Month: October 2018

Shorter Personal Statement

I am a creative, focus driven person, who’s always had a passion for films and tv. I strive to keep learning and adapting because if I don’t my work will stay the same and never evolve.  Some directors who inspire me are Maniac Cary Fukunaga – / Steven Spiel-berg/ Stanley Kubrick for their experimental cinematography and filming techniques. I am looking forward to being on this course as it will be an amazing experience giving me an even more in-depth view into the world of the television, films and Advertisement/client Work and the processes required in the Professional industry. Before the foundation course, my knowledge of techniques and their uses were barely substantial compared to what they are now. It’s given me an outlook on the media industry and how to use the techniques used in them in different ways as well as when it is Contextually correct. – Technical Ability (aka sound, camera, lighting, editing)-, Communication, Time Management. teamwork. – The skills I have further developed on the Media Foundation Degree Course gained me greater, more valuable knowledge into the media industry. These skills (Transferable as well as practical) will further assist me on the Ba(honours) course. I have learnt not to just watch films/ series/ adverts mindlessly, but to analyse them in great depth, looking at the various concepts in a film, the pieces others would not put together. The smaller details, from the camera shots to even the types of cuts used in editing are just as vital as the acting in the film. I also built upon these skills whilst analysing two thriller films on narrative theory. I used this knowledge to help produce two projects, Drama Piece/horror in these projects I worked in a crew and with actors I planned shots ahead and used communication and technical ability to film and edit the pieces using different techniques and equipment. I created some motion graphics for a beginning shot in after effects. I used range-of different shots, angles, and equipment to create an atmosphere, therefore, showing my skills in camera operator.  For a sound recreation piece, I used planning and sound recording skills to recreate and record sound correctly. edited different layers of sound together. – blended/mixed soundtracks and audio. I used audio to form an urgency-ridden atmosphere to draw in the audience. I used various recorders and recording techniques to record the Foley sound.  I Worked with various clients both in a crew and individually, I developed my skills of communication, teamwork as well as technical ability. Client work (Halle Orchestra, Music in the gardens, Salvation Army), I worked in a crew with the head of the Halle Orchestra production team. I used communication skills to correctly frame, expose shots live. I communicated with DHE and worked mostly independently once the concert started. I used editing and technical ability skills to control two motorised cameras, as well as editing live, an aesthetically framed Performance of the singers and dancers. I was also required to turn up on time and was flexible, late nights and communicate effectively in order to set up and figure out what I needed to do. I am currently working with a client (salvation army) to create a promotional video. I built upon my communication skills further by presenting some information about a two-film narrative analysis and then used further skills of research and evaluative techniques to write a contextual essay. These skills that I have further developed through the foundation degree course will help me to be a valuable student on the ba honours course because, At the end of the BA honours course, I see myself in A production role in the media industry as a Camera Operator in broadcasting or making client videos.

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Factual piece Proposal

Message/Subject matter: How is reality perceived differently?

Concept

The factual will be made up of several different elements which will show and make the audience feel some of the different ways reality is perceived differently. In this factual, I will explore how reality is perceived? Be it by the human eye, various Camera, reflections, perspectives, animals, seeing through objects, etc. I will express information to the audience and through visuals and creative techniques using different perspectives of life and of time. As well as raising the question to the audience what is reality is anything real is time real or just an illusion? And leave the piece open to interpretation and leave it up to the audience to make the decision if reality is real or not. I will also use a mix of sounds effects and a soundtrack with various degrees of distortion to create a mood in the audience and make the visuals connect. There will be no narration in my factual price because I want to express a mood through visual and audio techniques to the audience and feel that narration wouldn’t be appropriate for a poetic piece as well as because of the pieces I’ve analysed didn’t use narration either.

The elements and shots will be joined using a series of sounds, editing techniques such as eye-line matches: For example about how ducks see it will at this time by showing a duck looking out of shot using an eye-line shot, it will then cut to that shot which will be a perspective into how ducks see. this will be portrayed vividly with colours of green, red and blue.

Synopsis/Summary

My Factual will start with different angles sizes of different eyes opening. In a grid/ mosaic as an edited sequence of eyes opening. Shows the different part of the question different angles infers different perspectives. It will then go through different perspectives, angles, shots of human, animals and looking through objects such as prisms to show the audience different perspectives. it will also use these different visuals in conjunction with sound to create a mood in the audience.

These elements will be:

Sound perspective throughout changing to invoke the desired mood depending on the visual.  Sounds will be used as a facilitator and as a tool when describing how blind people see with echolocation specifically as well as a tool to further disorient the audience as they would be if they were blind. – research a bit find something about how becoming blind is disorienting.

Resources needed:

Equipment List: GH4, 77D(Extension tubes), A7iii Filters: filters various, Slider, lens: 50mm, 17-55mm, Panasonic lens – 45-100mm, glide-cam –  stabilisation vs not stabilised, Big tripod.

How equipment will be used?

CPL Filter: Pond shows different perspectives with reflections and without.

Big tripod, stabiliser, handheld, in build stabilisation – Movement, variety, different views, to create a mood and make the audience uncomfortable at points.

Gh4, g80, 77d, a7iii – to show different speeds, for use of extension tubes to get really close to the eyes to create more of a mood. to get different effects of handheld, versus handheld with built-in stabilisation.

50mm, 17-55mm, 45-100mm – To get a different view, perspectives, different focal lengths/ different apertures.

Possible Issues

Issues related to factual programs

Editorial guidelines

Below is a list of possible issues which need to be considered when producing a factual programme.

I am going to approach these issues by

All4 – Compliance procedures – look at sheet make considerations.

Bibliography: Proposed Research Sources and Bibliography (AQA – Referencing) – AQA – Referencing

Book

Cinematography theory and practice image making for cinematographers and directors – second edition – Author – Blain Brown – the year of publication – 27 Jul 2011.

Videos

Time – A Poetic Documentary

Websites

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Salvation Army

Client: Salvation Army – Linda Foster – Personal Role: Videographer – Deadline: Multiple deadlines. (Caroling advert – One Week Deadline(advertising for an event on the 20th of December), End of January/ beginning of February, Christmas Fair – December(2019 Christmas Fair)

Rough Suggestions/Questions Asked and Client response, Minutes Meeting 1

I already knew Linda Foster and she talked to me about wanting to get more people to come to events to promote the Mosborough salvation army corps. As a videographer, I suggested a promotional video. I had a basic draft of ideas and questions I talked to the client about a few ideas I had for the video. This went well and I picked up a basic idea to go and build upon to produce a creative response of ideas from other videos of how the video might go, I expanded upon the draft and turned it into a brief after speaking to the client more. This went well although in the future It would be more effective to start off with more questions that have more depth to them. Although I had an idea of what to create I didn’t really get a specific idea from them and had to use my skills as a videographer to visualise what it was that the client wanted in the form of a promotional video. This is important because it gets across ideas from clients and to professional standards getting all the information is necessary as if it were a paid client it could mean a breach of contract if the client has said something and it hasn’t been done by the videographer. I also discussed the duration of the video and suggested that a minute to a minute and a half would be a good length because anything longer would drag too much and it would suit the laid back calm feel of the piece, which the client agreed with. The client wants mostly all ages – I responded to this by telling her that It isn’t possible to target all ages and that I can go for the general basic feel of a promotional video than aiming at a niche audience with a narrative story about a character.

I suggested  reaction shots, smooth slider shots and variety of shots as well as the use of a prism as a transition, I also spoke to the client about what events need to be promoted/filming dates, target audience and other factors which are important for a professional production to make sure the final product created is what the client wants.  This was also necessary for me to create a schedule of dates when filming could occur as well as to develop a visualisation of how the video would go throughout knowledge of the different events. I then asked the client about an idea I had for making the Christmas fair a separate video. I discussed with the client how it may be more effective to have a separate video to promote the Christmas fair as it would time set the introduction to Mosborough corps. I discussed my ideas for a classic promotional video with product shots, reaction shots and some motion graphics which could be implemented. I talked to the client about going for the same kind of feel like the introduction for the Christmas fair but to have more shots of products introduced. The client was happy with this idea and for the video to have the same sort of duration. 

Harvest Festival Meal

Pre – Production Stage

Shot list, Methodist Church Hall Recce, Health and Safety, Schedule

I created a minutes meeting because it’s important to professionally have they key points from a meeting with the client as a videographer to make sure things aren’t misunderstood and are useful for going through ideas one key point at a time in the visualisation process. I created a schedule to get down filming dates available after speaking with the client, it’s important to create a schedule in a professional production to back up fees in a budget as well as keeping to deadlines of getting footage on the set date. I didn’t create a schedule for editing time as well as other things that changed as it seemed like it would have been not time effective, however in a professional paid production it would be necessary to make sure payment is made for all work done not just seen work such as filming but everything it takes to make a video through all stages. I created a shot-list to visualise and have something to remember the shots to get, this is useful to do in a professional production as well because it assists the communication of shots to get to other crew members. I didn’t use a log sheet because I was on my own although had it been a different event/had the crew been more than one it could have been done which would have made the editing sequence more effective. Although it still wasn’t much of a problem as soon as I had filmed an event I ordered/evaluated clips(Putting useable footage into key folders) and preset times for the clips to start and stop. I did this to make the final editing process faster and more effective and because it is something that is done in professional production and is necessary for the editor to have.

Production Stage

I filmed using a 77d with a 17-55mm(2.8) because of the small space I needed a wide lens but still wanted a softer look rather than everything being in focus and to create a little separation of the subjects from the background. This went well however it would have been more effective to use a 50mm for a more blurry background. At the time I didn’t have a flat profile installed so I decreased the contrast in camera to make it a little less aggressive so I could add a bit of different colour in post. I had to adjust my shutter speed to be a little slower than usual according to the fps to shutter speed conversion, which turned out alright because I didn’t need to speed up shots, which would have made them jumpy. I did this because the fluorescent lighting was creating a flickering issue changing the shutter speed fixed this, I had not foreseen this issue happening but solved it on location, although I did try using a two lights I had brought with me to try an outside shot it didn’t work and the lights needed to be on for the people at the event and it was more of a run a gun type of thing.

Screenshot 2019-04-25 at 12.05.05.png

This shot wasn’t appropriate as the piece was more about the people, friendliness and warmth than the place. It was also not very appropriate being that the video is meant to be bright and soft looking whereas this night shot isn’t.

Coffee Mornings

Pre-Production Stage

Shot list, Elim Church Recce

I did a recce of the location and then added to the H&s I had already done for the previous location them being the same. This was useful because it allowed me to come up with potential problems as well as evaluate the location for risks. I then created a shot-list to visualise and have something to remember the shots to get, this is useful to do in a professional production as well because it assists the communication of shots to get to other crew members. I got verbal permission to film the people at the events, I did this because it’s important to get permission to film, however I didn’t get anyone to sign a release form, this worked for what it was as the people were fine with being filmed although in a professional production it would be necessary to get these forms because people may change their mind and not want to be filmed and it could cause a lot of problems in post-production. especially in a professional production with money involved and the client expecting a product which could be derailed by people changing their mind about being in the video.

Production Stage

Whilst filming on the various days I got good footage of interesting movement in shots such as slider shots as well as reaction shots of people having a good time. Whilst on set I came up with an idea and altered it from just a normal shot of people having a good time on a slider to a shot coming from a blurred foreground revealing to the people having a good time. I came up with this shot using objects I found on a  table to create some foregrounding. Although most of the filming went well a problem I encountered whilst filming the event was insufficient lighting inside. Couldn’t really prepare for the lighting issue, because the lighting was necessary in the place and adding light wouldn’t really have elevated the flickering of the lights much. I elevated this issue through exposure settings, I lowered the shutter which stopped the camera from seeing fast enough to see the flickering in the lights. For this production ahead of time I managed to find a more flat picture profile online CineStyle and installed it in order to give the footage an even softer look as well as give me the ability to grade the footage a little better. This was useful for doing this and worked because I managed to keep the iso at 100 to 400 ish but had I needed to push it higher it may have maybe the noise worse as it ups the shadows.

I had decided to start walking in shot after the title screen to welcome the audience in with a walk in the shot. I used a stabiliser to do this to make the movement smooth and flowing as it’s about being friendly and welcoming a handheld shot wouldn’t be suitable. To do this shot I had brought along some lights to try and appropriately light the inside to match the outside lighting so I wouldn’t have to adjust, however, this didn’t work and so I had to adjust the aperture whilst walking in which created a clicking to the exposure. This didn’t completely ruin the shot although from a professional standard wasn’t as good as it could have been. I then had to edit together footage and film the other events and when I had the time I took an a7iii with manual exposure to adjust so it wouldn’t be so much like lights flickering on. This went reasonably well although due to my time management is a little poor in this aspect the scene was time-stamped as Christmas decorations were up although something I hadn’t seen on the camera screen but had when loading up the footage there appeared to be something on the lens which because of the lighting is distracting. I decided, in the end, to go with the   shot as the client was happy with it although in the future I will manage my time better and either use manual exposure straight off for a shot like this or find a way to match the inside exposure with the outside by bringing a more substantial lighting kit.

Post-Production Stage

I loaded up, reviewed footage from both events and ordered it into useable shots as well as been thinking about which shots were absolutely necessary and which weren’t due to the video length needing to be 1:50 as any longer might drag a bit too much. I then took the useable footage and edited some of the footage together into a rough edit nothing too substantial manly just so I had something to show the client of what I had done. I added in some warm colours in yellows and oranges to add a warm and welcoming feel to the shots. I wanted to do this as most clients would not really see how much work is being put in and in a professional production would be important to ensure that the vision they want to happen is on the right tracks. I also wanted to show the client a beginning motion graphics matte track using a slider and to get their opinion on it.

Meeting with the client / Craft Club

Shot list, Brief, Visualisation, Minutes Meeting, Creative Response / Research

 After creating the brief, I created a written visualisation of how the introduction to Mosborough corps would go. I met with the client and the communications officer(CO) from Salvation Army HQ Leeds and showed them a rough edit of footage I had from two events a coffee morning and a harvest festival meal. Whilst showing the edit I paused and talked about why I used the shots and asked about possible titles after showing them various matte tracks. I did this to make sure the client was happy with how the video would end up looking and it wouldn’t get to the video being finished and the client not wanting it which is important in a professional paid production as it could mean not getting paid if the videographer didn’t ask and make sure with the client throughout what exactly it was they wanted. I also talked to the client through a written visualisation of how the video would go as well as referencing them to my creative response to the brief after showing it to them and making sure I had all the information and so that I wouldn’t end up creating a video the client wouldn’t want. This involved showing the client some videos that had been done in the past for the salvation army as well as one done for a Methodist church that I thought the overall theme would best fit what the client wanted the video to promote a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Its important in a professional production to do this as it could mean not getting paid if the video provided isn’t what the client said they wanted.

Communications officer – Feedback Client feedback

  • I think this is brilliant. I would like maybe to put up a new notice with the shield on in the notice board and maybe you could have a picture of this before people are entering the church. At the moment Elim Church is very prominent at that point. But you have captured such a joy and laughter in this it is very good. – Linda Foster(Client). I agree with the client although at this point I feel the video needs a lot more structure and cutting until it will be at a good point where it invokes a happy, warm and welcoming mood.

DSC00001.jpg

Whilst on location I took a picture of the board, I explained to the client on location about how this wouldn’t really work that well and that the video would be more effective and if needed the added information could be added to the facebook page and that having it might take the audience’s attention away from the video. I did this after getting contacted by the client about showing it in the video. (See in the appendix.)

Production

At the craft club, I filmed various reaction shots, close up medium shots of people having a good time, as well as shots of people crafting, colouring and eating and drinking. This went well and I got some good footage from this, which I had planned to get through the use of a shot list. I came up with an idea on location when a person started playing the piano and someone started singing so I decided to go and film that happening to show people having a good time as well as show another thing that may happen at the event music and singing. Whilst on set I used a prism going past the camera as an in camera transition to add interest and transition to another shot. Whilst on set I used a flat picture profile as I did on the previous event to add a softer feel, I didn’t have to alter the shutter speed on this one as the day was sunny and the lightning didn’t need to be on so I was able to follow the shutter to fps rule.

Post-production

I took the footage, ordered it and began the final edit. I edited with footage from the craft club and added colour grades to add warmth, as well as adding in motion graphics and integrating them. I also added In a potential soundtrack royalty free music. I didn’t plan on doing this which went well in this case however in a professional production every aspect about the video would need to be thought out ahead of time as well as making sure the client liked the idea ahead of time. At each stage of change, I showed the client what I had done and asked their opinion on it to make sure they were happy with the final product. (See in appendix). Throughout the process of distribution, I spoke to the communications officer and the digital team about getting it put on the main website for the client(see in appendix). This process required me to export the file and upload it to google drive, however, this didn’t work and in the end, I sent a youtube like to the digital team and they embedded it into the main website. In the future, I need to be more informative in my questioning to make sure I know the format to use from the start to be more effective.

Christmas Fair

Pre-production

Shot list, Community centre – Mosborough, Health and Safety, Minutes meeting 

I didn’t create a storyboard and instead talked to the client and described shots and how the video would end up going its narrative through the use of a descriptive shot list, this worked for me being on my own. However in the future, it is to a more professional standard to use a storyboard to visualise a video, I will also use a storyboard in the future because not having one made it more difficult to visualise and communicate the video. I created a recce and H&S which wasn’t all that useful for me in this case although in a professional production of more than one person it would be.

An Accordion

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=272742263600002&id=271627163711512

I was contacted by the client(See in appendix) to film someone playing an Accordion to advertise for carolling coming up a week later. I went for a medium close up moving shot on a stabiliser and enhanced the audio in post. this went well however in the future rather than using audio from the camera I will have more than me on the crew and record separate audio using a directional mic. However, it wasn’t as successful as it could have been because it didn’t get that many views, interactions with an audience this was because there wasn’t enough time to prepare. I discussed with the client that in the future it could be made more successful by following the Certain steps as discussed in the minutes meeting which was discussed over the phone I did this because I was already calling the client to discuss the facebook page I created for her. I didn’t create any pre-production as I had already created an H&S for the location as well as a recce and didn’t need them as I only needed a basic medium/close up shot, however, if it were a professional production with a crew of more than one it would need more production documents such as a shot list. This video was not on the original brief, in this case, it didn’t change anything that much although if the client was paying me professionally it would have changed the contract of the amount of video I needed to create. This is because it would mean reappraising budget cost would either need to be rethought, a separate brief to be created or not do it at all because it wasn’t in the original brief. Creating the video, I edited it to improve the sound in logic pro and then set it up for the client to be shared on the Mosborough corps facebooks page. Although It went on the facebook page originally the idea was for it to be advertised by the star after getting feedback from the communications officer although this didn’t work out as they never got back to the client(see in the appendix.)

Production

At times I got a few pull and push focus shots, these went well and in reflection, I could have done with doing this in more shots to add more interest. I got various shots in a variety of slider and half parallax shots around the products the night I went before the Christmas fair, I did this because I knew there would be a lot of people around in the morning and didn’t want to rush the shots so I did them the night before. Both this and the filming on the day went reasonably well I got some good reaction shots of people buying things, eating having a good time.  The slider shots were most effective at presenting the productions in an aesthetic and interesting way, although in a few shots a problem that occurred was shadow casting in the shot due to the lighting in the place. I had to get a lower shot and be wary of the light direction casting, although some shots had a shadow at points, which meant they would need to be reviewed, cut and scrapped if it was too obvious in the post-production stage. I got most shots I needed I didn’t manage to really get any close-ups of people in time because not as many people were going to actually buy things from the stalls and I had to be quick to get a shot, this was partially an issue due to the fact it was just me on the crew in the future for something like this I will bring along at least one other person so I’m not so overwhelmed. During filming, I used an A7iii in conjunction with a g80(Inbuilt stabiliser allowed me to get quick reaction shots and move around without the need for a stabiliser/tripod). This went reasonably well although the focal distance of the full frame was a little troublesome as I opened the aperture too far thus the focusing area I had in focus was difficult to tell on the camera screen it also meant I had to get really close which made some people uncomfortable which made the reaction shots mostly unstable because they were uncomfortable and didn’t look like they were having a good time. I could have solved this problem by using a higher peaking setting. In this event, at times I had to use a slower shutter because the fluorescent lights created a slight flickering again and that was at the time the only solution I had as I couldn’t really properly light the scene as it was more of a run and gun approach. This will mean that footage can’t be speeded up or slowed down without becoming choppy in post. I decided to use a slog profile which would allow me room to colour grade as much as I wanted, in this case, it was useful as I didn’t have to push my Iso high although if I had had to do that it may have caused excessive noise. 

Post-production

The Editing process went well, I reviewed and ordered footage for a more efficient editing process. I got rid of some of the footage due to obvious shadow cast because of the lighting situation, in other cases, I just edited as much footage as was clear of obvious shadows being cast and used the rest of the footage. This couldn’t be avoided because of the lighting situation although perhaps in the future it would be a good idea to ahead of time set up products in a separate room where lighting could be controlled better. Using my more in-depth shotlist was useful in more effectively creating a finished edit. During the edit I chose a similar more Christmasy soundtrack like the main video and cut it rhythmically to the video, this went well although in the future it may be more useful to try and contact a musician to craft music to finished edit. During this process, I didn’t talk as much to the client about the edit as I had a more solid visualisation of how the video would go, this went well although in the future I need to improve upon my time management to finish an edit beforehand and make sure the client likes it ahead of time although in this case, the deadline for the Christmas fair wasn’t until 2019 December on which it will be delivered on the facebook page for advertisement.

Evaluation of the final videos

Introduction to Mosborough Corps – Salvation Army Mosborough page

I think this video was successful in that it is on the main website and gained views and comments on the facebook video. The client likes the video see in apendix and above. However I didn’t visualise it well enough and some shots aren’t necessary such as shots of coffee, and the pacing is off near the end where the slider shots are too fast. Although overall it is a well framed and put together a video which suits the mood the client wanted. It was also effective at promoting the events available in a fun and welcoming way.

Advert for Carolling

Mosborugh Corps Facebook Page

This video wasn’t as successful as it could have been because of time restraints and poor planning. In the future to make the video more effective at advertising the event, it would be a good idea to post it on a facebook page with more views and potential be a paid advertisement. It also was a little grainy because of underexposure and went out of focus at one point. I think the video is okay but not brilliant.

Christmas Fair

Contact with the client(Emails – Appendix)
Client Feedback – I think this is absolutely lovely. The music is great as well. – My response. I agree with the client, I think the video is effective at promoting the salvation army Christmas fair and has some interesting shots in it, it has a welcoming and laid back feel which works. However, the shot of the accordion goes on a little too long and the Santa shot is out of focus. I think in the future as well even though this worked for the feel of a salvation army video it might have been an even better promotional video if it had a narrative to it following a character or two to make it appeal to a younger audience.

Appendix

Main Video Feedback

Communications Officer, Digital Team

Advert for carolling, carolling advert, Distribution: Feedback, 

 

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Appendix

Do an appendix with numbers and letters

Books

Bk1 – Bk =  Book – 1 = Cinematography theory and practise image making for cinematographer and directors – second edition – Author = Blain Brown – the year of publication = 27 July 2011. – Example

Bk2 – Bk =  Book – 2 = Shooting Digital video – DVCAM, Mini DV and DVCPRO – Jon Fauer, Asc.

Interviews

1 Q – A = Question 1 – Person = A – Carl Thompson – Example

1Q – B = Question 1 – Person = B – Jack Park – Example

1Q – C = Question 1 – Person = C – Lee Marsh – Example

BK1.1 – “So what are they? What are the conceptual tools of visual story-telling that we employ in all forms in all forms of visual storytelling? There are many, but we can roughly classify them into some general categories.”

Q1 – How did you get your first break/ where did you start off? Was there a specific root you took starting off as a camera assistant for example?

  • A – I started shooting weddings and corporate videos straight out of film school. I networked with as many people as possible and worked hard. I skipped the camera assistant route and after about 4 years working in the industry, I started marketing myself as a lighting camera operator/ dop. I’ve now worked with some of the biggest brands in the world including New Balance, Dreamworks, Manchester Utd, BBC, ITV etc.
  • B – I was a production assistant on the film Dark River. I used this experience to get a training day with Leeds United TV, as a broadcast camera operator. Afterwards, I got hired, along with 6 university students who applied through their uni.
  • C – I started as a trainee camera operator at Televideo Outside broadcast which is a company based in Sheffield.

Q2 – Do you have any qualifications in media studies/film and did it assist you in getting into being a camera operator?

  • A – I have a BSc in Film Production Technology from Staffordshire University. My university experience gave me time to grow up and figure out what I wanted to do in life. The fact that I only did one exam in 4 years and made films every week was a bonus. The experience I gained at university put me on the right track but it was the work after university that got me to where I am now.
  • B – I have a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Film and TV production (Distinction Distinction Merrit) from Leeds City College, but I got both jobs mentioned above in the summer in between the two years, so the qualification didn’t help with those. But with my fulltime employment, it was very important.
  • C – I have a degree in Film and Media Production, I believe a degree shows an ability to learn to a high level, but I know plenty of camera operators who have started through other means and hard work has set them apart from more qualified candidates.

Q3 – In your opinion what are the most essential skills required as a camera operator?

  • A – Being any form of a film-maker is essentially professional problem-solving. The ability to remain calm, think clearly and work hard at all times is what will help you become successful. The technical skills are important but can realistically be learned online or picked up by shadowing people and asking questions.
  • B – In live broadcasting, time management is the most important skill to have. In a day you have a lot of tasks, and it’s very easy to make mistakes. It’s not really a skill, but stamina is also important.
  • C – Operating a camera is actually only a small part of being a camera operator. A strong work ethic with the initiative is key to becoming a valuable member of any film or TV crew, this shows you can be trusted with responsibilities as well as being someone who doesn’t constantly need to be told what to do. On the operating side, it is always good to listen to what the director requires from the shot/shots in order to put together a visually proficient broadcast. An eye for good composition helps but each director has a different style which means adaptability in a short period of time is always handy.

Q4 – Are there any interesting opportunities in the role and or industry, Can a camera operator lead to any other job roles?

  • A – I absolutely love what I do. I get to hang out with cool people, filming in crazy locations and travel all over the world. Camera operating can open doors to meet people and ultimately lead to producing/ directing your own projects. There are tons of directors out there that started in the camera department. Typically they’re the ‘prettiest’ films.
  • B – Camera operating leads to videographer jobs and a knowledge of editing makes a camera op even more desirable. Basically, any business person who wants a video or videos done can employ you. Charity events want videographers to make promotional videos, but they’re unpaid, of course. Those are the developments I’ve seen.
  • C – As I currently work as a staff camera operator as opposed to freelancing it means I have access to colleagues who work across all aspects of outside broadcasting, this gives me an overall greater appreciation for the effort and skills required for each department and thus could allow me to train in other areas of I so wished. Generally, a camera operator will find themselves moving into other areas of camera work e.g crane, Steadicam, drones.
Q5 – What kind of hours do you expect to work on average?
    • A – I typically charge for a 10 hour day but that can extend to 12-14 hours sometimes. That’s not sustainable every day as you’d burn out so I ensure I take time off to catch up on paperwork etc. I can work up to 80 hours a week but I’d typically say it’s 40-50hrs. Certainly more than your average 9-5pm. You have to remember that doing your accounts, social media, emailing is all considered work for a camera operator but doesn’t pay the bills in the short term. It still has to be done right though.
    • B – My full-time Videographer and Editor position is a 9-5 Job, with long nights to finish important projects. At Leeds, the hours are sporadic, sometimes I work 14 hour days, sometimes I work 3 hours cause they only need me for something specific.
    • C – Notoriously the TV industry, specifically live television broadcasts has a certain expectation to work very long days, this will include travelling to and from a job as well as the job itself. The idea is to make the outside broadcast work as soon as possible to make sure any errors or faults can be found and corrected sooner rather than later. As a freelancer, you have slightly more control over the hours that you undertake but it should still be accepted that these will come under the title of ‘unsociable hours’. It is hard to put a specific number on the hours you can expect to do, but it is definitely not a 9-5 and that shouldn’t be underestimated.
    • Q6 – How much would you expect to earn an hour as a camera operator? / Are there any extra costs that need to be considered in this role?
    • A – I charge a day rate plus equipment. It typically starts at around £500 per day and goes up from there. TV commercials and live events are high pressure and therefore you can charge more. I turn up with >£30,000 worth of equipment which I use every day and people find value in that. You have to factor in insurances, car, petrol, food expenses, laptops, physios (for the bad back you’ll inevitably get if you don’t train). New technology is being developed constantly so you have to keep up to date with your kit too.
    • B – As far as senior operators go, that’s on the internet. LUTV or similar live streamers or broadcasters pay day to day. The amount is very dependent on who you’re with. Additional costs wise, being a football camera op means travelling to away games at different stadiums around the country, and that could get expensive if they ask you to drive yourself, which they don’t usually.
    • C – Again this is a double-edged question. As a staff operator, it can vary depending on experience and length of service. Generally speaking, a staff operator will earn less than a freelance operator who will invoice a price for his skills which is set against union set prices, although each operator may negotiate with companies directly depending on the circumstances. BECTU has set out the prices that TV staff should charge depending on the job and length of day, this usually starts at £300 per day and will increase accordingly. As a staff operator, the daily earning will be considerably less but a guaranteed wage, training, employee perks and travel expenses are all covered. Working as a freelancer you would expect to cover hotel costs as well as travel expenses and food expenses. Also depending on the area of camera operating a client might require you to provide your own kit which will obviously come at a price.
    • Q7 – Is there any specific specialist equipment needed / to have an intensive Knowlege of?
    • A – Know your kit inside out. Anything after that can be learned on the job or online.
    • B – A great understanding of DSLRs is very important, especially if you’re with a smaller company who pick their equipment sparingly. Have a basic knowledge of sound recording as well, because that’s something an amateur employer might forget. You don’t need a great knowledge of broadcasting rules, technicals and regulations unless you’re wanting to be a video journalist or a broadcast director.
    • C – Speaking from my own experience I can say I had little knowledge of TV cameras. I happened to learn a lot from operators I worked with and then gradually from the experience I gained. I would say from some who works in live sports broadcast that a basic knowledge of sports coverage was more useful to me than the knowledge of the equipment because within the right environment you can gain the knowledge of the equipment over time. As I have mentioned if you are hardworking and willing then people will invest the time in your development.
    • Q8 – How do you continue to get work, How beneficial is networking / getting a reputation?
    • A – Networking is essential. The majority of my work is now through referrals or previous contacts so I don’t have to hunt for new work much. Having a good social media presence and an up to date website are all crucial.
    • B –  Apply to any job which matches your skill set. Be happy and willing to move for work. Networking is good, but don’t expect people to hand you work just because they like you. Showcase your videos and experience to employers, and proving you’re the most dependable camera op keeps you employed. Don’t only aim for larger media companies. Smaller companies focused on other industries need media specialists, and there where you’ll have the opportunity to make creative decisions and recommend equipment and video styles.
  • C – I work as staff which means I don’t have to go looking for work. But from a staff perspective, it is imperative to conduct yourself as if you were looking for work, as the people you are working with could well be people who are recommending you in the future. So over the 4 years, I have been staff I have worked with multiple camera operators and broadcast crew and it is crucial that they see you as a punctual, organised, hard-working operator who they can rely on. Camera skill can be learnt but a bad attitude leaves a longer lasting impression on potential clients or employers.
  • Q9 – Is it more likely that work is going to be freelance than permanent contract and would you say being a camera operator is competitive?
  • A – Depending on the scale of the job you’re going for. Bigger projects such as TV commercials, live events and dramas all use freelancers. Smaller ad agencies may employ a ‘videographer’ which is essentially someone with a DSLR and will be on a permanent contract. Being a camera operator is competitive but I would suggest networking with like-minded people in your field. I get more work from other camera operators referring to me than anything else. Obviously, it works both ways and I send work back to others when I can.
  • B – From my experience, contract work keeps you working in the industry more consistently so you can practice your profession for longer. Freelance web ads and event coverage keeps it interesting but is too spotty to support yourself when you’re just leaving education or starting out by other means. It’s very competitive, so grab at every opportunity to build your portfolio, even within the business you’re employed by.
  • C – Being a camera operator is incredibly competitive, no doubt. From my experience, I would always recommend starting as a staff operator, to begin with, because there is an environment to learn and progress in a more protected environment. You also have access to a wider aspect of film/television production which ultimately will make you a more conscientious Camera operator overall. The general path seems to be that freelancing is the ultimate goal as this gives a greater earning potential as well as more control over your own workflow. However, the experience I have gained whilst working for a company would not have happened if I had started freelance.
  • Q10 – Are there any significant changes in the media industry or you suspect there will be such as processing technology that has/will lead to less or more work? How do you think it has affected the role?
  • A – Technology is constantly evolving and it’s key to not get left behind. I don’t think it’ll affect the amount of work out there. The amount of video/ film that is being produced and consumed is incredible so there’s plenty for everyone. Always remember, technology can’t be creativity.
  • B – There’s an over saturation of media content, and everyone knows it. This leads to more and more industries outside of media jumping to media to promote them all over daytime TV and social media. I (try and) stay separate from social media trends and video styles, primarily because a lot of it is too dense to penetrate and it’s a shot in the dark to attempt it. Equipment wise, I do stay up to date with it and support the idea of making video, film and TV equipment more efficient. In the short term, modern media times is leading to more work, with more equipment development creating more roles to fill at companies, big or small. In the long term, like everything, media has an over-saturation point where smaller company’s social media presences won’t be able to break through the wall, and they may try to promote themselves by other means. It’ll be interesting to see what they come up with.
  • C – I think the television industry is not too dissimilar any other industry where companies will try to push technology with an eye on keeping costs down. This has seen development over remote-controlled camera operation that maybe requires fewer operators on site or operators who can work multiple jobs in one day working from a master control room. However there is no substitute for the creative eye of a good operator and the reactions required for live television, so whilst jobs may become easier and more convenient I believe that the role of the operator is secure for the foreseeable future.

Ask David about thing do I need to do any more research towards the development of media technology? – Ideally, you need to add books/internet anything in the report that supports the progression of media.

Qu1 – 2 = Question 1 – Person = 2 – Jack Park

Qu1 – 3 = Question 1 – Person = 3 – Lee Marsh

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Job Three

https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&ei=uRrDW7HlMIeEgAaCvI6wDw&q=camera+operator+jobs&oq=camera+operator+&gs_l=psy-ab.3.1.0i67k1l3j0l3j0i67k1j0l3.11096.11096.0.12805.1.1.0.0.0.0.80.80.1.1.0….0…1c.1.64.psy-ab..0.1.80….0._IY90TRKPLE&ibp=htl;jobs&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjsz4X73IXeAhVGVsAKHb9dDXEQiYsCKAF6BAgFECU#fpstate=tldetail&htidocid=fnf1v9C01jDEpAFuAAAAAA%3D%3D&htivrt=jobs

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Our people are at the heart of everything we do at ITN. It’s vital that our workforce reflects the diversity of both our audience and the wider society in the UK, so we’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer and we actively seek candidates from diverse backgrounds and communities.

We also recognise the importance of a good work-life balance, so we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including part-time and job shares for all our roles.

Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process if this is something you want to explore.

The primary role of the Junior Camera Operator is to shoot the highest quality pictures and sequences for ITV News across the UK and around the world as assigned by ITV Newsdesk and ITV News management.

• To operate a camera and associated equipment, including sound and lighting equipment, often under pressure, always to a high standard

• Undertake live transmissions by a variety of means

• Work with correspondents and producers to edit and transmit stories once appropriate training has been provided

• Maintain equipment and ensure equipment is in correct working order at all times

• Take responsibility for health and safety in the field  

• Be prepared to travel in the UK and around the world at short notice on behalf of ITN

• Show editorial understanding of major stories at home and abroad

• Contribute fully to our digital platforms and provide video, stills and content for them These are the main requirements of the role and is not an exhaustive list of duties. It is intended to reflect the nature, range, and context of the work, which will change over time.

• Practical experience as a working camera operator

• Evidence of creative camerawork and filming under time pressure • Aptitude to learn non-linear editing to a high standard

• Ability to remain calm under pressure / professional attitude

• A good degree of technical knowledge

• Good communication and interpersonal skills

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Proposal Summary – Key Points

Structure

It needs to have an order for it. Perhaps have a different eye colour or speed or aperture and a title depending on the subject. For aperture do everything in focus then switch to the opposite with the eye then show them visuals? Perhaps manipulate the pupil.

How is each visual going to connect?

— time perception/shutter fps time lapse
— aperture / shutter
— prisms seeing through objects

— – angle, shot, size seeing creatures and then comparing views from the smallest creature making them seem small then to a human making them seem small.

— sound perception

— Show the life of an inanimate object – show a pencil going from new to nothing

Water – tadpoles/ small fish could show the perspective of a giant looking down onto the smaller creatures high angle.

Maybe have a voice over talking about the tadpoles going about there day. – blue planet.

Then cut to a worm’s eye view of an animal, human one shot of them filling the screen another like in the diagram at the top.

Have a shot of cells multiplying blender then zoom out and cut to a zoom out of the tadpoles baby snails then cut to a zoom out of the snail then cut to a dead lifespan of a snail could to a hyper-lapse.

Prism ideas

Showing different fragments of reality and how differently it can be perceived.

Using primal shapes

Pyramid

Circle

Normal

Magnified and distorted

It needs to have an order for it. Perhaps have a different eye colour or speed or aperture and a title depending on the subject. For aperture do everything in focus then switch to the opposite with the eye then show them visuals? Perhaps manipulate the pupil.

How is each visual going to connect?

Start with time or perspective then go to time.

Time starts with a shot of the human eye

Potential problems issues.

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The Brief

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A creative response to Brief (Proposal)

Produce a written response in order to effectively communicate your production ideas to your WBL project client. Your proposal should demonstrate your understanding of industry standard client/producer communications and appropriate production techniques and procedures.

What does the organisation want?

The Salvation Army would like to commission a filmmaker based in the United Kingdom to create two 60″ to 90″ Promotional video, for use to introduce/promote what they do on their Facebook page which they are wanting to create. 

One of which being a promotional/ introductory piece for the facebook page about the Mosbrough salvation army would be preferable. The videos main purpose will be to serve as a promotional/introductory video about who the salvation army Mosbrough are and what other events they have such as coffee mornings, crafting, etc.

the other videos objective will be to serve as a promotional video for the Christmas fair next year.

Target Audience

The target audience ranges from ages 16-24, although don’t alienate ages above all are welcome.

Demographic?

Channels and Distribution/Delivery Method

The promotional video will be housed on Facebook.

The measure of Success/Purpose:

Community outreach to inform others of what we provide and do. What is available for all ages?

Mandatories? – N/A

Creative Direction

What is the primary message?

Let the community know we exist, What we provide and do and what is available for all ages. – Use some motion graphics saying we welcome all ages, open to all.

 

Tone: Should show Friendliness, welcome, fun

Creative Style: Smooth movements, Rhythmic Cutting, with some invisible cuts using push ins and pull outs to transition, Show shots of people chatting, having a good time, have some nice slider/ parallax shots – pleasing to the eye, use of some time-lapse cut with smooth push in shots to invite the audience in to show the work behind the activities available.

We like the tone of these promotional videos:?

 

  • The end credits motion graphics

Talk about what the clients wants differently done instead of what was done in a past video done for another salvation army corp.

What do they like about the videos what don’t they like.

Audio Requirements

Please note that no audio is being provided by the client.

Music should complement the non-corporate and human tone we’re looking to achieve.

Any music you use should be your own original music, or you must have the license to use the audio commercially (like public domain music, for example). Creativecommons.org has some helpful information about commercial licensing music for the video.

Assets – Event Dates and locations

  • Assets: Monthly coffee morning, Crafts once a week, Christmas fair December – Dates:, October 20th Harvest Meal.

Video Deliverables – Video length: 1min/1min30 seconds.

The main video and other Christmas fair promotional video should be 30″ to 60″ and will be uploaded to Facebook pages they are going to create.

Delivery format: H.265 for facebook video.

Mosbrough Salvation Army

Our story so far:

Mosbrough Salvation Army is a small but growing Corps() it doesn’t have its own building (not yet but hopefully soon) We have a successful monthly coffee morning, weekly cafe, fortnightly art, craft and chat. All events at the moment seem to be mostly for older folk but all ages are welcome. – we aim to start moms and toddlers and other children clubs but accommodation is difficult.

 

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