Yes! We can now blog in school again and most sites should be working - we're updating the macs this afternoon (Tuesday) so classes can run again as normal from now on!
Also, the cameras and video editing software have either already arrived or are being downloaded - the new software is ready to install and should be working in the next day or two (depending on how quickly it installs across the network) - so it's all systems go kiddiwinks!
YeeHar! Just now need to get on with it as quickly as you possibly can. Mr P and I have worked out a new schedule for you and now things are running it will be published and issued to you as soon as and it'll be uploaded here and posted on the noticeboard too.
Tuesday, 5 March 2013
Wednesday, 13 February 2013
Week 21 - STOP PRESS! Work you should be doing!
Just because we currently have no macs or equipment (thanks burglars!), doesn't mean work on production should stop - in fact it means that it's more important than ever to get your work up to date whilst you can. Because we will have to move the deadline (see the new schedules posted on the Media Noticeboard and handed out in class), and because we may find that the arrival of the new macs, server and cameras etc is something of a slightly moveable feast, it is more important that ever that you get everything else ready and up to date.
What does that mean?
Well obviously you can't edit your sequences just now. Also you can't blog in class BUT you MUST still come to class! We will be covering other aspects of the course, including some examination work, until we are fully back up and running.
What should I do?
In class you can still use LIVETYPE in Rm58 to do your titles and you can also research and finalise any of your research posts (listed below), even if you make them as WORD documents and post them onto your blog later (or at home).
We may reinstate your footage onto the macs in Rm58 (rather than 57) as we iron out software/hardware kinks which will mean things run a little slower although everything will still be the same in terms of editing software etc.
You MUST ensure everything else is ready as you will be so close to the deadline for the work to go to the exam board you won't have time to mess around - this will be working to real deadlines!
When doing the following, make sure you link what you've found to what you are planning to do in your own sequence.
There are a lot of sequences and titles etc on TEACHING RESOURCES which is available to you around the school and offline - you DO NOT need firefox etc to access them.
LIST OF JOBS TO DO:
You must ensure you have PROPERLY covered the following:
1. Opening Sequences Research - you should have looked at 4-5 Opening Sequences. They must be analysed for how they function as Openings - use the teaching pack to guide you. Refer to specific examples in the Op Seqs you analyse - using TIME CODES e.g. at 1.13 the man walks across the room (for at 1 minute, 13 seconds in). Embed the videos or upload. If you don't know because you can't remember - ASK NOW - don't leave it too late and miss out on marks.
2. Sound - Look at some Op Seqs just for the SOUND used (2-3) - you should write a paragraph or two for each about how sound is used and outline some ideas you might use in your own Seq. Embed the videos and be serious - you should be showing how you have learnt about sound in sequences and how it might be used at the beginning of a film and for what effect. Remember to link to what you plan to do for your sequence.
3. Credits - This is where you research (use Wikipedia for detail, YOUTUBE for sequences) what CONTENT is in the titles - who is credited at the beginning of a film? What is the usual order? Are there rules governing this? what is the usual practice? USE EXAMPLES to illustrate your points.
4. ART of the Title - the difference here is that you're looking at the ARTWORK of the titles as opposed to the content - what font is used, what colour? why? does it jiggle/wiggle etc? You can create pretty exciting titles in LIVETYPE so investigate and research - type it up just like item 3 above and then you can do you own - see item 5
5. LIVETYPE - You should be making some of your credits and certainly your TITLE for your film and the PRODUCTION COMPANY art now. This is available to you in Rm58 so we will work it out for you to be able to use it...
6. You can still see all your footage on the MEDIA drive - you can make an Edit Decision List. What this means is you can watch your footage - even rename it so you know what each bit is - and then decide roughly what parts you will use so when the editing software is up and working you just follow your decision list - one is in the production pack and blanks are on TR. I will upload one I have done in the past but this is the industry standard way of working - often the director or person who is in charge of the editing writes what they want edited and then a 'bod' actually edits it from the list - think of it as making a storyboard up using your own footage.
The bottom line is this - you have LOADS to do - so get it done now! Once the computers are up and running again we will need to edit like manic editing eddies so everything else needs to be ready!!
Anyway questions, just ask!
What does that mean?
Well obviously you can't edit your sequences just now. Also you can't blog in class BUT you MUST still come to class! We will be covering other aspects of the course, including some examination work, until we are fully back up and running.
What should I do?
In class you can still use LIVETYPE in Rm58 to do your titles and you can also research and finalise any of your research posts (listed below), even if you make them as WORD documents and post them onto your blog later (or at home).
We may reinstate your footage onto the macs in Rm58 (rather than 57) as we iron out software/hardware kinks which will mean things run a little slower although everything will still be the same in terms of editing software etc.
You MUST ensure everything else is ready as you will be so close to the deadline for the work to go to the exam board you won't have time to mess around - this will be working to real deadlines!
When doing the following, make sure you link what you've found to what you are planning to do in your own sequence.
There are a lot of sequences and titles etc on TEACHING RESOURCES which is available to you around the school and offline - you DO NOT need firefox etc to access them.
LIST OF JOBS TO DO:
You must ensure you have PROPERLY covered the following:
1. Opening Sequences Research - you should have looked at 4-5 Opening Sequences. They must be analysed for how they function as Openings - use the teaching pack to guide you. Refer to specific examples in the Op Seqs you analyse - using TIME CODES e.g. at 1.13 the man walks across the room (for at 1 minute, 13 seconds in). Embed the videos or upload. If you don't know because you can't remember - ASK NOW - don't leave it too late and miss out on marks.
2. Sound - Look at some Op Seqs just for the SOUND used (2-3) - you should write a paragraph or two for each about how sound is used and outline some ideas you might use in your own Seq. Embed the videos and be serious - you should be showing how you have learnt about sound in sequences and how it might be used at the beginning of a film and for what effect. Remember to link to what you plan to do for your sequence.
3. Credits - This is where you research (use Wikipedia for detail, YOUTUBE for sequences) what CONTENT is in the titles - who is credited at the beginning of a film? What is the usual order? Are there rules governing this? what is the usual practice? USE EXAMPLES to illustrate your points.
4. ART of the Title - the difference here is that you're looking at the ARTWORK of the titles as opposed to the content - what font is used, what colour? why? does it jiggle/wiggle etc? You can create pretty exciting titles in LIVETYPE so investigate and research - type it up just like item 3 above and then you can do you own - see item 5
5. LIVETYPE - You should be making some of your credits and certainly your TITLE for your film and the PRODUCTION COMPANY art now. This is available to you in Rm58 so we will work it out for you to be able to use it...
6. You can still see all your footage on the MEDIA drive - you can make an Edit Decision List. What this means is you can watch your footage - even rename it so you know what each bit is - and then decide roughly what parts you will use so when the editing software is up and working you just follow your decision list - one is in the production pack and blanks are on TR. I will upload one I have done in the past but this is the industry standard way of working - often the director or person who is in charge of the editing writes what they want edited and then a 'bod' actually edits it from the list - think of it as making a storyboard up using your own footage.
The bottom line is this - you have LOADS to do - so get it done now! Once the computers are up and running again we will need to edit like manic editing eddies so everything else needs to be ready!!
Anyway questions, just ask!
Monday, 4 February 2013
Week 20 - 4th February - What you should be doing - SHOWCASE this week!
This week you will be showing your rough edit to the class on THURSDAY 7th Feb in your lesson. Even if it isn't quite finished, you need to ensure you have a working 2 mins.
You will all go around the classroom and see each other's sequences, giving feedback. You will then be given the feedback from the showcase so you will both GIVE and RECEIVE advice and comments which you must 1. record on your blog and 2. act on.
Please focus this week on getting the sequence visuals done. TWO PEOPLE in your group should start working on the credits and titles. You cannot put in the sound until this is all finished and if you remember from the Harry Potter exercise, this takes time!
EXPECT TO WORK AT LUNCHTIME AND AFTER SCHOOL over the next two weeks to get it done.
Ask Michael if you want help with titles - LIVETYPE and start investigating sound - Miss has put some more loops and copyright free music extracts on TR>Students>Media>Resource Library>Sound and Loops. There are also plenty of copyright free loop sites and some are linked to the 'Technical Help' blog - click the link above to visit it.
You will all go around the classroom and see each other's sequences, giving feedback. You will then be given the feedback from the showcase so you will both GIVE and RECEIVE advice and comments which you must 1. record on your blog and 2. act on.
Please focus this week on getting the sequence visuals done. TWO PEOPLE in your group should start working on the credits and titles. You cannot put in the sound until this is all finished and if you remember from the Harry Potter exercise, this takes time!
EXPECT TO WORK AT LUNCHTIME AND AFTER SCHOOL over the next two weeks to get it done.
Ask Michael if you want help with titles - LIVETYPE and start investigating sound - Miss has put some more loops and copyright free music extracts on TR>Students>Media>Resource Library>Sound and Loops. There are also plenty of copyright free loop sites and some are linked to the 'Technical Help' blog - click the link above to visit it.
Monday, 28 January 2013
Week 19 - 28th January - What you should be doing...
By now you should have footage to upload and you should be editing your sequences in your groups. It's fine to need to re-film sections but you should be focusing on getting the sequence into a reasonable shape.
If you have to re-shoot, make sure you match action, sets and costumes etc - you must ensure continuity or your footage won't be usable. Take screenshots of your film so you can match things up.
You should be thinking about credits and titles - BOOK a training session for LIVETYPE with Michael as soon as you can.
Remember you should be POSTING your progress EVERY LESSSON - so 'Today we xxx. When we reviewed the footage we found...The footage was ...' is the kind of post you need on your GROUP blog. as an individual, you should also write a couple of sentences about the process- so 'Today when we uploaded the footage I thought that most of what we shot was...'.
Finally, you will be getting a feedback sheet on the state of your blog so far. You must get this up to date by next week (2/3rd Feb it will be re-checked). Those of you who are significantly behind will be asked in to discuss your future in Media Studies with Mr Smith and Mrs Thrasher.
As a warning, we will be sharing our rough cuts in a showcase with each other for some peer review/feedback at the end of the next week - about the 7th Feb.
If you have to re-shoot, make sure you match action, sets and costumes etc - you must ensure continuity or your footage won't be usable. Take screenshots of your film so you can match things up.
You should be thinking about credits and titles - BOOK a training session for LIVETYPE with Michael as soon as you can.
Remember you should be POSTING your progress EVERY LESSSON - so 'Today we xxx. When we reviewed the footage we found...The footage was ...' is the kind of post you need on your GROUP blog. as an individual, you should also write a couple of sentences about the process- so 'Today when we uploaded the footage I thought that most of what we shot was...'.
Finally, you will be getting a feedback sheet on the state of your blog so far. You must get this up to date by next week (2/3rd Feb it will be re-checked). Those of you who are significantly behind will be asked in to discuss your future in Media Studies with Mr Smith and Mrs Thrasher.
As a warning, we will be sharing our rough cuts in a showcase with each other for some peer review/feedback at the end of the next week - about the 7th Feb.
Monday, 21 January 2013
Week 18 - 21st January - What you should be doing now..
So this week things should get interesting. There are TWO strands (as usual) - what you do as a group (GRP) and what you need to do as an individual (IND) - any of these not done will be chased up this week - phone calls home may be made! Please note, this is the bare minimum required, not an exhaustive list.
You should have done the following - they're split into -
1. completed the following
2. started the following
3. be thinking/preparing the following
MAKE SURE you have done ALL you're supposed to - catch up what you haven't
3. THINKING/PREPARING the following
SOUND - start listening to sound tracks on Openings IND - write notes on effects/how atmosphere created IND - write about some on your blog IND - investigate where you can get copyright free music and loops GRP - decide on some loops/effects in Garageband you might want to use GRP
2. START the following
CREDITS/TITLE SEQUENCES - watch some (you can use the list on TR or youtube) IND - write an analysis of them (what is included? what order? what fonts/colours used and why? Are they genre specific? How do they relate to the film's content and style?) IND - embed some examples on your blog that particularly inspire you IND and some on your GRP blog too please - ask MICHAEL to show you how to use Livetype (to make credits) GRP - think about whether you want to you Photoshop or After Effects to help make your titles GRP
1. COMPLETED the following: (note these should already have been done or started)
Posts in 'draft' cannot be seen by us and you therefore you won't get any 'credit' for having done them!
INDIVIDUAL
Prelim sequences - embeded, evaluated
Opening sequences - embedded, notes on content, conventions made
Genre - notes on your genre, some examples
Audience - research into potential audience, identify audience for your film, some discussion of findings
Representation - who is being represented in your film? how? what messages are you trying to convey?
Institution - some information about film exhibition and distribution, who might distribute your film - some info about companies and discussion around your choices
Narrative - apply narrative theory to a film
Editing - commentary about continuity editing, including work on Spooks, Lift and Stairs and sequences you analysed (see task list below)
Camera - work on 'The Rock' uploaded
Classwork - Harry Potter - sound exercise - should be uploaded and evaluated, analysis of those three openings should be up too - Apocalypse Now, Jaws and Max Payne. Phantom of the Opera - anything you did in class that's useful
Pitch - your initial idea and repsonse to your idea (including audience response)
Storyboard - your individual idea - this should be up (those of you that did this as asked)
GROUP
Planning work - storyboard, brainstorms, location lists, cast list, props list, location recce shots, risk assessment, organisation of costumes, props etc
Production Meetings - notes on what discussed and decided
STORYBOARD - detailed, final idea
ON BOTH
Filming - a blog entry for each day you filmed with some commentary on progress/the process
Editing - as you start to edit, comments on progress and decisions
There should be TWO of these EACH per week at least AND there should be comments on both your individual blog and group blog - on the group - what you did, decisions made and why, how things are progressing, plans for the next stage etc, on the individual blog - what you personally think about progress, decisions made, how things are coming on etc
You should have done the following - they're split into -
1. completed the following
2. started the following
3. be thinking/preparing the following
MAKE SURE you have done ALL you're supposed to - catch up what you haven't
3. THINKING/PREPARING the following
SOUND - start listening to sound tracks on Openings IND - write notes on effects/how atmosphere created IND - write about some on your blog IND - investigate where you can get copyright free music and loops GRP - decide on some loops/effects in Garageband you might want to use GRP
2. START the following
CREDITS/TITLE SEQUENCES - watch some (you can use the list on TR or youtube) IND - write an analysis of them (what is included? what order? what fonts/colours used and why? Are they genre specific? How do they relate to the film's content and style?) IND - embed some examples on your blog that particularly inspire you IND and some on your GRP blog too please - ask MICHAEL to show you how to use Livetype (to make credits) GRP - think about whether you want to you Photoshop or After Effects to help make your titles GRP
1. COMPLETED the following: (note these should already have been done or started)
Posts in 'draft' cannot be seen by us and you therefore you won't get any 'credit' for having done them!
INDIVIDUAL
Prelim sequences - embeded, evaluated
Opening sequences - embedded, notes on content, conventions made
Genre - notes on your genre, some examples
Audience - research into potential audience, identify audience for your film, some discussion of findings
Representation - who is being represented in your film? how? what messages are you trying to convey?
Institution - some information about film exhibition and distribution, who might distribute your film - some info about companies and discussion around your choices
Narrative - apply narrative theory to a film
Editing - commentary about continuity editing, including work on Spooks, Lift and Stairs and sequences you analysed (see task list below)
Camera - work on 'The Rock' uploaded
Classwork - Harry Potter - sound exercise - should be uploaded and evaluated, analysis of those three openings should be up too - Apocalypse Now, Jaws and Max Payne. Phantom of the Opera - anything you did in class that's useful
Pitch - your initial idea and repsonse to your idea (including audience response)
Storyboard - your individual idea - this should be up (those of you that did this as asked)
GROUP
Planning work - storyboard, brainstorms, location lists, cast list, props list, location recce shots, risk assessment, organisation of costumes, props etc
Production Meetings - notes on what discussed and decided
STORYBOARD - detailed, final idea
ON BOTH
Filming - a blog entry for each day you filmed with some commentary on progress/the process
Editing - as you start to edit, comments on progress and decisions
There should be TWO of these EACH per week at least AND there should be comments on both your individual blog and group blog - on the group - what you did, decisions made and why, how things are progressing, plans for the next stage etc, on the individual blog - what you personally think about progress, decisions made, how things are coming on etc
Monday, 14 January 2013
Week 17 - 14/1 What you should be doing
Continue with last week's tasks.
You need to ensure you have completed your individual research tasks.
As a group, you MUST have filmed, or be fiming, this weekend (19th - 20th January)
You have only FIVE weeks left to complete the WHOLE film, bearing in mind you will need FOUR weeks for editing and creating your soundtrack.
You need to ensure you have completed your individual research tasks.
As a group, you MUST have filmed, or be fiming, this weekend (19th - 20th January)
You have only FIVE weeks left to complete the WHOLE film, bearing in mind you will need FOUR weeks for editing and creating your soundtrack.
Monday, 7 January 2013
Week 16 - First Week back - 7/1/13 - What you should be doing...
So you have a schedule to follow but here's a summary for this week:
As a GROUP
- Plan your opening - avoid cliches - match genre and research of similar genre openings - look at other student work on youtube with similar genre
- Check idea with staff
- Write a location list, a costume list, a props list, a script
- Devise a risk assessment - what is dangerous/what could go wrong - how are you planning to avoid the problems - such as not tripping over wires, burning yourselves on lights, getting mugged in a dark alley etc etc
- BOOK a camera and tripod - get a memory card which will be yours for the duration of the project
As an INDIVIDUAL
- Make sure you've looked at lots of Opening Sequences and that you have linked/embedded some examples and made bullet point notes on them - how they fit the conventions of openings (rules/expectations/common practice)- how will you use what you learn from these? This is INDIVIDUAL and a major part of what MARKS ARE ALLOCATED FOR!
- You could use wikipedia to help you to work out what credits should be shown and in what order... Also you should be looking at how the art of the titles and credits work...Can you use Photoshop? If not, you need to learn- book a session now
- You could be researching music on opening sequences for use later - remember you HAVE to make your own (or use music from a copyright free source)
- Use the teaching guide to help you - look at other student blogs to help you- there's a link to last year on the top of this page left (check students like Ellen Fraser, Ella Baker - and year 13 blogs are even better for this year - click the link above)
- Your other work should be uploaded - on Spooks and Ocean's 12 - AND -
- You should have edited either Stairs or Lift (on TR) and
- Booked a teaching session with Michael for more advanced use of Final Cut/How to start your project (incl settings you'll need) etc
LOTS TO DO PEEPS!!
As a GROUP
- Plan your opening - avoid cliches - match genre and research of similar genre openings - look at other student work on youtube with similar genre
- Check idea with staff
- Write a location list, a costume list, a props list, a script
- Devise a risk assessment - what is dangerous/what could go wrong - how are you planning to avoid the problems - such as not tripping over wires, burning yourselves on lights, getting mugged in a dark alley etc etc
- BOOK a camera and tripod - get a memory card which will be yours for the duration of the project
As an INDIVIDUAL
- Make sure you've looked at lots of Opening Sequences and that you have linked/embedded some examples and made bullet point notes on them - how they fit the conventions of openings (rules/expectations/common practice)- how will you use what you learn from these? This is INDIVIDUAL and a major part of what MARKS ARE ALLOCATED FOR!
- You could use wikipedia to help you to work out what credits should be shown and in what order... Also you should be looking at how the art of the titles and credits work...Can you use Photoshop? If not, you need to learn- book a session now
- You could be researching music on opening sequences for use later - remember you HAVE to make your own (or use music from a copyright free source)
- Use the teaching guide to help you - look at other student blogs to help you- there's a link to last year on the top of this page left (check students like Ellen Fraser, Ella Baker - and year 13 blogs are even better for this year - click the link above)
- Your other work should be uploaded - on Spooks and Ocean's 12 - AND -
- You should have edited either Stairs or Lift (on TR) and
- Booked a teaching session with Michael for more advanced use of Final Cut/How to start your project (incl settings you'll need) etc
LOTS TO DO PEEPS!!
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