Unit 11- Assignment 4

Job roles in Print Based media relating to my future career path
In relation to my future career path I want to work within the film/entertainment industries. As a result I have identified a number of job roles that provide oppertunity to work with and talk about both the film and entertainment industries and give me the chance to put my knowledge of film and entertainment into practice within the print based media industries. I feel that my education in these subjects will allow me to be useful and write effective pieces on a number of occasions to the highest standard possible.

Journalistic film critic
Film critics working for newspapers or magazines will review films whether they are new or old. Usually they give a plot summary and/or description of the overall plot (sometimes including spoilers) however a review from a professional and well known critic can influence whether people go and see a film. In a way by writing a movie review it is a form of publicity for the film whether the overall opinion of the film is good or bad.

Celebrity/gossip columnist for a magazine or a Show business Reporter for a newspaper
This type of work would have a light and informal style which relates the opinions of the columnist to the personal lives of celebrities or showbiz icons- it might be movie stars, theatre stars or TV actors. It can also be about other celebrities such as sports stars, politicians or other famous/wealthy figures such as CEOs or high profile people. Often these types of columnists might spread rumours or news about these people. Hearing about celebrities like this will attract readers as they will likely enjoy finding out 'private' information about their favourite stars through these columns.

Film/TV Show Reporter
In terms of this job role the reporter could be invited to the set of a TV show or film or at the same time write about rumours or news they may have heard regarding upcoming films  and TV shows. We might see articles such as the ones this person might write within TV and movie magazines. By writing the articles about potential news and rumours regarding upcoming TV shows or films they will be able to attract an audience by generating excitement and they will be able to retain them by continuously providing this information in future issues. Reporters/journalists may also be able to get exclusive interviews with actors and stars.

Newspaper Columnist
Often people may be given columns within Newspapers where they can write their thoughts and feelings about a number of topics which would mainly be about current events or other public figures. We see this in The Sun newspaper with Jeremy Clarkson and his weekly column on Saturdays. Newspaper columnists will be allowed to talk about a number of things, they are given a set amount of topics and space on the page per week and usually have more freedom of what they want to talk about and how they want to say things in comparison to a journalist or reporter. This is because a columnist might be biased bout things whereas reporters are more likely to be a bit more impartial.

TV Guide Article Writer
People who write for a TV guide will talk about upcoming shows or episodes that are going to be aired on TV during the upcoming week(s). When writing articles the journalist may just write information regarding upcoming shows based upon things that are confirmed. Journalists may also get the oppertunity to interview stars of upcoming TV shows in order to promote the show by getting that persons thoughts and feelings. Articles about upcoming TV shows may include a synopsis as well as the opinion of the article writer and articles featuring interviews with stars or articles about stars may talk about their personal lives and personal history as well as what the upcoming show would mean for them.

Identification of skills gaps and skills development plan
These are images of the skills audit I have created for myself as well as the development plan for how I feel I would like to improve my skills for the foreseeable future in order to become an effective asset within the print based media industry.

CV
Here is a link to a CV that I have created:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_4lfFO92DuxZXlrUmZ6OWlWNkU/view?usp=sharing


Letters of Application for potential jobs

4th May 2017

29 Fortford Close

East Finchley N99 1JS

Mr Oliver McDonald

51 Castleoak Avenue 

Old Barnet EN14 9CS

To Mr McDonald

I have noticed there is a job vacancy for a role as a Film Critic at your newspaper and I am writing to you to express interest in filling this space. I found the listing on your website and it seems like an interesting oppertunity that fits in well with my previous interests, education and experience. I believe that I would be an excellent fit for the position given my education in Film and the degree I obtained studying it at A-Level and Undergraduate level. 

I have a number of different skills that I feel would be useful to me within this role. I am competent with technology having gained a qualification in ICT and have a knowledgable understanding of a variety of Hardware and Software that would allow me to be efficient within a journalistic writing role such as this one. Also having gained a degree in Film Studies at the University of Kent this gives me an increased understanding of films as well as highlights my interest and passion for the subject. 

As part of the role I understand that I may well have to submit several pieces a week and be available to attend festivals, screenings and premieres. I am hard- working and enthusiastic which I will put towards all of these responsibilities. I have also gained qualifications in english literature and english language which have allowed me to develop my writing skills in order to be able to apply it to my general work today. This will be highly useful working in the role you are offering.

Thank you for considering me for this job role. I would like the oppertunity to meet with you and discuss further why I feel I am suited for this role as well as what I will be able to offer the company. I feel that my skills and training will allow me to make a valuable contribution to the company. 

I look forward to hearing from you soon

Sincerely

Daniel Gould

07123456789

danielgould@jcossmail.co.uk

A spreadsheet of contacts and employers in the industry

Unit 11- Assignment 3

Financial issues of print based Media
https://www.powtoon.com/c/bZC9Qu8IaF9/1/m

Market Trends in Print Based Media
https://www.powtoon.com/c/cWOAItwe9UD/1/m

Legal obligations of Print Based Media
https://www.powtoon.com/c/dfgY3oeaocQ/1/m

Ethical obligations and professional bodies in print based media
https://www.powtoon.com/c/f4VX4Ue3qdj/1/m

Unit 11- Assignment 2

Working Practices
Stages of Print Production

Stages of Print Production by Daniel Gould

House style

What is House Style? by Daniel Gould


Impact of Digital Technology

Digital Technology by Daniel Gould


Historical influences

Historical Influences by Daniel Gould
Other areas of Working Practice

Other areas of working practices by Daniel Gould


Employment

Role of Unions

Role of Unions by Daniel Gould


Employment legislation

Employment Regulations by Daniel Gould


Types of contracts

Types of contracts by Daniel Gould

Unit 11- Assignment 1

Unit 29- Music Videos- Assignment 3

This is the link to our music video- The Lazy Song by Bruno Mars:



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yW2e3E2Jb6s&feature=youtu.be

This is the link to the behind the scenes and blooper reel as evidence for our music video:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnmOlspA4kM&feature=youtu.be

During production and editing Harrison and I had our own given roles in order to ensure that when shooting and editing we completed this to a high professional standard. During production I was the actor with Harrison behind the camera. With each scene, shot and sequence Harrison and I would discuss in depth what we thought would be best every single time and also decided upon what actions and stage directions I would be acting out. As can be seen from the behind the scenes video, Harrison was instructing with each shot and sequence to ensure that I knew what I was doing and to bring out creative image to life as much as possible. He was very clear and took his time explaining so that we both knew what needed to be done. Overall Harrison was the director and cameraman and carefully shot everything to make sure we got the footage we needed to a high professional standard.

Within the behind the scenes video 'bloopers' were also included showing that not everything was perfect on the first try and that a lot of time and effort was spent in order to ensure we attained the correct shots that we needed. It took trial and error in order to ensure that we could get the footage that was needed for the music video. As the actor I ensured that I was listening to Harrison as the director and that if there was anything unclear or if I felt there was anything that needed further discussing we would consult one another throughout the video (as can be seen at certain points throughout the behind the scenes video). As an ameture actor it was important that I followed the stage directions.

In post-production I undertook the role of the main editor but Harrison and I worked together to decide what was best for video and what could be done to further enhance the overall quality and professional standard of the music video. In order to ensure the video was industry standard we made sure the lip-synchronisation was next to perfect and made sure that the narrative of the story made sense. To keep in line with the song and the pop genre we added cartoon-like graphics and changed the colours in certain places to keep the overall tone and mood of the video light hearted and fun.

Audience Feedback

After showcasing the video to an audience this is some of the following feedback which we received

• Animation and graphics to enhance experience
• Use of technology and technical ability
• Lip synching on point
• Clear narrative
• Well done, good attempt at a conventional music video
• Used a number of different aspects to create a music video

Unit 29 Music Videos- Assignment 2- Production Documentation

Storyboard

Producing a storyboard is an important part of pre-production documentation because it helps to visualise what the most significant frames within a music video are going to look like. This is incredibly useful along with the shot list to help follow what needs to be done when shooting different scenes. A storyboard works along with a shot list, detailing the actions that are meant to be occurring as well as what camera movements or angles need to be used. Altogether this makes the process of shooting the footage a lot easier as you will instantly know what needs to be done for what shot.

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Shot List
Using a shot list will breakdown exactly what we will be doing in every single shot throughout the music video including what the scene is, what location the scene will be shot in, what the shot type will be, what lyrics will be heard on screen and how long the shot will be. The shot list gives us an order of events within the music video and helps us to know what order to put footage in when editing and what order to shoot the sequences in. This is especially helpful as the shot list in chronological order. Since the shot list also lists what actions need to be done it is also useful when directing actors.

Shot list- https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_4lfFO92DuxSHNJMWk1TEFPTEE


Selection of technical and performance crew
This document breaks down what each piece of technical equipment will be, how it is used, why it is being used and who the personnel is that is responsible for operating that piece of equipment. I think that this is an important document to have so that we know exactly why we are using the equipment and who is responsible for what piece of equipment.

Selection of technical and performance crew- https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_4lfFO92DuxZnRhOHRCcjI5em8



Team roles and responsibilities
The team roles and responsibilities are useful so that everyone knows their place within the production team and knows what role they are supposed to take on. This is useful so that everyone knows the exact thing that they have to do to help the production of the video and know how they have to do it. This will also break down what specific equipment the person taking on this role will use in order to aid production.

Team Roles and Responsibilities- https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_4lfFO92DuxTnZuWlJEV01zZFE


Production organisation schedule
The production organisation schedule will get everyone organised so that everyone knows when and where they have to. It is similar to a call sheet and outlines what scenes will be shot and when. We have also drawn up a schedule leading up to production detailing when people need to be at the location and the steps we will take on the day in question leading up to the first call for production to start.

Production organisation leading up to the shoot- https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_4lfFO92DuxUzJOWnE5Rm9ETXM

Production Schedule- https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_4lfFO92DuxVkdTbjRwLWNoT2c



Location recce
The location recce outlines each of the different filming locations whether it is a number of different rooms within one singular location or if it is multiple locations altogether. The location recce that we have come up with details the different advantages and disadvantages of the locations as well as a bit of information so that we know what to expect of each location on the day.

Location recce- https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_4lfFO92Duxc0xteUotQTdwMnc


Risk assessments
A risk assessment is important to ensure that we know about the potential dangers/risks that there are with certain locations or using certain equipment. It is important to do this beforehand so that the risks are eliminated before shooting commences. This is so that no one part of the crew or the actors have any harm come to them. The risk assessment entail who is responsible for eliminating the risks and therefore people should know what they have to do to reduce potentially hazardous dangers or to resolve any issues with the technology.

Risk Assessment- https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Yd_6H__r6gIJv0KNZAEgCKvhzGy42N-AN2p34BzvML0

Permission to film
In order to actually be allowed to use a location to film on location permission needs to be given to the production team by the person that is in charge of that place. Permission to film is done in two steps, firstly there is a letter that is written to the owner/manager of the location asking for permission to use the location, stating the reasons why and whether or not the person will be compensated if there are any problems. The second step of permission to film comes in the form of a permission slip where the owner of the property gives the production team written consent to allow them to film within the property, giving/stating certain terms that do and do not allow the production team to do certain things.

Location permission request letter- https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_4lfFO92DuxMU8xb1A0bDRwNmM/view?usp=sharing

Location permission slip- https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_4lfFO92DuxX1RVMUcySWJnMnc

Clearances
Due to the fact that this is a student music video and we will not be making money off of it, there's not much of a need to have to get clearances to use music or use a persons image (whether its for a reference or for comedic purposes). Should the video have been monetised (meaning money would be made off of it) then therefor I would have had to get clearances by the production company or any other stars in order to ensure that I am allowed to be using this music or an artists image as they would then be entitled to a cut of the money.

Unit 29 Music Videos- Assignment 2- Location research

What location have we chosen and why?
In terms of the location we have decided to use one of our houses as this is a location that is very representative of the song itself. Since the song is about being lazy and tells the story of a lazy day at home I feel that it only makes sense to shoot the music video within a house. The house we have chosen will accommodate for the different scenes, sequences and scenarios that we have in mind. I think that it is important to use the right location for a music video as it needs to help to represent what the song is all about. Some of the lyrics that the song has would only be achievable to show visually within someones home and therefore we want to properly depict this onscreen. I also think that by using one of our houses rather than someone else's it gives the video a more personal touch. Lastly since it is a low budget student film this is a location that is readily available and where not a lot of permissions or clearances are going to be needed. This means we are a lot less restricted with what we will be able to do as well (within boundaries obviously)

Unit 29 Music Videos- Assignment 2- Originate Ideas

Song Choice
Our choice of song for our music is going to be 'The Lazy Song' by Bruno Mars. The song itself is simply about doing nothing. It is highly reflective of what a lot of people tend to be like whether it is on a weekend or during a day off from work or school. The song follows the day in the life of a lazy person, doing a number of meaningless tasks and activities in an attempt to fill time. The song has its comedic aspects which can be quite awkward such as "hand in my pants", "have some really nice sex" and "strut in my birthday suit and let everything hang loose". I feel that this adds to the entertainment and the fun of the song. It is a very upbeat and happy song that I would consider pop. The song itself was even written by Mars when he was sitting in the studio one day, literally doing no work. The song makes a couple of pop culture references including MTV and The Dougie which is a type of dance. The song is quite reflective of procrastinators as some of the things brought up are simply meaningless or overall just 'lazy'. The song opens up even with Mars stating he "don't feel like doing anything" and just wants to lay in bed. As well as this he talks about staring at the fan, lounging around on the couch and avoiding getting a college degree as he simply wants to do nothing as we all feel like sometimes doing. I feel that this is a fun song and within our music video gives us a level of creative freedom as we will be able to create comedic, awkward and fun situations that show off the entertainment factor of the song.

Performers Style and Image
Bruno Mars like all artists has his own particular style which can be seen through his public image and during his music videos. His clothing style consists of a shirt to t-shirt, chinos or skinny genes and usually a hat whether it is a cap, snapback or a fedora. He sometimes will wear sunglasses within music videos or when out in public. He tends to wear very trendy and colourful clothing, he isn't tied down to a specific colour scheme. This links to him as a pop artist as these are the kinds of clothes that a typical male pop artist might wear. Within the music video we may make reference this whether it is by imitating the clothes that Bruno Wears or even if we simply hide a fedora in the background as a homage to Bruno Mars.

Video Style and Creative Concept
In terms of the style of video that I am aiming for I do want it to have a narrative to a certain extent with the story essentially being the day in the life of someone who is at home enjoying themselves simply doing nothing. I would like for my overall meaning of the video to show that there is no shame in doing nothing and at the same time that doing nothing can actually be quite fun. My creative concept stems from the fact that the song itself is quite funny and I felt that a funny music video could be made from it. I also want certain parts of the video to have elements that include and touch upon the referencing and homage style of music videos. I think it might be quite funny to reference Bruno Mars himself, possibly in terms of clothing or even by including his face within the video but also think it could be quite funny to pay homage to the actual music video for 'The lazy song' itself. In terms of the genre this is a pop song and an artist whom sings pop songs so therefore I will need to ensure that the video itself looks like a pop video. I will include bright colours and trendy clothing similar to what Bruno Mars will wear and overall strive to make the video as entertaining, upbeat and fun as possible so that it is fit for the genre as well as to honour Bruno Mars.

Unit 29 Music Videos- Assignment 1

This is a link to my presentation about the purposes, styles, conventions and techniques of/about music videos:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_4lfFO92DuxY0JSelVndXpQS2c/view?usp=sharing