We now only have three weeks until the Film Installations will be opened to the public, and during this time we are running final checks, getting together the last items to be sourced, and confirming final designs.
Unfortunately, I have found the last few meetings to be incredibly frustrating. Lack of attendance by the designers has meant that the Production Team have had to make decisions regarding the designs without consulting the other students, and have been set back in the time frames as we have been unable to discuss certain issues. I have learned a lot about communication over the course of this module, as I have had to email members of staff and students, and be able to contact people for different issues.
By practicing patience and understanding, whilst also being firm in my role of Technical Stage Manager, I have been able to make it known what I need to be done in order for me to be able to continue with my own responsibilities, and through developing a good working relationship with the two Production Managers, we have worked together to solve challenges that have arisen. I am fairly confident that by production week we will be on track.
Wednesday 16 May 2012
Monday 7 May 2012
Journey to Lecture - Archived Video
Video created for a lecture on AV and Projection on 11th May 2012.
Monday 23 April 2012
Supporting the Production Managers
In my role as Technical Stage Manager, it is my responsibility to source equipment for the projects and ensure that each design will run smoothly in our given studio space on the day of performance.
I have found that as well as this, I have needed to support the Production Managers in organising the designers and other team members during meetings, as well as setting deadlines for both myself and the designers so all aspects of the project come together at the right points.
There have been times when I have found Production Meetings a little difficult, as some things have not been sorted or the communication prior to the meetings has not been clear, resulting in a little confusion and clarification that I have done during the discussions.
These experiences have, however, taught me valuable lessons on clarity, and made me aware that a vital part of a Production Team is making sure everyone is at the same level of understanding in all areas of the given project. As well as this, they have helped me to fulfil aspects of Stage Management such as "excellent organizational skills, the ability to prioritize, [and] flexibility(1)". Despite some communication problems and issues regarding the general management of the projects, I have learnt a lot about different roles within the Production Team and will be able to use these experiences in the future.
(1) Tolkoff, E. (1999) 'Places Please: The Stage Manager's Job in the Theatre', Back Stage - National Edition, 9 April, 40 (15), pp. 28-31
I have found that as well as this, I have needed to support the Production Managers in organising the designers and other team members during meetings, as well as setting deadlines for both myself and the designers so all aspects of the project come together at the right points.
There have been times when I have found Production Meetings a little difficult, as some things have not been sorted or the communication prior to the meetings has not been clear, resulting in a little confusion and clarification that I have done during the discussions.
These experiences have, however, taught me valuable lessons on clarity, and made me aware that a vital part of a Production Team is making sure everyone is at the same level of understanding in all areas of the given project. As well as this, they have helped me to fulfil aspects of Stage Management such as "excellent organizational skills, the ability to prioritize, [and] flexibility(1)". Despite some communication problems and issues regarding the general management of the projects, I have learnt a lot about different roles within the Production Team and will be able to use these experiences in the future.
(1) Tolkoff, E. (1999) 'Places Please: The Stage Manager's Job in the Theatre', Back Stage - National Edition, 9 April, 40 (15), pp. 28-31
Sunday 22 April 2012
Easter Activities
At the start of the four week Easter break, I made a list of things that needed to be done by me for the Film Projects. The main requirement was to finish sourcing key parts of the projects, and contact the designers for any final changes. Although I have two and a half weeks upon returning to Uni before my equipment deadline, I felt that the break would give me ample time to hunt, without having to rush when I came back.
Unfortunately, the four weeks haven't been as productive as I had hoped. A number of pieces of equipment can only be sourced once semester starts again as they require contacting other departments in the university. Similarly, the main frame for one of the designs is proving difficult to find - large measures of wood are needed to create an arcade booth. In a project with no budget, I've been having a hard time finding somewhere that can supply the materials. Contacting friends is one avenue I have taken in an attempt to find a generous carpenter willing to give up a few offcuts; however due to people being away and the uncomfortable fact that ideally the wood will be for free, this has so far been unfruitful. I am hoping that when everyone is back at university, there might be an easier way to find these things.
Despite these current setbacks, the rest of the project is on track and to schedule, meaning that the majority of the organisational work has been done so come production week, things should work well together with minimal disruption.
Unfortunately, the four weeks haven't been as productive as I had hoped. A number of pieces of equipment can only be sourced once semester starts again as they require contacting other departments in the university. Similarly, the main frame for one of the designs is proving difficult to find - large measures of wood are needed to create an arcade booth. In a project with no budget, I've been having a hard time finding somewhere that can supply the materials. Contacting friends is one avenue I have taken in an attempt to find a generous carpenter willing to give up a few offcuts; however due to people being away and the uncomfortable fact that ideally the wood will be for free, this has so far been unfruitful. I am hoping that when everyone is back at university, there might be an easier way to find these things.
Despite these current setbacks, the rest of the project is on track and to schedule, meaning that the majority of the organisational work has been done so come production week, things should work well together with minimal disruption.
Monday 2 April 2012
Studio model
As we have now confirmed the designs for the HE3 Film Project Installations, I have been able to have a closer look at the layout of the studio we have access to, and how the pieces will fit together within the space.
Using the software Google SketchUp, I was able to create a model of the studio, and mark out where the designs are intended to be placed. Although it is not perfectly accurate, it allows myself as Technical Stage Manager to note the distances between things, and how hazards such as cabling might be avoided or worked around in the space.
It will also show the Project Managers and Designers how the room may look on the day, making their designs 'come to life' a little more and allow us to more readily visualise the end product. Up until this point, we have speculated how it will work together, whereas now we have a visual aid that may highlight any areas that need further clarification.
Below you can see an image of the model.
Note: the lines marking out the areas will be either white display screens, or black curtain.
Using the software Google SketchUp, I was able to create a model of the studio, and mark out where the designs are intended to be placed. Although it is not perfectly accurate, it allows myself as Technical Stage Manager to note the distances between things, and how hazards such as cabling might be avoided or worked around in the space.
It will also show the Project Managers and Designers how the room may look on the day, making their designs 'come to life' a little more and allow us to more readily visualise the end product. Up until this point, we have speculated how it will work together, whereas now we have a visual aid that may highlight any areas that need further clarification.
Below you can see an image of the model.
Note: the lines marking out the areas will be either white display screens, or black curtain.
Saturday 31 March 2012
Easter preparation
In the last week before the Easter holidays, we have had two meetings to catch up with designers, and confirm what needs to be done over the break.
During these meetings, I have been able to raise concerns I had regarding sourcing, and have been put at ease by both the production managers and designers, and now have a clear idea of what is required over the next four weeks. In the minutes from the meeting which I type up and circulate to the team, items are listed that require further action and names of those responsible are highlighted, to ensure everyone is aware of their duties and what needs to be done.
I feel confident in the role of Technical Stage Manager, and have a set of items to be sourced that are the final pieces of the project. Although I had some issues with certain aspects of the designs, these have since been rectified and I now know what will be required in the final weeks running up to the project in May.
During these meetings, I have been able to raise concerns I had regarding sourcing, and have been put at ease by both the production managers and designers, and now have a clear idea of what is required over the next four weeks. In the minutes from the meeting which I type up and circulate to the team, items are listed that require further action and names of those responsible are highlighted, to ensure everyone is aware of their duties and what needs to be done.
I feel confident in the role of Technical Stage Manager, and have a set of items to be sourced that are the final pieces of the project. Although I had some issues with certain aspects of the designs, these have since been rectified and I now know what will be required in the final weeks running up to the project in May.
Tuesday 27 March 2012
Technical Checks
It is the TSM's responsibility to ensure the technical side of the production works smoothly and efficiently. As I am working on film projects, this is even more important as all of the designs contain aspects of video, audio, projection, or filming. This meant that in sourcing equipment, I have had to check everything works as is required so that on the day there should be no problems. However, if there are issues during the production days, as TSM I will also be required to have an awareness of what is involved so I can fix anything on the day.
Before the Production Meeting today, I was required to check two monitors and processors we are borrowing from the Theatre department. This involved finding the appropriate cables, connecting the monitors, and ensuring they switched on and worked sufficiently.
Below are photos documenting the process - note that one of the Apple monitors had to be replaced as it did not have the appropriate VGA cable connection.
Before the Production Meeting today, I was required to check two monitors and processors we are borrowing from the Theatre department. This involved finding the appropriate cables, connecting the monitors, and ensuring they switched on and worked sufficiently.
Below are photos documenting the process - note that one of the Apple monitors had to be replaced as it did not have the appropriate VGA cable connection.
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