Producers' self critique

The following is an internal review and evaluation of the group Mek Way Productions as it relates to this semester's film project.

Proposal/business plan -

The concept, script, target audience, marketing plan,financial scenario, etc, were pointed out from early on in our proposal. 15/15


Legal -

All paperwork relating to entity formation, assignment of rights, employment of cast and crew, and music composition was created and modified where necessary. 15/15


Script breakdown & Scheduling -

All scenes of the script were broken down according to their elements using Celtx. All required props were noted. A production timeline was created using actors' availability and our course timetable. We failed, however, to make a shot schedule for the day of the actual shoot. 12/15


Budget & cashflow -

Sourcing props, location use, transportation of special equipment, and most of the costuming was done for free, allowing us to direct our funds towards catering for cast and crew. Where we fell down is in allowing the days of shooting to run into an extra day, which means more catering is required. 10/15


Post production -

Final product not achieved as yet. Some editing has been done to what has been already shot. Score N/A


Production style -

The members of Mek Way Productions took full responsibility in bringing together the elements needed to create the film. They handled all difficulties that arose prior to and on the day of shooting. They did not leave until the shooting was wrapped up and equipment put away and accounted for.

The fruition of the group's vision is still on track. Considering the meagre funds available, production value is high. Industry standard HD has been used in filming. Dolly and track have been used for some scenes. Actors' delivery was excellent and it would appear we made a very good decision in casting, despite the director's misgivings and alternate suggestions.

While we anticipate that the film will be finished on time, the budget has been altered to accomodate an extra day of filming that was not previously planned. This is due to our failure to control the director/cinematographer on the first day of shooting. While operating the dolly and lights required time-consuming co-ordination and practice, we believe that too much time was wasted in shooting scenes. The delayed start did not help matters any either. Efficiency will be top priority in the next shoot and plans are already being made to achieve this. 10/15

.....................................................................................

Elliott's Individual Scores


Journal -

I failed to journal every week and only have 7 or 8 posts... not all having to do with the progress of the production either. 5/15


Attendance -

I was present for all classes and on time. 10/10

Hello Class,

Thank you all for a wonderful course. It was a privelege to teach you and hope that you all go on to become amazing Producers, alongside all the other amazing things you will do in your lives.
Pleas take the time to blog your evaluation of the course (can be in point form), and your self-evaluation. It doesn't have to be long, but  try to do it while this mornings class is fresh in your mind.

Next week we won't have classes. This is so that you can use the time to complete your projects. You will probably have to put in time outside of class to do so. Please touch base with me at the end of next week to let me know how are you are getting on.  Your mark will be based on your class work done to date, as per the course outline.

Please don't hesitate to let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.
A bientot
FA

Today's Shoot

I can't help but post just hours after our shoot today. I am so hyped up right now that I actually feel like rewinding the day from the start and doing it all over again. Today's shoot was like caffiene running through my veins (and the thing is I don't drink coffee)....I'm so seriously hyped up about it and so very happy that today went well. Special thanks to Brook-Elliot, Akil and Akley for their involvement with Project I.A.N. They did not have to be there but they were kind enough to offer their much needed services in aiding SNR Productions with our production today. So on the behalf of Shawn, Rachel and me (Nahshonda) (i'm making this statement on the behalf of the others because i'm sure they appreciate your help) we want to say Thank You. Also special thanks to the creative vision of our Director Frances Anne Solomon and our Director of Photography Mahmood Patel. Based on observation these two work really well together as a fantabulous team....(yes i just said fantabulous: combo of fabulous and fantastic). I had fun today...even more than the 1st shoot, but both shoots have something in common and that is that i honestly can't complain about anything because they went very well. So i'm happy. It was fun doing the sound for this shoot, you can hear everything with that boom mike (even a few belches, sneezes and yawns from persons on set)...as I said, you can hear everything...lol. Today was really a cool day and the best part was that our actors had fun doing the shots which made the process less intimidating and more relaxed and enjoyable even though we were pressed for time and wanted to shoot quickly. I believe everybody enjoyed the day the most when we did the scenes out by the road at QC for the car accident scene. I know for sure that I enjoyed it. The best part was the reactions from what seemed like all the drivers on the road who were passing on the road who witnessed Akil knocking down our actor (Emanuel) with the car....that was classic. I wished we had another camera to shoot behind the scenes especially because I know I would have included a good few reactions from passers by in it. I was cracking up with laughter......I love this job....lol. There was only one setback that I really don't wish to mention much about a particular actor who didn't hold up his end of the bargain when he should have. Only positive energy will be in this blog. All in all, today was fantabulously exctitng and entertaining and i like the whloe working with sound. Maybe one of these days I will try my luck on an even more professional and complicated mixer and work it like a pro, but for now I think i'll take things step by step. Oh yeah and one more thing, this one is kinda random: I'm shocked at how much cheese paste was eaten, wow, ya'll really liked it, that's good, at least I know it tasted right and had some 'comeback' in it. So I guess Shawn was right, Green is a good colour.....lol.

AMAZING DINNER THEATRE....................

Okay....and i can't sleep if you look at the time of this post.....I won't lie to you guys........I am excited....indeed........

It has been a long time I have worked on a project and I'm enjoying it......I'm enjoying working with Levi and I'm working behind the scenes once again and with my partner Levi we will have a great day today.

De Men Productions.......

We are looking forward to have a great day....It took us a while to get this far but we know some difficulties may arise during the day but we are prepared to fight through them.........

THE SHOOT - A few Guidelines

Hello Class,

Well, here I am in England.

I wanted to wish a great shoot to Mekway Productions and De Men Productions. Here are some guidelines towards the smooth and efficient running of your shoot.

Pre-shoot Meeting
Once cast and crew are assembled, have a quick production meeting with everyone,
-for introductions (Just say your name, and your role), so everyone knows who is doing what, and
- for the Director to set the vision for the day.
- Go through the Schedule for the day so everyone knows what is to be accomplished in how much time.
- Housekeeping issues should also be adressed ie what time is lunch, where are the toilets etc.
- Leave time for a few questions.
- This is also the time to get any outstanding contracts signed by cast and crew (essential everyone signs BEFORE they start working)
This meeting should be short and sweet but is essential for everyone to start the day on the same page.

The Shoot
Shoots are hierarchical, because it is hard work, involving coordination of alot of people, and it needs to happen smoothly.
- The most important person on the set is the Director, from whom all vision and direction flows.
- The 2nd most important voice on the set is that of the 1st Assistant Director, who runs the set on behalf of the Director, and whose responsibility it is to make sure that the shoot starts and ends on time, and the day is accomplished as planned.
- The DP and his team (Lighting, Electrics, Grip) come next - as they are responsible for achieving the vision of the director.
- Don't forget your sound recordist because without good sound you're in trouble.
- The PA/Continuity person is essential to log the shots, and ensure continuity.

Set Protocol
For each set up:
1st Assistant Director tells the crew what the shot it, and asks the DP how long he needs to light. The 1st then informs the crew "We will be going for a rehearsal in X mins. The DP and Lighting team begin their work. The 1st AD calls order and quiet to the set. The 1st AD calls the rehearsal ("Stand by for a rehearsal, please." ) then when it is time, he calls the scene. (1stAD: "Camera Ready" DP:"Rolling" 1st AD "Sound Ready" Recordist "Rolling") and the director or the 1st AD says "Action". (If it is large noisy set eg a busy street, then the first will say action. Some directors don't like to raise their voice so they may give the 1st AD a sign and the DP will say Action on behalf of the director). The Director says "CUT".
Make sure that there is time for Audio to get wild tracks for each location. That is at least 30 secs or room atmosphere. The AD calls for quiet and times it.
The PA must keep careful notes of each set up and take, noting which takes were n/g (no good) which were good and which the director liked best.

Try to follow these guidelines faithfully. Have a good shoot!

Love FA

PS: A friend of mine found this definition of a producer which I think says it all:

"A real producer holds the vision of the project. They're the first person to turn on the lights in the morning, and the last person to turn out the lights at night. They are the leader, the go-to person, the solution-provider, the conflict resolver. They are consistent, passionate, fair and fierce. They know how to pick their battles. They know how to inspire others, even and especially when they are taking hits and bleeding profusely from their own battles to keep the ship afloat. They are everyone's confidante, keep everyone's counsel, but beat to their own drum. Their number one client: the Director. Their number one loyalty: the project - which brings us back around to vision."

Project Ian - First day's shoot!

This project which yours truly is directing, got off to a flying start today. I think we got some great footage - Can't wait to look at it. We had a wonderful team as Mahmood brought a gaffer Jeffrey who was very helpful. Brooke and Akley helped us with lights and grips. Mood also brought Nala who taught Nashonda how to use the mixer so she can do it next time. Many hugs and thanks to you all!

The young actors - Gizelle, Frances, Annalee, and Gabby - were wonderful. Contracts were exchanged and signed. There were drinks and donuts available for refreshment. Sean was the 1st AD, and once we establised the set protocol, the set ran quite well. Brooke helpfully took over the AD role when Sean had to leave for awhile.

Thanks everyone. I actually enjoyed it most of the time, and think many things went well.

We have some problems however. The following comments are offered with LOVE :
1) The script right now is too long. Today we worked from 1pm til 8.30 pm to achieve approximately one third of the project. It was hard work, long hours and we went as fast as we could. I don't believe you will be get Mahmood and Jeffrey to come back for more than 1 more day of shooting, if that. This is reasonable since they are working - very hard - for free. The Producers need to take a hard look at the script and cut it down. Otherwise my fear is that it will not be completed.

2) We went into today's shoot with no final locked script! I felt very uncomfortable about this when trying to prepare on the weekend, but decided to go with the situation. It meant that as the director I had to do my storyboard and shot list without a final script. I wanted to be as organised as posible to achieve everything we had discussed in our meetings. Halfway through the shoot the Producers brought out a script that the director had not seen before with sections that apparently we had to shoot! That was very unfair on me and the crew.

3) It's important that all discussion about the project should happen BEFORE the shoot. By the time the shoot starts the Producers should have fully entrusted the film to the director to achieve, and be able to sit back and support the hard work of the crew led by the director. Directing by committee on set doesnt work.

4) If you disagree with what the director is doing, ask him/her to step outside to discuss. Don't contradict or argue with the director in front of cast and crew!

Changing hats now (my Teacher hat) : I wanted you guys to work with professionals in order to deal with the reality of producing a high quality show. So I am hoping we can all engage with these issues in a professional way. Remember it's all offered with LOVE. Let's put our heads together and come out of this with some great little films.

We can discuss more tomorrow!

Saturday

I'm really excited about this week....Alot has to be done....but we will get throughit...

I'm on layoff now guys so.....more time to work on this project and my other class with Frances-Anne..

Looking forward to working on the shoot Saturdayz....