Project Proposal

1. Rationale

Over the course of this year I learnt new skills and gained new respects for the film industry. On my cores I have used traditional editing techniques, for example 16mm film on the Steinbeck machine. What I learnt and gained from this experience was a new found respect for film makers back in the day of 16mm film making, because I now know how difficult and time consuming it was after spending one day using the machine. It also taught me a valuable lesson in knowing what you want to do before you do it, because using a Steinbeck machine to simply cut clips together was not only time consuming but was also something you could not go back on, otherwise you would be wasting time and equipment. It showed me how good I had it in our day and age where an editing software is common place and making an action like cutting was so small and something I could go back on with no consequence.

Understanding my audience is something I have gotten much better at. After watching and breaking down three trailers that were made for very different audiences I discovered changes in editing technique, music, timing and pacing that were all planted to appeal to a specific audience. for example the about time trailer was created for an audience for ages 15+ and a gender demographic of mainly women but mad max was created for 18+ and has a gender demographic of mainly men. Learning about audience has given me an insight into what is going on through the editors and directors heads when it comes to marketing to a specific audience.

The most important thing I feel I have learnt over the past year is how to best organize and plan out my projects to a degree that might seem like overkill to some people but I see as planning for every shot so I don't forget to shoot it, every plot detail so that the film does not feel like its missing anything and getting all my actor ready to go days before shoot so that I am sustain they are fine and don't need to be worried about. Planning to this extent has become a massive part of my film making routine to make sure that I'm not improvising on set.

2. Project concept

I am going to make a short film in 8 weeks and design a poster to act as promotional material for my film. before i start pre production on that film i will be doing research in the form of primary and secondary research so that i understand what this film will need too make it a success. i will also hold interviews asking different questions so that i can get both quantitative and qualitative answers, i will be doing this with all different ages and people to find my target audience and make sure that it meets their interests expectations.

once that is done i will scout my locations and create a rick assessment for each one of them.

then i will start pre production on my film (script, shot list, location report, risk assessment and props).

Then i will shoot my film use equipment provided by my school and gear i already own, including my tripod, crane, slider, zoom recorder, boom pole, boom mic and my 600D camera.

once that is finished i will edit my film and create my final edit.

I will then present my final product to my target audience gage their response and reactions to the film.

3. Evaluation

Throughout my FMP I will document and reflect on the process. I will use audio recordings to reflect when I am filming each day as this will be an easy and accessible way for me to think about and consider what I will need to do for the next time I shoot. It will allow me to listen back and double check that I have everything ready. I will consider re-shoots, acting, locations and all the elements that make up my short film when filming as well as reflecting on how I felt the process went that day.

I will also write my reflections throughout my project. I will establish what I have done and what I need to do with regard to the planning, research, production and my final evaluation will be supported by feedback from my target audience on my final production. I want to make sure that I have thought through and covered all aspects so that I am able to constantly reflect and organise myself efficiently do that my whole project is a success. I will be able to identify what has worked well and what I will need to develop.

4. Project Action Plan and Timetable

Week 1

Ideas, planning and research

(think up my idea by researching different films, writing up my synopsis and do my primary research). I will complete secondary research to inform and support my idea. I will also, start asking my intended audience what they would like to see in a short film.

Week 2

Pre-production, - Location report, risk assessment, shot list, storyboard and script. Planning and research (start my script, here my actors and secondary research). I will further my secondary and primary research to find out costume, props, style, locations, sound and anything else that will influence my FMP. Reflect on what I have done that day/week.

Week 3

Pre-production, planning and research. (create props for the film and do my shot list) Storyboard to be completed. Research and reflection to be continued throughout the whole project. Preparing for filming next week. Organising and booking out sound equipment - ready for shooting. Reflect on what I have done that day/week.

Week 4

Production (film) - Filming in London, Brixton and Streatham. 81 Helix road - My house, as this is a great location for filming inside shots. This will be the week where I will organise and film all the actors and initial scenes. This will also be the week where I reflect on what I have done and what I will need to do in order to move forward. I will endeavour to film a variety of shot types that clearly communicate meaning to the audience. Reflect on what I have done that day/week.

Week 5

Production (film) - continue filming in the set locations. Making sure that I have all the necessary equipment. I imagine that I will need my crane, order a dolly - if required, use a cannon 600D, tripod, slider and lighting for filming. Reflect on what I have done that day/week.

Week 6

Post production (edit) - I will edit using my macbook Pro and Final Cut Pro X. I will no doubt consider colour correction, slicing of shots to create pace in my film. and effects where necessary. The intention will be to get everything I need in the filming process so that post production goes smoothly. Reflect on what I have done that day/week.

Week 7

Post production (edit) - Continue editing and finalising any changes throughout the editing process. Reflect on what I have done that day/week.

Week 8

Post production, showcase and evaluation (edit and showcase). I will show my intended target audience my finished film and gain feedback. I will hold a Q & A session with prepared questions for the audience. I will consider all feedback and evaluate my FMP.

5. Preposed research and bibliography

I'm going to research films with similar plots, themes and over all tones so that I can get a better understanding of what the films specifics should be about. I will hold interviews with people of different genders and age to make sure I focus on the right audience when making my film. I will also watch my previous final major project to find things that could have been done better and then in this film I will improve on those things for example if my sound in my previous film was poor then I will make sure to use good sound equipment.