All Documents for Professional Practice

I have prepared all my documents for submission for Professional Practice. They can be viewed under the links below.

Project Proposal PDF

Learning Contract PDF

Gantt Chart PDF

Group Presentation File PDF

500 Word Report

Project Map

Gantt Chart & Project Proposal

Here is an edit and updated project proposal and gantt chart. The proposal is still not finished, the abstract needs shortening and the rationale is not written yet. I also need to send it for review as I'm not sure if this is what it's supposed to look like. I have edited the gantt chart to allow more time for media tests. Although it looks like I'm doing an awful lot in the first semester, it actually has to be that way as I am doing some of the task at the same time or intermittently. which means they have to run parallel to each other. I have still got enough time for producing the final piece in semester 2 and write my dissertation, so I'm quite happy with the time I have scheduled for my tasks.

Gantt Chart PDF

Project Proposal PDF

Gantt Chart

Gantt Chart PDF

(6.1) Aim, Objectives, Methods, Tasks and Deliverables

Aim and Objectives:

The aim of this project is to investigate how design constraints dictate the visual style of title sequences in response to production values across formats, and to develop and evaluate an original piece of media.

The objectives are as follows:

1. Review and evaluate how different production values are responded to across a range of formats to achieve an appropriate quality standard.  
2. Evaluate and discuss the design constraints that establish the context of a show and how they dictate the use of motion graphics. 
3. Develop a series of media tests to experiment with title sequence production in response to production values across a variety of formats and design constraints. 
4. Create and critically evaluate final piece within context of wider research.

Methods and Tasks:

click to enlarge

Deliverables:

1.1 Research Diary and Literature Review

• Digital Diary/Blog documenting research activities undertaken and reviews written for Objective 1.0 

2.1 Case Studies

• Deconstruction, identification and discussion of cases 

2.2 Research Diary

• Digital Diary/Blog documenting discussion of research 

3.1 Media Tests

• Logo Designs 
• Indents 
• Title sequence experiments in After Effects 
• Video files of all media tests 
• Documentation detailing the content and reflection on practice for each of the media tests and animations 

4.1 Practice

• Show briefs for 3 formats 
• Storyboards for title sequences 
• Title Designs 
• After Effects files 
• Audio 
• Final render of title sequences 
• Documentation of critical evaluation and reflection on practice within context of research

Crit Presentation

"The TV title sequence is a branding endeavor and a legitimate art form. It is the sole, consistent, and iconic moment that carries through a show’s lifespan and beyond. It’s what you remember most."
~ Digital Kitchen

Recap

Research

Mind Map

Aim and Objectives

Project Map (Methods and Tasks)

Glossary:

Production Value - "how is it put together"

• combined technical qualities of the methods, materials and stagecraft skills used in the production of a film, video or live performance (lighting, sound, scenery, props)

Design Constraints - "why is it put together that way"

• limitations within which a production is designed under (theme/genre, target audience, story)

Format - "where is it going to be seen"

• a plan for the organisation and arrangement of a specific production, general appearance

Honours Project:

• Produce Title Sequence
• Motion Graphics Design
• 1 Genre, 1 Target Audience, 3 Formats
• Supernatural Thriller/Drama
• 16-34
• Online, Broadcast UK, Broadcast US
• Black Box TV, Misfits, Supernatural

Media Tests:

Trailer/Title Sequence/Intro:

Title Design:

Production Company Indent:



Crit Week Supervision

At this weeks crit the students showed a lot of progress, which I tried to get across to them as much as possible because I know how often people giving feedback forget to do that and only critique things that need improvement.

I did notice however that my appeal to them last pitch of keeping a blog did not catch on. Only one person actually had a blog, but this was only filled with development for one module. One other person mentioned she was going to post everything on the blog after she had finished all her sketches and concepts. This is again not the way to go, I think. Personally, I think a blog is a great thing and very important to keep your thoughts in one place but as I tried to make that clear to the students last pitch I didn't make a point of saying it again.

Especially as this time there was something else lacking and that was preparation. A lot of the students had done great work and had lots to show (in their sketchbooks) but some had either forgotten to make a note of their ideas, or had more in another sketchbook they had forgotten and so on. I felt the need to remind them that this was the time to ask for feedback, to learn from other students and fourth years and gain invaluable perspective they would otherwise not be able to receive. Yes it's annoying if the person who's holding a presentation isn't well prepared but in this case they should be more fussed about getting feedback than us getting a nice presentation. It's a shame they're not aware of that enough, so I tried and make them understand that pitch and crit is mainly for them to learn and less about us saying "well done, good presentation".

It also seemed that a few of the students spent quite some time researching and making concepts, instead of diving into the development stage. Me and Dmitrijs made sure that they are aware of the time frame and that they should start developing their ideas instead of doing more research.

All in all, I think I gave good feedback, made the students aware of what's important and what to look out for. I also mentioned that you don't have to start a new project for every module and every year but (depending on the lecturer and the module) you can use concept work from one semester to develop the project further in the next or use a 3D model for another project. That's what I did for a few of my projects over the years and it worked out really well. That way you don't end up with a lot of scattered ideas but a few solid portfolio pieces, that were developed over more than just one semester

6th Aim and Objectives

Project Aim:

To investigate how design constraints dictate the visual style of title sequences in response to production values across formats.

1. Review and evaluate how different production values are responded to across a range of formats to achieve an appropriate quality standard.
2. Evaluate and discuss the design contraints that establish a context of a show and how they dictate the use of motion graphics.
3. Develop a series of media tests to experiment with title sequence production in response to production values across a variety of formats and design constraints.
4. Create and critically evaluate final piece within context of wider research.

click to enlarge

5th Aim, Objective, Methods and Tasks

Project Aim: 

To investigate how title sequences in relation to presentation and structure are used to capture and convery the story and theme of a show, and to develop and evaluate an original piece of media.

1. Review and evaluate how different production values are responded to, to maintain a high quality for title sequences.
2. Investigate how design contraints can establish a context of a show and examine how design constraints dictate the use of motion graphics.
3.  Develop a series of media tests to experiment with title sequence production in response to various production values with an awareness of design constraint.
4. Create and critically evaluate and discuss final piece within context of wider research.

-this will change very soon again.

The Methods and Tasks are as detailed on the project map below:

Click to enlarge

Some suggestions I received for methods that I haven't titled yet are:

1.1 Literature Review
2.1 Interview - this I would only do if it was the only method in the series as it's a big task.
2.2 (or 2.1) Critical Analysis
3.1 Media Tests
4.1 Practice and Reflection

Project Proposal (unfinished)

This is my project proposal so far. I have still got to fill in some gaps, including methodology, abstracts, outcomes and deliverables, which will become clear as soon as I have done my project map and started writing my lit review.

Project Proposal (1) PDF

AG1064A: Professional Practice – Project Proposal 

Project Title:	An investigation of the Role of Branding and Motion Graphics Implementation in the Production of Title Sequences.
Proposer:	Sonja Geracsek
Student Number:	0805063
Programme:	Computer Arts
Specialism(s):	2D Motion Graphics Design, Film/TV Production, Editing, Logo Design, Typography

Project Description

The total project proposal, including the Abstract, should not exceed 2,500 words. Please read the Project Proposal Guidelines and Project Proposal Example in the Learning Resources before writing your own proposal.

1. Abstract (Approx 250 words)

2. Project Aim and Objectives

The aim of this project is to investigate how title sequences in relation to presentation and structure are used to capture and convey the story and theme of a show, and to develop and evaluate an original piece of media. The objectives are as follows: 1.0      Review and evaluate how different production values are responded to, to maintain a high quality for title sequences. 2.0      Investigate how various constraints impact on branding of a show and what role motion graphics play in that. 3.0      Develop a series of media tests to experiment with title sequence production in response to various production values with an awareness of show branding. 4.0             Critically evaluate and discuss final piece within context of wider research.

3. Rationale

4. Project Methodology

5. Outcomes and Deliverables

6. Expertise and Experience of Project Proposer

The project proposer has approximately 3 years experience working with the Adobe Creative Suite and the Final Cut Studio package. In particular, the proposer has a thorough understanding of 2D graphics creation, filming and video editing. Previously the proposer completed short films, intro sequences and animations as part of university coursework as well as for external projects. However, it has been identified that the proposed will require more in-depth knowledge of post-production pipelines and motion graphics design and creation techniques for Adobe After Effects. As such, as part of the project, the proposer shall aim to develop skills in these areas. This work shall be carried out predominantly in semester 1, in preparation for the honours project module in semester 2. Additionally, it has been identified that the proposer currently has a limited knowledge and understanding of branding and logo design. As such, it is crucial that the proposer engages with literature in typography, logo design, title sequence creation and production values early in semester 1. This will feed into the literature review and the dissertation as well as underpin good animation practice.

7. Timetable

8. Ethics and Risk Assessment

There will be no participants in this study besides the project proposer. The proposed shall work primarily in the studio, and will not encounter any substantial risks to health or safety in the execution of the project. There is the potential that failure to complete all specified art assets and gaining sufficient knowledge of the resources in time could impact on the completion of the media piece. As such, a backup plan will be … Furthermore, in case of inaccessibility of PCs/iMacs and required software the backup plan involves securing funds to acquire own desktops and installing trial versions of resource software mentioned in part 9. Resources.

9. Resources

The following resources will be required in order to accomplish the proposed project: Adobe After Effects Adobe Illustrator Final Cut Pro/Premier Pro Sound Designer for recording and soundtrack creation Access to iMacs for editing time and motion graphics creation

10. References

New Mind map and 4th Aim and Objectives

After re-evaluating my project I created a new mind map to jot down all the new ideas and areas that are linked to the project. What I filtered out of that is that branding is influenced by most constraints that define a show. These constraints include target audience, story, theme/genre and production value, which in turn influence the style of the title sequence. I couldn't think of more than these things, so the mind map is quite small but if nothing else I realised that branding is a big part of my research together with production values. That is why I rephrased my aim and objectives accordingly.

click to enlarge

Project Aim:

To investigate how title sequences in relation to presentation and structure are used to capture and convery the story and theme of a show, and to develop and evaluate an original piece of media.

• 1.0 Review and evaluate how different production values are responded to, to maintain a high quality for title sequences.
• 2.0 Investigate how various contraints impact on branding of a show and what role motion graphics play in that.
• 3.0 Develop a series of media tests to experiment with title sequence production in response to various production values with an awareness of show branding.
• 4.0 Critically evaluate and discuss final piece within context of wider research.

(re-written - the rest has stayed the same)

click to enlarge

New Aim and Objectives

Aim

To investigate how title sequences in relation to presentation and structure are used to capture and convey the story and theme of a show and to develop and evaluate an original piece of media

1. Review and evaluate different formats across multiple platforms and discuss and compare title sequence execution.

2. Investigate how story and theme of a show impacts on branding and what role motion graphics play in that.

3. Develop a series of tests to create an immersive video piece.

4. Critically evaluate and discuss final product within the context of wider research.

click to enlarge

Pitch Review

In review of my pitch presentation today I was told to simplify my subject area. Originally I wanted to look at media convergence, especially the merge of TV and online content and how audience attraction is achieved in both traditional and new areas, which methods have been taken over from the traditional TV model and which have developed specifically for web distribution. In the frame of this, I also wanted to look at branding of a show, especially through intro sequences using motion graphics and how that impacts on audience attraction and building of a community.

As I am most interested in Motion Graphics as a career, it was suggested to me to look at show branding through motion graphics and leave audience and community out of the equation. This sounds sensible to me, as the original idea might be too laborious to do by myself. I started thinking about what I could do with just motion graphics as a subject in the wider context of the branding of a tv show through an intro sequence. Most shows have an intro sequence, if it's a million dollar US production, a low budget UK production or a YouTube Channel/Web-Series. I could look at popular/successful/independant shows on TV and online and try and undertsand what intro sequences they have. Why are they made a certain way? What is the connection between the content and theme of the show and the intro? Compare and contrast live action/CG mixed intros and pure motion graphics intros. Why was motion grahpics used and not live-action and vice versa?

Some of the shows I'd like to look ar are US TV shows that have started airing their new seasons this autumn and their intro sequences. The ones that have been announced to air this year are the ones that have received the green light for production from the networks because of their popularity and success, whereas less successful shows from the previous year would have been dropped. I would also like to look at UK Channel 4/E4 and BBC productions as well as web-series' and YouTube Channels.

An idea that came to mind after the presentation was to create 3 intro sequences fitting each category listed above:

• US TV
• UK TV
• Online

On a trip to visit some London Post-Production studios I went to recently we were told, that if we wanted to apply for a job or runner position at the company one of the things we could do is to look at the projects the company is involved in or something they have produced recently and try and recreate that, to show that you have the same level of skill as them.

1. I could look at some US TV show intros and try and recreate their intro sequence to show my level of skill
2. I could design a TV show in the style of a UK TV show and produce an intro sequence for this pretend show (that I will not be producing)
3. I could contact an web-series producer or YouTuber to create an intro for their show

With these three approaches I would be covering a lot of the areas that I would have liked to cover in my original idea. 1. I can show my skill on a professional level by reproducing a high end product, 2. desigining a potential show and producing an original piece of work and 3. creating an inro for a different platform for a client.

Pitch Presentation

Pitch Week Supervision

Pitch week has gone down well, I think. My group was joined with Dmitrijs group as both were missing a few students and were therefore a bit small. We mainly had second years and two third years. The ideas and sketchbook developments were generally good. Some were outstanding for the time they had for developing them, some were quite basic with just a few mind maps and written notes. In the latter cases Dmitrijs and me tried to encourage them to find images or develop sketches and character designs to visualise their ideas as even though they might know exactly what the project was going to look like, someone else might not be able to follow that thought process through notes only.

Some students still hadn't picked the blogging idea up, which I reminded them to do. It's such a convenient way to keep track of your thoughts and for others to look over them too. I made sure it was on everybody's mind to keep an up to date blog and make a note of every thought process and research material.

I found it easy to follow what the students were saying and to give them appropriate feedback. Judging by their reactions I had pointed some of them in directions they hadn't thought about or reaffirmed their development, which they seemed to appreciate.

I was wary of the time throughout the pitch, so when the feedback for one person would start dragging into unrelated conversation I would try and move it along to the next person. I don't think I cut anyone off so that they didn't get all the information they needed but we did finish half an hour early. Everyone seemed happy with the feedback they got, so I don't think it was too bad that we finished early.

Although I liked the fact there was another 4th year to help lead the pitch, I didn't like that there was a supervisor actively participating as well. I was supposed to be by myself leading the group, which I was initially looking forward to and realised later on that having another 4th year there was beneficial. However, having a third person who was supposed to "overlook" the process participating felt patronising to me. I felt the control was taken away from me. I would have liked to share my experiences of previous years along with the feedback I gave the students but I didn't have a chance to do that as there were 3 people trying to give advice.

For Crit week I could probably relax about the time a bit more as I know now that I don't have to rush things along. All in all, I think it went rather well and there wasn't much I would have done differently I don't think.

Personal Statement

View PDF

AG1064A: Professional Practice – Personal Statement

Proposer:	Sonja Geracsek
Student Number:	0805063
Programme:	Computer Arts
Specialism(s):	Video production, editing and motion graphics

Personal Statement

I want to create a web-series upon the research undertaken in media convergence in particular how online distribution has effected TV production and audience attraction. I would also like to include 2D/2.5D Motion Graphics in this product to not only produce a portfolio piece in that department, as that is the career path I would like to follow after graduation, but also to investigate how motion graphics impacts on branding (i.e. through an intro) and making a show more interesting to the audience.

Inspiration and Interests

Live action film & TV is where my main interests lie, this is mingled with an interest in VFX, in particular motion graphics. The work created by Passion Pictures and the MGFX Studio at Rushes is what inspires me the most. That is where I want to be in later life and that is why I would like to showcase my understanding of media distribution and the trend of media convergence through my web piece but also my artistic skill in motion graphics and how it interweaves with video products.

Career and Creative Aims

I would like to be a motion graphics artist in the VFX department of a company such as MPC, Passion Pictures or Rushes.

Current Skills and Abilities

Film production & direction, editing in Premier Pro and Final Cut Pro, basics of motion graphics & title/credits creation in Motion, 3D architectural modelling (Maya), Vector art (Illustrator), Image editing (Photoshop)

Skill Gaps

Higher understanding of filming and shot framing, learn After Effects for motion graphics creation, learn how to make a successful tv show/youtube channel

What happened to convergence?

Idei, N. 2001. Speech to Pacific Telecommunications Council. Honolunu: Sony Corporation. Quoted in: Rice, J. and McKernan, B. 2001. Creating Digital Content. USA: McGraw Hill

Idei of the Sony Corp has made this claim in his speech to the Pacific Telecommunications Council:



Google books Snippet

His claims are partly true when it comes to the "30 Degree Principle" but vastly wrong when we consider media convergence. Not only are many people playing PC games but PC and internet access via TVs is on the rise. It's true that even though a majority of UK and other audiences watch shows on demand or stream content online, there is still a number of people watching live TV. It is comparable with the music industry. Although there is a high rate of piracy, the same type of people are still buying CDs. Which is why I believe live TV will be around for a long time, despite the fact that media convergence is taking over. Sometimes people don't want to search for what they want to watch but have the TV programme dictate the schedule. Like Idei says "lean back about 30 degrees and relax".
This being said, convergence is definitely happening. Ideis statement might have been made 10 years ago, addressing statements made by people, including Bill Gates, for four years prior to that and it might not have happened then but it turns out that Bill Gates and those people were right. Convergence is definitely happening now. In the case of internet/on demand on TV set-top boxes it is still a long way away from being perfect. Ideis prediction that "most of us would be happy when our Internet searches produces a result within 10 seconds, no one would tolerate such slowness when TV channel surfing" is true and built in on-demand services are still clunky and slow. They don't compare to the instant viewing of live TV that we are used to but if we want on-demand instead of live, is it worth the wait?

Aim & Objectives

Aim
To investigate how media convergence in relation to presentation and structure is used to create successful shows to capture and retain an audience, and to develop and evaluate an original piece of online media.

Objectives

• Review and evaluate traditional TV models and discuss and compare online implementations
• Investigate how branding and motion graphics impact on audience attraction and building of a community
• Develop and create an immersive video piece containing motion graphics to create an online presence
• Critically evaluate and discuss final piece within context of wider research

click on image to enlarge

Developing an Aim and Objectives

I want to create a webseries that's either story-based or more likely informative. Kind of a youtube channel type thing. I would like it to be on it's own domain like a website, but it's more likely to be on youtube on it's own channel. I would either like to educate people what I am researching myself for my dissertation, which is media convergence or I might talk about motion graphics, which is what I want to do as a career. I also want to include motion graphics in my piece so that by the end of this year I will have a viable portfolio piece to show to prospective employers. I don't however want to investigate motion graphics creation or the industry as I am very passionate about the subject of media convergence. That is where the TV industry is going and more and more shows are combined with an online presence or are solely produced for the web. As I am going in to a (film and) TV industry, this will be vital knowledge to further my skillset.

These are the rough aim and objectives I have been writing and rewriting:

Original
Aim
To investigate how media convergence in relation to audience attraction is used to create successful shows and to develop adapted methodologies to enhance the effectiveness of original designs.

1. Objective
Review and evaluate traditional TV models and online implementations

2. Objective
Investigate how branding impacts on audience attraction and creating of a community, involving motion graphics

Re-write
Aim
To investigate how media convergence in relation to audience attraction presentation and structure is used to create successful shows with adapted audience attraction methodologies and to develop adapted methodologies to a piece of enhanced the effectiveness to that of original designs.

1. Objective
Review and evaluate traditional TV models and discuss and compare online implementations

2. Objective
Investigate how branding impacts on audience attraction and creating building of a community, involving motion graphics

3. Objective
Develop and create an immersive video piece containing motion graphics to create an online presence

4. Objective
Evaluate and discuss final piece upon undergone research and determine the effectiveness of applied audience attraction methodologies

(added, eliminated)

A Sense of Community

People want to be part of things. Most of the webseries, like Quarterlife, Control TV, Being Victor and popular Youtube channels like The Phillip DeFranco Show, =3 (Equals Three), Charlie is so cool like I have looked at build upon creating and maintaining a community that will participate in the show. It gives the viewer a sense of being part of that world or being part of a bigger thing.

Quarterlife is about a group of friends and acquaintances revolving around the main character Dylan who has created a social networking/blogging site on which she vlogs about her life. Throughout the season this site evolves into a widely used portal for people to talk about themselves and to other, much like Facebook, only mainly via video. At the time of "airing" this series used to have an actual Quarterlife social network site on which real people could interact, just like in the TV show, making them part of the show and the show seem like real life with real people.

Control TV is a kind of Big Brother/Reality TV type webseries set in a semi-unrestricted environment (meaning: the participant has access to the outside world) where the viewer influences what happens to the participant. What I have gathered from the recap episodes of this show is that the participant is a volunteer, selected for the show to live in a flat, being filmed 24/7. For every decision he has to make a poll is created on the website, live while the show is running (assumable via live-stream). According to the audiences poll results the participant has to do what the audience wants. On top of that, he also gets tasks set for him, he has to solve. This show was awarded "Best Web Show of 2010" by clicker.com. Conrol TV is also basing it's entire success on it's audience. There has to people watching it, for it to work and enough people taking part for it to move forward, which automatically creates a strong community.

http://controltv.com/2010/10/episoe-0-the-adventure-begins/

Being Victor was a short series produced for MTV which is now available online. I don't think this show was produced solely for the web but has certainly had a web presence. The main character Vinnie, maintains a blog, calling himself Victor, talking about his life. This blog was a real blog and maintained by said character, simulating a real person blogging about, just about anything, making the audience feel like the character was a real life person. The audience could interact with the blog by commenting on his posts and therefore being part of the series' universe.

http://www.victorsblog.co.uk
http://www.mtv.co.uk/shows/being-victor

The Phillip DeFranco Show is a classic YouTube Presenter-Audience show. The Presenter, Phillip DeFranco talks "about some of the stuff that mattered in the news to" him. This includes a mix of but not limited to world affairs, politics and entertainment news. Some news pieces are sometimes suggestions by the audience. He relies heavily on a strong community, tying the audience in with give-aways, comment questions and addressing them as "The DeFranco Nation" appealing to the sense of community. People are invited to discuss the topics brought to the table and therefore made part of the show. This is increased with the recent addition of viewer introductions to the show, at the start of the show.

=3 is a YouTube video selection show in which the presenter, Ray William Johnson, presents a selection of entertaining, shocking or generally interesting videos from YouTube and other user generated content sites that are either suggested to him by the audience or selected by him/his team. The show evolves around the videos but also the presenters humorous delivery, much like a usual bloopers or caught on camera show would. The viewers are invited to leave comments on the comment question of the day and also suggest videos for review. The again establishes and maintains a community, which includes the viewers in the video and makes them part of one world. In the next video Ray describes perfectly what exactly the show is about. It is one of the older episodes and I think it's a classic.

Charlie is so cool like is from what I have gathered an entertaining informational/educational show. Sometimes it is less serious than others but the few episodes I have watched have been about some sort of delivery of information. He talks directly to the camera, as the other two YouTube shows I have mentioned, establishing a direct and almost personal connection to the viewer. Adding to this connection are the user comments and suggestions taken on board for following episodes.

Although YouTube is in general considered a community, with the vast amount of channels and videos out there followers are still likely to feel like one of many. Due to techniques like comment questions, give-aways and viewer suggestions - common, well-established broadcast TV techniques - the viewers are made to feel special and make a personal connection to the presenter and ultimately, the show, guaranteeing a continuous viewer base.

What inspires ... you? - Group mind map