Proposal

Idea Presentation - Rowing

I chose this idea because it has an interesting, clear narrative that I can follow, which gives me the opportunity to create tension and improve my story-telling skills through a non-fiction format. Additionally, I have resources and links to this hobby through friends and family, meaning it is more than achievable.

I will be able to use the skills I have already developed in interviews sound recording, and apply my knowledge of documentary form to create a successful piece.

The advantages of this idea are that I have access to a rowing club through my dad and sister, and I can interview people I already know well. This also helps provide transport to locations, as I will be following their teams with them.

However, it will take a lot of organisation, as I can only film when the teams are available for training or races, and filming may depend on whether the team are able to row or not. Additionally, training is often very early in the morning, which may prove difficult or tiring.

So far, i have not encountered many problems, aside from getting permissions from the rowing crews to film them. This was more complicated with junior rowing crews as there are children involved, but I was able to get permission film the senior women's crew.

Centre Name

Long Road Sixth Form College

Centre Number

22151

Project Title

Making a short documentary focused on creative cinematography and editing skills

Rationale

Throughout the year and previous modules, I have significantly developed my knowledge and understanding of documentary form and technique. This has influenced my choice in the project, as I know which type of documentary I want to make, and what elements will make it successful. I have also done research into, and put into practice more specific elements of documentary, such as interview technique and lighting. This, along with the creation of a short ‘How to…’ doc has influenced my decisions regarding this project, as I know more about the equipment and time requirements behind filming, as well as giving me more confidence to push myself creatively as I have a solid starting point.

I think that this idea will develop these skills as I will bedoing moreinterviews and more challenging cinematography.

Project Concept

Through this project, I would like to develop my skills with new equipment, such as GoPro cameras and shoulder mounts to improve the quality and clarity of moving shots. This will enable me to document the sport in action clearly and effectively.

I would also like to improve my skills in editing with Premiere Pro. Specifically, I want to use more creative transitions to move between scenes or topics smoothly and in a visually interesting way.

In terms of soft skills, I would like to become more confident in interviews and ask more effective questions to get detailed, specific, and interesting answers. I also want to improve my scheduling and organising so that production goes smoothly and so that I can take obstacles in my stride rather than having them upend my plans.

I plan to achieve these goals by dedicating time to research equipment and how to use it, as well as learning new editing techniques from tutorials or official guides to the software.

I will also document tests with equipment such as lighting and camera set ups using photos and footage to show how I am refining my technique to get the best possible results.

My intended audience will be younger rowers in junior squads as way of inspiration, and I can target that demographic by showing real rowers in senior squads and creating a motivational tone.

Issues with my idea could be outing and race timings as they may clash with my lessons. Additionally, they may run over half term breaks so I will have issues with getting equipment.

However, I already have locations and characters in mind, along with permissions from coaches and rowers to film. They are preparing for their summer races, so I can structure my narrative around that.

I am going to film an all women crew so that I can focus on women's teams and races.

Evaluation

Throughout this project, I will be reflecting on my work continuously, as I go through each step or event in my schedule. I will provide evidence using photos or screenshots, and explain how I have made changes to my plans, or how I overcame problems while working. I will reflect on how what I’ve done will help or hinder future work. i am going to reflect on the behind the scenes set up as well as problems and highlights of shooting.

Project Action Plan