Studio production - Understanding of role and outline

Audio Operator (including boom) 
Role: responsible for sound throughout the entire process and working closely with all departments to ensure good sound in all parts of the project

Responsibility
- Advising on-air presenter of how to place wireless headphones or lapel and to avoid unwanted noise
- Mixing audio output of from the microphones being used on stage.
- Maintaining suitable broadcasting standard for sound
- Mixing final sound for the project
- Operating boom for general sound
- Setting up and ensuring smooth running of sound throughout performance.

Tasks within the studio project
- Sound operation and lighting on all studio and VT recordings.
- Recce for VT Locations (ensuring area is good for sound recording)
- Check lighting in VT locations
- Make plans to correct thins wrong at the recce to ensure order on the day of the actual shoot.

Locked presentation

Locked Presentation Pitch

Locked presentation (2) from Shannelle Styles

Locked - Visual Ideas & Set design

Feedback from Helen: 

• Great concept but I need to consider how I will translate these ideas in a visual sense that creates and adds to the atmosphere. 
• Must figure out how I intend to create this visual world with the limitations we face i.e. budget, crew size, studio size, etc

Logo Designs
Given that graphic design is something that also requires it's own study and practice it's inevitable that I will require someone who understands the process of creating logo's and translating the client's idea to image. However, there are several text generators online that give you workable and even quality looking texts that are good for logos. I made use of Flaming texts logo design to create these really cool logos. I chose two different colours and texts as I have two different sets in mind for the presentation. One is opting for the acceptable blue whilst the other is leaning more towards a very daring red. 

Locked logo 1 (fig 1.1)

Locked Logo 2 (fig 1.2)

Inspiration: Es Devlin

Es is an award winning international stage designer who has worked with great names and events such as the olympics Rio 2016, London's olympics closing ceremony 2012, Adele, U2, Kanye West, Take that and the renown fashion house of LouisVuitton. Her designs are always eccentric and full of colour boasting energy and an incredible vibe that allow the audience to escape the fixed dimensions of reality. Some of my favourite set/stage designs she has created have a connecting theme or aspect that kind of create a certain feel that locked needs. The darkness adopted really isolates the characters, musicians, or performers on stage. The lights are used to colour the dark in a way that urges you to feel a certain feeling. For example blue lights against darkness would create a trance like mood with a tranquil feel about it. In the case of locked, red lights would make for a more interesting approach on the show's concept to emphasise vulnerability and the feeling of danger or an evil power. 

Photo of Es Devlin (fig 2.1)

Use of lights and colour to create a mood that will evoke a reaction in the audience (fig  2.2)

Story telling visually through elaborate set designs (fig 2.3)

Visual Ideas and themes

To explore the concept of my game in a visual manner involves a great deal of visual storytelling. In order to understand what I want to put across to the audience visually, I must create or form from what is existing of this idea already a story that can be told visually to the audience through the set. So that once the audience enter they're completely taken aback and drawn into a whole new world. In addition, I created a logo that really sells a visual idea that clings close to a vulnerable and creepy vibe so hopefully my visual interpretation lives up to the expectation

Mock up drawing of Set Design (from stage view/perspective)

I created two different sets using different colour schemes as I was unsure what would work best. I felt illustrating  the sets in simple form would allow me to really
 what would work best for the idea. I intend to put both into my presentation as given that it will be judged by a panel their criticism may help me to decide which set is better suited to the program.  It is a well known fact that blue and red are popular colours and being primary colours isn't the only thing they have in common. Both colours are associated with meanings and sighs that direct us and other things. Blue and red are popular colours in marketing and advertising. It is also said that blue has a serene and tranquil calming effect on the mind and body hence it's association with feelings of hope, peace, harmony. etc. On the other, red is a colour of warning, danger, evil and signs. it is known mostly for it's use in road signs, and news channels when informing of the public of something urgent on the news. The red set was created for a more theatrical vibe as it would create room to allow me characterise the contestants and host in accordance with the background story of the game.

 The Blue set however, was created bearing in mind a less theatrical vibe and one that falls more in line with the game shows we see on television today. For example, The cube stimulates excitement through it's use of lighting and good set design. The name links directly to the concept and desin of the games which creates an understanding and liking for the game. 

Studio Production - Ideas Lab: Locked

Studio Production - Live show Ideas

Concept
The idea behind the show is to encourage fast paced decision making whilst simultaneously improving and comparing individual performance within the team. Two groups of six contestants are locked in two cages. Individually and together, they must to work well in a team, whilst answering general knowledge questions promptly to get ahead of the other team.

Round 1 

The first contestant of each team whilst blindfolded must grab three foam keys from a room with the help of their teammates who can see where they are. Through being aided by audio they must move according to the directions given to get the key. The team that collect the most keys will win this 

round. 

Round 2 

Once all three keys are collected, the second contestant of each team must answer 3 general knowledge questions of their choosing. Points are essential, whoever answers more questions correctly will be in lead at this point. When contestants do not know the answer they are given two options: either one clue from a team member or two answers from the audience from which they must choose the right answer.  

Round 3 

Each team will be put into a cage fastened with 3 padlocks. Once securely locked, they are both given a ring of 5 keys. A timer is set to 1 minute. Within the set time both teams must find the right key for each padlock. 

The team that succeeds in the most rounds will win the game overall and take home £50. 

All VT's will tell a short story that follow up together throughout the program. This will be to entertain and will also in a way show the way the next stage of the game will go.

VT Idea 1 (A background fictional story of the game)
Film a short visual piece that will briefly but concisely tell the story below:
20 years ago a boy named Andrew and his friend Anna were playing at night in a field. Suddenly, in the thick of the dark a group of thieves kidnapped the boy and girl because they were known to be children of a rich family.We see them get pushed into a cage and trapped in.

VT Idea 2 (Short Parody with the host of Next challenge between the teams)
The host will act in a parody version of the next challenge both teams must partake in. There will be three people dressed up as foam keys. The presenter will try in a funny manner to collect the keys as they move away from his reach. This will be a nice way to entertain the audience whilst simultaneously giving the teams an idea of their next task.

VT Idea 3 (Continuation of background story)
The thieves run  out and as they do one drops the key without realising and jams the door shut. Alone and afraid the pair are locked away in a desolate house. They scream for help but all their cries go unheard. Condemned to darkness they are unable to find the key and attempt an escape. Their families never found them over the years.

VT Idea 4  (Continuation of fictional story line used) 
Sort footage of the young boy and girl tying to break out of their cage, kicking and screaming in a very haunted way. 

Other aspects of the live genre I hope to explore, dramatize and make entertaining in this project:

Characterisation of Host and Contestants (Dramatisation)

Locked  is a live program that falls within the reality tv and gaming show genres. It bears similarity to shows like The Crystal Maze, Fear Factor and Release the hound in the range of activities and also in its use of characterisation of those on the show. For example in The Crystal Maze' host Richard O'brien always wore attire that fell in line with the context of and meaning behind the background story of the game. In addition, his style was very refreshing and definitive for its time. Locked will aim to grasp interest from the audience through applying such techniques to this new show. By incorporating the host into the fictional story, contestants as well, the show will be identifiable through this unique quality that other shows don't have at this current time. In addition, t will make for good entertainment and a visual break from the studio environment. 

Target Audience & Audience Participation
Most tend to think of loud laughs at the end of every supposed funny remark. In the case of locked the studio audience will be expected to do much more than just laugh. From the start of the program they will be allocated seats in line with either team e.g. red or blue. Throughout the duration of the program both sides of the audiences are expected to support their given team in challenges and quizzes. Giving the audience a role to play enables them to feel a part of all that goes on, throughout the show and also creates a natural atmosphere/vibe that will bounce between the contestants and audience unlike the obvious set up of an "as live" show.

Similarly, my programme will be targeted towards people that are aged 16 and above. Given that the safety measures are less great than that of the crystal maze, I decided to lower the age band from 18-16 for my target audience, this will allow for different kinds of people to interact and work well with one another. In addition, it is important that my target audience are considered when scheduling as it will be pointless to position the program on a day they are unable to watch. 


Scheduling
Social Classes and viewer statistics of broadcasting channels is essential to the positioning of the program. For example, the popular dating show Take Me Out is scheduled for Saturdays on ITV at 8pm. The timing is  important because it defines in it's own way the kinds of people that will watch a program. The scheduling for take me out is exceptional. According to BARB, ITV had a weekly viewing average of 3hrs+ through the months of October to December last year, and a total view share percentage of 13% through the period. The channel was right for the program as itv tend to create exciting  and sometimes controversial programs. The date and timing is good because people within the working age bracket of 18-40 will be at work or university Mon-Fri. Positioning the show on Saturday will be convenient for workers and housewives as the weekend will give them time to relax and watch a bit of telly. The aim is to ensure your target audience are able to view content at the right time. 

Locked program schedule 
Channel: ITV 1  (showing mainly entertainment and comedy material)
Why: Audience reach is broad (With people who enjoy mainstream topics, trends and tastes. Suitable for upscale and unpredictable ideas.

Date & Time: Fridays/Saturdays, 7pm/8pm
Why: To avoid days where target audience "families, teenagers, young adults and adults" will be unable to view content due to other commitments such as work etc.  In addition to avoid younger audiences from viewing material unsuitable for them. 

Image below from BARB

Location (Set Design)

The set will be red and black and have a creepy spooky theme attached to it that will link to the atmosphere of the VT inserts. The stage will be in line with or slightly below eye level of the audience.

Please view Set design post here:

The crystal maze is a popular gaming television show that dominated screens in the 90's. But as the years passed the attraction to the programme declined leading to a break that recently ceased after 6800 people backed it by donating funds to ensure the show's smooth running once again.

This show held key influences for my program in terms of the level of activity and set. There are certain limitations on what the show can and cannot include in our brief, such as children, animals and outrageous set design and challenges but within the means provided I intend to detailedly construct an idea that is fascinating and workable simultaneously for audience and participants. Below is the crystal maze episode that inspired my idea. 

Feedback from Helen:

• To characterise the show a bit more in terms of host and contestants (Maybe include a background story) 
• Figure out VT inserts, for the show and how they can be used to create a world outside of the studio environment. 
• Look at the studio and create a visual set that allows me to utilize the studio space in the most cost effective but creative manner. E.g used of lights to colour floor instead of paint, green screen etc.
• Cast good and interesting characters for the show. 
• Good use of VT's
• Ensure I explain in a detailed and thorough manner the game process and how it works. 

Fiction Adaptation: Pre-Production, Production & Script

Shoot plan (Location, Schedule)

Calling sheet and shooting schedule

Change in characters No longer using male character (due to no availability) and change in female lead (Better suited to the project)

Kit

Nikon D3200, Tripod, No sound equipment (not recording sound)

Script




Locations 

Savill Gardens, Virginia Water, Surrey (Landscape scenery to enhance loneliness.

56 Trotsworth Court, Christchurch Rd, Virginia Water (Bedroom Scene)

Eden Park, Catford, London

Character Development and Casting.

I always tend to lean more towards serious subject matters when writing up my pieces, and this script is no exception. I'm looking for someone that can really explore and revel in the depth's of my main character's personality and story. Having looked at several profiles on casting call pro, I decided Sophie Airdien was a decent choice for my casting. She was talented, had the look I was after (more exotic and different) and more importantly, had the experience in the type of role I was casting for.

Below is a character analysis outlining important details about my character and how I expect my cast to reflect my character's traits and story.

Emily (Main character/protagonist), 22, Female: 

Body: Slim and slender in a seductive, Bond girl kind of way. Long legs and small waist. For negligee or night slip/underwear.

Personality: A learned sophistication, educated. charming, eloquent, funny, well mannered // Polar opposite// Lazy, messy, clumsy,

Lifestyle: 70's elegance, life of the party, Travelling, In and out of hotels etc

Types of clothing I hope to use for my character Emily:

This type of set will be worn in my second scene where she sits on the edge of her bed and we see a past altercation come up as a memory on screen. I think this will work well in describing my kind of character as it boasts an ease in seduction yet a dark side to her that is more than just a cute set. It's in the way she walks talks and behaves and we will see this when she wears this piece.

Other clothing sets I had in mind all follow along with the seductive theme and adult nature of my story. This is mainly because I want to put my character in the minds of the audience as someone who wears sensuality on her shoulders in a graceful manner. This will be a good way of unraveling her character when things take a left turn with a client. We will then see that this calculated perfection doesn't come as easy as we think it does, I'm aiming for everything about her to be so perfect that it is imperfect in the way it is all so well composed and held together, Her clothing style and home interior will reflect a quintessential fashionable manner in the way she carries herself and deals with things. I will be using my friends home as it has not been refurbished since it was redone in the 70's and still holds a unique charm that is no longer found in modern homes. My inspiration to use his place came from the directions unit project and the image I used for the sound direction aspect of the project. It had a very cute and sweet feel to it, yet it was also intriguing and aged in a way that completely hindered its sweetness.

I will be adding props to my boyfriend's room to dress it up in a more feminine way - makeup, mirror, female underwear in a dresser and jewelry and accessories - and will add some cute touches to also make it better suited to the personality of my main character. I hoping that the choice of black for her clothing won't take away from the warm atmosphere of the room so in case of this.

Gianbruno, will be my vocal artist/narrator for the piece and will play the role of a previous lover in Emily's flashbacks. I chose him because he seemed suitable for my role with vast experience in student productions from other universities. In addition,his voice reel was good and gave me a clear idea of what my project would sound like. I understand that Anthony would prefer to be the vocal artisrt for his poems and have reached out to him to ask if he is okay with this.

Fiction Adaptation - Poem adaptation style and visual inspiration and reference to themes

Lana Del Rey is an american model, songwriter and singer who is known for her cinematic music style and impeccable vocal range. Her music is also praised for its religious, social and psychological references which introduce a refreshing sound and depth that has been absent in the current music industry. I was particularly inspired by her 2013 short film Tropico which makes reference to the story of creation, sin and redemption. It also loosely engages with references to pop culture and modern day society. I will be analyzing the video which will help me understand how to include references in my own visual work in a way that is metaphorical and  not literal to the eyes.

The story of creation is one that has been known by many almost since the beginning of mankind, and with various opinions on the story already Lana Del Rey's short film could have been just another interpretation or opinion like others. But what I find rather intriguing in this piece is the way in which it contradicts itself and yet still makes perfect sense pieced together. In the short film, she and Shaun can be seen dressed as Adam and Eve which implies that their characters where once innocent and unknowing of  evil in fact, her skin glows, Shaun's as well and it is almost angelic, watching them cradle each other in a setting that boasts freedom, serenity and a quintessential sense of romance in the air. But not too long after the dream like image of what could be heaven it morphs into a dark scene where she is seen embracing the charm of the serpent (Satan in the bible) and giving into temptation with a bite into an apple. The serpent is a symbol of Sin and her character's innocent mind still unknowing of the world's evils gave in to what she thought was more than the beauty of the garden she was 'trapped' in.

After biting the apple she falls to the ground unconscious and when her back hits the floor we are taken into an entirely different setting. She is in a strip club, sweaty and filthy she moves with seduction and ease like the sway of a snake whilst being covered in money.  She is now completely different to the previous image of her we were introduced to. She belongs to the world and no longer embodies the reflection of her creator. Her innocence is gone and she now craves the danger and excitement the bad side offers, she's completely taken by it and unashamed by her desire to revel in darkness. This transition is significant as it can be seen as a reference to Satan's fall from grace. In the biblical story, Satan (also known as Lucifer) was once an angel who was closest to God's heart, but after a while he pondered on the idea of being God or even greater than him and eventually he rounded up a following and rebelled against him. God retaliated by casting Satan and his followers out of the heavens, so they descended from Zion to a bottomless pit (the earth). This separation is that which created the divide between Good and Evil.

In the story of Adam and Eve, the serpent approaches eve saying: (Genesis 3: 1-5) Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.'" "You will not certainly die," the serpent said to the woman. "For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." Knowing that it is in the nature of all those not in the position of God to lust after power when not content with their position, Satan lured Eve into eating the fruit of the forbidden tree causing her to know of all things good and bad. She gave the fruit to Adam and told him to eat of it and he did despite being told directly from God that he would surely die if he ate from it. When God realised what they had done after seeing them clothed, likewise, they too were cast away, from the Garden of Eden and condemned to a life of pain, suffering, loss and turmoil for themselves and generations following after them. 

This concept of being condemned to a lifetime of turmoil and disruption is seen in the short film when we transition to Lana in the strip club and Shaun by the till of a corner store. They have suddenly gone from paradise to perdition in the blink of an eye. It is clear from this point that they too desired to be more than what they were, but uncertain of the potential consequence of eating the fruit they both decided to anyway which is the key aspect to understanding why they were cast down to the earth. As in the bible, Eve was deceived by the serpent in  her uncertainty and momentary distrust in God's command whilst Adam gave into Eve's temptation knowing already what God had told him.

In this new world they both indulge in deadly sins that seem to push them both further down the line, but this revelation doesn't seem to frighten them. They now find themselves in a constant cycle of sinning and trying to redeem themselves. LA has now become the garden of evil. It is the Eden they turned into a seemingly divine hell. Here they do anything to satisfy the desire to be godly and iconic. For instance, as she works in the strip club, she wears red the colour of sacrifice. This is a symbol of her sacrificing her youth, beauty and innocence for money and fame. Measures that would normally cause one to be ashamed but knowing that the end result will be that she is praised highly like others idols e.g. Elvis, Marilyn, etc is more than enough for her. 

In conclusion, All these themes tie together to explore a Journey through sin and redemption to find oneself completely. From the beginning through to the end of this piece her character has gone through a number of trials which she succeeded by selling her soul to the devil for successive worldly achievement. Unraveling the essence of this story has shown me that story telling has many layers that rely on visual communication to the audience. Most of the themes unraveled in this story have been told visually and have not been mentioned through word. This can be considered a subliminal message or a vague way of allowing the audience to come up with their own opinion on the themes explored, making the piece a marvel of speculation and diverseness. In my piece I hope to explore many themes such as self worth, love, pain and emotion. I will also be addressing smaller personal and cultural issues such as prostitution, money, domination, body language and communication. I hope to tell and play on these themes visually as when adapting the poem, I will have creative to interpret the story in a way that expresses my thoughts on it. 

I really like the dark and fantasy imagery applied in her video and although my story is a short piece I do hope to make it magical in a charming but thrilling way. Other inspirations I will also look at are Rihanna's B*tch better have my money, The Black Swan, and of course the main inspiration behind my story idea The Secret Diary Of A London Call Girl. 

Sources: Anthony Mandler Interview, Genesis Chapter 3:1-5