A2 Media Studies Production Diary Progress Update Weekly Planer Week 1 This week I was introduced to A2 coursework component. This year

practical production focuses on a media campaign that combines video, print and website media. From set of briefs I have opted for short film option. Within this project I will need to complete major task along with two associated minor tasks. As I am the only one doing A2 level Media Studies I will have to work on my own and complete all the tasks that will be necessary in order to produce a short film of high standard and all production stages including research and critical reflection. At this stage I will start with secondary research into history of short film as well as analysis of short film codes and conventions.

• History of short film • PPT (summery of research findings)• Codes and Conventions• PPT (summery of research findings)

Week 2 During research tasks I have used range of available resources such as school library and internet. In order to fully understand the practical task that is ahead of me purposely wanted to find out about short film history because such format is not valued and widely present in mainstream media. I have realized that with the technological advances short film has achieved re-birth especially due to affordable equipment and new digital and cyber media. Research into short film codes and conventions is beneficial and the findings will influence and structure my own short film production.

• Short film initial ideas • Synopsis for each short film idea• Pros and cons of each short film

idea

Week 3 This week I have analyzed each short film idea and summery was presented using Power Point Presentation. In order to be able to select short film that would communicate and be appealing to certain target audience that appreciate short films I have used web-based survey provider to do my primary research. Using research findings I was in position to identify potential target audience and on the basis of information to select short film idea that would be appealing to them.

• PPT short film ideas• Primary research• Smart Monkey survey• Questionnaire analysis

A2 Media Studies Production Diary Progress Update Weekly Planer Week 4 While referring to my research findings into short film codes and

conventions this week I have mind map possible coursework ideas. During this task my main intention was to avoid coming up with typical storylines, Presented ideas are drawn and taken from my own experience or anecdotes as well as from magazines and newspaper that I found interesting and captivating. In final selection of initial ideas I made sure that the plots are simple and plausible so that the audience can identify and relate to them.

• Select final short film idea• Develop short film plot• Produce final short film screenplay • PPT

Week 5 My main focus this week was the development of final short film idea. While discussing initial ideas with tutor and friends I have realized that the selected short film idea satisfies all of set criteria in terms of conventions and creativity. Using initial synopsis I have first mind mapped possible screenplay options and story development. Taking into consideration screenplay writing structure I have developed two possible screenplays with detailed explanation about story conflict as well as outer and inner motivation. The core of the plot is the same in both options except how the stories develop. At the final stage of development I have created character profile so that I could imagine and visualize first of all main character and to define who he really is.

• Genre conventions• PPT (present research findings)• Existing short film research• Similar products critical

deconstruction• PPT

Week 6/7 In order to continue with the development of my final short film in these two weeks I have focused on research into drama genre conventions and analytical research of existing short films. Both of these researches will influence the construction of my own short film in regards of conventions and structure as well as technical and visual requirements. I will make sure that the story is realistic and that the lead character is relatable to the audience.

• Film pitch• PPT• Pitch presentation• Audience feedback

A2 Media Studies Production Diary Progress Update Weekly Planer

Week 8/9 Using secondary and primary research findings and development of short film idea this week I had to produce professional film pitch in order present my short film to potential audience or to the possible investors. Prior to starting with presentation I went trough detailed critical analyses of the short film idea. As working title of the short film was Lonely Dinner I have decided that the title is too obvious and that reveals the plot of the film. As the film deals with quilt and redemption I opted that the tile should be Redemption Diner. This short film title has many different levels of interpretation and therefor entices the audience to watch it. In order to create professional film pitch I have included examples of desirable locations and character profile. In order to make the story plausible I have related the film with existing films and influences. For the audience to be able to visualize the narrative structure I have provided technical elements. For the investors I have created detailed plan of how I intent to promote the film. Over all I was very pleased with my presentation in front of the audience as this was my main concern because as most people I am not comfortable at public speaking. Audience feedback was very positive and encouraging. Most of them like the simplicity of the story that is at the same time enigmatic.

• Blog• Research into pre-production • PPT• Script

Week 10/11 My first task during these two weeks was to upload research and short film idea development presentation. As I am retaking AS foundation coursework I had to create completely new blog where I had to upload all the work regarding that project. Most film productions are divided into three main stages of production. In order to know what kind of tasks are supposed to be done in pre-production and how to correctly plan this stage I have carried out research. Once completing the presentation I have realized the scope of work that is ahead of me. In order to keep up with the schedule I would need to put extra effort into completing all of the tasks so that production runs smoothly and without any problems. As a director once I got familiar with the script writing format I have started translating my storyline into a detailed script. This was very useful as I was in a position to put on paper my vision with clear instructions and directions.

• Script development• Final script• PPT

A2 Media Studies Production Diary Progress Update Weekly Planer

Week 12 This was the week of drawing. I consider drawing as on of my great skills, but I could never imagine that drawing a professional storyboard, completely from your head, would be that demanding. However, it made me think briefly how do I picture each scene and shot, which I have only done generally before. It also made me realise that some of the shots are not realistic enough and that there is no a slight chance to film them. I had a strugle with drawing David’s face, but with a little help from my tutor, I managed to effectively full-fill this task. He created a platform that I had to follow for the second version of storyboard. I developed my drawing skills and learned how to draw from the head. Another important issue that has to be introduced in the final version is angle shots, camera movement, scene and shot number and dialogues proposed.

• Rough Storyboard • Storyboard development

Week 13 During the first half of this week, I developed my final version of ‘Redemption Dinner’ storyboard. There is in total 11 pictures and the order is strictly followed. All neccessary detailes are included, scanned and placed a side. The only task left is to place it on blog. Once I finished with storyboard development, I started writing notes on the inner and outer characteristics of my character. I managed to conclude that these characteristics allied, would create one upper-class man, with a unique, scary look which resebles his inner thoughts. After a brief internet research on Serbian actors who are willing to help students to finish their projects, I contacted around 7 actors and made a final decision. Bojan Zirovic, well known Serbian actor, was picked for the role of David as the most reliable choice.

• Final storyboard• Character development • Character casting

Week 14 This week I concentrated on finding the best possible locations for two shooting days. First location has to look wealthy, modern, stylish...whereas the second location is more old fashioned, with the atmsphere of 90s. I maneged to successfuly find these locations. First one is in Vladimira Popovica Street and the second one is in Milutina Milankovica, in Belgrade. Hence I organised dates and hours when the shooting wil take place and started collecting numbers for needed crew and cast. I created shooting book that briefly conducts a rearch on each and evey shot with explanation.

• Location search • Shooting schedule• Shooting Book

A2 Media Studies Production Diary Progress Update Weekly Planer

Week 15 This week I aimed to createa power point presentation consisting of shooting schedule. I included cast, crew, equipment, prop list so as the potential location options, potential character options and final choices. This allowed me to spot what I was missing. For example, I did not have in my private collection helmet rig, thus I had to negotiate with production company Media Plus ltd. To borrow me for the day-student purposes. They accepted it. Shooting was next week so I had a trial night where I designed a kitchen and a dinning table as it was a real filming day.

• Cast List• Crew List• Equipment & Prop List• Location Set Design

Week 16 This was one of the best experiences in my whole life. It allowed creativity to develop, changes to be made and mistakes to be spotted. However, filming did not go as smoothly as I thought it will go. There were difficulties and unpredictable issues that had to be solved during fillming. On the other hand, I find filming of ‘Redemption Dinner’ as an extremely useful project for my future development. There was one important thing I will remember-everything has to be perfectly organised, without delays because people cooperating with new are not patient enough to wait for you. I also made a decision to create Critical Path Diagram the very next time I have a project to hold. There was an unexpected problem with lighting, thus I had to improvise with turning one lamp on and positioning the other one bellow the camera. Camera technique was not too demanding, as I was mainly supposed to pan to the right and follow Bojan’s movement.

• Filming Location 1

Week 17 The week after, my assisstants and I shot the flashback scenes. This shooting was more interesting as this was the first time I was using helmet rig. However, the actress Anja Radulovic, had strugles with carrying it on her head-it is way too heavy. Point Of View shots were done extremely professional, thanks to Media Plus company. The biggest problem was that we had to reshoot one shot-with the radio. The radio I took as a prop was too old fashion-from 50s. It jumped out from the whole scene, so it was much easier to repeat that shot. But now, i was the only one filming it, without helmet rig and without Anja Radulovic.

• Filming Location 2• Re-shoot location 2

A2 Media Studies Production Diary Progress Update Weekly Planer

Week 18 This week my main task was editing of ‘Redemption Dinner’. The biggest problem while editing was when I was supposed to cut both shots at the same second so it looks realistic. After the10th trial it end up being successful and Final Cut Pro is definitely the best possible option for editing as it creates the real vision of how the film will look once it is played. On the other hand, I wasn’t able to put rough videos in my preferred order, thus I had to spent some time finding the right shot. The other problem was the coordination of length between these two shots. However, once I was doing the final version of editing everything was clearer. Rendering of the final product took around 6 hours, which surprised me as I thought that it will be done much, much quicker.

• Rough Editing• Editing• Final Editing

Week 19 Program used for increasing the quality of picture- colour correction was Final Cut Pro. Video Filters allowed by Final Cut- Image control were of a great use, as they allowed picture to be more natural, without that yellowish effect (which can be seen on the picture) That was created by the home lighting. Colour Balance was definitely of the best help, as it allowed me to sharpen the picture as much as I want and balance it to the highest possible level. The main drawback of this program was the speed, same as for editing. The other part of this week was used for music, caption and credits. Caption and credits was an extremely easy task as I was only suppose to add it as the single shot on Final Cut Pro. Pre Tools allowed me to implement ambient sound that was recorded by sound recording device. Despite that, I was able to introduce non diagetic sound, e.g. answering machine.

• Color correction• Music• Caption & credits

Week 20 This week, I firstly researched existing work to understand the codes and conventions used in a very successful postcard. Once I was producing postcard for the film, I decided to follow traditional path without any big experiments. I applied the rule of thirds. I understood what were the main conventions of creating a postcard and how they should be created. I also created film Web Page-through a program called Adobe Muse web design Software. This was the first time I worked over this program, thus I had to watch few tutorials to prepare.

• Secondary research• Film post card• |Film Web Page

A2 Media Studies Production Diary Progress Update Weekly Planer

Week 21 In the 21st week I created Film postcards, initial designs of web page and final supporting products. This was the creative week with no research needed so I consider it as the fun week. I created postcards where I placed the ring on the left side of the poster and the title just above it. The reason the title is above the ring is the better visual impact it has on viewers. I payed attention on placing everything linear and to mach the colour scheme for the postcard with the rest of the project with making sure to include essential fonts and sizes. Despite the fact that I used a lot of what the website offers, I concentrated on bringing new innovations so my web page looks more compelling. Finally I created both products, with which I’m extremely pleased.

• Initial Designs• Film Post card• Film Web Page• Final post card & web page

design

Week 22 In this week I discussed with my tutor my initial and final designs. We came to the conclusion that I have to re-do them as they were too simple without some important elements. I learned that I had to do everything with precision and that even the fun part should be done seriously. The final website template that is used belongs to contemporary media form. For instance, you don’t have to click on every single field to open a new page, but to gently touch it with the mouse. Also, the last slide-contact us, gives brief directions of how to reach me with a telephone number and mail address. Five main slides that took place on my web site are synopsis, credits, news and contacts

• Final post card & web page design

Week 23 The end is near. I used this week for arranging everything, deciding what else has to be done and what has to be corrected. I uploaded most of the things on the blog, but the internet is extremely slow, thus I will have to wait to upload it further more.

• Final Adjustments• Blog upload of outstanding work

A2 Media Studies Production Diary Progress Update Weekly Planer

Week 24 This was a great challenge for me. Before I have started with writing, I was discussing with my tutor and friends what is the best way to present it. I finally decided for Prezi, as it has the best visual outlook and it is not too demanding. After that, I wrote questions on the paper and discussed the most proper way of writing them. Finally, I realised that there is a lot to write and that it is just the question how will I manage to link everythink. However, I went back on the things I have done months ago and remembered the effort I placed on conducting these researches. After I placed everything on the paper, I designed my own template, which was based on clockwork template. During this week I finished questions 1,2 and 3.

• Final critical evaluation

Week 25 This final week started with proof reading previously done questions. As a final touch I did question 4, which was extremely interesting question to do, with linking all of the techniques I have used. I didn’t like my design so I had to re do it. During this week I uploaded everything missing on blog and made sure evrything is perfectly done.

• Final critical evaluation• Prezi presentation design

END OF PROJECT