Feedback from client

Me and my teammate presented our pitch to the head of year 12 at Acland Burghley which is one of the Laswap schools. He was able to listen to our ideas and then give us feedback what he liked to see and how he though the ideas could be improved.

from listing in to our idea he felt following the four students around the four different locations available in Laswap was a strong idea and wold represent who the school works and successfully integrates the four schools in a clear and strong way, this would then help people considering the school to capture the essence of how Laswap life is and how students commute around the different schools in a day to day basis. e also presented him with an example of a video that we took inspiration from which was the 'university of manchester' corporate video, once he saw this he suggested we find succesful ex students and interview them to show life after laswap he also recommended we interview parents to get a larger larger of opinions on the school, we agreed we would include text signs on screen saying who the person was to save time so that they don't introduce themselves.

we also asked him a range if questions: 

How long would you like the corporate video to be? 

Keep the to 3-5 mins maximum as the video could then be sent to schools/ year 11 assemblies for potential students

Do you want us to film as a whole group or individual corporate videos and you can choose the one you prefer best?
If there was more than one video filmed we would then be able to see the different ways the groups  have presented the school and how they view it, giving laswap a wider range to chose from. Once all the videos are completed the videos could also be combined and broth together to create strong video including everything thats needed.

Would you like to include different interviews in the video? if so who? 

Think about what attracts people to laswap academically and socially and tie the two together, focus on the mature way students are treated for this you would want to be targeting students and asking about their experience in the school and how they have been able to also build a huge amount of contacts and new friends throughout the your schools, and the also go on to interviewing the teachers and staff about how the schools are exceling and there is a great focus on helping students get to higher eduction.

What background music would suit the corporate video? e.g slow, current etc.. 
would have to see it together with the video, once the video is created we could sample two different songs to the client and they can then chose the one they feel is best fitting.

Would you like us to focus on higher education? 
Laswap has a higher education office that works full time with students, which they can go to to discuss their future prospects and any issues they may have, this is a selling point for the school as this is not the same in most other colleges, it shows that Laswap is willing to cater to students and pay a great deal of attention to what they will be doing once they have completed their college years.

Would you like us to film particular subjects, if so which ones? 
A strong point of Laswap is the huge range of subjects available, although there won't be enough time to include all subjects in a 3 min video, you could focus on a few key successful subjects in the video and then maybe have a list presented in the video of the other subjects that are available.

He also found that students find it hard to imagine how they will be able to socialise and meet new people when they are constantly moving from one school to another and they find this quite intimidating and may be a reason for some not to attend laswap, i feel through this idea of schooling how they school works we will be able to present to the viewer just how the school works.

Analysing corporate videos

What is a corporate video?

A corporate video is a form of marketing to promoting a company through visuals. This allows the company to get the general pubic to see what their company is about and what they have to offer through customer service, product and also the messages they are promoting. Interviews can be used to show peoples opinions on the company as well as text and backing audio to set the tine of the video. Promotional videos can vary and look very different depending on what company or organisation it is promoting, if it is made for a company like Nike it can be less factual and more image based, as this is their main focus in comparison a corporate video made for a school can be much more factual with interviews and statistics. Promotional videos must be to the point to maintain the audiences attention, they can be form 5-15 minutes long. 

Codes and conventions

Music:

The backing music of a corporate video should set the tone for the video; instrumentals are usually used, as vocals can be distracting to the message you are promoting.  You must make sure all the copyright rules have been considered before you make a decision on using a certain piece of music and that it is fitting to the audience and the company you are selling to the viewer.

Length

Mise en scene:

What the viewer is shown is important to what message and outlook on the company they take away from the video, it is important that the company is shown to be professional and smart this is done by showing the different facilities or products available, the company or organisation in action this will give them an idea of how things work. Interviews with people they feel they can relate to is also key making sure the people who you interview are similar to your target audience.

This example of a corporate video i found is quick and to the point making sure that the audience doesn't lose interest, although it doesn't include any interviews, it has a little background information in the beginning which is presented through a bold white text this shows its importance, it then proceeds with shots of the products of the company in all the different parts of the world and how they are being used by the consumer. This gives the viewer an idea of how the company has touched different lives as well as what they are about and believe in. Shots of nature highlight to the viewer the companies environmentally friendly policies as well as how the company is effecting the world in a positive way. the people shown in the video are presented using the products throughout and this shows who the companies products have been a bridge for creative people to build what they once may have through impossible. the people cast for the video range from different ages with very different paths in life although the one turing that brings them all together is the product which they use, this put the company in a positive light and shows who they can alter to a range of different types of people. At the end of the video there is a text that says "Shot in one day entirely on the IPhone" As the video if celebraiting 30 years of the company this video is showing the progression of the company in the last 30 years to this day,  The fact that they whole video has been filmed with one of their products, shows the the viewer the belief the company in their product as well as the high quality of the product and the potential it has.

This corporate video I found was made for a college and presents the different sections of the school in a clear and professional way, with little wording and no speaking they are able to show to the viewer what the school has to offer and what they are representing. The first shot in the video is outside the school and the camera then follows the student as they walk into the building they have chosen to use students throughout the video and this is key in giving the viewer a clear idea of the type of people that attend. The camera switches, following different students as they make their way around the school. The use of vibrant colors throughout the video highlights the positive mood of the video and gives the viewer an insight of the bright building and facilities. There is a range of different forms of lighting throughout the video with shadows and silhouettes as well as bright lighting when the students are walking around the building this is a benefit of the design of the building and so is focused on in the video. The font used in the video for statistics and key information is bold with a boarder and clear to the viewer although not too overpowering. The students in the video are wearing their own clothing and this shows the grown up feel of the school as well as the fact that they support self-expression.  The video uses a range of diverse shots from low angle to high, throughout the video the camera constantly switches different angels, this plays a key role in keeping the viewers attention throughout and having a professional aesthetic. The transitions of the different  subjects in the school and what they do allows the viewer to get an idea of how broad the college is and the range of subjects they offer.   

the body language and facial expressions of the students show how enthusiastic the students are and this gives a positive light on the school, as well as this the students are shown being active throughout and keeping busy for example in the shots of the basketball players playing they are all taking part and no one is being left aside this is to represent the attitudes of the school and its students.  

This is the third corporate video I looked into it doesn't include any speech but through visuals gives the viewer an idea of what the company is about and what they believe in. The music plays a key role in the video and sets a relaxed, lighthearted tone throughout, the focus is on a young boy meeting someone who inspires him that he looks up to and how this then leads him to start saving money to be like him. This video focuses less on the company and how it works but rather what their beliefs are and the change they are looking to make in the world and for their clients. these types of less specific corporate videos are commonly used by big companies who already have a big reputation but would like to spread they ideas they follow as this may inspire more people to chose their products, this can be a strong form of corporate video although i don't feel this would work very well with a school corporate video as we must make it much more informational and factual because this is something potential students are looking for to find out what they school is about and how it works.

This corporate video is informational as well as promotional and shows interviews from a range of people in different positions in the company and through the staff presents the of attitude of the company. As it is for an airline this is important as it is a business strongly based on customer service and the corporate video is cleverly based around this, the interviews run throughout the video and discus how the company works and their relationship with their clients I feel it represents how the corporation works perfectly as we are able to see the prosses of the plane being made up to the passengers and the plane in action. The lighting in the video is continuously bright throughout and keeps a focus on the people being interviewed as they were placed in centre shot, showing their importance.  

1b - How do i work to a brief with a client

The brief i have been given forthis project requires to make a corperate video to promote Laswap 6th form. My client fo this assignment will be the Director of 6th form at Acland burghley Mr. Quirke. The video will act as a form of informing people about the college so i will work on presneting it in a positive way as well as making sure it is factual and informative. This will be achived thought the main footage itself as well as through the editing process. When ananlysing the project brief i will be looking into several aspects; the budget for the project,legal and ethnical, regulatory, the requirements of the final project and what is expected as well as deadline and timing these things will all be disscused and negotiated in a meeting with the client. It is a legal requirent to follow the wishes of the client for the job you have been employeed for and going against this could lead to facing legal action from the client.

Constraints (Legal, ethical, regiulatory) 
When looking at thi s project brief there are a range of different aspects i wil have to consider before i begin filming which will be key in producing a video that is proffessional and adds up to all the requirements of my client.
Firstly, i must pay attention to the legal side of things looking into copyright of songs or brands that may be feartured in the video, and making sure i have permission to use it in the video, I will be filming interviews and shots of the 6th form environement and so will have shots of students and teachers i will have to make sure they are aware of this and sign a legal document giving permission if they are over 18 and parental permission if they are under this age.
I will aslo have to do a risk assessment for the health and saftey of the cast and crew involved in filming, considering any risks or hazards for the people involved and how these can be diverted.
I willl adress the ethical sideo of filming also, making sure the content of the corepertate video is not seen as offensive to any viewers or to the people being filmed this will be done through considering the way i aproach people and the locations I will choose to film.
looking into regulatory aspects of producing a corporeate video, I have researched into the companies ASA and Ofcom and found all of thier codes and conventions for content that is then shown to the greater public through T.V. If my client would like to broadcast the final piece that is produced there are a range of aspects that must be considered before this can happen and this is doen through the help of either one of these companies (ASA/Ofcom) and the rules they have produced. thses include focusing on copyright and any issues that may occur, assessing what message you are sending the viewer through the video and if all the information about the college is factual and thruthful and also making sure there are no aspects of the video that could be found desstressing or offensive.

Budget: (Amendments to the budget and conditions) 
I will be analysing the brief I have been given and looking into anything that I may have to discuss with the client before I proceed to begin filming. Thinking about the budget before discussing with the client there will be no personal expenses needed for the filming process, as the facilities that we will be using will be owned by Laswap and so we will not have to pay a fee to rent the location. the equipment we will be using will also be property of Acland Burghley school and so will be free of charge. The cast and crew will have free bus travel and will also already be present in the building as they attend the 6th form, the different 6th form buildings are all within walking distance of each other  so there will be no expenses spent on travel. The people taking part in the video will be volunteers that have offered to take part and so will not be paid. When i meet with my client i will discuss their vision for the video in detail and build an understanding of what they expect and discuss my research as well as talk about the budget and if there are any alterations in this.

conditions:
As i have yet to have a meeting with my client i have still not been able to discuss the conditions for the project and what is expected, although when the meeting does take place we will be able to discuss any changes or alterations he or I would like to make on the concept of the video and the filming process and then come to a final decision and plan. In the meeting i will also go into the regulations for the video and discussing where the video will be shown once its completed weather it is going to go on the school website or given to another company or kept within the college and shown at presentations.

project: 
Once I have an overall idea of what my client wants for the corporate video I will then be able to set out a detailed plan and give my client a realistic timing of when the video can be completed. I will then focus on bing organised and think ahead of time so that I can reach my set out deadline that is agreed on my my client. When discussing the project with my client i will discuss what they would like to include in the video; what people they would like me to interview and talk to, what specific locations they would like to see in the video as well as what message he would like to be giving then viewer through the video and how this can be achieved. the ideas that i will be presenting to my client are;
-Filming interviews of teachers and students that are apart of Laswap 6th form, and asking them about their experiences and opinions on the college.
-Presenting shots of the college faculties and students using these environments showing what is available to the students that attend, this will give the viewer an idea of what it is like to attend the school.

Assignment 1c - How will this brief give me the chance to develop my skills as a media practitioner?

Producing a project for the given brief, would allow me to broaden my skills set as a media practitioner through a range of different aspects that could then be presented in an updated CV and in effect could help when applying for other jobs in a similar work force, the brief will allow me to develop communication skills with clients and subjects as I would have to discuss the brief with the with the client as well as perform interviews for the video, improving on sticking to a time limit and reaching deadlines will also be necessary for this project. I will also improve on teamwork and leadership in this task through being able to communicate with fellow teammates and have input into project. Producing a cooperate video will also improve my research skills as I will have to gain knowledge about the sixth form so that I have relevant questions form my interviews as well as facts on the college and what they are about. Having a good knowledge on the subject will then translate clearly in the quality of the video and how professional the final piece is.

I will also be gaining knowledge on media contracts and the different contract forms available, as well as legal documents in the media industry which are important and mandatory this knowledge will mean my understanding of the media industry is widened and will make me aware of the key steps in the sytem behind the camera. this key information is key so making me aware so that i am aware of all parts of the industry. 

This is a section of my CV that I have yet to update with the skills set that I have gained over the course of studying this media course. Through the different tasks I have done in this course I will be able to add a range of media industry related skills that giving my CV more depth and highlighting my interest in the industry. Some examples of the skills I have acquired are how I am able to communicate with a client professionally and deal with any issues that may occur, how I have improved on my researching skills making sure i have a wider knowledge and am prepared. 

Contractual Brief - A legal document created between a employee and a client, outlining the duties that the company will require to be done and how the company organises their work. the document states what the overall expectations of the client are as well as prices they has agreed on and payment terms.

This example of a brief is very exact and detailed it involves information about the project, its duration, as well as job duties that will be required this sets an idea of what will be expected of the employee by having the contractual brief they rare agreeing to all these expectations and in turn must abide by these expectations.

Negotiated Brief - The client and the employer will come to an agreement upon the brief of the project, including the final ideas of both the employer and client. It is key that both agree on the brief or it will cause problems in the future.

commission brief - This is when a large corporation for example The Guardian employ and independent company to work for them and produce a product/project. this brief which is a negotiation between two media companies.

Tender Brief - The client will advertise the need for a media production to be created. a potential production company will set up a brief, budget and proposal which is then pitched to the potential client to gain the chance to work for them, the client then decides which proposal they like best from the group of candidates.

This brief discuses in detail the project and what is expected the key information is there to help potential employees, it states what is expected from the project. in this example it states the key fact about the creative financing for example the amount of money they offer and who its available for, after this they then state their proposal and what they expect from the project this is then open to any potential employee that is whiling to take on the job.

informal brief - less professional than a traditional brief, outlines the project verbally, does not require an means of written document. this is a discussion between the client and the employer where they come to a general agreement over the details of the contract.

Co-Operative Brief - tow or several production companies are employed to operate upon a set brief, which they complete together as a team. the project has a certain deadline.

 competition brief - This brief is accessible to all production companies participating in creating a project/product which will then be judged, and the most popular and impressive will then be taken to publication by the client.

This example is for a short film contest and gives the reader a good background information as well as a  brief of the requirements, deadline for the competition and how it will be judged. this is all self explanatory and is written is a simple from so that it can be understood by anyone who is interested in joining the competition.