We'll meet again. Don't know where? Dont kno - ERROR FORMATTING PAGE!!!!!

Well ladies and gents this is (I believe) my last post detailing my course at Bath Spa University. I've found this blog difficult to maintain at times to the point where I'd sell my soul to put my posts into a nice format or be able to upload a picture where I want it to go...But, I've also quite enjoyed it. It's nice to see work I've done up on the internet; it's nice to see a structure forming in my posts and it's nice to know how to Hyper link.

I will probably keep posting, not necessarily media related topics, maybe something a bit more personal, about me and my life for example...just a thought.

Powerpoint Presentations From Past Lectures

Below is an example some Powerpoint presentations I presented during our lectures, there is one regarding the role of a Production manager, outlining the role and what it involves. One regarding the creative future of the BBC, an example of an age demographic and one outlining UK copyrighting laws.

| View | Upload your own

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| View | Upload your own

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I'm now crying because I practically had to sell a vital organ to get them up here...now the font won't stay the same...Has anyone killed themselves because of a website? I f**king give up!

Michael Gets A Mac

I am now a Mac user...That will be all!

Media Consumption

Below is a brief example of some of my media consumption since I began the course.

18th December 2007
iPod - 2 hours
Video Games - 2 hours
Stereo - 1 1/2 hours
Film (The tell-tale heart) 1 1/4 hours

19th December 2007
Television - 2 hours
Film (One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest) - 1 3/4 hours

20th December 2007
Internet - 1/2 hours
iPod - 1/4 hours
Video Games - 2 hours

21st December 2007
Empire Magazine - 1 hours
iPod - 1/2 hours

22nd December 2007
Film (James Bond Casino Royal) - 1 3/4 hours
Film (Dune) - 2 hours

23rd December 2007
Empire Magazing - 1/2 Hours
FHM Magazing - 1/2 Hours
Video Games - 2 hours
Television - 3 hours

24thDecember 2007
Film (Simpsons Movie) - 1 1/2 Hours
Television - 3 hours
Internet - 1/2 hours

25th December 2007
Film (Shrek...thing) 1/4 hours
iPod - 1/2 hours
Stereo - 6 - hours
Film (Finding Nemo) 1 3/4 hours

26th December 2007
Television - 3 hours
iPod - 1/2 hours
Video Games - 2 hours

27th December 2007
Video Games - 4 hours

28thDecember 2007
Internet - 1 Hours
Television - 3 hours
Film (An American Tale) - 1 1/2 hours

29th December 2007
Film (Bonnie and Clyde Amazing ending!!!) 2 hours
Television - 2 hours
Video Games - 2 hours

30th December 2007
Film (Ghost In The Shell) 1 1/2 hours
Film (Betel Geuse) 1 1/2 hours
Television - 3 hours

31st December 2007
iPod - 3/4 hours
Gig (The Smyths) - 3 hours
Television - 2 hours
Video Games - 2 hours

Some Roles I Undertook In Producing The 'PULT Podcast'

Over the last three weeks or so I have immersed myself into the world of sound production, podcasting and radio while I worked on my sound production project. Due to circumstances which I could not prevent, I was left to complete the project by myself. I was given the opportunity to join another group in the class, sharing my workload and sacrificing my initial idea or, continue the project as planned…on my own. I chose to stick to my own ideas and carry the weight of the entire project by myself. This was a great decision as not only did I have full creative and editorial control over the project, but I also had no-one else to rely on to get work done. I’m briefly going to explain my thoughts and processes during the production process and elaborate on a couple of the roles I undertook.

To launch straight in, I am going to begin with the role of Editor. I really enjoy editing, I believe I have a knack for it and can envisage it as a future career. There are a couple of reasons why I like this process. Editing is not simply the ability to fit pieces of information together like a puzzle. There is an art to it. Editing (especially in sound) requires an ability to execute good timing, a sense of vision in regards to the final product and I believe good concentration. Editing should be an ability to help shape narrative, dictate changes in atmosphere and express creative license. I just really enjoy editing and I don’t think I could ever get bored of. It seems to be a perfect mix of technical and creative work.

I chose to do a podcast for my audio project as I felt that they are a better media to bring across my subject matter. The material I recorded for my podcast was over forty-five minutes in length and I wanted to make a show that lasted between fifteen minutes and half an hour. With this in mind I set about the editing process with a view to pick out the best bits and be brutal with the material that I did not think was appropriate. I faced difficulties during the editing process, for example, once I had chosen the material I wanted to use out of the forty-five minutes, I had to then arrange it into an order which enabled it to flow freely and above all, make sense. Making sure the piece had a suitable sound level running through it was also difficult to achieve. Although we recorded all the dialogue in the same place and surroundings and at the same time, I still had to include various jingles and idents into the piece to give it the more authentic radio sound. As a result of this, the levels had to be mixed coming up and down at various points to equalize the sound.

I had to bear in mind the format of a podcast in relation to my editing. I realized at some point during the process that the nature of a podcast dictates it’s editing. With this in mind I listened to several different podcasts and really thought about straight discussion compared to a show like ‘The Chris Moyles Show’ on BBC Radio 1. My podcast could afford to take a much more laid back style compared to the Radio 1 show which incorporates manic idents, jingles, music and ‘news beats’. (‘Beats’ because they’re so quick) I had the luxury of choosing a style, and pace for my podcast purely through my editing technique. I think I have kept the podcast interesting but laid back.

I edited my material on Soundtrack Pro which I find has a simple interface and navigation system. I find knowing how to use Soundtrack is beneficial not only for the reason that I can now edit sound material but also because I am now beginning to grasp an industry standard program.

Another role I undertook during the project was that of Producer. Obviously being the only person on the project forced me to be the sole producer of the piece. A producer needs an all-round knowledge of the medium that they are working in and various styles of pieces they are producing. The production aspects I undertook were that of researching, assembling equipment and artists, recording material, editing that material and in a way, advertising that material in the form of a logo I designed for the podcast.

Overall I really enjoyed all aspects of making this project, I think one reason I took up this course is because I genuinely enjoy these sorts of projects and can only hope to work on real versions in my future career.

Sound Production Treatment

Treatment for Radio Show

Plot & Genre:
When you’re sitting on your own, staring at your wall and questions flood into your head about life and…stuff. Why are cartoons great? Why don’t emo’s cheer up? Or what would the Daleks be like if they were reformed and had Saturday jobs in McDonalds?

Then you think, I have an arm, and a brain. You reach for you're generic audio device and you flail madly at the knobs and buttons until finally you can sit back, discussion and hints of comedic genius beaming at you from your noise box…You can hear two people, and they are talking about funny things.

Each week half an hour of your life will be ripped from you. “ I want it back!” You shout. “No!” We shout back. ‘We’ll be talking about things, interesting things that will appeal to you, maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow but soon and for the rest of your life.” Then we’re sued for a heinous use of iconic film dialogue.

But that doesn’t matter because what we’re trying to get a cross here is that this thirty minutes may be one of the best of your week…no, it WILL be. Finally as if that is not enough, (and frankly you’re getting greedy) you have the opportunity to win shiny interesting things. These shiny things can be appreciated in your own home in your own time, or by being sold over ebay.

Presenters:
Two funny people will guide you through half an hours worth of talk, music and culture, wrap it in tissue paper and deliver it, stinking of lavender, down your wireless. Rubbing them on the back each week (like a new born puppy finding it hard to breath) will be a live music performance from a sparkly new artist.

Setting:
The nice warm, slightly damp surroundings of a radio studio. Discussion thrives in this habitat.

Mood Style:
The mood should reflect today’s pop and cult culture, each week the program could have it’s initial opening i-dent to a different cult television or film soundtrack.
This is the kind of program that would be well suited for podcasts which could be made available after each show.

Closing Statement:
This would be a great show for the evening between about 9:00-10:00 or 10:00-11:00. It should be accessible for young people, a bit risqué for say a 14 year old but something important to help them start shaping their listening tastes. Ideally this show would be for people between the ages of 16 and 30. This demographic is young enough to incorporate modern topics and old enough to be able to include the end of the 70s and the trend setting 80s.

Production Designer Job Interview Specifications

Below is an example of a production designer Job Specification Sheet that may be found in a media job newspaper or media job website.


Production Designer

Genre: Drama – Drama

Working Area: Scotland

Location: Edinburgh

Contract Duration: 6 weeks

Application Deadline: 25/11/07

Salary: £16 an hour (40 hour week)

Job Description: ITV Drama, 6 week attachment

Job Specification: Production designers are responsible for the visual concept of a film, television, or theatre production. Working closely with the director and producer, they realise a design style for sets, locations, graphics, props, lighting, camera angles and costumes. Once the concept is decided, designers usually appoint and manage an art department, which includes a design and construction team. They often form a strong partnership with a particular director with whom they may work on many productions.
Obviously, in this role you will be required to create a suitable visual concept for a television drama. This job is open to young designers with new ideas and potential and must also be seen as an opportunity to gain valued work experience.

Competencies:
Reading scripts to identify factors indicating a particular visual style. Must show an ability to dram meaning from the text and narrative to build a suitable production scape.

Considering the production brief (which may be written or oral). Must have good listening skills and a good knowledge of production techniques.

Meeting the producer and director to discuss concepts and production requirements. Good people skills are essential, you must be able to keep in constant suitable contact with the director and producers.

Researching art history, background politics and historical information and producing design ideas. Creative ability is essential. You must be able to reference culture which applies to the script to help bring meaning to the drama.

Planning and monitoring the design budget. Must be able to manage a design budget keeping in mind maximum spendature and necessary budget for seperate departments.

Providing scale drawings or models for studio or theatre sets. A background in production design or graphic design would be helpful but not essential. You must be able to create models and drawing to help pre-visualise the final effect.

Producing design ideas for costumes, wigs, props, special effects, make-up, and graphics. All aspects of design must be catered for.

Identifying and assessing potential studios and locations. Must display a good knowledge of studio environment and studio capabilities.

Sourcing appropriate materials and researching effects. Must show competency in research and knowledge of materials used in production design and construction.

Presenting ideas to others involved in the production, such as actors and camera operators. Good communication skills are essential, you must be able to deliver your ideas clearly and professionally.

Researching, estimating and preparing a property list. You must show skills in other aspects of the productions such as properties.

Hiring and managing an art department team or teams. Managerial and administrative skills are necessary to lead a team and run a department.

Instructing the set construction company, scenic artists and special effects specialists, and monitoring their work. Again managerial roles and good leadership is important.

Liaising with the costume designer, director of photography, and props, lighting and sound director. Be able to build a professional relationship with other departments and work with them to create desired effect.

Attending progress meetings and being present during rehearsals and at filming to advise on visual presentation. Be helpful and on hand to answer questions relating to design.

NEWS DESK MWAH HA HA!!! CES (Consumer Electronics Show) - Viva Las Vegas

All this week the giant Consumer Electronics Show has been taking place in Las Vegas. The show aims to introduce the world to some of the newest and high tech electronic equipment available. There were several amazing highlights to the show such as the in-car Internet, the 150inch high definition television which takes up an entire wall and the digital home of the future.
(BBC Website)

The show stars several bits of kit designed for personal entertainment, there was also a strong emphasis on marketing trends and the chance for people to get there hands on the technology.

"Business strategies and market trends. Hands-on technical courses. There's no better way to learn, connect, explore and gain an edge in the consumer technology industry."

Nowadays it may seem to some people that technology can't get much further unless we truly step into the flying car, teleporting type world of tomorrow as demonstrated in Star Trek. What is needed to progress in technology? A need for the technology? Does anyone really need a 150inch television? The answer is no simply but that doesn't matter, because the money isn't necessarily in the need of the technology but the desire.

Bill Gates made an appearance and answered questions regarding the future of computer technology saying...

"...touch screens will dominate PC development while answering questions from readers of the BBC News website."

Maybe one of the more incredible pieces at the show was the radio for the deaf, which using audio capture technology, turns sound into words on a screen for deaf listeners. The picture on the right isn't a deaf radio...or a deaf person. I just thought it was cool :(

So if you have a few hundred quid, pick up some flights and head on down to Las Vegas CES show as it is running until..actually scrap that it finished today.

Trip to The London Studios

Over the Christmas break I was lucky enough to visit the London studios, one of Europe's largest television studio complexes. My trip revolved around the rehearsal and subsequent recording of a channel four production 'Balls of Steel'. The production itself was actually Balls of S***...but that's not the focus of this post.

The London Studios are situated on the Southbank of the River Thames next door to the National Theatre. The facility comprises of several studios, (The three main ones being underground) and a tower where the administrative duties of the seperate departments and network bosses nest.

During my visit, I was under the watchful eye of Steve Crabtree, an experienced technical operator in the VTR (Video Tape Recording) department, who's job it was to prepare and playback VT's for 'Balls of Steel' using an EVS machine. (more on that later)

The studio (Number 2) has a gallery and sound booth connected to it out of the audiences view, this benefits the production as it enables the gallery staff to get to the studio quickly if needs be. This differed from the 'Deal or no Deal' set as they're gallery was in a completely seperate building on the site, all credit to their floor manager who must have been the producer's eyes, ears and hands.

'Balls of Steel' is an hour long show that revolves around people doing stupid and sometimes completely tasteless things. Channel four had hired the studios for four days to record 6 one hour episodes. I found this quite surprising, it seemed like a lot of material for four days work.

The set comprised of a main staging area with a large LCD screen built into the back wall. Material was played onto this so that the presenter, guests and audience could see the additional content of the show filmed off site. The show was still rehearsing three hours before recording, however, remembering back to 'Deal or no Deal', it seemed understandable. All they really needed to shoot in the studio was the artist's chats with the presenter and the audience reactions. Hearing the talkback from the gallery, Steve commented on the experience of the producers, Steve has worked in the industry for many years and found it obvious and frustrating when an inexperienced producer worked on a show, he commented on they're lack of expertise resulting in time wasting and therefore the production company potentially needing to fork out more for the facilities.

I counted four cameras, a camera on a ped with an auto-cue for the presenter. A camera mounted on a tripod but sometimes taken off and used as hand-held, another camera on a ped capturing stage left and finally a Jib or 'Jimmy Jib'. A jib is an arm that allows the camera to be elevated much higher or lower than a ped could achieve. Its arm-like structure fixed to a tripod allows the jib to rotate the camera 360 degrees around the tripod and some jibs allow the camera to rotate at the end of the arm. The jib basically is an aid to the cinematography of a production allowing much more interesting and hard to achieve angles.
(Wikipedia)

Now, onto the EVS (Electronic Video System). I kind of found this thing a bit hard to grasp so I'm going to let the above link do all the talking so to speak. Basically an EVS machine allows you to record, playback, dub and edit live footage instantaneously.
(EVS Website)

The EVS has 6 ports which can be configured in a number of ways. The set up for 'Balls of Steel' was four outputs playing material into the studio and the other two recording into the EVS. Because the material coming into the machine is digital, it can be treated in a non-linear fashion. For example...at one point, Steve was playing a VT into the studio, recording footage from the studio and editing a piece of footage he'd recorded seconds earlier all at the same time. The system was originally developed for sports productions which explains how seconds after a goal is scored in a football match, a slow-motion replay is shown, the plungers shown in the above picture can be programmed to speedup or reduce the rate at which the footage is played.

I asked Steve about the monitor listing the material stored in the EVS as it was in DOS format. He said the main reason for this were due to the system being used for a long time and trusted and also for visual clarity.

I asked what it was like to work in a technical position in television. He said that television was changing and that the introduction of machines like EVS and large server based technologies were making the work easier, I asked whether he thought they were a threat to jobs and he replied by telling me that there will always be work for someone that is skilled in the trade. I also asked him whether he felt that programs like Final Cut and Soundtrack Pro were making everyday people capable of doing jobs that three of four years ago would have taken years of training and practice. He said 'A mechanic has his tools in the garage.'

What I wise man...