Responsive: How to use Transmedia

Transmedia involves taking a certain piece of media such as a book, for example, and turning it into something different; whether it be a film, game, animation, etc. When thinking about how I would turn my Responsive brief media into transmedia is very difficult, as the subject is an unusual one where you wouldn't see it really flaunted around much.

The obvious choice would to turn this into a book. An account of someone's life, like a journal, which is were we got our information from anyway. A book would be the obvious choice and especially to write it in the first person as you are able to describe exactly what you are thinking at that time without just hinting about it in a film. The piece of film that we produced, both the 2 minute version and the longer 13 minute version and tells an accurate story but almost hints at events to let the audience take what they want from it, creating more of there own story around it even though they are already watching the scenes play out in front of them. This is definitely more apparent in the 2 minute version though as we do not see the ending, only the events that occur.

Another way of introducing transmedia in quite an obvious but effective way is to use comic books or graphic novels. Using the same technique as books, the audience can still use there imagination to figure out the events of what is going on in the characters mind but also gets some visual representation of what the character looks like and also the small details about his life and where he lives. Graphic novels are probably more effective in the sense that due to the fact that the reader knows more about them and doesn't create an imaginary character instead. It's an effective technique but still might not work as well as a film, especially ours due to the amount of flashbacks and the fact that we didn't have dialog; only powerfully emotional music to accompany the pieces of film. When thinking about how you would produce flashback scenes in a graphic novel just doesn't seem to have the same effect as the reader would just get confused.

After looking at film, books and graphic novels as a form of transmedia there doesn't appear to be much more that you could do with this film to turn it into some other form apart from creating mini episodes and breaking the film down further.

In this current time, the internet is the central hub of the world, creating links between nations and friendships across different countries, so it seems only right to use it as a form of transmedia to show webisodes (web episodes). As our film, particularly the longer version, spanned across 2 years of our characters life it seems viable to be able to break it down into episodes. The idea behind the episodes would be to make them a couple of minutes long and show the characters life from the beginning of that period to the end, showing every detail and leaving each episode in a place which would make the audience yearn for more and want to tune in to the next one, despite the darkness of the subject.

This way of putting mini episodes online, maybe once a week or so, is an excellent way to raise awareness as well about the whole subject. There can be many different things that contribute to the start of self harm and depression and our story is just one of them but this could also act as a sort of campaign or awareness towards the difficult subject. By helping to promote and raise awareness on the subject help could be given not only to these suffering but to the friends and families who it also effects badly as they do not know how to help.

Along with our story being posted this could influence others to do the same, offering them some comfort in knowing that they are not alone and can seek help with others here. By using our video via this method it could help people to do the same through different ways. They could post up their own videos, books, graphics novels, monologues or even just share their thoughts. This is not only one of the best ways to turn this into a piece of transmedia but also a way that influence others to produce more themselves and at the same time offer help and support to those who need it.

So, when looking at all of the different methods that could be used as a way of presenting transmedia the last option does appear to be the better option that produces the better results and the more interesting outcome. It can be widely associated with and can be shared amoungst many people on the internet and be then produced in a lot of different ways. By using the transmedia of web episodes and awareness on the internet we can help to produce a multitude of other transmedia pieces by getting a response from the public sharing their own stories and therefore helping other people.

Responsive Final Video

Below is our final video for this module. I am very happy with the result and this is the two minute version that was sent off to the D and AD brief, in which I submitted to them last week. I am extremely happy with the video and think it conveys the feelings that Callum was thinking about at that time. The two minute version is great but we we also created a longer 12 minute version at the same time as we had a lot of say in one video and two minutes was not enough to tell a 2 year story. We wanted to create the 12 minute version as well as we feel it actually tells the story better then the shorter version as we were able to use longer more lingering shots, taking inspiration from Steve McQueen, and ensure that it told the story in detail and also give away the ending and how it actually turns out happy.

It was a privilege to be able to tell this dramatic and heartbreaking story and we have received nothing but good feedback telling us how well the story has been told, especially by people were there at the time when it happened.

Below is the 2 minute version:

Below is the 12 minute version:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIy9RL07_kk&feature=youtu.be

Responsive Filming

Here is the photos from our shooting, credits to Sophie Kirk for the documentation/photographs. I feel it shows how hard every member of or team worked throughout each shoot, as well as the difficulties of shooting on some of these locations, for example the amount of space on the train. It also shows how many different places we traveled to for different scenes.

I am excited to see the result of this film, as the filming has turned out very well with all cast, crew and extras being professional and efficient at all times. The footage is something to be very proud of indeed, and I have no doubt the film, even if placed exactly like the anamatic, will be an extremely touching and effective piece of film.

Responsive Planning: Method Statements and Risk Assessments

By Stuart Brown 
Planning: Day 4 of Filming: Method Statement + Risk assesment. 4:00pm - 5:00pm - March 10th

This shoot ideally was going to be shot in Fab Cafe - leeds, and due to the helpful mangers we got the exact location we had hoped for. 

Method Statement 
Video Filming  
Fab Cafe - Location  
5:00pm – 6:00pm Monday March 10^th  
Involves Scene 9  

This shoot should require team to be on set a maximum of  1 hour, though in likeliness we will be there no longer than 30 minutes. It is simply one shot of the character kissing a random girl on the dance floor, in a montage of flashbacks. This shot should last no longer than 10 seconds.  

All members of the team will be pre-briefed on conduct and safety procedures and exits before shooting and will adhere to the relative host’s requirements under Health and Safety.  

Due to the nature of the drama being shot and our planning, the actors will wear planned but normal clothed costumes but no safety equipment will be required.  

There will be no alcohol consumption from this team whilst under my supervision. Once my team departs if any crew wish to stay they may as Fab Cafe customers and can then consume alcohol.  

The team will be designated as (people):  
Actor  – Stuart Brown  
Actress  - Meg Sugden  
The Director – Callum Brown  
Camera operator - Liam Cooper 
Make up artist – Meg Sugden  
Hair artist – Callum Brown  
Documenter – Sophie Kirk  

Equipment:  
1x 5D Camera  
1x batteries  
1x Camera Tripod  

Props  
1 x wig  

Schedule  
1. Team arrives at location for 5:00pm
2. Team is briefed of emergency exists.
3. Crew set up equipment (Camera and tripod)
4. Scene is shot.
5. Team departs.  

Leeds College of Art - Risk Assessment  

Film project manager – Stuart Brown - SB (student) – mobile – 07581498917 email - Stuart Brown sb102262@students.leeds-art.ac.uk  

Student filming at Fab Cafe - Leeds –  activity due 5:00- 6:00pm Monday 10th^th

March 2014. Method statement attached.

 

Hazards	Who might be harmed and how?	Control measures SB to record full crew/actors list + to  brief crew/actors to ensure appropriate behaviour for filming activity.	Further action: Do you need to do anything else to manage this risk? SB is the activity manager & to take charge/control as required.
Wet flooring.	Cast and crew.	Check floor before shoot. Ensure staff have mops and wet floor signs available.	SB to check filming environment and be responsible for safety.
Glass on set.	Anyone.	To minimise risk of spillage that may inconvenience staff and breaking glass accidently, crew will not consume alcohol on site. No crew will have any drink in glass whilst filming.	All crew will be notified to be aware of customers of Fab Cafe and to mind their surroundings.
Trips and falls.	Any crew or public member falling. Damage to College property.	Notify members when equipment is assembled, disassemble immediately after use. (Tripod +Camera). All crew will be notified of how to hold equipment, and told how to hold cables correctly and safely so wires are not easily caught or tripped over.	SB to check camera and cables once set up is in place.
Equipment going missing.	College resources.	Member of crew will be designated watcher, CCTV is also on.	Vigilance by all crew + Equipment will be checked arriving and leaving location.

Responsive Planning: Method Statements and Risk Assessments

By Stuart Brown 

Planning: Day 3 of Filming Method Statment + Risk assessment - 3:30pm - 4:30pm March 6th 

This shoot was though harder to ensure, easier to organise. The aim was to shoot the students leaving college at 4, so I liaised with Stuart Harvey, a tutor on the foundation course the LCA who was very helpful in helping me orgainse the shoot, such as informing the students at an assembly of our filming and if they wished not to be filmed to get in contact with me. He also put me in contact with the head of the course and head of the college, but as they did not reply I sent an E-mail saying, "If you have any problems with this filming please do let me know." I am yet to hear back. 

Method Statement  

Video Filming  

Leeds College of Art, Vernon Street, - Location  

3:30pm – 4:30pm Thursday March  6^th  

Involves Scene 12  

This shoot will see the character see a girl in the crowd. She smiles and he smiles back. She leaves and he tries to follow her but in the crowds he loses sight of her.   

All members of the team will be pre-briefed on conduct and safety procedures before each shoot and will adhere to the relative host’s requirements under Health and Safety. 

Due to the nature of the drama being shot and our planning, the actors will wear planned but normal clothed costumes but no safety equipment will be required.

No smoking will be permitted.   

The team will be designated as (people):  

Actor 1 – Stuart Brown  

Actor 2 – Sophie Kirk  

The Director  – Callum Brown  

Camera operator - Liam Cooper  

Sound recorder  - Meg Sugden  

Make up artist – Meg Sugden  

Hair artist – Callum Brown  

Documenter – Wren Tesni Aderyn   

Equipment:  

2x 5D Camera  

2x batteries  

1x Camera charger

1x Boom Mic + extension  

1x Sound recorder

1x Spare AAA batteries  

1x Camera Tripod 

Props  

2 x Costumes both with scarf’s   

Schedule

1. Get to location for 3:30pm

2. Ensure all student know that they are being filmed,  if they wish not for their face to be used to let us know.

3. Team sets up equipment. (Camera’s and Tripods)  

4. Team start filming efficiently.  

5. Team follow Actors in crowd down the stairs to the exit.

6. Team notifies host of departure.  

7. Team leaves.

Leeds College of Art - Risk Assessment

Film project manager – Stuart Brown - SB (student) – mobile – 07581498917 email - Stuart Brown sb102262@students.leeds-art.ac.uk

 Student filming at Leeds College of Art – Vernon Street, –  activity due 3-4pm 6th^th

March 2014. Method statement attached.

Hazards	Who might be harmed and how?	Control measures SB to record full crew/actors list + to  brief crew/actors to ensure appropriate behaviour for filming activity.	Further action: Do you need to do anything else to manage this risk? SB is the activity manager & to take charge/control as required.
Strains by carrying too much equipment.	Cast and crew.	Equipment is mainly digital  recording - camera’s and audio. Boom microphone/tripods and camera track will also be used. Equipment will be shared via film crew and be within their lifting capability. Lift available for movement of equipment. SB to ensure no-one is carrying too much.	SB to oversee movement of items.
Trips and falls	Any person member falling.	Notify members when it is assembled, disassemble immediately after use. All crew will be notified of how to hold equipment, and told how to hold cables correctly.	SB to check camera track/cables once set up is in place
Equipment going missing .	College resources .	Member of crew – as designated watcher.	Vigilance by all crew + final review upon completion of activity

Responsive Planning: Method Statements and Risk Assessments

By Stuart Brown  
Planning: Day 2 of Filming Method Statement + Risk Assesment 10:00pm - 11:00pm March 5th 

This scene didn't take as much organization, as it was in our house with our friends as extras, who live locally. As opposed to the last shoot, where we had to consider traveling, persons work and college arrangements, and take into account rush hour and day/nighttime lighting. 

Method Statement
Video Filming  
14 Blenheim Square - Location  
10:00pm – 11:00pm  5^th March  
Involves Scene 6  

This scene is the party scene, were the main character greets his friends, makes out with a stranger only to be embarrassed by his self harming when she sees it unbuttoning his shirt.  

All members of the team will be pre-briefed on conduct and safety procedures and exists before the shoot and will adhere to the relative host’s requirements under Health and Safety.  

Due to the nature of the drama being shot and our planning, the actors will wear planned but normal clothed costumes but no safety equipment will be required. Extras will also be present to create a crowd.  

Due to the story, Alcohol will be permitted on site but any individual deemed behaving inappropriately or too drunk will be removed from set and placed in another room with a selected individual to watch over them. Smoking will not be permitted during filming.  

The team will be designated as (people):  
Actor 1 – Stuart Brown  
Actor 2 – Meg Sugden  
Extras (approx 10) to stand in as friendly crowd
The Director  – Callum Brown  
Camera operator - Liam Cooper  
Sound recorder  - Callum Brown  
Make up artist – Meg Sugden  
Hair artist – Callum Brown  
Documenter (and Actress) – Sophie Kirk  

Equipment:  
1x 5D Camera  
1x Camera charger  
1x Boom Mic + extension  
1x Sound recorder  
1x Sound recorder charger  
1x Camera Tripod  

Props  
Fake Blood  
1x Long leather coat  
1x Shirt  
1x Jeans  
1x Dress  
1x Pack of cards  
Multiple alcohol bottles + cans  
1x Hair product  

Schedule

1. Team arrives at location for 10:00pm

2. Team is briefed on emergency exits.

3. Some crew set up location to look like house party, camera operator sets up camera.  

4. Scenes are shot

5. Team tidies set.

6. Team departs.

Leeds College of Art - Risk Assessment

Film project manager – Stuart Brown - SB (student) – mobile – 07581498917 email - Stuart Brown sb102262@students.leeds-art.ac.uk

Student filming at 14 Blenheim Square, Leeds –  activity Wednesday March 5th^th  

March 2014. Method statement attached.

Hazards	Who might be harmed and how?	Control measures SB to record full crew/actors list + to  brief crew/actors to ensure appropriate behaviour for filming activity.	Further action: Do you need to do anything else to manage this risk? SB is the activity manager & to take charge/control as required.
Lots of glass.	Anyone on set.	All glasses will be placed and persons will be told to view the room so they know where everything is placed.	Extras will be sober, shoot will stop if glass is smashed  and tided immediately.
Trips and falls.	Any crew member falling.	Notify members when it is assembled, disassemble immediately after use. Tape loose wires down. All crew will be notified of how to hold equipment, and told how to hold cables correctly.	SB to check camera track/cables once set up is in place
Alcohol on set.	College resources and people.	No one deemed tipsy or drunk on set, if so they will be removed from the room.	SB will decided if people are being insensible on set and assort them to a different room.