CREATIVE AND MEDIA PRODUCTION LEVEL 3 EXTENDED DIPLOMA
Single Camera Techniques Film and video editing techniques Unit 16 & 22 LO1; LO2; LO3 Sarah Wilson & Adam Jones Date Issued: 10th September 2015 Final Deadline: 6th November 2015
Aim and purpose In this unit learners will explore the characteristics of single camera production, and develop the creative, organisational and technical skills required to devise, plan and implement their own productions. Unit introduction With the introduction of more television channels, some specifically dedicated to drama, the single camera drama production has become very popular with broadcasters and audiences. This means that there should be more opportunities for people with skills in single camera techniques to gain employment in this sector. This might be in terms of technical skills in production or creative skills in developing ideas into production. This unit aims to give learners an opportunity to use production skills, already gained from previous units, and develop them further to create a production using single camera techniques. The unit gives learners the opportunity to explore existing single camera productions. This will help them to think about, plan and produce their own productions. As part of this exploration learners will investigate the use of camera scripts and storyboards as tools of storytelling. Learners will develop the organisational skills required for the planning and implementation of a single camera drama production. They will identify key production roles and take on one or more of these roles during their own production. Set design, cinematography, lighting, use of sound and editing techniques will all be part of the skills learners develop through following this unit. Health and safety issues will also be addressed in both location and studio shoots, with learners producing risk assessments prior to any production work. Guidance: Create Tabs on website Unit 16 and unit 22 U16 LO1 U22 LO1 U16&22 LO2&LO3 Referencing: Please make sure all research is referenced – any work being plagiarised will fail http://www.wikihow.com/Cite-a-Website - Guidance can be found here
U22 LO1: Features of single camera production Deadline: 6h lesson of week commencing 21st September 2015
LO Aim: To comprehensively explain the features of single camera production with reference to elucidated examples and consistently using subject terminology correctly
Task Description: The British Film Institute has commissioned Vibe Productions to produce two one minute productions that they can use at the BFI to demonstrate to the public the importance of miseen-scene and setting the scene within TV and film. This assignment requires you to engage in a variety of theory and practical tasks. You are required to research elements of single camera techniques as well as produce two one minute productions based on the conventions you have learned. You will work in groups to produce one Period Production and one Crime Production. You will need to focus on camera angles, mise-enscene (costume / props / location) and narrative. Whilst you experiment with different production processes you must record and critically assess the effectiveness of using a single camera. These notes should be written on up on your websites next to your final productions.
Task 1: Formats a) On you own research what a TV format is b) Write a definition of a TV serial; TV series and single camera production and provide examples of each. You should upload a YouTube excerpt and write beside each clip exactly what it is that makes it either a serial, series or single camera production. You should provide at least one example for each
Task 2: Genre a) b) c) d)
What is genre? What are conventions? List a variety of different TV genres? Pick 2 of these genres to analyse in more detail. What are the conventions of these genres? Provide examples of TV shows that demonstrate these conventions.
Task 3: Narrative a) What is narrative? Different narrative structures. b) Below is a list of narrative structures – write a definition for each one, detail the pros and cons of using these in TV shows and provide at least one example for each discussing why it was used and if it was effective. Linear; non-linear; realist; anti-realist; flashback; open ended; closed ended
NB: Reference all websites
Task 4 You are required to produce 2 short TV shows, no longer than one minute in length, (sequences) to demonstrate an understanding of single camera techniques. You will work in groups of 4 and will follow certain production roles. No pre-production is required for either of these shows. Production roles: Camera person / Director / Costume designer / Sound engineer You must swap roles for each show so you have carried out at least 2 of the above roles. You will all edit your own version of the production and upload to your website. Next to each production you will write a short evaluation on the process of using a single Camera
Show 1 Your first show MUST follow this structure: Format: Single Drama Genre: Period Linear Narrative Realist Closed Ended
Show 2 Your second show MUST follow this structure: Format: Single Drama Genre: Crime Non-linear narrative anti-realist open ended
U16 LO1: The development and principles of editing Deadline: 5th lesson of week commencing 5th October 2015
LO Aim: critically assess the development and principles of editing with supporting arguments and elucidated examples, and consistently using subject terminology correctly
Task Description: The British Film Institute is putting on an exhibition on The Development and Principles of Editing at the beginning of October. They have asked Vibe productions to provide them with a variety of information to give to the public in the form of a visual display. This assignment requires you to engage in a selection of theory and practical tasks. You are required to individually research the development and principles of editing and then in groups of 3 produce a wall display focusing on two chosen case studies, which will go up at the BFI exhibition. You will watch excerpts from a variety of films dating back to the beginning of the 20th century along with the feature length film The Godfather. You will use these case studies in your display
Class Activity 1: Development Class discussions and focus groups looking at: in-camera editing; following the action; multiple points of view; shot variation; manipulation of diegetic time and space; film, video; analogue; digital Task 1: Individually research the difference between digital and analogue focusing on the advantages and disadvantages. Write your finding up in your blog along with illustrations. NB: Reference all websites
Task 2: Purposes Storytelling How can narrative: a) engage the viewer b) create pace Discuss the above using examples to back up your theory.
Class activity 2: Conventions and techniques Define and provide examples of the following: Seamless editing; continuity; editing rhythm
Task 3: Conventions and techniques In pairs you are required to film the following techniques, upload them to your account and then define what they are and the meaning they create to the audience montage; jump-cutting; parallel editing; 180 degree rule; transitions; POV; shotreverse-shot;
Task 4: Techniques In pairs film a running scene and then cut it to two different soundtracks. Slow down, speed up and cut to the beat to match the music. Then upload to your websites
Class activity 3: Development In class we will watch a variety of films dating from the beginning of the 20th Century up until now. You are required to makes notes on the sequences (these notes go towards your final marks). We will focus on shot variation, cutting and effects and how these have developed over time.
Task 5: The Godfather Watch The Godfather over 2 lessons. You are required to make comprehensive notes which will be marked. The DVD will be stopped to highlight keys points relating to your assignment. Analyse the filming and editing techniques of The Godfather. You MUST refer to what you have learnt in previous tasks and use technical language as much as possible. Comprehensive notes are to be taken during the screening of the film – these will be submitted and marked as part of the assignment. You will then be required to work in groups of 3 – 4 to create a display piece covering numerous examples of how The Godfather uses film and editing techniques. You will need to print screen sections from the internet in order to illustrate your points
U16 and U22 LO2 and LO3: Plan a single camera production LO2 & LO3 Deadline: Friday 6th November 2015
LO Aim: Generate thoroughly thought through ideas for a single camera production showing creativity and flair and working independently to professional expectations Task Description: The British Film Institute is holding a film festival during the October half term for young film makers aged between 16 and 20. The top 3 productions from each category will be shown at the festival and a winner will be chosen by VIP guests. The Categories are: a) Period Drama b) Crime Drama Entrants must individually plan and develop an idea focusing on Single Camera techniques, Mise-en-scene, location shooting, sound and editing. The drama must be 5 minutes long and include one of the following elements: a) Flashback b) Split Screen / parallel editing
Planning and post production will also be taken into account during the final assessment
Task 1 a) Create a mind map and mood board for your 5 minute drama. b) Write a treatment for your production. Treatment can be found on the preproduction tab Task 2 a) Define the narrative structure of your production. b) Write the script for your drama – Scrip must contain stage direction Task 3 Storyboard your production – to be photographs NOT hand drawn
Task 4 Location Recces including photos – multiple to be completed for ‘possible’ locations Task 5 Props list and sound table, Lighting and equipment list 9all forms can be found on vibe)
Task 6 Produce a Production Schedule
Task 7 Call Sheet and Risk Assessment
Task 8: Film 5 minute drama Your drama must use 1 camera only, have multiple shots from multiple angles. Your mise en scene, costume and make-up must match your genre and your film must contain a flashback or parallel editing
Task 9: Manage your footage Save raw footage onto a MEMORY STICK (do not edit from the SD card) Make sure folder on memory stick are named correctly (print screen for portfolio) Import you footage onto Premier Pro: You must name the project correctly, name folders correctly (print screen for portfolio) Create an edit decision list – look over your footage and decide what you are going to use (edit decision list to be found on vibe)
Task 10: Edit 5 minute drama Make sure sound level are correct before export and that you have end credits Export, upload to YouTube and upload to you website
Resources Baylis P, Freedman A, Procter N et al – BTEC Level 3 National Creative Media Production, Student Book Baylis P, Freedman A, Procter N et al – BTEC Level 3 National Creative Media Production, Teaching Resource Evans R – Practical DV Film Making, 2nd Edition Figgis M – Digital Film Making Gloman C— No-budget Video Production: Producing Professional Quality Commercials, How-to’s, Training and Features – for Virtually Nothing Hardy P – Filming on a Microbudget, 3rd Edition Jones C and Joliffe G – The Guerilla Film Makers Handbook, 3rd Edition Kindem G and Musburger R – Introduction to Media Production: From Analog to Digital, 4th Logan J and Schellhardt L – Screenwriting for Dummies, 2nd Edition (J Wiley, 2008) Millerson G – Video Production Handbook, 4th Edition (Focal Press, 2008 Musberger R – Single Video Camera Production, 4th Edition (Focal Press, 2005 Roberts-Breslin J – Making Media: Foundations of Sound and Image Production, 2nd Edition (Focal Press, 2007) Thurlow C – Making Short Films: The Complete Guide from Script to Screen, 2nd Edition (Berg, 2008) www.bbc.co.uk/dna/filmnetwork/Filmmakingguide – BBC information about film making www.britishfilmmagazine.com/filmmaking.html – website of The British Film Magazine www.firstlightmovies.com – First Light exists to encourage film making amongst young people and has links to Skillset and the UK Film Council www.primary-film-focus.co.uk/filmpreproduction.html – information about film production techniques
Grading Criteria Unit 22: Single Camera Techniques
Unit 16: Film and Video Editing Techniques