The initial research of the project involved researching and watching promotional videos. The two promotional videos which I particularly focussed on were one for the newly opened Tram Network and the other was for the First Generation I-Pod. Whilst both were different in their style and approach to promote the differing products, what did become apparent was that the most important part to both promotional videos were the interviews used. The interviews gave greater depth into the subject and this will be something I will look to focus for my promotional video.
The first part to the initial research of the project was research into the City of Nottingham. This research was of the main sights and attractions within the city of Nottingham, from here, this provided a list of locations and then contact details for each of these locations. I also contacted Nottingham City Council’s Tourist department for advice, this research provided further links, ideas and information for the project.
The official beginning of the project was the first meeting with the client project, the Chief Executive of Nottingham Forest, Mark Arthur. The meeting provided us both with an idea of what was required for the project, how it would be achieved.
The method for filming the video was a long and length process. When each location was filmed, I made sure that a lot of footage was recorded at the location, more than was likely to be needed. This was done to ensure that during the editing process there would be enough footage to edit, ensuring the perfect shots. The process of gaining access to film at each location was the longest process of the entire project, and also was the most hassle. Out of all the locations filmed at, only two locations were agreed upon in a short time period, but the particular locations replying to my contacting of their facilities. The other locations required more precision and tact in gaining a response to the filming requests. Filming at St Pancras International was initially agreed upon with the head of media and marketing, but only one week before filming a different member of staff at the location contacted me demanding the universities public liability insurance. This situation made me realise just how much planning and attention to detail was required when it comes to filming out on location, and even if it appears that filming at the location was agreed upon, those plans can change only days before the proposed shoot.
The editing of the footage took a long time due to the length of the promotional video, but due to extensive pre-production work, this was all allotted within the work schedule. The pre-production process was covered in detail and with precision, so when it came to the filming and editing processes, the workload was already laid out and prepared so all the work could be completed in good time.
One of the editing decisions which took along time deciding upon was how to change from each section of the promotional video, e.g. from Locations to Transportation. Eventually I decided that this would be done using Photoshop to create a photo of the first shot of the next scene, and using a visual effect, then to transition from the photo into the footage. This was done to separate each different section within the promotional video, but also because the editing effects makes the video flow continuously. Music was added to each of these section headings for an aesthetic effect. Originally the music was left out, and whilst the still images looked good, the lack of audio with the pictures felt like something was missing.
Along with the promotional video, I initially decided that a promotional package would have to be created for the project, not just a promotional video. Whilst this did entail an awful lot of work, it was a challenge that I was looking forward to. Deciding what the package would entail was a slightly lengthy process, but eventually I decided upon a DVD which as well as the promotional video would include an interactive menu with the interviews in full, the press release of the new stadium and production photos, along with a DVD label and cover. These decisions were made as I felt each of the features would enhance the promotional package. The main DVD feature I feel is the interviews shown in full, this is because it allows greater inside into what the interviewees thoughts are on the subject, without having to edit them down to fit into a specific time frame.
The DVD cover I am especially proud of as it was created in Photoshop, which is software I am not as fluent in as I would have liked. I decided that Photoshop was the best picture editing software, so it was chosen to create the DVD cover. This did mean that I had to use software which I was uncomfortable with, so I made an effort to put time into using it before I started creating the cover. Ultimately, using Photoshop has enhanced my knowledge and skills of the software hugely, and whilst creating a very professional looking DVD cover, I feel it is more important as a multimedia practitioner that my skills within a major piece of software have been enhanced.
Unfortunately several major problems were encountered with this project. The first problem was with agreeing upon locations and interviews to be undertaken and filmed. For some locations in particular towards the end of the pre-production process, I would be in contact with the location on a daily basis, and unfortunately some locations which were planned to be filmed at could not be filmed due to the lack of response that I was receiving. Fortunately the project was started as early as possible, this did mean that during the pre-production process (whilst some locations response time was very poor) because I had started early that with more pressure enforced for a response from locations and individuals, filming was agreed at locations with enough time to film at the location before editing the project.
Undertaking such a large project could ultimately have been a problem in itself. A smaller scaled project could have been chosen however my interest of this subject and the relevance of the subject to this specific moment in time too, indicated that it was a project that I should undertake. Unfortunately, with two other major modules both producing a mass amount of work at the same time, the time management of each individual module at times became difficult to manage. My attempt to solve this problem was achieved by using my online journal extensively. By continuously keeping the journal up to date, it also worked as a diary which allowed me to manage my time in a more organised manor.
The biggest problem that was encountered was during the most important interview of the entire project, with the client of the project, the chief executive of Nottingham Forest Football Club. The filming equipment was hired from the university, and whilst appearing to be in working order, after filming a very good interview with the client, upon attempting to playback the footage for editing, I noticed that the footage had not recorded properly, and horizontal black lines appeared all throughout the recording, along with the audio being inconsistent. This was the worst thing that could have happened to the project, as it set me back a substantial time stalling the continuation of the project. I was just extremely fortunate that the client agreed to another interview which was rescheduled as his interview was pivotal to the project.
The final problem with the project was that the tutor of the project was un-expectantly unavailable for feedback of the project until four days before the final hand in of the project. Unfortunately due to finding out about this situation at the last minute, this problem could not be solved, and whilst not receiving feedback for the project from the tutor of the project, others have stated how impressed they are with the work, and I am hoping that the feedback received from those unrelated to the project and my own personal opinions show good judgement.
My biggest finding for this project was how intensive the pre-production and production processes were. Being an individual project, yet having to agree filming at several major locations in Nottingham along with East Midlands Airport and St Pancras International as well as interviews and securing footage that could be used within the project required hard work and a lot of time. Whilst not initially realising just how much time was required to produce the project, it has opened my eyes to just how important the pre-production and planning stage of any large project are.
I learnt just how important relevant feedback is to any project. My predicament did mean that I was unable to gain any relevant feedback of the edited work, and without receiving the feedback, it was even more apparent that when is received, it is crucial to take it on board, analyse the feedback and to not be afraid to make changes to the work.
The project confirmed just how important good time management can be to a project. With numerous other projects ongoing at the same time, being able to keep to a strict working schedule is essential to minimise the workload, but maximise the output and standard of the work.
The one consideration which I ultimately decided against was to alter the voiceovers used within the ‘locations’ section of the promotional video. I initially felt that possibly too many statistics and information were used whilst describing each location, however upon evaluating the situation myself, I decided that this was not the case. However, in future projects I will make a special effort to match the voiceover exactly to the images that are to be seen as the same time as the audio will be heard.
With more time available, I would have liked to of conducted more interviews and filmed at some more locations. Unfortunately due to the time frame of this project this was unfeasible this time, however in future it will be something I will look at.
Whilst specifically designed for laptops (as the client of the project stated that the DVD would be watched on laptops) on some televisions when the DVD is watched, the screen size is altered to that when watched on computers and laptops. The picture on some televisions is cropped which shows the promotional video without a certain portion of each side of the picture shown. Whilst this potential problem does not matter due to the hardware that will be used to watch the promotional video, it is a problem that would be better off addressed and resolved.
Thursday, 17 April 2008
Simulated Client Project Evaluation Essay
The initial research of the project involved watching television adverts to gain a grasp of how television adverts advertised their products. Unfortunately despite researching on the internet, not many insect repellent adverts were found, however I watched similar adverts which helped get an insight into how different products were advertised.
I decided that the advert would be a comedic advert as it would be difficult to advertise an insect repellent in a serious advert with little resources and only in thirty seconds. I watched the old John Smiths adverts, these were parody adverts which were very short and unrelated to the product, however they received a cult following due to their humour, and the concept of the adverts which worked very well. I decided that the John Smiths adverts would be a good example of an advert to get ideas from. I also decided that the advert for the insect repellent will be a comedy, which will largely not be associated to the insect repellent.
Insect repellent products were researched in terms of the appearance of the product and the packaging. Whilst having a clean plastic silver spray bottle with no packaging, this was considered perfect to use as the insect repellent. A label was made specifically for the insect repellent, which was made on a white label and importantly contained the name of the repellent as well as a description of the repellent and the logo. It was important to make the text used on the label very clear to read especially on camera, and the idea of making a label for the repellent was felt a necessity for the advert due to this being a creative project.
I decided that securing a location where access would be unlimited and flexible would be in the best interest for producing the advert. This allowed easy and regular access into the filming location, during the pre-production stage of the project and during the planning stage of the project, which allows altercations to be made to the filming concept.
The one actor chosen was freely available, this allowed a filming schedule which even if subject to change would not alter the timeframe of filming the advert.
Filming of the first scene was very ambitious, by setting the scene as a hot and sunny location but without being able to get to the location was a big challenge. The decision was made to film a poster of a sunny beach, whilst slightly moving the handheld camera. Effects were added to the recorded footage, the main effect to be used was a ‘blur’. Hawaiian music was also added to the footage for the same reason as the visual effects, with the music aiming to resemble a hot and sunny location with it’s relaxed and exotic sound. The filming of the poster alone does not have the desired effect, however the addition of effects, and most notably the ‘blur’ effect does allow the footage to resemble a beach and the concept of sunshine and enjoyment. The addition of Hawaiian music did have the desired effect to the footage, without being overbearing.
The main section of the advert was the filming of the actor outside in ‘his’ back garden, in extremely diverse conditions to that of the previous scene. The diversity of this scene is a reality check from the previous scene which was an imaginary image of where the actor believed he was. The change from the two different scenes was very important, as from the happiness of the first scene it was essential to merge into the following scene in a dramatic change. This was done using sound effect of a car crash and a visual effect of the motion of the screen moving from left to right and back numerous times, before the new scene has emerged fully onto the screen. The addition of the car crash sound effect was used to add the drama of moving from one scene to another and this effect works well as the sound effect takes over directly from the Hawaiian music. The visual effect works in tandem with the sound effect, and the idea behind the visual effect was for the audio to dictate the violent screen movement and to appear as a drastic change to the advert, similar to a car crash. Originally the sound effect was the only effect used in the transition between the two scenes, however I thought that the visual effect would further dramatise the transition and it was added to the advert.
The main section of the advert was the scene from which the transition ended. The actor is sat in holiday clothes looking as though he was on holiday at a location similar to the first scene, but in reality he is sat in his back garden next to a large table which contains the insect repellent amongst holiday items. After initially filming the scene with the actor sat by the table from a mid-range distance, during the editing process I discovered that the actor and the other end of the table were not able to be seen fully on screen. This prompted a re-shoot of the scene in which the camera was placed a little further back and the actor was placed nearer the table. After the re-shoot, both the actor and table were more central to the shot making the scene appear better on screen. The scene contained cut shots from the first shot of the actor sat down next to the table, to a close up of the insect repellent being used. The next shot is of a hand pressing down on the insect repellent onto a fly on a cocktail, and as the spray is released, the fly disappears.
This was filmed with one crew member removing the fly after filming the use of the insect repellent, and editing out the in-between shots to allow a smooth transition for the effect to work. This was done to show the insect repellent in use, but was filmed and edited in a manor which kept its comical approach.
The final scene of the advert was the necessary three second pack shot of the insect repellent. The pack shot was filmed using an extreme close up shot of the label. I personally felt that the pack shot was not too important and could not be merged into the main content of the advert itself.
The main problem with this project was trying to get the message and concept of the project across in a short thirty second advert. With the advert being extremely short, it was difficult to get the style I wanted to impose of the advert to come across, and the concept of the advert. The way I attempted to overcome this problem was by rethinking how the advert was going to be filmed and edited. I decided that the length of the shots would be generally shorter to impose more images during the advert.
The most important realisation of this project was that to convey a concept across successfully in a very short time frame, a lot of planning of the timing of the shots had to be done. I learnt that even during the pre-production process, the initial timing of the shots would be subject to change upon seeing how the shots come across on camera.
I also learnt that for my development as a multimedia practitioner, I need to spend more time planning the length of shots during the pre-production process. Whilst the length of the shots could be altered during editing, it would allow for a greater understanding of what was exactly needed during the filming process.
I also discovered that by finishing full edits of the work earlier and gaining feedback from the tutor of this project, the work can be discussed in full and enhanced. The feedback from somebody who understands the project can give a different perspective of the project, which can embark on reasoned debate alternative ideas on the edited work.
The biggest improvement I would make on reflection would be by re-shooting the pack shot at the end of the advert. At the time I did not appreciate that much time should be spent on the pack shot, but looking back it is one of the most important shots within the advert, as it is a close-up of the product being sold. If the pack shot was to be re-shot, I would attempt to relate the pack shot to the rest of the advert by filming the shot outside on the table next to where the actor was sat.
I decided that the advert would be a comedic advert as it would be difficult to advertise an insect repellent in a serious advert with little resources and only in thirty seconds. I watched the old John Smiths adverts, these were parody adverts which were very short and unrelated to the product, however they received a cult following due to their humour, and the concept of the adverts which worked very well. I decided that the John Smiths adverts would be a good example of an advert to get ideas from. I also decided that the advert for the insect repellent will be a comedy, which will largely not be associated to the insect repellent.
Insect repellent products were researched in terms of the appearance of the product and the packaging. Whilst having a clean plastic silver spray bottle with no packaging, this was considered perfect to use as the insect repellent. A label was made specifically for the insect repellent, which was made on a white label and importantly contained the name of the repellent as well as a description of the repellent and the logo. It was important to make the text used on the label very clear to read especially on camera, and the idea of making a label for the repellent was felt a necessity for the advert due to this being a creative project.
I decided that securing a location where access would be unlimited and flexible would be in the best interest for producing the advert. This allowed easy and regular access into the filming location, during the pre-production stage of the project and during the planning stage of the project, which allows altercations to be made to the filming concept.
The one actor chosen was freely available, this allowed a filming schedule which even if subject to change would not alter the timeframe of filming the advert.
Filming of the first scene was very ambitious, by setting the scene as a hot and sunny location but without being able to get to the location was a big challenge. The decision was made to film a poster of a sunny beach, whilst slightly moving the handheld camera. Effects were added to the recorded footage, the main effect to be used was a ‘blur’. Hawaiian music was also added to the footage for the same reason as the visual effects, with the music aiming to resemble a hot and sunny location with it’s relaxed and exotic sound. The filming of the poster alone does not have the desired effect, however the addition of effects, and most notably the ‘blur’ effect does allow the footage to resemble a beach and the concept of sunshine and enjoyment. The addition of Hawaiian music did have the desired effect to the footage, without being overbearing.
The main section of the advert was the filming of the actor outside in ‘his’ back garden, in extremely diverse conditions to that of the previous scene. The diversity of this scene is a reality check from the previous scene which was an imaginary image of where the actor believed he was. The change from the two different scenes was very important, as from the happiness of the first scene it was essential to merge into the following scene in a dramatic change. This was done using sound effect of a car crash and a visual effect of the motion of the screen moving from left to right and back numerous times, before the new scene has emerged fully onto the screen. The addition of the car crash sound effect was used to add the drama of moving from one scene to another and this effect works well as the sound effect takes over directly from the Hawaiian music. The visual effect works in tandem with the sound effect, and the idea behind the visual effect was for the audio to dictate the violent screen movement and to appear as a drastic change to the advert, similar to a car crash. Originally the sound effect was the only effect used in the transition between the two scenes, however I thought that the visual effect would further dramatise the transition and it was added to the advert.
The main section of the advert was the scene from which the transition ended. The actor is sat in holiday clothes looking as though he was on holiday at a location similar to the first scene, but in reality he is sat in his back garden next to a large table which contains the insect repellent amongst holiday items. After initially filming the scene with the actor sat by the table from a mid-range distance, during the editing process I discovered that the actor and the other end of the table were not able to be seen fully on screen. This prompted a re-shoot of the scene in which the camera was placed a little further back and the actor was placed nearer the table. After the re-shoot, both the actor and table were more central to the shot making the scene appear better on screen. The scene contained cut shots from the first shot of the actor sat down next to the table, to a close up of the insect repellent being used. The next shot is of a hand pressing down on the insect repellent onto a fly on a cocktail, and as the spray is released, the fly disappears.
This was filmed with one crew member removing the fly after filming the use of the insect repellent, and editing out the in-between shots to allow a smooth transition for the effect to work. This was done to show the insect repellent in use, but was filmed and edited in a manor which kept its comical approach.
The final scene of the advert was the necessary three second pack shot of the insect repellent. The pack shot was filmed using an extreme close up shot of the label. I personally felt that the pack shot was not too important and could not be merged into the main content of the advert itself.
The main problem with this project was trying to get the message and concept of the project across in a short thirty second advert. With the advert being extremely short, it was difficult to get the style I wanted to impose of the advert to come across, and the concept of the advert. The way I attempted to overcome this problem was by rethinking how the advert was going to be filmed and edited. I decided that the length of the shots would be generally shorter to impose more images during the advert.
The most important realisation of this project was that to convey a concept across successfully in a very short time frame, a lot of planning of the timing of the shots had to be done. I learnt that even during the pre-production process, the initial timing of the shots would be subject to change upon seeing how the shots come across on camera.
I also learnt that for my development as a multimedia practitioner, I need to spend more time planning the length of shots during the pre-production process. Whilst the length of the shots could be altered during editing, it would allow for a greater understanding of what was exactly needed during the filming process.
I also discovered that by finishing full edits of the work earlier and gaining feedback from the tutor of this project, the work can be discussed in full and enhanced. The feedback from somebody who understands the project can give a different perspective of the project, which can embark on reasoned debate alternative ideas on the edited work.
The biggest improvement I would make on reflection would be by re-shooting the pack shot at the end of the advert. At the time I did not appreciate that much time should be spent on the pack shot, but looking back it is one of the most important shots within the advert, as it is a close-up of the product being sold. If the pack shot was to be re-shot, I would attempt to relate the pack shot to the rest of the advert by filming the shot outside on the table next to where the actor was sat.
Monday, 14 April 2008
Client Project Completed and Handed In
This morning the client project was finally handed in, after final completion and review yesterday.
Despite being due an extension on the project; due to the tutor of the project being unavailable for feedback until only hours before the hand in deadline and with being handed equipment that did not work at a crucial stage of the process, the extension was opprobriously declined.
The client project is now completed, along with a completed evaluation in the form of an essay for both the short client project, and this live client project, which will be posted on this journal over the next couple of days.
Over the coming weeks I will have a chance to reflect on this project and evaluation my development as a multimedia practitioner, along with how I produced with the in accordance to my original working schedule, and how I documented the production process throughout the project.
Despite being due an extension on the project; due to the tutor of the project being unavailable for feedback until only hours before the hand in deadline and with being handed equipment that did not work at a crucial stage of the process, the extension was opprobriously declined.
The client project is now completed, along with a completed evaluation in the form of an essay for both the short client project, and this live client project, which will be posted on this journal over the next couple of days.
Over the coming weeks I will have a chance to reflect on this project and evaluation my development as a multimedia practitioner, along with how I produced with the in accordance to my original working schedule, and how I documented the production process throughout the project.
Saturday, 12 April 2008
DVD Cover Created
The natural progression from completing the DVD was the completion of a DVD cover which would surround the DVD jewel case.
The cover was made in Photoshop, an important image software, which I am not too familiar with, however I decided that Photoshop was not only the best piece of software to create the cover in, but was also a piece of software that I feel I needed to have more experience with, thus this choice would once again enhance my skills as a multimedia practitioner.
The first choice taken was to create the background from the the two images of the artist impressions I received of the new super stadium. The day photo was the background of the front and the spine, and the night photo has been merged with the day photo and is on the back.
I wanted the front to be very simple, by displaying the name of the DVD, and also a phtoo of the World Cup trophy standing out from the background. This is similar with the spine, with just the name of the DVD being displayed.
The back of the cover contains the most amount of content. The back contains screen shots, technical information, and text explaining the project and the DVD. I felt it was most important to separate all the different content into sections, allowing the content to not appear all clustered and over bearing.
The cover was altered many times to get the best look, the most important change (which was the final change), was to add an outer shadow to all the text, which brings it out from the background, and makes it much more readable and presentable.
The cover is one of the things I am most proud about in this project, and the feedback I have had (obviously I have received no feedback from the University, it is against their policy) has been very good.
The cover was made in Photoshop, an important image software, which I am not too familiar with, however I decided that Photoshop was not only the best piece of software to create the cover in, but was also a piece of software that I feel I needed to have more experience with, thus this choice would once again enhance my skills as a multimedia practitioner.
The first choice taken was to create the background from the the two images of the artist impressions I received of the new super stadium. The day photo was the background of the front and the spine, and the night photo has been merged with the day photo and is on the back.
I wanted the front to be very simple, by displaying the name of the DVD, and also a phtoo of the World Cup trophy standing out from the background. This is similar with the spine, with just the name of the DVD being displayed.
The back of the cover contains the most amount of content. The back contains screen shots, technical information, and text explaining the project and the DVD. I felt it was most important to separate all the different content into sections, allowing the content to not appear all clustered and over bearing.
The cover was altered many times to get the best look, the most important change (which was the final change), was to add an outer shadow to all the text, which brings it out from the background, and makes it much more readable and presentable.
The cover is one of the things I am most proud about in this project, and the feedback I have had (obviously I have received no feedback from the University, it is against their policy) has been very good.
Friday, 11 April 2008
Areas of Improvements
1. A key area for improvement for me is...
The way the second stage of research is conducted within a project
A source of feedback that supports this is...
The end result of the first four artefacts, and the end result of the research document. The feedback received from my final personal research project presentation
Specific quotations include...
“The artefact does not answer the question it is supposed to” PRP tutor
This relates to the following areas of knowledge and skills:
Research
2. A key area for improvement for me is...
Filming of location without changing the idea of what shots would look better at the time of filming
A source of feedback that supports this is...
The feedback from a crew member during filming of the client project
This relates to the following areas of knowledge and skills:
Decisiveness, Pre-Production, Planning,
3. A key area for improvement for me is...
Enhancing skills in Flash
A source of feedback that supports this is...
The inability to be able to create a website or JavaScript within the software
This relates to the following areas of knowledge and skills:
Adobe Flash, Animation, JavaScript, Programming
The way the second stage of research is conducted within a project
A source of feedback that supports this is...
The end result of the first four artefacts, and the end result of the research document. The feedback received from my final personal research project presentation
Specific quotations include...
“The artefact does not answer the question it is supposed to” PRP tutor
This relates to the following areas of knowledge and skills:
Research
2. A key area for improvement for me is...
Filming of location without changing the idea of what shots would look better at the time of filming
A source of feedback that supports this is...
The feedback from a crew member during filming of the client project
This relates to the following areas of knowledge and skills:
Decisiveness, Pre-Production, Planning,
3. A key area for improvement for me is...
Enhancing skills in Flash
A source of feedback that supports this is...
The inability to be able to create a website or JavaScript within the software
This relates to the following areas of knowledge and skills:
Adobe Flash, Animation, JavaScript, Programming
Thursday, 10 April 2008
DVD Menu Created
One day has been spent on the creation of the DVD menu, and now the menu has been completed.
Creation of the DVD menu has enhanced my skills as a multimedia practitioner as despite having used the DVD menu creation software Adobe Encore before, this experience has improved my familiarity with the software.
I decided to keep the menu itself simplistic, but with keeping it in line with the style and approach of the Promotion Video.
The DVD menu has full accessibility to each section, and has good usability.
With more time, I feel I could of improved the DVD menu, by improving my technical skills with the software, or even attempt to create the DVD menu using different software. But with the time the menu was made in, I am overall fairly happy with the DVD menu, as the accessibility to each part of the menu is the main importance, and that works well.
Upon loading, the menu begins with a short video which leads into the main menu. This video is the same video that opens the Promotional Video itself, however without the music.
The main menu is the starting point for the viewer, with access to all sections of the DVD.
The main special feature contained on the DVD menu is the ability to watch each recorded interview in full.
The official press release of the new super stadium can be accessed by looking at the screen shots placed on the menu.
The final additional special feature is a series of photos taking, whilst filming out of location.
Creation of the DVD menu has enhanced my skills as a multimedia practitioner as despite having used the DVD menu creation software Adobe Encore before, this experience has improved my familiarity with the software.
I decided to keep the menu itself simplistic, but with keeping it in line with the style and approach of the Promotion Video.
The DVD menu has full accessibility to each section, and has good usability.
With more time, I feel I could of improved the DVD menu, by improving my technical skills with the software, or even attempt to create the DVD menu using different software. But with the time the menu was made in, I am overall fairly happy with the DVD menu, as the accessibility to each part of the menu is the main importance, and that works well.
Upon loading, the menu begins with a short video which leads into the main menu. This video is the same video that opens the Promotional Video itself, however without the music.
The main menu is the starting point for the viewer, with access to all sections of the DVD.
The main special feature contained on the DVD menu is the ability to watch each recorded interview in full.
The official press release of the new super stadium can be accessed by looking at the screen shots placed on the menu.
The final additional special feature is a series of photos taking, whilst filming out of location.
Tuesday, 8 April 2008
Client Project Menu Decided
The decision making process of the content of the menu for the Promotional Video is now complete.
The menu will contain special features, and these have now been decided upon. Unfortunately using the DVD menu creation software Adobe Encore, you are unable to contain links to external web sites, and this was a feature than I was initially wanting.
With this in mind, the special features contained on the DVD menu have been subject to change, but the most important feature in addition to the whole Promotional Video, was originally going to be, and still is full edits of each interview filmed.
In addition, two other 'special features' will be included on the DVD menu, screen shots of the press release for the new super stadium and promotional photos of the production of the Promotional Video.
The menu will contain special features, and these have now been decided upon. Unfortunately using the DVD menu creation software Adobe Encore, you are unable to contain links to external web sites, and this was a feature than I was initially wanting.
With this in mind, the special features contained on the DVD menu have been subject to change, but the most important feature in addition to the whole Promotional Video, was originally going to be, and still is full edits of each interview filmed.
In addition, two other 'special features' will be included on the DVD menu, screen shots of the press release for the new super stadium and promotional photos of the production of the Promotional Video.
Artefact: Four Evaluation Submitted Online
Artefact: Four followings on from the previous artefact, establishing the impact digital technology had on television broadcast news in regards to the accessibility and interactivity of news.
The artefact was re-edited and re-formatted and uploaded onto the video sharing website YouTube, placed onto an iPod and onto a portable computer system, a PSP. The most important part to this artefact was the evaluation, as this focuses on what impact the digital technology had on the industry.
The lower cost of recording equipment and editing systems and software have enabled anybody to create their own news story. With the addition of video sharing websites allowing a platform for these news stories to be shown, this artefact raised the question of whether there was still a need for professional news makers.
The professional news industries retaliated by introducing interactive news, which allows the viewer to decide which news they want to watch and when they want to watch it.
Whilst content in video sharing websites are viewed millions of times per day, for an individual news article to be seen by a large audience is going to be difficult. This re-establishes the importance of brand power and advertising and the impact it has on the audience for their decision of where to watch the news. However, the decreasing viewing figures of broadcast news has happened for a reason, and this could be down to the audience being more accepting of alternative news where the content is of more importance but the production values will not be as high, or a general change in culture with viewers not wanting to receive their news from television.
This artefact has established that the audience watching broadcast television news is rapidly declining and the accessibility of technology could be directly linked with this trend. This puts more pressure onto the professional news reporters but also allows news makers to publish their news articles to a wider audience, at a lower cost.
[Edit: Evaluation submitted online at 11:40, 21st April 2008.]
The artefact was re-edited and re-formatted and uploaded onto the video sharing website YouTube, placed onto an iPod and onto a portable computer system, a PSP. The most important part to this artefact was the evaluation, as this focuses on what impact the digital technology had on the industry.
The lower cost of recording equipment and editing systems and software have enabled anybody to create their own news story. With the addition of video sharing websites allowing a platform for these news stories to be shown, this artefact raised the question of whether there was still a need for professional news makers.
The professional news industries retaliated by introducing interactive news, which allows the viewer to decide which news they want to watch and when they want to watch it.
Whilst content in video sharing websites are viewed millions of times per day, for an individual news article to be seen by a large audience is going to be difficult. This re-establishes the importance of brand power and advertising and the impact it has on the audience for their decision of where to watch the news. However, the decreasing viewing figures of broadcast news has happened for a reason, and this could be down to the audience being more accepting of alternative news where the content is of more importance but the production values will not be as high, or a general change in culture with viewers not wanting to receive their news from television.
This artefact has established that the audience watching broadcast television news is rapidly declining and the accessibility of technology could be directly linked with this trend. This puts more pressure onto the professional news reporters but also allows news makers to publish their news articles to a wider audience, at a lower cost.
[Edit: Evaluation submitted online at 11:40, 21st April 2008.]
Sunday, 6 April 2008
Still Awaiting Client Tutor's Feedback
With the final work due in a week tomorrow, I am still awaiting anxiously the feedback from the client tutor project.
After frantically sending a copy of the first edit of the promotional video to the tutor, and sending multiple emails asking if the DVD was received, and asking for any comments / feedback from the video, at present nothing has been received.
Unfortunately time is running out, but hopefully feedback will not be too long in coming...
After frantically sending a copy of the first edit of the promotional video to the tutor, and sending multiple emails asking if the DVD was received, and asking for any comments / feedback from the video, at present nothing has been received.
Unfortunately time is running out, but hopefully feedback will not be too long in coming...
Wednesday, 2 April 2008
Disaster Resolved
Earlier this morning, I had a very strong element of luck.
Speaking to the owner of Save Dave Clothing who is a very good friend of mine replied to my SOS call and offered to create the needed data disk DVD on my behalf! Feel delighted, I handed over the external hard drive with the .avi file of the promotional video on, and he proceeded to create the DVD for me and hand it back to me an hour later.
The DVD then was straight away taken down to the post office, weighed and sent to my tutor. Now he has the only copy of the first edit of the promotional video, I will hopefully be receiving confirmation that the DVD has been received and feedback about the video, which I can take on board and potentially look to make changes to the video.
Speaking to the owner of Save Dave Clothing who is a very good friend of mine replied to my SOS call and offered to create the needed data disk DVD on my behalf! Feel delighted, I handed over the external hard drive with the .avi file of the promotional video on, and he proceeded to create the DVD for me and hand it back to me an hour later.
The DVD then was straight away taken down to the post office, weighed and sent to my tutor. Now he has the only copy of the first edit of the promotional video, I will hopefully be receiving confirmation that the DVD has been received and feedback about the video, which I can take on board and potentially look to make changes to the video.
Disaster Strikes!!!
After making very good progress by completing the first edit of the promotional video, the next logical step was to place the completed edit onto a DVD...
...However only minutes later after searching the house (quietly I must add) for a DVD writer, it occurred to me that there is not actually one here in the house! There is one which is used a lot but that is on the PC up north at university.
Considering feedback for the edit is needed ASAP, truth be told I do not know what to do! Basically the early hours of tomorrow morning will be involving ringing around contacts I know, asking to pull in a big favour, will it work...I doubt it, however there is no other way of moving on with this project without this taking place...so here's hoping!
...However only minutes later after searching the house (quietly I must add) for a DVD writer, it occurred to me that there is not actually one here in the house! There is one which is used a lot but that is on the PC up north at university.
Considering feedback for the edit is needed ASAP, truth be told I do not know what to do! Basically the early hours of tomorrow morning will be involving ringing around contacts I know, asking to pull in a big favour, will it work...I doubt it, however there is no other way of moving on with this project without this taking place...so here's hoping!
First Edit of Promotional Video Complete!!
All of the hard work; hours spent in conversations over the phone, planning, filming, and editing has finally seemed worth it, as now the first edit of the promotional video is complete.
With help from my good friends at 13th Hour Band I was allowed to listen to their music catalogue and if there was anything that would work well in the project I was able to use it. So a small piece of music is used in the background for each topic header used in the video.
With the finalised first edit, it now means that I can place the promotional video onto a DVD and send it via post to my project tutor for some essential feedback, so possible changes and enhancements can be made.
Unfortunately as to the agreement, as some of the footage and interviews are not permitted to be shown in the public domain (and the fact the video is over 3.7gb) the video will not be posted on this online journal.
With help from my good friends at 13th Hour Band I was allowed to listen to their music catalogue and if there was anything that would work well in the project I was able to use it. So a small piece of music is used in the background for each topic header used in the video.
With the finalised first edit, it now means that I can place the promotional video onto a DVD and send it via post to my project tutor for some essential feedback, so possible changes and enhancements can be made.
Unfortunately as to the agreement, as some of the footage and interviews are not permitted to be shown in the public domain (and the fact the video is over 3.7gb) the video will not be posted on this online journal.
Tuesday, 1 April 2008
Visual Effects Added to Video
The visual effects have now been added to the promotional video.
The effects include video layers over the top of the background video shown, and also some motion movement working effectively as animation of some still pictures (such as the artist impressions of Nottingham's new super stadium).
One of the early visual effects is old footage from when the City Ground hosted Euro 1996 appears on the video from the background goal of the current City Ground:
(This technique has been used a few times throughout the video, but it is felt it is effective.)
When discussing trams within the city and future tram developments which coincide with the opening of the city's new super stadium, slow dissolving transition effects have been used:
The effects include video layers over the top of the background video shown, and also some motion movement working effectively as animation of some still pictures (such as the artist impressions of Nottingham's new super stadium).
One of the early visual effects is old footage from when the City Ground hosted Euro 1996 appears on the video from the background goal of the current City Ground:
(This technique has been used a few times throughout the video, but it is felt it is effective.)
When discussing trams within the city and future tram developments which coincide with the opening of the city's new super stadium, slow dissolving transition effects have been used:
Creating Headings in Photoshop
The Promotional Video has different sections, and with each section a screen was wanted with the name of the section, and a related background.
Through the reliable method of trial and error, it was decided that using Photoshop the first frame of each section would be held still, and with a visual effect / filter over the image and the text explaining the section, this still shot would then transition into the beginning of the section.
Unfortunately I had never really been too happy with using Adobe Photoshop, so this provided a perfect opportunity to increase my Photoshop skills and enhance myself as a multimedia practitioner.
The process was as follows:
The still shot of the first clip was used and opened in photoshop:
By selected the Filter Section, apply the 'Cutout' Filter, and the following options:
The original picture is transformed into a unique style which allows the transition to work well:
This completes the simple yet effective Photoshop work. The text is added by creating a 'title' in Adobe Premier Pro, as is the transition from one screen to the other:
Through the reliable method of trial and error, it was decided that using Photoshop the first frame of each section would be held still, and with a visual effect / filter over the image and the text explaining the section, this still shot would then transition into the beginning of the section.
Unfortunately I had never really been too happy with using Adobe Photoshop, so this provided a perfect opportunity to increase my Photoshop skills and enhance myself as a multimedia practitioner.
The process was as follows:
The still shot of the first clip was used and opened in photoshop:
By selected the Filter Section, apply the 'Cutout' Filter, and the following options:
The original picture is transformed into a unique style which allows the transition to work well:
This completes the simple yet effective Photoshop work. The text is added by creating a 'title' in Adobe Premier Pro, as is the transition from one screen to the other:
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