Unit 43 - Production And Post Production For TV

UNIT 43 EVALUATION – Matthew Poole

A) Outline the production process

We produced the competition sections for The Games Corner TV show (parts 1-5). These roughly lasted between 40 seconds to two minutes, depending on the prizes shown. In total the section came to 5 minutes.

The section had an introduction of a prize, a video game related question and a set of answers to chose from ranging from A-C. At the end of the section we included a way to enter via social networking presenting the web address to the pages.

Team Roles

Before beginning planning we need to split ourselves into teams and define our team roles. Teams were decided on what needed to be done and who wanted to do each section. Our team roles were doing the competition segment that was decided as it was the last remaining job to be assigned.

We decided that we would work collaboratively on the all aspect of the production. However it soon became clear that we needed to have separate roles, therefore I took the role of editing and doing the bulk of production. Callam helping to produce some graphics that were required and helping me to film certain parts adding advice and ideas throughout production to improve.

Planning (Story boarding etc) [Pre-production]

We spent time producing planning documentation such as storyboards, scripts, production schedules etc for the competition segment. This took a couple of weeks before production began. The planning mainly revolved around us producing ideas that would follow a typical magazine show competition segment along with trying integrate it into the rest of the show making sure it would be fit for purpose.

The planning was specific for our piece having multiple piece of planning that covered all aspects. Visual and composition was the storyboard, specifically showing the changes every time the frame changed. Including the script annotated below. The meant that we knew precisely how the segment would turn out and that a frame could easily be changed if the production did not go as scheduled. A voice over was scripted based on the storyboard and the backing track was long and repetitive enough to be cut at any length so this proved not a problem.

Gather resources (equipment) [Pre-production]

All filming equipment was always gathered just before we shot a scene. We would seen a call sheet out and collect the equipment, then we would proceed to film immediately afterwards.

Equipment Used:

- DLSR Canon 650D Camera

- Ravelli APLT2 Tripod

- Mini Tripod

- Tascam DR-07MKII Digital Voice Recorder

Filming footage [Production]

Filming the footage was always based around the locations availability which the requirements were "to have a plain background, where there are no distracting objects in sight" or a "plain white background". For parts 1 and 2 these were both located in the UTC (part 1 been Studio 2) (part 2 been a white desk located outside studio 2). For parts 3 - 5 a backdrop was created using A2 paper so that there was a plain white background.

To make sure we had filmed exactly what we needed we produced plans and ticked them off as we went. This meant that the process could be executed without error and there would not have to be multiple filming sessions due to parts that we forgot to film. Though we had multiple filming sessions this was not of lack of planning but was to produce the footage in time to what sections took priority (part 1 was filmed and fully edited before parts 2-5 began production).

Audio for part 1 and 2 were recorded in our sound booth at the UTC. Parts 3-5 were not recorded in a sound booth and instead in a quite room on an alternative microphone, the quality of the audio is apparent when listening to the section, though is satisfactory.

Editing footage [Production]

Editing the footage was the longest process. We edited the piece in Adobe Premier and edited sound in Adobe Audition. We made sure that the footage was neatly arranged but was not renamed so that it could be put into an editing log. Editing also ran smoothly due to the plans we had produced before recording. Following the storyboard and other plans meant that our editing sessions went smoothly as little improvisation was needed.

The editing stage mainly consisted of cutting up footage to make sure there was a suitable length between footage. Also overlaying text to make sure the section was fit for purpose against other pre-existing competition sections that were already out.

The editing stage was mostly a simple process and did not have many difficulties. However what proved difficult was when a shot we filmed and planned in the storyboard did not meet the expectations we had when editing. This was found in the use of the appearing T-shirt that in our minds seemed a suitable shot, but when we started editing we found that it was quite out of place and wonder what we could replace it with. In the end we used an improvised shot that we had filmed in a session.

Other difficulties were syncing the audio to the appearing text that sometimes was out by a couple of seconds. Trying to precisely sync them proved more difficult than anticipated though it the end the outcome proved satisfactory and was unnoticeable that there was an error.

If I were to produce these segments again an element that would take priority is consistency. Though the content was consistent the backdrops, audio and length all differed hugely. This meant that the final products did not appear to be as neat as anticipated and gave the impression that these were not a series.

Releasing segment [Post-production]

We released the footage and sent out a survey. The initial feedback was mostly positive saying that the section was to a professional standard, had good quality and delivered the message.

However the results show that most were not happy with the quality of the voice over and the pacing was a too fast, with 50% liking of the section overall. Overall this result is satisfactory as there is a 50% approval rate, though the written section and pacing section were disappointing.

B) Key decisions made e.g. locations, camera angles, sound, editing

Location

For the filming of our footage we wanted to make sure that there was nothing in the background or just to have something plan that is not distracting.

For the first section we filmed on a table looking down from above this meant that the background was the floor (grey) and though there was nothing in the background we filmed it in the studio so it would be a suitable location regardless.

For the second section I did not have access to the studio therefore I created a white backdrop using A2 pieces of paper pinned in the corner. This was a suitable location since there is nothing distracting in the background.

Camera Angles

Camera angles mainly consisted of horizontal pans and zooms as these are the most suitable angles to showcase an item without using just a still shot.

These differed depending on the objects some were large meaning low angles and zooms were the most common angle. These were used as they are the most suitable angles and shots to showcase and item. They are the easiest to see other than a still shot, which we wanted to minimise as much as possible so that it looked professional.

Using pans and zooms is to give effect. It is to connote that these are amazing prizes. We found that these were often used in other competition segments on other shows, the angles presented the prizes from various angles to connote the value of the prizes that we mimicked in our segment. Since most of the prizes were small we found that we often used high angles showing the prize from below. Though are efforts to make sure the prizes were level in some parts had proved to work effectively presenting the prizes to look quite big. High angles also helped to establish the size and also to show the product in its entirety, that is something we tried to re-enforce through multiple angles and varying pans.

Sound

All sound was non-diegetic sound since it the voices were a voice over and that did not appear visually in the segment, the same applies to the music track played. Sound runs throughout the piece though this is mainly a music track. Other sound that was used was a voice over that announced both the prize and read the question as well as adding the entry details using social media. Both of these tracks are non-diegetic sound as a presenter is not present on screen or any musical equipment.

Editing

When editing it was a key decision to make sure all the footage was on one Mac and was edited on that Mac. This meant that we did not have a transfer files regulatory and cause confusion with several different versions. I also took charge to edit it myself, though we made regularly checked the footage together to make sure it was satisfactory.

C) Changes made (if any) comparing this to the storyboard and script

Storyboard

In the first segment when we were planning we had planned to have a T-shirt suddenly appear however when editing we found that the video did not run as smoothly as intended, therefore we used an improvised shot that we took when recording which was a canted pan.

Other than that we followed the storyboard as intended. Storyboarding was based around our ideas and made to follow a typical competition segment from a magazine show.

Script

When recording the audio slight improvisation was used by the voice actors though this was not intended the changes done were not dramatic changes and did not effect the final outcome.

Other scripting was set to a certain layout to first introduce the prizes, then the question, then how to enter. All the segment were scripted around this be varied in length depending on the prize for example, in episode 2 the competition features to separate prizes so is slightly longer than usual.

D) Quality of the camera framing, editing, sound quality

Framing

Framing is mostly centralized to show the objects as clearly as possible. It differs for some shots to showcase the object(s) as best as possible for example. When filming the PlayStation Sharpshooter the object was framed looking from a diagonal angle to show the objects size and length. Also when filming the T-Shirts and thumb-pads we did a quick curved pan to differ from the rest of the shots shown in the footage.

Editing

When editing the footage the quality of the footage was in focus and overall well filmed. The only the quality looked below average was when we looked at the footage that was deliberately out of focus for when we transitioned from focused to unfocused for when the question is read out. Based on our feedback the video quality was "good" and "excellent" showing that overall proving that our quality of video and editing was very good.

Sound Quality

We found that when we recorded the first lot of audio for the first segment that it was louder on the right earphone, this was because when we filmed the microphone was to the right of the voice actor. To change this we altered the audio by setting the channel to mono in Adobe Audition.

When recording the audio for segment two we did not record in a sound booth therefore the voice sounded quiet. Therefore we amplified it in audio audition to make sure it was just as loud as the music.

However based on our feedback our biggest downfall was the voice acting included as it was commented that "...the voice is not enthusiastic..." and "... "A little quiet/lacklustre at times.". Therefore if we were to improve upon this section this would be the area we would give the most attention to.

For segment 3-5 I used a different microphone that was of poorer quality in comparison this meant that the audio did not run as smoothly as intended though I tried to mask it with the backing track.

E) Comparison of the final production to the original idea, has it realised the script/storyboard

The original idea does not differ much from the original idea. As previously mentioned the only slight changes were made from the storyboard because of how the T-shirt shot did not mix. The final product also did not take into account the opening graphics and tune. This however did not cause any problems and did not have to change any details on the storyboard.

F) Relation to the target audience, prime time, daytime TV, appropriate for pre- or post-watershed

Target Audience

The target audience of The Games Corner are those who like video games, this applies to all video game platforms. The target audience are people who like the magazine show format and will watch TV on a regular basis. The target audience applies primarily to a younger teenage audience since this is the most common age group that play video games. The audience will take a keen interest in video game news, reviews and other content that critically reviews video game related media.

The pieces produced are related to the target audience because of the following aspects:

- The music used is a techno style music that resembled old 8-bit music used in older video games. 8-bit music is most commonly associated with older video games therefore relates to the music.

- The prizes/content of the pieces are relevant to video games been video game merchandise, equipment and associated material.

- The camera angles and general composition are relevant to a magazine show presenting shots that would be seen in prize sections on shows and often used shots that would be typically seen when showcasing an item.

Prime Time & Daytime TV

During the segment there is no use of bad language or any other regulations set by OFCOM. Therefore the program is suitable for all hours as it is a piece that can appeal and be watched by all audiences.

Appropriate for watershed

As previously mentioned the segment is suitable for all audience not featuring any content that would go against OFCOM regulations and could be broadcast at any hour.

G) Areas for improvement, focusing on strengths and weaknesses.

Strengths

The strengths were in the length, it was short (under 2 minutes) this meant that this was a short piece that was quick and to the point. The length meant that there was limitations to what we could do and at points during the editing some parts were too fast and had to be made longer. Though based on our feedback we found that 1/2 thought the final product was fast.

Other strengths based on our feedback were that it clearly delivered the message and looked to a professional standard that is very positive.

Weaknesses

The main weaknesses of the segment was the audio commentary in part as shown by our feedback; lacking enthusiasm and been too quiet. This is especially present in sections 3-5 been poorer quality. This was due to a different microphone been used to record and not been recorded in a sound booth, I also did not edit in Adobe Audition as I did for both sets of audio in the first 2. These factors meant that the audio quality differed from the first two videos.

Setting up appropriate equipment

Within the video it is evident that appropriate equipment is set up with see this by how still the camera is meaning it is sat upon a tripod, therefore is appropriate as it keeps the camera still and gives a professional standard to the final product.

This is also evident through the use of camera lenses the appropriate lenses are used giving a wide view of the studio and other filmed scenes, shot composition is appropriate arranged to show the viewer suitable shots of the intended area. This gives a professional looking standard to the final product.

Following script/storyboard

Scripts and storyboards were followed as evident through our Blogger posts we have prepared pre-production documentation so that when filming we can clearly and effectively film the content. This is clear through the variety of shot types that match the content shown on the storyboard and script.

It is also evident planning has been followed but some improvisation was needed. As there have been slight differences from the planning due to unanticipated problems. For example it was not anticipated that the floor would be as visible so the prizes are significantly closer to the camera than planned.

It is also evident planning has been followed since we did not worry about what audio was recorded since we would be adding audio over the top anyway.

Following safe working practices

Safe working practices have been followed, this is evident through the use of a tripod as seen by how still the camera is. It is also evident as we have written risk assessment and other planning documentation to anticipate any safety hazards. We can also see this by how we are never shown in shot taking the time to avoid it and safely get to and operate the camera. There were also no cables in the surrounding area so they were no risk of tripping hazards.

For scenes where we did not use a tripod (the canted panning shot). We made sure that the path we would be moving in was safe to move using the correct stance so that we would not cause injury to ourselves or others.

Following production processes

We followed to the production processes by acting upon the storyboards and other pre-production on site. It is also evident that the team followed the pre-production process by how errors and unanticipated positioning were changed on site if they were not suitable or were not as anticipated.

Fit for purpose

The work process above meant that our content created during these rushes is suitable for a magazine show. In our rushes we have set up appropriate equipment suitable staging, suitable camera equipment and others.

It is also fit for purpose since this is a magazine show is about video games, and the genre is clear by how we have gaming related prizes (controller thumb pads) and have used the studio set which is looks like a typical magazine show set related to gaming.

The prizes relate directly to the purpose of the show being a gaming related show allowing the user directly to interact with the show achieving its purpose as a magazine show following typical styles and conventions.

It is also fit for purpose as we use suitable equipment to create professional looking footage of the highest quality making the footage used fit for purpose

This is evident through shot composition too and how the final product has produced a professional standard due to the appropriate equipment used creating a piece that suitable fits the styles and conventions of a magazine show, we have followed these conventions through are pre-existing knowledge of magazines shows and story boarding our ideas.

It is also evident that meaning is enhanced through the rushes, this is because we used planning to set up the equipment to clearly show the audience the prizes.

This created a suitable image that creates a suitable and presentable tone to the show, this is also re-enforced through the shots used, using panning and zooms which are all shot types that would be traditional used when showcasing items. Therefore we have followed the conventions of magazines shows and making it fit for purpose.