Production diary - schedule - please see what is expected from you by half term

Year 12 AS Media Studies Production Diary 2013-2014

Over the coming weeks you will be completing your Foundation Portfolio in Media Studies (coursework unit worth 50% of your AS grade).  It is important that you keep all your written notes organised and filed, as well as regularly updating your blogs/websites 2-3 times a week.

Below is a table that outlines some key dates for you to independently plan ahead. Remember, if you are not blogging, you are falling behind with your coursework.  (40-50 blog posts is expected for a C grade or above, 50-60 for a B, 60-70 for a low A, 70+ for an A* equivalent)

Ø  You are expected to spend at least 2-3 hours a week working on your blogs for homework

Week	Learning Objective	How was this demonstrated?  What was the outcome?
WEEK 1 30th Sept  – 6th October	You will understand the aims of the coursework brief. You will create a production schedule for your coursework. You will analyse a range of film opening sequences.	Creation of a blog account and a summative reflection talking about the weeks ahead.  Creation of an action plan for the next four weeks, adhering to deadlines on Bridge blog. Two analyses include the use of key words and media language (denotation, connotation, camera shots and angles); they also discuss genre, mise-en-scene, narrative and typography.
WEEK 2 7 – 13th October	You will understand the assessment criteria for the preliminary exercise task. You will identify the importance of good planning through constructing appropriate planning materials to help shoot and edit the preliminary task	Completion of the preliminary exercise in groups, showing an understanding of the 180 degree rule, match on action and shot reverse shot (2-3 lessons).  Evidenced on the blog with personal reflection and evaluation on the activity, including storyboards, scripts, screen-grabs, animatics, pictures and other planning materials.
WEEK 3 14th – 20th October	You will complete an audit of new media technologies that you can use within your coursework over the coming weeks (apps, online software). Complete your preliminary task using the criteria from week 2 and evaluate your strengths.	There will be evidence of new media technologies presented on your blog, including Voki, Voicethread and Prezi. Your blog will have a comprehensive entry about your experience completing the preliminary task, including embedding the final sequence into a video player.
WEEK 4 21st Oct – 27thth Oct	You will understand the importance of ideology and branding in terms of film institutions and production. You will design, construct and analyse your own film studio logo.	Completed logo design and analysis with interpretation and reflection. Further analysis of film openings using new media. Completed action plan for half term and remainder of autumn term.
HALF TERM	MAKE SURE ALL BLOG POSTS ARE COMPLETED.	Ø  All blogs must have easily accessible content, including the use of labels and menu bars. Ø  At least two opening sequences have been analysed. Ø  genre is discussed and identified; Ø  The preliminary task has been undertaken and successfully completed and evaluated. Ø  You have come up with a name for your production company including any design ideas you might have.

The Preliminary Task

Before you even begin to properly plan and develop your opening sequence, you need to have a secure understanding of basic filmmaking techniques.  In particular, an understanding of continuity editing, the shot-reverse shot, and the 180 degree rule.

How am I assessed?

The exam board states that you must complete this exercise before moving on to your construction.  Essentially, the preliminary task is marked under the planning section (20%) AO3 & AO4.

What do I have to demonstrate?

To show your understanding, you must complete the following task:

'film a sequence in which a character walks through a door, sits opposite another character and exchanges a couple of lines of dialogue.'

Sounds simple enough, but you'd be surprised how many people cross the line.  What do I mean by crossing the line?  See the video below:

 

Success Criteria

 

Unlike demonstrating your understanding of each shot type, which you did successfully for Mr Gourley in his lesson, you are expected to plan this out in detail and edit it to a professional standard.  Look at the following student exemplars of good and bad practice. 

 

Bad:

 

 

The main failings of this piece are the fact that it breaks the continuity flow (the character having shirt shown and then jacket zipped right up).  There is also really bad shot-reverse shot framing and even a jump cut, so it would be a fail.  This group would have to reshoot the whole thing until they get it right.  Don't rush - a shoddy preliminary task will most likely lead to a shoddy opening sequence.

 

Better:

 

Whilst not perfect, this group really go for it in terms of experimenting with camera shots, angles and editing techniques. They meet the criteria for the preliminary task within the first 30 seconds, but then decide to be experimental, even applying simple titles. 

I recommend that you use the preliminary task to get used to using the technology effectively.  There isn't really a match on action shot (hand going for the door, close up of handle opening, walking through door) but there is enough evidence to see that students are embracing the course. This exercise is essentially a warm up to the real thing.

Examiner Tip: Show that you care, seeing the preliminary task as a chore won't fill you, your teacher, or the moderator with confidence that you really thought about your project.

Apps you will need - Storyboards and Shot Designer.  I will demonstrate these in class.