Personal Planning, Reflection and Development: The Academic Year

Reflecting on this academic year I have began to notice a steady increase in skills developing gradually but surely, especially towards the final project, in which I was able to specify my role in a group solely based on skill and enjoyment.
The brief was “interactive video” for which my group settled upon making locational videos, creating a narrative and a set path in a public place, with QR tags with locational points assigned in order.
The premise, in my mind, was a very good idea, if executed well. However, a lack of organisation led to poor results in video quality.
We began shooting on a monday, with what we felt at the time, adequate preparation. However we soon learned that storyboards are vital to a successful video project, as we lost track of what shot should be done next. We relied too heavily on the shot list to capture every frame and hope that each one made sense, and did not conflict light or continuity.
However, the first day of shooting went adequately well, as we had no delays due to weather or actors, but without the storyboard, we found shots were hard to envisage in our head. We powered through the shot list and captured necessary bits, in order for our story to make sense. We soon realised that a multiple linear storyline was slightly too much to do, and found we had previously under estimated the amount of shooting to be done.
Having completed the first day of shooting and getting around 80% of the shots required, we were left with no option but to undertake another day of shooting the next Wednesday. The weather was not so permitting on the Wednesday though, and the actor we had previously used was only available for an hour and a half, which severely limited what we could get done in such a short amount of time with poor weather. Willmott and I were forced to re-write the  script to make it suitable to what we had captured knowing that the options had to be deleted, and replaced with a single linear narrative in which our protagonist faces three moral decisions.
After we concluded our shooting, I instantly knew that we did not have sufficient shots to complete the final script. Our shooting was time limited to two days and whenever our main actor was available. The editing therefore was fairly straightforward, with straight cuts conveying a simple but effective storyline.
If i were to start the project afresh, storyboards would be completed, actors would be paid and I would definitely allow more time for shooting, so that nothing is rushed.
As far as personal growth is concerned, I learnt a valuable lesson;
When concerning video, Planning is everything, something that I could establish in later projects successfully.
The second brief of the year set was “Performance video, where the syllabus stated were to effectively create a musical instrument using digital interfaces.
As soon as I read through the outline I knew I was destined not to enjoy this project as it has no interest in what I wish to do in the future. However, I set about completing the task by introducing something that I did enjoy; Poker.
Again using Qr codes, our idea focused on an interactive game of poker. The QR codes would be attached to the cards dealt out, and using cameras, the QR would be read and would trigger a sound based on the type of card dealt, i.e high card would create tension music.
The obvious choice to produce the music was Ableton live, as I have used the software before and is pretty easy to use.   I began by playing around with some loops, mostly drums, to see what would be best to create tension. I recorded 13 different drum samples (13 different playing cards), each dependant on the strength of the card, some with faster beats, and the majority slower tempo. I used two different sorts of drumbeat in the tracks, one with an extra snare and the other represented a ticking of a clock to give obvious connotations of time and pressure. Although each drum beat was fairly similar, the bpm was different for each track.
When I was happy with the drums, I proceeded to create the bass lines. I began by playing about with various bass types, going through rock type and even jazz bass. However, in the end I had to create my own sound, not from loop. I chose the preset of “synth bass” and kept a constant beat with it for the low cards, and a faster one for the higher range of cards. After bringing both the drum and bass together though, I felt there wasn’t enough tension placed upon some cards, there should be more pressure evoked from the bass alone. Consequently, I chose to add one more bassline, this time resembling a heartbeat; one slow paced, one mid, and the other high. This gave me a great effect combined with the other sounds.
Having created a type of template for each card by layering both the drum and bass line on each QR, i then proceeded to add some more layers.
These included 5 different types of synth, all different melodies dependant on the range of card, with some being relaxing, slow paced and other being high pitched, sharp and quick. The synth would play every 30 seconds, so that the music was able to be looped and uninterrupted by poor continuity.
The final layer, which was only placed on king, ace and pocket cards was a violin which was based on the string orchestral part of a song named “Stress” by Justice. The title itself gives away why i chose this type of music, because it strongly evokes a feeling of unrest and nervousness.
Although I partially enjoyed creating music and learning how to use Ableton thoroughly, increasing my skill strength, I do not feel I have a future in either digital instruments nor making music. I also dislike having to create a “gimmick” type idea especially as I am more focused towards traditional video, but understand why the brief was set as it broadens a particular skill set and perhaps allows a wider thinking when approaching any other project.

The final and more enjoyable part of the year revolved around the professional project, in which we were asked to work with a client, producing a piece/pieces of work whilst budgeting, all the while progressing so that we were prepared for a future employment scenario.
Our group (Cat Abbott, George Darrell & I), began the project with the planning stages. We initially met with Matt Desmier (The founder of Meetdraw) and he posed the question: How do we get digital media companies known in Bournemouth? Matt then mentioned a publication he was working on which holds most of the digital media companies in and around Bournemouth and Poole. We then decided it was best to create a virtual version of said book, therefore building a website which held the geo-location and a representational video for each media based company.
We then set out arranging meetings with 5 companies, with the possibility of more to be added. We were only able to schedule four of the five meetings, with Thinking Juice not replying to our emails. We were content to produce a video for each of those companies but unfortunately out of those four, only two replied efficiently to our follow up emails, sending us the relevant work (showreels, fonts & existing designs) which was vital to completing each video.
Therefore, we prioritised the companies who had good communication, providing the previously mentioned essential content. These two companies were Redweb and Bright Blue Day, with Salad also in mind as their communication was still strong at that point.
Our idea for Redweb was to create a “Day in the Life” type video, in which we would film around the office, interview various employees and then ask “what does innovation mean to you?”
We began pre-production as soon as David Burton (Head of innovation) gave us the go ahead.
We filmed over the space of two days, taking various shots with the z5, Nikon and Hd Hero for time lapses. We soon learnt we were missing something we had previously tried to book out but failed; the fostek audio recorder with boom mic.
After a second shoot, editing  went smoothly, and I completed the editing within three days, after normalising sound, matching contrasts and picture quality between all three cameras. We then proceeded to send the completed video to Redweb who said they loved it.
We began working on a concept idea for Clockworx & Salad and was due to start but they failed to send the relevant show reel and font packs. I then decided to turn my attention to Bright Blue day, for which I planned a time lapse tilt shift with added typography entailing what the company is “about”.
Based on the theme of their website, Bright Blue Day were eager to convey a sense of fun and ambition, but not wholly around the seaside. We therefore set about location hunting for perfect time lapses in and around Bournemouth and Poole.
We filmed on six separate days, whenever the weather would permit. The filming itself was relatively easy as both George and I own SLRs so we only needed to rent out a tripod.
We took around 15 shots, but unfortunately ⅘ were unusable, as we soon discovered the vital secret to a great tilt shift is of course height. The shots that were lacking height were not used as it would have looked out of place.
We then proceeded to edit and add the typography. Bright Blue Day were good in communication and they sent me the relevant font pack to use the same text, therefore up keeping consistency in their image.
Doing this, I learnt more than I have ever done using after effects, truly enabling me to get to grips with the software and understanding how it works. I am pleased with the final video as it is exactly how I imagined it when I first drew it out on a mood board.
I am very proud of the videos that were completed, and would, for the first time allow this work to be portrayed as part of my portfolio. It is not only the final product but also the planning, pre and post production stages of this professional level project which taught me valuable digital and even social skills; including camera, organisation, after effects and personal meetings with clients. Although I can honestly say that more work could have been done if clients had permitted, I am still very happy with the videos combined with Cat’s finished website.

Professional Project : Evaluation

As we are yet to receive feedback from Matt Desmier, our primary client, it is hard to evaluate the work based on an outside perspective.
Our single feedback so far is from David Burton, head of innovation at Redweb in response to our promotional video we made for their company.
David Burton stated they were “very happy” with the video itself, also adding it was “brilliant”, with which I am ecstatic about as my input towards the project was mostly focused on the planning, filming and construction of the videos.
Upon reflection, there are a few things I could have done better in this professional project but without such, I would not learn. However, my hindrances can only be considered minor in relation to the entire work result, as the major delays were ultimately out of our control.

Our group (Cat Abbott, George Darrell & I), began the project with the planning stages. We initially met with Matt Desmier (The founder of Meetdraw) and he posed the question: How do we get digital media companies known in Bournemouth? Matt then mentioned a publication he was working on which holds most of the digital media companies in and around Bournemouth and Poole. We then decided it was best to create a virtual version of said book, therefore building a website which held the geo-location and a representational video for each media based company.
We then set out arranging meetings with 5 companies, with the possibility of more to be added. We were only able to schedule four of the five meetings, with Thinking Juice not replying to our emails. We were content to produce a video for each of those companies but unfortunately out of those four, only two replied efficiently to our follow up emails, sending us the relevant work (showreels, fonts & existing designs) which was vital to completing each video.
Therefore, we prioritised the companies who had good communication, providing the previously mentioned essential content. These two companies were Redweb and Bright Blue Day, with Salad also in mind as their communication was still strong at that point.
Our idea for Redweb was to create a “Day in the Life” type video, in which we would film around the office, interview various employees and then ask “what does innovation mean to you?”
We began pre-production as soon as David Burton (Head of innovation) gave us the go ahead.
We filmed over the space of two days, taking various shots with the z5, Nikon and Hd Hero for time lapses. We soon learnt we were missing something we had previously tried to book out but failed; the fostek audio recorder with boom mic. After capturing the video from both cameras, I wasn’t overly happy with the outcome, especially with the poor sound. The z5 itself was fine, but the attachable mic’s range was limited, so did not record great interview sound. The Nikon was also set to the wrong refresh rate so we noticed a “strobe” light appear on the footage which was unusable. We therefore came to the decision to reshoot, this time with the required equipment. We fixed the Nikon problem, the fostek recorder worked perfectly, I used my 600d instead of the Z5 for filming, and we also took the Hero camera for good measure, taking further time lapses around the office.
Editing this time around went smoothly, and I completed the editing within three days, after normalising sound, matching contrasts and picture quality between all three cameras. We then proceeded to send the completed video to Redweb who said they loved it but we needed to change the titles to their official typography, which they sent over in a font pack. I edited it on the same day and David replied with many thanks.
Whilst I was editing, Cat was working on the website which we had developed together but constructed solely by Cat. We came up with the name “Digital Media Collective”, and we set about designing a suitable format and colourisation. Originally, we had planned to design our own map to integrate into the website. However, this would have taken far too much time as neither of us have experience creating maps. We decided it was best to simply integrate a Google map instead, then add suitable colourisation fitting with the rest of the website.
Cat took charge of getting the website up and running whilst I designed the contact details and logo on photoshop. From that point, Cat coded the website and I began to plan the other companies videos.
We began working on a concept idea for Clockworx & Salad and was due to start but they failed to send the relevant show reel and font packs. I then decided to turn my attention to Bright Blue day, for which I planned a time lapse tilt shift with added typography entailing what the company is “about”.
Based on the theme of their website, Bright Blue Day were eager to convey a sense of fun and ambition, but not wholly around the seaside. We therefore set about location hunting for perfect time lapses in and around Bournemouth and Poole.
We filmed on six separate days, whenever the weather would permit. The filming itself was relatively easy as both George and I own SLRs so we only needed to rent out a tripod.
We took around 15 shots, but unfortunately ⅘ were unusable, as we soon discovered the vital secret to a great tilt shift is of course height. The shots that were lacking height were not used as it would have looked out of place.
We then proceeded to edit and add the typography. Bright Blue Day were good in communication and they sent me the relevant font pack to use the same text, therefore up keeping consistency in their image.
I wanted the typography to be subtle in every shot and also gently moving. I began by gridding the entire shot, allowing a constant plane for the typography to stick to. Relevant lighting would hit said plane and cast shadows from the type onto the shot, so that it would look as authentic as possible. In some shots, tracking to scale and position was required (ferry shot), which admittedly took quite a while to figure out. It was also essential that the typography never left the main focal point, and did not travel in the tilt shift blur. Doing this, I learnt more than I have ever done using after effects, truly enabling me to get to grips with the software and understanding how it works. I am pleased with the final video as it is exactly how I imagined it when I first drew it out on a mood board.

I am very proud of the videos that were completed, and would, for the first time allow this work to be portrayed as part of my portfolio. It is not only the final product but also the planning, pre and post production stages of this professional level project which taught me valuable digital and even social skills; including camera, organisation, after effects and personal meetings with clients. Although I can honestly say that more work could have been done if clients had permitted, I am still very happy with the videos combined with Cat’s finished website.

Bright Blue Day

So after various location shoots, and countless hours behind my laptop, I finally put the finishing touches to the Bright Blue Day video. The tilt shift and time lapse were relatively easy, the typography proved to be a bit tricky in places but I feel it came together in the end. We are are yet to hear feedback from BBD, but will report back when I do. Here’s the link, hope you enjoy.

Redweb Video

Here’s the final video, was meant to upload it alot earliar but have been a bit lazy with the blog posts recently. David Burton (Innovation director at Redweb) got back to us and said that they loved it, so happy days.

Here it is:

Redweb Filming

We filmed at Redweb over a period of three days just to make sure we have more than enough footage. Originally we used George’s Nikon and a Z5 with an me66 connected. However we found the sound quality to be less than professional so decided to change our equipment for the rest of the shooting. We continued to shoot on the Nikon but also took my Canon 600D for cutaways and extra shots. The audio was recorded separately, again with the me66 bu connected to the fostek instead, which was perfect for interview sound. We knew it was rare to get so much time to shoot in such a busy office so we made the most of it. We captured five interviews for our video, a time lapse with the HD Hero, multiple photographs and extra shots of people at work and around the office. By the end I was pleased with the amount we recorded, as i’ve realised it is more than enough now that i’ve come to editing the footage.
Here are some screenshots from the interviews we took, based on the question “What does innovation mean to Redweb?”

And then some further screenshots around the office for filler whilst the dialogue is overlaid.

Editing is currently under way and looking non-too shabby! Chosen a track for some ambience sound which is “Surprise Hotel” – Fool’s Gold. I will loop the instrumental to provide a happy and upbeat soundtrack to the video. I’ve already emailed their publicity department and got permission to use the track.

Meetings: Bright Blue Day + Filming

Our meeting with Bright Blue Day finally came into fruition on the 11th April, where we met David Ford and Liam Forrest. We presented our plan for their video which is based on the end titles of the Coachella video.

We will use the same effects such as tilt shift and increased time duration with added typography detailing Bright Blue Day. Liam and David seemed more than happy with this idea as it fits with their “sophisticated” work style and ethic. They gave us example shots of what they had in mind, currently on their website which coincidentally fitted very well with the stuff we already shot a week previous. We also obtained the font type so that we can match their overall theme exactly and make the video look as professional as possible.

Here are some shots that we shot that are yet to be affected. The first is at the park by the beach, a great time lapse on a busy day with people constantly flowing through.

The second is the carousel by the coastline, the time lapse won’t be as fast on this one as the spinning would be too fast.

The third is on the beach, the best shot representing a “bright blue day”, with plenty of people in shot to capture a great tilt shift.

We are also due to capture around five more scenes, including a sunset at Poole Quay and others in and around Poole & Bournemouth.

Meetings: Salad II

Our second meeting with Salad was set up to finalise our final idea with Abrabella, who asked for us to bring a graphical treatment with us this time around. Here is the treatment Cat mocked up before the meeting.

The idea, based on the game “LocoRoco” displaying the characters above is to create a “Salad world” in which the worms travel around the colourful universe accompanied by a sound track. After talking to Arabella and two design guys at Salad we bounced ideas around and decided that the worms would make their way through the universe in a process that fits to Salad’s style, e.g from development, to research, to final product. The planets the worms would be spinning around would be constructed of Salad’s previous work, showreels, logos and such. The Salad guys seemed very happy with this idea as the idea was generated with their input, making sure we convey their company in the right way.

Meetings: Salad

Having finalised the details of our Clockworx plan of action we met Arabella at Salad down in Poole Quay to discuss our project. We had a vague idea of what we wanted to create for Salad as their website gives a great insight to what Salad are like and how they want to portray themselves and the work they do. The site itself is fun, upbeat and light hearted and this was only confirmed when we met Arabella who was keen to represent Salad as company that “doesn’t take itself too seriously” but liked to enjoy the work they did in a profesional manner.

Our pitch was to animate the worms they use on the website somehow integrating their showreels and also expressing a theme of “fun”. Arabella was happy for us to proceed with this idea again updating her with our progress. Since then, Cat found a a game that actually includes worms spinning around islands in a platform style. The islands would show their work whilst the worms would interact in a video game way, to achieve the sense of “fun” and enjoyment.

The Meetings: Clockworx

After finalising the dates for Redweb filming, we then switched our concentration to the next meeting with Clockworx. It was hard to plan anything in advance for this meeting, as we had no idea what the company was about from just studying their website, which Matt Desmier informed us was due to change. Consequently, we were unable to plan a theme or a style for their video. We solely relied on our meeting to bounce ideas around, which proved to work quite well.
After asking about the future theme of the website we were told we could have access to new psds designed by the company which were quite probably fitting the style of their next website. The psds were a shot of digital media type clock constructed of film reel, video game controllers and other digital hardware and software.

Cat and I jumped at the opportunity to transfer the image into after effects creation which would include their show reels and voiceovers of their employees explaining the work they do there. Clockworx seemed happy with this idea and so we told them we would begin and keep them updated on our progress.

The Meetings: Redweb

Admittedly this is a very late blog post as most of the professional project meetings happened a few weeks ago. After the initial meetins with Matt Desmier we were given contact infromation for five different companies; Redweb, Bright Blue Day, Salad, Thinking Juice and Clockworx.

Our first meeting was with David Burton, the directing manager of innovation at Redweb. Before the meeting, Cat George and I had ideas of creating an “Apple” style video for them originally turned onto us by Phil Beards. These were the videos:

http://www.apple.com/business/profiles/twitter//

We then showed these examples to David Burton who was keen on the idea and expressed a desire for the videos to be on the theme of “innovation” of Redweb. After being shown about the offices, we had a better understanding of the work Redweb did and their influences. We consequently began to plan a date for filming when it was suitable. David told us it was best to come in on something they called “Hack days” in which the innovation department takes two days out to work on something together producing something fresh and new using their digital media skills. We obviously jumped at the idea of filming on the these days and booked in two afternoons to get the required footage.