I had a quick look on YouTube and found the video I worked on with Stephen Mullan at Queens University Belfast Video Services. I worked there on a temporary casual basis. The job was mainly to assist Stephen in setting up for the shoot ie. setting up the lights, the camera (Canon 5D, if memory serves), the tripod and the portable crane. I also kept a record of ISO and shutter speed changes to keep the footage consistent. I also took on the position of clapper-loader, as you can see at the start of the clip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYY453KVPxI

Closing in on the end of term

As we approach Christmas, the frequency of deadlines has increased slightly so there has been slightly more pressure on the class. Everyone seems to be handling it pretty well. Personally, this week I have to crank out a second draft for Scriptwriting and prepare a short, persuasive presentation for Film Studies on the topic and genre of Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery. I'll also continue adding to my Interview Skills portfolio, to keep on top of it.

I have ordered a new camera on which to create external work, internal work and for general practice. The consensus is that to produce the best work, it is essential to practice as much as possible.
http://www.sony.co.uk/product/dsi-body-and-1-lens/slt-a37k

I asked around and did some research myself, and this seems to be the best and best value entry level, video supporting, DSLR (slt). It'll certainly give me footage of a usable quality. I'll post links to much if not all of the work I produce using it here as and when I complete it.

 

Seminar and story pitching

Yesterday my seminar group had our first sitting, to discuss the Umberto Eco movement theory in James Bond films and, by extension, most other films in the 'gentleman spy'/espionage genre. I was very impressed by the work of my classmates in identifying the structural similarities between Goldfinger, Our Man Flint and Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery. I think that I identified them equally well.

Today for our scriptwriting class we have each been asked to prepare a rough outline of a story which we will pitch to the class. Feedback and story growth seems to be the idea here, and some of the better/more feasible stories will be selected to be made into short films.

Off to the BBC

Well I got up a bit earlier than I needed to, thinking class was on as usual as well as the visit to Broadcasting House, but never worry.

Post the first

So,

According to a recently taken learning profile, I am more suited to linguistic, musical, social and spatial occupations than kinetic or nature-based occupations. This preliminarily aims me towards writing, editing, cinematography and possibly studio management and direction.

Next week our class will be split and integrated with other HND students in other fields at BMC Springvale Campus (E3). I am interested to see what its about.