LO3 - Job Role(s) I Undertook and Additional Tasks I Took in Production

For Units 17 and 41, I worked as a director and performed multiple jobs in order to get footage of scenes and create an impressive piece of film. As well as directing both these projects, I also worked as the scriptwriter, camera man, costumes, and editor, amongst other jobs. By performing all these job roles, I was more successful in my attempts at creating a pice that matched my artistic vision of how the film should look. I gave precise instructions to the actors involved when and where to meet and what they were to do for the scene. I shot scenes multiple times in different ways in order to get the best possible shot. I experimented by changing camera positions and seeing how it would appear on camera and directing the actors to perform the lines in different styles and tones. I was also able to listen to the actors, as some of the actors at points felt the need to make reccomendations. I took this ideas into consideration whilst still focusing on my own ideas of how I wanted the final film to appear.

Above is an image of myself filming a scene for Unit 41. Along with filming the scene, I also directed the actor on how to stand and how to deliver his lines.

LO3

My Suitability for the Roles

Director

Written Communication

As a director, my written communications would be put to good use. I am more than capable of emailing/messaging the other members of staff of any important information on the project that they would need to know and be informed of.

Verbal Communication

Verbal communications is a priority to a director. I believe I may be relatively successful with this task as I am able to give instructions to staff and explain clearly what they are required to do.

Practical Production

As a director I can give sets of specific instructions to staff and actors. I am capable of demonstrating how I want certain tasks to be performed as part of the practical productions (e.g. the acting/performing side of the film).

Creativity

I have the creativity to make new recommendations to staff (e.g. what camera angles to use, how the lighting could effect the scene), as it’s important that a director can quickly think on their feet as well as planning in advance; These are two skills that I believe I have achieved well within film projects.

Potential Gaps in my Skill

I have come to the realisation that there are gaps in my skill and areas for improvement in terms or being a director.

For starters, I have never worked professionally as a director as I've only worked independently on my own projects. To impress employers, they usually like to see that you have worked professionally in the subject before, so I have placed looking for available job opportunities beforehand under great consideration.

I also believe that improvements should be made to my communication skills, as previously I've worked amongst people I've know personally, so the way I've addressed them and spoken to the on the projects was allowed to be informal. When working on professional pieces, I'm aware that I'll have to speak to the actors and crew in a different way, being respectful yet stern in order to complete filming successfully and keep the project to a working environment. However, I believe I exceed in terms of written communication, practical production and most importantly, creativity.

Action Plan

Sheffield Hallam University provides courses in filmmaking and the study of film; I believe it would be beneficial for me to study these to improve my knowledge and understanding for future film projects. Studying film making at University is also an impressive quality to add to my CV or resume.

In terms of seeking a professional directing position, I would need to provide an impressive CV/resume to a film/TV producing company and attend job opportunities and interviews to find work in these sectors. Sheffield has Warp Films and Sheffield Live! TV, just to name two media companies specialising in film and TV, so it seems logical to pursue companies like these in case they are hiring people. I imagine myself starting with local and smaller film projects and gradually working my way up till I perhaps have a directing job with the BBC or another successful film/TV company.