Year 12, Term 3 Plan

Week 1

• Preparation for mock exams (TV drama) using key terms http://howardschoolmedia.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Key%20terms and May 2013 extract (regional identity), mark scheme http://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/176264-mark-scheme-unit-g322-key-media-concepts-tv-drama-june.pdf and exemplar scripts http://ocrmediastudies.weebly.com/exam-papers-g322g325.html
• Independent reading: http://howardschoolmedia.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/TV%20Drama
• Assessment: mock exam

Week 2

• Mock examination
• Show 'rough cuts' of films to the rest of the class, get video feedback (peer assessment) and upload video to blog with your response to the feedback (what improvements need to be made?).
• Representation (TV Drama) - general characteristics that influence representation (teacher note - see TV drama folder).  Further reading http://howardschoolmedia.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Representation http://howardschoolmedia.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/as-and-a2-ocr-media-studies-ebooks.html (2.1 "Television Drama").  Assessment through discussion and Q&A.
• Independent work: Producers need to give in outstanding task checklists (these were emailed to you) and check that the blog lists the group roles, otherwise your research and planning work will not be assessed. Producers also need to do an updated action plan of their group's current position in terms of research and planning, construction and post production.
• Independent work: Editors need to complete the editing of 1st/2nd cuts of their film.
• All group members need to check their individual research and planning task assessment sheet and make any amendments where necessary and return to me.

Week 3

• Mock examination feedback using June 2009 materials - Examiner's Report http://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/63472-report-on-the-units-june.pdf mark scheme http://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/59840-mark-scheme-june.pdf and exemplar materials http://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/73692-unit-g322-exemplar-answers-june-2009-scripts.zip (teacher note - see Media folder).  Also see 'TV Drama Textual Analysis Assessment Sheet'.
• Remaining 'rough cuts' of films shown to the rest of the class, video feedback obtained (peer assessment) and uploaded to the blog with your response to the feedback (what improvements need to be made?).
• Audiences and Institutions case study 'Media ownership in the UK film industry' (examination) - The King's Speech, Skyfall, Harry Potter, Africa United, Working Title http://howardschoolmedia.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/media-ownership-in-uk-film-industry.html
• Independent work: Evaluation Task 1 - Nine frame comparison between your film and an influential film(s) http://howardschoolmedia.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/nine-frame-evaluation-guidance.html
• Assessment: Evaluation Task 1

Week 4

• Representation (TV Drama) of ability/disability - May 2012. Materials: http://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/62880-examiners-reports-june.pdf  http://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/135320-mark-scheme-unit-g322-key-media-concepts-tv-drama-june.pdf   Assessment through timed practice and marked scripts.
• Media ownership case study (continued).  Plan answer to ownership question (Jan 2013) using materials: http://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/144689-question-paper-unit-g322-01-key-media-concepts-tv-drama.pdf  http://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/136577-examiners-reports-january.pdf  Assessment: Plans.
• Research and planning task assessment sheets to be handed back to students with suggested improvements.
• Independent work: Evaluation Task 2 (social groups), complete and upload  http://howardschoolmedia.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/evaluating-your-as-coursework-to-be.html
• Independent work: Evaluation Task 4 (target audience), complete and upload http://howardschoolmedia.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/evaluating-your-as-coursework-to-be.html
• Independent work: all students make improvements to individual research and planning work based on assessment sheet feedback.
• Assessment: Research and Planning tasks, Evaluation Task 2, Evaluation Task 4 

Week 5

• Representation (TV Drama) of class and status - May 2011.  Materials: http://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/66934-question-paper-unit-g322-key-media-concepts-tv-drama.pdf  http://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/65317-examiners-reports-june.pdf  http://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/71378-unit-g322-exemplar-answers-june-2011.zip  Assessment through timed practice and marked scripts.
• Independent work: Evaluation Task 6 (technology), complete and upload http://howardschoolmedia.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/evaluating-your-as-coursework-to-be.html
• Assessment: Evaluation Task 6

Week 6

• Final deadline (13th Feb) to upload improved research and planning work before assessment.
• Final deadline (13th Feb) for completed film to be uploaded before assessment.
• Preparation for answering Evaluation Tasks 3 (institutions), 5 (attract/address audience) and 7 (progress from preliminary to main).  You must have video copies of your preliminary task and your film opening to complete evaluation tasks 3, 5 and 7.
• Independent work: complete Evaluation Tasks 3, 5 and 7 http://howardschoolmedia.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/evaluating-your-as-coursework-to-be.html  Please note that these evaluation tasks (and any improved ones) must be complete and uploaded to your blog no later than 27th February.
• Assessment: Evaluation Tasks 3, 5 and 7.

Creating a storyboard - an OCR guide

http://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/168849-the-ocr-guide-to-storyboards.pdf

Nine Frame Evaluation Guidance

You tube tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUmdaRTZ_PA

A student guide:

Look at http://www.artofthetitle.com/  Create your own 9 frame analysis of an influential film opening to show the forms and conventions of: the titles (including style, typefaces, positioning, timing, how they appear and what they say), setting and locations, costumes and props, camerawork, the 'setup' of the story, the creation of genre, how characters are introduced, editing and effects, music, sound and dialogue.  You should use each frame to write about a different aspect of the opening; e.g. one frame could be about the title of the film and the next frame could be about how genre is created (see the example on petesmediablog to see how this is done) http://petesmediablog.blogspot.co.uk/2010/11/evaluation-for-ocr-coursework.html

Then do a 9 frame analysis for your opening.  This time in your analysis compare your opening to the influential film.  Explain which of the conventions from the influential film you 'use' (i.e. things that are very similar).  Also explain which conventions you have 'developed' (i.e. given your own slant or interpretation).  Finally, also consider how you may have 'challenged' the conventions of your influential film (i.e. adopted an approach that is very different from the norm).

Logo design

Logos can be designed in Adobe Photoshop (CS3 on the older PCs, CS6 on the newer ones), Adobe After Effects (CS3 on the older PCs, CS6 on the newer ones), Adobe Indesign (CS6 on the newer PCs), Adobe Fireworks (CS3 on the older PCs, CS6 on the newer ones) and other programs too.  Use youtube tutorials such as the ones below to guide you through the process:

http://www.rocktheshotforum.com/2012/07/20/how-to-design-a-logo-in-adobe-photoshop/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkBVBxs5-hs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgQMxy_gT_A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiZcNV4m1lE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JznIqTDEawo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xa9WLLV0zp4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ne-WI7zhG2U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k2Rwftrgzs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMqyshqGxVY

Cinema4D tutorials:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipkoDGkLzrM

Foundation Portfolio - Evaluation Questions

AS Foundation Portfolio Evaluation Questions

In all cases, candidates should be encouraged to see the evaluation as a creative task and the

potential of the format chosen should be exploited through the use of images, audio, video and

links to online resources.

In the evaluation the following seven questions must be addressed:

1.       In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products? (e.g. comparison nine frame analyses of your film and an influential film)

2.       How does your media product represent particular social groups? (e.g. comparison stills from your film and the wider media)

3.       What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why? (e.g. voiceover analysis of the institutions that appear at the start of your film and the other titles)

4.       Who would be the audience for your media product? (e.g. focus group video and audience profile)

5.       How did you attract/address your audience? (e.g. annotated analysis of your video)

6.       What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product? (e.g. photos of technology taken during construction with evaluation of what has been learned)

7.        Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product? (video comparison of the preliminary film and main task with voiceover)

NB  Q4 should be completed before you make your film.  Q1 can be partly completed before you start filming.  You also need to think about social groups (Q2) before you start to film.  Q3 can be partly completed before you start filming and then finished when you have made your titles.  Q6 can be photographed as you go along.  Qs 5 & 7 can only be answered when your film has been edited.

Marking criteria for the evaluation:

ü  Skill in the use of digital technology or ICT in the evaluation.

ü  Understanding of issues around audience, institution, technology, representation, forms and conventions in relation to production.

ü  Ability to refer to the choices made and outcomes.

ü  Understanding of their development from preliminary to full task.

ü  Ability to communicate.

See these links for additional guidance:

http://howardschoolmedia.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/evaluating-your-as-coursework-to-be.html

http://howardschoolmedia.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/as-foundation-portfolio-coursework.html

http://howardschoolmedia.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/foundation-portfolio-self-assessment.html

http://howardschoolmedia.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/weekly-plan-for-main-task-term-2.html

Templates for planning documents

Some downloadable templates for planning documents can be found here:  http://www.dependentfilms.net/files.html

Example of an animatic - Definitely Maybe

Production roles

Here are some roles and the associated tasks for both AS and A2 productions.  Please note that acting is not assessed as a role and therefore your actors do not need to be in your group.  Group members need to state their roles and will be assessed on the tasks connected with those roles (if you only act or  do not  take part in making the film you will get zero marks for construction).  Group members should have clearly defined roles and should take on more than one role.  If you are working on your own, you will execute all roles.

Producer 
The Producer is an organiser, in charge of the budget, hirer and firer of the crew, the implementer of the project.

Manages the team.  Completes: budget, action planning, time management, risk assessment and progress updates.

Director
The Director is the key creative person on a film or television project. The so-called ‘Director’s Vision’ shapes the whole movie and all of the other determinants involved in the making of the film – sound, lighting, production design and so on work in collaboration with this vision. In a sense the Director makes the film in his or her head before any shooting has begun.  The Director designs the film, orchestrates its emotional content and is the head of the creative side of the filmmaking process. In terms of preparing the actors for their roles it is often the case for the Director to meet with the actors during Pre-production and read through the script with them before any shooting takes place. Improvisation can also be attempted at this stage in order for the actors to explore their roles. Improvisation is basically acting without a script. The actors make up their actions and dialogue according to a brief set out by the Director. Some films are actually made entirely with improvisation and no script. Whatever the case, it is a powerful tool for Director’s to use when working with actors.

Is in charge of the shoot.  Completes: call sheet and works closely with the Cinematographer on the storyboard, shot list and shot schedule.

Writer

The first step in the making of a film is creating the script. The script is the blueprint for the whole movie. Of course there are films which are made without a script such as improvised projects, but generally the script is the starting point for most movies.

Whether the Director has written the script or is interpreting an already created one, the key when directing the film is to attempt to predict the audience’s reaction to the material.  A good script will be formatted correctly and include all of the action, scene descriptions and dialogue that will be featured in the finished film. It will not include any descriptions of shots or how the film will be realised – this is the job of the Director.

Writing the script is a very difficult and often undervalued aspect of the filmmaking process. An idea may start with a single moment or action, a line of dialogue, a character and so on.  A character biography can also be a useful tool for helping the actors prepare for their roles. This is basically a document detailing aspects of the characters life such as family background, social status, history, personality etc. Actors tend to like a character biography, and it should help them to prepare for their texts.

Writes the idea for the film.  Completes: initial ideas, pitch and script.

Editor
Reads the script, shot list and storyboard to understand the aims and context of the film. Edits the film on the editing software.  Creates drama, entertainment and continuity through cutting.  Works with the Sound Editor (this can be the same person) to add music, sound effects and additional dialogue.  Creates production logos.  Also researches editing techniques, writes 'skills progress' posts on the blog relating to ICT skills and completes title timelines.  Produces 'rough cuts' of the film.  Checks labels and posts are correct on the blog.

Sound Editor
Responsible for finding sound effects (including foley sound) and re-recording any unclear dialogue or sounds.

Sound Designer
Plans the arrangement of sound in the production - dialogue, music, foley, sound effects etc.

Composer
Responsible for finding copyright-free music or composing/ recording original music.

Cinematographer
The Director of Photography on a project is ultimately responsible for the film’s visual imagery. He or she controls the lighting and composition of the various shots which will be featured in the finished movie.

Responsible for filming.  Works closely with the director on the storyboard, shot list and shot schedule.

Storyboard Artist
Completes: animatic or photo-storyboard or drawn storyboard; shot list and shot schedule.

Location Scout
During pre-production, various members of the crew will visit possible locations to find settings that the action can take place in. When visiting locations it is a good idea to take photographs or shoot some videotape of the possible places. An overhead drawing can also help in terms of planning camera angles and lighting.  Film-makers should listen intently to make sure there are no sound problems such as air conditioners etc. There are other things to be considered such as power points and a room for the actors to wait in and for make-up to be applied etc. Sets will be built if a suitable location cannot be found or if shooting in a studio is a preferred option. Sets allow the film-makers’ to create anything the imagination can conjure up.
Responsible for finding suitable locations for the film.  Locations are photographed and a presentation is prepared to show the rest of the group.

Technical Director
Completes: equipment list and organises all technical equipment required for the shoot and is able to use it.

Set, Costume and Prop Design
The Production Designer’s role is associated with the visuals on a film. He or she designs any sets required, is involved in the selection of locations and is in charge of dressing the sets and locations with various props.
Responsible for mise-en-scene, including props and costumes.  Completes a list of the same and organises for the shoot.

Make-up Artist
Responsible for make-up.  Works closely with the Set, Costume and Prop Designer.

Marketing
Decides on the target audience for the film and produces a demographic profile.  Also responsible for audience testing and posts relating to audience feedback.


Suggested roles for group members

Group of four:

1 Producer, Location Scout, Production Designer (set, costume and props)
2 Director, Writer, Storyboard Artist (joint), Marketing
3 Cinematographer, Technical Director, Storyboard Artist (joint)
4 Editor, Sound Editor, Sound Designer, Composer

Group of three:

1 Director, Producer, Writer, Storyboard Artist (joint), Marketing
2 Cinematographer, Location scout, Technical Director, Storyboard Artist (joint)
3 Editor, Sound Editor, Sound Designer, Composer, Production Designer (set, costume and props)

AS Foundation Portfolio - Coursework Assessment

  You are assessed on three areas:

• Research and Planning (your blog)
• Construction (your film)
• Evaluation (7 questions)

See here for additional guidance  http://howardschoolmedia.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/foundation-portfolio-self-assessment.html

It is important that you follow the guidance on labels for your 'Research and Planning' - see here http://howardschoolmedia.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/labels-as-foundation-portfolio.html

Don't forget that if your film is on Youtube then it needs to be 'public access' and not 'private' so anyone can view it.  Your preliminary film also needs to available on your blog to view.

Your evaluations must cover all 7 questions.  Whatever you do, don't miss out any questions, even if that means having to answer one in a way other than how I have advised.  

Your evaluations should come under the label 'Evaluation' on the blog.  The title for the post is 'Evaluation - your name'.  All your questions should come under one post.  So, if there are three people in the group, there will be three separate posts each with seven questions answered.  There should be no other posts with the 'Evaluation' label on the blog.

Foundation Portfolio - Self Assessment

Foundation Portfolio – assessment

Research and Planning:

Initial ideas have been considered.  The post is titled and labelled correctly.  Roles for the task are stated. 

A pitch (powerpoint or video or both) has been uploaded to the blog explaining: title, genre, location, time, characters, plot outline and key micro features (including use of match-on-action, shot/reverse shot and 180 degree rule).  The post is titled and labelled correctly.  Roles for the task are stated.  Pitch feedback has also been uploaded to the blog, titled and labelled.
Influential film extracts have been shown to a focus group and feedback obtained.  The post is titled and labelled correctly.  Roles for the task are stated.

A photographic storyboard or animatic has been uploaded to the blog.  Camerawork is clearly represented by the photos.  There may be a second version of the animatic with a voiceover explaining directorial ideas.  Camerawork, sound, editing and mise-en-scene are directions are included.  The post is titled and labelled correctly.  Roles for the task are stated.

The animatic has been shown to the class and feedback has been uploaded to the blog.  The posts are titled and labelled correctly.  Roles for the task are stated.

A shot list has been created.  The post is titled and labelled correctly.  Roles for the task are stated.

A shot schedule has been created.  The post is titled and labelled correctly.  Roles for the task are stated.

A script (if required) has been written.  The post is titled and labelled correctly.  Roles for the task are stated.

An equipment list has been created.  The post is titled and labelled correctly.  Roles for the task are stated.

Costumes, props and makeup have been chosen and described.  The post is titled and labelled correctly.  Roles for the task are stated.
Set design has been completed if necessary.  The post is titled and labelled correctly.  Roles for the task are stated.

Location shots have been taken.  The post is titled and labelled correctly.  Roles for the task are stated.

A call sheet or Facebook contact page have been created.  The post is titled and labelled correctly.  Roles for the task are stated.

A budget has been drawn up.  The post is titled and labelled correctly.  Roles for the task are stated.

A risk assessment (if necessary) has been completed.  The post is titled and labelled correctly.  Roles for the task are stated.

Music and sound effects have been found and copyright free evidence or permission provided. There is evidence of sound design.  Posts are titled and labelled correctly.  Roles for the task are stated.

Skills progress has been updated.  The post is titled and labelled correctly.  Roles for the task are stated.

Title timelines have been created, analysing real films.  The post is titled and labelled correctly.  Roles for the task are stated.

Rough cuts of your film have been tested on an audience and feedback received.  The post is titled and labelled correctly.  Roles for the task are stated.

Action plans have allowed you to establish good time management.  The post is titled and labelled correctly.  Roles for the task are stated.

A target audience has been clearly identified.  The post is titled and labelled correctly.  Roles for the task are stated.

Construction:

Titles are appropriate and follow industry conventions.

Sound is used with images and editing appropriately.

Material that has been shot is appropriate.

The use of the camera is controlled.

There is attention to framing.

There is a variety of shot distances and angles.

There is careful attention to mise-en-scene.

Editing creates meaning for the viewer.

There is selective and appropriate use of transitions.

Evaluation (each student should have done this):

http://howardschoolmedia.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/evaluating-your-as-coursework-to-be.html

1. A nine frame analysis of a similar film has been completed, posted and labelled correctly.
2. A nine frame analysis of a your film has been completed, posted and labelled correctly.
3. An analysis of the representation of social groups in your film has been completed, posted and labelled correctly (the analysis should include text and images which compare your representation of social groups with those in the mainstream media).
4. An analysis of the institutions involved in funding, producing and distributing your film has been completed, posted and labelled correctly (this should take the form of a voiceover heard over the title sequence of your film).
5. The target audience for your film has been identified by creating a profile of a typical audience member.  This has been posted to the blog and labelled correctly.
6. An analysis of how you have tried to attract and address your audience has been completed, posted and labelled correctly (this should take the form of an annotated version of your film – use the Youtube ‘annotate’ function).
7. You have produced a photo montage representing all the technology you have used with text annotations.  The photo montage has been posted to the blog and labelled correctly.
8. You have reflected on how you have made progress from the preliminary task to the main task by editing together comparison sequences from each task, illustrating progress in four key areas – camerawork, mise-en-scene, sound and editing.  A voiceover or annotations will explain how your skills have developed.  This video has been posted to the blog and labelled correctly.

How to write a film script

• The title of the film 
• Edit to start the scene (e.g. fade in)
• Scene number on the left hand side of the page
• INT. or EXT. depending on whether the location is interior or exterior.  Then describe where (e.g. EXT.  OVER MIAMI - DAY)
• Set the scene by describing the location and the action that is taking place.  You can also describe aspects of lighting and camerawork, but don't do this in great detail ( e.g. Stillness.  Long wispy clouds spider across a deep blue sky.  Sunlight glints expectantly off the mirrored high-rises downtown.)
• Character names should be in capitals.
• Dialogue should be placed in the MIDDLE of the page with the character's name (in capitals) on the line above, e.g.

                                                                   HEATHER BURTON

                                                   Ow, Todd!  You almost took my foot off!

• You can explain how a character says something by placing it in brackets before they speak:

                                                                   TODD BURTON

                                                  (under his breath)  Uch, your mother.  Pain in my ass.

• When the scene changes, state the transition on the right hand side of the page (e.g. cut to:)
• Remember to leave a line between each section of your script.  One page of a script is roughly equal to a minute of screen time.

NB  Use courier font for your script.

Here are some examples:

Here is some additional information about how to do it: http://filmschoolonline.com/sample_lessons/sample_lesson_format.htm

Weekly plan for the Main Task (AS Foundation Portfolio) - Term 2

Week 1

• Brainstorm your initial ideas.  Here are some typical film narratives: http://howardschoolmedia.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/ideas-for-film-narratives.html
• Create a pitch http://howardschoolmedia.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/how-to-write-pitch.html
• Get feedback on your pitch and upload the video to your blog.  Create an action plan of how you will use the feedback to improve your idea.
• Independent reading: http://petesmediablog.blogspot.co.uk/2010/12/film-openings-event-at-nft.html and http://howardschoolmedia.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/how-to-create-good-film-opening.html

Week 2

• Class analysis of a film opening.
• Study the film opening analyses on artofthetitle.com  
• Create your own 9 frame analysis of an opening from a similar film to the one you are intending to make (Evaluation Q1 - conventions).  Your analysis should show the forms and conventions of: the titles (including style, typefaces, positioning, timing, how they appear and what they say), setting and locations, costumes and props, camerawork, the 'setup' of the story, the creation of genre, how characters are introduced, editing and effects, music, sound and dialogue.  You should use each frame to write about a different aspect of the opening; e.g. one frame could be about the title of the film and the next frame could be about how genre is created.
• Analyse the titles of your similar film in detail http://howardschoolmedia.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/analysing-title-sequence-film-opening.html   http://vimeo.com/60964497
• Independent study (Evaluation Q3 - institutions): What kind of media institution might distribute your film and why?  First of all you need to understand what distribution is; this post will help you: http://howardschoolfilm.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/what-is-film-distibutor-fm2.html
  Next, you need to find out who distributed your similar films (if your film is similar then maybe they would distribute your film too).  If your film is a UK one then here is a list of UK distributors: http://howardschoolfilm.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/fm2-uk-film-distributors.html
  You should also research the other institutions involved with films: e.g production companies, financiers and funding sources such as The National Lottery.  Use wikipedia and IMDB to find out the institutions involved with your similar film(s) and what role they had.  Upload your research to the blog.

Week 3

• Take photographs for a photographic 'animatic' storyboard and edit them together with sound and music http://howardschoolmedia.blogspot.co.uk/2011/06/animatics.html  You could do a second edit of the animatic with a voiceover describing your ideas (camerawork, editing, mise-en-scene and sound).
• Get feedback on your animatic and upload to the blog with your thoughts on how you will improve your idea.
• Create a shot list (a written shot-by-shot plan of your opening) and a shot schedule (a similar plan but in the order you intend to shoot the opening): http://howardschoolmedia.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/shot-list-example.html  http://howardschoolmedia.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/shooting-schedule-example.html  Typically these will include information such as: date, shot, scene, int./ext., location, characters, props and description.
• Write a script in the correct format  http://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Script  http://howardschoolmedia.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/how-to-write-film-script.html  You can use a program such as Celtx to do it all for you:  http://download.cnet.com/Celtx/3000-13631_4-10850080.html  Here is a guide to using it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KX06J2cG9eo
• Create an equipment list of all the hardware and software you will be using.  Here is a professional example http://howardschoolmedia.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/example-of-equipment-list.html
• Take location shots of your planned filming locations; upload to the blog with information about why they have been chosen and which scenes they will be used in.
• Create a call sheet showing which actors are required for each shooting scene and on what day and time http://howardschoolmedia.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/example-of-call-sheet.html  You should also state what costumes, props and make-up are required.
• Create a budget for your film listing all likely costs including travel, food, props, equipment etc.
• Create a risk assessment if you have any potential hazards http://howardschoolmedia.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/example-of-risk-assessment.html
• Find copyright free music (if required) http://howardschoolmedia.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/copyright-free-music-as-a2.html
• Find (or make) sound effects (if required).
• Independent work (Evaluation Q4 - audience): Create questions for a focus group (based on your ideas and similar films - you can show extracts) and a profile for a typical audience member for your film http://howardschoolmedia.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/audience-research-some-ideas.html

Week 4

• Ask the class (focus group) your questions and upload the video to the blog with actions based on the feedback.
• Filming
• Independent work: complete question 2 of the evaluation (social groups) http://howardschoolmedia.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/evaluating-your-as-coursework-to-be.html

Week 5

• Filming /editing
• Independent work: complete /improve questions 1-4 of the evaluation http://howardschoolmedia.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/evaluating-your-as-coursework-to-be.html

Week 6

• Filming /editing
• Independent work: complete question 6 of the evaluation (technology) http://howardschoolmedia.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/evaluating-your-as-coursework-to-be.html

Week 7

• Show films and get feedback.  Re-edit.
• Independent work: Do a 9 frame artofthetitle style analysis of your own film opening (Evaluation Q1) http://howardschoolmedia.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/evaluating-your-as-coursework-to-be.html
• Independent work: complete question 7 of the evaluation (skills progress).  This question can be completed over Christmas if necessary.

Example of a risk assessment

How to create a good film opening

• Music has to be copyright free (or permission to use obtained).  It also has to be appropriate for the type of film and sound levels need to be correct.  You can use music that you have performed and/or composed yourself.  http://howardschoolmedia.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/copyright-free-music-as-a2.html  You can also 'google' "copyright free music" and find your own sites.
• Create your own production company logos with After Effects or Photoshop.  There are lots of online tutorials such as these http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/adobe-after-effect-tutorials-beginners-intermediate-advanced-users/ and there are lots of youtube videos too, like these ones: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y03HzGdp7nQ   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xdf8mf99WZ8   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ednH3hE2v6A  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZc8NzQ2q7k  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ednH3hE2v6A   Another very good source for tips and info is this one:  http://www.videocopilot.net/
• Titles need to follow industry conventions (what they say,  their size, when and where they appear etc.) and use appropriate typefaces http://vimeo.com/60964497#  Use this wikipedia entry to help you understand the order of titles: http://howardschoolmedia.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/film-opening-credits-what-titles-appear.html You can analyse the openings of films similar to your own and also use http://www.artofthetitle.com/  You can download movie style typefaces from sites such as these: http://www.1001fonts.com/  http://slodive.com/freebies/movie-fonts/  http://www.dafont.com/
• Dialogue (if any) needs to be clear and background (ambient) noise controlled.  Music (if any) needs to be at an appropriate level and may vary to allow dialogue to be heard.  Sound effects can be added, including 'foley' sound and you may need to re-record some sound.  Use Audacity and/or Adobe Soundbooth to fine-tune your film's soundtrack.
• Camerawork needs to be varied and interesting.  Pay careful attention to the type of shot, angle, movement and camera position http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Documents/short/gramtv.html   Channels such as http://www.youtube.com/user/filmriot provide excellent tutorials about camerawork, mise-en-scene, editing and sound.
• Don't ignore mise-en-scene!  Costumes, props, locations, lighting, make-up and acting all make a huge difference to the success of a production.  
• To edit in Premiere Pro CS6, first watch some tutorials such as these:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVR8S1-a6Ak  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7yehgBr2PU  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWTHWOY1usU  Your editing needs to allow the viewer to understand the events in your opening; use test screenings and audience feedback to establish whether this is the case.  Your audience will spot flaws in your film that you can correct.
• Use Pete Fraser's advice: http://petesmediablog.blogspot.co.uk/2010/10/film-openings-for-level.html http://www.slideshare.net/PGCEmedia/untitled-15576773?ref=http://petesmediablog.blogspot.co.uk/search?updated-max=2013-09-08T13:13:00-07:00&max-results=2  http://petesmediablog.blogspot.co.uk/2010/09/beachcombing-getting-creative-ideas-and.html
• If you've done all of this you should have created a realistic film opening such as these exemplars: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6rWa0AcXGI&list=PLuboFoQeI7kipXgjEfYgibQHm0zpqNnri  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24nQdBL8M3w  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXA95Vs0ogk

How to upload a video to blogger - guide

http://www.blogbulk.com/2009/01/add-video-in-blogger-posts.html

Film Opening Credits - What titles appear at the start of a film?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opening_credits

Assessment Criteria for the Preliminary Task

Camerawork has been researched (shots, angles & movement).  Photos and videos have been uploaded to the blog.  Technical examples are correctly named and accurate definitions are given. The post is titled and labelled correctly.  Roles for the task are stated.

A photographic storyboard has been uploaded to the blog.  Camerawork is clearly represented by the photos.  Text explains camerawork, sound, editing and mise-en-scene together with directorial instructions.  The post is titled and labelled correctly.  Roles for the task are stated.

A pitch has been uploaded to the blog explaining: title, genre, location, time, characters, plot outline and key micro features (including use of match-on-action, shot/reverse shot and 180 degree rule).  The post is titled and labelled correctly.  Roles for the task are stated.

A post has been uploaded giving class feedback on the pitch.  The post is titled and labelled correctly.  Roles for the delivery of the pitch are stated.

The Preliminary Film* has been uploaded to the blog.  The post is titled and labelled correctly.  Roles for the film are stated.

A post has been uploaded giving class feedback on the Preliminary Film.  The post is titled and labelled correctly. 

* Preliminary Film

Continuity editing creates a sequence of events that are clear and easily understood by the viewer.

The directions in the brief have been followed (a character opens a door, crosses a room and sits down in a chair opposite another character. An exchange of dialogue occurs.)

Match-on-action is used.  Shot/reverse shot is used.  The 180-degree rule is observed.

Evaluating your AS coursework

First of all read this:

http://petesmediablog.blogspot.co.uk/2010/11/evaluation-for-ocr-coursework.html

The first question is: In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products (film openings)?

To answer this question, you could use http://www.artofthetitle.com/  First of all use your 9 frame analysis of an influential film opening to show the forms and conventions of: the titles (including style, typefaces, positioning, timing, how they appear and what they say), setting and locations, costumes and props, camerawork, the 'setup' of the story, the creation of genre, how characters are introduced, editing and effects, music, sound and dialogue.  You should use each frame to write about a different aspect of the opening; e.g. one frame could be about the title of the film and the next frame could be about how genre is created (see the example on petesmediablog to see how this is done).

Then do a 9 frame analysis for your opening.  This time in your analysis compare your opening to the influential film.  Explain which of the conventions from the influential film you 'use' (i.e. things that are very similar).  Also explain which conventions you have 'developed' (i.e. given your own slant or interpretation).  Finally, also consider how you may have 'challenged' the conventions of your influential film (i.e. adopted an approach that is very different from the norm).

See here how a 9 frame layout can be created in Photoshop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUmdaRTZ_PA

The second question is: How does your media product represent particular social groups?  Use images from the mainstream media that represent your social groups and compare them to images showing your representation in your media product.  Before you do your analysis, read this: http://howardschoolmedia.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/what-is-representation.html  A word file or powerpoint would be fine for this part of the evaluation, then add jpeg images of the documents to the blog. Alternatively, just do the analysis straight onto the blog.

The third question is: What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?  First of all you need to understand what distribution is; this post and link will help you: http://howardschoolfilm.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/what-is-film-distibutor-fm2.html
http://www.launchingfilms.info/step-step-guide/
Next, you need to find out who distributed your similar films (if your film is similar then maybe they would distribute your film too).  If your film is a UK one then here is a list of UK distributors: http://howardschoolfilm.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/fm2-uk-film-distributors.html
Although this question asks about distributors, you could talk about all of the institutions involved with your film: production companies, financiers and distributors.  Record a voiceover over the video of your film's titles, explaining about logos, the institutions whose names we see, the roles they play and why they would be involved in your film.

The fourth question is: Who would be the audience for your media product?
For this question, you could produce a profile for a typical audience member.  The profile could include information such as:

Age
Gender
Ethnicity and cultural background
Education
Religious and political affiliations
Economic status
Employment
Sexual orientation
Family background
Marital status
Group membership
Interests, pastimes and favourite media products (this is the most important section of the profile and the part you should write most about)

Add photographs of this typical audience member or you could make a video of an actor playing the role and either talking about him/her-self or being interviewed.

The fifth question links to the previous one and is: How did you attract/address your audience?  You could use the youtube 'annotate' function to annotate your video.  You could also link this to audience audience feedback you have received and any questionnaires you have done, e.g. http://howardschoolmedia.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/audience-research-some-ideas.html

The sixth question is: What have you learned about technologies from the process of constructing this product?
Technology can usually be represented visually.  This question is ideal for an annotated photo collage or montage put together in an editing program with music or you could do a cool photoshop arrangement of images with text to show how you used technology.  Don't forget that technology is software and hardware, websites and everything that helps you research, create and distribute, however small...even memory sticks!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54Y0GGt3Ww4

The seventh and final question is: Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the main product?
One way of doing this question would be to look at one (or more) ways you have developed your skills in four key areas - camerawork, editing, mise-en-scene and sound.  You could edit together a video example of each from your preliminary and main task that show an improvement in technique from the earlier task to the later one.  Then add a voiceover or annotations that explain the progress you have made.

'How to' guide to uploading a word file to Blogger

Blogger doesn't allow you to directly upload word files but we can change the file into a JPEG to do it.

Here's how to do it:

'All Programs'
'Adobe Master Collection CS3'
'Adobe Acrobat Professional' click
'Create PDF' click
'Create PDF from a file' click
'Open' - browse to file and click on it
'File' click
'Save as' click
'Save as type' select 'JPEG'
'Save'
Go to blog
'New post'
Click on 'Insert image'
'Choose files' click
Browse for JPEG image and click on it
'Open' click
Click on uploaded file and 'Add selected'
Move image as required and use re-sizing options to make it bigger

Preliminary task photo storyboard

Take photos of each stage of your preliminary idea so that you have a photographic storyboard.   Upload to the blog.  For each photo, add the following (if applicable):

Shot type

Shot angle

Camera movement (if any)

Camera position (including 180 degree rule)

Shot duration

Editing (e.g. shot / reverse shot)

Transition (to next shot)

Sound (inc. dialogue and music)

Directions (e.g. movement of characters)

Mise-en-scene (e.g. location, props, lighting etc.)