1.1 Develop your current knowledge, understanding and skills

As part of my choice for A levels, I selected film studies. As I don’t have past experience in creating film, being able to study micro elements in detail enables me to build my understanding. From watching a wide range of films and developing my knowledge on directors choices means I have a deeper understanding.

Within film, I’m specifically interested in Cinematography and Directing but I would like to further my understanding on lighting and the post production process. Through my hobby of photography, I am able to use composition effectively to portray an atmosphere or emotion.

During the academy, I see myself heavily contributing towards the camerawork aspect of the project but also the planning and content of the storyboard. My interest in filming stemmed from my hobby of photography. Transferring these skills to film is an inspiration of mine.

From the BFI, I hope to gain the knowledge and experience of making film which I will be able to use in the future when creating my own. I also hope I will have a better understanding about the process that goes into creating films from planning to execution. In addition to this, I also would like a better understanding of working in a group to achieve a final film and how all elements of film such as sound and lighting come together.

In the future, I hope to study film at a degree level but also to make a dent in the industry. I would like to work on film sets and work my way up to the role of D.O.P.

1.2 Take a role in the production of a short film

PRODUCTION ROLE

My production role involves managing and solely using one of the two cameras during the filming of our documentary on both of the designated shooting days. I am also jointly responsible for organising and completing the shot list and obtaining all angles and shots included on this.

In order to carry out this role during pre-production I have to ensure that batteries for the camera are charged and that SD cards are appropriately formatted. I am also responsible for checking that tripod equipment is compatible .

During the filming, I am required to check shots for appropriate angles and lighting but also ensure focus is correct to obtain the shot that is desired and repeat the shot if needed. I also need to be decisive in compromising some or prioritising other  important shots if time constraints prove difficult.

In the post production stage of the documentary, whilst not directly managing the edit, I still, as camera operator, need to have influence over the final cut ensuring that important sequences are included in the correct order.

In order to carry out my role effectively , I should have a heavy creative input and influence over each process , especially the content of the shot list and filming. I also need to communicate well with my team , coherently expressing my ideas to the director and producer especially.

Throughout the process I should remain focussed, keeping to shot lists and schedules by making decisions quickly. I also need to ensure that lighting for the scene is correct and equipment is not left behind or lost. if problems arise , I need to ensure these are passed on to either the director or producer and also use their input during filming to ensure their creative vision is matched.

The equipment and documents needed to carry out this role include:

• Canon 80D
• Canon 7D
• 4 batteries
• SD cards
• 24mm prime lens
• 50mm prime lens
• 24-70mm lens
• rode camera microphones
• tripods
• stabiliser
• projector
• projector material
• risk assessment
• shot list
• contributor release forms

Other resources that are needed include:

• lighting equipment
• props such as those used in domestic setting specified in shot list
• sound equipment
• clapper board

1.3 Gain feedback on how you performed your role