Production Log

Production Log

This document shows evidence that I have completed a production log. This log is similar to a diary in by how I write in at different stages of my coursework. I have completed a production log because it is a easy and simple way to keep track on my progress so far. It is especially useful to monitor my progress. This is because I can read my production log at any stage in my coursework and make sure that I am staying productive with my time and not falling behind schedule. I can also use my production log as an evaluation of how successfully iv'e organised my time, if I have stayed productive, whether I understood the coursework and what I have done in the past that has been successful or unsuccessful. I have completed my production log in a Word document because it is an easy way to write a lot of text, I also have divided the text and grouped it into dates - to see what I have completed and when. Some film makers may also keep a log on their progress throughout the preproducton and postproduction stage of making their film, they would do this for the same reasons as me, in which it is useful to see and evaluate their progress at different stages. 

14th November 2019 

Today I started researching and evaluating existing films and documentaries to better understand the pre-production process and what that involves. I did this in order to help me with my films pre-production process for the future. I will analyse ‘World War Z’, ‘Monsters’ and ‘One Mile Away’. Firstly, I researched ‘World War Z’ because it was the easiest of the case studies to find information on about the pre-production process as it was hugely popular and successful. After researching the film, I created a PowerPoint presentation containing slides that feature all elements of the preproduction process and how the particular film links to those elements. Next I will continue researching different films for a better understanding of the preproduction process. 

21st November 2019 

I have now finished my ‘World War Z’ case study and will next complete my ‘Monsters’ case study to learn about the professional practices of pre-production. I learnt about this case study as it differs from ‘World War Z’ greatly in terms of budget, logistics and filming regulations. I did this so that I can compare it to other films and their preproduction process to understand how the preproduction process can changes depending on budget, level of production, planning and who is producing it. Next, I will complete my research on existing films and how they completed the preproduction process.

28th November 2019 

Today I completed my final case study of ‘One Mile Away’ which is a documentary and now fully understand how the pre-production differs between types of film, film producers and financing and also how there is no single method of completing the pre-production process. Next, I added all the case studies to Blogger so all my research and future planning to produce a film is in the same place.  

30th November 2019 

I created my first rough version of an action plan on paper which presents what tasks I initially thought should be completed during the pre-production process. This allows me to easily see everything that needs to be completed, this is a helpful step to a film producer so that they do not forget to complete anything, as a structured plan means there is less room for errors or problems in the future. Next, I narrowed down the significant factors of an action plan and discounted certain ideas to produce a new action plan on paper again. I will next create my final and professional action plan.   

3rd December 2020 

I created my final action plan on Excel to present everything that a media producer needs to do for the pre-production process, when to do it and how long it will take. I did it in this format as it is professional and easy to understand and organized so there'll be less room for errors. I will next research different sources of financing that can be used to create a film or documentary. Next, I plan on completing my research on different types of financing that is available for film makers.  

5th December 2020 

Today I researched and studied the different options for sources of financing such as a bank loan or crowd funding that media producers can choose from when making a film. I did this to better understand the film industry and to help me choose which source of financing I would use for my film. Next, I will consider and research the different resources and equipment I will need to produce a film.   

9th December 2020 

Today I started to research what equipment I would need to use to create a film and other costs such as travel or accommodation or food. I also researched how much they would cost. By doing this, I better understand if the source of financing I chose is right for me and what budget I would need to create a film. Next, I will use my research to create a budget plan to decide how my financing will be distributed.

12th December 2020 

Throughout the day I created a budget plan on Excel to present both over the line costs and under the line costs of everything the budget would get spent on. I did this to better understand the most important things that the budget should be spent on when making a film, such as the over the line costs. This is presented is an easy way that everybody would understand. I included how much things would cost normally and how much they would cost for me because I am only a student and am not making a professional production. Next, I will 

15th December 2020 

I have now started to research different film genres that I think I would be interested in when creating my film. I researched three different film genres and pros and cons of each to see what genre would be the best option for me based on how many pros or cons there are. Next, I will further start planning my idea and think of different film ideas that I would want to create.

19th December 2020 

Today I started to think of different ideas for films and created 3 strong ideas that I think I might want to create into a film. I wrote my ideas down of three different sheets of paper and included things like a plot summary, character details, gene conventions and setting. I did this so that when I choose my final idea for my film, I will have different options. Next, I will pick my favourite idea. 

21st December 2020 

Today I chose my favorite film idea out of the three that I created and started finessing details such as scenes and a complete plot and different character’s personalities. I did this so that I can next start to create a script and storyboard.  

3rd January 2020 

Today I created a storyboard of shot types and scenes that fit the plot of my film idea. I did this because planning my film before filming starts will make the whole process much easier and organized because I already will have an idea of what I'm doing and what scenes I want to create and what I want them to portray to the audience. Next, I will create a script to go match my storyboard. 

9th January 2020 

After creating my storyboard, I started to create a script for my film so that when I cast the film, I will be able to give it to the actors so they can learn their lines. This will make the process easier as I already will know what I'm doing because I've thought about it in advance. This is also useful for the actors because they won't have to go on set not knowing what they're doing, and their acting will be much better. Next, I will create a film treatment to stabilize my idea and act as a summary of my idea/thoughts.

15th January 2020 

Today I started my film treatment which is a summary of your film containing a detailed description of your characters, genre, plot and themes. I did this to help me organize and create a stable idea for my film. I also did it as it is a professional and required element of the pre-production process used to promote and explain your idea to producers or possible investors. Next, I will create a pitch to present to my classmates, to promote and explain my film idea.

21st January 2020 

Today I finished my film treatment and started working on my pitch. This is a presentation that you show in a meeting to present and promote your idea to producers or investors. I did this because it reflects a real and professional situation as most film makers must pitch their idea to achieve a source of finance or extra budgeting. I then presented my idea to my classmates on video to reflect a professional meeting. Next, I will start scouting for possible locations to film my production.   

30th January 2020 

Today I created a location plan which is a list of all of the potential filming locations and it includes all of the relevant details needed such as how you would get permission to film in a location and if that permission has already been granted. Moreover, it should include multiple filming options for each location, in case a film producers first choice is unavailable, or permission is not granted. However, I did not have a second filming option for all of my locations, this is because I was sure that I wanted to film in my first choice location and that I would be able to gain the permission needed. I have completed a location plan because it is important for film producers to stay organised when scouting for their locations. This is because otherwise it could lead to the producers not gaining the necessary permissions to film in the locations or it could lead to the film maker forgetting about a really suitable location that would work well for their film. I can use my plan to help me to decide the right locations to film in and also it allows me to easily to check if I have permission to film in my desired locations. Next, I will create location recces for all of my chosen locations. 

4th February 2020 

I started creating location recces for each of my filming locations today. A location recce is essentially an evaluation of a possible location option and is completed during the location scouting process. It evaluates what the location would be used for and if it is suitable for filming. This evaluation is based on its availability, access to toilets/ catering/ parking/ electricity and what hazards that are there. I did this because it is an essential part of the preproduction process and is completed by every film producer when scouting for locations. It is useful to help me decide if a location is suitable for my film and also if it is safe. I intend to complete a location recce for all of my location options and even my second choice filming options too, just in case my first options suddenly become unavailable during the production process. Next, I will start to gain permission to film in my chosen locations.

15th February 2020 

I have now completed all of my location recces and will next produce permission letters/emails/contacts for all of my filming locations, including my second choice options for filming. First, I sent an email to my media teacher to ask for permission. She then sent me an email back which granted me permission to film in her classroom. I then posted the emails on blogger. I need to film in her classroom because my main character for my film is a teenage girl, who is a student that attends high school. My main character is given her photography project at school, so it is essential to film some scenes there. I need to complete permission documents because evidence that a film producer is allowed to film in a location is needed because it is illegal to film without it and film makers can get arrested or have to face consequences if they get caught filming in a location without permission. Next, I will continue gaining permission to film in my chosen locations.

16th February 2020 

Today, I created a location release form to gain permission in my house (first option) and a friend's house (second option) to prove that I am legally allowed to film in those locations. I did this by using an industry standard example from the internet to understand the things that I should include and the format/layout of the form. In real life this would be signed but I did not print mine off. I did this because evidence that a film producer is allowed to film in a location is needed because it is illegal to film without it and film makers can get arrested or have to face consequences if they get caught filming in a location without permission. Next, I will continue gaining permission to film in my chosen locations. 

18th February 2020 

Today, I created a request letter for permission to film in both my first choice forest and my second choice forest. These letters included asking permission to film, informing the landowners about my film, why I want to film there and also some contact details for myself. I did this because it is an important part of the preproduction process and evidence that a film producer is allowed to film in a location is needed because it is illegal to film without it and film makers can get arrested or have to face consequences if they get caught filming in a location without permission.Next, I will continue gaining permission to film in my chosen locations.

19th February 2020 

After, writing a location filming request letter, I wrote a location permission letter. This can be used as evidence that I am allowed to film in my first choice forest and second choice forest. I wrote this permission in a form of a letter so I can better understand all of the form's permission to film in a location can be granted. I now understand that permission can be given through email, letters, release forms and contracts. I did this because it is an important part of the preproduction process for all film makers because evidence that a film producer is allowed to film in a location is needed because it is illegal to film without it and film makers can get arrested or have to face consequences if they get caught filming in a location without permission. Next, I will continue gaining permission to film in my chosen locations. 

21st February 2020 

Today, I wrote a request letter to film on a public street. I have only requested permission to film in my first choice location for a street because I do not have a second option. My letter included a request, information on my film, why I want to film on the street and I also gave some of my contact details. I did this because it is an important part of the preproduction process and evidence that a film producer is allowed to film in a location is needed because it is illegal to film without it and film makers can get arrested or have to face consequences if they get caught filming in a location without permission. Next, I wrote a filming location permission letter. This can be used as evidence that I am allowed to film in my first choice location of a street. Next, I will complete a risk assessment for filming on my chosen locations.  

25th February 2020 

After completing my filming location permission emails/letters/contracts, I started to make a risk assessment. A risk assessment is an evaluation and identification of things, objects and situations etc. that may cause harm to people in a workplace whilst filming – therefore it is very important that all film makers complete one before production. I did this to help me to understand the importance of health and safety whilst filming, there are many ways in which someone can get harmed, especially if a film includes stunts and weapons, so therefore everyone should be aware of the risks and every risk should require an action to control it or lessen the likeliness of the risk occurring. Next, I will organise create a list of all my cast and crew's contact details that I will use to communicate with each of them.

27th February 2020 

Today I completed a list of all my cast and crew's contact details and what their roles were/ what team they are a part of. I did this part of the preproduction process because it is important for a film maker to easily be able to contact members of the cast and crew. It is useful if you are in an emergency or a cast and crew member doesn't show up or the shooting schedule changes etc, this way instead of spending time trying to find the right information for different people by going through your emails and documentations you can just look at this list. Film producers also create a list of cast and crew contact details to ensure that everyone has shown up, everyone is where they need to be and that no one has illegally broken into a set or location. Next, I will create a cast release form for my cast members to sign before filming begins.

2nd March 2020 

Today, I completed a cast release form. A cast release form is the legal agreement between a film producer and an actor. Without a signed cast release form, a film producer does not have the right to use an actors image, voice, or performance, and a producer cannot sell or distribute a film or any promotional material without those rights – that is why it is essential that every film maker produces one and asks all actors to sign it. I produced one because it helps me to understand that the preproduction process of a film doesn’t just include creating a script and storyboard, there are a lot more elements to the process and a lot of legal obligations and actions that have to be taken before filming a film. Next, I will Produce a shot list to use throughout filming. 

4th March 2020 

Today, I produced a shot list. A shot list is a way of organising the shots that need to be captured in an organised and efficient way. I did this by separating the shots by what location they would be shot in, then I grouped each shot by which a similar. I determined the similarity through the cast needed, set design, mise-en-scene, EXT and INT shots and if the shot needs to be captured in daytime or nighttime. I then produced a list of what order the shots are going to be shot in and added detail about the shots. I did this because it. Film producers and I complete a shot list because it helps to save time whilst filming and stay productive, as all you have to do if follow this list. Next, I will create a call sheet to send out the day before the first day of filming.  

7th March 2020  

Today, I created a call sheet. A call sheet is a document sent out to all the cast and crew for every filming day and it outlines where they each need to be for the following shoot day and at what time. It also outlines the daily shooting schedule for the day (stating what shots are planned to be captured and who is needed for those shots), informs the cast and crew of weather conditions, parking, break times, weather forecast, the nearest hospital and other important information to make sure they are prepared. I did this because I understand that filming can be a very chaotic and stressful process and organization and time management are key throughout filming days. Also, every filming day is different, and plans can change daily, so it is important that everyone is kept updated on the events beforehand and everyone knows what to do each day. Next, I will create a production schedule to use throughout the entire preproduction and postproduction of the film.

10th March 2020 

Today, I created a production schedule. A production schedule is a schedule of the whole preproduction and postproduction process. It is the timetable for the use of resources and processes required by film makers to produce the final product. I created this by making a list of all tasks that need to be completed, I then arranged the tasks in a logical order and wrote a target day they all should be completed. I then started adding in the dates that they were actually completed. I created a production schedule because it helps the production of a film to stay organised, on schedule and productive, whilst also monitoring any changes that need to be documented. Moreover,  it is a way of checking at any point in time if you are behind or ahead of schedule, this is important because as a film producer you do not want the release of your film to be delayed. It also allows you to see how long you should be spending time on each task and what task you should do after each one, this all ensures that you are making enough progress to stay on schedule and ensure that your film is ready to be released when you want it to be. Next, I will create a contingency plan to ensure that I have a plan B if anything goes wrong throughout filming and editing my film. 

 15th March 2020 

Today, I created a contingency plan. A contingency plan is a plan devised for an outcome other than in the main plan. It is often used for risk management for an exceptional risk that, though unlikely, would have negative consequences. It includes a list of all potential issues when filming and editing a film and what actions would be undertaken to overcome the issue if it were the occur. I did this by creating a table, listing all potential problems that may occur and what I would do to overcome them. I did this because I know that things don’t always go according to plan and it is smart to have a backup plan in case something was to go wrong. If a contingency plan is created and something did go wrong, then a film producers' film can still be created, and the production will not be as badly affected by a problem. Next, I will start sourcing music options for my film.  

19th March 2020 

Today, I started sourcing sound and music options for my film. I did this by researching the different laws involved with using sound and music in a production. Then I began scouting different copyright free and public domain music options that I want to use for my film. I did this by looking on YouTube. Next, I created a table with links to the music options and a description on what I would use the music for. I only searched for possible music options because I do not want to use any sound effects for my film. I did this because it has helped me to decide what music I want to use in my film. The music I can choose can change my film a lot. It can enhance certain emotions that I want the audience to feel, it can create certain emotions and also add professionalism and creativity to my film, making it more interesting and enjoyable to watch. Next, I will create a list of all props, costumes and makeup products that I need for my film. I will do this so that I am prepared and organised when we start filming. 

22nd March 2020 

Today, I created a list of all the props/costumes/makeup products that I need to buy or get hold of for filming.  I did this by creating a table listing all the items that I need, what I need them for, how I will get hold of them and how much they cost. Props, costumes and makeup are used to create the mise-en-scene of a film and can change the way that a film looks. They can be used to portray a certain character in a particular way, a location in a particular way and create a realistic set or certain atmosphere for the film. They are very important and essential for every film which is why I completed this list.