1.1 Develop your current knowledge, understanding and skills

My current knowledge and understanding of film has mostly been through watching and enjoying films. Going to the movies is a big hobby of mine. I enjoy both old and new films. I am most interested in fantasy, action, adventure, mystery, rom-com and coming of age movies. I became interested in film structure, narrative and the process of making films after enjoying so many! This is the main reason I wanted to be part of the BFI Film Academy.

I have a bit more insight about film making and the creative process through my mother who works as an editor and is an independent artist and documentarian. In the past, we have collaborated on two film projects. While watching my mother make films, I am becoming inspired to make my own. Recently, I am learning and understanding film in my film studies class at A level college. Being part of the BFI Film Academy is an additional learning opportunity. I am happy to be participating.

Links to films I have made:

Winter Break: https://vimeo.com/275646899

The Great Depression and Franklin Delano Roosevelt: https://vimeo.com/275639885

I am interested in screenwriting, props (set designs) and cinematography. Screenwriting has been an interest of mine because I have written some short stories and have always wanted to get the chance to create a film with some of my ideas. For both of the films that I have made with my mother’s help, I wrote the narration. One of the films we made (Winter Break) was based on a diary entry of mine when I was younger.

I am interested in props (set designs) because I love making things with my hands and I’ve been taking art for may years (drawing, painting and sculpting).

I am interested in cinematography and the use of the camera because I want to better understand the elements of cinematography and the relationship between the camera and the actors.

What I hope to gain from the BFI Film Academy is the tools (knowledge) to express myself creatively and help me to express my inner voice. The big difference this program will make for me is finally having the chance to turn a story idea from words on a page into an engaging film. The collaboration part of the program with my peers will help me improve my social and team building skills. I am quite introverted and like the opportunity to be with others who enjoy film as much as I do.

I would like to improve my knowledge of film making by getting involved in the master classes that will be available during the program. I look forward to listening and asking questions. I will also improve my knowledge of film making by practicing and learning about the roles of screenwriting, set design and cinematography while working on the project.

I don’t know what the future holds for me. I do know that I am passionate about film, art, history and classical civilizations. By being part of the BFI Film Academy, I will gain a deeper understanding of storytelling and the film making process which will be beneficial if I do pursue film work in the future!

1.2 Take a role in the production of a short film

I can see myself being a part of the script writing team, the set design team and the camera team.

As part of the scrip writing team, I imagine I would start in the writer’s room. In a team, I would be helping to create the dialogue to distinguish the characters in the story. The scrip writing team is very important because they are the ones who bring the ideas of the film to life. The themes and ideas would need to be flushed out. We would need to do research to make the elements in the script authentic and real. The timing of each segment in the script would be important for the flow of the drama. The writers would be discussing and compromising on ideas to make a cohesive script.

As a part of the set design team, I will help to create the props and scenery that will be used to make the mise-en-scene in the film. I would be working in a team in the art department. Using storyboards and the script, the team would decide on how to create the visual look of the film. Jobs would be divided to individuals to carry out the work that would need to be done. This would coincide with the wardrobe that would be created to give an overall impact and style to the film and the characters.

As part of the camera team, the main role is to be concerned with the image and the look of the film. As a team, we would be responsible for capturing the scene, characters and the dialogue while covering the various shots and angles appropriate to the script.

To be a screenwriter the types of skills I need are: the ability to write well, to be creative and imaginative, to have storytelling skills and have good communication skills in order to explain my ideas to the team so we can structure the story with everyone’s ideas and input. A successful screenwriter will have to be strict on time management and be able to turn ideas into good quality writing in a short time. I will have to be patient and accept feedback from others in order to improve our idea when necessary.

The skills I will need to be a set designer are: artistic ability, the ability to be creative and be able to plan out the elements properly in order to make the set, props, clothing and scenic elements as necessary. Time management and patience are important in this role. Also, the ability to work well in a team to get the jobs done. We will need to understand the character’s and the director’s intentions to do our job well.

To be part of the camera team, I will need to understand the camera, lights and sound elements (there is a sound team too). We will need to cover the different shot set-ups needed (close ups, long, medium shot, establishing shots, extreme close up, low shot, high shot, aerial shot etc.) for the movie. It is important to pay attention to the plot of the story in order to know each scene and what to film. The camera crew is also a check on performances of the actors. Making sure we are capturing what the director has intended in the way he/she intends. The role needs precision and patience. It is important to be able to accept feedback from others and also be able to discuss the process with the rest of the team.

The equipment I will need to be part of the script writing team is lots of paper or a computer to write. From the story, we will create a storyboard to structure the story as pictures. We will need to do research and use resources like books or the internet to collect information that helps the team come up with story ideas.

The equipment I will need to create the scenery and props include artistic materials (pen, pencil, tape, glue, paint, paper, cardboard, textiles, clay etc.). The materials will depend on the story itself. I will need to use resources like books and the internet to get information that will inspire me and instruct the team on how to make the best out of what we have.

The equipment I will need to be in the camera team: a camera (or 2?), the proper camera lenses, a tripod, and a portable monitor. Light stands and lights will be necessary if we are shooting indoors, particularly. And, Umbrellas for exterior shooting, especially if it is raining. 🙂

My main roles in the production are:

1. A member of the Cast: An extra in the Dreamer Party/ Meeting/ “Sesh” scene.

In this scene: “Charlie and Sam walk into the party, greeted by a circle of people on bean bags all connected to one person wearing a headset. Wires connect to sunglasses they wear. A strong smell of cheese and a possible comment by one of them. No one is speaking, the lights are dark and there is psychedelic music playing in the background.”

• What I have to do:
• I will have to act (be one of the people on the bean bags connected to the one person who is wearing a headset).
• Skills:
• I need acting skills: I will not have any lines in this scene. I will have to use body language to portray what a dream viewer might be feeling and how they might act as they are watching someone’s dream.
• I need team work skills: so I can work properly with the other members of the crew in the scene and the director so I know what I need to do in the scene.
• How will I do it:
• I will sit or lay down on the bean bag. I might move around slightly (show my reaction towards the dream).
• I might make noises (express the emotions I am feeling while watching the dream) if I need to.
• The equipment I will need:
• I will need a costume with props (my headset/sunglasses with cord & a bean bag).

2. A member of the Sound Crew: the Boom Operator

• What I have to do:
• Operate the microphones that will record the dialogue and the other diegetic sounds. 
• Skills:
• Be able to capture the right sounds that need to be recorded and prevent unwanted sounds from being recorded.
• Be familiar with the script (the characters and their lines) so I will know what dialogue needs to be captured and how to correctly do it.
• Know the camera movements and lighting so that the microphones are in the right zones and outside of the camera’s frame.
• Have knowledge of how the sound equipment works so I can use it properly and repair it properly (if needed).
• Have knowledge about acoustics so that the microphones are in the best positions so they capture good quality sound.
• Know what to say, so the camera crew and the director know when I’m ready to operate during the scenes.
• I need to have team work skills so I can work properly with the other members of the sound team and the members of the camera crew.
• How will I do it:
• I will hold the boom microphone above the actors to catch the dialogue.
• I will adjust the boom-pole to the right length so that I can capture the sound.
• I will hold the boom-stick in different positions (straight over my head or at an angle).
• If I have to I will mount the microphone on a dolly to capture the sound during the action.
• I will position other microphones around the set to get other diegetic sounds.
• Say: “Sound Ready” so the camera crew and the director know when I’m ready to operate (say before each scene starts).
• The equipment I will need:
• I will need a boom-pole with a microphone at the end of it (boom microphone).
• I will also need any other microphones to place around the set if needed.

3. A member of the Art Department: Set Designer & Prop Maker

• What I have to do: 
• Set designer: I will do research on what the mise-en-scene (British 80s) (the set) in the “grotty flat” scene will look like. I will plan what elements need to be in the scene (props).
• Prop maker: I will make any objects that need to be part of the mise-en-scene (“the grotty flat”).
• Skills: 
• I will need research skills: be able to use the internet or any other reference (books) to find the elements of the mise-en-scene (the set) in the “grotty flat” scene.
• I will need artistic skills and building skills: be able to use my  imagination (creative abilities) and crafting skills (building, painting etc.) to make the props.
• I need to have team work skills so I can work properly with the other members of the art department, the director and the crew (so they know what the set will be like).
• How will I do it: 
• I will use google or pintrest to find 80’s styled flat scenes ( for prop ideas). I will put my ideas on a mood board so I can share my ideas with everyone.
• I will go shopping for materials or use materials that I already have to make the props.
• I will make the props with the tools and materials I need.
• I will find (already made) props from my house or from a store that can be part of the set as well.
• Once my props are made and I have found other things for the set, I will create the set up (by arranging) all my props and other elements at the location of the scene.
• I will work with the other members of the art department (to get assistance, so I can support others with their work, work as a team with other members to get the jobs done).
• The equipment I will need: 
• The internet
• Books
• Materials to make props (plastic, wood, paper, string, glue etc.)
• Tools to use to make props (scissors, paint brush etc.)

1.3 Gain feedback on how you performed your role

Acting Role: 

You were an actor, extra in the Dreamer Party scene.

You really good at responding to cues, taking directions, sitting still, dealing with the discomfort of sitting so long during takes and between takes and adapting to the different situations and producing the right responses.

The challenges that you faced were being patient on set, following instructions at the right time and having to respond to the different cues.

Within the team in general you had a positive attitude and remained upbeat throughout the production process. Your positivity helped lighten the mood of the team because you were engaged and were enjoying the process.

One thing that you could improve on would be to be aware of your actions and make sure that they are not exaggerated because the camera picks up on very little facial movement or gesture. Overall, your role was successful.

Art Department Role:

You came up with ideas for the “Incubus” and found images (references) to help make the set.

You were very much a team player. You were always willing to help people. You were good at ask questions and giving your opinion.

A challenge that you dealt with was trying to find the right references online to help build the set. You had to specifically find British references from the 80’s (retro & futuristic).

You worked great within the team. You asks a lot of questions and got involved when you were needed. You were very cooperative as well. You were good at getting people’s feedback on the things that you did, so that you could improve.

Overall, you were a well rounded person. Although, you could have been more involved in the construction of the “Incubus”.

Sound Department Role:

You controlled the boom mick and had to know how to use it properly.  You worked on the boom operator so you could control the volume on the operator itself with the headphones as well.

You were very good at moving the boom for the mick to get to each voice. Your stamina was really good because you had to hold it for a very long time during the advert scene.

Holding up the mick was difficult because you had to make sure not to get it in the camera’s frame. Everyone got the mick in the frame at one point. That was the main difficulty in general.

You were very good at communicating with the other two of us. You were great at doing different things at once.

You could improve on making sure not to get the mick in the shot, but you did it well during the shoot (the day). Also, just building up the stamina that anyone has to develop. Overall, you did really good.

1.4 Review your technical skills and use of equipment

Yes, I agree with the feedback that I was given by my team mates. I believe that I worked very hard at all my roles and I have the opportunity to improve on certain things.

I think I did a good job at carrying out my role in the Art Department. I was able to look up ideas for the set for  “Sam’s Bedroom”. I was able to look up pictures of British 80’s styled flats to help understand the things we needed. I was good at doing research and finding things on the internet (posters off the internet to print out). Although, I found it difficult to help with the prop making. I was absent during the day that they made the “Incubus” so I could not help make it. I was also unavailable to go to meet up with people.

For my acting role I was able to follow directions and fulfil my role. I found it difficult to sit on set for such a long period of time. Although, I got used to it and was able to deal with it.

When I was operating the boom I was able to hold the boom in the right postition above the actor’s mouth. Although, I found it difficult to keep the boom out of the camera’s frame. Eventually, I was able to hold it steadily and keep it out of the camera’s frame.

My skills on using the boom developed. The first time I used the boom was during a practice shoot. But, then during the real shoot I improved my skills. When I made the mistake of getting the boom in the camera’s frame, I was able to improve that skill when we took more than one take. By the end of the shoot I knew how to use the Boom correctly.

My acting skills developed during the shoot. I don’t have a strong knowledge about how to act at the beginning. Although, I was able to get into my position and follow the instructions I was given. During each take I was able to improve my acting skills and by the end of the shoot I was successful at playing my character.

After watching the “Incubus Advert” scene I was happy with the result. I believe that my hard work paid off because the sound was clear.  When I watched the “Dreamer Party” scene I was satisfied with my acting skills. I didn’t have a complicated role and I was still able to succeed with carrying it out.

My knowledge of film production has improved a lot since the beginning. At first, I only had skills with screenwriting because I had written the narrative for two films that I had made in the past. Although, during the on-set process (the film shoot) I had knowledge about sound and how to use the boom. I gained some experience with acting and I was able to adapt to a certain environment and learned how to get into character. During the pre-production I developed my research skills when I was part of the Art Department. I learned how to organise the information I found by using a mood board. During the post-production process I got involved with the editing process and was able to understand the basic steps on how to edit a scene. I learned how to identify the shots with the best quality. I then learned how to cut out footage from a scene. Then, I learned how to drag the shots into the correct sequence.

I could improve things in all the roles I did. I could improve my prop making skills and learn how to build things without proper instructions (just from a diagram). I could improve my boom operating skills and make sure that I can hold the boom stick steadily and not get it in the camera’s frame. To improve my acting skills I could get better at acting on cue along with everyone else. I can improve getting into character and developing the right emotions to better express my character’s actions in the given environment as well. Next time I create a film I would like to learn more about how to operate a film camera and learn more about how to edit a sequence.

Overall, I am proud of the results after working very hard in the Art Department as an idea researcher, as an actor (extra) and as a boom operator. I have learned so much during this course and I hope to continue to improve and develop my skills during future productions.