Final few weeks

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.

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

Sourcing

As Technical Stage Manager, one of my roles is to source the relevant equipment for each of the installations. During the meeting we decided the key items were 5-7 monitors, several large screens, a computer, camera, AV leads, a television, 5 exam-style desks, and large white chalk. There were a few other necessary pieces, however since the meeting took place one Designer has left the module and so will no longer be a part of the installation.
Once I had established what we needed to get (without a budget), I emailed the appropriate members of staff to request the use of equipment during the two weeks surrounding the production dates. I have already received permission to use several monitors, and have been informed that I will be told soon about the use of screens from an old play.

Sending so many emails to lecturers has enabled me to practise the correct way to communicate on a professional level - when writing to someone within the context of a professional production and as the Stage Manager of that piece, one must ensure the letter is polite and respectful throughout, as well as clear and fairly concise as busy people do not wish to read pages of explanation. Similarly, it is important to build up a rapport with potentially helpful members of staff in the early stages of the project, so should anything go wrong, they already know and understand who you are and know you take your role seriously.

Meetings and Communication

Last week there was the next production meeting for the 3rd year Film Projects - in attendance were myself, the two Production Managers, three of the Designers, and David Hockham, the lecturer overseeing all the projects.
During this meeting we discussed in more detail the three of four installations, and established exactly what needed to be sourced, from whom it could be acquired, and when we would need confirmation that the items would be available.

Following this meeting, I typed up the minutes and sent them to all of those involved in the projects, including those who were not at the meeting itself. When writing the minutes, I bullet-pointed the Designer's ideas, and highlighted the names of people who have specific tasks to do. As well as this, I listed the important deadlines regarding design confirmation, final checks, and sourcing time frames.

Production Meeting 2

The second meeting was held the following week, and included three of the four third year Designers. During this meeting we were briefed on the initial design concepts, and could give provisional affirmation to these ideas. Two of the projects would require projection and computer interaction, which will be confirmed in the next few weeks. The third design requires only a table, spotlight, and small smoke machine as it is just a model, rather than an interactive installation.

I had some queries regarding one of the more ambitious projects, as it would need a hidden camera that is subtly operated by the audience member to film them completing tasks - the footage would be played back to them once they have left the project area or booth. Initially, I was uncertain as to how this would work practically, and the level of technical ability required to build such a piece. However, following an email with Dave, we have clarified with the Designers that they must be able to set up and know their own projects, and that my role as Technical Stage Manager is to understand the pieces so I can fix any problems that may arise on the day of performance. A Stage Manager has been described as the person who is “making sure it all happens”(1). This helped to clarify my role, and also the amount of work I would be required to give to the actual creation of the pieces.

Overall, the meetings were very productive as it opened up the dialogue between the Designers and the Technical Team, and began to sketch out both a schedule and an idea of how the installations may work together.

(1) Tolkoff, E. (1998) ‘Stage Manager as Guru: Reading the Director’s Mind and Fulfilling the Vision’, Back Stage – National Edition, 9 October, 39 (41), pp. 5

Production Meeting 1

Within the last two weeks I have attended the first two Production Meetings for the HE3 Film Students Design Project. The first meeting allowed me to get to know my Production Managers and the Lighting Designer. We established key dates and deadlines for us and for the designers, so we know the time frame within which we must work to get all the equipment and preparation sorted.

As well as this, we discussed the issue of having no monetary budget and how this will effect the way we source things. We decided that the best way to go about finding equipment would be to discuss borrowing pieces from the relevant departments, as well as using websites such as FreeCycle, from which we can obtain more common items.

During the meeting we ensured all contact details were up to date and available on ULearn, and answered any initial queries we as the technical team had - the main concern was to begin talking to the Designers so we could start to think about sourcing the project.

Initially, I feel a little concerned about the amount of work required with such a small team and budget. However, hopefully over the next few weeks things will become clearer and I will get a greater feel for the requirements of Technical Stage Manager.