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.
