A little bit of reflection

Monday 18th Jan

This is a lesson we were all looking forward to - the first of our promised host of various industry practitioners that would be gracing us with their prescence throughout the course. I'm not sure exactly what we were expecting but one thing I can say, and I think I speak on behalf of the majority of the class also, is that we did not expect Kim Millar, a successful soap storyliner and writer, to be so young. Having heard all about her career and having researched her online before the class, I was very impressed that someone her age had achieved the success that she had.

I felt this was a very educational, interesting and exciting lesson. We discussed her career, the path she had taken to get there, exactly what the job involved with the odd anecdote about some soap opera celebs! We have been set the task of creating an original soap character and to write them in to one of the big soap operas - Coronation St (which Kim assured us was, by far, the most well respected and best written soap out), Hollyoaks, Emmerdale or Eastenders.

I believe we get the most out of lessons where people can share their own experiences - able to tell us what it is really like out there, how to make it, to cope. This is the type of learning that best suits me, hearing about it first hand then getting to do it yourself rather than just discussing the theory of film and television production.

Tuesday 19th Jan

Our day began with Ray's technical class where we focussed on lighting. Putting the lamps up and donw and setting up the cameras under different lighting conditions. I have used a lot of the lighting before so I knew some of the stuff we were learning however I feel it's always good to over things again an again - always improving. Also to know how things are handled in the industry - standard precedure - the lingo!

The afternoon consisted of a short tutorial with Gav in the edit suites to discuss our editing theory and practical assesment we sat before Christmas. I felt this went very well - we discussed some of the correct terms to use for certain editing techniques for the theory test and he was very pleased with my cut of the 'Dukati' Motorbike commercial. I enjoy and feel I get a lot out of the classes and discussions I have with Gav - he is very approachable and takes an interest.

Wednesday 20th Jan

We had our television class with Andy, discussing the impact of reality television from COPS to Big Brother Season 500! As usual it was packed with interesting facts and debates. I think because our class is so small - these kind of lessons are very open - anyone can give their opinion and discuss the topics.

Thursday 21st Jan

As we only had tutorials with Adam on this day - I was only in for a very short period of time. We discussed the television ideas we had written proposals for before the new year. We discussed the idea and how to develop it - Adam suggested ways of expanding the themes which I found very useful. We will be taking these ideas forward for the foreseeable future so I feel it is very important now that we are satisfied with our plans.

Friday 22nd Jan

Here came another silent film, Nosferatu - as I had fully expected not to be totally enthralled (having not enjoyed Battleship Potemkin the week before), I was pleasantly surprised to find myself really getting involved. It is very early cinema although it really sets up the 'vampire' genre which we are all so used to today.

All in all, a successful week I feel. Heres hoping the next week will be the same!