Ideas, Development, Content/ Production Role Research - (VT Package Director & Camera Operator)

 Ideas, Development, Research & Working Progress - Proper Guess

Beginning on the As Live assignment, individually my chosen peer member started brainstorming and discussing an idea for our concept and we wanted to focus on a theme about films, and that is because I and my peer team member have a passion and hobby about films, either creating and of course watching. When we were discussing what we wanted to create in that theme, one of us thought of creating a show about showing props, asking questions to four contestants in two groups to guess what they are. To be more specific in the context of props, we want to show a combination of props that are used to create sound effects in films when it comes to the post-production stage, and whether it's some Lettuce or a Cokinnut perhaps. Plus showing very similar, familiar, and physical props that are shown and used in films as a McGuffin or a character from a film. However, we do not want to show a very popular and familiar film prop, for example, in Star Wars we wouldn't want to show a Lightsaber because it would be a very familiar and popular prop in the franchise. Although, if we wanted to show a film prop from Star Wars, we would need to show a prop that isn't as popular and a prop that would possibly be in a scene for a short time. This was a choice to make, to show it more challenging for our contestants. In more discussion, my fellow peer member came up with the title Proper Guess, and we wanted to chose that working title, because of the word and theme prop and by basically guessing what that prop is. It's a structure about asking contestants what chosen film props are and in the mind map above, I mentioned an aspect of why this show will be interest people in the current, and I said "we're living a time where individuals around the world who very much enjoy nostalgia and a feel of happiness when they see and experience something nostalgic from their past if they were either a teenager or a child from that film or TV show. Also, the importance of a MacGuffin/ main prop from a motion picture and programme, and to see how and why to this day, they have become unforgettable, nostalgic, and even. a character from films/ TV shows. Showing the vast difference of props from films from the generations before and generations in the present. I wanted to mention that in the working - progress idea, to think of the focused age group demographic, which by the way as well on the mind map ages 15- 50, and by using the word nostalgia, is a trend where many individuals who watch films, very much appreciates and enjoys a substance in the film. 

CATEGORY 1

Now This News (2020)

After doing some brainstorming, we both watched a video about an individual who actually works in the film industry, and he is in the occupation of using actual props and objects to create a combination of sound effects, and we wanted to watch this video to see what actual props we could use in our live show, to also have that show instead of telling what we are wanting to use as a theme and the first category in our live show as well. The problem solving we will need to do is to research and find cheap and similar props that aren't too expensive, especially when we are informed of what our budget will be, and another way of finding similar props is by asking our fellow peers, friends, family, and other individuals and just see what other possible props can be used in the show and what can be created in sounding familiar sound effects. In the first category, would be interesting to pick five fake props and five questions for the four contestants in their two groups. 

CATEGORY 2

Cohn, G. (2020)

Cohn, G. (2020)

Starling, C. (2016)

When it came to the second category, we thought about showing very peculiar, curious, and even for film buffs familiar film props. We wanted to think of film props that are nostalgic, for the target age demographic audience and channel viewers, and which I mentioned in the mind map above between the ages of fifteen and fifty and by showing a mixture of film props from the before and current generation. I mentioned as well about not having very familiar props from very familiar films that are too popular, which by using Star Wars as an example, and from the pictures above these film props are from a couple of current generation films and one from a classic film. The first one being a Furby from Uncut Gems, the second a Mermaid figure from The Lighthouse, and the third one being a bone from Stanley Kubrick's 2001 A Space Odyssey. I wanted to choose these film props, as they represent a strangeness and curiosity for the contestants and audience members. All three films are recognizable and conversational concepts to this day, and can all have in-depth discussions between the contestants and especially the chosen props I had chosen. These may not be the official chosen props, however, it's a starting point and guidance for our second category of focusing to choose a mixture of film props in the most unusual, characteristic, and untypical prop in a film, instead of just choosing a Lightsaber. Once again, we would choose five-film props, from three current and past films, and as well five questions for the two groups in four individuals. 

CATEGORY 3

Sean (2013)

adamsandlersdog (2018)

In the third and final category, we both were thinking of showing a prop/ object that has been reused in multiple films, and for the example above, I had thought of the film director Sam Raimi and his classic car, and which is called the 1973 Oldsmobile Delta 88. To be more specific, the car has been used in nearly every film Sam Raimi has made, from the very first Evil Dead film to 2002's Spider-Man, and showing this example we know with regards to budget and transformation we wouldn't be able to show a physical copy of the car. However, in a much cheaper and simpler way, we would just show a picture or a screenshot of the car on a small or medium-size television screen for the contestants and audiences. We were both thinking of three questions and by making this the most challenging category yet, and we wanted to have this as the final stage, to of course make it more challenging. Whilst, showing some unexpected twists for the audiences that they may have never known a reused prop in one film, has also been used in multiple films, and by researching it was a surprise to see what other props have been reused before. For the spirit of our live show, this final category could more exciting and surprising from our three chosen reused film props for our viewers and individuals who have high film enthusiasm, and just by learning some facts about the industry when it comes to making props. With regards to the questions, we were thinking either three or even one, and if we decided to just have one question it would need to be a reused prop that will be very challenging and also by thinking of our half an hour time limit. 

INSPIRATION PRODUCTION SET

Dailymotion (2017)

Ling, T. (2017)

When we were thinking of production sets, I was in the thought process of Big Fat Quiz of the Year and my team peer member was thinking of QI. To be more specific on the Big Fat Quiz of the Year inspiration set from my perspective, I was thinking about having the two group of the four individual contestants on two sides and having the host sitting right in the center of the panel row, and of course, having every participant individual sitting down, and another Big Fat Quiz of the Year aspect with regards to the background design, was having copies of a film reel, and one big size reel right in the middle of the background wall and the other copies around the edges, corners and other side parts of the production design background. Instead of Big Fat Quiz of the Year, where the show has a single, famous individual representing a nostalgic and unforgettable moment and event from the year. I was thinking and wanting to have film reels, to represent our passion, interest, and theme of film for the live show and show the film reel as a piece of a memo from our live show to the creativity and huge problem-solving differences in making films, and with film props, they can represent problem-solving of creating familiar sound effects in films and an as an I mentioned before, a character and important McGuffin in a film. The photo below is a film reel that I own and I would use this as an example to represent and show the production design for our live show for Proper Guess. 

GRAPHICS

FIRST DESIGN 

When it came to graphics, we wanted to make an existent of an enjoyable, nostalgic, and enjoyable feel and look from the font, chosen props from films that will not be officially chosen, however, very familiar film props that could get audiences attention on these film prop examples, and chosen props from ordinary life to create sound effects in motion pictures. This is not the official title font in the graphics working progress, however, this was a starting point and guidance for myself and my working peer member to see and understand if we're going in that correct direction for our tone in nostalgia, positivity, peculiar and of course cinematic. In my opinion, there is a sense and feel of nostalgia for definite, however, I feel It doesn't fit our complete age group in the demographic of audiences and to be more specific it doesn't look completely appropriate for the group of ages sixteen to fifty. It feels more appropriate and targeted at just the ages of fifteen and even younger, which we do not want to aim at that younger generation. However, we're planning to create more for the pitch day, and if we're given the green light an official final outcome graphics intro and closing as well. 

SECOND DESIGN 

Regarding the second design, I was satisfied with seeing the chosen film props attached and coming out of the television. However,  I wasn't as satisfied with the background colour being too bright and I was reminded of a design from a comic book feel and It didn't look appropriate for our target audience demographic. The title font as well doesn't look appropriate for our audiences as well, and once again, I felt it's a design from a comic book cover and the improvement needs to look bolder and stony in my opinion. 

THIRD DESIGN 
The third design has an improvement on the background colour to be less bright with the colour blue. It still needs improving on the title front from my negative point from the previous design. To be more specific on the colour, I would want that colour blue a lot darker and I believe we will have a final outcome on our design logo for our Live TV Show production. 

FORTH & FINAL DESIGN 

This is the final design, I am very much satisfied with. The background colour looks approximately appropriate for our target audience demographic, the font also looks appropriate for our audiences as well, and having a clear view with the blend and positioning of seeing the title font, the film props, the television, and background colour. I am in full confidence, this could be a selling point if we are given the green light and hoping if we get that far, our audiences will take in interest and curiosity about our concept on our As Live production. 

My team member peer sent me over a screenshot of a list of common and known foley props that are used in films often. This was helpful for me, as I was starting to think about what props I might want to use and film in the pitch advertisement video, and I knew for a fact I had some of these items from the screenshot around my household and knowing they would be useful for the advertisement shoot. 

Chosen Props For the Proper Guess Pitch Advertisement Video

Background Set For The Proper Guess Pitch Advertisement Video

Filming Proper Guess - Pitch Advertisement Video

When it came to making our pitch presentation, I decided to film an advertisement video for our concept live show, Proper Guess. I wanted to film an advert video, to boost our quality and enthusiasm to advertise and show our structure idea. To also, include an extra part of making sure we're being professional, caring to make our show come to life, and satisfying our individual judges. On a personal note, I wanted to film and edit a segment from my own passion, effort and care towards our concept and a piece of memo towards our theme in the film. An essential part was to show our main category of the concept, to make sure we're trying to spread and send our message towards our audiences and individual judges for pitch day. From the first photo above, by using these props was to experiment and experience to see if the sounds they can create, can make our judges feel curious, paying attention, and of course recognize and understand, why we want to make our show real and a new authentic structure in the TV industry. My peer team member was very delighted with the final outcome of the advertisement video, and he didn't comment on any improvements to be made before the pitch day, and I am hoping the individual judges will also be satisfied, and I am prepared for any improvement feedback coming into my direction. As long as the individual judges, see from their perspective that this is an appropriate format of an advertisement video, I shall be proud and satisfied as well, and even if our idea doesn't get the commission, then the whole process and experience was truly worth it and an improvement for my pitching skills for the near future. 

Producer & Director - Production Role Research (VT Package Director & Self Shooter)

1.) Research on Producing & Directing

1.) Doing some research on producing and directing, and on one of the most trustworthy and helpful websites called Studiobinder, I thought the information I had found be helpful for me of what to expect and the responsibilities I will need to take on the job role. Of course, Studiobinder is a website, that focuses on the film side than TV. However, I do believe the resources and information are still incredibly beneficial and appropriate for the role of producing and directing in TV. When it comes to producing, the website informs that a producer will focus more on the quantity side, than the quality side that a director will focus more often on. It is important that a producer and director must keep in constant contact throughout the entire process of the production project. I found that segment of information important, for myself as a director to keep in contact with my fellow peer producers when we're in the progress of making Trending and knowing I need to focus more on the creative and interpretation side of the project. When it comes to the director's role and responsibilities, and specifically on scheduling, there needs to be a confirmation of the details in scheduling and the director can possibly predict what can be captured, during the time and what cannot. When it comes to any changes that may need to be made, the director can be in contact with the producer and arrange those changes. Finally, it is the director's job to hire the crew members, and then the producer will be able to bring them abroad on the production set. For the post-production stage, the director will work with the editor and eventually will make a "director's cut" and it is up to the producer to make the decision of creating and releasing the final cut of the content of the project in film and television. 

2.] Doing some more small research on directing, I had looked onto the website called "Masterclass" and their articles. Fully aware, that the Masterclass website focuses on a mixture of industries, however, it focuses more on the subject of the film instead of television. Looking at an article on producing and directing and it's a huge difference, to look into a different perspective. There is a part in the article, where it mentions that the director has to focus on the creative side and other elements which I mentioned from the previous article from Studiobinder, however, the Masterclass website mentions that 'the producer can provide feedback or pitch creative elements, but their role is usually more concerned with logistics.' (Masterclass, 2020) I had found this interesting and helpful, due to working with two major producers in the live show and making myself aware that I could be left with some feedback when I create drafts of scrips and showing the raw footage from all of the VT's packages in the weeks to come in the production process. 

2.) Research on Self Shooter

1.) I had done some small research on The Good Universities Guide website,  for my job role in the production stage of Trending, I had looked into, read, highlighted, and took note of some great advice and tips of being a camera operator for either the film and television industry and no matter what type of genre, style, and format these suggestions can be for the film and television industry. The two that have stood out to me, are attention to detail and being patient. Of course, knowing all of these examples are just as important, I have felt though for these two specific examples, is the huge importance and awareness of experiencing and working through the progress of the production of Trending. By being patient, I will need to feel that way the entire show, in case of any issues and many retakes, will need to work on, and in case of any mistakes I may make, I still need to have that patience and professionalism. For the attention of detail, I need to take note of any changes that may be made and knowing my cue to film for the specific shots of the contestants and host. I wanted to look into the research of advice, as this will be the first time I will be a camera operator for a project, and taking in these advice examples, will be important and appreciative when the time will come to be one of the camera operators for the live show.

Meiklejohn, D. (2018) 

2.) For some more small research into being a single camera operator in film and television, I had looked into a website called Royal Television Society: For Anyone Interested In Television. On the website, there is a post called Self-shooting guide to stardom and it contains information and videos interviewing individuals who work in the industry and there was one part in the website post, that stood out to me the most and that was an interview with an individual named Ollie Woodly, who gives a sixty second tip video of the basics of how to point and shoot. It was helpful to listen and watch since the individual doesn't go into the differences of pointing and shooting in the different genres and styles in film and television, and I have felt it is a quick and short sixty-second video for anyone and their interest in whatever genre and format it can be. Another interesting moment was helpful to learn about filming any contributors for an interview and what is the best option to shoot an individual in front of the camera. "For shooting people, try and compose your interviewer or contributor, either the right or the left of the camera, and looking into that dead space of that shot. So they are looking slightly off-camera and not into the camera" (Woodly, O. 2014). This felt to be helpful and important to remember for the near future and of course when the event comes of filming Trending and at our chosen contributors/ contestants. 

Royal Television Society (2014)

 

Bibliography

1.] NowThis News (2020) Prop Master Reveals Movie Magic Secrets on TikTok| Now This At:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scDjI6B-JlA&t=92s2.] (Accessed on 26/01/21)

2.] Cohn, G. (2020) Furby At: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/22/movies/furby-uncut-gems.html (Accessed on 26/01/21)

3.] Cohn, G. (2020) Mermaid At:https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/22/movies/furby-uncut-gems.html (Accessed on 26/01/21)

4.] Starling, C. (2016) 2001 From Bone to Satellite 1968  At:https://www.google.com/search?q=2001+a+space+odyssey+bone&sxsrf=ALeKk00koE-O0B1YQHqz7AOPXdm4LJe5NA:1612541436551&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjH84r8kNPuAhXPNcAKHbyLA8EQ_AUoAXoECAMQAw&biw=1440&bih=686#imgrc=HVPbnmh7iiUlkM (Accessed on 26/01/21)

5.] Sean (2013) Sam Raimi's 1973 Oldsmobile Delta 88 in "the Gift" At:http://www.classiccarstodayonline.com/2015/11/10/actor-bruce-campbell-reflects-on-director-sam-raimis-1973-oldsmobile-delta-88/the-gift-d1/ (Accessed on 26/01/21) 

6.] adamsandlersdog (2018) Sam Raimi's Features the 1973 Oldsmobile Delta 88 (the car he got in high school) in the majority of his films. The most obvious being The Evil Dead series, of course) At: https://www.reddit.com/r/MovieDetails/comments/8mw0p4/sam_raimi_features_the_1973_oldsmobile_delta_88/ (Accessed on 26/01/21)

7.] Dailymotion (2017) Big Fat Quiz Of The Year 2017 part 1At: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6cdgte (Accessed on 26/01/21)

8.] Ling, T. (2017) 9 fascinating facts about the QI Elves At: https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/entertainment/qi-elves-no-such-thing-as-a-fish/ (Accessed on 26/01/21) 

9.] Meiklejohn, D. (2018) 'How to Become a Film and Television Camera Operator'  At: https://www.gooduniversitiesguide.com.au/careers-guide/film-and-television-camera-operator#the-job (Accessed 26/02/21) 

10.] Royal Television Society. (2014) 'Self Shooting guide to stardom' At: https://rts.org.uk/article/self-shooting-guide-stardom (Accessed 26/02/21)

11.] Studiobinder. (2019) Producer vs Director: The Roles and Responsibilities Explained  At: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/producer-vs-director/#:~:text=A%20film%20producer%20manages%20the,majority%20of%20the%20creative%20decisions. (Accessed 26/02/21) 

12.] Masterclass. (2020) 'What is the Difference Between a Producer and Director? 

At: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-the-difference-between-a-producer-and-director#what-is-a-film-producer (Accessed 26/02/21)