23 May 2012

As-live

Record day.... Well what can i say, overall i think it went really well, the audience was brilliant, we wrapped up in less time than we planned for, I didn't knock into anyone with my dolly, everyone was working very hard. The bands played well and everyone managed to work together on the day without any major issues. The studio was very hot under the lights, but the set looked amazing, by the afternoon it really started to feel like we were on a professional production shoot, and no longer just students. The main problem the camera ops and their assistants suffered from was lower back pain, for which i had brought in some pain relief. This was a god send, as I'm not sure I would have made it through the day without it, as the dress rehearsal had already made my back sore and on the record day it was more demanding. Plenty of sleep and rest and food the night before the record day was absolutely essential.
I'm glad its done now, and I cant wait to see the final piece, which Jo and Dan are currently editing. This was a very demanding and enjoyable module, and although at times we were all very stressed out I think the final piece will be worth all the work and effort that has gone into it.

As-live....Rehearsals

Practice, practice and more practice... yes I had to practice a lot, as senior cam op, not only do I need to be seen setting an example, but also I have to know what Im doing, or how else am I supposed to be able to help anyone else? I had to learn how to operate a camera that was on a dolly, so that the director could have tracking shots, and lots of movement in my shots.. This was particularly difficult as the dolly's wheels were castor wheels, similar to that of a shopping trolley, so when I was changing direction the wheels were constantly fighting against me and trying to turn the other way. The rehearsals went ok, and as they went on my movements became smoother, specially once i had changed one of the wheels over for one that was working properly. I had one incident, where my dolly's wheels caught on the cable of light, which resulted in the light crashing into my leg and breaking, and leaving me bruised.. Other than that, there weren't any other incidents for myself, but the rehearsal did make me very aware of how important it is to be on your guard and watch out for cables, not forgetting that on the record day we would have a live audience in, who i would have to manoeuvre around. My cable basher was going to have a hard job, trying to mange my cable and making sure i didn't bump into people.

As-live

My other role, was as part of the VT team, and I worked alongside Maddie to put together the VT day jobs, with Standing on Giants. This included putting together a shot list, a shooting schedule and script, as well as adhering to health and safety. We had some difficulties with this VT as the band members don't live locally and it wasn't easy to get them all together in one place at the same time for filming, so we had a fair bit of travelling to do,not to mention tweaking of the schedule.
For filming in the bookies where Daryl (band member) worked, it required permission from the William Hill press office, which was again difficult to obtain, as the director at the PO wasn't the best of communicators. The research was probably the easiest section, as it mainly required getting to know the band and their background, and listening to their music. The shoots themselves went smoothly enough, the main issues we had were with band members looking at the camera when they were being filmed, and making sure nobody tripped over cables. Lighting was another problem when we were filming at the old granary studios, as it wasn't  particularly well lit, so we had to bring along our lighting kit. Overall we enjoyed putting together this VT and although it was at times hard work and logistically a pain in the rear, we did it.

aslive

My on the day role was senior camera operative.
 Work activities vary greatly depending on the type of programme,  However, generally typical work activities include:
assembling, preparing and setting up equipment prior to filming, which may include tripods, monitors, cables and leads, and headphones;


Offering advice on how best to shoot a scene, explaining the visual impact created by particular shots;


Planning shots -


Practising the camera moves required for pre-arranged shots


Studying scripts


Finding solutions to technical or other practical problems (for an outside broadcast, for example, the natural light conditions need to be taken into account when setting up shots);


Being prepared to innovate and experiment with ideas


Taking instructions from the director


Working quickly, especially as timing is such an important factor;


Repairing and maintaining equipment;


Demonstrating a good awareness of health and safety issues


Part of the role involves interacting and maintaining good working relationships with other members of the crew and cast, including the director, producer, sound recordists, lighting technicians, actors, presenters and interviewees.

13 May 2012

aslive


VT shooting schedule day job.





Date

Time

Equipment
Cam
Radio mic x2
Tripod

Location
Williamhill pettswood

Contact

Picture


Sync

Commentary
Sequence; Daryll in work hanging up his coat getting ready for the day.






MS…10 secs
Actual sounds

Daryll you’re the drummer of the band, tell us abit about your day job



Daryll: I work in a bookie in Pettswood taking peoples bets all day.
Music TBC
Daryll sitting in his booth looking bored

CU
Actual sounds
Daryll: It’s not as exciting as Simon’s hobbies but it brings in the money!




























VT shooting schedule day job.



Date

Time

Equipment
Boom
Cam
Tripod
Mic

Location
Rehearsal warehouse

Contact





Picture

Sync

Commentary
Jess outside the rehearsal warehouse


M/S





10 Secs
Actual Sounds
Presenter: Ever wondered what the up and coming bands of Kent do when they’re not rehearsing or gigging?
I’m here today to talk to some of the members of Standing on Giants to find out more!
Jess walks in to the room, sits down and listens to the band. E/S L/S

20 secs
Actual sounds
Music TBC
Jess talks to the band M/S





10 secs
Actual sounds
Presenter: Hi guys, so we all know you all have busy lives, juggling hobbies, day jobs and being in the band. Simon as the lead singer of the band, what do you do in your spare time when your not song writing?
Cut between M/S and C/U of Simons, reaction shots from Jess
Actual sounds
Simon: Well I mainly teach in a school… but my main hobby is long boarding
M/S Jess piece to camera

5 secs
Actual sounds
So we now know a little bit more about Standing On Giants and what they get up to!




VT shooting schedule day job.


Picture



Sync

Commentary

Sequence of Simon long boarding down a hill

Cam attached to front of long board


Actual sounds

Music TBC

Simon long boarding fast down a hill

Various shots





Actual sounds

Music TBC

Date





Time

Equipment
Cam
Tape
Mic
Tripod

Location

Contact


Some dates and times etc are still to be confirmed.

aslive


Day Job VT Script
In words from studio
Adam walks in front of stage and over to the sofa area to deliver link (bands in background sitting)
And that was Standing on Giants.

(Talk to bands)

Jess spent some time with you, seeing what you all do, lets take a look...

Q/VT

Picture
Commentry
Jess outside the rehearsal warehouse
M/S



10 secs
Presenter: Ever wondered what the up and coming bands of Kent do when their not rehearsing or gigging?
I’m here today to talk to some of the members of Standing on Giants to find out more!
Jess walks in to the room, sits down and listens to the band. E/S L/S

20 secs
Music TBC
Jess talks to the band M/S





10 secs
Presenter: Hi guys, so we all know you all have busy lives, juggling hobbies, day jobs and being in the band. Simon as the lead singer of the band, what do you do in your spare time when your not songwriting?
Cut between M/S and C/U of Simons, reaction shots from Jess and sequence of Simon long boarding down a hill

30 secs
Simon: Well I mainly teach in a school… but my main hobby is long boarding…
Jess and Daryll talking

5 secs
Presenter: haha brillant thanks Simon. Daryll you’re the drummer of the band, tell us abit about your day job?
Sequence; Daryll in work hanging up his coat getting ready for the day.
10 secs
Daryll: I work in a bookies in Pettswood taking peoples bets all day.
Music TBC
Cut between Daryll sitting in his booth looking bored and Simon long boarding fast down a hill
15 secs
Daryll: It’s not as exciting as Simon’s hobbies but it brings in the money!
M/S Jess piece to camera

5 secs
So we now know a little bit more about Standing On Giants and what they get up to!