My Media Portfolio
Task 1: P1 - Production Roles in Media Organisations
Production Roles
a) Sound Designer: A sound designer works closely with the Director of the film and alongside the script to be able to plan and create different sound effects, atmospheres and sonic textures applicable to the script. They may also choose, edit and remix music or work alongside an original composer to create and adjust their music increasing its suitability for the film they are working on. Sound designers must be able to share knowledge and advice on how to create the best quality sound, whether this be positioning microphones or adding configuration of radio and float mics for the performers. Each film set has a specific sound system, which is created by the sound designer; by making each sound system specific to the film they’re working on, it gives audiences the best experience and gives everyone sound that relates to the context of the film. Sound designers must be creative but also have good musical knowledge in both history and genre. They must be able to physically balance textures and timbres as well as on computer based programmes. Music and sound is a huge part of the film as it helps to specify the mood and is subtly a way of directly addressing the audience, as we subconsciously hear the music and react to it, most of the time without knowing. This however means that the sound designer must have knowledge of the musical techniques used to create several different moods and atmospheres to be able to work on a range of film and dialogue. A typical sound designer is self-employed and works on short-term contracts for a number of venues throughout the year, however some specifically work for theatres or equipment hire companies. Sound designer jobs are rarely advertised, as normally the director, producer or venue approaches them individually. Sound designers often have portfolios as they are expected to add or provide any sound effects for the show at no extra charge, however if they require something specific may independently work to create something new and specific (this includes sounds that use voice recordings as sometimes the sound needs a specific characters/actors voice). Sound designers work throughout the pre-production process and through rehearsals.
b) Sound Designers are responsible for studying the script before and throughout the production process, to be able to create and adjust any sound or music that is being used to give it its full potential. They are also responsible for communicating with the director and design team to discuss details and ideas of the look and feel of the production. Other responsibilities include creating music and sound outside of the job, to use alongside material from their own sound library as well as the sound recorded on the job. It is the Sound designers’ responsibility to set up any playback equipment and ensure the board operator is trained correctly. They are also responsible for gathering any sources or influences they have used- some of these may need to be purchased, therefore the sound designer is responsible for working with the budget to ensure any purchases are suitable. All run throughs and rehearsals should be attended. A few days before Tech rehearsals, the sound designer should meet with the Stage Manager to give cue placements and volume changes and make any changes before the next rehearsal.
Examples of Sound Designers:
Christopher Assells: Spectre (2015), Where the Devil Hides (2014), Dracula Untold (2014), The Bourne Legacy (2012). Won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Sound Editing for a Miniseries (Morning Star 1991) and won both Golden Reel Awards (Best Sound Editing- Sound Effects and Foley for feature film) for The Bourne Ultimatum in 2008 and Skyfall in 2012.
Ann Scibelli: Won best sound editing for Marvel one shot: Agent Carter (2013), and was nominated for best sound editing- sound effects and foley in a feature film for Iron Man 3 (2013). She also won a Golden Reel Award (for best sound editing) for The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) and was nominated for The Golden Reel Award for Best sound editing- Effects and Foley, Domestic Feature Film in 2002 for The Mummy Returns (2001).
a) Director: A film director gives instructions to all cast and crew members in order to produce the best possible film. They have complete control over the creative side of the film production and are responsible for making decisions and solving any issues the cast or crew may come across throughout production. They work alongside actors, producers, lighting technicians and camera operators, plus many other crew members and it is vital for them to have good communication with the rest of the team to be able to produce the most powerful, successful film. They oversee everything, and some film directors may even write or edit film scripts. Film directors don’t often earn an annual salary, but are paid film-by-film as every film is different (eg. Short films vs internationally successful films). Film directors work long, irregular hours as filming takes place at any time of the day necessary. Most directors work their way up by working as a runner or production assistant to gain experience within the filming environment.
b) Directors are responsible for interpreting the script and creating the whole film. When the director has interpreted the whole script, they then have to plan any locations, shots and actors they may require for the film. Even though the arts department has set designers etc, the director gives ideas and contributions to how props are going to be used and how characters should look. The director will communicate with individuals from each department, eg. lighting, scenery and writing to ensure smooth running of production and planning. As lead director, they must oversee all cinematography aspects of the film and ensure there are no technical issues- this is the main difference between a director and a producer as the producer is in charge of finance and the budget or the creativity; however the director is in charge of all creative aspects. Assistant directors are useful on set and often help out with instruction from the main director. Even though the actors contribute with their ideas, it’s the director’s responsibility to coach the actors and their performances and co-ordinate all staff on set. Deadlines are always the responsibility of the director. In some films there is a separate role, however sometimes the director is involved with the editing of the film.
Examples of Film Directors:
Quentin Tarantino: Directed Reservoir Dogs, Death Proof and all the Kill Bill Volumes. In 1994, he was nominated at the Brit Awards for Best Soundtrack and in 2002, Reservoir Dogs lead to a nomination at the Golden Schmoes Awards for best DVD of the year. Throughout the 90’s he was nominated for several awards at events such as the Chicago International Film Festival and Independent Spirit Awards, and in 2013 achieved 3rd place at the Key Art Awards for Best Trailer- Audio/Visual.
Steven Spielberg: Over the years Spielberg has gained many awards and nominations for his work and directing skills. In 1993 he won the award for Best Director for Schindler’s List, and in 1999 won again for Saving Private Ryan. In total he has been nominated for 7 Academy Awards for the category of Best Director, and 10 films he has directed were nominated for the Best Picture Oscar Award. In 2005, Spielberg was rate the best film director of all time by Empire Magazine.
a) Cinematographer: The Director of the Photography Departments (Camera and Lighting). Cinematographers work alongside the director to manage set ups for the whole film. They manage camera and lighting crews and oversee choices of technical equipment used to ensure the best possible outcome. Cinematographers are responsible for creative decisions, eg what type of lens to use, or what filters, lighting techniques or camera movements to apply. They must have good knowledge about aspect ratio, digital effects and frame rates to enable them to apply suitable setting depending on the film they are making. Cinematographers are involved with pre-production with regards to researching styles based on the dialogue and subject matter of the script, and discussing it with the Director. The cinematographer needs to have experience with working on a budget and be able to plan and execute work under time constraints. During post-production, cinematographers will work alongside other team members to ensure the colour grading of the film is to a high standard. Sometimes cinematographers operate the camera equipment, however normally this is on smaller movies with lower budgets. Filming takes place wherever and whenever necessary, so long and irregular hours are standard.
b) Cinematographers are responsible for managing the camera and lighting crew, and helping them to resolve any issues they may have during production. They are responsible for ensuring the most suitable equipment is being used and making decisions with regards to aspect ratios, digital effects, image contrast and frame rates. It is their responsibility during pre-production to analyse the script and conduct research into the styles relating to the subject matter, to be able to come up with creative ideas throughout the film. Planning each shot is one of the main responsibilities for a cinematographer, as they need to use their knowledge to ensure each shot is technically executed well. They are responsible for handling equipment, and recruiting camera operators, gaffers, grips and other specialists. Each scene requires different equipment, and it is the cinematographer’s responsibility to ensure the correct cranes, Steadicams, dollies and lights are used for each shot. Finally, in post-production they’re responsible for the final colour grading throughout.
Examples of Cinematographers:
Emmanuel Lubezki: Over the years he’s won 140 awards and been nominated for a further 66. Most recent nominations include an Oscar Academy Award for Best Cinematography, Sleepy Hollow (1999), Best Achievement in Cinematography, The New World (2005), Children of Men (2006) and The Tree of Life (2011). He won this same award for Gravity in 2014 and Birdman in 2015 and won both the Oscar and BAFTA Award for Best Achievement in Cinematography and Best Cinematography in The Revenant (2015). He also won the Visual Effects Society Award in 2014 for Oustanding Virtual Cinematography in a Live Action Feature Motion Picture in Gravity (2013).
Roger Deakins: Commonly known for his work on The Shawshank Redemption (1994), No Country for Old Men (2007) and Skyfall (2012). So far he has been nominated for 125 awards including 13 Oscars, and won 77 other awards. Most recent Oscar Nominations include Best Achievement in Cinematography for Skyfall (2012), Prisoners (2013), Unbroken (2014) and Sicario (2015). He was nominated for Best Cinematography at the BAFTA Awards for Skyfall and Sicario, but won the award previously in 2011 for True Grit (2010).
Claudio Miranda: Throughout his career so far has won 25 awards including 1 Oscar, and achieved 26 other nominations. His Oscar Award is for Best Achievement in Cinematography for Life of Pi (2012) but was also nominated for the same award for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008). All award nominations were a result of his cinematography work within these 2 films.
Task 2- P2, M1: Analyse Production Roles in Media Organizations
Scriptwriter (pre-production):
a)The film scriptwriter is potentially the most important role of pre-production, as the dialogue is the base for all other departments (eg. Lighting and sound). “Scriptwriter” is pretty self-explanatory, however it’s not just the dialogue of the script that is important; creating characters is hugely important, not only for story purposes but also to gain the audience’s attention by making the characters unique and exciting. They are responsible for creating a clear, engaging plot that acts as a skeleton to enable the director to add their creative vision. Scriptwriter’s are incredibly talented and have a creative mind, as they work their way through the long process. Most scriptwriters start by generating ideas and researching different topics, planning, character development and finally writing. Even though the scriptwriter is creative, it involves a different type of creativity to the director; it must be material that is intended to be performed and must be believable. The majority of scriptwriters specialise in a particular genre, however some do work as salaried staff writers for production companies or as freelancers, meaning they sell their scripts to companies (potentially on a contract basis). Some scriptwriters are responsible for simply taking a book and adapting it into a film script (cutting the book down to its essential elements) that can be presented on screen. The scriptwriter is responsible for adding stage directions to the script as well as brief character descriptions. It is the scriptwriter’s responsibility to also sell the script to a studio.
b)Scriptwriter’s usually don’t need much equipment as they don’t complete physical tasks. In previous times, the scriptwriter’s only equipment was a typewriter, a pen and some paper to make notes. Today however, technology has improved, therefore a laptop or computer is used. This is more beneficial to the scriptwriter and the general production of the film as the work is able to be saved and edited a million times before completion. A laptop is more commonly used as they are light and portable, therefore can be transported round easily. Obviously it is key to have software on the laptop or computer, and though there is basic software available for free, big companies will most likely invest in a more advanced software package to enable them to progress more (avoiding software that is specific to creative writing). Most scriptwriters will also use equipment to be able to record ideas; however aim for something with a USB port, so that ideas are easily transported from device to device. Even though technology has been developed and improved to allow scriptwriters to work quickly and efficiently, most directors agree that always having pen and paper to hand is hugely convenient and is still a great way of getting ideas down when a source of technology is not available.
c) A scriptwriter doesn’t necessarily need any qualifications, and many successful scriptwriters don’t even have any undergraduate degrees. All you need are excellent writing skills, the ability to create believable characters through well-written dialogue, particularly good research skills and an understanding of the acting and film production process. As may other roles in the film production process, scriptwriters must also have excellent time management skills and organisation skills to make the process successful. Some scriptwriters do have degrees in English, Journalism or Creative Writing, however most are typically from other academic backgrounds. Scriptwriters can take short writing courses for training purposes and to improve their work, and sometimes those with undergraduate degrees complete postgraduate courses to gain skills to focus on a specific area of scriptwriting. Some say that the best training a scriptwriter can have is simply the experience of watching films, reading scripts and writing up ideas and material. The film industry is one that honours talent rather than qualifications.
Editor (post-production):
a)The post-production editor is hugely important as they work to remove unneeded pieces of film and fit together pieces of film required to build the storyline. In theory, the film editor helps to finish the movie by working alongside cinematographers and sound editors to bring everything together. He has to be incredibly talented and must listen to the director at all times to be able to piece together the film following the director’s vision. This role includes looking through footage for hours on end to assemble to the film to meet the filmmakers’ deadlines. A good eye for timing and photography is key, as the editor must choose the best shots with regards to photography, performance, consistency and timing. To be able to complete the job as well as possible, the editor must visit the locations during the production to watch how the shooting progresses. They must trim the segments of footage to the length that’s most applicable to the storyline. They must communicate with sound effects editors, sound editors and musical directors to score and film sequences that can be added to the film. It’s their job to insert all the sound using the editing equipment to get the timing exactly right before reviewing their work to make corrections and prepare the first draft for the film director and producers to view. The final cut may take an additional month to finish, as directors and producers can request adjustments. Not all films only have one editor, for example Charlotte’s Web (2006) had the main editor (previously used by the directors) as well as an editor that had further experience with visual effects. Between the mai editor and Sabrina Pilsco, they split the scenes, edited them, swapped and re-edited each othes work. By having more than 1 film editor, it enabled the storyline and the shots to be put together and edited to the highest possible standard. Having a good editor is crucial, and some say it can be the difference between a successful and disastrous film.
b) Most equipment required by the film editor is provided in editing suites with computers and other technology. If an editor is a freelancer, they often work from home with their own equipment. Editing Software is probably the most important piece of equipment for a film editor, as they want the quality to be the best it can be. Adobe Premiere Pro provides high quality editing features, such as keying, lighting, colorizing and transforming. Most companies that use Premiere Pro would also use other Adobe programs such as Adobe After Effects and Photoshop to develop ideas. Apple Final Cut Pro is also common and has recently been used to edit several Hollywood major motion picture including The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Cold Mountain. Obviously, different editors prefer different software; however they all aim for good quality sound and video files to create a successful film. Even though software is hugely important, to have a good quality monitor is also essential as alongside the skills of the editor will help produce the highest quality picture with regards to colour etc. Colour grading control panels are also useful to have, to ensure that the colour and white balance etc is perfect. High quality speakers are also important for Editors, as sound needs to be clear to be able to make any adjustments and time it perfectly with the film scenes. Top of the range headphones are also normally used to be able to focus on detail of the sound/music for the film.
c) Just like a scriptwriter, to become a film editor, you don’t need a foundation degree, however commitment and determination is key to both this job role, and this industry. Experience in media studies is highly important to be able to understand the film process and communication skills must be of a high standard to be able to complete work with other departments quickly and efficiently. Any experience in fine/visual art, graphic design, IT/multimedia, photography, film or television are relevant to this job role and would be useful throughout film editing. Experience with editing software packages such as Avid or Final Cut Pro is fairly important, however there are courses and training that are available at a cost. Even though for this job role it may seem obvious, experience and knowledge with the latest technology increases your potential, as does general computer literacy. General skills necessary for this type of job include a critical mind with an eye for specific detail, creativity and a passion for film and video editing, patience and concentration. The ability to work as a team and communicate with other staff from different departments is key and editors should be organised and have good time management skills to be able to meet deadlines.
As these 2 roles are from different stages in the production process, they both contribute differently to the overall result of the film. For example, a scriptwriter contributes to the production by creating the narrative and storyline to attract an audience and keep them interested throughout the film. Their main contribution to the film is not only the finished script but also directions for different members of the production team. If the scriptwriter didn’t assist with ideas etc, the script would be basic and possibly not as creative. The scriptwriter must visualise the director’s ideas to produce the script, therefore if the scriptwriter contributed very little, the director may not be able to get their ideas down on paper, as well as provide stage directions to each individual actor. The editor’s contributions include creating and applying original ideas to improve the quality of the scenes and sequences. They may suggest ideas to sound designers if they think their ideas could be improved when trying to fit it to a particular scene and must contribute any ideas to them if they’re aiming in a particular direction whilst trying to create a specific mood or atmosphere. If the editor didn’t communicate with other team members and suggest their ideas, the film wouldn’t be as successful, as editors tend to have lots of experience with different ideas etc. Cuts and transitions may be simple and boring, therefore resulting in a poor response, and a smaller audience. If the editor didn’t go through each piece of footage filmed during production and decide what is unnecessary for the narrative etc, the film may be extremely long. This would create a film that’s way too long, therefore wouldn’t keep audiences interested at the cinema etc. If people watch films at the cinema and have a negative response, this may create social interaction, reducing the target audience and in theory, the success of the film, and the profit made.
Both roles also have different responsibilities, as each stage of production has different tasks to be completed. A scriptwriter must ensure that the narrative he is creating is exciting and engaging to attract a wide target audience and keep them entertained whilst watching the film. If the director is unhappy with any of the script or and stage directions etc, the scriptwriter is responsible for editing it so it follows the director’s vision more clearly. They’re also responsible for researching topics and ideas to create something that is new and unique for the audience. This will result in successful production and a successful film. In my opinion the role of a film editor is equally important, as they are responsible for ensuring the script has been worked to its maximum potential. Even if the script and acting/filming is good, if the editing is poor quality, the audience will get bored very easily, resulting in poor statistics and reviews. The editor is responsible for ensuring the shots are pieced together in a logical and exciting way that match any soundtracks or sound effects produced for each scene. Both roles are hugely responsible for the success of the overall film and work alongside similar other production team members, however are at different point in the production process. For example in Skyfall (2012), the writers- Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and John Logan- were responsible for creating a new idea that follows the genre, structure and typical conventions of a James Bond film. Even though the idea had to be new, it had to follow similar previous ideas and storylines so audiences who like James Bond films will still be interested. The editor, Stuart Baird, was responsible for linking all the best takes of each scene and choosing each transition to have the greatest possible effect on the audience. He was also responsible for working alongside sound designers and editors to match the right effects to the right scenes to keep the audience entertained and create a positive response. The majority of the time, the acting can be to the best standard, but if the cuts aren’t appropriate for the dialogue and the non-diegetic/diegetic sound, the audience will get bored.
Task 3: P3/M2/D1 - Skills Needed to Carry out a Chosen Production Role
Task 4: P4/M3/D2 - Carry Out a Production Role for a Specific Media Production
I have chosen the CV of Richard Peart, who is a highly experienced, multi-skilled Camera Operator. Richard began his career as a runner for Ginger Television Productions before becoming an audience researcher for Powerhouse Film and Television. Both of these are huge companies and have given him experience and knowledge within the TV and Film Industry. Over the next few years Richard completed roles such as Production Runner and Researcher for Buena Vista Productions, before becoming a freelancer Camera Assistant. This suggests he has experience and skills when working as a team, as well as an individual. As a result of his increasing reputation Richard became a Camera Director for Leisure Services Agency before working for Ideal World Shopping Channel as Floor Manager. This will have increased his skills within management and also allowed him to gain skills in time management and communications skills with other team members. For 6 years he was Camera Operator, but also Shift Leader. As well as increasing skills within operating the cameras, he will have gained leadership skills. From August 2006 to now Richard is a freelance lighting camera operator.
There is a huge skills gap with regards to the experience that I have compared to this camera operator, as he has worked his way from a runner to a freelance camera operator by working on several TV Dramas, News, Sports, Broadcasting and Advertisements/Promos. As a result of this experience, Richard has knowledge of several cameras and pieces of equipment such as pole cams, jibs, studio peds and Steadicams. This is hugely advanced compared to me as I have only had experience of the use of one camera (Canon 100D) and the use of equipment such as a tripod. Due to completion of a Steadicam operator course through Optex rentals, Richard is very experienced and knowledgeable. Richard has experience with lens adaptor and RED Camera Systems which are very high scale within the industry, something I have not experienced through college. Over the years Richard has increased his range of equipment, therefore has a lot more, high quality equipment than me; I simply have my own camera with 2 lenses and a tripod.
Richard is calm, self-motivated and has a commitment to self-improvement, which as are skills that show his positive attitude and enthusiasm. I believe I have similar skills, however lack leadership skills as unlike Richard, I have not been a leader within the work industry. Nevertheless, I believe I have similar, vital verbal communication skills with colleagues such as being trustworthy and handling responsibility, and working alongside customers in my part-time job. Richard has good eye for detail and good time management skills, something I believe experience would help me develop, although believe I am generally organised. As a result of working part time, I also can overcome challenges independently and as a team, and have time management skills as a result of completing tasks both at college a work to meet deadlines. The main gap within these skills is that I am yet to hold a management role within the work industry, therefore have less management and communication skills. My communication skills are mainly written, as I am able to write emails and letters appropriately.
Peer Feedback
From: Jack Baker
Peer Feedback: As a camera operator, Charleigh did an excellent job of capturing some high-quality footage.
Communication: She communicated well with the group, voicing her ideas for the production to the other members of the group well.
Practical Skills: The use of the camera was to a good standard, with most shots being framed correctly. The use of two cameras also gave a variety of shots, which made the production more interesting.
Creative Skills: Charleigh contributed a great deal to the main idea of the production as well as using her idea of two cameras to give to different perspectives of the interview.
Areas of improvement: To improve, Charleigh could have experimented with other camera shots and angles to vary the interview. At one point one of the other cameras stopped recording, therefore Charleigh may have needed to manage both cameras at the same time to ensure the quality of the video.
From: Alaina Davies
Communication: She was able to share her ideas with the group well in meetings and came up with some good ideas of what to do with our project.
Practical Skills: She was familiar with the equipment she was using and managed to set them up and use them efficiently.
Creative Skills: Charleigh came up with the idea to use two separate cameras for different angles, resulting in a more successful finished project.
Areas for Improvement: Try to experiment more with different camera length, lenses and filters
From: Courteney Styles
Communication Skills: Charleigh communicated well with the group throughout the production process through class discussions on what we are doing and on a group chat that we had with Alaina and Jack, and that she communicated well with the students we interview when she was about to begin filming them.
Practical Skills: She knew how to use the camera and how to set the camera up. Also that she did a testing shot to make sure that he camera was in focus before we started filming and made sure when filming that the camera was in focus.
Creative Skills: I liked that she tried to use different camera movements and tried to incorporate different angles. And that she had a storyboard to represent what angles, shots and movements she wanted to use when she is using the camera.
Areas for improvement: Try to use different camera lengths and that to move the camera to get a different angle. Overall I thought that she was brilliant.
Self-Evaluation
Role: Camera Operator
Communication Skills: I think I communicated well with the group and tried to respond as quickly and efficiently as possible to the group chat on Facebook. I read the emails that I was included in and during group discussions gave contributions and ideas. I communicated with Alaina as she was in charge of lighting, therefore meaning it was important to work together to produce the best quality image. I communicated with Jack during production to test the sound that the camera was picking up as well as the microphone.
Practical Skills: I think the filming in general went well, I remembered all of the equipment needed to be able to film the students and ensured my memory card had enough space on it.
Creative Skills: I tried to be a bit more creative by having 2 cameras set up to get 2 different angles to add variation to the footage. I tried to get both cameras in good position so that it was easy to adjust when different students sat on the sofa. I created a storyboard which showed plans of different shots and shot sizes.
Future improvements: One main improvement I would make if I were to re shoot this footage would be to have different camera angles rather than just 2. I had originally planned to get a variety of shots, as shown in my storyboard, however changes to the plans on the day of filming meant I had to just stick to 2 stationary cameras. I had originally planned to include shots of the filming set, however couldn’t do this as we only had time to test the sound, which was more important. Some shots that I wanted to film were not possible, as the director forgot the pictures, therefore the over the shoulder shot I had planned to do for some students when showing them the pictures was not possible. The pictures we did show them were in black and white and were on the back of the questions, therefore if I were to do these shots that would not be of a very high standard and would look unprofessional. The lack of camera angles and shot sizes were reflected in my feedback from my peers, however I am glad they picked up on this as I had already reflected on this after production. I would have liked to have incorporated different camera movements, however it wasn’t really appropriate for the style of the footage. If we were to film this again I would suggest completing more footage in a different location so that I could vary the camera shots, angles and movements more easily.