The Studio Production unit has differed from any other unit we have done up to now. For many of us, including myself, this was the first experience of studio based television. Other units have tended to include location based filming which can feel quite repetitive. There is also room for error with this type of production as you can re shoot until you get the footage you like and edit from that. With live television, you do not get that opportunity. What it seen on the screen when the shots go live is the final edit. I thought that I would find the pressure of that to be very stressful, however, I surprised myself and really enjoyed this new way of working!
The unit began with ideas that we had to pitch as individuals to a panel including Del and all of the tutors. This was a very daunting process but a good learning experience to develop on my presentation skills. I decided to pitch for a film based quiz show, however the content would only feature recently released and current films. I devised four rounds including 'Plot Holes' which would involve a VT with acting out of a recent film scene and the contestants would have to buzz in with the title of the film. I got good feedback for the idea and the round break down, with Laura suggesting that the current film idea gave it a unique selling point. However, they agreed that this made the content too niche and specialist. Once we'd all pitched, the panel chose the idea they liked the most. They chose Josh Jones to be the Producer, which I was pleased about as his idea was also a film quiz.
To devise the roles of the rest of the crew, we had an interview process where we would go up for 2 or 3 roles and answer questions explaining the skills we had to offer and why we would be the best candidate for them. I obtained my first choice role which was a split role - VT Director and Camera Operator. I was attracted to these roles because one was creative and one was technical, therefore I felt I would be able expand my learning in both areas. I was particularly excited about taking on the role of a camera operator as I had been a camera assistant last year and really enjoyed working on the set floor.
As a member of the VT team, we came up with several ideas together, brainstorming and choosing what we thought would be entertaining for the audience and still fit within the demographics of the show. Initially, I was excited to work with Cheyenne (VT Producer) and Saskia (VT Director) as I had never worked with them before. However, even in the early stages of development I found it difficult to include myself in their conversations and often my ideas were shut down. It was better in the big group meetings which included the VT editors and other camera operators as I think that a wider expanse of ideas meant that we could all pitch in and be more creative which worked well. The VT that I was able to make the most creative decisions for was the trailer for Norman. I enjoyed coming up with the concept and taking ideas from our meetings to devise the sequences for this VT.
We had a few set backs early in the process when we did a test shoot. As part of a work shop we were able to do a test shoot for the mockumentary which was going to be a one shot- home based film of the character Norman. We did the test shoot with Helen playing the character and after feedback, realised that this was far too simple and just felt like it needed something else. Josh went away and then pitched the idea of the mockumentary to us which would include the crew and feature other cameras to give some insight into who Norman was. I think in hindsight the test shoot was a really positive thing to do as it highlighted a big issue with the original idea.
The shoot days were relatively successful, however we did have to film on 2 extra days than originally planned. This was definitely necessary to achieve as much material as possible for the edits. Working with Darren was really pleasant and he was more than happy to come back for another shoot day, making it much easier for us.
In terms of the edits, I had most control over the Trailer VT. I had devised my shot list for the shoot and so was pleased with the sequences I had shot. After the first VT viewing, Helen told me she had liked the montage section therefore I wanted to expand on this and make it a key part of the trailer. When it came to the edit, I was happy with the shots. However, there were disputes with the VT Producer and other Director as they both wanted the montage to be only a few shots and very brief. They also suggested that we only saw his face at the end. I did work with Laura who was editing it to see how this would look but there were several close up shots of the face that I wanted to include and showing them at the end didn't work. In the end I decided to do what I thought would work best for this trailer as I was the main Director for it and felt like my original shot list was the most effective. I found working with Laura very easy as we agreed on ideas and had the same vision for the VT.
In terms of the camera operation during rehearsals, I found this to be really interesting. I learnt some new skills about matching the cameras up to ensure they all looked the same. It was also a really interesting experience using the talk back system and taking directions from Becca, (Director) as this added a new pressure. When you have to frame up with a time limit, you suddenly feel the pressure, especially when you've got to listen to what the Director is looking for at all times. I found this to be a really enjoyable experience and I found this way of operating a camera to be challenging but exciting! When it came to the day of the recording, we were all feeling very nervous as no one wanted to make any little mistakes as these would affect the overall edit. Cheyenne and I were the cameras for the contestants which meant that we were always alternating between a two shot and singles. This was the first time we did a run through with an audience which was another added pressure. However, I felt confident in the shots I had to do and knew them off by heart at this point, even though I had my camera cards as reminders. The recording was really successful with only very minor mistakes. I was worried about tilting up during the 'American Pie in your face' round, however, looking back at the recording, I managed to tilt at the right time and speed which I was very pleased about. Overall, I am pleased with the new skills I have learnt from this unit and really enjoyed working in a studio environment. I also thought I would dislike the 'live' element but instead found this to be very exciting and a great way to work. There were a few issues with communication amongst the VT team which was a shame and made the Directing experience for me not as easy going as I would have liked, however, I feel like I overcame this towards the end of the unit and pushed for some of my ideas which was beneficial.
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