Semester 2 - Open Project
This page contains my work from the duration of my second semester at MFS. I have worked on a range of projects including two shoots as a HOD in the art department, a group project for a client, helping out on first year shoots, mentoring a first year, and even some work as an extra! Thank you for taking time to view this page.
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Action Plan PP
Below is a PowerPoint I created at the start of the semester, an action plan to show projects I am scheduled on and time management. I then updated it when things would change.
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Mentor Scheme
This semester it was my opportunity to become a mentor to a first year student. I partnered up with Cameron after being introduced to many first years. Cam and I paired up as he expressed his interest in the art department and I told him I would be happy to help.
This Image shows our conversation setting up our first meeting on the 11th January 2024.
This Image shows our conversation after Cameron had completed that I set for him and he was asking for some feedback which I then gave to him in our next meeting.
This first image shows messages exchanged between each other to arrange when I would be helping out and overseeing Cameron on one of his shoots. The second is of our third meeting together when we also discussed about his upcoming shoots as an Art Director.
11.01.24 This is a screenshot of our first video meeting. In this meeting we discussed different roles within the art department, looked at websites such as screenskills and studiobinder. Got Cameron's thoughts on what he would like to gain from our sessions together and what roles he might enjoy.
28.02.24 This is a screenshot of our second video meeting. In this meeting we looked at David Wasco as a production designer and his work. Talked about creating designs on sims and drawing floor plans and other pre production. In addition, I gave Cam feedback on his recent tasks I had set.
These two pictures are from when I was helping out Cameron on set and overseeing him. I helped out with the set build when he was leading his crew in the art department and then again on set, lending a helping hand and advice if needed.
Mentor Task Set by myself, completed by Cameron.
I asked Cameron to 'Source 3 key props online that are accessible to purchase for your upcoming shoot'.
Feedback I gave to Cameron my mentee:
'I am more than happy with the props you have chose for this task I set, after reading the design brief these would definitely fit nicely with the aesthetic' 'However, I think you could have also found a cheap option for the lamp to use in addition to the expensive one'. I was very impressed with the effort and quality Cameron had put into this task and he used a wide range of sites to source them.
Below you will find my involvement in the shoot 'High Potential' where I was the Art Director and costume designer.
Prop 'Medication Pills'
The production designer and I created these fake drug pouches of pills for one of the key props using Tic Tacs and small plastic bags. You can also see the plectrum for the guitar and the original lyric book.
Creating Lyric Book Prop
Here I am creating the lyric book prop by cutting out band images and sticking them onto this plain blue journal.
Finished Lyric Book Prop
The completed prop made from newspaper style cutout typography.
Handing the props over to actors
Our prop was ready for on screen use and had been handed over to the actor of Gabriel. He was very pleased with it and gave his personal thanks.
Creating Prop Clapperboard
Here the production designer and I can be seen drawing out the clapperboard for our prop.
Completed Clapperboard Prop
This image shows the final look of the prop clapperboard. This was a key prop for the narrative.
Placing Props
This picture was taken after placing our props in the position they would appear on screen.
Marking Props
Here I can be seen marking down props before they had to be moved for the camera department.
High Potential Costume Design Pitch
Below is my costume design PowerPoint pitch that I created in pre-production. Everything was created by myself including the drawings.
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High Potential final cut
Music Video Art Department Pre-Production
As seen in my action plan PowerPoint I was scheduled to help create a music video, for this production I would have been the production designer. Unfortunately, this shoot did not go ahead as it was replaced with a client based project for the Cheshire Fire Service which I am also involved in.
Below is the pre-production I did with the Art Director for the cancelled music video.
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Sherlock Holmes Shoot
Below is my PowerPoint pitch for the costume design of the 'Sherlock Holmes' shoot. Unfortunately this shoot did not end up going ahead, if it did I would have also been the Art Director and Costume Designer. However I still gained experience in pre-production.
My work as an 'Extra' on 'A Life, Amiss'
I was asked by a fellow peer to help out as an extra on the shoot he was directing. I also asked my mentee Cameron if he would also be interested in helping out to give him a little experience of being on a set 'on location'. This was my first time as an extra and it was nice to lend a helping hand. Another new experience gained.
Cameron (My Mentee) and I getting our make-up done on set of 'A Life, Amiss"
Cameron and I in a still
Myself in a still
Below I can also be seen in this shot whilst acting out in a football match on location
My communication with the Director
ADDITIONAL WORK
Cheshire Fire Service Client Project
The Cheshire fire service project replaced the music video we were creating. We were given a brief by a member of the fire service and told that they wanted us to create a series of drive safe videos for the target audience of 18-24 which include features about the 'Fatal Five'. For a few weeks we have been coming up with ideas for this and creating pitches to present back to them to then finalise an idea we would film for them to promise drive safety. The deadline for this project is after the submission date.
'Wild Nights, Safe Rides' Method Statement
Below is a method statement I created for one of the ideas we had based on the idea of getting a taxi at the end of the night or public transport instead of driving.
'Distracted in Daily Life' Storyline
In addition, I also came up with this idea that will then be put into a pitch along with other ideas from other students working together on this project.
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Starts with character outside their house, forgets their belt and his trousers fall down (SEATBELT), He then rushes to uni (SPEED) as result of him running late he bumps into people (CARELESS DRIVING) Gets to the lecture and gets distracted by his phone notification, text from friends asking to go out, and gets told off as the consequence (DISTRACTION). He then goes out drinking after uni with friends, friend slides him a beer and it spills on the floor. (Drink,Drugs)
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Below are some images from the film Paddington, 2014 that gave inspiration to some shot types we could use for this.
These images show the distractions in daily life, people not taking care whilst walking, not looking up from their phones and always being in a rush, can relate to our film idea as we need to show how people get distracted so easily. These images can give us an idea of how we can show it through perspective
RTS Film and TV Networking Event at Dock 10
The Royal Television Society hosted a networking event at Dock 10 in media city on the 20th of March 2024. I was lucky enough to be able to attend this event and I feel like I benefitted hugely from it, speaking to other film students and people that have been in the industry for several years in a number of different roles. I took many notes and it was a good experience to chat with many people and learn from them and make new contacts within the industry.
I also invited my mentee along to the event as it would be beneficial for both of us as we are both always trying to expand our learning outside of university as well.
Below are a couple of photos from that day.
TikTok and Short Form Content
As I mentioned in my action plan I was going to film any free time with creating short form content. I managed to create this TikTok montage video after I did some solo travelling in February. I edited and filmed this myself.
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To Conclude...
Thank you for viewing my Synthesis Portfolio for my second semester 'Open Project' module.