WEEKLY JOURNALS

This is where you think about your FMP learning journey and development.
Don’t simply describe what you did - consider what you have learnt and how this has benefitted
your project. What do you need to improve?

THIS IS JUST GUIDANCE THAT YOU NEED TO ADAPT TO YOUR OWN PROJECT. YOU HAVE CREATED YOUR
OWN PRODUCTION SCHEDULES AND YOUR WEEKLY BLOGS SHOULD REFELCT THAT.

THESE QUESTIONS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED IN THE WEEKS YOU COMPLETED THEM. DO NOT JUST SUBMIT THIS
FORM FILLED IN FOR YOUR WEEKLY BLOGS. THERE SHOULD BE 11 WEEKLY BLOG ENTRIES (INCLUDING
EASTER).

Week Four - Planning

PLANNING

What did you learn from your planning This week I completed my script. This was probably one of the
this week? most challenging parts as it required a lot of brainstorming of
ideas. Once I completed 2 pages of the script, I got into the
flow of it and it became easier. In my Script I made sure that
the lines suited the character profiles. For example, for my
robber characters I added slang and cuss words to make them
appeal like actual criminals. When it came to making location
recces, I changed them multiple times. At the end I figured out
that it will be easier for me and my actors to stick around the
same area as the college, that way I can keep the budget of
my production lower as there wont be any travel expenses and
it will be pretty easy to go and reshoot anything later on if
needed. Story boarding helped me realise what camera
angles will work the most effective and which order I will put
the scenes to keep my audience engaged. For shots where I
wanted a more intimate connection between the audience
and my characters, I used closer angles, for shots where I
wanted to set the location or have more than 2 people in, I
used longer and wider shoots. The story board I made will guide
my camera man. To make sure my actors can make it on the
day of filming I sent out confirmation emails and got them to
reply weather or not they can make it.

What issues did you encounter and Most issues I encountered during my pre-production were
how did you overcome them? mainly when I was writing my script. I kept on changing my
idea multiple times until it made sense. Furthermore, I ran into
some issues when making my story board. It was difficult to
draw accurate images without scouting the location that I will
record at before. If I was to do it again, I would go to the
location that I want to record before. That would have also
helped me write down more accurate camera angles.
How did you ensure that your The drawings on my story boards weren’t the best standard,
storyboards were completed to a high however I did write a good description of what goes on in
standard? each scene which will help me when filming. To make my story
board more detailed I could have added the duration of the
scene however I don’t think that would of changed much as I
will only find out how long a scene is after I record it. On my
story boards I made sure that I wrote what camera movement
and angle I need for what scene. In one of the scenes I need a
tracking long shot that goes into a medium shot. Instructions
like these will certainly help my crew to be on the same page. I
feel like the story board is quite important and the thing that
could determine the overall success of my production.

How has your planning The only thing I changed was the script as I wasn’t happy with
developed/changed during the my first few ideas. I let my friends read both variations and the
planning stage? second one seemed funnier, so I went with the funnier one
since my genre is comedy.

How have you ensured your To ensure that my script was to a high standard I asked my
script/shooting script is of a high teacher and peers to read it. My teacher read it and said it
detailed standard? was fine, so I think it is made to a good standard. As well as this
I feel like my stage directions were quite detailed and easy to
follow. My actors are my peers – not professionals so having
easy to follow stage instructions was my priority.

How well have you managed and I got asked to be in a few productions for other people, so I
organised your cast and crew to be in asked them to return the favour. We all recorded our
available when you need them? productions in similar locations and on similar dates so that
wasn’t too complicated.

Are you on track for the week? If not, Behind

What work do you need to complete 6 MORE WEEKLY BLOGS + Final evaluation + Pitch
outside of lessons to stay on track?

High Grade Tips

Planning & Production