Brad Forsyth: Unit 11 by Brad Miller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2 Work Experience and University: Preparing for the future en-us 2016-10-12 13:26:31 UTC 2024-05-29 12:07:09 UTC hello@padlet.com Name of the Game - August 2016 BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/137331014 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtXEUpiktJA
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5815858/
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm8536171/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t38

Throughout August I was fortunate enough to have credited work experience working on the UK independent feature film 'Name of the Game' that is scheduled for release in April 2017. I will appear in the official credits for the film and now have a page on IMDB. 

I had numerous job roles on set which gave me the opportunity to learn first hand what different job roles are like on set and what the creative process in the industry is like.  

Initially I started off as Assistant to Calum Best where I would undertake errands for him and on the side of this I was a runner which involved setting up scenes and helping the crew with various jobs. After doing these roles for a little while I was promoted to camera crew as camera trainee. For this I had the big responsibility of ensuring that the batteries of the camera and monitor were not low and changing the packs if required. This was important due to the fact that the data on the SD card could corrupt if the batteries powered down whilst the camera was still on. 

As well as being an assistant to Calum Best, I was also a stand in for him whilst he was off set so that the Director and Cinematographer could set up the tone and lighting for the next scene. 

Furthermore I was lucky enough to actually appear in the film a couple of times as an extra. Characters I portrayed were a football fan, police officer and barman. 

Midway through filming the producer requested I return to work on the sequel. I was also asked to produce a behind the scenes feature that would be used as promotion for the college and film. 

I gained valuable knowledge in cinematography by watching how the D.O.P worked. This included waiting for the sun to either go in or out at certain points so that continuity was kept in a scene despite how long waiting would take. I also used this amazing opportunity to start networking and build my links with others in the industry in order to secure my next job.


]]> 2016-11-14 12:28:05 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/137331014 Nancy's Talk BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/137647875 In May we were given a talk by our college career's adviser Nancy Nutkins. The talk was useful as it gave me an idea of the process of how to apply for university and what needs to be considered for a personal statement. Additionally other options after college were discussed including looking for apprenticeships, applying for a job and looking for opportunities online. ]]> 2016-11-15 09:36:37 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/137647875 University Fair in college BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/137647914 In May 2016 towards the end of the academic year, the college held a university fair in college. This was perfect timing as I felt after a successful first year I was confident enough of my abilities to go into university. My interest grew furthermore as I had discussions with staff from the University of Creative Arts and saw where their alumni ended up in the industry including working on BBC's Doctor Who and Disney's recent Star Wars films. ]]> 2016-11-15 09:36:49 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/137647914 UCAS Design Your Future - Tuesday, 15th November 2016 BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/139038196 I went to the UCAS Design Your Future event held at the Edexcel in London. This was a terrific insight and gave me new universities to consider that was not originally on my list. Bradford and Goldsmiths were particularly eye opening with much to offer. Bradford had a tour of their broadcasting truck which sold me after a discussion about it. They are the only university to have one in the country and not even the BBC have access to one the same therefore in exchange for it's use students get work experience that can lead to paid work on an array of their programs. Goldsmith's was promising based on the fact that it is a very prestigious educational establishment and many aspects of media are explored on the course. ]]> 2016-11-21 10:30:08 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/139038196 MAD Digital Challenge BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/173814127 I entered the MAD Digital Challenge as I always keen to develop an application and had ideas for ones that could benefit students both in their educational and career paths. I was fortunate enough to come joint first and the app titled 'App to the Future' is now in development. This app is essentially a database of work experience placements for students.

The experience was extremely useful as I learnt how to make a perfect pitch, got advice from business men and women and was even offered a job in a media company. ]]> 2017-05-25 13:15:20 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/173814127 Exceter University BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/173814158 I gave numerous talks from my experience and success of the app competition to students use of Jisc's tracker on behalf of Epping Forest College.
https://www.haikudeck.com/mad-digital-challenge-education-presentation-290662b8ae
https://www.haikudeck.com/our-experience-of-using-tracker-education-presentation-9d4380671f]]> 2017-05-25 13:15:29 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/173814158 Birmingham University BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/173814261 As part of the Digital Voice Xpert scheme I attended Digifest where I gave a presentation and video interviews about the scheme and use of digital technology at Epping Forest College. ]]> 2017-05-25 13:15:52 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/173814261 Harbour - February 2017 BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/173814363 In February the media departments allocated week for work experience took place. I had to find my own placement within the industry. Fortunately I was able to find work as a set production assistant for a week of pick ups on the horror film 'Harbour' that fell at the same time. I got this job after contacting the cinematographer of 'Name of the Game' who I worked with closely. He passed on the contact details to the Director. The director was impressed by my work ethic and offered me back on another film as well and said that for such a young age I have my head screwed on and should keep it up. ]]> 2017-05-25 13:16:20 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/173814363 Student Ambassador BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176690823 As student ambassador I help set up events such as open days and Career's Fest while assisting the public with any queries they may have.]]> 2017-06-16 18:28:40 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176690823 Student Governor BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176690830 I was elected Student Governor on the Student Union for two consecutive years. This gave me a valuable insight into the running of an educational establishment and how to campaign. During cross college meetings with the board and senior staff I would discuss students’ views and solutions in order to improve the faculty.]]> 2017-06-16 18:28:49 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176690830 Lincoln University BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176690853 As part of the Digital Voice Xpert scheme our first trip came in May 2016 where we promoted the program to other educational establishments at a JISC event held at Lincoln University. I represented the college using my strong communication skills. ]]> 2017-06-16 18:29:16 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176690853 University of Westminster Gamification BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176690876 Also part of the Digital Voice Xpert scheme, I got to attend the University of Westminster Gamification event. This allowed me to network with the university's staff and students despite not being offered a place. This will allow me to take advantage of opportunities they may have to offer and still gain valuable knowledge.  ]]> 2017-06-16 18:29:47 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176690876 University of Westminster BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176690900 After working on the film set for 'Name of the Game' I heard good things about the course and how connections can be made in the industry. I decided to attend the open day for the film course and not long after, Westminster was my firm choice. I was stunned by the work of past students as it felt more like professional pieces rather than that of someone still training and the fact that the course had the Creative Skillset tick. Three other factors also sold me. The size of the two studios were magnificent so much so that parts of Batman and Superman were filmed there. The course had a term teaching how to film and edit on 16mm film and their were additional courses to learn an array of software in which a qualification is given that is highly looked upon in the industry. ]]> 2017-06-16 18:30:19 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176690900 University of Bournemouth BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176690909 As well as Westminster I was certain I wanted to apply to Bournemouth as one of my top options for two reasons. The first was that it is one of the highest rated film courses and has the Creative Skillset tick and that it was a 100% practical course. Even though I am strong at the theory elements of coursework, I felt that recent health problems would make it harder for me to keep up therefore I considered this as a second option. ]]> 2017-06-16 18:30:30 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176690909 Goldsmiths University BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176690922 I decided to put Goldsmiths as my fourth choice as the facilities were of top quality and I liked the idea of being able to expand my knowledge in all fields of media rather just film.  ]]> 2017-06-16 18:30:42 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176690922 Ravensbourne BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176690957 Ravensbourne was my third choice as the open day made me feel that I could produce the kind of art that I actually wanted rather than being stuck to a specific template. I saw that previous students got to discover and experiment with various techniques including the Boka effect. Furthermore there seemed to be less restrictions to filming as the teachers stated that if there was ever the desire to so, costs for filming abroad could be covered. ]]> 2017-06-16 18:31:26 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176690957 Middlesex BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176690965 I wasn't really sure of what my last choice would be until I had a discussion with one of my teachers. He said that he attended the university and that the course was great. This made me look into it further and as soon as I saw the Creative Skillset Tick, I attended the open day and felt it was suitable to be added to my list of options. ]]> 2017-06-16 18:31:32 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176690965 MAD Digital Challenge - The Proposals BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176694782
Links to the proposals for all three of my app ideas:
https://elevator.jisc.ac.uk/e/mad-digital-efc/idea/app-future
https://elevator.jisc.ac.uk/e/mad-digital-efc/idea/software-seeker
https://elevator.jisc.ac.uk/e/mad-digital-efc/idea/dvx-connect]]> 2017-06-16 19:46:12 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176694782 Harbour - Diary and Feedback BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176701440 2017-06-16 22:01:45 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176701440 BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176701514 2017-06-16 22:04:05 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176701514 BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176701523 2017-06-16 22:04:28 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176701523 BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176701557 2017-06-16 22:06:08 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176701557 BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176701565 2017-06-16 22:06:38 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176701565 BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176701586 2017-06-16 22:07:24 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176701586 MAD Digital Challenge - Concept Art BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176701658 2017-06-16 22:09:39 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176701658 Star Wars Screening with Industrial Light BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176702362 In November 2016 as part of industry week, our class was fortunate enough to attend a screening of Star Wars: The Force Awakens; with four members from Industrial Light who worked on the effects of the film for a year. This was a brilliant opportunity because a question and answer question followed allowing us to get a better of understanding of the highs and lows working in VFX. 

Technology used packages:
3D - Auto Desk/ Maya 
Houdini (Fire and smoke)

Schedule:
Morning - Gather in screening and look at what artists from last day worked on. Comment on changes and improvements required. Feedback given and things they look at in the afternoon. 
Discussions with clients from America takes place with 4pm and 5pm conference calls. 

Challenges Faced:
A years worth of production takes place where things are ever changing such as new scenarios being placed in the film. 
CGI can change at any point with the graveyard scene taking over a year as everything is designed from scratch. 

The last three months are heptic with 18 hour days. The team require access to original models for reference. The Falcon Model was based off practical elements from the original. 
3D scans require exact camera angles and facial details.

What technical challenges were you faced with?
Creative and technical need to be dealt with , some ideas are only partial and needs to be played out in 3D programming. Maths and imagination are necessary for engineers. ]]> 2017-06-16 22:34:12 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176702362 MAD Digital Challenge - Pitch Presentation BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176720666 https://prezi.com/y_0lb_e8pn9h/app-to-the-future-pitch/]]> 2017-06-17 12:13:56 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176720666 Personal Statement BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176720715 After various rewrites, my final personal statement was well written so much so that all five of my options either asked me for an interview or further written work. ]]> 2017-06-17 12:15:52 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176720715 Exceter University - Student Panel BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176736150 I was part of the student panel where I gave opinions about teaching to an array of educational establishments. ]]> 2017-06-17 20:50:56 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176736150 Bradford Open Day BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176737503 Initially I was going to put Bradford University as one of my top choices however this decision quickly changed whilst attending a mini open day. The area was not appealing and unlike most of the other universities that were close to London which is an ideal filming location, Bradford was not. ]]> 2017-06-17 21:49:59 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176737503 Ravensbourne Interview BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176737573 I felt amazing after my unexpectedly short interview at Ravensbourne in which I was offered a space within two minutes. The course leader asked me a selection of questions. He asked what I would like to do in the field in which I responded with cinematography. He then asked if i was given a bag full of money what would I go and make. I responded with something that explores the culture of the City of London in depth and what makes it such a unique spot for film making. I felt this was appropriate as it is a topic I enjoy, I love using the environment of the city for filming and it was something I was genuinely close to making as it was an option for my final short film. He then viewed my show reel and straight after without needing to see any of my production folders offered me the space. ]]> 2017-06-17 21:53:23 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176737573 University of Westminster Questionnaire BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176737595 Although I was unsuccessful in getting into my firm choice I was still proud to have gotten to the second stage as they were impressed by my personal statement. ]]> 2017-06-17 21:53:42 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176737595 Goldsmith's Ammended Personal Statement BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176737609 Despite being impressed with my personal statement, Goldsmith's requested I made another in order for my application to continue being processed. This was to show that I would be capable this an academic course as they felt I discussed the more vocational side of things. Fortunately they were impressed by the changes made and gave me an offer based on me getting a distinction at the end of the year. ]]> 2017-06-17 21:54:03 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176737609 Bournemouth Interview BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176737614 Unfortunately I was unsuccessful and did not get a place at Bournemouth however the interview was an interesting experience and made me think on the spot. ]]> 2017-06-17 21:54:18 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176737614 Middlesex Group Interview BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176737616 The Middlesex interview went extremely well and I was offered a place. As a group we had to sort through a selection of images and make a narrative. At the end of the task my group felt I would be the best to explain it. Perhaps this is where the teachers got the chance to see what I was capable of. ]]> 2017-06-17 21:54:24 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176737616 Ravensbourne Open Day BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176737694 Ravensbourne's open day was short but fascinating. I learnt a new method of coming up with story ideas by have three different pieces of paper being shared around a group of people. First everyone writes a character and then the paper is passed onto the next person who then writes the setting and then the last an object. At the end everyone has an unusual combination in which a story has to be created.]]> 2017-06-17 21:58:28 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176737694 Final Choices BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176738133 After rejections from Westminster and Bournemouth I was left with the three offers I was given. I declined Middlesex, had Goldsmith's as my second choice and Ravensbourne as my firm decision. ]]> 2017-06-17 22:20:30 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176738133 Show-reel for Ravensbourne and Bournemouth BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176749998 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guJWkauWAWg
An extended show-reel was also made for Bournemouth featuring some of the this years work including the advertisement and concept art for the short film. ]]> 2017-06-18 07:39:48 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176749998 Digital Voice Xpert of the Year BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176750134 2017-06-18 07:46:01 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176750134 Digital Voice Xpert of the Year BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176750149 2017-06-18 07:46:31 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176750149 Harbour - Reference BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176750180 Brad is self starting and diligent showing initiative and willing-he isn't afraid to ask questions if necessary. His enthusiasm and passion for the film profession is good to have on set and his ambition is obvious. Brad's conduct and demeanour was professional. He takes direction very well, pays attention to instructions and is able to remain calm on a busy set. Showing dedication and commitment, he was a pleasure to work with.

On 'Harbour', Brad was a Runner. His role encompassed:
Production - assisting in organising people and taking food, scripts, storyboards etc across set. 
Props-assistant to the props department where necessary and under supervision.
Coms-being responsible for taking care of all Walkie talkies on set, ensuring distribution and collection each day to and from the various departments and making sure charging was carried out.

Justine Dowsing
Producer
REEL KING MEDIA LTD.

]]> 2017-06-18 07:47:26 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176750180 LinkedIn - Breaking into the Industry BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176750336 Throughout all the events I have attended through the year and the professionals I met on film set and from the app competition, I continuously update my LinkedIn profile to stay in touch, show my skills and look for the next big thing.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-forsyth-9a113811b/]]> 2017-06-18 07:53:49 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176750336 IMDB - Breaking into the Industry BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176750371 Now that I have started to work on feature films, I now have my own IMDB page that displays the films I worked on and in what way I was involved.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm8536171/]]> 2017-06-18 07:55:02 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176750371 Twitter - Breaking into the Industry BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176750387 I use twitter specifically to promote and reflect projects I am working on with colleagues and others who may be interested in the same thing. More of my journey can be explored on my timeline.
https://twitter.com/bradforsyth3?lang=en]]> 2017-06-18 07:55:34 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176750387 BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176750684 2017-06-18 08:06:07 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176750684 Greenwich Open Day BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176750698 Greenwich was one of the first universities I was considering as the location is ideal being one of my favourite places in London 
. Not only would the whole city be on hand for filming but many big media companies are based here. My decision was soon changed however as I feel they did not have the best facilities to offer unlike other universities I looked at.]]> 2017-06-18 08:06:31 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176750698 Student Governor - Poster BradBMiller https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176750923 2017-06-18 08:14:22 UTC https://padlet.com/bradbmiller/lyzhjntwwxk2/wish/176750923