As Live Unit: Project Update

I've added first draft running orders and call sheets to our google account under documents. I'll work on these as we progress, and when I get the opportunity to work with Dean. We'll be writing scripts together soon in the week! Then I can send a copy to Adam to go over. Promo team need to plan their campaign adverts, Dan is to contact Adam to let him know what's required of him. I'm waiting on the final logo to be sent to me soon, and flyers to be ready Thursday. Jo and Fran seem to have a clear idea of how to put together the VT for Soundcasters, Fran's coming to meet the band Sunday, Jo is going to draft some questions up from the script so we know what they should film at pizza express.

As Live Unit: Project Update

We're now using our gmail account (unsigned.live.2012@gmail.com) to upload any documents, just find it on the tab at the top of the page. I've posted draft call sheets, floor plans, the pitch, leaflet info, and anything useful.

VT Meeting Today:

Gig Guide (Hennie & Abbi)

Venues

-Earls

-Druids

-Style & Winch 

Presenter

-Around Maidstone (fri/sat evening - 'buzzing' feel)

-Possibly chats with landlords, bands? (not sure how much they can tell us/if they're interesting)

-Script information - what (pieces to camera/ actuality/ VO)

-Top, middle and end

-If chatting to people, get self-contained answers

-Pacing - roughly 3 words a second

Get all your facts together and all your research and figure out what you want the presenter to say, in a structure. And think about where and what the presenter is doing whilst she's delivering this. What are we showing? What will be voice-over? 

Day Job (Maddie & Jane)

Standing On Giants

-Bookie worker (Daryl, drummer) - contact William Hill press office?

-Lead singer (Simon) - teacher, extreme skateboarder? 

-Ant studies guitar

-Alex works at a record label in London

It's not essential that we show them all in the VT, as long as we get a sense of what they're about, who they are and what they do in the day. Talking to Simon and Daryl, they're all about the music, its amazing how they talk about it so passionately. 

Develop a concept. Create a juxtaposition between the band and Daryl's job in the bookies? They're great talkers, it's all about getting to know them, show us something extra that we won't see in the live show, what they like doing. We're attending one of their rehearsals 18th April and recce that location for filming.

On the Road (Fran and Jo)

There's so much potential for this VT. The standard of bands on the show is high, they're slick and they attract audiences old and young, people that appreciate good music. It's the reason why I cast them, and it's the reason why Pizza Express is the type of venue that fits with the style of the programme that I'm setting out. It's not about the bands that play for a hobby or just starting out, these bands are passionate about what they do and they're serious. Plus it's not your typical venue, I wasn't aiming to pigeon-hole bands into a stereotype that all there is is pub gigs. There's so many supporters of music out there, and Paul, who runs these gigs, is one of them; he runs festivals and gigs at least twice a week for a living. It's a great opportunity for any unsigned band to play, and it has great content for a script. I admit, it might not be the "on the road" VT everyone pictures, and everyone thinks differently. But this project is adapting and changing all the time, I think we should just go with it, be daring, and we know it's doable and it will look good! 

So, think about sequences, what is the presenter doing, what is she saying. Is she taking us into the venue and walking into a soundcheck or how will she travel with them? If you want it to feel like its more "on the road", I think you'll have to think about what opportunities you can film. You can definitely have a good recording and video of them playing to cut to. And there's potential for good backstage content. 

Everything is confirmed so far. I suggest you take a look at the venue, and come watch The Soundcasters on Sunday to hear their thoughts and get some information for your scripts.

On another note, CAFT are building the set! I've asked for lotsa pictures, they're gonna let us know when promo team can come film, and I definitely will be popping over to see how its looking! 

Lauren's been doing well getting onto sound and lighting, be good for her to communicate what she's found out to Matt and Jo and write up what her plans are. We're gathering together a kit list. She's also gathering first years to try out for cameras and develop their skills. We'll also look into advertising runner roles to help Maddie and Fran on the floor.

Matt showed me the first mock-up flyer design today. It's a good start, but he needs help from his team! I know Alex had some ideas, be good for you all to help each other. I'll get some examples up of designs I like, so you have something to work off. 

As Live Unit: Project Update

We've cast our two presenters. Adam Dowling is our male for the studio, and Jessica Coote is our female for the VT's. We have our bands. I've been in contact with The Soundcasters recently, and I'll let them know that Fran may be in contact regarding VT's if I haven't already. Lauren, Hennie, Maddie, Jess and I met a couple of members of Standing On Giants recently to gather some information and find out some details with them. I'm just chasing up Charlie Rivers Band now to confirm the rehearsal date. 

I am in constant contact with CAFT, they are able to build parts of the set, but there have been complications regarding the budget and what they have available. A lot of the main features that we wanted, we have been told we need to fund ourselves. We're hoping to overcome this issue as soon as possible so they can carry on building the set so it doesn't disturb their other projects and this one. 

The logo design is finalised to an extent and a website is set up thanks to Dan. We'll make the finished design for the title graphics and astons etc. He's hoping to plan the promo videos soon. I've sent him the information for the leaflets, so they can start designing them and making some proof copies to see. I have started a press release, as it would be good to get this project out there and known.

I'm hoping to hear some VT ideas from the team on Monday, it's all about content. They're only 1:30 long, so they have a lot of information to put into a short space of time. It's important that they're planned and polished. 

I've written up call sheets and already passed on the band's contact details to the relevant producers of the VT's. I've also started a script which I hope to work on with Dean in the week, as well as the running order. 

I've asked Lauren to get onto lighting, with my help. We aim to speak to Fergus to decide what we need so we can make a plan and let the studios know. We'll also work on what the set up will be for the sound.

We have a workshop date with Hans April 26th with the first years. The Soundcasters are available to come in as they can't make the rehearsal date, if that's best. I'm just worried about what the plan is for that date. Whether we should have sound, as we're asking a band to come in, in their own time, assuming we're asking them to haul their equipment too. If we could, set it up to record some music videos for them using our studio lights, as a favour for them for coming in? Could try out a smoke machine too.

Fiction Adaptation Unit: Production

I filmed some artsy crayon melting techniques today as I plan to layer them over some of my other footage as a kind of transition. It'll all make sense when put together hopefully. It still makes a pretty photograph either way.

Fiction Adaptation Unit: Production

Here's my rough storyboard which I can work from, I've drawn up shot lists and props so I can see what I need to shoot. Today I've filmed shots of water, branches and collected leaves. I've gone through some fonts to use for the text on screen, as it's something to decide now than to change my mind later on.

As Live Unit: Project Update

Auditions have been going well! One more girl to see tomorrow, then that's presenters sorted! They all seem really experienced and enthusiastic about the show, and more importantly, flexible! 

On another note, I've had an email from the CAFT team as they've been busy working to our brief. Here are the images they've sent me:

LED lights in frosted plastic bottles

Basic model box

I'm really impressed with their work so far, we're figuring out minor things to do with the starry lighting at the back of the stage. They're sourcing sofas and props for the interview area and doing creative things to them!

Fiction Adaptation Unit: Media World

"Harker"

NB: This is not the actual poster

I've just seen that at the same time we did the workshop in adapting a novel that we brought in, a story similar to mine is in talks to being made with Russell Crowe. Weirdly announced at the same time. Just goes to show there's not many original ideas left, but many adaptations. The film is called 'Harker', based on the Dracula novel. As I did with my idea, they have changed the main character from a lawyer to being a detective based at Scotland Yard, investigating the murders of Count Dracula and making it more action-orientated. It's set to be directed by Jaume Collet-Serra (Unknown, Orphan), who also plans on shooting an adaptation of 'Akira'. If this becomes another 'Sherlock' style franchise in cinema then perhaps there's room on the BBC for their own 3-part adaptation... 

As Live Unit: Project Update

Just had a meeting with CAFT to show them the studio and let them have a peek at Studio 2. We've agreed the set design and the aspects and props. They are going to deliver sketches and a model box next week. I have their email for communication.

As Live Unit: Project Update

Today we had a session with Hans and updated him as far as we could regarding the production. He came up with some really useful feedback. We're getting closer in finding out what our resources are for the studio, we have a lighting technician for 2 days prior to shoot for rigging and set-up. Hopefully we're getting the bands in for a rehearsal and set-up the day before so we can overcome any problems we may encounter sooner rather than later. 

Talking to Hans about lighting and for visual aesthetics, the idea of introducing another stage area for the acoustic act could be something to think about. I originally steered away from the idea of having multiple stages from being told the complications which could occur from doing so regarding sound and moving cameras. I've added in another stage in the plan for the CAFT team, the set isn't complicated so it shouldn't be an issue. I'm meeting with CAFT tomorrow morning at 10am to view the studio and discuss what we need. 

Regarding casting, I've managed to rope in a DJ I met at KMFM called Adam Dowling. He's very supportive of live unsigned music and had presenting skills. We're auditioning him Monday at 4pm to try out some presenting techniques and testing him in front of camera. We're doing the same for our female presenters on Tuesday. The bands will hopefully be confirmed by Monday. 

We looked at logo designs today. There were some very good ideas, but I've always loved Dan's guitar pic idea, it's exactly the simplicity I was looking for and can be very easily marketed. We just need to work on the font and get it polished up. I'm happy to work with one of the team to get it finished. 

In the studio we set-up an interview situation to test out our roles and see how well we communicate and work together. As we were short of people, I acted at P.A. and controlled timings and communicated shots to Lauren (director). Everyone worked well together I felt. We learned a lot, things should run more smoothly with cameras that are fully briefed and prepared in advanced. 

Also this week, I've been cable bashing for a JML shoot at the studios. The first rehearsal day was good in being able to talk to the crew and cameramen more and learn from their experience. There's always a variety of things to do in any production. So at first we were organising the products, the audience, then being responsible for the safety of the cameramen.. and fetching them coffee. The crew was lovely, it was a pleasure working with them all and seeing a production run so smoothly!

So there's lots to think about, hopefully I'm not missing anything. One of the next things to do after next week is to begin writing the script with Dean!

As Live Unit: Project Update

Casting

The bands we have contacted and are interested are: 

The Soundcasters (CONFIRMED)

Known these guys for a while now, they've played some amazing sets, and they're playing Pizza Express in Maidstone on April 19th. (http://www.paulduntonandguests.com/event/2012/04/19). They've already appeared on TV on a Channel 4 documentary:

"The Soundcasters made their TV debut in August when the Channel 4 documentary ‘Amish: World’s Squarest Teenagers’ was shown. This prompted radio interviews and airplay along with many articles in local and national newspapers and TV magazines including the Daily Mirror and Radio Times. The Soundcasters episode focused on the experience of a group of Amish youngsters spending a week with an artistic and musical family. During the week of filming, the band took their Amish guests to places of interest in Kent and shared with them their love of music, ending the week at ‘Togfest’, the music festival in Milton Keynes, where The Soundcasters played on the main courtyard stage. Clips of their music featured in the programme, causing a great deal of interest in the band, with much activity on their Facebook and MySpace sites helping to increase their fan base." (http://www.paulduntonandguests.com/artist/156)

Fish Tank (Meeting on Saturday)

3 members who describe themselves as Art Math Prog Pop Rock. They're from Broadstairs, so more known in Canterbury and East Kent. Lauren H is dealing with this band so we'll have more information come Saturday. 

Standing On Giants (Meeting next Thursday)

4 members, indie, rock, pop. I would describe them as being similar to 'The Kooks'. 

Here is what they do:

Simon works in a PRU unit with works with young people who have been or who are at risk of being permanently excluded from mainstream education due to behaviour. Ant is in final year at Brighton Institute of Modern Music studying guitar. Daryl work in William Hill and Alex is one of the top engineers and producers at a classical record label based in London.

Next month they will be recording, writing and gigging, getting ready for the summer festivals.

The Charlie Rivers Band (Confirmed)

Well-known around the circuit. Good acoustic rock alternative. They would offer something different. 4 members from Tunbridge Wells.
"One time solo singer/songwriter Charlie Rivers has witnessed a truly organic growth in his music which has slowly but surely taken on a full band sound, spurred on by Steve McCormack (guitar), Steve Bassett (bass) and Ash Rushman (drums). In the space of only 16 months, The Charlie Rivers Band has morphed from the 'hear-a-pin-drop' sounds of one man and his guitar, to an uncompromising full band musical experience. 2009 saw the guys play at the "Busking Cancer" launch event alongside "Madness," and attained duo slots at Hyde Park and Wireless festival. Last year the band launched their much anticipated debut album 'Tender Chaos,' playing a host of sell out shows both in the UK and abroad including a storming headline set at the the Local & Live Music festival. Their single "Crazy" received a great deal of local radio play and recent support sets have included Newton Faulkner, Matt Berry and Toploader. The band are currently working on their follow up album, having previewed some of their new material throughout the course of 2011, set for a release in early 2012." (http://www.paulduntonandguests.com/artist/40)

Dom Wise (Interested)

Know him very well, acoustic, possible back-up. 

History Of The Trade (Possibly for VT's) 

Already met them, unavailable for the live show but great talkers and music and have a lot going on in the next couple of months, ie. music videos, recording. Here's a video they've already made:

But, even with great bands who may have the most interesting things to talk about, it's the presenter that makes a show. In the past, shows have failed because popular presenters have left; I'm looking for a presenter that will liven up the interviews. Dean and I both know a potential candidate called Ben Jones, he's been on the music scene for a while, hosting open mics and producing The Soundcasters album. And whilst talking to him, he was able to bring up stories and be energetic, no lack of confidence, friendly, and quirky. We hope to audition him as soon as possible. He was interested in this role so I think we all hope he'll do well.  

Regarding sound on the day and in the VT's. Most of the band members either produce their own music, run their own gigs, or study a degree relevant to sound recording or even work in the industry. And I am talking in as much detail as I can to people I know studying location sound recording etc. to get a better understanding of what will be required. I know students that have access to the relevant kit. I also plan on getting a better understanding of how the sound recording operates in a studio. I am confident we can achieve good sound if it is planned and set up and mixed appropriately.

Fiction Adaptation Unit: Production

I've finished my time-lapse test with my tulips. This ran for about 2 weeks with about 1000 photographs or more. I just imported them into Final Cut, which doesn't take long, as long as you set a default length of each photo in user preferences. The effects I've used are invert, mirror and threshold. I've also applied a widescreen as the photo size is different and much larger than regular HD video. The beginning titles are quite rough as it takes time putting them together to the right timing and fades, for this example I have used a line from the poem I am adapting (The Burning Of The Leaves). I think I'm aiming at a very stylistic, odd but pretty approach to this project. 

As Live Unit: Research

After a meeting with the promo team yesterday, I've decided to give them a bit more help in understanding logo design and give them more of an idea of what we should be aiming at. I know how frustrating it is to be told to do design something and not know what the person actually wants. I thought I'd pull up some existing logo designs to help myself, as well as anyone else who needs to get some inspiration.  The most important elements of a good logo design is choice of font that you can alter to make your own, and simple colours. A logo that is plain and focused is more effective, in my opinion, than one that is fussy and over-the-top with effects. The promo team have some time to come up with some ideas, then I'm happy to help work on them with my skills in Photoshop and graphic design. I personally use the website www.dafont.com and I find textures and brushes.

Fiction Adaptation Unit: Project Update

I came across this video on Adweek, in the talent gallery. I really like the style and the piece of music and use of text on screen. Even though it's a simple idea of using a magnet with some iron fillings it's actually quite watchable. It's encouraged me to not go 'over the top', complicating ideas; I know I can create some beautiful shots and I know the images I wish to create. I'm not taking any of the words too literal, I'm aiming to create a 'mood' from the poem and to insert new ideas and meanings. 

Magnetic from Sukru Alp Beyarslan on Vimeo.

More interesting videos can be found here, it's worth a look for creative ideas: Adweek Talent