Tutors Summary

Well done Beth and thank you for taking part in this years BFI Film Academy. This blog covers a true reflection of what you achieved.  Your art and design skills were truly excellent and the end film really benefited from having your design work. I think during the production week you also felt more confident in animation and I would like to see you develop this area further in the future as you seem to have a natural skill.

You can find a rough copy of the film here:

https://vimeo.com/148244026

(A password for the film has been sent to you via an email)



Please do not share this yet on social media as this is still only a rough cut but feel free to show universities and other organisations or add it to your showreel.



Wishing you great success for the future

Spencer Whalen
MediaActive

1.1 - Outline the Culture of the film industry

What do you know about the working culture of the film industry?

The film industry involves many different components. While everyone has their own specific roles, they do all work together, this means that each job is important and needs to be done properly. If one area of the film industry is held up, then the whole production is reduced. Different areas of the film industry include; Directors, Producers, Actors, Camera Crew, Script Writers, Illustrators, Animators, Foley Artists and Sound Engineers. Each one of these areas are extremely important, without even one of these, the film would not be produced on time or even at all.

When working on commissions and in the film industry, there are always deadlines. This means time needs to be managed effectively. Everyone needs to be committed to the film they are work on, meaning a more than adequate amount of time needs to be put into the production. When the development of the film is planned out it makes the process a lot easier and avoids many obstacles. Since the film industry is so competitive, if your time management is not good, employers are not going to be impressed. Because there are so many different parts to a film crew, strict time limits need to be placed in order for everyone to be able to do their job properly and effectively. Every minute lost = money lost. Good time management also means that stress from the high pressure of the industry is reduced.

Due to the unpredictable nature of the process of film making and the amount of time it takes, the crew often have to work long hours. These hours can also be at unusual times depending on the setting and the lighting needed for the shot. This also means that the crew need to be ready to drop everything at any time. Therefore when working on a film, you never really get a break from working. Time is spent thinking about perfect shots with the perfect lighting with the perfect setting. If the director finds a particular setting that they want in the film, especially if the setting is outside and using natural lighting, the crew need to be there within a matter of minutes as the light changes quickly. When actually filming on location, people need to move around to work and film. Films are rarely just filmed in one place, meaning the crew often have long periods of time away from home. This emphasizes the need to be dedicated to the film you are working on.

When working on a commission, the contracts are generally short term. Meaning that your work is extremely unpredictable. You may have a funded commission one month, but then you may not get any work for the next year. A lot of a film makers time is spent pitching ideas to distributors.  

What qualities do you need to work in the film industry?

Because working in the film industry means working with loads of different people, you need to be able to get along well with individuals. Everyone will be different and often very eccentric, therefore if you don't voice your own ideas and have confidence in your own ability then you won't get anywhere. Whilst you need to have confidence in your ideas, you also need to listen to others. Film making is a collective process. Without listening to everyone else you might miss out on a whole range of good ideas. Using initiative is a key quality in order or you to convey your ideas and get on with the work.

1.2 - Identify Time Management Skills

Why is time management important in the film industry?

When working in the film industry, deadlines are often common, therefore planning when you are going to do things will help you finish commissions on time. Because you are working within a big team it is vital that you finish your part of the film punctually so that other people can get on with theirs. Filming also needs to be finished within the allocated time frame as lighting and weather will change eventually when shooting on location. If time isn't managed properly then the whole film will be held up; if the making of the project goes over time then it can end up creating cost implications. 

Give at least 4 examples of good time management skills

• Preparation and planning - This is needed in order for everyone to know what they need to do and when.
• Schedules and call sheets - This helps to organise when things need to be done.
• Punctuality - Important for keeping the project running smoothly.
• Using lists - Allows for organised thinking and is also clear for others when working in a team.

1.3 - Describe the key aspects of health and safety when working on film productions

What needs to be considered in terms of health and safety when working on a film production?

Before starting filming, risk assessments need to be done. These should be carried out before every major scene to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the filming. Potential hazards and injuries need to be thought out practically, and ways in which to reduce these should also be thought about. Any accidents that do occur need to be reported. 

Filming equipment such as lights and electrics also need to be checked before filming. Lights can become hot and electrics can spark and cause all kinds of accidents. Rigging and de-rigging of sets also needs to be done carefully, There needs to be trained crew who know how to safely put up and take down the set, in order to make sure that accidents are avoided.

When a film contains stunts, a risk assessment needs to be carried out in order to evaluate the situation for the actor. If the risks are too high, then a professional stunt actor should be brought in to take their place. However, often stunts can be achieved using safety equipment.

Other hazards that need to be considered when working on a film production are trip hazards, fatigue and long hours, and lifting heavy equipment.


What can be put in place to ensure health and safety risks are minimized?

To avoid health and safety risks before hand, risk assessments are important, however if accidents do happen then accident reports should be followed through. This helps with the legal side of things if the accident is extremely serious and also means that people can learn from what has happened and make sure that it doesn't happen again. 

In order to avoid any accidents due to fatigue, regular breaks need to be issued to ensure that the team stay alert. Schedules also help with this, as it means that everyone is working the required hours and are still getting regular breaks. First Aiders need to be on site at all times just in case and they need to be equipped for any injuries. Safety equipment should be used when doing stunts or when rigging or de-rigging the set. There also needs to be allocated crew that perform regular equipment checks to ensure the safety of the rest of the team.

Upload an example of a risk assessment that would have been used in the production week.

1.4 - Explain how regulations may affect the use of copyright materials

How do regulations affect the use of copyright materials?

When wanting to use secondary sources in any part of a film, you need to be aware of the copyright legislation. This is due to the Copyright and Patents Act brought in in 1988. This means that when using any source that you yourself have not made, whether that be music or a particular shot, you must ask for permission before hand. Often others allow their work to be used, but they must be referenced to, however sometimes there will be a fee. The Copyright and Patents Act allows creators of many types of material to control the ways their work is used and who uses it. It also means they get the credit they deserve.

https://www.copyrightservice.co.uk/copyright/p01_uk_copyright_law

1.5 - Identify materials that may be subject to copyright

What materials may be subject to copyright?

• Sound recordings
• Musical - Recordings and scores
• Dramatic - Plays, Dances
• Artistic - Paintings, technical drawings, architecture, maps, logos
• Published Editions - Magazines, articles
• Films - Broadcasts, programmes
• Literary - Lyrics, manuscripts, documents, newsletters, articles

How has copyright regulation affected your film production?

It didn't affect our film production that much as we filmed everything and used primary sources as reference images. We also recorded our own Foley sound which we could incorporate into our own film. If we had needed to gather sound and missing clips we could have used a website and paid for a clip that we wanted/needed to include. Also if we had used content that was copyright free then we would  have only needed to reference them.
       We were also using stories and folk tales that are over 70 years old, as these have been passed on and changed over many years, it is nearly impossible to know who originally created the content.

2.1 – 2.2 - Identify Key job roles and responsibilities in the film industry and describe the structure and interrelationship of the production department

Outline the key job roles on a film production

Pre production

• Script Writers - outline the whole film, with directions and what the characters are going to say.
• Story Boarders - works with director to come up with a shot by shot storyboard of action to be filmed.
• Production Design/Concept Artists - in charge of creating the style of the set.
• Costume Design - designs, purchases and manages costumes. Often helpful to get this done before production begins.
• Location Manager - in charge of finding and securing locations for filming.

Production

• Director of Photography - in charge of how the film is lit and shot.
• Gaffer - chief lighting technician
• 1st Assistant Director - runs the set according to the needs a instructions of the director.
• Sound/Foley artist - in charge of everything to do with recording sound.
• Production manager - organises everyone and everything on set. 
• Focus Puller - in charge of focusing camera 
• Clapper Loader - loads the camera, takes care of the stock and records each take.
• Grip - looks after all the equipment for supporting and moving the camera whilst shooting.
• Script Supervisor - makes sure everything seen on camera is consistent from shot to shot.
• Boom Operator - holds the boom.
• Sparks - lighting technicians.
• Hair/Makeup artist - designs and executes makeup and hair.

Post Production

• Editor - cuts the film together.
• Stills Photographer - takes photos for publicity reasons.

Main Roles - Key throughout the whole process

• Director - has creative control throughout the whole process.
• Producer - organisation of money, team and rights.
• Heads of Departments - makes organisation a lot easier.
• Line Producer - ensures that the film comes in on time and on budget

Create a flowchart or mind map of how these roles interrelate

How have the different roles interrelated during your production?

During our production we had three different groups, Scriptwriters, Production Design and Live Action. The Scriptwriters ultimately came up with the ideas and story line, they then passed it onto the Production Design team where we got together reference images, colour schemes, character designs, key shots and props. These were then given to the Live Action group where they went and filmed both live action and animation scenes. Finally, the last thing to do was editing and cutting all the shots together.

2.3 – Outline the potential progression routes into the film industry and wider sector

What could be your potential progression route into the film industry?

During my experience at BFI Film Academy I found that working in the Production Design area of film is a potential career path for me. I really enjoyed working closely with artistic people, putting our ideas down on paper and working together. I have hopefully attained work experience in the design and modeling department of a games company, where I hope to expand my creative skills and learn more about the process of design. After BFI I have met many people I could potentially work with in creating short films as evidence of my progression in film. Although I have never made any films, BFI has allowed me to make contacts, gain experience and given me inspiration. I will go on to University, I am unsure as to what I will study, but film is definitely an option. 

2.4 – Outline the relationship between the film industry and wider creative media sector

How is the film industry influenced by the wider creative media sector?

• Games Industry - the film industry is adopting many techniques that are used in the gaming industry, such as animation and sound techniques.
• Books - many story lines used in films come from books and many books are then made into films, such as the Godfather.
• Music Industry - Music plays a huge part in films, the right sound track creates the right ambiance in the film. Often music artists collaborate with the film industry, which benefits both the artist and the film.
• Internet - the internet influences the way in which films are advertised. It has also allowed collaborations in films from all over the world. You no longer need to meet a person in order to work with them. It also allows aspiring film makers to get hold of equipment and go public on their own.
• Distribution - the way in which a film is made available for viewing by an audience brings in many different outside companies and people. For example, the involvement of a sales agent is needed in order to gather income from the film and get it out there.  
• Streaming films - the availability of streaming means that audiences no longer need to go to the cinema or actually buy the film to see it. Which means that the focus of income for the film industry is no longer really with showing in cinemas, but now from large companies such as Netflix. 
• Web based platforms - One main way for a film to get publicity is through the web. With so many people being active online, it's easy to advertise films online through websites such as YouTube and IMDB.
• Cross Over - Crossover films, such as the Alien vs Predator Films, allow for so many different combinations and possibilities in the film industry. 
• Transferable skills - there are many skills that are gained in film that are transferable to other industries and vice versa. For example, film production design can be transferred into the game industry and graphic design. There are also teamwork, organisation and people skills that could be used in the film industry and many other areas as well.
• Software now has multiple uses - many bits of software can be used in both the film industry and the games industry. Some software can also do most things to do with films; animation, cutting and editing and sound. Meaning that its easier to edit and put films together.

3.1 – Describe the impact of your own behaviours on others

Describe the impact of your own behaviours on others

When working in a team there were many people who were reliant on our team (production design). Our colour schemes, props and character design, needed to be ready in order for the live action team to get on with filming. Working in a team also meant that we needed have a positive attitude in order to work together well and keep everyone motivated. The collaboration of many ideas meant that some comprises had to be made, but also that joint thinking had to play a part in coming up with ideas for shots and story lines. Time management was important for each group so that everyone could get on with their own jobs. 


How do you feel you have worked well with others on the production team?

I feel that I worked well with everyone. I tried to listen to other peoples ideas and I had a keen interest in learning everything I could about the film industry from my peers and the guest speakers we had in. When we were first coming up with film ideas and story lines, I felt it was best that I listened to other people's ideas, however when it came to being separated into smaller groups I found it a lot easier to share my ideas, because I was working in an area where I felt comfortable. When working with everyone, I not only learnt so much new stuff, but I also met so many new people who I have worked with and been inspired by.

What was the impact of your behavior on others?

I think I had a positive impact on the other people I was working with. I maintained a positive and motivated attitude throughout the production week, which I hope also motivated the others. 

3.2 – Identify the key factors for effective working relationships

What qualities are needed to work well with others?

• Teamwork - Within the process of making a film there are many different people with many different skills which are essential to the film, therefore teamwork is essential.
• Listening skills - When working with so many people, all trying to share ideas you need to be able to listen to everyone and take their ideas into account. If you don't, then you could miss out on good ideas.
• Communication - Without communication then the whole film will be disorganized, won't be finished on time and won't be finished in the way or to the standard that the director wants.
• Punctuality - Within different groups there needs to be good time management in order for things to be done on time. Good punctuality allows the film making process to run smoothly in all areas.
• Positive Attitude - a positive attitude is necessary in order to keep everyone motivated.
• Ability to self analyse - allows us to have a better understanding of ourselves and in turn allows us to be more aware of others and how they feel.
• Critical thinking - allows you to make good decisions and determine the importance or arguments and ideas.

3.3 – Interact with others to encourage collaborative thinking and teamwork

Give an example of when you worked with others to encourage collaborative thinking and teamwork

Within the Production Design team we all had to work together closely, not only within ourselves, but also with the live action team. We had to make sure that the themes were constant throughout the props, design and film. Components like the pop up book were a team effort. Different pages and sets were allocated to different people which made it quicker, however we needed to ensure that we were all using the same sort of technique in order for all the pages to look like they all came from the same book. 

4.1 – 4.2 - Identify the resources needed to meet film production requirements and the technical skills and equipment required for your production role

What resources are needed in film production?

• People - without people, no film would be possible. A wide range of people with different skills is essential in order to create the different parts of a film.
• Equipment - an essential when making and recording a film. E.g. Cameras, lights, microphones, set props.
• Knowledge - working with experienced people with knowledge of equipment, editing and advertisement, makes the process of making a film a lot easier. You need at least one or two experienced people in each department, to guide and teach the less experienced workers. 
• Finance - money is needed for equipment, props, software, advertising etc.
• Location - a relevant location is needed for filming and for working in when doing production design and editing.
• Actors - Unless the film is animation, then the likely hood is that it will need actors, even for most animation you need voice actors. 
• Editing Facilities - this includes software and a place to do the editing. 

What is your production role?

During production week I mostly worked in Production Design, but I did also help with some animation bits. 

What do you have to do to carry out this role?

For Production Design we took some reference images on location which helped when creating a colour scheme and designing shots for the film. We also created props, such as the book used in the film, the pages, the costumes and a church clock tower. The thing I worked most on was the colour scheme and the book.

What skills do you need to carry out your production role?

I needed knowledge of the process and knowledge of what other people wanted. I also needed to have a creative insight as to what the film was going to look like, this was aided by reference images and the information I got from my peers. Technical skills needed was the ability to convey my ideas through drawing, design and colours. In terms of personal attributes I needed to talk to people and check that I was going in the same direction of everyone else. 

What equipment and planning documents do you need to carry out this role?

• Camera - to take reference images
• Art equipment - pencils, water colour paints and sketch books to record my ideas and colour schemes.
• Risk Assessments - needed in all areas of production to avoid accidents.
• Call Sheets - to stay organised and report daily production.

4.3 - 4.4 - Review your own technical skills and use of equipment and Identify sources of feedback on your performance

How well do you think you have carried out your role in production?

I think I carried out my role well. I was able to share my ideas with the other teams and as a group we were able to create everything the filming crew needed in order to create and film. I think I worked well within the team and we all had many ideas that we all tried to incorporate into our work.

How do you think your technical skills have developed in this role?

I think working within animation has allowed me to understand stop frame animation more. I now know that for a smooth stop frame animation, the subject needs to be moved a tiny amount and many individual frames need to be taken. I have also developed my camera skills, and my artistic skills, so that I can communicate my ideas easily with others.

How do you think your knowledge and understanding of equipment and planning documents have developed in this role?

I think my understanding and knowledge of planning has improved a lot. I now know how important it is to plan what you're doing and what others are doing. This makes it some much easier and much more organised. Due to the fact that everyone is reliant on everyone else, planning allows things to run smoothly and for things to be finished on time so that others can get on with their job. Even though I wasn't working that much with equipment, as I was on the Production Design team the majority of the time, my understanding and knowledge has definitely improved. I have worked with lighting, slow motion, time lapse, Foley sound recording and animation.

Ask your tutors and peers: How well did I carry out my role in production? How did my technical skills and use of equipment developed in this role? Then answer:

When talking to my peers they said that worked well within the team and listened to everyone as well as contributing my own ideas. They also commented on my illustrations and artistic techniques such as sketching and creating a colour palette. Lastly, I was enthusiastic, positive and worked promptly on all tasks.

What feedback have you received about your technical skills and use of equipment?

• Good illustrations and artistic techniques such as creating a colour palette and sketches
• Keen to learn about new equipment and processes

4.5 – Describe areas for development in your current knowledge and understanding of skills

What is your current knowledge and understanding of film?

I decided to join BFI Film Academy because I wanted to widen my knowledge of film and the film production process. I achieved this and as of now I have learnt many things, such as;

• The importance of planning and call sheets to make sure that everyone gets things done on time and everyone knows what they should be doing at all times
• There are many different ways of filming and animating
• A mixture of live action and animation can work well when story telling
• A wide range of people with different skills are needed to pull a film together
• Film is a long process which needs dedication and flexibility
• Time management is extremely important
• Not everyone is going to agree, therefore compromises have to be made
• Allocation of roles and responsibilities are important to ensure organisation and that the film is finished on time

What skills do you have?

• Teamwork skills - I get on well with most people and am able to reach compromises easily without arguments. I am happy to fit into any part of a team whether that's team leader or a less responsible role.
• Communication skills - I am able to communicate well with others and have no issues sharing my ideas or problems.
• Creative skills - I have a creative mind and have many ideas that I am able to put down in artistic ways.
• Positive Attitude - I can think positively which is always extremely important when keeping a team motivated.
• Listening skills - As well as being able to voice my own ideas, I am also able to listen to others and take their ideas into consideration.

How would you like you develop your knowledge and skills? Give reasons.

I would like to develop my skills in concept art as this is a potential career path for me and the work experience I have planned will be looking for good artistic skills. I also wish to develop my skills in animation as this is an area in which I would like to explore more.

5.1 – Review and critique a short film production

Small People with Hats/Sarina Nihel

Made by Royal College of Art graduate, Sarina Nihel, Small People with Hats explores the world in which these characters live and how they find themselves in very unusual situations. The surreal universe delves into Nihel's dark humour and creates something funny out of often taboo subjects. Her 7-minute creation examines absurd social happenings, into which she interjects her own humour. "People are killed for irrational reasons, which always makes me feel despair”, says Nihei, “but when it comes to film making, I make much of it entertaining and don’t want to make it too serious"

Whilst Small People with Hats could definitely be assessed further and deeper, for me it registers as an exploration of the puzzling, random and absurd humour of it's creator. 

5.2 – Review and discuss own choice of British film productions and world film productions

The Grand Budapest Hotel / Wes Anderson

With quirky, absurd yet amusing characters, amazing production design and an enjoyable, unconventional story line, Wes Anderson's "The Grand Budapest Hotel" provides an unending ride full of light hearted humour.

Chapter 1 introduces us to concierge Gustave H; the heart and soul of The Grand Budapest Hotel, a pink palace perched high in a hazy mountain range. Gustave's most renowned guest, Madame Celine Villeneuve Desgoffe und Taxis (Tilda Swinton), becomes the centre of the hostility between the concierge and her money grabbing family. On the same day that Madame D departs, we are introduced to the young lobby boy Zero, who unintentionally becomes entangled in Gustave's disagreements. Gustave strives to teach the boy everything he knows and all there is know about The Grand Budapest, including his peculiar role in his weathered residents' private lives. "When you're young, it's fillet steak. But as you get older, you have to move on to the cheaper cuts.".

Flawless product design, shooting and editing, The Grand Budapest makes for an incredible visual experience. Both the characters and the story line are ludicrously funny and the whole film leaves us feeling oddly nostalgic.