I observed the filming of the Disney Channel TV show whose run-through I previously observed on Wednesday. I was able to see several scenes. I sat with my mentor and several other producers, taking notes as they watched the filming. There were four cameras focusing on the set and actors from different angles. Behind those were a group of flat screen TVs showing the angles from the cameras so that the producers and director could see clearly. The director was constantly giving instructions to the actors, even as the cameras were rolling. If there was a lack of continuity, or something suddenly just didn't make sense, the producers and directors briefly spoke and decided how to fix the situation, or even how to improve an actor's performance. The amount of takes for each scene depended highly on the director's preference or the actor's performances. There were even some wardrobe malfunctions that had to be quickly corrected because of the Disney's strict guidelines. As I mentioned before, I was an observer for the day. For the most part, I took notes and asked my mentor questions about certain situations regarding the content of the episode or general filming inquiries.
Monday, September 29, 2014
First Day of Mentorship
Wednesday September 24th, 2014:
I observed a run-through of a TV show that has not yet premiered on Disney Channel. Since it has not premiered, I cannot yet reveal its identity. I met my mentor for the first time at Hollywood Center Studios and she briefly explained what I was walking into. Run-throughs are done every Wednesday for the show. The cast rehearses the episode, jumping swiftly from set to set. The sets are often directly across from each other or adjacent to each other. Run-throughs are similar to a rehearsal of a play. The point is for the crew to get an idea of what their episode is going to look like, as well as to notate or address any potential issues regarding the content of the episode. First, however, Amanda took me to the "Rack Check", where I met the wardrobe staff, and the showrunner. The Rack Check's purpose is for producers of the show to work with wardrobe people regarding the clothes/costumes worn on the show. Various potential issues were addressed, then we moved on to the run-through. I shadowed as the entire cast and crew shuffled from set to set, rehearsing each scene. Although it was fast-paced, the group and the run-through itself were rather light-hearted. Since the show was a comedy, there was a lot of laughter, as expected, and much of the crew served as an audience, that way the producers--including Amanda--were able to gauge what reactions to the episode would be like. I took notes for most of the day, and read the script as the cast acted out each scene.
I observed a run-through of a TV show that has not yet premiered on Disney Channel. Since it has not premiered, I cannot yet reveal its identity. I met my mentor for the first time at Hollywood Center Studios and she briefly explained what I was walking into. Run-throughs are done every Wednesday for the show. The cast rehearses the episode, jumping swiftly from set to set. The sets are often directly across from each other or adjacent to each other. Run-throughs are similar to a rehearsal of a play. The point is for the crew to get an idea of what their episode is going to look like, as well as to notate or address any potential issues regarding the content of the episode. First, however, Amanda took me to the "Rack Check", where I met the wardrobe staff, and the showrunner. The Rack Check's purpose is for producers of the show to work with wardrobe people regarding the clothes/costumes worn on the show. Various potential issues were addressed, then we moved on to the run-through. I shadowed as the entire cast and crew shuffled from set to set, rehearsing each scene. Although it was fast-paced, the group and the run-through itself were rather light-hearted. Since the show was a comedy, there was a lot of laughter, as expected, and much of the crew served as an audience, that way the producers--including Amanda--were able to gauge what reactions to the episode would be like. I took notes for most of the day, and read the script as the cast acted out each scene.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Blog 7: Independent Component Approval
1. Over the summer, Isabel Elvira, Veronica Lopez and I planned out a short film titled Girl's Night Out. I will be using the production of this film for my independent component. This will feature the development, pre-production, filming, and post-production of the project. I imagine that producing my own film will provide me with more insights regarding my topic.
2. I will probably take several hours of my time per day to do edits of the script, storyboard scenes, and include time spent shooting the film as evidence. If possible, I may upload stills from shooting to my Senior Project Hours spreadsheet.
3. Since I will be filming my own project, I will get an idea of collaborating on films, and I will also utilize techniques that I have studied so far in my research.
2. I will probably take several hours of my time per day to do edits of the script, storyboard scenes, and include time spent shooting the film as evidence. If possible, I may upload stills from shooting to my Senior Project Hours spreadsheet.
3. Since I will be filming my own project, I will get an idea of collaborating on films, and I will also utilize techniques that I have studied so far in my research.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Blog 6 - Second Interview Preparation
1. My mentor is Amanda DiPiazza, who works as a producer at Disney/ABC.
2. Questions:
2. Questions:
- Can you describe an average day working at your job? An abnormal day?
- What about Disney is outstanding compared to other companies?
- What shows have you produced? What made each successful or unsuccessful?
- What is your favorite work you've produced and why?
- Can you describe the process of working up from different levels in the industry?
- How does production change from show to show or film to film?
Monday, September 8, 2014
Blog 5-Mentorship Reflection
1. Mentorship question: Describe your experience in how you found your mentorship? If you haven't found one yet, describe your experience so far in the search of a mentor.
For the most part, I have been emailing independent production companies, as they are easy to contact and executives within the companies are much more willing to work with me regarding my project. I currently have a couple of prospective mentors, as well as possible interviewees. I have had less difficulty than I did during the summer due to the fact that I am using more websites and resources to find people in the entertainment industry.
2. Research question: What has been your most important article you have read so far and why?
I have been reading published film scripts, which has been extremely beneficial for my research as well as my own work. As I have written a few scripts myself, I am learning about the amount of detail that goes into screenwriting, which helps me tailor how I write. Because screenwriting involves visual writing as much as it involves a story and dialogue, I have found that it is important to observe other writers' works to determine what techniques I can use in my future screenplays.
For the most part, I have been emailing independent production companies, as they are easy to contact and executives within the companies are much more willing to work with me regarding my project. I currently have a couple of prospective mentors, as well as possible interviewees. I have had less difficulty than I did during the summer due to the fact that I am using more websites and resources to find people in the entertainment industry.
2. Research question: What has been your most important article you have read so far and why?
I have been reading published film scripts, which has been extremely beneficial for my research as well as my own work. As I have written a few scripts myself, I am learning about the amount of detail that goes into screenwriting, which helps me tailor how I write. Because screenwriting involves visual writing as much as it involves a story and dialogue, I have found that it is important to observe other writers' works to determine what techniques I can use in my future screenplays.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)