Radar Music Videos

Interested in directing music videos? Check out this website where artists post briefs with a budget...

http://www.radarmusicvideos.com/home

Justifying Roles

Word of warning! It is important to prove in your production documents and production log what your role was and what you did on specific shooting days...if I cannot tell who did what then I'll assume that the whole group did nothing!

Units...

I've just been speaking with 2 members of the group about the current assignment and I think there is some confusion surrounding what work needs to be done for which unit...

My suggestion at this point is that your treat the research unit (Unit 2) as a completely separate assignment from the production of the film (Unit 6/33). I am suggesting this as I was asked whether the evaluation for unit 33 (i.e. your film) should also critique the research unit. The answer is no...

So, to be clear:

Unit 2 = 1 assignment. All of your research into film festivals, plus evaluation of process

Unit 6 and 33 = 1 assigment. All of your planning for the film, production documents, the film itself and an evaluation of the process.

Submission

I've been informed this morning that we have today and next week left, as the week after (21st) is your screening at the Media Museum and then you're away at Malham.

Subsequently, I need all work submitted by next week (Unit 2/6/ 33)...be sure to read the assignment brief and do a final checklist before submitting.

Also, Leanne has requested that, alongside the submission on your blog, you also submit the research unit to 'Turn It In'. Leanne has informed me that you know how to use the site and she has set up a deadline on there for next Friday.

Cheers,

Mark

Fridays...

Hi All!

I'm guessing that you're all well on your way to completing your assignment now?

From my understanding we have 3 sessions (7th, 14th, 21st) left together this year...I'd like to fill this time with some filmmaking. I know you've had lots of filmmaking on your plate but you only learn by doing...

Virgin Media Shorts

13 SHORTLISTED FILMS. 1 GRAND PRIZE WINNER. £30,000 TO SHOOT YOUR NEXT FILM. BFI MENTORING. VIRGIN MEDIA SHORTS IS THE REEL DEAL FOR EMERGING FILM-MAKERS

Check out the website: http://www.virginmediashorts.co.uk

All I want is for each of you to bring a tiny short story with you as of Friday and we'll film each one of them...you'll direct your own film with the rest of the groups help. I think between us we can find time to each make a short film and we can all act in them...even I'll put a performance in! But please keep it simple!

Rules:

Films can be no longer than two minutes twenty seconds in length (easy!!!!) including titles and credits - not even by a second! It can be shorter...so you could make a sixty second film if you want

Deadline:

18th July 2013 - even if we don't get chance to edit them you can finish them off and submit them.

Example:

Check out the website but here is one made by Alex James of Blur

CIQ: 24/05/13

1. At what moment in the class this week did you feel most engaged with what was happening?

2. At what moment in the class this week did you feel most distanced from what was happening?

3. What action that anyone (teacher or student) took in class this week did you find most affirming and helpful?

4. What action that anyone (teacher or student) took in class this week did you find the most confusing puzzling?

5. What about the class this week surprised you the most? (This could be something about your own reactions to what went on, or something that someone did, or anything else that occurs to you.)

Sheffield Doc Fest

If you have the time - you should attempt to check out some of the events at Doc Fest (June 12-16th): http://sheffdocfest.com/

"Sheffield Doc/Fest brings the international documentary family together to celebrate the art and business of documentary making for five intense days in June. Now in its 20th Year, Sheffield Doc/Fest is one of the top three documentary festivals and markets in the world"

Documentary

In light of our discussion about documentary subjects - check this out:

The Changing Face of India...http://vimeo.com/27064176

Elliot Grove on Cannes

Could be useful for research unit

Elliot Grove, founder of Raindance Film Festival, talks Cannes on BBC: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BB1JLB13yQM&feature=youtu.be&a

CIQ - 17/05/13

1. At what moment in the class this week did you feel most engaged with what was happening?

2. At what moment in the class this week did you feel most distanced from what was happening?

3. What action that anyone (teacher or student) took in class this week did you find most affirming and helpful?

4. What action that anyone (teacher or student) took in class this week did you find the most confusing puzzling?

5. What about the class this week surprised you the most? (This could be something about your own reactions to what went on, or something that someone did, or anything else that occurs to you.)

Filmonik (Manchester)

Looking for something to do this summer? http://filmonikweb.blogspot.co.uk/

Monday 22nd - Sunday 28th July. With screenings on Wednesday 24th July and Sunday 28th July.

"The Kabaret is part creative jam session, part cinematic bootcamp: a whole week of flat out, pedal-to-the-metal 24/7 guerrilla filmmaking; a chance for filmmakers, writers, actors, musicians, artists and creatives of all types to come together in a spirit of creative collaboration, to put their inventiveness, ability to improvise and eye for an opportunity to the test, and to have fun with film.

Whatever your skill or interest, the Kabaret has something to offer. For Directors, it’s a chance to hook up with actors, writers, cameramen and editors, for cameramen, sound techs and editors, it’s a chance to hone your skills in a high-pressure environment, pair up with directors, and start working as part of a filmmaking team. For writers, it’s a chance to workshop ideas with actors and get that script on screen. For musicians and composers, it’s a chance to try your hand at scoring a film, or performing on camera. For actors, it’s an opportunity get invaluable experience working with different types of directors and an array of varying dramatic roles. For every participant, it’s an opportunity to build up material for your show reels. Taking part in Kabaret films often leads to future projects and work outside of Filmonik. But you only get out of it what you put in - so get involved and push your talents to the limits.

Participation in the Kabaret will cost £45 for the whole week. For those who cannot commit to a full week, we have divided the Kabaret into two sections - the first leading up to the midweek screening, the second leading up to the Sunday screening. Participation in a single section / screening will cost £25. This will cover access to kit, food provisions, venues and studio hire, insurance, etc."

Blog Layout/Assignment/Units

Hi all!

In terms of presenting your work (Unit 2/6/33) - it may help to create individual 'pages' for each unit on your blog. This will help me to identify which parts of your work are for which unit

Katy has done this and it looks very neat - http://kathrynpogue.blogspot.co.uk/

Also, I'm fine with you uploading word/pdf documents to dropbox and putting a hyperlink onto your blog. Whatever's easiest for you in terms of submitting is fine with me.

In terms of the assignment - please, please check the learning outcomes to see that you are meeting some of the listed points under each italicised heading.

e.g. Primary sources: interviews (face-to-face, over the telephone, by correspondence, by email); questionnaires; surveys; focus groups; information leaflets from source; own sources, eg notes, video or tape recording of live events, contacts list; diaries; observation; recces

Regarding primary research for unit 2 - get creative if you aren't getting responses. Twitter has loads of filmmakers and film festival profiles - tweet them! I suggested to Shabaz that he looks specifically at the names of filmmakers at certain film festivals and contacts them directly.

Also, look at smaller film festivals/film nights:

Filmed Up North, Cornerhouse - http://www.cornerhouse.org/film/film-events/filmed-up-north-west-filmmakers-night

Exposures Student Film Festival - http://www.exposuresfestival.co.uk/

Stoke Your Fires - http://www.stokeyourfires.co.uk/

I'll update this as and when...

Tomorrow...

Hi all, 

tomorrow is your penultimate lesson with me before your assignment deadline. I'm happy for you to work towards completing this.

I also have a task for those who have completed all work for your assignment.

See you then,

Mark

Vertical Video

Shabaz and I made a couple of vertical videos yesterday. Vimeo allow you to upload length ways so the effect of the video would be better had I uploaded the video there. However, I still think it's an interesting way to view an image. Some of the videos in the tall screen vimeo group almost seem like moving photographs - check them out: https://vimeo.com/groups/tallscreenvideo  

CIQ - 10/05/13

1. At what moment in the class this week did you feel most engaged with what was happening?

2. At what moment in the class this week did you feel most distanced from what was happening?

3. What action that anyone (teacher or student) took in class this week did you find most affirming and helpful?

4. What action that anyone (teacher or student) took in class this week did you find the most confusing puzzling?

5. What about the class this week surprised you the most? (This could be something about your own reactions to what went on, or something that someone did, or anything else that occurs to you.)

Assignment Brief

Little reminder - be sure to tick off the assignment brief as and when you complete specific tasks

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/55126728/brief/HND%20Moving%20Image%20%5Bupdate%5D.pdf

Task: AM

This morning. Either create a:

Vertical Vid 

Our computer screens and trips to movie theaters have biased our eyeballs. When we think of video, our first thought most likely includes films snuggled safely into the 16:9 or 4:3 format. But that's not the only way! 

Turn a camera sideways and you've got a whole new world of compositional possibilities. Not convinced? Check out Jesse Rosten's beautiful video, Beach Verticals: https://vimeo.com/10453905 

Today, I challenge you to cast off the shackles of tradition and flip your camera 90°! But don't let this rotation throw your aesthetic sensibilities off kilter, if you need a little inspiration, head over to the Tallscreen Channel: https://vimeo.com/groups/tallscreenvideo 

The restrictions are as follows: Your video must contain vertical, static shots and be a video between 1-2 minutes long. Think of it as a photograph that moves and use this opportunity to capture something subtle, like the slight movement of leaves in the wind, or the hint of a smile on a friends face.

20 Steps

Take your video camera (cell phone, point and shoot, camcorder or whatever else you have) and find an area outside that you want to explore. To begin, take a short video of the area you start your video adventure.

Then, take 20 steps in one direction and stop and stop and take another short video. Repeat this process after taking another 20 steps in the same direction. After you've captured 20 little videos, every 20 steps, you'll edit them together to create a little film.

There is no limit to how long you capture a video after each set of 20 steps, but each video shouldn't be too long (5-10 seconds). Then, edit the videos together chronologically and see what you come up with! The idea is to creatively capture your adventure, focusing on how to capture a similar area in different ways. Try to find a new and interesting image or perspective every time you stop by varying your shots and angles to come up with something unique. You can try telling a story of your surroundings, capture the area in a way that people do't normally see it as or anything else you come up with.

Short Doc Project

I've been contacted by a man called Paul Clarke who does "pop-up" gardening events. Anyway, he's doing one at Chelsea Fringe and he's looking for some sort of short documentary to be made about the event. 

It may be good for those of you who haven't started your assignment for Dave. Or it may just be something extra for your showreel. The event is Saturday 17th May - 1.30-5.00 

 He's sent me all the details:

"Here is some information for you about the event and links to the event etc.

event meeting schedule and plan for the afternoon http://www.pop-up-foundation.org/web/?p=150 

chelsea fringe information on us http://www.chelseafringe.com/the-urban-orchard-with-a-twist/ me planted! http://www.pop-up-foundation.org/web/?p=142

our newspaper for the event outlining the speakers http://www.pop-up-foundation.org/web/?p=131 

article in the Daily Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/9970886/Planted-people-help-cross-fertilise-ideas-at-the-Chelsea-Fringe.html

2Degrees network sustainable solution of the year award nomination http://www.2degreesnetwork.com/groups/managing-sustainability/resources/pop-up-foundation-demonstrating-sustainability-unexpected-places-and-unexpected-ways/ "

Anyone interested?

Tomorrow, assignment, etc...

Having read back your CIQ comments - it seems that most of you are happy to have lesson time to get going on your 3 unit assignment. 

However, I don't feel that everyone used their time effectively last week. You essentially have 3 lessons left with me [I've been told since last week that half-term begins on 24th May]. The fact that planning, never mind shooting/editing, hasn't even begun is quite scary to me...filmmaking is also about time management! I'm also concerned that some of you are only just reading what you have to do! You are HE students now and independent study is a part of that.

Classroom behaviour - I was also disappointed that people think it's ok to just disappear and not say where they have been. If you don't want to be in the room, that's ok. Just let me know where you're going and why...but please have some respect. No one is making you stay in college.

I have delivered filmmaking sessions for, essentially, the entire year...and I can do the same tomorrow if you want me to? I'd be happy to do a little shooting/editing task but at this point of the assignment you should really be editing your assignment. I can talk about filmmaking all year if you want - let me know. Either way - I don't want people sitting around doing nothing.

I don't want to get on your backs...think about this and let's move forward. 

Vimeo Comp

Hopefully you've been studying diligently during our Storytelling the Stillmotion Way series because it's time for a Challenge! Be sure to check out all 4 parts of our collaboration with Stillmotion on learning how to better tell you stories. More details below!

Here are the rules for the challenge:

+ Use what you've learned in the Storytelling the Stillmotion Way series to tell the story of somebody who is doing what they love.
+ Your video should be one to two minutes in length.
+ If you add music, use a song you've created or something from the Vimeo Music Store, or With Etiquette.
+ Add your video to the Storytelling the Stillmotion Way Challenge Group: Make sure you upload and post your video to the Group by Monday, May 6th at 11:59 PM (EST).

Remember that only videos made specifically for this Challenge will be considered. All videos must be approved by the Vimeo Staff before appearing in the Group, so don't worry if your video doesn't show up at first; we'll get to it!

And here are the prizes:
+ The top 10 finalists will receive a $99 music license from our friends at With Etiquette.
+ Third place will receive a Simplis Quick-Release Plate, plus two Universal Accessory Mounts from Cinevate, and a free Vimeo Plus account for one year!
+ Second place will receive an Atlas FLT Camera Slider from Cinevate, and a free Vimeo Plus account for one year!
+ First place will receive an Atlas FLT Camera Slider with Moco from Cinevate, and a free Vimeo PRO account for one year!

Down On the Farm

Just had an email about this little film fest:

http://shortfilms.org.uk/dotf/

Research - Unit 2

Research: You will conduct research, using a number of different sources - internet, libraries, archives, interviews, text books, etc. (Unit 2: LO1), into the role of the film festival within the Film industry and the types of films that are selected for screening. You will ensure that the research is accurate and valid (Unit 2: LO2) and present your findings (Unit 2: LO3).

 A list of festivals is not enough to successfully pass this unit...I expect you to contact people involved in festivals - why are film festivals important to the industry? Does critical success in festivals guarantee a career in the industry? Etc. Also - do some case studies...which filmmakers started out on the festival circuit? If any...

 If you have any questions - feel free to ask

CIQ - 3/5/13

Please post your CIQ's, anonymously, below...you can leave questions in your post (makes it easier for me)

1. At what moment in the class this week did you feel most engaged with what was happening?

2. At what moment in the class this week did you feel most distanced from what was happening?

3. What action that anyone (teacher or student) took in class this week did you find most affirming and helpful?

4. What action that anyone (teacher or student) took in class this week did you find the most confusing puzzling?

5. What about the class this week surprised you the most? (This could be something about your own reactions to what went on, or something that someone did, or anything else that occurs to you.)

Virgin Media Shorts

Following on from the last post about online film festivals - check out Virgin Media Shorts. http://www.virginmediashorts.co.uk/?buspart=googlesearch#page=1&filter=date

Eligible Films:

If you enter a film that doesn’t fit the competition criteria, it won’t be considered in the judging process, no matter what. Sorry! If you want to win Virgin Media Shorts 2013 (and why wouldn’t you?), you’ll need to make sure that your film:

• is no longer than two minutes twenty seconds in length (140 seconds) including titles and credits - not even by a second! It can be shorter though.
• is U or PG rated (more info here)
• complies with Ofcom's Broadcasting Code (in particular your film must be suitable for transmission before 9pm)
• complies with the CAP (non-broadcast) Code
• is in English or subtitled in English
• only uses music that you have the rights to use
• is uploaded before the deadline (12 midday on 18th July 2013)

The Rules:

To enter a film into Virgin Media Shorts, you’ll need to be:

• aged 18 or over by the time the competition closes for entries (18th July 2013)
• a resident of the UK, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands registered on virginmediashorts.co.uk
• the director or producer of the film you're entering
• You'll also need to agree to Virgin Media's terms and conditions as well as the competition's terms and conditions before submitting your work.

Film Festivals in Digital Age

Something to consider - the internet is allowing for a new type of film festival. Online film festivals: http://vimeo.com/awards/festival

Video Blogs

For those of you interested - here are some production video blogs from the film shoot I was involved in over Easter.

Day 1 & 2: http://vimeo.com/64754705

Shooting with the Raven and on Lake: http://vimeo.com/64983008

Shooting with Budgies: http://vimeo.com/64983009

Sound, night shoot & interviews w/actors: http://vimeo.com/65258929

Shooting on Morecambe pier: http://vimeo.com/65262194

Friday, Assignment, etc...

Hey people!

Sounds like the trip went very well! Glad to hear it...

As you know - your deadline for me is fast approaching. Technically, you have a week left as you only 5 full college days with me before deadline (31st May). Subsequently, I'm going to be giving you much more independent time during college hours. I want you to be able to use the time to start pulling all of your work together  (and maybe give a chance for some of you to even start it ;) - only joking)

I know how long filmmaking takes so I want you to have the necessary time to complete the work to the best of your abilities...I will be facilitating whatever you need.

I've spoken to Dave about extra editing time and that can be worked out:

You can use the Mac suite from 1.30 on a Friday (Dave will have students in there at the same time but there will be available space). There is also a late night opening on a Wednesday and open access Mac suite on D floor all day Thursday (for this you will need to transfer their project folder upstairs though).

Hope this all makes sense?

Mark

Why Do We Need Film Festivals?

Just seen this on twitter...may be worth checking out

“Why Do We Need Film Festivals?” (And Other Similar Questions) http://ow.ly/2ww9Td

Unit 2

Just a reminder about unit 2...some of you haven't submitted any work. A few of you have but have submitted very little. A reminder of the learning outcomes/unit content

Learning Outcomes:

LO1: Be able to apply research methods and procedures in creative media production contexts
1.1: apply research methods and procedures in a media production context to gather well
focused and useful material

LO2: Be able to ensure the accuracy and validity of research material

2.1 apply correct procedures for collection of accurate
2.2 justify validity of data

LO3: Be able to present research outcomes with due compliance
3.1 use an agreed format to present the outcomes of the research clearly to an audience
3.2 reference material and quotations accurately in a bibliography and credit list
3.3 demonstrate due compliance in all aspects of the research conducted

LO4: Be able to evaluate research processes and outcomes
4.1 evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the research process
4.2 evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the research outcomes
4.3 critically assess areas for further consideration and make recommendations.

Unit content - things you should be considering/touching on

1 Be able to apply research methods and procedures in creative media production contexts

Resources: internet, eg search methods, search engines; libraries, eg catalogues, inter-library loan, borrowing, reference only, microfiches, cuttings libraries, photographic and image libraries, stock shot libraries; archives, eg public records offices, broadcastersʼ archives, newspaper archives, film archives; private collections

Primary sources: interviews (face-to-face, over the telephone, by correspondence, by email); questionnaires;
surveys; focus groups; information leaflets from source; own sources, eg notes, video or tape recording of live events, contacts list; diaries; observation; recces

Secondary sources: text-based, eg books, trade magazines, journals, newspapers, websites, published
research; visual, eg photographs, paintings, film stock; audio, eg radio interviews, radio news broadcasts,
documentaries, archived audio recordings; digital, eg CDROMs, databases

Procedures: note taking; collation of results and materials; cross-referencing materials; graphics; tables; ethical considerations, eg off the record, breach of confidence, protecting sources, moral issues, privacy, public interest, cheque book journalism

Production contexts: eg broadcast journalism, print and electronic articles and features, drama production,
documentary production, computer game story development, website production, speech packages, contributors to programmes, presenter and producer notes, location recce reports

2 Be able to ensure the accuracy and validity of research material 

Accuracy: cross-checking of source; multiple sources; procedural codes, eg BBC producerʼs guidelines, NUJ code of conduct; regulation, eg Press Complaints Commission, Ofcom, BSC, ITC

Validity: reliability of sources; validity of interpretations

3 Be able to present research outcomes with due compliance

Preparation of materials: suitable formats for production and post-production; photographs and archive material to correct format

Presentation format: format appropriate to production, eg written, oral, digital; format appropriate to audience;use of appropriate media

Referencing: appropriate to sources, eg books, journals, internet; methods of referencing, eg Harvard method, Modern Languages Association (MLA); citation; quotation; accreditation; acknowledgements;
credits

Compliance: legal considerations, eg defamation, slander, libel, justification, fair comment, privilege, subjudice, contempt of court, differences in national laws, Official Secrets Act, Defence Advisory Notes (D notices); copyright (licences to use material, duration of copyright, in public domain, photocopying, internet, disclaimers, originality, plagiarism, intellectual integrity); royalty collection agencies,eg PRS, MCPS, ALCS; on-screen credits; permissions, eg release forms, filming permissions, theatrical agents,
specialist agencies, auditions, contracts

4 Be able to evaluate research processes and outcomes

Process: strengths and weaknesses of the research methods used; validity; reliability; alternative routes to the
same information; logistics; recommendations for the future

Outcomes: accuracy; fitness for purpose; ethical issues; feedback, eg audience, client, tutors, peers;
recommendations for the future

Assignment

Hi All

Hope everyone has had a good half-term and that you're also enjoying the Spain trip?

I've had a couple of emails about the assignment.

1. I'm happy for it to be solely on the blog - I don't need a hard copy, unless you want me to have one.

2. Regarding putting your work on Moodle, I'll have to check the college policy when I'm next in.

Good luck with the film, see you all soon

Mark

4th wall

After our chat this morning about 'breaking the 4th wall', I've just come across this video via twitter...

Friday 22nd

This Friday is the last session that I'll have with you for over a month. Subsequently, whilst in the morning I'll be doing a lesson/task, in the afternoon I'd like to do some one-to-one tutorials with you regarding where you're at with your current assignment. You can get on with any work that you may have whilst I conduct these tutorials, although the task may run over into the afternoon.

Times: 

Tallah - 1.30

Selena - 1.45 

Adam - 2.00

Jake - 2.15

Katy - 2.30

Carly - 2.45

Jess - 3.00

Cameron - 3.15

Shabaz - 3.30

Danielle - 3.45

See you then,

Mark

Winner of Weekend Challenge

The joint winners of the 'One Second Clips' Challenge






Runners Up
Eduardo Ripoli shared a beautiful portrait of his father in "Time with you": vimeo.com/groups/weekendchallenge/videos/61641864

Louis du Mont showed us a little shoe-gazing in his video, "24 second day": vimeo.com/groups/weekendchallenge/videos/61474561

Ryan Greene's beautiful imagery in "Memory Lapse" is worth a minute of your time: vimeo.com/groups/weekendchallenge/videos/61495399

And finally, Franklin Garcia will make you chuckle with his short and sweet video, "Merendin": vimeo.com/groups/weekendchallenge/videos/61508769

£5000 for a short film

http://www.ideastap.com/Opportunities/Brief/4855d95c-bc65-400f-98b1-a16600d77be6#Overview

"Do you have a vision for a short film you’d love to make but no dosh with which to do so? Then this is the brief for you.

We’re offering eight IdeasTap members £5,000 funding each and expert mentoring to turn their short film ideas into reality. Narrative, documentary, conceptual, a music video, animation – the format is down to you – what we’re looking for are engaging and, above all, original ideas.

Your finished film will be no longer than 20 minutes long. With it, you must be proposing to do something that has not been done before and something that you would not be able to do without the funding."

This brief closes at 5pm on Thursday 28 March and is open to IdeasTap members aged 16 to 25. If you have any technical queries, contact the Help Centre. Late entries will not be accepted under any circumstances, including technical issues – so make sure you don’t leave your application to the last minute

CIQ - 15/03/13

Please post your CIQ's, anonymously, below...you can leave questions in your post (makes it easier for me)

1. At what moment in the class this week did you feel most engaged with what was happening?

2. At what moment in the class this week did you feel most distanced from what was happening?

3. What action that anyone (teacher or student) took in class this week did you find most affirming and helpful?

4. What action that anyone (teacher or student) took in class this week did you find the most confusing puzzling?

5. What about the class this week surprised you the most? (This could be something about your own reactions to what went on, or something that someone did, or anything else that occurs to you.)

Friday 15th

There will be a couple of tasks tomorrow so bring your cameras...cheers!

See you in the morning,
Mark

CIQ responses

Thank you again for the CIQ comments - I'm missing 2 though...if you haven't written a response can you please do so?

A few of you have mentioned the cropped sensor/maths. There isn't really anything that you have to "learn". I was simply making you aware of the fact that certain sensors on cameras crop the image. Therefore a 50mm shot becomes more like a 75mm shot. Just something to be aware of when shooting...

Another comment has caught my eye though:

What action that anyone (teacher or student) took in class this week did you find the most confusing puzzling?

"when we were put into groups, we like to choose our own groups..." - I appreciate this but at times in your career you will have to work with other people than your friends. Working with new people also challenges your own creative ideas.

However, the second part of this comment needs to be addressed:

"...and dont particularly like task work"

Can you elaborate on this? I'm unsure how I can rectify this? I also think it's a bit disappointing if you literally mean that you don't like doing tasks in lessons.

Please comment anonymously below as I'd like to know what you mean and how we can move forward as a group...

CIQ - 8/03/13

Please post your CIQ's, anonymously, below...you can leave questions in your post (makes it easier for me)

1. At what moment in the class this week did you feel most engaged with what was happening?

2. At what moment in the class this week did you feel most distanced from what was happening?

3. What action that anyone (teacher or student) took in class this week did you find most affirming and helpful?

4. What action that anyone (teacher or student) took in class this week did you find the most confusing puzzling?

5. What about the class this week surprised you the most? (This could be something about your own reactions to what went on, or something that someone did, or anything else that occurs to you.)

Friday

AM: I was thinking we could look at some of the auditions for your short film in Spain before we move on to this weeks session....could someone bring the footage?

PM: DSLR people - could you bring your cameras? Also, could you comment below with what lenses you have?

Cheers and good luck with auditions

Mark

Short Film pdf's

About A Girl

Worksheet 1 
Worksheet 2

Two Cars One Night

Worksheet 1
Worksheet 2

CIQ 1/3/13

Please post your CIQ's, anonymously, below...you can leave questions in your post (makes it easier for me)

1. At what moment in the class this week did you feel most engaged with what was happening?

2. At what moment in the class this week did you feel most distanced from what was happening?

3. What action that anyone (teacher or student) took in class this week did you find most affirming and helpful?

4. What action that anyone (teacher or student) took in class this week did you find the most confusing puzzling?

5. What about the class this week surprised you the most? (This could be something about your own reactions to what went on, or something that someone did, or anything else that occurs to you.)

Friday

Your cameras will be of use for Friday's lesson. If you have one, bring it in...

Cheers,

Mark

Vimeo Weekend Project

Note: This is not me...message sent from vimeo staff

"Hello, my creative confidantes!

For this Weekend Challenge we're going to focus on using POV shots as artistic tools. Head over to the post to see all of the .gif glory: vimeo.com/videoschool/lesson/356/weekend-challenge-a-unique-point-of-view 

Point of View (POV) is a shooting technique that shows the perspective of a scene from a character or object's position in the setting, whether it's seeing the world through someone's eyes or experiencing the action of orbiting a person as a jumprope, like in this mesmerising video from Callum Cooper: 

vimeo.com/55061232

When you're involved in the scene, the act of watching becomes more immersive than if you were watching everything as a bystander. Think up some unique shots that really enhance the story you're trying to tell. For this Challenge, we want you to explore multiple points of view as a shooting technique for a short narrative. You could try storyboarding your idea to help you come up with a shot list. 

The Rules:
+ Make a narrative video using at least three POV shots from three different perspectives.
+ Keep your video under 3 minutes.
+ If you add music, use a song you've created or something from the Vimeo Music Store: vimeo.com/musicstore
+ Upload and post your video to the Weekend Project Group by Tuesday, February 26th at 11:59 PM (EST) : vimeo.com/groups/weekendproject 

Remember that only videos made specifically for this Challenge will be considered. All videos must be approved by the Vimeo Staff before appearing in the Group, so don't worry if your video doesn't show up at first; we'll get to it! 

The winner of this Weekend Challenge will receive a free Vimeo Plus account for one year! If you're already a Plus member, you'll get another year! The runner-up will receive an extra 3GB of upload space, Plus account or not. 

Let's see what you've got!"

Assignment questions

Hi people...hope your half-term is going well? 

I'm getting a number of questions, across a number of blog posts, about the brief/assignment. Subsequently, I've created this post for you to ask any questions that you may have.

Post below...

Music Films

Raindance just tweeted an article that may be of interest to those of you who are making a music film:

Music Videos as Short Films - http://www.raindance.org/10-music-videoshort-films/

Top 10 Sites for Indie Filmmakers

Raindance article: http://www.raindance.org/site/index.php?id=479,7124,0,0,1,0

Raindance Resources

On the Raindance website you can find hundreds of articles that are full of very useful hints and tips for filmmakers:

http://www.raindance.org/resources/

No Film School

Useful filmmaking website: http://nofilmschool.com/

"NoFilmSchool is a site for DIY filmmakers and independent creatives. The site focuses on tools and technology relevant to filmmakers, writers, directors, editors, producers, cinematographers, bloggers, designers, and entrepreneurs

Boy and Bicycle

Boy and Bicycle...directed by Ridley Scott and featuring his late brother Tony. This was filmed whilst Ridley was still a student, so it's quite interesting to see this in light of what he has achieved since.

Again, this was selected for the Cinema 16 British Shorts DVD

 

Who's My Favourite Girl

Another short film available on Cinema 16 British Shorts DVD

 

Je t'aime John Wayne

A short film that pays homage to French New Wave cinema. Available on the Cinema 16 British Shorts DVD

Je t'aime John Wayne (2000)

Raindance

Some short films from the Best of Raindance 15 DVD

Anniversary Present...

 

Cherries

CIQ - 15/02/13

Please post your CIQ's, anonymously, below...you can leave questions in your post (makes it easier for me)

1. At what moment in the class this week did you feel most engaged with what was happening?

2. At what moment in the class this week did you feel most distanced from what was happening?

3. What action that anyone (teacher or student) took in class this week did you find most affirming and helpful?

4. What action that anyone (teacher or student) took in class this week did you find the most confusing puzzling?

5. What about the class this week surprised you the most? (This could be something about your own reactions to what went on, or something that someone did, or anything else that occurs to you.)

Brief

I've added a few extra dates into your brief - also be sure to look at the criteria for pass, merit, distinction

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/55126728/brief/HND%20Moving%20Image%20%5Bupdate%5D.pdf

Next Friday (15/02)

AM - Short Film Season (as part of your research module)...so if you're due to present some, we'll be doing that in the morning.

PM - No formal presentation or task. This will be some time to work on your assignment and ask me any questions that you have.

Music Lesson - the films...

Closer (dir. Mike Nichols, 2004)




Lars and the Real Girl (dir. Craig Gillespie, 2007)



Chasing Amy (dir. Kevin Smith, 1997)




The Secret in Their Eyes (dir. Juan José Campanella, 2009)



No Country for Old Men (dir. Coen Brothers, 2007)

CIQ - 8/02/13

Please post your CIQ's, anonymously, below...you can leave questions in your post (makes it easier for me)

1. At what moment in the class this week did you feel most engaged with what was happening?

2. At what moment in the class this week did you feel most distanced from what was happening?

3. What action that anyone (teacher or student) took in class this week did you find most affirming and helpful?

4. What action that anyone (teacher or student) took in class this week did you find the most confusing puzzling?

5. What about the class this week surprised you the most? (This could be something about your own reactions to what went on, or something that someone did, or anything else that occurs to you.)

Vimeo Weekend Project

"Hey Vimeo!

This week's Video School Challenge is fun for the whole family — especially the little ones, as we're putting the kids in the director's seat! Your challenge is simple: Help a kid make a video.  

Just as a child's imagination is boundless, the possibilites here are endless! You could shoot a script written by a child, animate a drawing by a toddler, or help a little one make a documentary about something she's interested in. There are no rules, except that a kid (or a group of kids) must be the driving creative force behind the project. 

So how about some examples to get the creative juices flowing like Capri Sun after a soccer game? First, watch how Bianca Giaever collaborated with a six year old to make this beautifully surreal piece: vimeo.com/58659769 

Next up, one of my favorite kid-creations on the site, made by animator extraordinaire Charles Huettner with drawings and audio from his six year-old niece: vimeo.com/28690063 

This next example was a nominee in the documentary category of the 2010 Vimeo Festival and Awards. Mixing non-fiction and fiction elements, Drew Xanthopoulos helps his young friend tell his adventure story while simultaneously painting a portrait of the boy. The result is totally original and really fun: vimeo.com/11576201 

Here are a few more tips: Try choosing a topic or character that will pique the little one's interest. If they love stuffed animals, use those as your characters. If they love science, help them make a documentary on something they've learned about. If they like to cook, let them star in their own cooking show, like my nephew Ashton: vimeo.com/48683897 

We hope that the process will spark creativity and confidence in the little ones, and that their imaginations will broaden your creative horizons. While you, as a tech-savvy adult, have access to equipment and knowledge of filmmaking (and the literacy level to read over some handy Vimeo Video School lessons for the parts you're fuzzy on!), kids have a different way of viewing the world, and uninhibited imaginations. Remember, they have as much to offer you as you have to offer them! 

Ok, the rules:
+The director, or the driving creative force, of your video must be a kid. If you want to get technical, by "kid" we mean an individual under the age of 13.
+Keep your video under 3 minutes.
+If you add music, use a song you've created or something from the Vimeo Music Store.
+Upload the video to your account, and add it to the Weekend Project Group by Tuesday, February 12th at 11:59 PM (EST).

Remember that only videos made specifically for this Challenge will be considered. All videos must be approved by the Vimeo Staff before appearing in the Group, so don't worry if your video doesn't show up at first; we'll get to it! 

The winner of this Challenge will receive a free Vimeo Plus account for one year! If you're already a Plus member, you can gift the Plus account to whomever you choose, or we'll add another year onto your subscription. The runner-up will receive an extra 3GB of upload space, Plus account or not."

Half-term

Over half-term you should start thinking about your productions and working through your production documents/planning. I will speak to you individually on Friday afternoon...

33.2 Be able to devise and pre-produce moving image fiction productions

Devise: subject idea; format; genre; style; audience; intended aim; budget, eg research costs, crew costs, travel, accommodation, subsistence, contingency

Pre-production: roles and responsibilities; proposals; script; shooting script; production schedule; production meeting minutes; call sheets; locations; recce report; risk assessments; health and safety Logistics: time management; feasibility, deadlines; booking actors; acquiring properties; crewing; studio use; designing sets; building sets

Legal and ethical considerations: clearances and permissions; privacy; consent; release forms; filming in public

6.3 Be able to follow appropriate procedures to complete productions for clients

Pre-production: scripts; schedules; storyboards; call sheets; recce; obtaining permissions (locations, consent forms, copyright material); bookings (equipment, studios, talent); liaison (with client, with outside agencies)

100 Film Festivals

For your research, here are the 100 essential film festivals according to Raindance

http://www.raindance.org/essential-100-film-festivals-part-1/

http://www.raindance.org/essential-100-film-festivals-part-2-2013/

http://www.raindance.org/essential-100-film-festivals-part-3-2013/

http://www.raindance.org/essential-100-film-festivals-part-4-2013/

CIQ - 1/02/13

Please post your CIQ's, anonymously, below...you can leave questions in your post [makes it easier for me]

1. At what moment in the class this week did you feel most engaged with what was happening? 

2. At what moment in the class this week did you feel most distanced from what was happening?

3. What action that anyone (teacher or student) took in class this week did you find most affirming and helpful?

4. What action that anyone (teacher or student) took in class this week did you find the most confusing puzzling?

5. What about the class this week surprised you the most? (This could be something about your own reactions to what went on, or something that someone did, or anything else that occurs to you.) 

Guillermo del Toro Interview

Mark Kermode interviews Guillermo del Toro

Short Film Season

I hope you've all had chance to read up about the Short Film Season that I'd like you to conduct? Details are here: http://hnd-creativemedia.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/short-film-season.html

Week 1 was due to be: Tallah, Shabaz and Selena.

However, Shabaz has informed me that he will not be in. Subsequently, is there anyone who would like to jump in on Friday morning?

Answers below...don't be shy

Vimeo: Weekend Project

Nothing to do this weekend? Why not do the vimeo weekend project?

"Hey Vimeans!

I'm not sure where you happen to be, but it's very cold where we are. On days when I'd rather not venture outside, I get a hankering to do some baking. This weekend, we're challenging you to show us how handy you are with a camera and a cookbook! Check out our lesson on shooting a Recipe video for more detailed instructions and oodles of tips! vimeo.com/videoschool/lesson/333/how-to-cook-up-a-recipe-video 

For a great example, check out this video from tiger in a jar: vimeo.com/47559223 

Your video could provide the specifics of a recipe, with instructions to help others make the same food, or you could film the experience of making your favorite dish, immersing your viewers in the process.

The Rules: 

+ Make a video illustrating or explaining a recipe. 

+ Keep your video under 3 minutes. 

+ If you add music, use a song from the Vimeo Music Store. 

+ Upload and post your video to the Weekend Project Group by Wednesday, January 30th at 11:59 PM (EST). vimeo.com/groups/weekendproject 

Remember that only videos made specifically for this Challenge will be considered. All videos must be approved by the Vimeo Staff before appearing in the Group, so don't worry if your video doesn't show up at first; we'll get to it! 

The winner of this Challenge will receive a free Vimeo Plus account for one year! If you're already a Plus member, you can gift the Plus account to whomever you choose, and we'll give you an extra 5GB of upload space for your account. The runner-up will receive an extra 3GB of upload space, Plus account or not. Check out the full Challenge post here: vimeo.com/videoschool/lesson/344/challenge-cook-up-a-recipe"

Sound Design: The films...

For future reference:

Clip 1: Punch Drunk Love (dir. Paul Thomas Anderson, 2002)

Clip 2: The Devil's Backbone (dir. Guillermo del Toro, 2001)

Clip 3: Once Upon a Time in America (dir. Sergio Leone, 1984)

Clip 4: Blow Out (dir. Brian De Palma, 1981)

Short Film Season

Today a few of you have done a short presentation on the cinematography, editing and sound in a short film...

Mini Festival

As of next week (1st Feb), each student will present a season of short films (a mini film festival so to speak) - 30 mins each (approx) but you can do longer if you need to. I estimate that you can screen 5 or 6 films in that time (depending on the running time). We will only be doing this on Friday mornings - so it may run over a few weeks. You can be as creative as you want (bring popcorn if you want and a banner for the wall)

Your season will have a theme of some description - perhaps the films will be based around 'fairytales' or 'love' or 'growing up'....whatever. Perhaps they are influences on the film you will eventually make - therefore, maybe they are a selection of narrative films featuring music. You may include the film that you discussed this week, if it fits into the season / "oeuvre" of films that you are screening. Consider the order that they will be screened in - does film 1 flow into film 2, for example.

This is more about the films you screen than "presenting" - I'm looking for you to find films that will benefit the group as they may not have seen them - maybe they contain great cinematography or great editing. This is beneficial as you are about to embark on the production of a short film and so it is important to watch films: even if you don't like a film, that is as beneficial as liking a film.  

Details:

• Give a title for your season of short films, e.g. " i heart shorts" if they are about love.
• Before each film, you will briefly discuss why you selected the film for screening. Why did you choose to screen the film to the group? What do you think we will learn from them? Did they resonate with you in some way? What themes do the films contain?  

After the screening of your films, you will conduct a Q&A/discussion withe group about the films. Perhaps you will even have some topics prepared to discuss with the audience about the films or a specific film.

Blog:

This is research into short films so you should post the films and any notes on your blog

Order:

As some students presented this morning, they will go last. Some may run over into the following week so the order is an estimate

Week 1
Shabaz
Tallah
Selena

Week 2
Carly
Danielle
Adam

Week 3
Cameron
Jake

Week 4

Katie
Jess

CIQ - 25/01/13

Please post your CIQ's, anonymously, below...you can leave questions in your post [makes it easier for me]

1. At what moment in the class this week did you feel most engaged with what was happening? 

2. At what moment in the class this week did you feel most distanced from what was happening?

3. What action that anyone (teacher or student) took in class this week did you find most affirming and helpful?

4. What action that anyone (teacher or student) took in class this week did you find the most confusing puzzling?

5. What about the class this week surprised you the most? (This could be something about your own reactions to what went on, or something that someone did, or anything else that occurs to you.) 

Quiz

As Steven Spielberg has a new film out this week, we're going to see who knows the most about the iconic filmmaker:

http://www.virginmedia.com/movies/quiz/

Reminder

Just a reminder - tomorrow morning you are doing your presentation of a short films use of CINEMATOGRAPHY, EDITING and SOUND...

Full details are in this post: http://hnd-creativemedia.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/group-task-presentation.html

Short film worksheet

Here is a link to a worksheet that may be of use: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/55126728/contemporary%20short%20films.pdf 

CIQ - reflections...

Having reflected on today's lesson and reading your comments, in hindsight I feel that perhaps we should have gone out in a large group, interviewed ourselves and you took turns on shooting an interview/recording sound. I will apply that method to any future interviewing sessions - especially as you all suggested that people were reluctant to speak in Bradford (perhaps the weather didn't help in this regard either)

However, it was the technique that was important and hopefully you can apply it elsewhere.

Thanks again,

Mark

CIQ - 18/01/13

Please post your CIQ's, anonymously, below...you can leave questions in your post [makes it easier for me]

1. At what moment in the class this week did you feel most engaged with what was happening? 

2. At what moment in the class this week did you feel most distanced from what was happening?

3. What action that anyone (teacher or student) took in class this week did you find most affirming and helpful?

4. What action that anyone (teacher or student) took in class this week did you find the most confusing puzzling?

5. What about the class this week surprised you the most? (This could be something about your own reactions to what went on, or something that someone did, or anything else that occurs to you.) 

Group Task - Presentation

In groups of 2, not four, "prepare presentations on the textual analysis of a short film of your own choosing. The presentation will commence with an uninterrupted screening and you might then wish to go through the short film using the pause button. All members of the group must speak and the presentation (after the screening) should last for no longer than 10 minutes, so please make your points succinctly."

Use the CINEMATOGRAPHY worksheet, and these EDITING and SOUND worksheets to help you in your analysis...

Use this as a guide - worksheet

Film Quiz

After each round, shout out your scores...the winner gets nothing except pride

http://tinyurl.com/4kongtw

Short Film Analysis

Using this WORKSHEET and this one on CINEMATOGRAPHY, analyse the following short films.

Doodlebug, dir. Christopher Nolan




The Lunch Date, dir. Adam Davidson



George Lucas In Love, dir. Joe Nussbaum



Heartstrings, dir. Rhiannon Evans

 

Vincent, dir. Tim Burton



The Camera, dir. Peter Lewis

Assignment brief

See the link below to access a pdf. of your assignment brief, which covers 3 units.

ASSIGNMENT

to help you with your assignment, I have uploaded a timeline sheet on the history of short film - HERE

If you have any questions, post them below...

Camera Request

Those of you that have DSLR cameras, would you be willing to bring them with you on Friday for a task?

Respond below...

Thanks,
Mark

Thanks

Thanks for CIQ posts today...thorough answers from everyone. It's important for us to all reflect on the session, as I can adapt certain things when necessary.

Let's keep it up!

See you next week...

Sharing documents

Google Docs has now been updated to Google Drive for sharing documents. However, it seems to only be compatible with Google Chrome...

Subsequently, you can use either Google Drive or dropbox. Until I get Google Chrome I will be sharing documents with you via dropbox. 

Examples of student blogs

Belows are some example of student blogs. These were Level 3 Media students so yours should contain more detail...

http://deborahaucote.blogspot.co.uk/

http://amyazradean.blogspot.co.uk/

http://alexgilbertmovingimage.blogspot.co.uk/

http://chloedeacon-movingimage.blogspot.co.uk/

http://robmovingimage.blogspot.co.uk/

CIQ: Declaration and questions - 11/1/13

Dear participant/Student

I would like to ask you to participate in the data collection for a work-based study into the use of an electronic Critical Incident Questionnaire (CIQ). For the purposes of this work-based study the questionnaire will be used to discover how you are experiencing teaching sessions. Its usefulness is underlined by the experience that student responses often differ markedly from what teachers have expected on the basis of their own feelings in the classroom (Brookfield 1995: 95-96).  

The CIQ requires you to answer five questions that describe aspects of teaching sessions, prompting teachers to think about what is helping or hindering their learning so far. Your responses are anonymous and you are encouraged to keep a copy too for review at the end of the course and for your own records. You will be asked to complete the CIQ at the end of each class and are the same every week.

Brookfield began giving students a voice, in this particular way, in the era of carbon paper! But nowadays the facilities available to us include electronic mail and virtual learning environments. Therefore, we will be asking you to submit your electronic CIQ to the specific CIQ page on the course blog.

Your participation in this work-based study is entirely voluntary. Filling in the survey will take no more than 5 minutes. The information you provide is confidential. All of your CIQ responses are anonymous and therefore no participant’s names will be used. If you request confidentiality, beyond anonymised quotes, information you provide will be treated only as a source of background information, alongside literature-based research and potential interviews with other participants.

Your name or any other personal identifying information will not appear in any publications resulting from this study. The information gained from this interview will only be used for the above objectives, will not be used for any other purpose and will not be recorded in excess of what is required for the research.

Even though the study findings will be published in a Thesis, international conferences and journals, only relevant researchers will have access to the anonymous CIQ responses. These researchers will be bound by the principles outlined above. There are no known or anticipated risks to you as a participant in this work-based study.

If you have any questions regarding this study or would like additional information please contact the work-based study researcher (p.smith7@unimail.derby.ac.uk).

By filling in the CIQ (every occasion) you indicate that you understand its purpose and consent to the use of the data as indicated above. This is a completely voluntary request and should you decide not to complete the CIQ at any point during the work-based study, the data you have already entered up to that point will be used.
Thank you for your cooperation

Paul Smith, University of Derby Research Student

Please post your CIQ's, anonymously, below...

1. At what moment in the class this week did you feel most engaged with what was happening? 

2. At what moment in the class this week did you feel most distanced from what was happening?

3. What action that anyone (teacher or student) took in class this week did you find most affirming and helpful?

4. What action that anyone (teacher or student) took in class this week did you find the most confusing puzzling?

5. What about the class this week surprised you the most? (This could be something about your own reactions to what went on, or something that someone did, or anything else that occurs to you.)