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Mock up of what my project will look like on TikTok.

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Mock up of what my project will look like on TikTok.

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For presentation, I have chosen the social media platform TikTok, given that my target audience interacts the most with it, TikTok's focus on short form content aligns well with my video as it’s only one minute long. Sharing my work on TikTok helps me to reach my target audience and also potentially reach a wider audience through its viral potential. Utilizing TikTok's features, such as filters, hashtags, and challenges, can further enhance the visibility of my video.

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Presentation TikTok example (social media) 

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Presentation TikTok example (social media) 

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Meeting in Group B Unit 13 Presentations 20240419 092551 Meeting Recording

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FINAL EVALUATION

In summary, I am pleased with the overall experience of working on this project. The entire process, from beginning to end, has been both enjoyable and challenging.

Whether it's the creative exploration, problem-solving, or the final product, each step has been an opportunity for growth and self-improvement. The journey has been filled with learning, experimentation, and ultimately, a sense of satisfaction.

I initially chose to do a montage of Manchester as I saw a video on YouTube last year that really inspired me to do something similar but also it played to my strengths, editing and visuals these are the things my entire project was built around, my target audience were 15-25 year olds a demographic that highly valued visually pleasing media so I knew my project would be well received

My plan was to create a 2-minute-long montage / documentary show casing two sides of Manchester, it eventually evolved into a video dedicated to showcasing the real side of Manchester from a grimy street view, no flashy drones or helicopter shots just me and my camera and in this aspect I believe my project shined.

Among the various sides of this project, the editing process has been my favourite part. While obtaining the necessary footage posed a challenge, putting the shots and music together gave me a satisfying result. The overall combination of the visuals and audio created a perfect experience that exceeded my expectations. The editing process allowed me to refine and enhance the narrative, making it more engaging for my target audience and a valuable learning experience for me.

Something I wish I could have done more of is my research as while the research I did have strongly influenced the direction of my project and the decisions I madeI felt I had nothing more than a superficial understanding of the genre I was trying to emulate as I had not thought to consult a range of sources nor had I expand upon the sources I had looked at, if I could do this again I would have talked more in depth about the specific feelings I had hoped to evoke and I would have broke down scenes from my inspiration and explained why it worked well and how I would implement them into my own work.

To effectively emulate the genre I was aiming for, I could have made use of several techniques. For example, I could have experimented with different camera angles, such as low angles to create a sense of awe or overhead shots to make my audience feel in control.

Additionally, I could have played with lighting and colour grading much more conveying mood and atmosphere or used editing techniques like cross-cutting and match cuts to convey tension and build suspense. By carefully choosing which techniques to employ and applying them effectively , I could have created a more engaging and impactful final product.

Preproduction proved to be a challenging phase, particularly due to my reliance on the unpredictable nature of the weather. These unexpected factors often hindered my ability to plan effectively, making it difficult to work and maintain a clear project timeline. Drawing from this experience, I have learned the importance of relying on myself and planning contingencies. In future endeavours, I will prioritise self-reliance to minimise disruptions and keep the project on track.

My experimentation focused on the pacing of my edits as finding the perfect balance of fast paced transitions and meaningful effects would make or break my edit, after receiving feed back for my experiments I implemented a more toned down version of my first segments as my audience could comprehend the significance of the scenes much easier than before.

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No music
Intro with quick bus scene transition the switch’s to panning shots I got from town
From there it goes to close ups of things for example coffee cups or a lager glass
(Add foley sounds to create a better atmosphere)

Use colour grading to emphasise the cinematic elements

(Consider head shots to create a story maybe?)

This can be contrasted with the slower peaceful shots I have in the park, maybe use different cameras for different vibes

If a storm occurs consider filming the park during it to create strong cut aways and maybe a a contrast between a rainy and sunny day in Manchester

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The cheat codes to make ANY video cinematic.

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The cheat codes to make ANY video cinematic.

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Upon completing the first experiment, significant weather concerns and other considerations have prompted me to push the project in a different direction.
The varied needs for both scenes have proved more challenging than expected.
The weather is unpredictable and could cause disruption, further delaying the project.
The wide variety of clips required for the scenes is proving to be too ambitious.
Due to these concerns, shifting the project's direction seems to be the best solution.

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In retrospect I am quite pleased with my presentation as even though I did not rehearse or even look at it before It was on the screen I managed to deliver a brief yet detailed explanation of my project and what I hope to accomplish, if I could do this again however I would have more examples of my experiments as this could have given my audience a better idea of my vision for my project.

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11/03/24 - I've made my mind maps and will decide on my final idea and begin research, i will use a range of research techniques and topics to flesh out my idea effectively and will receive feedback on my idea from my tutors and my peers.

20/03/24 - completed my action plan and am now beginning my proposal, I'm still adding to my research on a range of topics for example, camera settings and low light shooting.

22/03/24 - I've completed stage one of unit 13, I've uploaded all of my evidence to Wix and I'm ready to begin stage 2.
I've completed mainly secondary research but i will conduct surveys in the following days.

04/04/2024 - I have decided to post my segments on TikTok albeit separately because while YouTube is an excellent platform for longer form content it’s average audience prefers slower paced edits than that of my target audience as my research has shown me, to further increase the odds of my videos success I will post the two segments separately as the first part is quite up beat and excitable and the second is meant to evoke a slower and more thoughtful feeling.

15/04/2024 - having conducted my surveys to find out who would be interested in seeing my project the results show that most Mancunians 15-23 would prefer a faster style of editing than what I had originally planned, I believe this is because most people in said age range have access to TikTok and a faster and flashier kind of edit is more eye catching on that platform.

29/04/2024 - I've completed stage three of unit 13 and have made good head way on stage four
I've completed my first experiment and am now awaiting feedback from my peers, i plan to create my first cut tomorrow as over the past two weeks i have been collecting viable footage on my phone.
As the weather has been poor i only have useable footage for the first part of my project, im beginning to think i will have to go with plan B as it will be raining and cloudy for the foreseeable future

03/05/2024 -
I have started working on the second part of my Final Major Project (FMP), which involves filming a segment that requires a specific visual element - rain. Due to the dependence on rain for the desired atmosphere and aesthetic, my filming process may experience some delay. In the meantime, I have received valuable feedback on my experimentation phase and have incorporated the suggestions into my work. With the first segment nearing completion after implementing these changes, I am hopeful that the project will progress smoothly despite the waiting period for ideal filming conditions.

10/05/2024 - After waiting for the rain, I was  finally able to gather the final footage for my second segment and finish editing it, all that remains is to wrap up any unfinished pre-production tasks and upload everything to Wix. In reflection, I regret not having not making time to film, as I am unsatisfied with some of the shots in the project.
Other than that I am relieved to have officially finished the project and will hopefully begin my evaluation tomorrow.

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If I'm unable to do my original idea I will instead create a short about the aesthetic of Manchester and the pros and cons of living here

So good restaurants and shops

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Cafuné - Tek It (Sped Up) [Official Audio]

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For my audience research I’ve conducted a focus group with some of my classmates and have asked them if they would be interested in watching a documentary, 4/10 said yes so I then asked if they would like to watch a documentary that’s made in a more fast pace style 8/10 said yes.

This feedback further solidified my belief in creating a fast-paced documentary would appeal to my target audience. Having received positive feedback from 8 out of 10 focus group members, I am confident that there is a significant demand for a documentary with a engaging style. This information will not only inform my creative decisions but also help me make a video that effectively engages my intended viewers.

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My research has helped me develop my idea
I specifically focused on technically based research as my project is mainly production based, to improve my research I could spend more time researching my themes more in depth as understanding the theme is an important part of displaying it clearly within my videos and I feel like I have not explored it effectively enough, while researching similar videos I realised that the effects they used were unfamiliar to me, this would challenge me further as I really wanted to try some of them out.

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Making Documentaries: A Step By Step Guide

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My project is going to be a documentary style montage in order to make sure my film meets the conventions of a documentary / montage i decided to research how to make one.

In my research to create a consistent and well-rounded documentary, this article provided valuable insights into the essential steps involved in the filmmaking process. From the initial brainstorming and planning stage to the actual production, filming, and editing processes, this resource outlined each step.

Making documentaries: A step by step guide (no date) Desktop. Available at: https://www.desktop-documentaries.com/making-documentaries.html (Accessed: 03 May 2024).

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Selling Your Documentary To Netflix and the Streamers 2024

How To Make A Documentary

Making documentaries is one of the most rewarding and challenging endeavors you can be involved in.
Remember... filmmaking is an ART, not a science.
Whether you're at the beginning of your journey looking for documentary ideas, or you're in the middle of production seeking videography tips, lighting tips or interviewing tips, or just trying to figure out how to write a script, making documentaries is a wonderful adventure.

The only way to TRULY learn how to make documentaries is.....

...... to make documentaries.

Here are some basic guidelines to help you in your filmmaking journey.

Documentary Courses & Templates:

Key Steps to Making Documentaries:

Tell a story you care about

Start with a subject that excites you. If you're lukewarm about the subject matter, chances are, the final movie will be too. Make a documentary you're passionate about and makes sense to YOU. There will be plenty of people who don't "get" your idea. But if YOU get it, that's what counts. Need help finding a story idea?

Research

Learn everything you can about your documentary subject. Sometimes the story lines are obvious, sometimes not. Do a lot of digging and follow leads. This is where you put on your reporter hat. Gather facts and search for leads on interesting characters and story lines. The gems of your story are sometimes buried deep out of sight.

Make a Plan

Create an outline. Think about HOW you're going to tell your story. What's the structure? The style? Is there existing footage or photos that help tell your story or will everything need to be shot brand new? Who is your primary character(s)? What are you core story points? What are the elements of your story that are compelling and/or make you "tingle" with intrigue? How can you create that intrigue for your audience? Is there some existing situation you can film or do you need to create the moment?

For Detailed Planning:

Create a Shot List

This is a list of the footage and interviews you'll need to make your movie. Think of it as your list of "ingredients". Depending on the complexity of your project, you may or may not need to create a budget.

A word about interviews. You may be tempted to put a lot of people on your interview wish list. Again, there are no rules because each documentary has its own set of circumstances (maybe there's a reason to interview 100 people), but in general, it's hard for an audience to get to know more than 7-8 "characters" within one movie. So even if you interview 100 people, don't be surprised if you are only able to fit a fraction of them into your movie. Of course, there's always the Bonus Features section on your DVD or Social. ;)

Start Shooting

Are you making documentaries for the web, mobile devices, television, theater? Maybe a combination? Keep in mind HOW your movie will be viewed because that can dictate your shooting and storytelling style. (Hint: tiny details off in the distance will not be seen on an iPhone). Make sure when you're shooting an event to capture a variety of angles including close-ups, medium shots and wide shots. Click here for a list of low-budget documentary filmmaking gear.

Write a Script

Once all of the footage is shot and you've gathered the various production elements, time to start organizing it into a documentary script. Pinpoint the most compelling elements of your story and start crafting "mini-scenes" around those events. Remember, a script isn't necessarily what's spoken or a voice-over. A script describes what the audience is seeing AND hearing.

Begin Editing

This is actually one of my favorite parts of the process. It's like putting together a great big puzzle! First you'll need to choose your video editing computer and video editing software. Once you're all set with equipment, you'll start putting down your clips of footage one right after the other in a sequence. The art with editing is to create a "roller coaster" ride of emotion, some parts fast, some part slow to create a dynamic viewing experience.

Check Legal and Copyright Issues

Even though this is near the end of the list, it should actually be something you keep in mind from the very beginning and throughout the ENTIRE filmmaking process. I cannot express enough the importance of this section. Please read through these few simple legal guidelines before starting on your project.

Distribute!
Ultimate Distribution Guide: Selling Your Documentary For Maximum Profit and Impact Selling Your Documentary to Netflix and The Streamers

Of course, now that you've done all the work making your documentary, you want people to see it, right? Never before have there been so many options for filmmakers to showcase their work. From theaters to television to the streamers, a new world of distribution is being invented right in front of our eyes. Making documentaries and showcasing your work is easier than ever.

Next Steps

Ready to take your filmmaking to the next level?

Take our 7-Day Documentary Crash Course and learn everything you need to know to make your first documentary!

Recommended For You
Return Home

"Character driven" is more than just a catchword. Learn how to find bold, captivating and unique characters for your documentary.

Staring at a blank page? Here are some great starter tips on how to write a script for your documentary.

If you're about to start producing a documentary, there are ways you can prepare to make your job easier. Here are 12 tips for a seamless documentary production.

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Making Documentaries: A Step By Step Guide

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Filmmaking demystified! Are you ready to start making documentaries? Follow these simple steps and you are on your way to having a finished movie.

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Making documentaries: A step by step guide (no date) Desktop. Available at: https://www.desktop-documentaries.com/making-documentaries.html (Accessed: 03 May 2024).

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The Inspiration for this project was a video i saw on youtube while i was in Level 3 part 1, the seemless cinematography and gritty feel captured my attention.
The video showcased seamless cinematography that captured a street-level perspective that conveyed the essence of the city better than any aerial shot could. The authentic portrayal of urban life was something I hadn't seen before and served as the spark for my current video project. This video not only made me want to  create similar content but also provided a unique angle that I aim to emulate and build upon in my own work.

to build on that original vision i decided to split my video into two sides to paint a more realistic picture of Manchester as its not all good and its not all bad.

In my creative project, I have drawn inspiration from the film "The Batman," particularly its dark and visually rich world. To mimic the film's cinematography, I plan to conduct thorough research on specific scenes, studying the lighting, camera angles, and other techniques employed to create its distinct aesthetic. This research will inform how I approach shooting and editing my own project, allowing me to recreate the captivating atmosphere of "The Batman"

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How to Light DARK Scenes Like The Batman | Cinematography Breakdown

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This video has been particularly influential in shaping the direction of my project, as creating convincing and atmospheric dark scenes will be a key aspect of my work. After watching this video, I am certain that I can achieve the desired effect by reducing the brightness, increasing the sharpness and contrast, and decreasing the saturation. These specific adjustments will allow me to create the dark and moody atmosphere essential to my project.

The video also highlights the importance of practical lighting techniques, such as using shadows and backlighting to create the desired mood and tones. Additionally, it emphasises the importance of having a clear vision of the scene and the mood you wish to convey, and using lighting to support that vision. By studying the techniques and principles outlined in the video, I am confident that I will be able to achieve the visual aesthetic I am aiming for in my project.

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How to Light DARK Scenes Like The Batman | Cinematography Breakdown

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Escape but only the good part(looped + Slowed)//(tik tok slideshow version)

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im using this song as it fits my theme of hopelessness and matches the feeling of quite acceptance I'm trying to portray, it also has a clear beat which will be helpful for timing my jump cuts effectively.

I plan to use a light hearted song at first so not only do the visuals contrast the music does too, this in turn would amplify the effectiveness of the sudden transition.

Escape but only the good part(looped + slowed)//(tik tok slideshow version) (2023) YouTube. Available at: https://youtu.be/i4px-tB70tA?si=Nr3deRSHmiYsNk3C (Accessed: 03 May 2024).

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Escape but only the good part(looped + Slowed)//(tik tok slideshow version)

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Film editing techniques for video creation

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I will be using all of these editing techniques in my project in order to improve its visual quality.
I will be using a lot of match cuts as I want to use a lot of transitions into different scenes from movies so using this technique will be integral to creating seamless cuts as essentially my project is one big match cut.

Colour grading and correction will be an integral element in my production, as I will need to make each scene look aesthetically pleasing, to do this I’ll experiment to find the best colour grade I can use to create the same tone for all my clips and then turn it into a preset so when I need to apply it to my scenes it’s much easier to do.

Another thing I have to consider is the quality of the clips I use, as some may be higher or lower quality than the others simply due to the time of day and the level of light.

To standardise quality I will use colour boost and contrast to increase the vibrance and quality of my clips, I know this will be successful because I have used this in my experimentation and the results were good, to further develop this I will render my project in 1080p as this allows for high quality and does not make the project file too big to upload and share.

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Film editing techniques for video creation

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From feature films to YouTube videos, there are many types of film editing techniques you can use to bring your message to life on the screen.

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To shoot the second part of my video, I will need to shoot in dim or dark lighting conditions, hence requiring different settings.
Due to the low levels of lighting, I will need to adjust the camera's settings such as shutter speed and aperture to maintain the same level of quality in my shooting.
To ensure the best results, I have researched the optimal settings from multiple sources including professionals who frequently work with different lighting conditions and feel sufficiently prepared for my first shoot.

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Tips for reducing noise when filming at night. Graded with FilmConvert - 10% off: http://dslrguide.tv/filmconvert (I earn a commission from purchases ^^) Host and Creator - Simon Cade BTS Filming - David Williamson WEBSITE: http://dslrguide.tv TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/dslrguidance INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/cadevisuals ALL EQUIPMENT: http://dslrguide.tv/mygear CONTACT: dslrguidance@gmail.com