My original plan of filming a promotional video for the company of Gorillas has changed slightly. While I will still be filming in the location of Gorillas, I will be creating a promotional video for an academy that's been started up by one of the Gorillas trainers, the academy is called Alpha Weapons Academy. The academy currently consists of two classes, one beginner class that is considered as traditional weapons training, where Dave (the trainer) teaches the students the techniques of using martial arts weapons with specially designed sticks - for health and safety reasons. The other class is a controlled fighting club for more advanced students, who 'spar' with more realistic sword-styled weapons while wearing full armour. The company is currently looking to expand and begin a grading system, so they are looking to promote themselves through film to explain who they are and what they do through visuals, with the end result being to gain more attendees interested in martial arts weapon training. On Sunday 31st of January I attended Gorillas to witness both classes in action and have a meeting with Dave about the promotional video. It was extremely helpful to witness both classes for myself to take notes on how to approach the film, the type of shots I can get, certain features to focus on and what can be discussed by staff and students in the video.
Traditional class
After discussions with Dave, with my 'artistic' input, we concluded that he would like the video to consist of approximately the following...
A 2-3 minute video in a documentary style
An upbeat and friendly tone to the film, while remaining professional
Interviews with the staff
Brief interviews with students while out of breath from classes
Interviews with students before attending classes
A large variety of shots of both classes to show exactly what goes on in both
Beneficially for me, this company knows what kind of promotional video they want, but are allowing me to take control of shots etc. and approach, so this allows for me to have guidelines to follow as they know what they want, while still having creative control. I'm looking forward to creating the promotional video for them and will be moving forward with creating a documentary style script, shot list and story board before meeting with them again.
Sparring class
Current dates:
13th of March - Meeting with Dave to go over script etc.
20th of March - Filming
23rd of March - Filming if required
Another meeting will be held during post-production for editing input from the company.
A test shoot of the promotional trailer for Teach 'Em A Lesson is going to be created by myself, the DOP, a VTs director and a VTs camera person. We have chosen to create a test shoot of the trailer instead of the opening titles as practising the use of POV will be very helpful and beneficial for the final trailer. As previously explained, the overall idea for the trailer is this...
A 30 second to approximately 50 second long piece - as per average television trailer / advert times
POV (point of view) based footage using a GoPro helmet
In a similar style to the opening titles, there is a slow reveal that there is an adult getting ready for school
However, this is through POV footage of someone small going through a typical morning for a child. E.g. eating kids' cereal, putting on a school uniform etc.
This leads into them arriving at their classroom still in POV shots to see a teacher (the presenter) saying they're late and to sit down
They look over at their classmate - who's an adult, and as they look back the shot switches to a high angle medium shot of the two adults sat at their desks with the 'student' used for the POVs saying "sorry" in a high pitched voice - changed in post production
The logo appears and the presenter has a voice-over line, e.g. "The teachers are going back to school and it's time to Teach 'Em A Lesson! Starting this Wednesday at 4:30pm on CBBC!"
GFX appearing throughout in a checklist style. E.g. 'School Morning Rules' 'Eat a healthy breakfast! (tick)' 'Brush your teeth! (tick)' 'Don't be late! (cross)' in the style of the chalkboard logo
The trailer will be deliberately comical to relate to the production's style and heavily stick to the theme of adults in a school environment to roughly and quickly explain the type of show that Team 'Em A Lesson is. This idea will also be easy to follow and understand for children, as it would be aired on CBBC.
The test shoot of the trailer will be simplified in location, actors, props and costume, as the main focus will be on camera technique, directing and editing. The decided roles for the shoot are as follows... Director: DOP (Patricia) Co-Director & Sound: VTs Director (Mary) Camera: VTs Camera Person (Harry) POV/Student Actor: Producer (Myself) Second Student Actor: Harry Teacher Actor: 2nd year student (Jordan) Producer & Editor: Myself
Between all of us, we have also decided on the running order of the test shoot trailer. Which consists of the actor (myself) doing as follows...
GFX (blackboard shot for test shoot) 'School Morning Rules...Wake up on time!'
Waking up
Blackboard: 'Have a healthy breakfast!'
Eating childish cereal
Blackboard: 'Don't forget to brush your teeth!'
Brushing teeth with childish toothpaste & toothbrush
Blackboard: 'Dress smartly!'
Putting on uniform
Blackboard: 'Don't forget your school supplies!'
Packing bag with school supplies
Grabbing a childish backpack
Blackboard: 'Don't be late!'
Feet running to school
Sound of school bell as approaching door
Open door to see moody teacher saying "You’re late!"
Blackboard: '...Oops!'
Takes seat
Pair of adults sink in seats and look at each other, revealing it’s adults
The POV student says "Sorry" and pulls awkward face at camera
Logo appears with voice-over consisting over a line such as "The teachers are going back to school and it's time to Teach 'Em A Lesson! Starting this Wednesday at 4:30pm on CBBC!"
Aside from beginning work on the style bible, one of the first tasks I started was brainstorming ideas with the DOP for the production's trailer and opening titles. The main features of the opening titles idea are the points below:
A 30 second long piece - as requested by the producer
Footage of two adults getting ready in the morning - seemingly for work
Eventually, clips of school-based items (such as lunch boxes, pencil cases etc.) reveal that the adults are preparing for school
The adults rush into a classroom and take a seat in front of a board - which transitions into the show's logo as a link into the show's intro
Shot transitions will be featured - for example a book being put down in one location, and being picked up in another to link to the next 'scene'
The opening titles will be created and shot second, as the promotional video needs to be created first in time for it to promote the show itself. I will be going into further detail of my research and planning of the opening titles after other tasks are completed.
The main features of the trailer idea are the points below:
A 30 second to approximately 50 second long piece - as per average television trailer / advert times
POV (point of view) based footage using a GoPro helmet
In a similar style to the opening titles, there is a slow reveal that there is an adult getting ready for school
However, this is through POV footage of someone small going through a typical morning for a child. E.g. eating kids' cereal, putting on a school uniform etc.
This leads into them arriving at their classroom still in POV shots to see a teacher (the presenter) saying they're late and to sit down
They look over at their classmate - who's an adult, and as they look back the shot switches to a high angle medium shot of the two adults sat at their desks with the 'student' used for the POVs saying "sorry" in a high pitched voice - changed in post production
The logo appears and the presenter has a voice-over line, e.g. "The teachers are going back to school! It's time to Teach 'Em A Lesson! Starting Thursday at 4pm on CBBC!"
GFX appearing throughout in a checklist style. E.g. 'School Morning Rules' 'Eat a healthy breakfast! (tick)' 'Brush your teeth! (tick)' 'Don't be late! (cross)' in the style of the chalkboard logo
The trailer will be deliberately comical to relate to the production's style and heavily stick to the theme of adults in a school environment to roughly and quickly explain the type of show that Team 'Em A Lesson is. This idea will also be easy to follow and understand for children, as it would be aired on CBBC.
Research for Trailer
CBBC trailers:
Dixi Trailer
This CBBC trailer is an extremely useful example of POV shots used in children's television. While the POV shots are represented as the point of view of the gadgets the actors are using, such as their mobile phones and laptops, this captures the type of appearance that would be used for Teach 'Em A Lesson's trailer.
Features to be used that are involved in the above trailer:
Breaking the fourth wall - the teacher/presenter in our trailer will look directly into the camera as if to be addressing the student
Static shots as well as the POV shots e.g. the last shot of the two students will be a static medium shot
The Dixi trailer is extremely helpful for our own as it proves effectiveness in using POV in children's TV and especially in CBBC, as well as inspiration for camera angles and actor placement.
Chart Show Trailer
This trailer is a prime example of how a lot of entertainment can be provided in just a 30 second advertisement, and that a visuals based advertisement with minimal dialogue can be very effective as opposed to using a large amount of dialogue.
Features to be used that are involved in the above trailer:
Again breaking the fourth wall
Tracking shots to follow the subject's actions and move with them, instead of static shots focusing on their movements
A soundtrack to liven up the trailer
A voice-over at the end of the trailer to briefly explain the show
A humorous, easy going and fun atmosphere is the anticipated outcome for this trailer, as is the outcome of the trailer above, which greatly inspires the features that will be used in our trailer.
Up All Night Trailer
The fast paced feel of this CBBC movie trailer is a great example of how lively a trailer can be made when the tempo is fast, along with the addition of an upbeat soundtrack and GFX between shots.
Features to be used that are involved in the above trailer:
A lively soundtrack laid over the shots
An upbeat tempo to keep the attention of the audience, as well as creating the realistic feel of the morning rush for students
GFX between shots to give an extra spark to the trailer - to avoid just a montage of shots
This trailer will be referred back to when creating the Teach 'Em A Lesson trailer as it provides great inspiration for creating a trailer that's never dull and holds the audience's attention throughout.
POV Examples:
Eating a Salad by College Humour
While this example of POV includes hearing the character's thoughts, it's a very similar representation of the visual aspects that will be included in our trailer.
Features to be used that are involved in the above POV example:
A large use of the character's hands carrying out activities - as typical in POV
Sounds effects such as the slurping of a drink to be added in post production to create realism
Every day activities carried out including eating
Actors looking into the lens, breaking the fourth wall, to simulate looking into the character's eyes (as mentioned above)
This example is a great guideline to follow when testing out creating POV shots for the trailer.
I Got U - Duke Dumont
This is another example of how a combination of visuals and a soundtrack can be very attractive for it's audience without needing dialogue. This is also great inspiration for how to approach the features of a POV trailer.
Features to be used that are involved in the above POV example:
Shots of the character included, such as hands, feet and chest - for when our character puts on a school tie
A variety of activities carried out, such as eating, drinking, walking to destinations
I plan to cast the production's presenter as the teacher where available, as it allows the talent and main contributor of the show to be featured, as well as him recording a short voice over for the outro.
I also plan to use a mature first year student from our course to act as the POV character, as she has experience with cameras to use the GoPro as well as acting in other student's films, is small in height - which allows for the impression of a child before the reveal and will be easy to work with as well as likely availability.
Locations:
I plan to use a lecture room at Maidstone Studios as the classroom setting due to the ability to dress the set however it's needed and it's classroom style chairs, whiteboard etc.
I am currently unsure as to where to film the at-home parts of the trailer, but it will most likely be at a fellow student's house due to accessibility and availability.
Costume & Props:
Costume for the students will be a basic look of a school uniform with a tie, shirt, jumper, black trousers and shoes. While the teacher will wear a smart shirt, tie and black trousers and shoes. Both portraying a realistic appearance of the characters.
Props will include items such as kids cereal, children's toothpaste and toothbrush, child-like backpack, pencil case and lunchbox and school supplies etc.
Equipment & Crew:
The equipment used will be a GoPro and headmount for all POV shots, along with a Rode Mic and Zune to capture sound, and a Sony EX1 to capture the non-POV shots.
The will consist of our DOP as director, a camera person from VTs as the camera and due to availability I may need to act as sound.
My next steps are undergoing a test shoot of this with the DOP and two other students, gathering actors, locations, costume, props, equipment and crew, and writing a script for the trailer with the inclusion of the DOP.
For the Teach 'Em A Lesson studio production, I applied for the job role of Promotions & GFX Producer & Vision Mixer. My reason for doing so is that the job allows me to be heavily involved in the branding and promotion of the show, along with the appearance of the shows' GFX features, and allows me to gain further experience in film production when putting together the trailer and opening titles alongside the Promotions & GFX Director. Due to wanting to be an editor as my career path, this also allows me to gain further editing experience through editing the trailer and opening titles and gives me the chance to expand on this by gaining experience in being the vision mixer for the production.
In my job role I will be...
Working with the Producer, Studio Director and DOP (Director of Promotions) to produce the promotions and GFX.
Working with the Producer and Studio Director to produce the Style Bible - then make this available for everyone.
Researching trailers and opening titles for the production of our own.
Organise photoshoot of the presenter for the promotional poster and liase with Producer, Director & DOP in the creation of the poster.
Create the concept for the trailer and opening titles and produce the script, locations and cast & crew Then provide the DOP with the details, schedule & script to direct and shoot the two pieces.
Edit & produce the trailer and opening titles.
Undergo workshops for the role of Vision Mixer, have the rehearsal of this role in production rehearsal and undergo the role of cutting the live camera shots & GFX under the instructions of the director in the production.
The current tasks I'm taking are a combination of creating the Style Bible alongside the Director & Producer and beginning work on the content of the trailer and opening titles as these are currently needed the soonest and extremely important to be organised and then completed quickly.
For the most part, the research in my pitch for Screenplay came from the same research sources that I used to present my idea on my journal. However in the creation of this pitch, my idea developed much further and became more detailed. I think there's a lot of strong information involved, extensive research and easy to follow details for the entertaining game show features. This proved to be great practice for any pitching of ideas that I undergo in the future.
Concept My idea is a comedy movie-based game show / quiz that focuses on movie trivia and movie themed games, with a comedic twist. I currently have one title in mind: 'Reel to Reel', however I plan to think of a number of options and decide on the strongest and catchiest one. Audience / Channel The target audience of the show is young to middle aged adults who enjoy comedy. I believe that the show is best suited to a 9pm time slot on Channel 4, most likely on a Tuesday. Channel 4 would be the broadcasting channel for this show due to the combination of it being a channel that frequently takes on new shows and ideas*, has a higher proportion of adults aged 16-34 than any other public serving broadcasting (PSB) channel** and is very well known for broadcasting a variety of comedies and entertainment shows including humorous game shows.
While a number of extremely popular gameshows such as Deal or No Deal and Countdown are broadcast on Channel 4 in the early to mid afternoon timeslots to appeal to an older audience, the most common time for the channel to broadcast it's studio productions and comedic game shows are in the evening, presumably for younger audiences to watch after school, university, work etc. and so that the content can be better suited to adults (such as panellists swearing). For example, 8 Out of 10 Cats is always broadcast at 9pm, most commonly on a Tuesday. However, other Channel 4 game shows and entertainment shows are aired on a Friday evening between 7pm and 10pm, including TFI Friday, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, and Alan Carr: Chatty Man - although the first and last are predominantly talk shows featuring 'big time' celebrities rather than focused on games and quizzes. Along with 8 Out of 10 Cats, another Channel 4 programme that is influential to my show is The Big Fat Quiz. Which often airs twice a year with a celebrity panel for 'The Big Fat Quiz of the Year' and a themed version such a 'The Big Fat Quiz of the 90s'. This quiz show airs at 9pm on a weekday, most commonly on a Tuesday. Due to the fact that 8 Out of 10 Cats and The Big Fat Quiz are influential to my own show and have similarities in humour and an 'after 9pm' freedom of speech type of comedy, my show fits their Tuesday 9pm time slot. Host & Panelists My show would consist of one male host aged between approximately 30 and 45, two team captains aged between 25 and 40, and two panellists aged between 25 and 40.
In popular game shows and quiz shows across Channel 4, BBC and ITV it's a popular choice to have a middle aged man as the host of the show who has experience with comedy and a relaxed feel. Such as Jimmy Carr on 8 Out of 10 Cats and The Big Fat Quiz, Rob Brydon on Would I Lie to You? (BBC One) and Dara Ó Briain on Mock the Week (BBC Two). I feel that using a host with this type of character will bring a bit of flair to the show and make the audience feel comfortable. Panellists on comedy game and quiz shows are most commonly celebrities, and especially known comedians in varying ages, such as in the shows mentioned above. While it's not possible to use celebrities and could be extremely difficult to find willing professional comedians to star as team captains and panellists, using young to middle aged adults who are confident, enthusiastic and experienced in comedy will bring the show to life. The use of the host and team captains would be that they are regulars on the show and are there every week - similar to comedian Jimmy Carr always hosting 8 Out of 10 Cats and comedians Sean Lock and Jon Richardson acting as team captains each week. Therefore they would be introduced as and act as they are familiar with each other and the show and recognised by the public. Meanwhile, also similar to shows such as 8 Out of 10 Cats and Would I Lie to You?, the panellists on either team (one for each captain, two total) would appear as if they are known to the public, but new to the show. While there are most commonly two teams of three panellists on game shows and quiz shows (one team captain, two guests) such as the previously mentioned shows and game shows such as Celebrity Juice (ITV1), I plan to use two teams of two panellists on my show due to possible casting issues from using a higher number, the size of the set, and the fact that two people on each team will work well for the rounds / games played.
A very rough visual of the guests on the show.
Rounds The aim of the game is for each team to work together as a pair and score the most points. Commonly in game and quiz shows that consist of celebrities or comedians instead of the general public, there is no prize and the game is just played for fun. As the people on my show would appear as the former rather than the latter, I may not include an end prize, however for satirical effect, I may decide on using a very ironic, pointless and low budget prize that is hyped up by the host and audience. So far I have thought of three rounds, the in-depth details of will change as I develop the show and the order below is not definite. Names for each round will also be created. Round 1 VT (video tape)-focused round where four pre recorded VTs are shown to the panellists, audience and 'viewers at home' with questions asked to the panellists by the host after each clip. This round is the largest round and a big selling point, it could possibly be split up throughout the game. A point is earned for each correct answer. The inspiration for this comes from The Big Fat Quiz, where moments in history are acted out by children and the panellists guess what the event was. VT Idea 1:
A 1 - 1.30 minute video of a kids / family movie turned into dark and dramatic action film trailer. E.g. Beauty And The Beast acted out in a very serious and overly dramatic manner with cheesy effects.
Host asks panellists what family friendly film this is.
Panellists first give joke answers and discuss the footage (to be loosely scripted)
Panellists then answer the question.
VT Idea 2:
A 1 - 1.30 minute video of a classic / old film made into a common / working class / rough looking film scene. E.g. a scene from The Wizard of Oz turned into a Kidulthood style moment with satirical effect. Using young adult actors that can play 'chav' characters.
Host asks panellists what famous scene this is from which film.
Panellists first give joke answers and discuss the footage (to be loosely scripted)
Panellists then answer the question.
VT Idea 3:
A 1 - 1.30 minute video of a famous action star and their famous lines / movie moments, portrayed by an elderly person. E.g. a compilation of Sylvester Stallone moments portrayed in a comedic way by an old man.
Host asks panellists which famous actor was being portrayed.
Panellists first give joke answers and discuss the footage (to be loosely scripted)
Panellists then answer the question.
VT Idea 4:
A 1 - 1.30 minute video of a goofy comedy made into a musical that sums up the plot and gives it the appearance that it's a beautiful and mature story. E.g. American Pie turned into a soft and sweet musical on a fake, low budget stage.
Host asks panellists what comedy movie this is.
Panellists first give joke answers and discuss the footage (to be loosely scripted)
Panellists then answer the question.
Round 2
A table is placed in the centre of the set with cards in the middle of the table. The team members stand across from each other. The point of the game is for each team member to take turns in picking up a card and attempting to describe the film on the card to their team mate. The points for each correct guess are counted and the team with the most points wins the game and earns a point in the show.
My inspiration for this comes from a game played in the American talk show called The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where Jimmy teams up with one celebrity, and two others play against them. The appeal of this is that the game is on a time limit (most likely about 2 minutes), getting the teams to speed the game up and get very enthusiastic, creating humour out of the game.
Process:
Team members gather round the table, with for example, team captain 1 standing across from their team member and team captain 2 standing across from their team member.
The person closest to the back of the set (facing the audience) starts when the buzzer goes off (the timer begins).
He/she picks up the card from the top and describes the film to their team member without using the film's name, character names or actor names.
Once their team mate guesses correctly or gives up and passes, the card reader places the card down and the person to their left (who is on the opposing team) does the same with their team mate.
The game continues going round to the left until the timer runs out.
Once the timer runs out the team with the most points wins the game and gets 1 point towards the shows score board.
The show is named Catchphrase on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Here is an example video of the game...
Round 3 The team members stand in front of their panellist tables facing the other team, leaving a space in the centre. With a screen at the back of the set such as a TV or with the topic only displayed on screen 'for the viewers at home', the host says a 'what if' type of unusual film change. Such as 'If Darth Vader was played by Will Smith' and any team member walks to the centre of the set and says a funny line to the camera from the current topic, such as "Now, this is the story all about how, my jedi path got turned upside down." Any member can take as many turns as they like until the host moves on to the next topic. A point is earned for a team member each time they deliver a line. This is a game very similar to one that is played in the BBC series Mock the Week, however when sticking to the theme of movies and nothing else, I think this fits into the show very well. Process:
Teams stand in front of their panellist tables facing the other team, leaving a space in the centre.
The host says a what if topic.
Any team member walks to the centre, faces forward and says a funny line from the what if topic (likely to be prepared beforehand).
Another one or two team members will then do this.
The host will move on to the next topic and this will be repeated until the time of the round is over.
Each team member gathers a point in the show when they deliver a line.
An example of the game being played on Mock the Week, where it's called Scenes We'd Like to See...
Appearance I'm currently unsure of exactly what type of appearance the show would have, however I know that the set up of where the guests would sit would be similar to typical game and quiz shows such as 8 Out of 10 Cats and Celebrity juice, with quite a modern set. Due to the shows' theme, there would be lots of movie based decor and objects on set. The idea of movie theatre chairs for the panellists was suggested in feedback of my idea, so potentially making the entire set similar to a movie theatre / cinema could look very effective.
Celebrity Juice: An example of host and panellist position along with set ideas.
Influences / Research So far I have conducted research on...
Channel 4
Channel 4's schedule
8 Out of 10 Cats
The Big Fat Quiz
Mock the Week
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
I currently plan to conduct research on...
Game / quiz shows as a whole
Studio productions
After 9pm studio productions
The largest similarities of my show idea are of 8 Out of 10 Cats and The Big Fat Quiz due to the overall approach that I am going for.
Current Strengths
Quite a solid plan so far with many features.
Has the potential to be very active and funny.
Current Weaknesses
Would need a lot of people involved due to actors needed for VT round as well as host and panellists.
HAS to have an energetic atmosphere with funny panellists or it could go completely wrong.
I have chosen to create a commission based film for this unit as the idea of working with a business to create and edit a promotional video in the style that they desire will be brilliant practice for me when working with others in projects such as this. I was recently made aware of the re-branding of a martial arts fitness club in Maidstone due to someone I know becoming a member. The company is called Gorillas, and having looked into their classes and discussing the club with a member it seems that this company has a lot of potential for a fantastic promotional film. The fitness club takes on a large variety of members, including children, young men and women, older generations and people with disabilities. The club has a wide variety of martial arts classes that the public can take at the same time as the focus being on getting fit. With these film-worthy qualities to promote along with them being in the process of re-branding, it is the perfect company to use for commission. I am currently in the process of setting up a meeting with the manager of Gorillas, as I have contacted them today and was told this is perfect timing for them to have a promotional video and they will be happy to meet with me and discuss this soon. So I'm feeling positive that this could be the start of my commission planning. Assuming that the manager says he would definitely like the go ahead with the film, I will be discussing with him the type of promotional video that he would like the company to have and what he would like to be included, however I already have some ideas of what could be featured that I plan to pitch to him...
An interview with the manager and other staff
Brief interviews with a variety of willing members
Footage of a number of classes (with permission from the members)
Shots of the building, logos, interior etc.
Actuality shots of interactions between staff and members
