15/03/2016

 

Today Bee briefed us on our final major project requirements. We went over the brief as a group and annotated parts of the text using a highlighter and pen

 As I have already filmed twice and have a strong idea, writing my proposal wasn't too difficult, but I still have to finish it, as I need to write a voice over for my documentary. I am starting to gather research for my idea by looking at previous videos/short documentaries the people I am filming have featured in. I will also research their Facebook pages, and will conduct primary research by personally talking to them about what they do. I have already done this several times, and documented it in my production log. Although I did get the majority of my proposal done today, I had a stressful day as I had a maths exam that I wasn't prepared for, and I had to miss English in order to go through the brief with my media class. Regardless my class all liked my idea, including Bee, so that has formed part of my primary research already. I need to start being prepared for college by eating proper meals during the day, as I keep forgetting meaning my concentration levels are dropping. I plan to amend this by making a packed lunch for college, and by waking up 10 minutes earlier so I can eat breakfast, as I believe this will put me in a stable mood.

 

18/03/2016

 

This week was very important for me as I was getting briefed on my FMP. As a class we discussed our ideas to find out if there was anything we could improve on. This week I carried on writing my proposal which should be finished by next week. Today in Gary’s lesson we focused on writing a synopsis for our FMPs. I wrote a draft of mine that I was happy with.

Things that went well this week

• ·      I was on time everyday

• ·      I didn’t get too distracted in class

• ·      I started writing my proposal in detail

• ·      I got Bee to review my first shoots, to see what I could improve on

 

 

 

 

Things that didn’t go well this week

• ·      I didn’t start my sketchbook work which I planned to do

• ·      I didn’t complete as much work as I planned too

• ·      I had issues with the audio in my first recordings

• ·      I didn’t bring my sketchbook in

• ·      I didn’t start my primary research document.

 

21/03/2016

 

 

 Today I spoke to John about my idea and he was pleased with it. He told me to contact Barnet Alliance and ask them if they could be interviewed, as I want to find out why more and more squats are being opened up in Barnet. I also want to mention why the change in the squatters rights bill has affected people, which I think Barnet alliance could explain well. If I am able to speak to them, it could help add more depth to my documentary as it would be a good way to introduce all the squats that I am filming. I have emailed them, and will hopefully receive a reply within the week.

j  

   22/03/2016

 

   Today in college we focused on finishing our proposals as they are due in on Thursday. I had already written two drafts of my proposal, so I showed Jim my draft and he was happy with it but I needed to shorten down my wording as I was double over the word count. I then reviewed it, and reworded it, so that my concept section in particular was very concise and understandable for people to read. I still need to write up my bibliography, but I have a clear idea of what resources I will be using for my research anyway.

 

      23/03/2016

   

     Today I reviewed my footage with the help from Nick, so that he could give me a solution to the diegetic noise problems I was facing. He helped me think of ways I can work around it editing wise. I also continued my proposal, and Nick helped me think of more questions I could ask the squatters. I have noted these down and I plan to ask them these questions when I next interview them.

 

      24/03/2016

 

      Today I came in to finish my proposal, I got here at 1, and started finishing off my proposal, as I thought I had to hand it in by 5. My teacher came into the room I was working in at 2 and said it had to be handed in then. So because of this I had to rush what I was doing and give her my usb, which meant I forgot to put in my production title, and I didn't have all the links I wanted to use in the bibliography. Because of this I felt like I hadn't achieved my full potential in terms of my writing, which I was very unhappy with. I am hoping if I can get my proposal back i will amend it and be able to boost my grade.

 

1   01/04/2016

 

      Today Nick texted me to tell me that the police were threatening arrest if he doesn't leave the premises in 48 hours. This could affect my filming as it means we will have to move location changing the storyline. I want to try and interview him before he gets moved on, but seeing as I don't have a microphone at the moment I don't know if that will be possible as we will be outdoors. I will have to see what happens but I may need to reconsider the structure of the narrative now.

 

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11/04/2016

 

      Today in college I created a survey to learn about peoples opinions of squatters and how they think squatters should be represented in the media. I then screen shotted this and added it to my research document. I am going to take the survey down tomorrow to give people enough time to answer it if they like. I then started to scan in pages of my personal notebook as proof of my feedback given by Bee. I then created a mood board and put together my recce shots for my document and sketchbook work. I am planning a focus group tomorrow so that I have wider research, and I will be uploading my footage tomorrow and starting a rough edit so that I can figure out what extra shots I require so I can begin writing a voiceover and a basic documentary script.

 

 

12/04/2016

 

        Today we worked as a class to develop a mind map for primary and secondary research so that

        we could figure out the best ways to further our project research wise. I began printing out articles       and annotating them to broaden my knowledge on squatting. I also started working on my primary research, putting my recce shots and test shots in the research document. I scanned on my notebook pages showing initial idea and my planning processes. I think today I did a sufficient body of work and I felt positive about my work. I want to widen my research, and I think I am taking the right steps to do so. I also uploaded all my footage so far on to final cut pro, as I plan to start my rough edit this week.

 

     13/04/2016

   

     Today I carried on with my research document, and I moved the heading around to make the document easier to understand, and planned out in a logical way. I researched a film about squatters and screen shotted it for my section on methods of research. I also printed out a leaflet from the 90's about squatting that I thought would give me relevant background context. My plan for the next two days is to continue my research document, and start printing out more visual inspiration for my sketchbook. I have decided to prioritise my research document for the time being, as the deadline for it is closer. I am hoping to start rough edits, and pre production by late next week.

 

     15/04/2016

   

     Today Jim has asked the class to write down why we didn't do enough work over half term and he has also asked us to evaluate our week and explain what we want to improve on. The reasons I didn't do enough work over half term are because:

 

1.        I spent most of my 'free time' over half term filming. 

2.        I don't actually have Word on my laptop, making it difficult to complete essays etc. 

3.       I wasn't completely sure of what they wanted us to do research - wise so I wanted to make sure I was doing it correctly, this meant waiting till college started again properly so it could be explained.  

      As an evaluation of this week I do think I have worked well. My punctuality was quite sloppy though, but regardless I did complete a substantial body of work. As I stated in earlier blog posts I do want to start paperwork and a rough edit by (hopefully) next week. But this means I have to finish my research document by midweek, which may not be possible, regardless I will try.

 

 

      18/04/2016

 

      Today I continued with my research document, focusing on the social listening, focus group, and books section. I used three people from the second year of this course to do a focus group with, and I asked them around five basic questions about documentaries and squatting. I then put the video on Youtube, and then added it to my Wix page. I am now reaching the 'secondary research' sector of my document, so I am hoping to finish the document by this week. I was only in for a few hours today so I didn't complete a large amount of work but I am making gradual progress.

 

     19/04/2016

 

     Today I am only in college till 2 as I have an appointment, so I have had to try and get as much work as possible completed before then as I don't have much time. I printed out 2 book extracts today that I am planning to annotate when I am at home, I also continued my research  document, and continued to update my Wix page. I do think I have been working to an efficient level today, but I am frustrated that I don't have enough time to complete everything I wanted to by today. I am planning to spend extra time at college tomorrow and for the rest of the week, to catch up on the missed time.

 

 

    20/04/2016

 

    Today I carried on with my research document, and as it was an audio lesson Nick showed me what microphones I would need to use for my voiceover, and I took a picture with it so I can use it when I get to the audio section of the document. I looked at various internet sources that influenced my creative process. I looked at Michael Moore, and a documentary called 'Lake of Fire'. Things that went well today:

 

•       I looked at a range of comprehensive internet sources and used this to broaden my research sources. 

•      I worked efficiently for the time I had 

•      I found more inspiration for my documentary by watching and reading about others.

   Things that didn't go well:

•      I didn't have much time to do work today as I had to leave after my English lesson for a job interview

•      I didn't come well equipped so I didn't have enough printing credit to print any of my articles. 

     

     21/04/2016

 

     Today I came in to college to work on my research document because I want to finish it by next week the absolute latest. I stayed until 7 and I am now in the process of looking at different media outlets demographics such as bbc 3. I spoke to one of the squatters today, they have a court hearing on Monday so I will visit them on Sunday and get release forms signed incase they are asked to leave earlier than expected. If they are asked to leave earlier than expected I will try and do one last filming session with them. Today went well, but I still have much more research to do which is starting to worry me as I really want to focus more on my rough edit etc. I will start using my local library to write the word document in until I get Word on my laptop. 

 

 

      23/04/2016

 

      This week was quite chaotic, I got a huge chunk of my research document but I am still unhappy with the fact my document isn't finished yet, so I am going to stay late again in college on Monday to finish the secondary research section. If I haven't completed it yet I will still have to move on to starting my rough edit as its very important to spend my time in the classroom using final cut pro as often as possible. I will be continuing my research document over the weekend and I am also planning to visit the squatters at Dollis Valley, so I can start getting release forms signed and I may also do another interview early next week as I have found a few more questions I would like to ask from my research. I missed a fair few hours of college this week due to a appointment and job interview, so I had much less time that I anticipated, which put a strain on the time I did have. I also have English A level lessons during some of my media lessons, so that meant that meant I missed more time. My plan of action is to spend any out of lesson time doing the research document, and when I am on the computer with my footage on, I will be editing and writing a draft of my script. This will help me jigsaw what footage I will keep and what I need to add. It will also aid me in writing a voiceover, if I do choose to do so.

 

 

     25/04/2016

 

     Today I remained focused on getting the remaining research for my document done. It isn't finished yet but I think it will be done within the end of the week. I have planned what to write for each section it is not just finding the time to complete the sections. I also want to print off many different articles. I stayed at college until 4:30 today as I was late, so I made up for the lost time, I do think it was a rocky start to the week but I need to focus for tomorrow as it will be a very tiring day for me. When I got home I got a phone call from Christian, explaining that the Dollis Valley squatters had court today and they are being evicted this week, I will try and visit them before they get evicted but I have decided that any additional interview questions I want to ask them can be filmed in their new squat as I have covered everything about Dollis Valley. I then annotated my printed out research including my surveys etc. I have planned my day tomorrow as I want to review footage in the morning and continue the research document in the afternoon.

 

      27/04/2016

 

      Today I started producing a rough edit for my documentary. I noticed some of the audio was quite 'boomy' as i had recorded it in a spacious, empty room without a microphone. This could be a problem as i'm using this audio as a voiceover for cutaways. I have decided to resolve this problem I will speak to Nick and see if he can help me correct the audio. Another problem I encountered was one of my interviews is quite dark, so I will need to use colour correction to brighten and even up the shot. I am trying to lay down a rough edit and use audio from the footage to get the squatters to tell their own story. When I have done this I plan to write and record a voiceover, possibly using someone from StarNow to give it a professional style. I also plan to go out and film some cutaways that are slightly abstract for the title sequence.

 

      28/04/2016

 

     Today I came in to finish my research document. I got off to a slow start but I managed to finish it and print it at around 7. now I all have to do is print off my bookmarked articles, annotate them, and do some more visual and audio based research. I will also do some interviews and put them on my Wix page, as I want in-depth opinions so I can cater to as many demographics as possible. I think I need to spend more time working alone in college as I am easily distracted and I don't work to my full potential when i'm with my peers. It is crucial that I spend my time wisely as I also have to revise for my A level English exam, so my time is incredibly limited. My exams and this deadline also clash meaning I need to work hard now so that I have more time to calmly prepare.

 

     29/04/2016

 

     This week has been successful for me but I have also wasted a lot of time which I can't afford to do anymore. This is what went wrong this week:

 

•      I was consistently late to college and I missed my math session. 

•      I could of entered a competition that Bee suggested to me, but I didn't make a rough edit in time. 

•      I procrastinated at home and at college, by going for smoke breaks, coffee and getting food. 

           All of these factors debilitated my work ethic this week, i did let myself down. My only excuse is that I have had a constant headache for the last 3 weeks, which has been a distracting factor and is making me worry. I'm going to go to the doctor and see if they can help me, but until then I need to try and work hard regardless of how I am feeling. I need to learn to turn my phone off and not stay on my laptop late at night so my eyes get some rest and I can wake up on time for college. I will create a revision timetable this weekend, and start coming prepared with food to college so I don't have to leave college. I will also try and space out my breaks so I get solid amounts of work done. Next week I plan to do as much editing as possible, and do pre production work when I can't edit. My main focus will be to finish the script.

 

      3/05/2016

   

    Today I continued to work on my final cut pro rough edit. Im an just over 5 minutes in so far, and by the end of the day I would like to be nearly finished with the rough edit so I can show Bee and get feedback on where to go from here. As I have an English lesson in between sessions on Tuesday, I am  unable to get as much work as i'd like too done. Below is a screenshot of my edit so far.

      My plan for the rest of the day is to spend my time editing, reviewing footage, printing out articles, and drafting my script. If I am able to complete my edit to a high standard within a reasonable amount of time, It will give me extra time to spend on pre production, and problem solving.

 

 

 

 

h    Later on in the afternoon i continued to edit, I created a draft of my title sequence, using an image of a brick wall followed by archive footage from the Sweets Way protest. I think I will be finished with a rough edit by early on next week, as I haven't been able to edit my documentary that often as the computer it is on is located in the classroom. To resolve this I will try and move my work on to another computer during next week, and also try and get permission to use the computer while other  classes are happening.

 

4/05/2016

  Today I showed Nick my audio, and edit so far. He helped me correct the audio on final cut pro, by changing levels of decibels etc. This helped me as I can now edit the audio alone and give it a higher quality sound. Later on today I completed my risk assessments, Location release forms, finished my callsheets, and began the extra documentary paperwork. I still need to write my script up, create a storyboard or animatic, complete the budget work, and do my production and editing log. I learnt a lot about audio editing today, which I am pleased about, as it will help me when I begin to record my audio. I also spent some time changing shots in the edit, as they looked too shaky due to the tripod I had been using, and some shots weren't adding anything to the edit or serving a purpose, so i replaced them with cutaways or footage of people. Although this is only my rough edit I want it to be as finely edited as possible, so that I have a realistic idea of what my finished product will look like, I am mainly creating a rough edit to see what/how much voiceover I require, and to get feedback so that I can make it as appealing as possible.

 

 

      

  05/05/2016

 

 Today I worked on my script, and managed to complete around a third of it. I would have completed more if I was able to see my edit but I was in a different room. I didn't get much done today as I came in later than I was planning to, and I had an english lesson. I also had plans after college so I couldn't stay to work late. Overall this day has been a write off for me work-wise, although I have had a productive week as a whole, so it does balance things out.

 

  06/05/2016

 

 This week has been very busy and productive for me. I did make a few mistakes such as lateness to lessons, getting distracted by my classmates, and not prioritising enough. Regardless I have had a positive week considering the headaches have been present, but I am still trying to help them by staying hydrated and limiting my computer use. My plan for next week is to continue editing until Wednesday, and spend the rest of the week on my problem solving document and pre production. I would like to get most of my pre production printed out this week. I think if I can do all of this next week I will be close to finishing my project. I am also revising for English at the moment which can be difficult to balance out at the moment, but I will find a happy medium.

 

 

     9/05/2016

 

    Today I did multiple tasks, in the morning I worked on my edit, I also got feedback from a friend who gave me constructive criticism that helped me shape my edit more. I spent time figuring out the general order of my documentary, and editing shots and audio. After I did this I spent some time doing some pre production work, but then I spent the rest of my day doing my 'problem solving' document. I managed to finish it today, which is a relief as now I can fully focus on editing and pre production. I will be spending this week editing, creating a voiceover, and writing a script and shortlist. I will also work on creating an editing log when I have time, but for now I am using this log to note down my editing processes. I am just about finished with my rough edit, But if I can focus tomorrow I should be able to finish by next week. I didn't encounter any problems today but I did miss my maths lesson, which isn't ideal, but I feel at this part of the year I need to prioritise and I currently want/need to have my attention devoted to my edit. I also emailed a youtuber asking if I could use their footage as archive footage in my edit.

 

     10/5/2016

 

     Today I was heavily focused on my edit, as I would like to finish it as soon as possible. I had a problem with my tripod at the beginning of the year that meant my shots were shaky, especially the ones that were panning. I had been told by someone that there was a way I could stabilise the shots to help smoothen out my shots. I had a look on Youtube, and managed to find a Youtube tutorial explaining how to use this effect. After discovering the 'stabilisation' section on final cut pro, I then tested it on a new project, so that I could see what effect it gave off. I liked the smoothness that it gave my shot. I then applied it to all the shaky/panning shots in my documentary. I also had a look at the audio and faded it in and out, and extended it so that it flowed better. I spent the rest of my afternoon editing, and I also printed out my 'problem solving' document, which I want to get checked over tomorrow. I did want to focus on my script as well today, but I decided to prioritise my editing again, and I will write up the script before the end of the week, most likely Thursday afternoon or friday morning. Regardless my edit now has a much more polished look, as I colour corrected some darker shots, so it now has slightly more vivid visuals, which is what I wanted.

 

 

 

 

   

       11/05/2016

 

     Today I carried on with my edit, I have gotten to the point where my edit is near completed. I used someone in my class called Patrick to do my voiceover in the morning. I then added this into my edit,   and tweaked some of the shots. I showed Bee and she gave me some minor feedback on my edit. I plan to change these things and then upload my video to my YouTube channel, and my Wix page. I also have to change my track "House of Fun" as I called the record label and received no answer so I have to change the soundtrack due to copyright laws. I spent the rest of the day printing off some documents. I have began to search for a soundtrack to use on royalty - free websites. I have found some potential soundtracks that I will use. Although I have encountered some problems today with the soundtrack issues, I have managed to overcome it by finding an alternate option.

 

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     12/05/2016

 

     Today I came in today to write my script, and try and do my pre production. I got into college at around 12 and began doing work. The script took me around 2 hours to write, as I had to write down the seconds the shot was shown for, the audio, and the visuals. The shot list took around an hour to write. I also printed off some more research. Today was hard as I was very tired and I had a heavy amount of writing to do. Regardless I accomplished a big chunk of work. One problem I had today was that I wasn't able to access my edit in the classroom. This was frustrating as I wanted to finish my edit today, but I will just finish it tomorrow morning. Tonight i am planning to annotate the research I printed today, so that my folder is up to date.

 

 

      13/05/2016

 

      Today I was in college until 4:30. I spent the morning creating a storyboard on photoshop by taking screenshots from my edit, using smart blur to turn them in to outlines, then inverting the colours. I then printed it out, and I will stick it into my sketchbook later on this evening, and add captions to the images. After I made the storyboards, I created a budget sheet on excel, and then edited some minor issues of my documentary. I have found several possible intro songs that I could use, and I paid for the rights of one of them. I am unsure that I will use it as I would like to show Bee first, but until Monday it will be my main option. Over the weekend I plan to edit my Wix page, and annotate my research. By monday evening I would like my edit to be online, and to of started receiving feedback. I will also spend some time working through minor changes, organising my folder, and writing a lengthy evaluation. I also want to create an editing log.