Reflective Logs

Introduction

This page of my project portfolio will present my weekly, reflective logs, which will encourage me to continuously evaluate my work and ensure it is kept to a high standard. I will use my reflective Logs to make sure that I maintain on track to completing my end product and that I am following the correct project structure.

Week 1 - 20/02/2023

This week, we started to look at our Final Major Project unit which involves working on an initial 'Who am I?' task, and thinking about possible ideas that we could develop for our Final Major Product for unit 13. We began this week by mind mapping our interests and passions and thinking of ways that we could branch off from those in order to produce an interesting end product. Over the course of two years, having completed various different projects, I have learnt that I often produce my best work if it is based around a topic that genuinely interests me. Some of the topics that I chose were Photography, Music, Nature, and History. Whilst these are all broad subjects, I thought that it would give me a good opportunity to think carefully about the ideas that I could create, and what medium I would use to bring them to life.

As well as this, we were also tasked with filming a short 'Who Am I?' video which would allow us to understand our passions and interests in more depth, as well as the topics that interests us. I compiled a list of questions for myself to answer which followed the themes of my early childhood, my career ambitions, and the biggest influences in my life. I found this task very useful and I feel that this will be a necessary piece of work that I can continuing refer back to throughout the project to remind myself of my end goals and objectives.

After some thought, I formulated three possible ideas which could form the foundations for my Final Major Project, which included, The Evolution of Music, how nature can affect our physical and mental health, and how our family history shapes the people we become. After briefly explaining the background of each idea, I then carried out a SWOT Analysis on Idea 1, 2 and 3. In these, I identified the possible strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and weaknesses. This would help me to determine the strongest idea and the most viable to move forward with for my end product. I discussed each idea with my peers and lecturers before deciding to move forward with idea 1, which would focus on the Evolution of music. I will continue with this next week when considering my overall area of Research.

Week 2 - 27/02/2023

This week, we continued to look at Unit 12 when beginning to think about our individual Research Topics and Questions. Last week, I decided to move forward with the idea that focussed on how music has evolved through the decades. I had already anticipated the eras that I was the most keen to learn more about were the 60s, 70s, and 80s, therefore, I decided to base this weeks task around analysing a music video from each decade when looking at similar existing media products. The music videos that I selected to analyse were 'Daydream Believer' by The Monkees, 'Bohemian Rhapsody' by Queen, and 'Take On Me' by A-ha. Each video had various similarities and differences and I was able to identify some of the key characteristics that were used in music videos depending on the varying years that they were created. I found this exercise to be really insightful and interesting and felt that I was able to clearly relate the task back to my original research question.

After having analysed each media product, I thought about how the task had influenced my original intention and the aspects of the topic that I am keen to research next. Having looked into in some depth at the different genres that were popular in each decade, and having discovered some that I hadn't been aware exsisted, I will research more into this in the coming weeks and try to understand how and why they have changed and adapted over the years. Overall, I am really pleased with the work carried out this week as I feel that I now have a greater understanding on the topic as well as different research routes that I will take when moving forward with the project in the coming weeks.

Week 3 - 06/03/2023

This week, we continued to focus on the research aspect of our chosen topic for unit 13. Last week, we had already been able to identify a research topic and establish a research question when analysing three existing related media products. Having conducted this initial piece of research, I now had a clearer vision on the route that I would like to take when moving forward with my project. To begin with, I created a mind map of initial research activity ideas, prompting me to think about how I could achieve my end goal of uncovering information which was based off of my research questions. In order to ensure that I covered a variety of aspects within my research, I thought about the cultural, social, and historical context behind my topic idea. This allowed me to generate some possible research questions that would have some relevance to what I needed to find out.

After having done this, I then reminded myself of the different research methods that can be used, such as, Primary, Secondary, Quantitative, and Qualitative research. I was able to clearly explain how each research methods differ, and which options would be the most useful when conducting contrasting pieces of research. Having completed my mind map of research ideas, I now needed to narrow down and specify the key points that I felt would be the most beneficial to cover when moving forward. I did this by constructing a research plan which detailed which research question I would look into, in depth, which methods and techniques I would use, and the overall relevance that this particular piece of research would have on my project. Through completing this task, I was able to identify five key research questions that I think will prove to be beneficial when it comes to creating my final major product. I anticipate that I will ask myself sub-questions throughout the research process, therefore I must be prepared to follow different routes and uncover more about a specific topic. I will continue with Unit 13 next week when beginning my research.

Week 04 - 13/03/2023

This week, I continued to work on Unit 12 when beginning my initial piece of research in response to my research question. Although I had completed a research plan, I needed to select one key research question which would help me to determine whether I was heading in the right direction and whether my chosen topic could be developed into my Final Major Project. I decided to answer the question, 'How was 60s, 70s, and 80s music produced to reflect lifestyles of these eras?' as I thought this would allow me to delve into each decade and gain some key information surrounding how music was used to address social, political, and cultural topics. I also thought that this piece of research would be helpful for me when thinking about whether I wanted to cover all three decades within my documentary, or alternatively, just one. I spent time critically analysing and researching each decade in depth and made sure to think about the relevant social issues, fashion choices, music genres, and the way that the world was during that era. However, with this being said, I always made sure to relate these topics back to how music had an influence on that time period and how it was creatively used to have an impact on society.

For this initial piece of research, I mostly relied on secondary sources as I knew I needed to first gather factual information, rather than personal opinions from my target audience - this would be an aspect that I would cover later on in the Research Process. Although I mainly used online articles, I also conducted some primary research when reading extracts from books such as 'Sounds of the Sixties', and 'Great Bands of the 80s'. I also made sure to include images within my research to visually back up the points that I was making. Having now conducted this beginning piece of research in response to my initial research topic, I now feel that I have a greater knowledge on the subjects that I am discussing and feel confident that I can create an end product from it. I also feel more confident in knowing that I would like to cover the 60s, 70s, and 80s within my documentary as I feel that each decade has something different to offer, allowing me to showcase the clear similarities and differences between each era. I will continue with my research next week when writing my research report.

Week 5 - 20/03/2023

This week, I came to the end of the first aspect of my research when constructing my Research Report and sourcing my research References. Having now completed this part of the unit, and two key pieces of topic research, I needed to analyse my findings and determine whether the information that I uncovered would be useful to me when producing my final major product. I began my report by explaining how I started the unit by formulating three key ideas that could eventually be developed into my FMP. I then spoke about how I completed a SWOT Analysis for each idea, as well as filming a short 'Who AM I?' video, which would ultimately encourage me to chose the 'Evolution of Music' idea. I selected this idea because I felt that it would allow me the most scope to conduct a variety of research which I would find enjoyable and engaging throughout the process. It is a topic that personally interests me and I am keen to develop the idea further. With this in mind, I then discussed how I analysed three existing media products which were related to my own idea. This research task helped me to understand how Music videos from the 60s, 70s, and 80s were produced and how they advanced over time. Following on from this, I felt keen to explore this in further depth, and so conducted some research which looked at how 60s, 70s, and 80s music represented lifestyles and social issues of each era.

Having detailed all of my findings within my research report, and through explaining my methodology, I was able to reflect on the work that I had done, and carefully consider my next steps. I had conducted a range of Secondary and Qualitative research on the contextual background of my topic, therefore, I would also need to complete some primary and Quantitative research when progressing with Unit 13. A way that I could do this would be by asking members of my possible target audience to complete a questionnaire or survey. Overall, I still remain confident with my idea and think that I will enjoy researching into it further throughout my Final Major Project unit. My next steps will be to continue with my research, focussing specifically on my Target Audience, Skills and Techniques, and production requirements for my documentary.

Week 6 - 27/03/2023

This week, I continued to follow my Research Plan which would help me to ensure I remained on track to uncovering the essential information needed for my project. As I had realised last week, I knew that I now needed to focus more so on my Target Audience, as well as developing my knowledge on my chosen topic. In order to achieve this, I decided to construct a Questionnaire which would be sent out to a variety of people of all ages and backgrounds. This piece of Primary and Quantitative research would allow me to gain some first hand information, which would aid me when it comes to the way that I structure my final documentary. I realise the importance of understanding your Target Audience as it is essential to create a piece of work that they will find enjoyable and that will resonate with them. I found this piece of research very beneficial as it showed me that even in the modern day, people of all ages, ranging from 18 to 70+, find 60s, 70s, and 80s music enjoyable, and that it is still listened to on a regular basis. I also found out my Target Audiences favourite music genres, their preferred era of music, and how music in general has an influence on their everyday lives. I will use all of this information to ensure that I am covering the relevant topics and genres within my final documentary.

As well as gaining some feedback from my Target Audience, this piece of research also helped me to uncover some more subject information on music from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. I asked my audience to share with me whether they think that musical elements from past decades can be heard in modern day music, and was glad to receive a varied amount of responses. All of my respondents agreed with the proposition and said that some modern day songs incorporate iconic lyrics of familiar melodies. They were kind enough to supply some examples such as, 'Mo Money, Mo Problems', 'Set A Drift', and 'Cold heart'. Overall, I found this task very beneficial and will continue with my research next week when trying to uncover how artists from each decade have been able to remain relevant throughout the years.

Week 7 - 03/04/2023

Having gathered some first hand feedback through my primary research task last week, I now needed to take this information into account and think about how I can research my topic in further depth. Referring back to my original Research plan, I knew that I wanted to understand more about musical longevity throughout the years, particularly linking back to the 1960s, 70s, and 80s eras. In order to learn more about this, I selected an artist from each artist and looked into how they have been able to keep up with changing technical adaptations and remain at the forefront of the music industry. The three musicians that I chose were The Rolling Stones, Elton John, and Madonna. I conducted some thorough research into each of them and uncovered how they connect with their fans in the modern age and how they continue to produce new music with hints of their original styles, but with a modern twist.

I found this piece of research particularly interesting as I was able to learn more about how artists produce their music, and the reasoning behind it. After identifying how each artist has progressed over the years, I ultimately came to the same conclusion for how each of them has remained at the top of their game. Overall, it appears that each musician genuinely enjoys to produce and perform and has a strong passion for it. It goes past trying to compete with other artists, and it seems much more important for each of them to hone their craft and to ensure that they are connecting with their audience. They have each established their own style, and for as long as their audience will listen to their music, they will continue to produce it. This is definitely an area that I would like to cover within my documentary and would like to talk with my interviewees about their personal opinions on the longevity of musical artists.

Week 8 - 10/04/2023

This week, I continued with the research aspect of Unit 13 when conducting some further research on my Target Audience. Having previously conducted a survey on how 60s, 70s, and 80s music is relevant in the modern era, I now wanted to find out more about my audiences own taste in music and whether they think that music can have a positive or negative impact on society. In order to do this, I constructed another Questionnaire which I would then send out to all of my Target Audience to complete. Within the Questionnaire, I asked questions such as, 'When wanting to relax, which genres of music would you listen to and why?', 'What effect does listening to music have on your mental health?', and 'How do you think that music can have an effect on society?'. I was able to gain a variety of research from people from all age groups ranging from 18-70+. I analysed the answers that I received for each question and thought carefully about how I could apply my new-found knowledge of my Target Audience to the structure of my Documentary. I will ensure to incorporate some of the most common genres that were suggested so that it is enjoyable and familiar for the viewer to watch.

As well as completing some research on my Target Audience, I also began to look at the Skills and Techniques element of my research. This aspect of the unit encourages me to think about the skills that I have acquired of the entirety of the course, and consider how they could be implemented within my final piece of work. As I am creating a Documentary for my FMP, I thought it would be sensible to revisit the Documentary Unit of my work and remind myself of some of the key techniques that I learnt during that period, One of which including being aware of the skills needed to conduct an interview. I was able to initially prompt my memory and think about how on screen interviews should be framed and positioned, however, I felt that I needed reminding on how to successfully light an interview setup. With this is mind, I watched several YouTube tutorials on how to achieve this and now feel more confident when moving forward with producing my work. I will continue with this aspect of my research next week when revisiting further Skills and Techniques that I have learnt. One of which being

Week 9 - 17/04/2023

This week, I continued with the skills and techniques aspect of my research SECTION of Unit 13 when conducting some further research on how Green Screens are used within Documentary Making. When using a green screen for the backdrop of my interviews in my last Documentary project, I had found it enjoyable to remove the chroma colour and replace it with a background which had more relevance to the topic that was being discussed. This is a technique that I would like to revisit for this project and feel that I would like to refresh my knowledge on how to achieve the effect successfully. To begin with, I revisited my original piece of work that I composed when initially learning about how to use a green screen to remind myself of how to set a green screen up, how to light it correctly, and where to position the subject to ensure that they were framed accurately. I then conducted some further research by watching several YouTube tutorials on how to light the green screen so that it can be removed successfully during the post-production process. As part of my Problem Solving and Practical Skills Experimentation, I will film a mock interview using the green screen so that I am able to practise my techniques before recording the final interview at a later stage.

In addition to this, I also began my production research this week when researching the roles that I will undertake when actively producing my final Documentary. Some of these roles included a Director, Cinematographer, Audio Recordist, Editor and Archivist. I looked into the skills and attributes that each role required and thought about how I would apply each role to my own project. I found this task very informative as I was visually able to get a better understanding of how each job role operates and now feel more confident going in to the production stage of my project. Next week, I WILL CONTINUE WITH MY Production research when completing my pre-production documents.

Week 10 - 24/04/2023

This week, I STARTED THE Problem Solving aspect of my project when conducting a Skills Experimentation task on Documentary Interviews. I began by sourcing my interviewee and preparing some questions which I would ask. Although this was just an experimental interview, it had the potential to be used within my final documentary, therefore, I wanted to make sure that the questions were relevant to the subject of Music evolution. Overall, I think that the task was a success as I was able to clearly conduct an interview with all of the steps and techniques that I had learnt in mind. Also this week, I began to think about the Pre-Production documents that would be required in order to move forward to the production stage of my project. Some of these documents included, A budget, call sheet, shot list, visual outline, Health and Safety Assessment and a location recce. I found the task of creating each of these documents very beneficial and informative as it gave me an idea of the various aspects which need to be consider for a production to run smoothly.

Once I had completed all of my Pre-Production documents, I was then ready to move onto the Practical Skills elements of my project, which would ultimately lead into the overall creation of my final documentary. To begin with, I identified that I would require a script in order to progress into the next stage of production and so started to think about the pieces of information that I wanted to convey to my audience, and the message that I wanted to get across. As planned, I referred back the subject elements of my research and was able to construct and adapt a script from the information that I had already uncovered. I feel that I have been able to represent the tone of each decade within my dialogue, and will rely on archived footage from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, as well as interviewees which I will conduct that will support the points that I am making. Next week, I hope to begin the production aspect of my project when sourcing my footage and conducting my interviews.

Week 11 - 01/05/2023

This week, I began the production stage of my project when starting to record my Voice overs. These will prove as a vital element to my documentary as they will be the tool that is used to present the factual information about 60s, 70s, and 80s music to my viewers. I used the audio editing software, Audacity, to record and add effects to my voice overs, ensuring that they sounded of a high standard. Upon reviewing the audio files, I noticed that a slight wave of white noise could be heard in the background and so applied the appropriate 'Noise Reduction' effect to help improve this. I decided to record each voice over in a total of 15 different sessions, as this seemed a safer and more secure option, preventing the files from becoming corrupt or lost.

After having completed all of my voice overs, I now needed to source the archived footage which would be used to complement the facts being shared. I did this by using resources such as Youtube, the BBC Archive, British Pathe, and the Kinolibrary. All of these archive platforms have stored and preserved important images and videos from past years and so it was extremely useful to be able to find clips which related to the topics that I was discussing. I knew that I wanted to create an opening sequence which would imply to the viewer what I would be covering within my documentary, so decided to incorporate a mixture of music videos from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, giving an impression that we as viewers would be embarking on a musical journey throughout each decade, and uncovering how the music industry has evolved. Next week, I will continue sourcing archived footage for my documentary, as well as starting to conduct my interviews.

Week 12 - 08/05/2023

This week, I continued with the production stage of my project when sourcing some further archived materials. I made the decision to sync each individual voice over to the relevant footage separately from each other so that I would conclude with 15 stand alone VTs. These would all then be placed into the final timeline and slotted in accordingly, being separated by an interview interlude. Throughout this process, I made sure to continuously refer back to the context of my voiceovers and written script to ensure that I was including the relevant footage which had a direct link to what was being discussed.

As well as gathering some further archived footage and forming each sequence, I also began the interview process this week when conducting my first in-person interview. Due to my mock interview being successful, I have decided to include it within my final documentary as I feel that it gives a fresh and younger opinion on the topics that are being discussed, and will allow me to reach a wider target audience. However, with this being said, I will still need to interview a further two contributors and would like them to reflect the eras being discussed, therefore, I decided to interview someone who was born in the 1970s and lived through the 70s and 80s eras of music. This was an important aspect to me as I wanted the interviews to give a first hand account of growing up and living through the decades that are being discussed as it allows for a more personal account throughout the documentary. Similarly to the mock interview, I also used the green screen technique for this interview to ensure that each interview had an element of continuity. I will continue conducting my interviews next week, when interviewing my final contributor who was also born throughout the eras that are being discussed.

Week 13 - 15/05/2023

This week, I continued with the production stage of my project when conducting my final interview. Similarly to my previous two interviews, I asked the same questions so that each answer would have a direct link to the context that I was discussing in my voice overs. I then placed my footage into the editing software and completed the chroma key removing process, as well as syncing my video footage with the correct audio. Now that I had completed all three interviews and had edited together each section of my documentary in a rough cut, I was now ready to begin my final edit.

Referring back to my contingency plan, and in an attempt to avoid loosing any footage, I made the conscious decision to edit my Documentary into three individual parts, with each section representing a different decade. This allowed me to focus on each era and ensure that I captured the correct feel and tone of each decade within my film. Once I had exported each individual section, I then needed to place all of my singular edits into one master timeline, which would ultimately show the overall structure of my documentary, from the beginning to the end. It was during this part of the post production process that I sourced the background music which would be used along side my footage. I felt it important to use music from each decade or from a particular artist that I was discussing so that it gave a subtle nod to the context of my documentary, and subconsciously transported the viewer to that era of music. After having completed my final edit and adding an end credit to the last part of my documentary, I exported my film and uploaded it to my WIX Website. I would then be ready to write my evaluation of the entire project next week, concluding the process.

Week 14 - 26/05/2023

This week, I completed my Final Major Project unit when concluding the project with my overall Evaluation and reflection. Throughout my Evaluation, I was able to reflect on my project as a whole and think in depth about each stage of the process. I critically analysed each section of my portfolio and assessed the strengths and weaknesses that I encountered throughout. This allowed me to think about the aspects of my project that positively contributed to my final documentary, as well as the elements that I would improve on, should I have the opportunity to complete the project again. Within my evaluation, I discussed, in depth, various sections of my portfolio, such as Context, Research, Problem Solving, and Planning and Production. By breaking my reflection down into several parts, I was able to contemplate how I approached each section, and whether the work that I completed proved beneficial to my project.

Over the course of the project, I have used my Reflective Logs as a tool which has allowed me to continuously reflect and evaluate on the progress that I was making. I have found this practise to be extremely beneficial as it has encouraged me to stay true to the overall aim of my project and motivated me to revisit the goals that I set out at the beginning of the project. An aspect of Documentary making, and indeed all types of filmmaking, which has been highlighted to me throughout this project, is the importance to regularly reflect on your work and gather feedback from others. By doing this, I have been able to create a piece of work which executes the initial idea that I wanted to portray. Once I had completed my conclusive evaluation, I uploaded my final pieces of work to my WIX website, before publishing and completing my Final Major Project.