Saturday, October 07, 2006

Instructions for Kids TV unit

You will produce the titles sequence of a new TV programme aimed at children aged anywhere within the range 5-12 years.

The sequence could include the use of Photoshop and/or iStopMotion and may go on into the opening of the programme itself, though it may not exceed two minutes in total and could be as brief as 30 seconds. The titles sequence itself should be based upon research into existing examples from the genre chosen by your group. Everything must be filmed on the college premises. You will also monitor and record the production process in the writing.

This production will be marked out of 120, with 30 marks for planning, 60 for construction of the products and 30 for the written report. The planning, shooting and editing will be carried out in groups (maximum size four), while the writing will be done individually.

You will work on the project in all media sessions for about three weeks (Nov 19- Dec10) and may additionally book lunchtimes on the machine.

Production deadline: first session for your group in the week of Dec 10 (either Mon 10 or Tue 11).

Writing for the project

Writing

The written report can be started straight away and you will be expected to continue writing it up outside lesson times.

It must be uploaded to Moodle in stages.

Stage 1: the first 1000 words approx must be uploaded to Moodle by 9am on Mon 3 Dec
Stage 2: the whole 2000 words must be uploaded to Moodle by 9am on Mon 17 Dec
including any changes made to the first part

Stage 1: Discussion of what a TV title sequence involves - this should include points about use of music, graphics and introduction of characters. How can you tell what genre a programme is by its title sequence? You could mention titles sequences aimed at older audiences too.
An analysis of some the childrens TV sequences you looked at - this should allow you to discuss which openings you thought were effective and why. What age group do you think the programme was aimed at and how can you tell?
Some consideration of the target audience of your programme - who is your programme aimed at? Why? How do you intend to make sure it appeals to this audience?
You should also discuss the initial ideas that your group has had - what type of programmes did you think about making? Why? What is your groups final idea for your opening sequence? How did the ideas develop? What planning have you done so far?

Stage 2: The second part of the writing should be an account of your shooting and editing, as well as reflection on the finished product and audience feedback. It should include information about the following:

* Filming techniques that you have used e.g. Stop Motion Animation, Green Screen etc...
* talk about your choice of shots, what worked and what did not
* Justification as to why you have used them
* editing techniques you have used- be precise about the names of effects you have used. Have you used Photoshop to create a title card? if so explain why.
* name some of the techniques you have used (technical terms)
* You should mention your individual contribution to these stages and what exactly you have done

* An evaluation of the finished project, how successful was it? Does it target its audience effectively ?
* An analysis of the title sequence, including music/other sound, titles, mise-en-scene, action, camera, editing
* Some discussion of the feedback your group has had from audiences- in class and on the web


In the last week of the project we will look at the finished work and give all groups some audience feedback for the Evaluation section. Projects will also be available online
and you are encouraged to comment there upon one another’s work.


The project is worth 40% of the AS level. It is the first of two such projects of which you will submit the better of the two as your complete coursework.

How will I be assessed ?

To get high marks you will be expected to consistently demonstrate excellence in most of the following technical skills:
* holding a shot steady, where appropriate
* framing a shot, including and excluding elements as appropriate
* using a variety of shot distances as appropriate
* shooting material appropriate to the task set
* selecting mise-en-scene including colour, figure, lighting, objects and setting
* editing so that meaning is apparent to the viewer
* using editing, captions and other effects selectively and appropriately
* using sound with images and editing appropriately for the task
* good planning, organisation of actors, props, equipment, location, time management
* writing a thorough and analytical account of the project, including research, planning, shooting, editing and audience feedback in depth

Sunday, October 01, 2006

Sesame Street

1969 (very first episode ever)

Fraggle Rock

Button Moon

The Flumps

Zzzap!

Rainbow

Trumpton

Stingray

Thunderbirds

Muffin The Mule

Wizadora (1993)

Playdays (1993)

Blue Peter

1990's


1960's

The Pink Panther Show

Magpie

Bagpuss