Lara McEvoy - 319311
Unit 13: Final Major Project
week 7: 18/3/24 - 22/3/24
As this is the last week at college before the Easter break, it was important for me to complete all of the required work which will allow me to film over the Easter break. The week started off with me being able to complete all required logistical pre-production work, this was a simple task to do as I only had the kit list to finish in which I knew the kit I was wanting to use so got this done. Through completing the logistical pre-production, it means I can understand what I am allowed to film, the risks that come with it and how realistic my production is going to be.
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On Tuesday, I had decided I wanted to try and complete the creative pre-production, but I genuinely struggled so much. I know what I want to create, and I can picture it roughly in my head but when it comes to writing it down on paper my mind decides to not work. Because of how much I was struggling, when a lecturer came over, I asked them for some help where they suggested for me to create a concept outline. A concept outline is where you write down what the concept is and how you can see it in your head just without detail. Not adding in much information means you can just note down whatever you are thinking without the worry for needing every detail. From this I was able to write down a list of bullet points with how I picture the documentary going in my head, while it was slightly helpful, I found I got to a point where I just couldn’t picture what else would happen. This stumped me as I felt like I just didn’t have a good enough idea because I couldn’t push past a certain point. So, when Wednesday came around, I decided to start looking at the concept outline again and I was able to finish it. Giving myself a break just gave me time top think it over and not be stressing about it.
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With the production schedules while these give me the specifics of what each day will include, I cannot see a general overview of the timescale/filming period. So, I created a Gannt chart, this can be seen on the right. A Gannt chart shows a basic overview of the entire production process, allowing me to see how long I have allocated myself and figure out if it is realistic and reasonable.
As I had created the Gannt chart, I looked at when I would be filming first which is Monday. So, I decided that rather than waiting until the day of filming, I would clear and format my Sd card’s. Clearing and formatting the Sd’s cards is a very simple task but if it isn’t done before the day of the shoot then there is a high chance there won’t be enough storage on them to film all the content you want to on the day of the shoot. In my case I needed to have both SD cards cleared because I knew that for one of the cameras, the one Jon’s using, it would be used a lot to get the main actuality and b-roll for the documentary, specifically the dances which the three people are in.
I’m unsure if I have mentioned this before but because I am in the dance show myself, I have asked Jon (one of my peers) to help me with filming from the auditorium and maybe even the side of stage. While he is filming a lot, because I am under the stage I am going to be filming the behind the scenes feel content, where as Jon will be shooting the actual dances. This is extremely helpful for me, and I am so grateful for the help because if he was unable to film from the audience and side of stage, there is a very high chance there would be literally zero actuality/b-roll for my documentary.
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When it comes to equipment, we were allowed to hand in our forms from 13:00 on Wednesday, so as I had completed my kit list, I knew what I needed and filled out the form before the time to ensure that I would get the kit I wanted. The way the kit was assigned was a first come first serve basis which did mean the whole class ran to the technician’s office at 13:00 but luckily, I was 8th so I was able to then collect all of my kit on Thursday. I would’ve taken it Friday, however I was going to be going to dance afterwards so didn’t want to leave expensive equipment in my car for a couple of hours unattended, so I asked Ash if I would be able to take it out Thursday, which he said yes to thankfully.
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Friday was spent going over pre-production work and checking I had everything I needed up together ready for Monday. At this point I was still on the edge about the structure of it, but I completed the concept outline which definitely helped. Other than that, Friday was pretty much relaxed which was a weird feeling to have. Compared to this time last year, I don’t feel as much pressure or as stressed which is weird but comforting at the same time.
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I now feel as though I am as prepared as possible ready for filming on Monday. Being this confident is something I am enjoying as I know what I need to film and what needs to be done, allowing me to hopefully produce a good documentary.