Recce Draw Ups

I need to hand these over to the director so that he can then see where the cameras can be placed around the scene.

Sleeping Dog's Soundtrack

Art Direction Recce

We went to Roundhay park to scout a suitable location to film a scene from 'Made In Dagenam'. In the script the scene is set in an estate but it seems we had the challenge to relocate to a park. We searched around taking photos and discussing possible options for an hour or so. These are some of the location we found.

Our Art Direction Process

In class we were given clear instructions and details of what we as an art director can do during these production work shops.

1. They read the script and look at it from an art direction point of view. They have to think about whats actually going to be in the scene. They can write up a props list and design details to be handed out to the departments that require them.
2. They then draw up a blueprint of the location being used, this blueprint will contain everything the director needs to know (visually) about the set. Things like colors, props, roads, trees. All that sort of thing. The director then goes and uses this plan to help him establish where he can and cannot put the cameras ect...  
3. Art directors can also do story boards, these help because they come from the eye of an art director and may contain visual details that may not be apparent in a director's or DOP's storyboard. 
4. Its also not unusual to create a small model of the set so that the director can see at hand where he can place cameras and find angles without having to visit the set. This is good for location filming when the set may not be accessible 24/7. 
5. It's common practice for art directors to discuss how the film is shot, the art directors job is to make the scene work. In big dramas and feature films there eye for detail is very valuable.          
6. In the art department the buyer then has to buy the props required to make the scene work or to help the scene establish the required look and feel desired by the director.  

Production Exercise 2

For this exercise we had to write a letter to an actor or his agent about a successful audition.

To 'Casting Agency'  

Hello, I'm contacting you about the recent audition of " " for our short film 'Threads'. I'm pleased to inform you that " " has become our top choice for the role of Liam. I feel " " will be able to tackle the subject matter with the maturity and the experience we desire for the role. " " currently has a wealth of experience in television and theater and I'd love to be able to work with him in hist first leading role.  

Please contact me for further discussion.

Many Thanks

Scott Bradley

 - The tutor seemed relatively happy with the letter. It was rushed as we only had 10 minutes to write it up but I think this is fine.

Radio Mics

Radio mics are battery operated and come in two forms.

• Handheld (interview mic, bands ect...)
• Body warn (little neck mics)

They have two different frequencies

• VHF & UHF. Both operate in the same way. But the UHF is a newer system.

They come with a transmitter (Tx) and a receiver (Rx). The receiver comes in two forms, standard and diversity. Diversity increases the range and prevents drop out.  

Themes and Subplots

The plot is easy to understand but it's the the themes that are harder to grasp but they are what makes the story interesting.

Sub plots should add depth and complexity to the story. They should only be happening because of the main plot, they also should have an impact on the main story. They should revolve around characters in the film. The character in the sub plot should be the main character in their own story.

More Sound Notes

Analogue recorders like the Nagra used 1/4" tape and the mini Nagra (cassette recorders) used 1/8" tape.

At the school big productions use Fastex Recorders and smaller productions tend to use Zoom.

Audio used to be measured in CPS but its now measured in Hz.

Audio, like film, in digital format can be copied multiple times without a degrading effect appearing in the material. Analogue tape re used caused a large amount of hiss. Dolby along and did their best to erase the hiss from tape.

Digital sampling frequency -
44.1 khz is CD quality
48. khz is a higher quality used for film.

The mp3 is the most common audio compression but there are others like wma. and AAC.

Writing Characters

The character check list -

• Name -
• Age - 
• Gender - 
• Sexuality - 
• Physical Appearance - 
• Present Circumstances - 
• Values - 
• Flaws, Contradictions - 
• Social Class - 
• Education - 

Opposites attract, different characters who have to come together to solve the great problem in the film makes interesting storytelling. 

The characteristics you choose for your characters need to reflect the genre and themes of the film.  

Made In Britain Storyboards

These are the storyboards that I used when shooting in production week one. They had to be cut down quite drastically.