Tag Archives: Assignment #1

The Talk Show (Reflection)

Posted on by
Reply

Having had prior weeks based around the basic function of the studio, my initial expectation of this exercise was quite a positive one. When my group and I conducted our initial production meeting, we selected the roles we were most comfortable in. This allowed us to feel confident in our abilities when production began. Having a good understanding of our roles made for an almost seamless experience when conducting our talkshow. 

A solid and simple concept for our show meant that managing time as a floor manager with the DA was rather easy for me, as the host had a clear understanding of what the show’s format was. A simple discussion based format with host prompts allowed for a free flowing host-lead conversation between our chosen talent. 

During my experience I only faced minor difficulties on the communicative side of the production. Having many voices in my headset at once, made it a little difficult to hear members in the control room. This was made more difficult to manage as I wasn’t exactly sure which members of other groups had volunteered to do other roles. In future, I aim to make sure that I have a solid understanding of the roles other members in the control room are doing.

Having the opportunity to work on other group’s productions, I was able to try out different roles. Working in audio, EVS and autocue gave me an opportunity to gain basic experience in a control room setting. Moving forward, I aim to further develop my skills and work in a diverse range of roles. I am particularly interested in further developing my skill in directorial roles and vision switching.

My overall experience with this exercise saw this as a rather successful production. Much of our show’s success is owed to solid preparation and team work.

Week 2 Refelection

Posted on by
Reply

Week Two’s reading  ‘I Want My Talk TV: Network Talk Shows in a Digital Universe’ speaks about the evolution of audience engagement and how developments in mobile media have meant changes in the way networks approach content distribution in, what is coined, the post-network era. These changes have seen the audience and network relationship evolve, which has audiences more at the forefront of the decisions made by broadcast networks, regarding programming and content. Now that audiences have multiple avenues of which media consumption is possible, the production of quality content alone isn’t something networks can rely on to be as lucrative as it once was in the network era when audiences had fewer content and less control over what they viewed (Jones 2009).

Now more than ever, networks have the audience in mind. With today’s audience dispersed over multiple platforms and media devices, television networks’ primary focus is to encapsulate the consumer by providing content where audiences are located, instead of relying on the audience to come to them. Jones (2009, p. 18-19) states ‘Networks must be very intentional about how they distribute their content outside of the traditional network-affiliate relationship precisely because viewers have so many choices, including the choice not to watch television altogether’. This idea prompted me to look at my own craft within the area of multi-camera production. With an ever evolving media landscape and with a multitude of platform and device options for media consumption, I am intrigued by the idea of how to create engaging content in today’s era, while keeping in mind the diversity of modern media consumption. How to create content that is consumable across a diverse range of technology and platforms is something that I am rather interested in, as many creative and technical aspects of visual media production must consider functionality across the diverse range of technology and platforms. 

Reference:

Jones, J 2009,  ‘I Want My Talk TV: Network Talk Shows in a Digital Universe’, in Amanda Lotz (ed.), Beyond Prime Time: Television Programming in the Post-Network Era, Routledge, New York, pp. 14-35.

Week 1 Reflection

Posted on by
Reply

The introductory week for this class provided me with an enjoyable and insightful introduction into the many environments in which multi-camera set-ups and technology is used. While only scratching the surface of this topic, I was welcomed by a practical opportunity inside a studio space, where I was able to have hands-on experience with a multi-camera configuration. Given a brief crash course on the basics of camera operation, I was able to experiment with camera equipment while capturing images of talent in the studio. Not only was I given the opportunity to operate camera equipment, I was also able to work behind the scenes, in the studio control room, where I was able to communicate with camera operators and other personnel in the studio space. 

Reflecting on my first week in this media studio, I was particularly intrigued by the operation seen within the control room setting and how the different roles within the space contribute to the broadcasted image seen by the audience. In our first class of week one, we were shown behind the scenes footage of a control room operating the broadcast during a Superbowl halftime show. Very fascinated by this, I was glad we were able to have a similar experience of our own in the control room of our studio. 

During my time in Ready Camera One, I expect to develop the necessary competencies to work within multi-camera environments and become well versed in multiple roles and responsibilities within these types of environments. With this in mind, it is imperative that I gain as much experience in all areas of production as possible, whether it be in camera operation, floor management, directorial positions, sound, control room ect. 

To achieve the best possible outcome in this studio, it is important that I allow for as much diversity in my experience, which will hopefully allow me to receive broad and in depth education in this area.

Reflective Post 3

Posted on by
Reply

As discussed in my previous post, I worked with a fellow studio member to create our interpretation on the Barney and Rachel script. Having produced many performative variations of this text and having played the role of both Barney and Rachel, I felt confident to recreate this scene once more, but now on my own. Though having the option to produce work from a script designed for a solo production, I was far more interested in seeing how well I could produce work intended for two performers by myself. Coming into this exercise I knew what It would require to make a solo interpretation of this text visually believable. The things I needed to consider were, the 180 degree rule, costume, distinguishable performances for both characters and eye-line. I took on this exercise to challenge myself and see how well I could exhibit this piece. 

 

Having planned out my shots, set-ups and coverage, bringing my footage into the editing suite and producing a solid and precise cut wasn’t too difficult. Watching back, my initial thoughts saw a well crafted film that made sense. However, after watching the finished product more times, I found that the finished product lacked in it’s framing. This was detrimental to the believability of the two characters being in the same space. Inconsistency in framing saw Barney’s character have a much tighter frame and Rachel having a much looser one. This made both characters look different in size. Being done solo I wasn’t able to see framing as action played out, so this mistake was likely to happen. As this was something I didn’t consider beforehand, It was a mistake that I will use as a lesson for further development in this craft. 

 

As a further critique of my work, next time I would have more shot diversity by having closer shots opposed to having the scene shot entirely in mid-shots. I feel by having closer shots on particular sections, it would assist in highlighting tension on some of Barney’s lines. This critique comes after looking back at some of the other students and examples shown by Robin.

 

As a conclusive opinion of my work and this exercise, I realise that being behind the camera while a scene is being played out, I’d be able to have far more control and framing mistakes would be far less apparent. This exercise allowed me to think more critically about the way I construct shots and inspired me to think more creatively about my own shot selection.

Reflective Post 2

Posted on by
Reply

In our initial attempts of exercise 1, myself and Callum put a heavy focus on script interpretation and performance. Though a very short bit of text, we decided to record many different variations and interpretations of the Barney and Rachel scene. The different versions of this piece consisted of Callum and I taking turns performing both the roles of Barney and Rachel and changing the meaning of the text through different styles of character performance. An example of the variation we produced saw us perform the script as it was intended with Rachel seemingly happy and excited, with Barney appearing mellow and disappointed, and then in an attempt to change the meaning of the script through performance, we had Rachel appear apprehensive has she spoke her line of going to South America. We hoped this alternate version gave the impression that Rachel was worried about leaving or maybe going against their will. 

 

It was fun being able to experiment with this text and see how many variations we could produce without changing the script. After completing this we decided to stick with the original performance intended for the script, with myself playing Barney and Callum performing the role of Rachel. We came to this decision because our performance was much better in this version. After class we sat down and looked at how we could improve on the work. As we were largely happy with the performance, we decided change needed to be seen in the aesthetic component of the recording. Noticing that we both had heavy back light, causing the picture to be very washed out, we decided to reshoot with a much more suitable lighting set up. In our reshoot we made sure that more light was coming from the front, adding more light to our faces opposed to coming from behind.

 

As a technical and artistic analysis of some other student’s work, I was particularly impressed with the work of Charlotte and Irene’s pieces and how the addition of props and more movement in their second version made for an even more interesting display. Though both versions were great, I can see more thought was put into the execution of their second take. With the addition of props and movement, the performance appeared to be much more natural. As a critique of this piece from a directorial stand point, I would have focussed on the believability of the piece. As this script was set on a zoom call, I would have focussed on how particular elements would add to the credibility of the work. For example, not have Rachel coming in to the call as if she was already logged on.

 

Though this exercise was done under many constraints, it was still good to see how far we could push the piece under the limitations. Having such a simple body of text, it allowed us to play around with other elements such as performance. Due to the nature of the medium we used to capture the scene, we didn’t have the luxury of multiple camera setups and shots, which meant we only had one static shot at our disposal. This meant that casting and performance were very much the focal point. I feel this highlighted performative imperfections, as they were much more pronounced under the circumstances.

 

Reflective Post 1

Posted on by
Reply

Based on my own perspective gathered over three weeks of participation in this studio, I am able to have a better understanding of what Designing Drama is about. I have really enjoyed the key components explored in this studio so far. The dissection of narrative and performative texts have me further inspect the many variables when it comes to the display and performance of particular texts. Not only have we focussed on performative aspects of on screen drama, we have also been immersed in the ideas of camera coverage and how coverage can aid in the conveyance of story. Being able to view and discuss the way other work has been shot and how camera coverage plays a role in showing on screen drama, I’m always left inspired to try new things when it comes to the production of my own work. In the second class of week 2, I was very intrigued by the way the bar scene in ‘The Fire Within’ was filmed. Though not following conventional 180 degree rules, I still found it a brilliant display of film. I particularly enjoyed seeing how Robin broke the scene down into a set up and shot list with a birds-eye-view of the scene.

 

Further understanding of camera coverage and all the technical components required for capturing theatrical pieces is something that I really desire to acquire. Already having more experience in the performative and editing side of narrative film production, I’d now like to further develop in other areas, such as camera work. Due to an absence from campus for my entire uni tenure, I have been stuck within the constraints of what technical equipment and personnel was available to me. Hoping we will be able to step foot on campus this semester, I really look forward to being able to have access to equipment and other personnel. This will allow me to really focus on specific technical aspects of capturing moving images. I especially look forward to being present behind the camera, while action is in play and have the freedom of seeing a scene play out in real time.

 

I have really enjoyed viewing the work of other students and the discussion around our findings. This is something I find rather engaging. Often after viewing the work of other people, I am inspired to try things that I didn’t do in my work. Having conversations around each individual’s perspective is something I really value.

My Way of Working

Posted on by
Reply

I found myself being someone who’s learning style is quite adaptable to particular situations and tasks. I could even go as far as saying, my learning style changes with my mood and is very connected to my emotion, Though a majority of my learning is best suitable when physical and visual aspects are involved. As someone who works with pace, to avoid being overloaded, I tend to do a lot of things on the fly. Planning isn’t my strong suit. However, this isn’t always a negative thing. I feel this allows me to experiment and not overthink execution. Though, I do realise that filmmaking entails a lot of pre-planning as part of development. Due to this, I am looking to become a better pre-planner. I have found, especially when it comes to editing, I rush through footage and make quick cuts without considering many variations and possibilities. For me, this was very evident in the 1st Lenny exercise. However, as the weeks have progressed, I have approached the activities with more and more consideration for the process.

 

So far, I have found this studio very suitable for my learning style, as it is very visual and hands on. I look to get as much as possible out of this studio as the weeks progress. I anticipate that my knowledge will increase as we navigate through the course content. I look forward to becoming a more competent filmmaker, with lots of consideration for the practise within different elements of the field. While being online we are definitely tested by the constraints of online learning, however, this allows new ways of working to be experimented with. As future practitioners, we must remember that adaptability is one of the most important qualities in the field today, and what better way than to learn about adaptability in the midst of a pandemic

Initiative Post

Posted on by
Reply

I’ve always found the concept of eye-lines and the 180 degree rule an interesting point of discussion when dissecting film edits. As film is considered an art form, I guess there are technically minimal rules you must follow as a filmmaker. However, with that being said, many of the decisions made by a filmmaker will ultimately play a very big role in how work is understood or perceived. So when bringing forth the idea of audience and perception, there are many rules to be considered and followed if making a piece of work designed for audience understanding or the portrayal of stories and images. From a personal perspective, eye-lines are an element of filmmaking that I find an integral part of shot execution and even assembly. Though, going back to the earlier point I made about filmmaking’s ability to be a very much subjective art form, where rules do not necessarily need to be followed, I would strongly argue that something as important as eye-lines are something that can lower the quality of work, if incorrectly executed. Unless a clear creative decision is made eye-line matching, for me, is a very important aspect of making quality work. 

In this link above, it is explained why eye-line matching is important and how its relation to concepts such as ‘the line of action’ and ‘the 180 degree rule’. It also explained how the establishment of character eye-lines can allow the line of action to be broken. It also explains that matching eye-lines can be important when actors are in the same scene but are not on set at the same time. While it works best to have actors in a scene with heavy dialogue on location together, in a lot of cases it isn’t the end of the world if that isn’t the case. As long as a matching of actor eye lines are considered, the scene can still work. This is also an important aspect of creating work via online formats. For example, for a class exercise we recreated the 3rd scene from the Lenny script on Zoom. My group and I made an attempt to match eye lines as best as possible, while being in completely different locations. Unfortunately due to a perspective issue, footage was flipped which made the eye line completely off, however I was able to edit it together by flipping one of the takes. This helped a lot and allowed a closer match. Below is the finished product attached.

I was watching this video about the 180  degree rule and examples of it being broken in some well known films. I really enjoy seeing this rule broken if it’s done with intent, it can really bring an audience closer into the world which is displayed on screen. At times this can be very disorientating, however that can be great when a point of a film needs to be emphasised and like I said before, elements of stories are often aided if this rule breakage is performed with strong intention.