STUDIO PRODUCTIONUNIT BRIEF & INTRO

TODAY:

UPDATE – minor course changes UNIT BRIEFING & REFLECTIONS TERM 1 VIEWING : NEWS CHANNELS Intro to “Studio Production” Workshop – ideas development

MINOR COURSE CHANGES

POST MORTEM TERM 1:

Individually, write down what lessons you feel you learnt from the digital news unit last year regarding: IDEAS RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT SCRIPTING SHOOTING – PICTURES & SOUND TEAM WORK EDITING TIME MANAGEMENT WRITTEN WORK

TIME MANAGEMENT Identify priorities and schedule across the 15

week term Set interim deadlines to meet targets Seek help and advice early – UTILISE

TUTORIALS OPPS AND BOOK!! Regular attendance to lectures and

seminars/workshops Use macs out of hours “off peak” In group work – important to make

agreements between members and to address issues as they arise if delivery dates missed

ESSAY WRITING – COMMON ISSUES Colloquial & conversational language Presentation issues –

Subheadings – NOT IN ESSAYS HARVARD! Bibliography – always – alphabetical by surname Lack of quotes - Lack of evidence based argument

SPAG & syntax Structural issues – linking, cornerturns, flow, logic Poorly/vaguely expressed thoughts Poor intro/conclusion Using book title in referencing – waste of word count! SUBJECTIVITY Repetition Use of quotes – embed short quotes, link to your thoughts

and explore FULLY

NEWS CHANNELS

STUDIO PRODUCTION - UNIT INTRO UNIT AIMS:

A1 to promote knowledge and understanding of studio broadcast media productions

A2 to enable development of a creative methodology for the production of studio broadcast media including research and critical analysis and enterprise

A3 to support collaboration with a variety of related disciplines in the production of broadcast media.

A4 to enable development of the creative and technical skills necessary in the production of studio productions.

UNIT OUTCOMES: LO1 demonstrate a critical and creative

knowledge and understanding of studio broadcast production

LO2 collaborate with creative colleagues through the commissioning and production process

LO3 develop innovative concepts for various studio production formats

LO4 implement the creative and technical skills required for studio production.

HOW THE UNIT WILL WORK:

I will be leading this unit and will be mainly concerned with the content side of the production, Hans and Fergus will work with you on the studio production side.

90 HRS – SCHEDULED 210 – INDEPENDENT ACTIVITY. The originator of the idea commissioned will

become the Producer.

INITIAL DEADLINES : MONDAY AND TUESDAY 19/20TH JAN - pitching

session Prepare yourself for a pitching panel which will ask you

questions about your idea and decisions you have made, use whichever presentation method you prefer. PLEASE NOTE : YOUR PITCH WILL FORM PART OF THE ASSESSMENT PROCESS SO ENSURE IT IS WORTHY OF SUBMISSION!!

THURSDAY JAN 22ND – JOB INTERVIEWS This is where you will be able to apply and pitch for a

particular role on the production (other than Producer – who will already have been chosen). You need to prepare, with CV and pitch, as if this was a job interview. You should have a 1st and 2nd choice role you are interested in

PRODUCTION ROLES – APPLICATION PROCESS - Then everyone bid to be part of one of two

production teams crews for the pre production phase covering: PRODUCER TEAM DIRECTOR TEAM CAMERA TEAM SOUND TEAM EDIT TEAM

These roles will have to be applied for, with an accompanying CV.

PRODUCTION ROLES PRODUCER DEPARTMENT 1 X PRODUCER (Originator of idea) 1 x ASSISTANT PRODUCER 1 X Production Manager/Floor Manager 1 x promotions producer 1 x VT packages producer DIRECTION DEPT 1 X STUDIO DIRECTOR (PART 1) 1 X STUDIO DIRECTOR (PART 2) 1 X VT PACKAGE DIRECTOR + studio camera 1 X VT PACKAGE DIRECTOR + studio camera 1 X Promotions Director (title sequence) +

behind scenes video 1 x Promotions Director (Trailer director) +

behind scene video

CONT… EDIT DEPARTMENT 1 X VISION MIXER (Studio Part 1) + VT PACKAGE EDITOR 1 X PRODUCTION ASSISTANT (Studio) + VT PACKAGE

EDITOR 1 X VISION MIXER (Studio Part 2) + Promotions Editor CAMERA DEPT 1 X STUDIO CAMERA + VT PACKAGE CAMERA 1 X studio CAMERA + VT PACKAGE CAMERA 1 X Studio CAMERA + VT PACKAGE CAMERA 1 x studio Camera + VT Package camera SOUND DEPT 1 x STUDIO SOUND + VT PACKAGE SOUND 1 X STUDIO SOUND + VT PACKAGE SOUND 1 x Studio Sound + Promotions sound

STUDIO CONTENT & PRODUCTION TEAMS All content will be pitched openly through

group crits and ideas commissioned under the direction of the producer.

NB – The record day is split into two teams producing half of the programme each, however you will be expected to help out as necessary.

UNIT DELIVERY - WORKSHOPS & LECTURES: These will be tailored to the different disciplines within the

production. YOU ARE ADVISED TO ATTEND ALL ! i.e. –

Scripting for studio Production management & planning, collaboration – sets/design Directing for VTs/Promos – talent VT camera operation & sound operation Post production & graphics/text Promos/titles Through Hans Petch workshops –

Producing for studio Directing for studio Floor managing Production Assisting in gallery Vision mixing Studio camera Studio sound

Helen – week 1 – 8 & production meeting supervision 9 - 12 Hans – week 7 – 12 Fergus – throughout project support Simon – week 9 - 12

TIMETABLE:

CONT…

ASSESSMENT 20% - PROJECT REPORT – 1500words -

supported by teaching week 8 re: report writing

80% - STUDIO PRODUCTION – project output on course hard drive + uploaded to our YouTube channel. (we’re currently exploring live streaming possibilities too).

SUBMISSION :

MONDAY 27TH APRIL – PROJECT & REPORT (INCLUDING PITCH INFORMATION) - FINAL SUMMATIVE SUBMISSION (0900 – 1100 hr) SUBMIT: Studio production final version uploaded to course hard drive (see

Fergus for assistance) – DO NOT SUBMIT A COMPRESSED VERSION – Use highest quality to save please e.g. Pro Res 422.

Project report printed with 1.5 line spacing, page numbered and front cover including title and your name and unit details. Online project development journal that records, develops and

critically reflects on all stages of the production. Ensure your blog demonstrates the learning outcomes listed on unit descriptor!

Blog to be fully updated by the deadline with printed copy of screen shot (as PDF file) of blog home page which shows final entry at the time of submission

READING LIST: Many books here at studios. Others via the library. Read up on:

Studio production Your production role

Useful for your blog and also report NB - Keep up to date on blog – useful for

report!

THE PROJECT BRIEF: Each student has 2 weeks to develop a detailed pitch

for a 30 min Pilot show to be recorded LIVE in the studios.

The best pitch will be given the greenlight to go into production and the whole course team will work together to produce the 30 min programme – split into two teams, to produce half of the duration each.

What we are looking for: We will not be looking for a talent show as this has

recently been commissioned – we would like something really different, which can push the boundaries and challenge the group.

We are particularly interested in new ideas within the entertainment, factual either for an adult or a younger audience.

Please avoid programmes with under 16s, animals, dangerous equipment and no cookery programmes.

YOUR IDEA NEEDS TO HAVE :

Suitability to studio environment HERE at Maidstone (Studio 2)

Originality Opportunity for four VTs Simple staging –set, lighting, costume & props

(co-op with CATF) Possibilities for viral marketing – part of your

pitch! Specially shot titles and credits. Studio audience. Consider green screen opportunities Be strong in content terms and deliverable!

PITCHING SESSION: Panel including Helen, Simon and Laura You will each have 20 mins to pitch Make sure you prepare your idea and use whatever

props and presentation aids you feel necessary. Be prepared to answer questions about it – the

purpose of the pitching Q&A is to find out more about the idea so you need to justify your choices and demonstrate that this is a REALISABLE idea!

You are assessed on this process REGARDLESS of whether it is commissioned!

If more than one idea is considered worth commissioning by the panel you will all vote in a secret ballot to determine the commission.

START WORK! THE IDEA: Start working today on the idea – only this

week and next week before pitch day. Will hold 1-2-1 tutorials this Friday to see how

you are doing - need to have at least 2 or 3 firm ideas we can discuss

BREAK

WHAT IS POSSIBLE IN A STUDIO? Write down what you think is possible in a

studio environment (genre/format).

STUDIO PRODUCTIONS - CONTENT Studios provide a tailor made, controlled environment for

productions. A look through the schedules and you’ll find a wide range of

genres produced in a studio: FACTUAL DRAMA ENTERTAINMENT MUSIC COMEDY CHILDREN’S

What’s in a studio and how does it all work? – viewing: http://www.bbc.co.uk/academy/production/article/

art20130702112135564

http://www.bbcstudiosandpostproduction.com/studios/behind_the_scenes.html

STUDIO PRODUCTIONS: VIEWING Clips:

Factual – This Morning/One Show http://www.itv.com/thismorning/bestbits/ http://www.bbc.co.uk/theoneshow/highlights/

index.shtml Entertainment – Splash Children’s - http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/shows/blue-

peter Comedy – Miranda -

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00w7dv9/clips Drama – Coronation Street -

https://www.itv.com/itvplayer/search/term/coronation-street

Music – Jools Holland - http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006ml0l

DISCUSSION: Why are productions located in studios? What common themes/elements were there

in the studio productions you watched? What makes an original studio idea? What limitations are there in a studio

environment? What format/s suit a studio environment? What is missing from our schedules now that

could make a good studio production?

STUDIO ADVANTAGES What advantages do you think there are in

terms of sound recording in a studio?

Sound – Usually studio is specially sound proofed so that

the quality produced is without any echo or intrusive noises.

Microphones can be plotted and rigged in advance and adjustments made (at any time during the recording if pre-recorded).

Sound can be monitored from the sound room and adjustments made as necessary.

STUDIO ADVANTAGES What advantages does shooting in a studio

provide in terms of picture quality and opportunities?

Pictures – Lighting again plotted, rigged and set in advance in

controlled environment – no changes in light conditions as on location.

Material instantly viewed and reviewed in gallery so quality assured.

Multi camera shoots - Camera positioning carefully plotted and rehearsed to give full coverage.

Single-camera shoots – continuity monitored more easily.

STUDIO CHALLENGES What are the sound challenges? Sound –

re-creating ‘reality’ requires the use of either pre-recorded SFX, atmos/wildtrack or foley sounds played in during or after the recording.

Music & effects – again either played in during recording or in post.

What are the picture challenges? Pictures –

Again in re-creating reality need to carefully plot lighting.

For studio productions which do not need to re-create reality can plan lighting in advance but needs qualified, experienced staff to ensure lighting plan meets all needs of the production.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS : STUDIO SAFETY All staff should be properly trained for the studio

environment and appropriate risk assessments made.

Prior to our record you will be fully briefed regarding safety here at the studio, however the usual hazards are : Trip hazards – e.g. Cabling Electricity/Lighting Fire hazards/keeping exits clear Confined spaces Audiences/public Manual handling/lifting Scaffolding/heights

A full risk assessment must be made prior to recording in order to ensure you have taken all reasonable precautions – you will be responsible for undertaking full risk assessment which will be passed to me before forwarding to Emma.

SAFETY CONT... Ultimately the production team is liable for the

safety of everyone employed and invited to the production. All productions have insurance in place to cover any potential liabilities.

Only appropriately qualified technicians to install or operate equipment which is potentially hazardous e.g. electricians/lighting technicians

Consultants employed as necessary for specialist skills e.g. Pyrotechnics.

EVERYONE in the studio needs to consider their part in ensuring safe practice.

INTRODUCTION TO THE GALLERY This is the central control room for the studio. Your work with Hans will introduce you to the

various roles in the gallery. For our purposes you will be needing to acquaint

yourself with the key roles within the gallery: Producer Director – viewing: http://www.bbc.co.uk/academy/production/article/

art20130702112135647 Vision Mixer – viewing: http://www.bbc.co.uk/academy/production/article/

art20130702112135766 P.A. (Production Assistant)

BREAK

WORKSHOP: BRAINSTORM FOR IDEAS –

In groups of 3 or 4 brainstorm your ideas and begin to write them up so that they can be developed.

Try working on your pitch and treatment and see what response you get from your group – be prepared to critique and give feedback.

Work out what research and development you need to do next and start planning! There are only TWO MORE FULL WEEKS ‘til the pitch day!

Remember – be original and think about : Viability – time frame, location, access, cost Channel/broadcaster Potential promotion/marketing