BLOG QUESTION: FALL SEMESTER SUMMARY

As our semester draws to a close, take some time to reflect on what you've learned. Write down three things that you've learned and how they will improve your video projects in the future. For those that are continuing into next semester, also list three things that you are looking forward to learning in the Spring. Why do you want to learn these things? What do you want to concentrate on doing better? What could you improve? What kind of projects are you looking forward too?

I learned how to use adobe premiere and make basic video edits. I really enjoy editing, so it was nice to learn how to use a real editing program. The second thing I learned were how different types of shots, angles, and camera movement can communicate different emotions to the audience. For example, high angle shots can make a character look vulnerable, or a low angle shot can make them look powerful. The third thing I learned that the juxtaposition of shots is also important and can alter how the audience feels about certain videos. I didn't realize how important that aspect of editing was, but it makes sense psychologically. For the spring semester, I look forward to learning how to use the sound equipment, the music video assignment, and the screenwriting unit. I want to learn these things/do these assignments because it'll help me become more skilled in filmmaking. I want to learn how to screen write because I enjoy the creative freedom writing gives me and I'd like to put my ideas into fruition. I want to concentrate on getting better at editing and my pre-production organization skills.

BLOG QUESTION: CHASE FILM REFLECTION

Think back to when you pitched your chase film. How close is your final product to what you envisioned? Write an in-depth reflection on what went well and what challenges you had while making it. Dig deep! How did you perform on the project?

I believe our pitch was pretty close to what we envisioned! For the most part, every major action we wanted to include was in the chase. We changed a few minor details based on the location when we got there, but it didn't change the story arc. I think what went well the most was filming itself. We were nervous at first because we had trouble with the locations during pre-production, but when we started filming on day 1 we managed to stick to the schedule we agreed upon, and had plenty of time to take breaks as well. It was also an easy filming process because our actors were easy to communicate with and they were eager to be in our project. I think I performed pretty well as it was my first time directing and being the DoP, and it was an overall smooth experience.

BLOG QUESTION: HOW A TV SHOW GETS MADE

What are three ways that television production is different than feature film production? What did you find interesting about this process?

One way TV production is different than a feature film is that TV productions are able to produce one season of a show (13 episodes, approx 45 mins long) in the same amount of time it takes to make a blockbuster movie because during pre-production, they lay out everything that they want to happen in the story, organize what each episode will tell the audience, and assign different writers, directors, DoPs, etc. for each episode. Another factor that makes it different is that during production, they have to follow a strict schedule called a "white schedule". A white schedule organizes each scene by location, time of day, and actors. Finally, even the post production process is different. editors cut establishes the rhythm of the episode, it goes to the director who gives them notes on performance and shots, which then goes to the producer who is responsible for making sure it fits into the overall story arc for the season, and finally it goes to the studio/network which ensures that it follows broadcast standards/practices. What I found most interesting about this process is how fast they're able to deliver a greater quantity episodes compared to how fast it takes to make 1 movie. 

BLOG QUESTION: SET CHAIN OF COMMAND

What are 3 key pieces of advice this presenter gives about the chain of command? Why is it so important?

One tip the presenter gives the audience is to make sure that DoP and the head audio engineer are communicating on whatever problems they have to maximize efficiency. Another tip he gives is that as a director, it's important to work with the producer and/or the script supervisor to make sure details are being recorded correctly. The third tip he gives is that unless its a matter of personal safety, the people who work closely with the director shouldn't say something until after a take. It's important that people are alert of any potential problems and that they're paying attention to key details. People should communicate smoothly on set, and ensure that there isn't any chaos. People should be logging information, spot problems, and understand the chain of command.

BLOG QUESTION: DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Why is the director of photography role so important in a film? What are some of their responsibilities on a film?

The dop is important because they help create the artistic vision in the film. They collaborate closely with the director and determine the lighting, framing and camera movement. They’re responsible for making sure every shot is usable and keeping track of what shots aren’t. they also have to collaborate with different departments such as gaffers and grips. In post, they may work with the editor to determine coloring. In small productions, the DoP can also be the camera operator.

BLOG QUESTION: PRODUCER

Why is the producer's role so important in a film? What are some of their responsibilities on the movie crew?

The producer’s role is vital because they are the ones who make the overall decisions on set and they’re the driving force behind a production. They’re responsible for setting the budget, and they’re problem solvers on set. They also approve the locations and hire the crew on set. They’re responsible for the safety and legality of a set, and they help maintain a healthy working environment by communicating with people on their set.

BLOG QUESTION: WHO'S WHO ON A FILM CREW

Why are there so many different jobs on a movie crew? What is one job that you learned about in this video that you'd never heard of. Why might it seem interesting?

There are so many different jobs on a movie set because every aspect of a movie requires a person who's in charge of that department/role, and each department/role relies on another dept. or role. For example, the DoP handles the cinematography, but they also need good lighting in their shots, so they need a gaffer. The gaffer needs grips to help them adjust the lighting, but they can also watch the equipment or push a dolly. One job that I haven't heard of before is a unit production manager (UPM).  They break down scripts, make the schedules, and oversee all things in productions (Locations, transportation, set construction, etc.). Their job seems interesting because they have a lot of work to handle and it involves lots of communication with everyone on set.

BLOG QUESTION: THE FINAL CUT

What is the role of the final edit in the post-production process? How is it different from the assembly and rough cuts?

The final edit of a film is where small and final touches are added to the film before it’s released. It’s important to consider the feedback that you receive during the review, so you can make the final edits of your ur film to make the story more clear and add greater impact. you can add transitions, music, titles, and effects. It is different from the assembly as it isn’t just the rough assembly of the shots in order, and its different from the rough cuts as the story isn’t as polished. It is the full film, ready to be viewed by the audience.

BLOG QUESTION: SCRIPT SUPERVISOR

What is the role of the script supervisor in a film production? What are their responsibilities?

The script supervisor makes all the notes on the script while recording and in between takes keeps notes of what is seen on each camera. They watch the monitor with the director and work closely with them during filming. It’s also their responsibility to think of the continuity in the scene. They keep track of what parts of the dialogue show the characters on screen as well. Their job is vital during the Production and especially the Post Production process as their notes will be used by the editor.

BLOG QUESTION: WHAT TO CALL OUT

In your own words, write a paragraph on what needs to be called on set before what and explain why it is so important. Refer to the Production Process slides if needed.

It's important to call out before the director says "action" because you want to make sure that every department is on the same page, that the actors get settled in, and everyone else is ready so that there are no interruptions later on. In order, this is the usual sequence of what is called out before the director says action:

The A.D will call, "Picture's up" once the camera is set and the actors are, and the P.A.'s will call "Picture's up" across different areas so all crew members/departments are aware. Then, the A.D will call "Roll sound", and the P.A will call out "Rolling". The sound Dept will call out "Sound speeds" once their audio is ready to record, the 1st assistant camera operator will call "Camera speeds", and infront of the camera the 2nd assistant camera will slate for the shot. The DoP will call "Set" when the shot is ready to be filmed, and the director will call "Action!". Once the shot is done, the director yells "Cut", The A.D yells "Cut", and finally, the P.A yells "Cut".

BLOG QUESTION: HOW TO READ A CALL SHEET

After watching the video, how can understanding and effectively using a call sheet contribute to better communication and organization on a film set?

It's important to understand what to put on a call-sheet because it allows you to stay organized on set and it helps keep everyone involved in the projection aware of what their roles are, what they need to bring, what time they need to be there, how long they'll be there, and what they'll be doing for the day. Overall, it saves you time from having to contact each individual person, and it saves you time on set trying to figure out where everyone is/assigning them roles. By understanding what you need to put on a call sheet and how to read one, it gets things done efficiently on set.

BLOG QUESTION: SHOTS VS SETUPS

What is the main difference between a shot vs. a setup? What is the most important thing to keep in mind when you're going to shoot a scene?

A shot is determined by the angle, distance, and direction your camera is in relative to your subject. A setup is a configuration of lighting, props, set dressing, and actors all required for 1+ shots. For example, if there's 10 different shots, it's possible to only need to set up differently 6 times. It's important to keep in mind what angle and distance you're shooting your subject in to determine how many times you need to set up. It's important to consider this because it saves you time from having to set up for every shot. You also want to minimize the amount of turnarounds, which is basically moving your entire set up to face a different direction to film another subject.

BLOG QUESTION: COVERAGE

In your own words explain what coverage is. Why is it so important when you are shooting?

Filming scenes from multiple angles, distances, and in many takes is called coverage. It is always a good idea to get wide shots, close-ups, and medium shots because it gives the editor more options to choose from while editing. It's important to have a variety of takes so that the edit turns out smooth and that the story is clearly explained. If you don't have enough takes, your film might not make sense to the audience or it'll feel poorly filmed.

BLOG QUESTION: SHOT LISTS

What is a shot list? Why is it so important?

A shot list is a list of shots that gives you an idea of what shots you want in your movie. It's the "edited" version of the movie in your head. You go through your movie scene by scene and make a list of all the shots you need for each scene. It is important to create a shot list because it allows you to shoot as quickly and efficiently as possible, and it helps you organize what you want your film to look like. It allows you to organize your shots in groups (ex. shots of character A and character B) in order to make the filming process smoother. It also helps you save time by not having to turn your camera and set up everything all over again.