SCREEN DIRECT led by Mark McGann and Ed Thomas, presented a 1 day Film/video Production course for Teachers of the 14-19 Creative Arts and Media Diploma.
Our aim was to create a uniquely interactive practical workshop, offering easy to use transferable skills & strategies and invaluable industry insight into Professional Video/Film & TV Production for teachers of Levels 1, 2 & 3 helping them to fulfil the QCA Creative Arts & Media Applied Learning (and Principle Learning) criteria by giving them the tools and expertise to create projects and experiences that reflect real work and real process in the entertainment sector.
The timetable for the day was as follows:
9-30 MEET AND GREET
10-00 SHORT EXPLANATION OF THE DAY’S OBJECTIVE
10-05 OUR KIT
10-15 OUR SCRIPT
10-25 THINKING IN SIZES & SEQUENCES
10-40 VIEW SCENE (1st RUN THRU/REHEARSAL)
10-50 MAKING A SHOT LIST
11-00 COFFEE BREAK
11-10 FINISH SHOT LIST
11-15 FILM SCENE
12-30 LUNCH
1-30 EDITING/POST PRODUCTION DEMO
2-0 COFFEE BREAK
2-10 CONT. EDITING/POST PRODUCTION DEMO
3-0 PLENARY/EVALUATION
3-30 FINISH
The morning session focused on the filming process concentrating on the language (terminology) of the set, equipment, script, performance (which was a duologue scene prewritten and using 2 professional actors Jack Trow and Mark Trotman, lighting, shot sizes and sequences.
The afternoon session focused on the post production process including importing footage into Final Cut Pro and then editing the scene.
All of the delegates had an opportunity to use he equipment and make the creative decisions and were most grateful at the end of the day. Their comments were as follows:
Q- What was the most beneficial aspect of the course?
All the tips given! The atmosphere; nothing was too much trouble & I felt I could ask as many questions as I needed to! Thank you.
Shot Lists & Editing to the script. Watching how the different shots were built.
Demonstration of opportunities to apply techniques in film making. Training in Final Cut was particularly useful. Good to see scene performed by actors.
Making the whole process very clear and simple enough for the students (and me!). Also, giving the relevant vocabulary so that I can make sure the students are using the correct terminology.
The morning session of seeing how filming works within the industry with professional actors and equipment and director/cameraman. The etiquette and ritual is good to emulate and pass onto students.
Seeing the production process and etiquette and on-set jargon.
Organising evidence trail for Diploma. Practical suggestions and tips.
Process from film to post-production.
Having personal time to absorb the skills required for using equipment and Mac software.
Practical advice and opportunity to try out equipment.
Q – Any suggestions for future courses?
Working with consortium staff.
Would it be possible to have actual ‘hands on’ experience of editing film already shot? I would love the experience to create the finished product.
Fine-tuning post production further for intermediate levels after we have taught this.
Advanced software training. Maybe linking the media/drama process more e.g. Acting for screen.
Coming up with simple, short, snappy scripts.
We would love you to work with the Havering Diploma Group. We begin teaching in Sept 2010. We will be in touch!
Q – Any other comments?
By far the most useful course I’ve been on. Excellent opportunity to try out equipment without the need to do the acting!
A truly outstanding day. Thank you so much. I feel I can take this to my pupils and give them an industry film course!
Excellent. Thanks.
Great. Many thanks.
I really enjoyed the day! Thank you very much.
Thank you very much for being efficient and organised in the planning and delivery of this course. Very useful.
Enjoyable day; good opportunity to play. Just need to save money for kit.
Excellent day!
Had a fabulous day. Thank you.
Fantastic. Well done!
DRAMA DIRECT LTD 