Unit 24: Writing for Television and Video Class Task - Sitcom

Undercover: Lines of Justice


"State of mind, high.
 Chance of success, low."


Today my group (Matty, Kane and Taylor) researched the themes of our sitcom idea.

Drug themes

Breaking Bad and Weeds are both TV programmes following drug related storylines, however they only have entertaining characters; the characters and the situations aren’t comedic.

The film’s Jump Street 21 and Jump Street 22 are comedies. There are two main characters that are undercover agents; they portray a funny side to drug abuse.

Undercover Agents

Disguise one’s own identity for the purpose of gaining the trust of an individual or organisation to learn or confirm confidential information, or to gain the trust of targeted individuals in order to gather information or evidence. There are certain risks to being a undercover agent. Some can result in strains in a relationship, the need for secrecy and the inability to share work problems can prove a problem. The unpredictable work schedule along with personality and lifestyle changes can also pose a threat. Stress can be caused by not knowing when the investigation will actually end.

 

Unit 29: Music Video Production Task 1 - Monday 5th October 2015

Today I began my 'Money for nothing' assignment. In my group I was given the task of researching the purpose of extension of outlets for a music video. This included; music channels, DVDs, CDs, websites, downloads and smartphones. I am now going to find some relevant examples and images to illustrate my points. I'm hoping to find; a CD album with music videos on the content, an iPhone with iTunes uploaded automatically, and music channels on a to guide. We have created a joint prezi account for us all to put our information together into a presentation, ready to deliver to aspiring bands.

Unit 24: Writing for Television and Video Class Task - The Unknown

A couple of weeks back I was given the task of beginning and completing a 'What if?' Story structure. The name of my story is, The Unknown. I had to create a synopsis, a brief few lines to give an idea of the story which had to include the main character's name, the setting and key plot points to the story:

The day started off as any other for ordinary, city girl, receptionist Louise, but she has no idea how much can change in a few days... A government conspiracy and a diminishing population; who is left? Or what? 

The profiles for my characters include their dominant impression (outer presence) and their dominant attitude (inner presence).

Main Character 

Dominant impression:

My main character is called Louise and she is in her early 20's. She wears smart casual clothing in and out of work, but always has a pair of black pointed pumps and her laptop bag in hand. Her make up is minimal but continuously on. Louise takes her time moving and her style of speech is very advanced. 

Dominant attitude: 

Louise is very intelligent and has a good general knowledge. She is very driven, passionate and overly caring/emotive. She is also extremely inquisitive which is portrayed in my story as she wants to know what's happening in her workplace. She hardly ever loses her temper because she's always trying too hard to impress others. Louise likes to keep busy and feel as though she's doing all she can, she dislikes not knowing what is going on around her. Her biggest fear is being alone and also doing things wrong. Louise's goal is to leave her "boring" receptionist job and become a world famous writer. She is very self-image driven and makes an effort to be what other people want her to be. She lacks self confidence and has to impress others to feel better about herself. 

Characters 'World': 

Louise's relationship with her collegue Lisa is personal as they are also friends however Louise occasionally gets sick of her friends attitude at work. Louise doesn't have a love interest or any other friends. She is middle class and well educated but she couldn't afford to go to her first choice university, so she accepted a receptionist with a 'top secret' organisation with all expenses paid; this is how she can afford to live in her apartment with a exceptional city view. She was brought up in the 90's by her Grandma as her parents passed away when she was very little. Her Grandma also passed away when she was 16, leaving Louise with no family and taking care of herself. 

Secondary Character 

Lisa is also a receptionist at the same place as Louise. They are friends in and out the workplace and also live two blocks apart. Lisa's goal in life is to actually keep a job for longer than two months and find a man to take care of her. She grew up with her parents and two brothers, they didn't have much money. Her only interest is trying to get a lover who can pay for her ideal lifestyle of parties and not having to work. Lisa changes as she realises she must chance her attitude to actually keep people in her life. 

Unit 24: Writing for Television and Video Class Task - Six word story

At the beginning of every screenwriting session I am given the task to write a six word story following a few words given as the title. This is to think over the words that are being used, to conjure up a story in my mind.

Happiness is - A home full of wonderful memories

Childhood Memories - Happiness, and laughter along the way

When I Grow Up - I'll be happy and filthy rich

The Best Thing About This Week Will Be - My early weekend beginning after Thursday

Romantic Gesture - Her eyes, sparkling pools of emerald

My Future Epitaph - Passionate for what she believed in

The Uninvited Guest - His haunting eyes and despairing demeanour

The Reason You Write - To express my most inner feelings

Some Really Bad Advice - Move out, it's so much fun


A message from someone you haven't seen in years - Bearer of inviting or unwelcome news


They can take my life, but they can never take my - Hopes and dreams for the future


Being a writer is - A time limit full of papercuts


The world today is - Hopeful prayers for a better tomorrow 


The thought of this assignment makes me - Doubt my writing skills and imagination

Unit 29: Music Video Production Class Task - The commisioning of a music video

The first step of commissioning a music video is to come up with an idea from a brief from a record label, eg. Warner bros. You then work with some other members of the team to collect the right picture references for your idea; so whoever you pitch for gets the idea visually.

After winning the pitch for the music video, it's pre-production. Choosing cameramen, casting, finding locations, working with the art department, working with a storyboard artist or meeting the clients. It's all about making the decisions and leading the team to deliver what the client wants.

Then it's shoot days, there isn't much time and a lot to film. About two days is out a side for filming. 

The last stage is the post production, focusing on editing, CGI, sound and colour grading. There is a lot of time spent looking at monitors and crafting the piece into a final film.

Emil Nava (a popular music video director, he directs all of Jessie J's videos) says that hard work and learning with practical experience are the best ways to train for music video work. His first experience was as a runner on set of a music video, he made tea and helped with all the different departments where and when he could. Making a positive name for himself led to him progressing up the job ladder until he became an assistant director; where you manage the set and are the mouth and logistical side of the director.

He then started making his own little videos and building his reel. He started taking his show reel around different companies. It's hard work as the competition is very stiff and there a lot of people doing it.

Every time you make something you will learn more, develop your own style and find the route you want to take.

Unit 29: Music Video Production Class Task - Favourite video

Sia - Chandelier music video
One of my favourite music videos is based in a run down, grey apartment, with no colour or life. A young girl plays the main (and only) character in this music video, her gymnastic dancing is transfixing from beginning to end. Sia herself doesn't appear in her own music videos as she hides her identity from the public eye. However, I feel this girl is portraying Sia in every step she takes. Her ballerina moves mimic being moved like a puppet, dancing on her own, arguing to 'invisible people' and crying; accompanied with the song it is hauntingly good. It shows that sometimes the simple music videos can be just as good as the 'out there' crazy ones.

Class Task - My dream job in the film and tv industry...

As I like to think of myself as a very creative person, I would love to be a screenwriter; and of course a director. I'm hoping this course will open new pathways for me, teach me how the industry works and all the different aspects. I also can't wait to learn about the editing side of post-production as that seems really interesting.