

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLvVzQgtXjc

Train Fare VT:

Written by: Joe Mander

Editing: Joe Mander & James Clarke

Camera: James Clarke & Joe Mander

Reporter: Joe Mander

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kA_5Fc_7GEg

Costume Research

Male Presenter Costume Examples:

Male presenters are always in suits. This is to make them look smart and also trustworthy. It shows a certain level of authority. For a formal show like ours, suits would be a priority.

Images of Suitable Suits for our Male Presenter:

Female Weather Presenter Costume Examples:

Female presenters tend to dress smart although not in suits. They might wear a blazer however not normally a full suit.

Ideas for our Female Presenter:

By Myself

Proposal

Our news show is called SEN (South Essex News) - we win to provide the most reliable and finest news to the viewer. Our Target Audience is people aged from 16 and above. We will be broadcasting on ITV at around 6:00pm.

The visuals within our show will be a range of different formal graphics including titles, an intro sequence, our logo and HD visuals.
The sound in our show will also within our marketing campaign as we will have a catchy theme tune that fit along with our introduction visuals, but it will sound very important and formal.

Written by Tom Davis, James Clarke, Sam Murray and myself.

News Show

Submission Requirements:

• Research scrapbook from research assignment - with added research on news stories included.
• A Planning Folder per studio group
• Two VT Inserts – shot and edited
• A completed rehearsal show and live show recorded

Task 1 - Due 24th March - INDIVIDUALLY EVIDENCE

• Begin planning news show individually
• 20 mins in length
• At least 3 news stories and at least 2 video inserts
• News stories must be factual
• Scrapbooks must contain mind maps of ideas, list of contacts and locations, schedule for next 5 weeks, secondary research, primary research, target audience research.

Task 2 - Due 9th Feb - DIVIDE BETWEEN GROUP

• Plan the live show and include running order, list of job roles, script, mood board, set designs, costume design and floor plans including camera and lighting positions.

Task 3 - Due 9th Feb - INDIVIDUAL/GROUP

• Shoot and edit at least 2 VT's before the live shows are recorded after half term.

Task 4 - Due 24th March - GROUP/INDIVIDUAL

• Planning completed, VT's recorded and edited. 
• Perform an operational roles

TV Studio - First Term Evaluation

The job roles that I have taken are producer, director, floor manager and camera man. The responsibilities of a producer is to make sure that everything is organised and running smoothly, the responsibility of a director is to make sure that things are looking okay and that people know what they are saying and doing; the floor manager has to make sure that everyone is safe and the camera man has to make sure the camera's are out, set up and are working. My job roles mainly involved me using a camera and also tape, to tape down the wires. I prefer the role of the producer, in which I also felt this was my most effective. I can go to everyone and make sure that they are included and also stay calm where a situation might become stressful. I felt that I was least effective at the floor manager as I was temped to rush the taping down the wires as I didn't really find it interesting.

I participated in a Jeremy Kyle style show and also 3 quiz shows and a talk show. We used the basic conventions of each, a quiz show having question, teams, a scoring system and contestants. For the chat show and also Jeremy Kyle show, we took a more relaxed approach to this and didn't have it as formal. We still stuck to two different panels and a main host. All of these shows would be shot on multi-camera as it would be boring just with one camera shot. We had 3 camera's so normally we would have one on the host and the two others on the teams. It they were on single camera, they would see everything in one which wouldn't be as good. I think all of the shows came out well and that we worked good in a team. Each person stuck to their job role throughout.

Not all of the shows were factual as a lot of things were staged, particularly on the Jeremy Kyle show as our actors weren't in situations like that! The quiz shows were not really stages. Contestants knew the layout before as we had a rehearsal however they didn't know the actual questions until the main recording. If it was an actual recording, I think that the audience would know that the Jeremy Kyle one was staged however I think they would know that the quiz show ones wasn't as the contestants hesitated. The shows kept their contract with the viewer and kept the usual standard that is expected from the production. This is the host being separate from the contestants. 

James Clarke Show - Live TV Broadcast

Our first time in the TV studio consisted of us planning and producing a Jeremy Kyle style show which would be live. Ours was accordingly named after our host, James. We were all assigned roles and mine was the producer and floor manager. The roles consisted of me making sure that people were organised as well as safe. I had to make sure that people knew what they were doing and that the environment was safe, i.e. no loose wires e.t.c

Overall, I think we worked well as a team as the final product came out well with few errors. The batteries didn't have a lot of charge and the cameramen and editors coped well with this. The sound was clear and the actors performed well; they knew what they were doing. I think that I performed well in my role as I spoke to different people and I tried to sort our problems if they arose. 

Sound

During the 30 seconds of silence, I found that there was still sounds. These were:

• Background noise
• Breathing
• Chair creeking
• Others chatting
• Door moving
• Clothes moving 
• Footsteps

Some of the the different types of music that might be recorded are sound effects, music tracks, live sound from a camera, studio sound, ambience and foley which is rerecording sound effects. Below are the different types of microphones. The boom and handheld microphones require a a 3 pin XLR wire.

Boom Microphone (1 direction)

Handheld Microphone

Clip On Mic

In three's we were given the scenario of what microphone we would use and what problems we might encounter with the mic. Our scenario was filming a short film scene with two people. We decided to use a boom mic. The possible problems were wind noise (a dead cat could help with this), picking up the sound of the cameras and crew, background noise and echoing noise.

Using Final Cut Pro

First Step:
Final Cut > Easy Set Up > Format: HD > Use HDV 1080i 50 > File > New Project

Saving:
File > Save Project As > Data Drive > New Folder > Add Title

Extracting Footage from the Camera:
Log&Transer (DSLR) Log&Capture (tape) > Scratch Disk (save location) > Line 1 > Set

Keys:
J - Fast Rewind
L - Fast Forward
K - Play
K and L - Slow Motion
Left/Right - Next Frame
Space bar - Play/Pause