Over the last two class sessions (Thursday, February 23rd and Tuesday, February 28th) we have successfully filmed an advertisement for the campus' academic support center, where students can get help for classes. Coming into the shoot I was quite nervous as I knew how important this shoot was but my anxiety eased as production went on. The first day I had been debating trying to step up as a director but I still am not confident in my ability to do such in an important circumstance like this. I feel after a few more weeks of practice I'll be ready but on that day I was not. Instead I worked as the tape operator.
The job normally calls for I to capture the footage onto the computer. There was a problem, however where the computer for some reason was not capturing the footage. As a result of this, we instead just used the VCR technology we had to record the tape (by holding record and pressing play) and just capturing the footage later on. Day 2 however I was a bit more active. After sitting out the first two takes, I got up and started working as the Floor manager, making sure everything on stage was just as it should be and getting commands from the director to command everyone on the set.
As the shoot went on I gained more confidence in my ability to work closely to the set and so I switched jobs with a fellow classmate and began working on the main camera. I adjusted each shot as instructed by the director and made sure that the white balance and the lighting looked about correct on terms of how it appeared on the camera. Overall I felt that this shoot was the best thing that could've happened to me on terms of this course. While working as the tape operator I got a good look through the screen on terms of how the lighting should look on camera and while working as Floor Manager and Camera Person I gained a bit of confidence in myself on terms of ability to do these jobs. I feel at the end of this shoot the chemistry between all members of this class is much better and I, myself feel more confident that when we shoot the next major production that I can step up and do "higher end" jobs such as directing, lighting, and audio, with a few more weeks of practice of course.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Blog 3:Writing Center
The first thing would be to set up the set for the shoot itself. The idea behind the set-up would be to set it up so that there are two cameras on both actors. Actor 1 is the Student, who is listening to Actor 2, the Tutor. The Student would be sitting at a 45 degree angle from where The Tutor is standing. This is how I envision it looking from a bird's eye view.
(Allow me to note that gender does not matter in this scene, I just used whichever stand ins for people available. Above image is courtesy of the program Celtx.)
The background itself I thought about going with a green screen that shows the Academic Support Center but decided that it may just come off as too fake and unprofessional. Ultimately I would go with a black curtain in the background all the way though. The first shot I would go with would be from Camera 2, a wide shot of the Student sitting down and observing the Tutor, who would be writing on the board, but what is seen isn't clear as I feel that it should reflect that the Academic Support Center is a place to go for help in all subjects, not just one. The Student should appear very focused at what the Tutor is writing, the Tutor should be focused as well on what they're doing as it shows the effective-ness of the Tutor's tutoring and how it can show the Student is learning. After about a few seconds we cut to Camera 1 where the Tutor turns their head back toward Camera 1 and directly says to the camera and viewer, "Hello."
For the image idea I have behind how it would appear, I would suggest something like this.
The only difference between the image and the shot itself would be that as stated, their head would face toward Camera 1. It would then cut to Camera 2 where on the left third (from the camera's point of view) there would be a tight shot of the Student sitting down and turning their head to the camera to say, "Hello!" From there, using the script, I would have it play out like this. The camera shots would be in Italics from this point on:
TITLE CARD: Hello.
(Camera 2: Tight shot of the Tutor with their head turned toward the camera) Do you struggle with writing? (Idea of image demonstrated here:)
TITLE CARD: Um, yes.
(Camera 2: Tight shot of the Student) Well, you’re not alone. The great news is that there is this fantastic FREE
(Camera 1: Shot of Tutor with head turned back toward Camera 1) Free
(Camera 2: Tight shot of the Student) Free resource
(Camera 1: Tight shot of Tutor with head turned back toward Camera 1) Free resource on campus called the Academic Support Center
(Camera 2: Wide shot of both Student and Tutor with The Student saying the 1st line and the Tutor saying the 2nd.)The Academic Support Center
that is here to help.
TITLE CARD: Who?
(Camera 2: Tight shot of the Student) You, silly! Here to help you!
TITLE CARD: Oh, how?
(Camera 2: Tight shot of the Tutor with their head turned toward the camera) Well, I’m glad you asked! The Academic Support Center employs student writing tutors that are highly trained and specialized in their field. They can meet with you one-on-one during any stage of the writing process.
(Camera 1: Wide shot of the Student and the Tutor, both facing the camera with the the Student speaking the 1st, 3rd, and 5th line and Tutor speaking the 2nd and 4th) Your writing process
To help you brainstorm,
fine-tune a thesis,
work on grammar,
(They enter from the previous shot from the right side of the camera halfway between the camera and the Student) (a different person makes a face and sticks out their tongue)
narrow a topic, …(will add more)
TITLE CARD: Why?
(Camera 2: Wide shot of the Student and the Tutor, both facing the camera with the the Tutor speaking the 1st and 3rd line and Student speaking the 2nd and 4th) Tutoring can make a big difference in your essay grade,
not only on the essay you bring in,
but on future essays.
It helps you become a better writer.
(Camera 2: Tight shot of the Tutor with their head turned toward the camera) A better writer
(Camera 2: Tight shot of the Student with their head turned toward the camera) A better writer
(Camera 2: Tight shot of the Tutor with their head turned toward the camera) And, it’s fun!
TITLE CARD: Where?
(Camera 2: Tight shot of the Student with their head turned toward the camera) The Tutoring Center is conveniently located on the lower level
(Camera 1: Tight shot of Tutor with head turned back toward Camera 1) the lower level
(Camera 2: Tight shot of the Student with their head turned toward the camera)the first floor
(Camera 2: Tight shot of the Tutor with their head turned toward the camera) On the lower level of the Scarborough Library.
(Camera 2: Tight shot of the Student with their head turned toward the camera) the Scarborough Library
TITLE CARD: When?
(Camera 2: Wide shot of the Student and the Tutor, both facing the camera with the the Tutor speaking the 1st and 3rd line and Student speaking the 2nd and 4th) The Tutoring Center is open from 8 am to 6 pm
(Camera 1: Tight shot of Tutor with head turned back toward Camera 1) Monday through Friday
(Camera 2: Tight shot of the Student with their head turned toward the camera) for face-to-face
(Camera 1: Tight shot of Tutor with head turned back toward Camera 1) one-on-one tutoring.
TITLE CARD: How?
(Camera 2: Tight shot of the Student with their head turned toward the camera) To sign up, go to the Academic Support Center’s website
(Camera 1: Tight shot of Tutor with head turned back toward Camera 1) and click on “Sign up for a tutor.”
(Camera 2: Tight shot of the Student with their head turned toward the camera) Then, use our scheduling software to choose a date and time that fits your schedule.
TITLE CARD: Then what?
(Camera 2: Wide shot of the Student and the Tutor, both facing the camera with the the Tutor speaking the 1st and 3rd line and Student speaking the 2nd line) Just show up with your essay materials and meet your tutor!
It’s that simple.
You’ll be surprised
(Cut shot to someone) (a face with a very surprised look) WOW!
(Camera 1: Wide shot of the Student and the Tutor, both facing the camera with the the Student speaking the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th line and Student speaking the 2nd, 4th, and 6th line) how much you can accomplish one-on-one
in just a 30- or 60- minute session.
It’s important to note that writing is all about revision,
so if you don’t try it,
you may never know what a good writer
what a good writer you can be!
Remember, it’s free and it’s fun!
(Cut to several students and tutors at the Academic Support Center standing together (many voices; Many faces?): We’ll be waiting!
(Fade to Black)
(Allow me to note that gender does not matter in this scene, I just used whichever stand ins for people available. Above image is courtesy of the program Celtx.)
The background itself I thought about going with a green screen that shows the Academic Support Center but decided that it may just come off as too fake and unprofessional. Ultimately I would go with a black curtain in the background all the way though. The first shot I would go with would be from Camera 2, a wide shot of the Student sitting down and observing the Tutor, who would be writing on the board, but what is seen isn't clear as I feel that it should reflect that the Academic Support Center is a place to go for help in all subjects, not just one. The Student should appear very focused at what the Tutor is writing, the Tutor should be focused as well on what they're doing as it shows the effective-ness of the Tutor's tutoring and how it can show the Student is learning. After about a few seconds we cut to Camera 1 where the Tutor turns their head back toward Camera 1 and directly says to the camera and viewer, "Hello."
For the image idea I have behind how it would appear, I would suggest something like this.
The only difference between the image and the shot itself would be that as stated, their head would face toward Camera 1. It would then cut to Camera 2 where on the left third (from the camera's point of view) there would be a tight shot of the Student sitting down and turning their head to the camera to say, "Hello!" From there, using the script, I would have it play out like this. The camera shots would be in Italics from this point on:
TITLE CARD: Hello.
(Camera 2: Tight shot of the Tutor with their head turned toward the camera) Do you struggle with writing? (Idea of image demonstrated here:)
TITLE CARD: Um, yes.
(Camera 2: Tight shot of the Student) Well, you’re not alone. The great news is that there is this fantastic FREE
(Camera 1: Shot of Tutor with head turned back toward Camera 1) Free
(Camera 2: Tight shot of the Student) Free resource
(Camera 1: Tight shot of Tutor with head turned back toward Camera 1) Free resource on campus called the Academic Support Center
(Camera 2: Wide shot of both Student and Tutor with The Student saying the 1st line and the Tutor saying the 2nd.)The Academic Support Center
that is here to help.
TITLE CARD: Who?
(Camera 2: Tight shot of the Student) You, silly! Here to help you!
TITLE CARD: Oh, how?
(Camera 2: Tight shot of the Tutor with their head turned toward the camera) Well, I’m glad you asked! The Academic Support Center employs student writing tutors that are highly trained and specialized in their field. They can meet with you one-on-one during any stage of the writing process.
(Camera 1: Wide shot of the Student and the Tutor, both facing the camera with the the Student speaking the 1st, 3rd, and 5th line and Tutor speaking the 2nd and 4th) Your writing process
To help you brainstorm,
fine-tune a thesis,
work on grammar,
(They enter from the previous shot from the right side of the camera halfway between the camera and the Student) (a different person makes a face and sticks out their tongue)
narrow a topic, …(will add more)
TITLE CARD: Why?
(Camera 2: Wide shot of the Student and the Tutor, both facing the camera with the the Tutor speaking the 1st and 3rd line and Student speaking the 2nd and 4th) Tutoring can make a big difference in your essay grade,
not only on the essay you bring in,
but on future essays.
It helps you become a better writer.
(Camera 2: Tight shot of the Tutor with their head turned toward the camera) A better writer
(Camera 2: Tight shot of the Student with their head turned toward the camera) A better writer
(Camera 2: Tight shot of the Tutor with their head turned toward the camera) And, it’s fun!
TITLE CARD: Where?
(Camera 2: Tight shot of the Student with their head turned toward the camera) The Tutoring Center is conveniently located on the lower level
(Camera 1: Tight shot of Tutor with head turned back toward Camera 1) the lower level
(Camera 2: Tight shot of the Student with their head turned toward the camera)the first floor
(Camera 2: Tight shot of the Tutor with their head turned toward the camera) On the lower level of the Scarborough Library.
(Camera 2: Tight shot of the Student with their head turned toward the camera) the Scarborough Library
TITLE CARD: When?
(Camera 2: Wide shot of the Student and the Tutor, both facing the camera with the the Tutor speaking the 1st and 3rd line and Student speaking the 2nd and 4th) The Tutoring Center is open from 8 am to 6 pm
(Camera 1: Tight shot of Tutor with head turned back toward Camera 1) Monday through Friday
(Camera 2: Tight shot of the Student with their head turned toward the camera) for face-to-face
(Camera 1: Tight shot of Tutor with head turned back toward Camera 1) one-on-one tutoring.
TITLE CARD: How?
(Camera 2: Tight shot of the Student with their head turned toward the camera) To sign up, go to the Academic Support Center’s website
(Camera 1: Tight shot of Tutor with head turned back toward Camera 1) and click on “Sign up for a tutor.”
(Camera 2: Tight shot of the Student with their head turned toward the camera) Then, use our scheduling software to choose a date and time that fits your schedule.
TITLE CARD: Then what?
(Camera 2: Wide shot of the Student and the Tutor, both facing the camera with the the Tutor speaking the 1st and 3rd line and Student speaking the 2nd line) Just show up with your essay materials and meet your tutor!
It’s that simple.
You’ll be surprised
(Cut shot to someone) (a face with a very surprised look) WOW!
(Camera 1: Wide shot of the Student and the Tutor, both facing the camera with the the Student speaking the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th line and Student speaking the 2nd, 4th, and 6th line) how much you can accomplish one-on-one
in just a 30- or 60- minute session.
It’s important to note that writing is all about revision,
so if you don’t try it,
you may never know what a good writer
what a good writer you can be!
Remember, it’s free and it’s fun!
(Cut to several students and tutors at the Academic Support Center standing together (many voices; Many faces?): We’ll be waiting!
(Fade to Black)
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Blog 2: Learning the Studio
Roughly a month ago I began working in the television studio located in the basement of Knutti Hall on campus as part of the first Communications 360, Studio Production class. Coming into the experience I found myself with a bit of anxiety as I had never really done any Television work before. I had worked in Theatre and Film but never in Television before. The first job I took on was Directing. It involved giving commands to Cameras 1 and 2 on which shots to go for whether it be a wide shot of everyone, a two shot of a host and guest, or an up close shot of someone speaking.
I was very nervous taking on this responsibility as it was different than framing a scene in a movie or in a stage play as I had to set up every shot and transition on the go rather than being able to plan it out based on a script that was written. I felt that I did quite bad before being saved by a power outage but cite that nerves got the best of me. The next class however is when I started feeling more "ease" into working in the studio. The next job I took was "Technical Director" calling for me to press the buttons to switch between Cameras 1 and 2 on command from the Director. I found it to be a simplistic job and doing that secondly helped me ease a lot more as I am not very familiar with the fellow students or even working on television as mentioned.
After that I worked as Floor Manager, which required I to make sure that the guests, camera people, lights and equipment were ready for filming. Despite some issue with the volume of the headset I used, I liked the role and had quite an easy time with it. The next job was Camera 1, located on the far side of the studio. Normally a cameraman sets up the white balance, the exposure, and back focus on the camera but it was already set up when I arrived to it. I took directions from the director adjusting each shot based on what they wanted.
I would do the same on Camera 2, my next job. I really do like doing camera work, it allows me to express my artistic side and learning how to use the cameras in the studio are a blessing, they really are top of the line. After working on the camera I took to it to work in the Audio booth. I had never done audio work before, so at first I wasn't very sure what sounded best, until learning of the levels of audio. After doing a Mic test with the host and guests, I was able to figure out what sounded too soft, too loud, and just right.
On the final day of Studio Production, I was able to appear on-camera for the first time. I find the host/guest dynamic to be an interesting one and as the host I had a bit of an issue with not knowing when not to speak. I realized while hosting the best way to go about was to ask questions only and to speak whenever it became warranted such as when it was time to start the show, take a break, change topics, respond to anything the guest had directly for me, and to end the show. The guest tended to be the easiest role opinion when it came to topics I was very knowledgeable on. I felt more at ease in that role likely because I tend to be better with answering questions rather than asking. I feel my overall favorite job working in the studio was as a Host incidentally enough on terms of on-screen work.
I would like to host a show of my own one day on TV or on the radio. I feel that it is a job that I can strive in due to my charisma and communication abilities which I feel are getting better. On terms of off-camera work, in spite of my lack of success, I liked directing the best and would like to try another chance at it. I feel with a couple more tries I can perfect my craft of directing.
I was very nervous taking on this responsibility as it was different than framing a scene in a movie or in a stage play as I had to set up every shot and transition on the go rather than being able to plan it out based on a script that was written. I felt that I did quite bad before being saved by a power outage but cite that nerves got the best of me. The next class however is when I started feeling more "ease" into working in the studio. The next job I took was "Technical Director" calling for me to press the buttons to switch between Cameras 1 and 2 on command from the Director. I found it to be a simplistic job and doing that secondly helped me ease a lot more as I am not very familiar with the fellow students or even working on television as mentioned.
After that I worked as Floor Manager, which required I to make sure that the guests, camera people, lights and equipment were ready for filming. Despite some issue with the volume of the headset I used, I liked the role and had quite an easy time with it. The next job was Camera 1, located on the far side of the studio. Normally a cameraman sets up the white balance, the exposure, and back focus on the camera but it was already set up when I arrived to it. I took directions from the director adjusting each shot based on what they wanted.
I would do the same on Camera 2, my next job. I really do like doing camera work, it allows me to express my artistic side and learning how to use the cameras in the studio are a blessing, they really are top of the line. After working on the camera I took to it to work in the Audio booth. I had never done audio work before, so at first I wasn't very sure what sounded best, until learning of the levels of audio. After doing a Mic test with the host and guests, I was able to figure out what sounded too soft, too loud, and just right.
On the final day of Studio Production, I was able to appear on-camera for the first time. I find the host/guest dynamic to be an interesting one and as the host I had a bit of an issue with not knowing when not to speak. I realized while hosting the best way to go about was to ask questions only and to speak whenever it became warranted such as when it was time to start the show, take a break, change topics, respond to anything the guest had directly for me, and to end the show. The guest tended to be the easiest role opinion when it came to topics I was very knowledgeable on. I felt more at ease in that role likely because I tend to be better with answering questions rather than asking. I feel my overall favorite job working in the studio was as a Host incidentally enough on terms of on-screen work.
I would like to host a show of my own one day on TV or on the radio. I feel that it is a job that I can strive in due to my charisma and communication abilities which I feel are getting better. On terms of off-camera work, in spite of my lack of success, I liked directing the best and would like to try another chance at it. I feel with a couple more tries I can perfect my craft of directing.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Blog 1: Multi-Camera Shooting
Over the last week or so in our Communications 360 Studio Production class, we have been learning about multi-camera set-up in Production work. We have learned through videos of Hamish Hamilton and our own personal “feeling out” of the studio how to work in a multiple camera set-up. Some of the things I noticed on terms of the videos were how highly complex and difficult at places a multiple-camera set-up can be. A lot of planning and careful execution has to go in to each shot. It seems to be a little easier once you have the shots planned and worked out.
However, I feel picking out which shot to go with must be difficult, especially during a live broadcast where you want to keep the viewer interested by cutting to different shots but at the same time you don't want to rapid cut to the point where the viewer gets annoyed and you accidentally show something unexpected as with Live TV practically anything can go wrong. I had the benefit of being able to experience directing first hand on Tuesday when our class met. I must say experiencing it first hand I have a high appreciation for anyone who has to do the job, it is not an easy one to be thrown into. Especially for when we're directing in the case of the other day what would be a Live interview show. I had been slightly nervous when I tried working on it to the point where I should have tried pre-planning shots to see how they would look before going “live” with everything. I must say, I cannot imagine the pressure of trying to work so many cameras (say 14 or 15) at once, two in hindsight is rather simplistic as compared to the amount used to film a live concert.
In the end I feel that the Hamish Hamilton are very helpful in getting to know what to do when working in a multiple-camera production and getting the experience of it the other day provided me with the idea of how everything feels and looks in the “Live TV” situation. It also re-iterated the point of “Anything can happen on Live TV”.
However, I feel picking out which shot to go with must be difficult, especially during a live broadcast where you want to keep the viewer interested by cutting to different shots but at the same time you don't want to rapid cut to the point where the viewer gets annoyed and you accidentally show something unexpected as with Live TV practically anything can go wrong. I had the benefit of being able to experience directing first hand on Tuesday when our class met. I must say experiencing it first hand I have a high appreciation for anyone who has to do the job, it is not an easy one to be thrown into. Especially for when we're directing in the case of the other day what would be a Live interview show. I had been slightly nervous when I tried working on it to the point where I should have tried pre-planning shots to see how they would look before going “live” with everything. I must say, I cannot imagine the pressure of trying to work so many cameras (say 14 or 15) at once, two in hindsight is rather simplistic as compared to the amount used to film a live concert.
In the end I feel that the Hamish Hamilton are very helpful in getting to know what to do when working in a multiple-camera production and getting the experience of it the other day provided me with the idea of how everything feels and looks in the “Live TV” situation. It also re-iterated the point of “Anything can happen on Live TV”.
For Clarity Purposes
This blog is now being used for my Communications 360 class. All posts from this point forward are for that class and that class only.
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