Project Evaluation
Project Evaluation
Introduction
"I think my own strengths are in television production". - Jim Henson
The As Live assignment was a project with so many moments and stages I had no idea what to expect, however, I knew from the very start all of us as peers, students, and most importantly as a team, all needed to show, create, support and work together of understanding what a studio production show is, how it works and why it has to be a team and not just one individual. In this project evaluation, I shall be explaining the strengths and the weaknesses of how each aspect of the studio production show went. I shall also be explaining my own individual journey from my roles of Trending, what worked, what didn't, and essentially how I can develop for the near future and in the industry. Also, other important information such as pitching my idea with one of my fellow peers, the pros, the cons, and how I can develop the skills of pitching an idea and of course in the context of a studio production show.
Proper Guess - Pitched Idea
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| Figure 1: Proper Guess Title |
"We're always pitching ideas and being told, "no thank you". No offense taken, because I would so much rather be told the truth that they're not interested and be able to find the right show for that network down the line." - J.J. Abrams
Why Proper Guess
When I was teamed up with another peer member, we wanted to come up with an idea involving the theme of film and showing an aspect of our passion and love for the topic. There was a theme in the thought process which was on nostalgia and on the specific and different types of props we wanted to show and use for our pilot studio production show. A studio production show, that was appropriate for the mixed audience demographic and showing the opposed props from the incompatible generations from the past to the current. We wanted to sell an idea for the individuals who love film, no matter what type of generation and year the prop was set and used, and present fact and interesting information about where the film props were used and manufacturing our audiences and viewers from home, of testing and using their knowledge from the historical to the current peer group in the subject of films.
What Went Well/ What I Have Learned
To begin with, what went well, I felt with teaming up with the peer member, we both worked very hard together. Keeping the communication and contact in the loop during the pitch presentation process, discussing our individual slides we would present for the presentation, and of course the progress of making the title graphics (Figure 1), the pitch advertisement video and essentially mind mapping our idea and the categories we want to show and include into the pitch and as a studio production show. My team member came up with the name of the idea, and round one (Figure 5) and I myself came up with the basics of round two & three. Wanting round two to represent a category of two props from each generation, one from the past and one from the present, however, props that are not very popular and very well known to individuals who do not even watch many films, for example, everyone knows what a Lightsaber is. For round three I wanted to have a prop that has been used in more than one film and how it's appropriate from the past to the current generation of how many films that one huge and individual prop has been used before. From a personal and also a professional opinion, I would be confident and happy to work with the peer member again and even on our final major project for the third year. When we presented our pitch presentation, from my individual slides, I felt I took my time reading and communicating the different aspects of what our show is about. I made sure I understood and answered the questions from the judges and answered with from my professional and formal language and I asked the individual judges if they understood my answer and reasoning from their question. I was proud and satisfied with the final outcome edit of the pitch video (Video 1), I wanted to gather objects and props for the video, that would show a sneak preview of round one for the opening, and to bring that curiosity for the individual judges of what the concept could be about. In the middle and end of the video, they were props I wanted to use and show for the second and third, and final round of the show. On the technical side of the video, I felt the editing side was positive, making the tone cinematic, and the music cinematic as well. Having it look and feel cinematic, was to be inspired of how a film, in general, can be cinematic and at the same time creating a type of emotion at the same time and I wanted our pitch advert to have full of emotion as well. For my individual slides on the positives, I felt I had explained the channel, broadcaster, target audience, and schedule (Figure 3) very well from the choice of pictures and the description of the photos and why. The lighting slide (figure 4), I felt was another slide I explained very well from the photos and the description as well and bringing along that extra part for the tone of our studio production show. Finally, the music side, (Video 2) showing one of the early adverts from Perl and Dean and wanting our show to be catchy and cinematic just like the Perl and Dean advert has as well. From what I have learned, for another pitch experience I learned it was acceptable to feel very nervous and not taking it personally that our pitched idea did not get the commission, and I had appreciated having another experience pitching an idea and this time in front of more then one individuals. From the individual slides, I made from what I learned, was satisfactory of showing more pictures than just words, and only having a printout script on me instead. The same for the two videos, opening the advert with prop/ objects and the Perl and Dean video, showing the music from its inspirational and similar theme tune of Proper Guess. The most important lesson I learned from the pitch presentation, was the feedback I was given. For the concept being too niche, copyright issues would have occurred and the idea itself may not be able to go forward with future episodes if it had got the commission. Which of course I appreciated the feedback and understood a lot more of what is the extra requirements needed for getting a commission for a studio production show.
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| Figure 2: Format Slide |
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| Figure 3: The channel, Broadcaster, Target Audience & Schedule |
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| Figure 4: Lighting |
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| Figure 5: The Round/ Categories Slide |
What Didn't Go Well/ Even Better If
For what didn't go well, for the individual slides I didn't feel I had explained the format slide (Figure 2), that much in detail. The reason being is the actual slide format was presented to the individual judges and I had thought that it would have even better if, I had shown some clips from the examples studio production shows and in the context of how their structure works for a similar point of view of how Proper Guess's structures work as well. For example, showing a clip from A League of Their Own, where they are in the discussion of specific sports and the inclusion of asking questions and answers between the hosts and contestants, and how we would show that format from A League of Their Own as well. For other negatives, I felt for my pitch video (Video 1), I could have improved the production design of the video when I am in front of the camera presenting the idea. I felt the background does show some passion and interest in the subject of film, which is the film collection and film reel on the bookcase. However, this could have been even better if I could have put actual and foley props from films on the bookcase as well, to show more of the representation of the idea of Proper Guess. I feel the general overview of what didn't go well, of pitching Proper Guess, is not getting the commission, however, from already mentioning the feedback, this could have been even better if we improve on the feedback that was given to us and going back to the idea and making those adjustments for the structure of Proper Guess. Which those improvements and lessons, will be helpful for pitching ideas in the near future and most specifically in the subject of a studio production show.
VT Package Director - (Pre - Production & Filming)
Why VT Package Director
Directing has always been one of my passions and interests in the film and television industry. I wanted to be the VT Package Director for Trending, as directing and working together with a small team I felt more comfortable with and directing new individuals that I have never worked with before, I enjoy as a new challenge and new people to work with. I was interested already from reading the Trending bible of what were the requirements of the VT's and this was a chance for me to create and show new interpretations and tones for the VT's for my fellow peer producers. I had already worked with the peers who were in the VT team and I was excited to work with them again and feeling positive about the current situation restrictions being lifted we would be able to film and work together again on location and most importantly in person as a group just like the previous projects.
What Went Well/ What I Have Learned
For what went well for VT 1 of the contestant's introductions, both of the contestants had really nice personalities, making me and the VT team comfortable at the location and they were comfortable and confident from my directing of their introductions and asking them questions. I wanted to have them sit on the garden sofa (Figure 5), to represent their home life and background for Trending. They were both comfortable with the questions I was asking for the show and it was important that I asked them specific questions for some one-shots from their individual answers and the two-shot, mediums of questions relating to each other and on their relationship as father and son most importantly. The overall shoot was in the process for an appropriate two hours and no issues with the weather and any technical issues, which I always feel nervous about especially with sound. From what I have learned, of course, I had learned a lot about the contestant's personality and interests, and understanding a lot more why they were appropriate for participating on Trending regarding the questions I was asking them.
For what went well filming VT 3, (Figure 7 & 8) the host individual did an excellent job and effort reading the script of the new package story with brilliant enthusiasm and supporting the right tone for Trending. From my directing of her reading the script with the correct attitude, I felt I directed her body language as well and the host individual also did an excellent job for the body language communication as well. When showing Adam Joy's story, the host individual was clear about how I wanted her to present the story with her body language from her hand showing the picture of Adam, and her timing of changing her body language was appropriate. From what I have learned filming VT 3, was directing an individual the correct body language and attitude when it comes to presenting a news package story of the appropriate tone and I felt I communicated that very well with our host individual and her role was comfortable with that direction choice.
For what went well filming VT 5, once again the individual host did an excellent job reading the script with the right attitude for the tone of the show, the timing was excellent when we did a few takes and concluding the shoot with it not being too late of the day we were shooting. It was appropriate that the host changed into a different dress code to represent VT 5 and not affect any continuity between the two VT's we were shooting on the same day. One of the strongest and unexpected moments was asking the host to improvise from her honest opinions on the top tips she read from the script and after a few takes, the host really boosts discussing the top tips for a brief perspective and from her improvisation on the subjects. From what I have learned filming VT 5, was the first time asking an actor/ performer to improvise a subject in more detail can really make a difference shooting if it's not in the script, and from the positive and successful outcome the host made from her improvision, it shall be a segment I shall include in as a director. It won't be an element to include all the time, however, it's shall be an important and useful strategy to have and especially if you feel as a director the script may not be completely in detail and improvising from an actor/ performer can put them in a position to be creative and support the missing extra bit of detail.
Regarding what went well filming VT 4, during the process I had complete independence from start to finish which was positive and not needing to think and in need of support to shoot VT 4. Shooting the two advert videos with my own equipment was also a positive no difficulty or short of equipment that I could have only got at the equipment store. The chosen objects (Figure 9) for the first ad video were very appropriate and mature for the message of the theme of the video and I was quite proud of the creative choices I made in choosing the props. When filming the second ad video (Figure 10), the timing was spot on when filming my pets of their productiveness during when I was filming them and at the same time my interactions with them, supported the tone and message of the advert video. From what I have learned on filming VT 4, on the mental health advert it was possible to film with my independence of shooting an object and at the same time holding them as well, and this was with having a tripod on the camera to support the focus of lenses on the objects and using my hands to keep hold of the objects in the frame and in focus. For the pets advert, however, it was not so possible to hold a Dog's lead, while holding a camera to frame and focus, and as well at the same time while the Dog itself is pulling yourself on the lead. My lesson that I learned, if I had more equipment, I could have used a camera such as a GoPro and attach the camera to myself from a point of view or even on the Dog perhaps.
What Didn't Go So Well/ Even Better If
For what didn't go so well on VT 1, by mentioning this from a professional point of view and knowing full well that Trending is not a concept I made, there were moments when one of my fellow peer producers had some creative difference opinions on the questions and one of the contestant's introductions for the camera. Of course, I did not take any of these creative differences personally and always remaining professional and understandable for my fellow peer producer. To improve on this on an even better if on VT 1, as a director I could do some research before heading into shooting the VT's and seeing what are the rules of creative differences between a producer and a director. From a positive thought, I do feel everyone should participate in suggesting an opinion or idea when it comes to problem-solving and especially if a worst-case scenario started to happen. This wasn't an actual issue that caused disagreements, arguments, or delaying the scheduling of the VT shoot, I wished I could have just gone into the shoot expecting any creative differences ahead from research.
With what didn't go so well on directing VT 3, we did have some sound issues between the camera and the clip microphone attached to our host individual and I was starting to feel a bit concerned about time, however, we managed to get the issue sorted in time. How could have improved this technical issue for an even better if the suggestion of doing a lot of tests between the host test the microphone and to hear from the camera, and testing the sound sequence until it sounded clear and focused.
Regarding what didn't go so well on directing VT 5, when I asked the host to improvise the top tips and with having that very successful outcome, I didn't inform the host that there was going to be some improvision to happening and I felt I had put our host in the deep end. This could have been an improvement for an even better if that I obviously should have informed our host and give the individual enough time and rehearsal for her to get creative and practice what the individual would like to improvise for VT 5.
Finally, for what didn't go so well for VT 4, I feel for both of the commercials it was sometimes very difficult to hold the camera from a multitasking position. For example, already mentioning holding the camera from a handheld point while walking a Dog who pulls really hard and using a GoPro instead would have been better and much more helpful. For an even better if perspective, I could have purchased a GoPro and use it for the difficult shots that require another individual to participate in, and the Canon camera for the shots that only require static and individual shots. My point being as a director, use two completely different cameras if you're working on a shoot that only the availability and possibilities are for one individual.
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| Figure 5: Filming VT 1 with the contestants |
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| Figure 6: Filming VT 1 with the 4K Panasonic |
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| Figure 7: Filming VT 3 & 5 |
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| Figure 8: Filming VT 3 & 5 |
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| Figure 9: Filming VT 4 (Mental Health Ad) |
Camera Operator - (Filming)
Why A Camera Operator
As much as I have a passion and interest in directing, being a camera operator for this project was an opportunity for me to understand more of the technical language while using the 4K Panasonic. The communication between myself and my fellow peer studio director of the shots I was required to do for the studio production show and learning new and specific words of being communicated between myself and the gallery of any issues and adjustments that needed to be made to satisfy the studio director and producers of Trending.
What Went Well/ What I Have Learned
For what went well being a camera operator, I had satisfied my fellow peer studio director of the individual and specific shots he required me to do. For the shots being close-ups of our contestants and long shots with the hosts, to show the social distancing between our hosts. I had got used to the different positions myself and the fellow peer individuals had to move to for areas of the set and remembering the shots I needed to frame and focus for the specific moments and specific individuals. Setting up the camera for timing before workshops, rehearsals, and of course when the show went live on the YouTube live stream, also went very well and my timing didn't interfere with the timing and schedule we had for the day of the shoots. Regarding what I have learned as a camera operator, the main lesson I have learned is how important the constant communication has been between all of us as camera operators to the studio director, and by remembering some of the technical settings that were appropriate the format of a studio production show. With other essential lessons, I remembered was the tools I needed to bring to putting together the camera and the tripod, and I kept on making sure the camera was tight and safe on the tripod at all times.
Even Better If/ What Didn't Go So Well
With what didn't go so well as a camera operator, with the timing of returning to learning in person, I didn't feel I had enough time to fully understand all of the technical details, settings, and language with the 4K Panasonic. I had asked for a lot more help than I expected to and I felt a little embarrassed that I couldn't take all of the information and essentials in. I guess this would have been even better if, I could have done some research on the 4K Panasonic and its menu settings and techniques, and on the plus note if I could afford a 4K Panasonic camera, I could have purchased one and spend a whole day of being creative and just doing some experimenting with the camera and understanding more about its character and editions.
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| Figure 11: Rehsersals of Trending |
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| Figure 12: The set of Trending |
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| Figure 13: Behind the camera, for my shot being the priority of Trendsetters for the host to look at my camera and the autocue |
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| Figure 14: Final rehearsals with the hosts and contestants |
Working As A Team For Trending
"Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success" - Henry Ford
What Went Well/ What I Have Learned
For what went well, I felt we as a team for Trending all worked together really well as an overview. For over eleven of us as a year group, there were not too few or too many individuals working together for a huge project which was a positive. I felt we as a team kept being in contact with each other about the updates, changes, issues, and development being made for Trending. Our fellow peer producers were very organized from the very start of making specific job role group chats and with all of the information that was sent and shown, always went on those group chats. When it was getting near the production stage of Trending, we all made sure that we were all comfortable, confident, and just helping each other out even if it wasn't our job role for the studio production show. For me being the VT Package Director for Trending, I really appreciated having the group chat calls together for any progress, changes, and of course, being briefed when we were in the development stage. I appreciated having those group chats, calls, and meetings as it has shown none of us were going to be alone and in the dark of this team project, and from going back to the VT brief meeting, I knew I was going to a team behind my back. Regarding what I have learned as a team, I feel I've learned a lot more about my fellow peers and showing their strengths and weaknesses from their job roles for Trending and believing they all have the skills and strengths from their job roles. I also feel now Trending has concluded and I've done my role for the show, they also think I myself as the VT Package Director and Camera Operator, that I have been tested the skills and strengths of achieving those roles as well.
Even Better If/ What Didn't Go So Well
For what didn't go so well as a team, when we were doing the rehearsals, there were a couple of individuals who had some miscommunication and a difference in creative choices. Miscommunication of the items from the script and some differences in creative choices of different shot types and changes that were made. Of course, once again nothing that interfered or disturbed the timing and of the production. For an even better if, I guess it's always important and sensible to discuss any miscommunications or creative differences in private. Even though from a positive outcome, the show went really well and all of us were proud of each other as a team, and still shooting a live studio production show during a pandemic will be unforgettable.
Conclusion
"Are we all happy Bunnies?" - Jonathan Glaizer
In conclusion, the As Live assignment really bought my year group as a team together and closer as peers, and by being very proud of achieving a huge project in the subject of television during a global crisis. I feel overall proud of throwing in my ideas and creative choices from my roles, for my directing being a people's person from my communication to pointing for the camera in front of our contestants and hosts. For my camera operating improving more on shots and still trying to learn more about the basic technical language a camera operator needs to learn and understand, and still as always a working progress.
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