TV Studio Production - Workshop Time!

Today we had a workshop in the TV studio just to get us all more familiar with the new equipment. We had been split in to groups so that we had more one to one time with the lecturers. We worked our way around all the equipment and had a chance to use the cameras and live editing equipment in the gallery. Throughout the workshop I made notes just to remind me of do's and don'ts and also new information that I did not previously know. Here they are:

• Set design should be appropriate for the item (guest). I got this from the film we watched that was made by MPS students a few years previous. They had a guest who was a dancer in the Rio Parade; so they went with sensual red and pink fabrics to make the set look like a 'boudoir'. 
• You should try to use props, etc to make the set look original and individual. This can help add that little extra to the shots without overdoing it. We spoke about the simplicity of Jonathan Ross and Chatty Man.
• Headroom is important - make sure the suitable headroom on camera is used depending on the guest. This was brought up because the dancer in the film we watched was wearing a head-dress which is obviously something you don't want to cut off.
• Plain lighting is probably best for any show, you can spice the colour up with whats on the set rather than the lights. A colour theme can be added in necessary but you shouldn't over use colour because then it won't look natural.
• The flooring in the shot should match the rest of the set. You don't want it to be just the studio floor, it should be dressed as part of the set and thought about before hand.
• When the guests do their demonstration, they should know, prior to the show, how long their demo is. We choreograph this with the camera work and script so they know how much material to prepare.
• On the set, there should be a demo area where the guests can move to to perform their piece. The size should obviously be thought about depending on the guest.
• The set shouldn't be too cluttered with props and design. For example, a book case in the background filled with books and decorations would be too busy for just a background piece. Keep it simple.
• It is necessary for there to be a story to tell. The guest should have content and information that they want to share; not just something they can do/show.
• The guests should be sent the questions beforehand so they can prepare what they might say in response to them. This will help the live recording run smoother.

We discussed what is available for us to use as part of the set already in the studio. Here are a list of props and set that we can use if need be:

1 arch flat

8 solid flats (8ft x 4ft standard)

Chairs

Table

Bar stools

Coffee Tables

Display unit

Covering and fabric for flats

And we are also allowed to paint or wallpaper the flats ourselves

A few other tips about the set and our show were then mentioned so I thought I would write them down because knowing me I will forget!

• Don't recreate a sitcom set (solid like a room)
• You can make the studio visable (most talk shows do)
• Lighting the back wall can add layers to the set behind the flats
• Be realistic but challenging
• Small details in the set don't work - bold is best
• No posters - too shiny
• Text isn't ideal - title sequence should cover this
• Presenters need to know what camera they are looking at

My Reflection

So today was extremely informative and useful for me. Working in the TV studio is always an amazing experience and we are privileged to be using it. When we were able to use the cameras, I could feel myself getting more used to using this new technology. I know that with more practice my shots will be smoother and steadier. I love using the cameras in the studio so I can't wait for our recording so that I can go from producer to camera person on the same project.

I got a chance to pretend to present just so the others could use the cameras; I really don't have issues with being in front of the camera because I have always performed since I was little. But when I was asked to say a few lines just so they could see what its like on camera; I felt so uncomfortable. My natural voice for something like a talk show is just something that I do not like to hear. Yes I have been in drama productions, but for most of them I was American! I assume I wouldn't be able to keep an American accent up for the rest of my life and so that's why I prefer to be behind the camera!

I am looking forward to the short segment that we have to do about making paper airplanes for kids. This will be a really good way to see our group dynamics and practice all of our roles as a team.

You Learn Something New Everyday

Having our fingers in all of the pies can really help you progress in the industry. It is best to know more about different things rather than just choosing a specialist subject.

Speak Soon!

AVID Awards Ceremony

This evening I attended the AVID Award Ceremony in the new building. The awards were for the films that Media Professional Studies (me), Film Studies and Broadcast created last year. AVID the company funded the event allowing awards to be given out to the winners. 
We were able to watch all of the winning films and also got to hear from graduates; giving us an insight in to what we can achieve beyond university.
I was nominated for the 'Best People On The Move' film, which I am very proud of. Unfortunately I didn't win, but two of my friends groups won other awards. Joe Costin and Becca Fadden won separate awards and I am very proud of both of these guys! Here they are:

The whole ceremony was worth attending because we got to celebrate each others achievements. Of course I would have loved to win, but I can still say that I have been nominated which is a very positive thing for my film making future!

Speak Soon!

Digital Media Cultures - Media Convergence

In this lecture we focused mainly of the concepts of media convergence which discusses the developments and cross overs of new and old media types. Here are the main bulk of notes that I made during the lecture which I found informative and interesting.

• The media is central to the mobilisation of the user
• Is 'new media' even new? The internet, for example, is based on old media such as books, television and radio
• In many ways media developments have democratised the music industry, Anyone can now make music through such things as apps. Everything is turning digital
• An increased concentration of ownership through mergers, acquisitions, takeovers and joint ventures
• The 1980's played a large part in the globalisation of the world
• Horizontal integration is when one entity dominates that group of companies, vertical integration is when a company takes over the consumption, production and distribution
• Sony are a prime example of vertical integration - they own more areas/levels of production than just simple technology
• Throughout all of the trends and developments it has resulted in the emergence of a global media system
• The national media is moving away from public service broadcast philosophy. Public service broadcasting is about making popular programs good and good programs popular
• Media has become central to today's society
• 'Marketization of media' (Hesmondhalgh)
• Polarized debates of the new mediasphere - often debates about shits in media cultures are polemic
• 'Utopia vs. Dystopia'
• DFF - Digital Fiction Factory 
• Nine Lives Media

This lecture was once again intense because most of the information was new to me. However, I like that we are learning a lot about media in the culture of today. This is such an important factor in why and how things are created; the multiple views of utopian and dystopian theory will make good content for my assignment when we receive of questions.

My Reflection

It is taking a lot of effort for me to wrap my head around all this information if I am honest. But the reading's that we are given to do before each lecture do help me a lot. I try my best to get involved in answering questions in this lecture because I want to know if what I am thinking is correct. I even like that sometimes I am wrong because them we can ask what is the correct answer and then further explanation really helps my understanding. I like that we get a lot of examples of what the theories we are looking at mean and where they are applicable. For instance in this lecture we watched short videos showing the development of DJ equipment (our lecturers favourite example). I am hoping all of this information will start becoming easier as I develop my understanding of the terms used.

You Learn Something New Everyday

Today I learned that sometimes it is just best to listen rather than make notes. It allows me to understand and grasp theories better. Rather than just writing down a definition, I know what the meaning of that definition is through listening and questioning.

Speak Soon!

Photography at the cathedral

This is a non university related post - I took a trip to the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral with my family just do have a nice walk around in the sunshine. This was the perfect opportunity to share some of my photography with everyone, which I haven't done in a while. So here are some photographs from that lovely day out :)

Speak Soon!

Getting work!

An aim that I have made for myself this year is to be involved in more work experience opportunities and also other opportunities with the university. There are just so many but last year I think I was only putting about 70% in to finding these kinds of things.

So... Have I actually done/achieved anything yet?
Well yes I have thanks for asking!
I applied to work with the Looprevil student newspaper that is put to press by the Student Union. I quickly received an email that could potentially change my whole year! They said that I could start writing film reviews for them in the entertainment section and also I can send them any photography that I think would go in the paper or on the website. So I am very excited about this opportunity! Not only this, though, they asked me to write an article about the upcoming AVID media awards at the Screen School! So I now have some extra work to do that I am pleased as punch about if I am honest!

I even applied to be a camera operator at an upcoming event happening in the lecture theatre in the new building, so this could be another line on my CV soon enough!

I have also applied to be a Student Advocate by filling in the worlds longest forms online; but I am hoping this job will accept me also! Busy times ahead...

My Reflection

I have never written for a newspaper before so yes, I am a bit scared. But reading the newspaper did reassure me that not everyone is a fantastic journalism student and that I will fit right in. I have written film reviews in the past just for my own practice, but this is the real deal! So I need to get down to the Odeon and start watching the latest films and taking notes. Oh, and the Student Advocate job could be paid if I make the cut of 75 students; this would be amazing in my current financial situation so I will keep you all posted.

You Learn Something New Everyday

Put yourself out there, or you will never know what you are capable of!

Speak soon!

TV Studio - Getting Started

In today's lecture we basically done a studio workshop with Trevor, Alex and the two technicians. I made a lot of notes but I don't want to bore you with those right know because they are just in short hand and silly little diagrams for me to remember how to use the equipment.

We started with the new TV studio cameras. Now these are much bigger than what I am used to working with and they also are ten times better! So as we got to know our way around the new cameras I felt more and more comfortable because they weren't as hard to use as I was expecting. I got really excited when we were doing this because I love to just dive right in and learn something new.

Once we had learned the basics of these cameras and had a few goes at moving them around and practicing various shots; we then got a chance to go in the 'box' which is essentially a control room for the TV studio. Ian, one of the technicians, basically spoke to us about what happens in there and what the various panels do. For example, there is a lighting, sound camera and over head camera panel. All look very complicated but I'm sure we will all get to know our way around soon enough.

After me making a lot of crazy notes (because my memory is awful!) we then got talking about the different roles that we are all going to be in our groups. My groups roles are as follows:

Me - Producer

Ian - Director

Jodie - Set Designer

Carlie - Presenter

Kirsty - Floor Manager

Obviously after reading about all of the roles, I decided to choose producer. I think this is because it sounds like it has the most organisation and coordination involved in it, and from last year I know that this is something that I am confident and capable doing.

We had a few uming and arghing but we got there in the end with everyone being assigned a role. We have all agreed to help each other as much as possible and so hopefully we will work well together!

After this part of the lecture/workshop, we moved on to our first mini assignment. I say mini, I just mean its smaller that the main project that we will be aiming towards. For the first assignment we need to create a short TV segment on how to make paper airplane's. This sounds a bit mad but I understand what they were talking about when giving us this task. They basically want us to make use of all the new skills that we are learning, especially the use of camera, to create this piece. I have started to research the history of paper airplane's and I have a few ideas about set to suggest to Jodie. This is going to be fun!

My Reflection

So today I think was one of the most enjoyable days so far. I love to do practical work because I really think this is the thing that I am best at. We were able to get our hands on the equipment and I like the fact that the lecturers and technicians were not afraid to let us take control. You can see why this studio is worth so much money because the equipment is superb. We really couldn't be luckier than we are this year, especially with all the time that we have to use the TV studio. I think I would struggle, however, with using the equipment in the box. So I have already emailed the technicians to see if would be okay to arrange workshops for the few of us who seem interested. I think doing this outside work would benefit me greatly.

I feel that this module is going to help me learn who I am and where I fit in in the media industry.

You Learn Something New Everyday

Today I learned so many new words to do with the TV studio and equipment the list would be too long and boring to type up! But I better get memorising so when Trevor tells me to put on my 'cans', I don't think hes talking about Coca Cola...

Speak soon!

Applied Media Research

So this is another new module for us this year on MPS. In this module we are going to be answering industry set questions and research into how the media platforms are connecting and developing. Our assignment is to make an online presentation answering a question given by an external media company. Prezi and ScreenR is ideal for this assignment and we used these last year so I am familiar with the process of using them in conjunction with each other. Using qualitative and quantitative date and presenting it in an engaging manner. Taking the information and putting it in to an effective artifact using video, sound, text, etc combined.
In this module we also have to carry on with our blogs (which I am currently doing!). We also got the marks from last years blogs along with written feedback from the lecturer.
I got a 2.1 overall which personally I am disappointed with because I thought that I had done very well last year in keeping up with the blog and also adding my own style in to the blog about various outside activities such as my photography. However, in the feedback Sarah made valid points that I needed to reflect more on the lectures and assignments that I was blogging about. I am making it my aim this year to get a first for my blog and to do this I am going to start including a final part of each blog that is called 'My Reflection'. In this I will talk about what has happened and what I personally think and feel. I am also going to include another small segment called 'You Learn Something New Everyday' where I will state something new that I have learned on each blog. I think that these two section will help me show my development and also the reflection that I am doing to improve my grades and assignments. 
So lets put it in to practice shall we?

My Reflection
Well this new module seems daunting to me if I am honest because its seems like a lot of work on statistics which I personally don't have an interest in. Obviously I am going to try hard to get interested, but I have never been good with numbers so this is a bit scary. However, I can see why we are doing this module because we need to know the media world that we are entering. Because it is constantly changing, we need to constantly be chasing what is new and relevant. I wasn't too keen on today's lecture in particular because it was just lots and lots of written information that after a while I found myself not making notes anymore (which isn't like me at all really). In my opinion, I would rather do something that is more practical and interesting like the modules from last year such as Creativity and Concept; because at least then I could visualise what we were learning and why. I think this is because I am a kinesthetic learner. I prefer to DO things, rather than read or listen. I like a combination of the three but overall I feel as though I learn more when actually doing something.

You Learn Something New Everyday
Today one thing that I have learned is to not overestimate yourself and always strive for something better. You never know, this could be the difference in a career doing something you love, or just a career.

Speak soon!

Production re-SEARCH

So, I forgot to add this in the TV Studio Production blog, but its just a quick rundown of the categories that we need to keep in mind when creating television productions.

1. PEOPLE!!
Meeting/talking/visualising
Working out ethical dilemma's that conflict being able to interview them - e.g. The way they speak/look/act.
2.LOCATION!!
Title sequences could set the location if the show is shot in a studio (like ours is)
3.SOUND!!
Music/sound effects
Sound has these two subcategories and we can use either one where applicable
4. OTHER VISUALS!!
Archived footage or still images can be used in segments that they will compliment. For example, stills of a magazine where the guest has been featured.
5.BACKGROUND INFORMATION!!
The stories and the information of the segments and guests. Researching the what/where/when/why/etc. This gives the show its content.

Speak soon!

Television Studio Production

So this module is the one that I have been looking forward to the most. TV Studio Production is heavily based in the new £1.1million TV studio which is industry standard. According to Trevor he said that it is the newest studio in the UK, maybe in Europe - so I am so excited to get started!

Of course in the first lecture I didn't expect to be learning about the new equipment. We were first briefed about what this module is all about and what we are going to be doing up until Christmas. We then moved to a lecture room where we went through the module handbook and timetable. The timetable for this module changed last minute due to unforeseen circumstances, so we now have it either on a Wednesday or Friday. After looking at all of the information about the module, we were then put in to production groups. I am now in a group with Ian, Jodie, Carlie and Kirsty. I am happy with this because I have not worked much with these classmates before, so it will give me a chance to get to know other people on the course a bit more.

Once we were sorted in to our groups, we were then informed of the roles that we would need to have within the group when working towards our assignments. Here are the details of each role:

Producer

The producer is the team leader and performs a variety of management and coordination roles in bringing together the many elements of a production. The producer works closely with the presenter in producing a script for the production. They also generally encourage the team and over see everything that goes on. On the day of rehearsal and the recording, the producer is in charge of coordinating the guests, overseeing the content and also keeping an eye on the presenter. On the day this person will use a camera.

Director

The director is the visualiser and is responsible for achieving the creative, visual and auditory effects of a production. This person creates the look and feel of the production, working closely with the cameras to instruct what they are picturing. They create the shooting script which is the movement, angles, and shots that the cameras will do throughout the production. 

Floor Manager

The floor manger is the director's lieutenant. They coordinate and manage everything that happens on the studio floor. They take control during rehearsal and recording, everyone has to listen to the floor manager. When they ask for quiet then everyone must be silent. The floor manager does the countdown to recording, and the carry a lot of responsibility on the day. On the day this person will use a camera.

Set Designer

The set designer has ultimate responsibility for the overall aesthetics of the show. They are the visually creative person, who designs everything that will be seen on camera (except the people!). Everyone will help this person to create their idea as the set is a big job! On the day this person will use a camera.

Presenter

The presenter is the talent and will present all the material in the show. During the music segment this person will have the chance to use a camera. They are responsible for the content and they work close with the producer to write a presenters script. 

All of these roles are equally important and we need to work as a close team to produce an end product that is worthy of this amazing new studio. On top of all of these individual details, we all have to research and generate ideas. We shouldn't trip other people up but suggesting ideas for the different areas that isn't yours is something that we should do. The more ideas the better!

The order of things should go as follows:

Idea...

Production research (content)...

Planning/booking/organisation...

Recording/transmission!

Simple? Well its going to be a lot of work, but I also know that this module is going to be a lot of fun. We have so much to do and not a lot of time to do it in, so I have my fingers and toes crossed that our productions go smoothly! For our main production assignment we are creating a pre-recorded, multi-camera studio magazine programme. We will create the structure, style, content and produce it all within our group. This idea has been derived from Ed Pugh, Media Consultant. We are creating essentially a pilot for Channel 4, a lunchtime programme which is to reflect Channel 4's essence in its entirety. However, we need to bring something new to the table, and so out of the box ideas are essential!

Well I can't wait to get started in this project,

Speak soon!

Our first lectures!

So today we had our first introduction to two modules that we are sitting on the course - Digital Media Cultures and Beyond The Camera. For starters we have lovely lecturers that we had last year so this is something that I am happy about. I feel like I can go to them for anything which is reassuring.
Digital Media Cultures has started off with a very complex lecture; however a lot of it was referencing work by Marshall McLuhan, which I intensively studied during my A level in Media Studies.
I made a lot of notes throughout the lecture, just short quotes and various items that we discussed. I'm going to just select a few that stand out - points that are powerful and are the basis of this module.

• Media is culture and culture is media
• 'The world is a global village' - Marshall McLuhan, 1960
• 'The book world that we had and the electronic world that we have'
• The tribal man is resurfacing - retribalising. We are in the process of getting rid of the individual
• Media is a window on the world (this statement is arguable)
• The media can be described as light refraction. A story arises, and enters the media. The media then churns out dozens of variations of the story
• Western media is very much censored compared to other cultures
• TV has 2 divergent trajectories - Commercial and Public Service. But which is dominant?
• Knowledge isn't valued anymore because it's all at our fingertips
• We are 'users' rather than 'viewers'
• Digital media is seen as interactive because the media is responsive to the preferences of the user
• The internet is hyper-textual - it can turn in to a rabbit hole in which you find various paths and is an avenue of possibilities

I found the lecture enlightening because we spoke about a lot of subjects that I have touched on in the past but in this case we elaborated and went in to a lot more detail than I have previously ventured.

We were also told today that for this module we will be submitting a 2000 word essay that is fully referenced and researched. To me this sounds interesting because I enjoy doing written assignments and also doing individual work. We also have to do a group project which will involve a 2000 word report. This assignment will give me the chance to work with others as part of team, which I also like to do. Most of our modules are team orientated so I like that we do have some individual aspects in Digital Media Cultures. 

After the morning lecture with Keith, we then had Beyond The Camera with Ian. I was interested to discover what this module was all about when we heard about it in our first year. In this module we are going to be using a lot of After Effects to create still and moving images whilst incorporating special effects. I am excited to start using After Effects because we only touched on it last year; learning to use a new program will be hard but I am looking forward to gaining a new skill. Last year we learned how to use Dreamweaver so I know that I do have the motivation to use Adobe programs. I also know how to use Photoshop well so I think this will help me along.

Our first assignment is to create a single frame composite using Photoshop. Ian did mention that this was to get everyone back in to Photoshop to refresh everyone's memories. I use Photoshop quite often to edit my photography and such so I am hoping I can produce something really good. I already have an idea for this assignment which we have to talk about in the next lecture.

A lot of useful material was given during this lecture which we were advised to take a look at. Things such as the Keylight Green Screen program and the Audacity Audio program. 

Something new that I learned today is that when we are going to be using green screen for our special effects, lighting is extremely important. Of course, this makes sense as you do not want any shadows on the green screen as this would be harder to edit out in a post production program.

So today was a productive day, two whole lectures and I didn't fall asleep! But seriously I am glad to be back in university and I am thinking these 2 modules are going to be very interesting. I like that our modules only run until Christmas because I feel as though we will learn quicker and also more once Christmas passes about other aspects of the media.

Speak soon!

Back to university!

Guess who is back everyone!
Well I've had an eventful and fun summer, including making a film for South Liverpool Housing and doing a couple of photography jobs - all paid! So some progress has been made in terms of my practical work but I'm glad to be back in university to carry on working hard now we are in our second year!

Well to start, the new building is just amazing, the tour today allowed us to see everything that we would be using and everywhere we can go. The lecture rooms are really nice spaces, much better than our old building in Edge Lane. Everything is new, everything is ours and we can do what we want where we want. My favourite part of the new building is the new £1.1million TV studio in the basement. It is literally the most amazing thing that I have ever seen and I am far too excited to start using it this semester. 
Here is a quick snap I took of the TV studio:

We took a full tour through the building including a balcony area at the top of the building where you can see the whole of Liverpool. Being in town is just so much better, not to mention the building is around the corner from my new flat, but it really feels like we are part of student life in Liverpool now. Here is another crappy photo I took of the view from the top:

As for the rest of our day, it was nice to see everyone's faces again and to learn our new timetable. I am happy with the sounds of things, we will be busy a lot and that's what I really want from this year; just to make the most of this experience now we have all of this new equipment.

I am aiming to apply for everything I possibly can, paid and unpaid, because building up my CV is the most important thing for me. 

So the blog is back! Get ready for another year of informative posts and interesting information - and just some general rubbish about student life and the likes :D

Speak soon!