Production diary a level
- 2. A2 Media Studies Foundation Portfolio Production Diary Progress update Weekly/Monthly Planner Week 1 During the first week I was introduced and shown the nature of the A2 Media studies Coursework and with course teacher we have critically analyzed coursework examples. During this task I was given the coursework option and after close examination I have decided to work on short film option, mostly because it provides me with a platform where I will explore and develop my skill and creative potential. Additional task was to research history of short film, which would lead me to further development and planning of this project. • Research into exemplar and existing students course work • Create a production planner templates • History of short film Week 2 This week I have completed research into short film conventions which will help me in writing and selecting the final idea. I have analyzed the short film Mixtape by Luke Snellin in order to reinforce the previous research findings and to go in-depth research on a specific short film genre conventions. I have also created the first shortlist of short film ideas that I have found possible after the research was completed and researching a variety of other sources, reviewing the pros and cons of each idea and then with honest opinions of my classmates and teacher I have made the final selection of ideas. Lastly this week I have written a synopsis regarding the chosen idea. • Research into short film conventions • Critical analysis and deconstruction into existing short film • Create a list of possible film ideas and evaluating and highlighting pros and cons of each • Reviewing idea with classmates and teacher, then selecting the best ones • Write a synopsis Week 3 This week I have conducted primary research using the internet platform SurveyMonkey to gather information about my potential target audience and their backgrounds and preferences with the short film medium. After I have gotten back the questionnaire results I have critically analyzed the results that will help me pick the idea that is most suited for my target audience according to results yet still allows me creative freedom. • Survey into potential audience using primary research questionnaire online platform SurveyMonkey • Analysis of research results critical evaluation Week 4 This week I have written a variation of film ideas regarding the same theme which is the immorality of the modern consumerist society. I have also completed the research for the genre I have chosen, mockumenary using The Office(UK) as my source of research. After • Write film ideas(synopsis) • Select and develop final short film idea • Research genre conventions
- 3. Foundation Portfolio Production Diary Week 5 This week I have completed the synopsis for the film, basing it on rites of passage idea, where I have used The Big Kahuna as the inspiration for my film and main character, Bob. Furthermore I had researched the codes and convections of short filmmaking to an even larger extent and have selected my final two idea for the film. •Develop the final two ideas and make a decision •Write motivations for the film and characters. Week 6 This week I have decided to choose the Door-to-Door Salesman as my final idea. I have decide to develop it as a slapstick mockumentary that makes a social commentary about the exploitation of the business in the modern consumer culture. I have also completed the character profiles for Bob, Casey and Mr. Smith •The next step would be to complete further research through analyzing another short film however this one must follow mockumentray conventions. Week 7 This week I have complete the analysis for the Mockumentary film “The Majestic Plastic Bag” by Jeremy Konner which deals satirically with the theme of pollution through treating a harmful plastic bag as if it were another part of wildlife. This has greatly helped me identify certain codes and conventions that I wish to apply to my final product. •Complete research for the filming pre- production steps •Begin working on pitch presentation Week 8 This week I have completed the research required for starting the pre-production of the film and all of the elements of it that I need to prepare for. I had also stared my pitch presentation, creating a synopsis, moodboard and target audience however I still need to plan it and complete further research in regards to the direction I wish to take the film. •Finish the pitch presentation •Create a video for it
- 4. A2 Media Studies Foundation Portfolio Production Diary Progress update Plan for next month/week Week 9 This week I have completed my pitch presentation, firmly deciding on the characters and locations I wished to use, as well as who my target audience is and how I wish to distribute the film to them. Due to weak preparation I had to delay filming the video. •Film the pitch presentation •Prepare for writing the script Week 10 This week I have successfully filmed and uploaded the video of my pitch presentation. I believe I conveyed it well however I was not very fluent due to being nervous. The rest of the week I had devoted towards research regarding the script. •Further research for the script •Begin writing it Week 11 This week I have completed the first two scenes of the script, however I realize I am going at a slow pace due to wanting to be through in applying the knowledge and skills I have gained from the research. the first two acts show steady storyline development yet lack in characterization. •Work on script Week 12 I have completed the first draft of the script however I am unsatisfied with result as there need to be more explicit showing of characters motivations and the themes of exploitation while keeping the strong elements of visual comedy. There also need s to be better foreshadowing or the final plotline and more emphasis that the events are happening in a business oriented surroundings. •Make the necessary rewrites regarding the script •Improve character motivations
- 5. A2 Media Studies Foundation Portfolio Production Diary Progress update Plan for next month/week Week 13 I have begun working on the second version of the script. I have approached it with a critical attitude and have made some of the necessary changes mostly to increase the dynamic between Bob and Casey. I have also attempted to increase the comedy through adding additional comedic lines as well as including the presence of the co-workers. •Finalize the script •Begin working on the photo storyboard Week 14 This week I have finally completed a script that I am satisfied and that I am able to adapt into a short film. the final changes have made Bob more of a comedic character as I have replaced his motivation with cheap ambition and increased the aggressiveness of Casey. I have also took all of the Photos necessary for my Photo storyboard, however the figures present are not the final actors chosen. •Complete the photo storyboard •Create a shooting schedule •complete the preproduction Week 15 This week I completed the descriptions for my photo storyboard and made some necessary added shots and reshoots. I have also finished creating the shooting schedule, as well as adding all on the required information regarding the cats and crew, costumes, locations and equipment. •Next week I will begin the filming and finish due to the two day schedule. •I will also have to prepare all the equipment and props needed. Week 16 This week I have completed the filming of all the shots that will be used for my film, there had to be some reshoots due to issues with the camera being unfocused however despite the slow process I have managed to finalize it. •The editing process should start next week. •Research how to edit
- 6. A2 Media Studies Foundation Portfolio Production Diary Progress update Plan for next month/week Week 17 This week I have finished the rough cut using the Vegas Pro editing software. I had completed extensive research on how to use the program however there was still slow progression due to the novelty of the task. I had managed to create the rough cut which consisted of all the valid shots I had taken and edited it into the storyline according to the script. •Finish the editing process •Start on the PowerPoint for it Week 18 This week I have completed the editing process and made the final version of the film where I have cut its length to be more appropriate. I have also rearranged some of the shots to create better continuity and increase the dynamic between the characters. Lastly I have screen-shoted the process and have created the post production PowerPoint. •Begin the research research for the ancillary media products Week 19 This week I have completed the codes and conventions for Postcards and websites using the ones of the same comedy genre. Through employing the research I have completed I will apply it to my designs. I have also used Prezi for the first time to show media usage diversity, however despite its nicer visual scheme it is harder to work on then Microsoft PowerPoint. •Complete the initial designs for my posters Week 20 This week I have completed the initial designs for my posters using original images I have took that work well with the films ideas of the Salesman and are visually interesting. I have also used the convections I had researched in the previous week through adding the awards won, cast and crew and production logo. •Complete final design of postcard
- 7. A2 Media Studies Foundation Portfolio Production Diary Progress update Plan for next month/week Week 21 This week I have completed my final postcard design using Adobe Photoshop, compared to the Microsoft publisher used in the previous designs. I have chosen the box as the main image due to it being my main motif within the film. I had also been able to perform the transformations and color grading without too many issues due to the experience I have gained working on it last year for my AS level media coursework. •Begin the website initial website designs Week 22 This week I have begun working on my website using the Wix online program due to its simple display and easily available editing features. I have not progressed this week much due to being unsure of how I should design my website, however I have created the conventional features such ad the social media, menu headers and masthead. •Finish the website •Finish final ancillary product PowerPoint Week 23 This week I have completed the website deciding to use the poster image as my main image again due to its visual appeal, and have made a contrasting background to it. I have also added the new pages for the menu sub headers. Lastly I have collected and elaborated on my working process and therefore finishing the PowerPoint.. •Research evaluation questions and reflect on the work I have completed this year Week 24 This week I have done extensive research on how to do the final evaluation due to its impotence. I have specifically been focusing on the first question and how my media products deal with conventions. •Complete the final evaluation
- 8. A2 Media Studies Foundation Portfolio Production Diary Progress update Plan for next month/week Week 25 I have completed the evaluation and the production diary therefore finishing my coursework for the A level media studies. The evaluation was difficult due to the high level analysis required to answer the four required question. I believe I had complete them fairly well however the final presentation lack any visual appeal.