Requirements for a moving image production

What type of media product did you produce and what was it for? How did you distribute it?

We produced a short 90 second film which included us filming each scene from the plan we planned and wrote every scene and how they’ll be filmed in the lessons before. The short film is black and white giving it the old-silent movie aesthetic and feeling. Our film only has non-diegetic audio which is a relevant audio track over the video We produced our media product for depict which is a 90 second short film competition for professional and amateur film makers. https://www.depict.org/. our media product was distributed on the east Norfolk sixth form YouTube channel which can be accessed and viewed by anyone. The media product however didn’t go exactly to plan firstly this was our first-time filming anything, so our expectations were for everything to go smoothly. The problems started because of location. Because we were filming at a glass corridor at the far corner of the college during our filming time people would walk through during filming and since this was the best location for our product, because there was large glass windows and you can see the outside clearly which we needed to show the clearness and space outside contrasted with the confined indoor corridor where the mime is it was essential we had to film there. Our next issue came on one of our scheduled days of filming when a crate of paper was blocking the window and filming there would abolish any continuity this meant that we couldn’t film on that day, delaying progress. The next delays came when the vending machines about 2 meters away from the camera were being filled up once again delaying more filming. Our limited time forced us to improvise and change a few aspects from the plan which I think worked out considering the setbacks.

What other types of moving image media product are there? What different distribution methods are there? Be sure to differentiate between products and platforms.

Moving image media refers to media in video format e.g. Film, T.V, Adverts and Music videos. For instance, film will have a very different distribution and production method to a music video a feature film will go through a long process from writing to production to distribution which can take years. Where as a music video will be made within a few weeks or months where the imagery and visuals are the primary aim. T.V works in a similar way to film, in terms of production the main difference is distribution a Feature Film will be purposely hyped with trailers, reviews and posters with the show don’t tell aspect embedded into the thought process in terms of marketing as well as a lot more money goes into showing it off because lots more money goes into producing it. As opposed to a typical T.V show where if they wanted to advertise it, they would maybe show a few clips on commercial T.V. Another platform which music videos is work completely different to that kind of entertainment especially in terms of distribution a social media post at most will be the only marketing that goes into promoting a music video.

What sources of funding exist for film, television and other moving image production? Give examples.

Sources for funding include the producers chipping in their own worked for money which usually happens with low budget ammeter movies. Another source of funding is people donating money to the producers like a go fund me if they want the movie to succeed. Investors may put money into the production of the movie as well. The producer may also take out a contract with a bank or just a bank loan.

Requirements – Money

Things like props, costumes, editing, editing software and filming equipment are essential elements of producing a movie which can add up and be very costly. For bigger feature films and lower budget films are all essential for creating a movie at least one of these production aspects will always likely make it into a finished product. Money may also be spent on using a certain building area of land to film if the owners do not let you film for free, they will likely charge you extra money of they know you can pay.

Requirements

For our depict project we had to obtain costumes, an area and filming equipment. These included a clown costume that was relevant to the story, borrowing filming equipment which was necessary to film the 90 second short film and because we were filming our short film in the college, we also had to source the right location from the right people. The requirements that we needed were easy to get and didn’t cause too much of a problem because the we already had a clown costume and equipment at the college and the location was in the college.

Personnel: actors and the production team.

Low budget: For a typical low budget team making a movie the actors and crew will typically be the same people. Because low budget movies need to save as much money as possible the director will likely be acting, and everyone will be chipping in at everything to get the movie made with limited people and limited resources. And usually there are only a few people working in the film.

A T.V programme: A T.V programme will be completely different to a low budget movie, a T.V programme will have enough crew and resources because that show will be funded by the platform itself. Depending on the programme the budget won’t be too high if it’s a sitcom the budget will be low, if it’s a drama it will likely be costlier. The team themselves will be laid back and not rushing everything because episodes don’t all have to be released at once. Typically, there will be around a hundred people altogether working on a show.

Hollywood feature film: A Hollywood film will have very strict designated jobs for the crew. Because budgets for Hollywood films are very high, within the tens of millions, and sometimes the hundreds of millions. Work schedules will need to be on time and fast. Crew can consist of thousands of people working, from camera men, actors, editors, costume designers etc.

 We allocated roles in the pre plan where we decided what story we wanted, after we decided we wanted a mime type theme, we decided who should do what, This was the first movie we shot so not everything went to plan with the original actors not actually being the actors in the final piece we all chipped in at everything like camerawork, directing and editing. With Chany being the mime/ clown and me, Morgan and Jodie all switching roles between acting and directing, which worked ok because we all got to put our ideas and visions in how we wanted in the final cut. In terms of editing we all did editing, there wasn’t a designated editor, so we could all get experience with the editing software.

Time: In the professional industry of media if you don’t meet deadlines then it can cause of the whole production to stop and end, people will lose enthusiasm in what they’re doing because it will be rushed, and it won’t be very enjoyable. Missing deadlines can also cause for certain scenes being cut and ultimately making the product being just being bad. Missing deadlines can also cost the production team/ company extra money. In class we met our deadline for our 90 second production, even though we ran into lots of issues in terms of not being able to film on days we needed to. However, in the end we met our deadline.

Equipment/ facilities: In professional moving image productions to obtain equipment like cameras, microphones etc the people filming would have to buy the equipment either from a filming shop specializing equipment used in production or they could shop online, and have it ordered straight to them. If the production team don’t already have, or don’t want to buy expensive production equipment they can just hire the equipment the same way. https://www.the-hall.co.uk/# is professional media facility house which offer all the services like equipment, editing, studios, graphics and more. The hall in Oxfordshire is also the nearest facility house, they televise video and audio and also provide great services for equipment usage.

In my depict project we had access to cameras, audio recording devices, a tripod and editing software, I obtained it by going to skills and borrowing the equipment for our 90 second movie. The editing software however was already installed in the computers, so it was easy to access.

Locations: A location recce is a term used which refers to a pre filming location. You need to visit different locations to determine the best spot for filming. the things to watch out for include location/parking, the amount of space that is provided needs to substantial because you need more than enough space when filming, how much power you have access to power all your equipment. Places like toilets also need to be nearby so your crew can take breaks. And hazards which is very important a risk assessment will be needed to be completed before production starts to make sure no one gets hurt due to easily prevented mistakes. And every possible thing that could go wrong needs to be considered and prepared for.

Location releases: A location release form is a way to protect the landowners and the production companies for any confusion that may happen after the agreement. The release agrees when the location will be released, dates, times, an insurance agreement and an acknowledgment liability.

We chose our depict movie locations based upon our storyboard and theme. Because our movie was based on a mime, we needed a confined space to film. The best place that came to mind was the glass sports hall corridor. Because we also wanted to film outside, and a shot of the camera looking in this was the best place for filming. We also filmed outdoors in the car park which we needed to because it was in our plan. Since we needed permission to film there, we had to ask the janitor which after a few attempts we managed to persuade him to let us film in the sports corridor and car park.

Logistical issues: We faced a few issues while filming, firstly on one of our scheduled days for filming our location was blocked off by a stack of paper, so we did paperwork instead, then our filming was delayed again. Because our location was next to a vending machine, staff were filling it up which took a while, we also had to wait for people walking past. However, despite the delays we managed to finish by working out that when we couldn’t film, we finished paperwork and planned further.

Materials: The various types of materials include a location release and recce. In order to film in certain locations permission is needed and forms for safety and guarantees need to be filled out. Pre-production is also necessary to make a moving image mainly because planning is needed to establish what you’re doing and what direction you’re moving in.

Financial consideration to pay for location releases of the landowners want you to pay for using their property. You should make sure you have extra money in case they ask for money in exchange to film there. All the paperwork will need to be signed for evidence in case there are disagreements.

Legal Issues: Legal considerations will need to be taken into account. For example, the location release needs to be completed before filming can start, if you decide to film on private property. And signatures from both will be needed in case of disagreements in the future. Also, the recce will need to be completed as well as the risk assessment in order to prepare for the worst and take every safety procedure possible.

Copyright: Copy right legally protects yours and the work of others from plagiarism and one can be taken to court and fined if no permission is given. You get copyright protection automatically, you don’t have to apply or pay a fee. There isn’t a register of copyright works in the UK. Copyright applies to all work and products you create like music, film, written work and broadcasts etc. copyright can last 50+ however is different for different types of work.

Copyright did not affect my work on depict because we did not plagiarize anyone and all our ideas were original.

Clearance: Official authorization for something to proceed or take place.

An example is someone might want to use some music from an artist and the artist gives them permission to use it.

Public Liability insurance: Liability insurance is a part of the general insurance system of risk financing to protect the purchaser from the risks of liabilities imposed by lawsuits and similar claims and protects the insured if the purchaser is sued for claims that come within the coverage of the insurance policy.

An example Is the purchaser might want to buy something and not want liabilities and want to be covered in things they buy

Competition guarantee / insurance: A completion guarantee is a form of insurance offered by a completion guarantor company that is often used in independently financed films to guarantee that the producer will complete and deliver the film to the distributor thereby triggering the payment of minimum distribution guarantees to the producer.

An example may be that the producer wants to distribute a product and need a completion guarantee in exchange the guarantor company ask for a percentage fee.

Regulation: A regulatory agency is a public authority or government agency responsible for exercising autonomous authority over some area of human activity in a regulatory or supervisory capacity. An independent regulatory agency is a regulatory agency that is independent from other branches or arms of the government.

Ofcom: The Office of Communications, commonly known as Ofcom, is the UK government-approved regulatory and competition authority for the broadcasting, telecommunications and postal industries of the United Kingdom. Ofcom has wide-ranging powers across the television, radio, telecoms and postal sectors.

BBC The BBC is a statutory corporation, independent from direct government intervention, with its activities being overseen from April 2017 by the BBC Board and regulated by Ofcom. The BBC is paid through a TV licence as opposed to commercially funded.

BBFC The British Board of Film Classification, is a non-governmental organisation responsible for the national classification and censorship of films exhibited at cinemas and video works (such as television programmes and trailers.

Regulation of moving image: Things that are already illegal in the UK - such as incitement to racial hatred and blasphemy - are still illegal online. But there is so much content created, and most of it comes from other countries, that it is very hard to police any applicable laws. Media regulator Ofcom ensures TV and radio audiences are protected in areas such as taste, decency, fairness and privacy. But Ofcom only has control over material broadcast over an analogue or digital TV signal. This can relate to my depict project because I now know that I need to be more aware and careful about the regulations and legality of created content, as well as any policies.

Trade unions and trade associations: Trade unions and associations essentially protect the person working for a company. The union protects their pay, makes sure the worker isn’t getting under paid, as well as making sure that their rights are also not being violated

PACT and BECTU: An agreement covering all the significant terms and conditions for crew engaged on major motion pictures with budgets equal to or in excess of £30 million pounds they are a TV Drama Agreement covering all key working terms and conditions for crew engaged on independent UK drama and comedy production and a guide drawn up in collaboration with reps.

Trade association:  Trade Association is a not for profit organisation made up of a collection of companies and/or individuals with common interests or who work in the same industry. They act as a representative body for the industry they represent, putting forward the collective view and position of its members. UK Screen Association is the trade association that represents companies providing production facilities and specialist services to the Screen Industries - film, television, commercials etc. they are an independent, industry-funded body with membership comprising companies involved in post-production, visual effects, physical special effects, audio, cameras, lighting, freelance talent, outside broadcast and studios.