Our class was given the task of creating inserts and vox pox (interviews) for the student award ceremony to represent the college and its faculties.
The Inserts
Pre-ProductionBefore we went off to shoot some footages for the inserts for the live show. we were split into 3 groups and each group was given a school of department to record and interview. We discussed and assigned everyone's role for the inserts while we took notes of the four faculties (school of department) and ask what the client wants and needs in our footages.
Once we planned our shots, ideas and production schedule, our producers began making contacts to the head of the faculties asking permission if we can film during their class. (my group took advantage of the colleges open day to arrange filming sessions with them).
Production
From the 11/11/13 - 22/11/13, we have been attending to different classes to film for our inserts. Some of the main difficulties we have faced during that week are the students who doesn't want to be filmed or participate in the interview (vox pox) which held my group back however, we managed to interview a few students from a different class but from the same faculty to help us with the interview. Another difficulty we have faced is when we have to re-arrange another session with the School of Motor Vehicle due to the difficulties with the previous class earlier that day.
Post-Production
After we finished all the recording, the producer and the editor gathers all the footages together and edit its them from the 25/11/13 - 29/11/13. Once we finalized our piece, we presented it to our clients and they give us feedback on what they like and what they would like to change within the footages. Our client asked for the sound to be more clearer and some footages needed to be longer than the other. On our last week, before the live show, our producers arranged another filming session with their faculties in order to get the perfect inserts for our clients.
- what main points did you like about the overall role and experience?
I liked going to different classes and interviewing the students (as it was my role as a writer/interviewer) asking them questions about their course.
The Live Show
Pre-Production
On the day of the event, I was given the
role as a PA (Production Assistant). My job was to past the information of the
running order to the director, telling him/her what comes next and making sure
the show runs smoothly.
I spent most of my time in the gallery with
the vision mixer, director and the lighting team.
Before the show, I was given a draft of the
order with all the inserts, presentations and speeches during the show. My
first task was to re-write the running order in a simpler form so it will be
easier for the crew and the director to read. After re-writing the order, I quickly went to the library
with the director and printed out 14 copies and gave it out to everyone in the
team, Studio floor and gallery.
Due to some technical difficulties during
the rehearsals, the Directors headset was not working and I had to pass
information to the camera team by going down to the studio floor until the headset was finally fixed.
Production
During the show, I made sure I was in time
with the principal when he makes a speech and listening to him so, I know when
to tell the director to prepare for the insert or presentation, I also counted
down how long the insert should be so I can tell the lighting team when to
point the spot light to the principal or the audience.
Post-Production
After the show, everyone in the gallery
went downstairs to the studio to congratulate all our team members for all
their hard work and a praise from the principal’s then our form tutor gathered
us around and gave us a de-brief of what we are going to do next. We were told
to clean up our stations (studio crew clears up the studio floors and the
people in the gallery clears up the gallery.)
Later, we went downstairs to reward
ourselves to some refreshments and food.
- what main points did you like about the overall role and experience?
What I liked about the live show was that everyone worked together consistently and listening to each other. This has taught me the importance of communication and teamwork within the media industry as well as teaching me what roles are in the show. I also liked the active and positive energy around the show and the backstage team because everyone had an important task to complete which motivates me to work even harder for the team. As a PA (Production Assistant), I learnt how to read the running order and understand the show and how to keep it organzied.
- what were your strengths and weaknesses?
my strengths were my organization skills and communication skills. I used it as an advantage to discuss with the director asking her questions and suggesting ideas. Before the live show, I was very reserved and quiet within my team but when I was given the role as a PA, I learnt how to be more vocal within the gallery and grown confidence in keeping up-to-date with what is going on in the studio floors and timing of the show.
Overall
Evaluation
Overall, I enjoyed the whole process of the rehearsal and the live show. I liked the positive team energy around me and the professional work that I get to witness among my team members. Despite that we experienced some difficulties during the rehearsal, we managed to resolve the problem and carried on together as a team and as a class.
