Production Diary

This post contains all the relevant information relating to the planning, production and shooting of my documentary. I discuss each day of production and what I did that day, this will help you understand how my project was made. I will show images of what I have done, as well as include some text to help you understand what the image contains. As well as this, I have also included some comparison videos. This helps you grasp a better understanding of why I made a new draft. The three lenses I used for these clips are ultra-wide-angle lens, the standard lens, and the telephoto lens. I mainly used the standard lens, but the others are good for long distance b-roll shots.

14-02-23

In this documentary I plan to narrate over certain parts. My project is a participatory

documentary, so I plan to do the narrations myself. These segments will help explain things to the viewers, almost like a David Attenborough program. I took two pictures of my set up. So, firstly I borrowed a Laptop from Paul and found a studio that was free. I then plugged my Hyper X microphone into my Samsung Galaxy S20 FE. Personally, I use a USB adapter cable to connect my microphone to my phone. I also have my own custom made pop protector, I know it looks a bit strange but it makes the audio sound better. Once that was all ready to go, I loaded up my Blogger on the laptop. I then opened my Celtx script post, so I could stick to my script. Once I had my script open I began recording my intro. I tend to record audio in a mp4 format, then use a mp3 converter afterwards. I edit and cut the audio, but I will elaborate more on that in my post production diary. 

This a image of my USB adapter cable, it converts the USB to a type C charger. This is a really handy piece of equipment to have and I don't know what I would do without it. I use this microphone to record most of my content, so I wanted to bring it into college and use it for my project. This segment didn't require any video footage, so I didn't have to worry about the lighting and background of the studio. I personally find these segments easier to record because I don't have film different types of shots. You can click on the images to make them bigger, so you can see them better.

15-02-23

The next thing I filmed was some slow motion intro sequence shots. I filmed these in college, and I used my Samsung Galaxy S20 FE to record. I activated slow motion mode on my phone in order to film these shots. Personally, I like to have multiple angles of a certain action. So, I filmed my hand typing as well as a medium close up shot. I will flick between these in order to help stimulate the consumers brain. I will make sure to blur any faces if they appear at any point. My narration recordings will be played over this. The two lenses I used where the front camera and the standard lens. 

I also went outside to film a slow motion shot of me vlogging. Vlogs are a key part of content creation, so it is relevant to my documentaries theme. This is another medium close up shot, and the same camera settings apply for this shot. To be honest, I like to film most of my intro shots in slow motion. I think it looks more polished. I did a simple wave at the camera in order to mimic a vlogger. I like this shot because it freshens up the background. 

28-02-23

So, today I filmed the first interview segment for my documentary. I rested my phone against a tripod leg and symbols and put my phone into portrait video mode. I also filmed this interview facing sideways. I did this so it felt like I was talking to someone. I will use overlays to make this interview segment look better. Unfortunately, I don't have access to a high end recording studio, so I will have to make do with what I have. The reason I put my phone in portrait mode is to blur out the background. If you video has a messy background the interview will not look as good. Personally, I think this shot will look much better after the post production process. 

However, I decided to film a second draft of this segment. I much prefer this one. I am way more charismatic and the waist shot camera angle is much better. I also used portrait video mode for this segment. I now feel much better about what I have done. By improving on my original draft I am showing signs of experimentation. As well as this, I also recorded a small audio recording that will play before this segment. Once you see my next shots you will

understand.

Here a video comparing the two drafts. I did this to give you a better idea of why I 

re shot this segment. I think my body language is much more engaging in draft two. I am glad I chose to re shoot this scene.

So, I spoke about recording a voice over segment and these are the videos it will play over. I used my ring light tripod to hold my phone in place whilst I recorded the scenes. Not to mention, I activated slow motion mode which makes the videos a lot smoother. I recorded three different angles of this shot, so I can switch between them in order to stimulate the brain. In shot 2 the ring light is very bright, so I might try to fix that in post production. I wanted to film one over the shoulder shot, a medium close up shot and a high angle shot. The lighting for this shot is very dark, however write in this lighting all the time, so it is realistic. I understand that I have to colour grade this project as well as I can.

01-03-23

I also decided to film a shot of the college, I did this because I filmed my interview segment in college. I filmed three different variations of this shot, one in normal mode, one in slow motion, and one in super slow motion. Personally, I like the slow motion one the best, but I could also use the super slow motion one if need be. I plan to use this shot as a transition to me sitting and talking about content creation. I could also use this shot as a overlay. I plan to put the Gaussian blur effect over this shot at the start, and then have it slowly fade away. I will elaborate more on that in my post production diary.

Here is another comparison video, this will give you a preview of the three drafts I recorded. I like to experiment with different modes in order to find which one works best.

02-03-23

Today I decided to experiment with different shots I can use of Sunderland. I filmed this one in Barnes Park and I could use it as a transition shot or a overlay. I filmed one in slow motion and one in super slow motion. I noticed that the super slow motion shot is darker.

This video will help you understand the slight differences between the two drafts. I personally prefer the slow motion version because it is lighter. Not to mention, the fps looks way better. I want to make sure I have enough shots of the city, so I don't rely too much on stock footage. That way I am able to show my assessor my technical skill. 

03-03-23

On Friday I filmed a quick shot of the Stadium of Light, and A Love Supreme. I put my phone in slow motion mode and began filming. These are shots I can use as transitions or overlays. I had to be careful when filming these, because I didn't want to accidentally feature anyone who didn't want to be on camera.

06-03-23

So, today I decided to film a segment where I talk about what it's like to implement regional identity into my content. For this segment I used a different setting on portrait mode, and it's called colour point. This mode makes the background black and grey instead of blurring it. I love to experiment with different settings, so I decided to change things up for this segment. It stops things from getting repetitive. I will compliment this segment with overlays. I also used my Hyper X microphone to make the audio sound better. Not to mention, I also did a voice recording as a way to transition into this segment. It's important to make sure that you have enough footage to string everything together.

I filmed two drafts of the segment and I personally thought the second draft was better. So, I decided to make another comparison video. This will help show you the minor differences. I didn't like the ending in the first draft, so I re shot the segment.

08-03-23

Today I decided to film a overlay shot of me sitting in the corner. I will display this over the shot where I talk about when I made my original character. I filmed this shot using my front camera lens, and I filmed it in your regular camera mode. I didn't want to over do the slow-motion shots. I filmed this on the staircase, and used a step as my tripod. Sometimes you have to think of ways round things.

Not to mention, I also went into the recording studio to do a voice recording, that will transition me into my next segment. It's a voice recording where I say what is it like to be a content creator in Sunderland. That helps my project tie into the brief. My next segment will be me discussing what it's like to create content in Sunderland, and whether it enhances or restricts my creativity. This was like recording all my other voice recordings, and I used the Hyper X microphone to improve the audio quality.

09-03-23

Today I decided to film some road transition shots. I can also use these shots as overlays. So, for these shots I climbed up to the top of the bridge and put my camera in slow-motion mode. I then began filming, however if anyone's registration plates are showing I will use the gaussian blur effect to protect their identity. I also filmed both sides of the road so I can mix and match the shots. I might put them side by side, or I might play them one after another. It's good to have a variety of shot angles, and these high angle shots are a welcome addition to my collection.

10-03-23

So, today I was back at A love Supreme, and I decided to film the front of the shop. I really like how smooth this shot is. I filmed it in slow-motion mode and I slowly lifted the camera up, so I could add more movement to the shot. I will show this shot when I am talking about A Love Supreme. I want to have as many shot options as possible, and I really like how slick this one is.

14-03-23

For this segment I went back into the side room and set up my tripod. I also put my camera into portrait video mode, so the background is blurry. Not to mention, I altered the tripods height, so it would be a upper waist shot. In this segment I talk about what it's like to be a content creator in Sunderland. I also used my Hyper X microphone, but I put it on the table, so it's out of shot. Personally, I really like the lighting n this shot. It looks really clean. I will compliment this shot with overlays, so it doesn't get boring.

15-03-23

I decided to get a slow motion shot of the lake in Barnes Park. I think it will be a good transition or overlay shot. I stood on the mini balcony, so I could get a good shot. I wanted some more medium close up shots of the environment, so this will be another welcome addition to my shot collection.

Speaking of slow-motion shots, I decided to film a shot of the Sunderland game. This ties into the brief because it's about Sunderland Culture. I filmed this shot from my seat, and I made sure I got a shot of the pitch. This was a night time game, so it was dark and the floodlights were on. Personally, I really like having this shot because it's an accurate representation of the local area.

20-03-23

Today I recorded one of my final voice lines. This one will transition me into my creating a YouTube video segment. I used my Hyper X Microphone to capture the audio, plus I made sure to record in a sound proof studio, so there wasn't any background noise. I like doing voice lines because they string my segments together nicely.

21-03-23

For this segment I decided to film two angles, the side angle and the reverse angle shot. I did this, so you can see how content creators capture different shots. I filmed a shot of me packing my equipment, because this will transition us into the YouTube video segment. I deliberately left my other phone in shot, because it is a realistic example of how I film my content. I used my Galaxy S8+ to capture the side angle. I like having different angles because they keep the shots fresh, and stimulate the consumers brain.

22-03-23

So, for the start of the vlog segment, I open up with a medium close up shot of me talking to the camera. A lot of vloggers do this, so it is relevant. I begin by speaking about what I am going to do, then I pan to a shot of my bag and explain what's in it. It's a small segment but it transitions us nicely into the next part.

I then filmed a few shots of me exiting the building, I will compliment these shots with some voice overs. Linking back to the theme of this segment, I want this segment to be like a vlog, so I made some more vlog style shots.

This is one of my favorite shots, it's a slow-motion shot of me walking through the city. In order to film this shot, I balanced my phone against a fence and put my phone into slow-motion mode. I then walked past my phone as if it wasn't even there. It's good to experiment with different camera angles, so I am pleased to have captured this one. Much like the last shots, I will compliment them with voice overs.

The bridges is a key part of Sunderland, so I made sure to capture a slow motion shot of it. I stood out side, and slowly panned my phone up towards the building. I want o capture a low angle of the bridges, so the shot can represent the importance of the place.

Next I decided to film a medium wide angle of me drinking my can of Dr Pepper. I like the idea of having shots that represent my time in town, hence why I am doing a vlog segment. I balanced my phone against a shoe box and began filming. I want this shot to feel authentic. I filmed this shot in Sports Direct.

After that, I decided to film a slow-motion shot of me walking past the shoes. I love this shot because I think it smooth, and it is a brilliant transition shot. I simply just put my phone into slow-motion mode and slowly walked past the shoes. I filmed this shot in JD Sports, and I filmed them because I needed to burn some time.

Once Sunderland Bowl opened, I went outside and filmed a low angle shot of the building. I put my phone into slow-motion mode and slowly panned it up towards the building. I will pair this shot with the next one, but this shot is a nice opener. 

This is definitely one of my favourite shots I got. It's a slow-motion shot of the arcade. It's a wide angle, but I make sure to slowly move to the right hand side. Humans read left to right, so I made sure to consider this. I wanted to get a shot of all the machines in order to set the scenes. I love how smooth this shot is, and I might even consider using it in my intro sequence. 

I also filmed a shot of me exchanging my £5 note into coins, this is so you can see the process. I'd say that this is a close up shot of the situation. This something you would see in a vlog, so I made sure to include it. It sets up the next segment nicely.

I filmed multiple angles of me playing on the machines, this first one is a low angle. I filmed this on my Samsung Galaxy S8+ and I used the front camera. However, the quality of this angle might be slightly worse, but it's something I will have to put up with. Hopefully, you don't notice it too much.

The other angle I filmed was a shot of the claw machine, this shot allows you to see things from my perspective. It's a point of view shot, so you can see what I'm doing. I didn't use any camera modes for these shots. This segment is supposed to showcase the different things you can film in Sunderland. I filmed two other machines after this, but I will only show these two pictures because the others are the exact same, so I would be repeating the same points.

I then rounded of the segment by briefly explaining what happened. This is something you often see in vlogs. This shot is a medium close up, and I filmed it with the intention of replicating a vlog. I filmed this shot in high street west.

I also have some extra slow-motion shots of me walking through the city. I haven't came up with an exact use for them yet, but I might use them in my intro sequence. I could also use them as overlays. I want to document these shots just incase I do end up using them. I balanced my phone against fences and railings, and of course put my phone into slow-motion mode. I then walked away and walked past as if the phone wasn't there. It was a really sunny day, so on some I look like a silhouette.

28-03.23

Finally, I recorded an outro for my documentary. But before that I also recorded some voice lines for the previous segment. I used my Hyper X Microphone to record the audio. As for the video segment, I set my camera up in the studio and put it into portrait mode. Most interview segments blur the background, so I wanted to make sure mine was no different. Once that was all done I recorded this segment. I will pair this shot with overlays. The overlays will stimulate my audience, so they remain engaged. In this segment I speak about whether or not being from Sunderland enhances or restricts your creativity.

CONCLUSION

As a whole, this process has allowed me to document the production of my documentary. By utilizing advanced camera modes, I was able to capture some great shots, and enhance my technical skill. I have re-shot certain segments and created comparison videos, so you can see the difference. This shows my client the problems I came across and how I solved them. Problem solving is a key part of this unit. Not to mention, I have also explained the equipment I used and why I used them. This is key information for professional practice. 

If I end up filming more shots I will make sure to document them elsewhere. Overlays will be documented in my post production diary because they are added during the editing stage. I will utilize my strong back catalog of content in order to find good overlays that will help explain the narrative of the respective segment. If I use a video clip that isn't mine I will make sure to explain why. Everything I use will be comply with copyright, and I will make sure I'm using it fairly. 

However, I made sure to film a lot of footage, so I don't have to rely on stock footage. I really enjoyed capturing some of my slow-motion segments because I think they look really professional. I also think they highlight my progression as a content creator. I really enjoyed the production process of this documentary, and if I were to do it again I would try to get my hands on some more equipment such as high end cameras. I would also try and find a camera man. But those were all things I didn't have access to this time. This took just over a moth to film and document, and I'm happy with what I have.