River Tees Rediscovered Evaluation

The final video delivers to the original brief given to us;  it is between 2 and 4 minutes long, includes a range of projects with both text and visuals. Text is used to accompany each project outlining what it is as well as providing facts about the photographs the client gave us. The video complies to the brief by raising awareness about the different projects which are represented in a fun and interesting way designed to entice visitors to become involved; some of the projects feature people in a range of ages taking part which will encourage others to follow suit. Also, the feedback we received from the client after initial viewings was very positive; they agreed with the style and purpose and were pleased that it encouraged others to become involved and seek out more information.

The video was exported as an AVI file per the client's request; this is because the video will be embedded on their website and thus, by using the most universal file type, they can guarantee their customers will have access to watch the video from all platforms - PC, laptop, Mac, mobile phones and tablets.  It is proven that AVI is the most compatible file type. The video has an aspect ratio of 16:9, because the majority of screens are now built in this ratio (with 4:3 being used less and less).

As a group we decided to film each project separately but as such we had to take into consideration differences in filming technique and abilities.  We believed that each others' filming styles were of a consistently high level and when edited together the difference would be less noticeable, providing the same song was used in the background to assist editing. The whole video includes 4 projects and we decided to compile the video by combining individual edits of each project into one main video, edited to the beat of a royalty free song. As projects became available and dates were booked we organised who would do which project; one main factor in deciding who would do which was the location of the projects – as not everyone can yet drive we had to agree on who would be able to get to which project the easiest.

By separating into groups for projects we could focus on how each 30 second project video would look.  We completed shot lists and story boards to provide a basic outline of shots however knew that these could change when we got to the location and had a better understanding of what would be there to film. We worked very well as a main group with people taking on different roles within the small groups.  In each of these small groups we took different roles for completing the necessary paperwork before the day of filming. We used each weekly session to reconvene, assess progress, share experiences and, during pre-production, complete the paperwork.  This allowed us to  focus on filming whilst on location and leave post-production free to edit.

To film the video we used the Sony SD cameras, set to film in HD.  This meant the video would be of a high quality ensuring it would retain desired the look and feel regardless of how it was being viewed. The editing software used was Adobe Premiere Pro; this software automatically recognises the file type the cameras film in - AVCHD as well as allowing us to export the video as an AVI file type. As a group we worked very well together, delegating through agreement the key tasks which were shared as evenly as possible.  We aimed for 3 people per project group however there were times where some people were required to do more than others.  That said, because we spent time planning and agreeing the processes to follow we all worked well and supported each other with tasks in both pre-production, filming and post-production.

To overcome any potential legal problems we could face in the future we ensured we had location agreement contracts signed for each location at each project; we also had artist release contracts signed for anyone who appeared on camera to demonstrate our compliance to professional standards. (If, after publication, people who are shown on screen complain, we could use the signed forms which clearly states their consent for the videos to be uploaded to the internet and social media).

For filming to take place in at the Tees Barrage a filming license was completed by Canal and River Trust to allow us to film and we were given a copy of this document. There was no budget or financial aid available so, as mentioned previously, careful consideration was needed when deciding who would film which project; as students we have a free bus pass to take us to Stockton but from here any additional bus journeys would need to be paid for by the students themselves. (The promotional video is not for profit therefore anyone involved was not paid, no one received payment for featuring in the video nor did a location, and members of the public willingly took part in the video and projects).

As a group we assigned Danniella to be the overall project/production manager; she was in charge of regular communicating with the client, receiving the assets and distributing to the project leaders and ensuring everyone knew what was happening, when and whom was doing what. She was a very confident and capable PM and instilled confidence in everyone associated with the project.  Within my small group we didn't have a dedicated leader, on set the 3 of us all decided on shots and in pre and post everything was shared equally with each of us knowing what had been done and what was still left to be done. The weekly meetings were used for each small group to provide their own updates and then, as a collective group, we could discuss the progress towards the client’s requirements. I would say there were very few problems with communication.

The client gave us a lengthy time scale which was perfect as it gave us plenty of time to film multiple projects and then agree on the optimum number needed. The majority of pre and post production was conducted in the weekly 3 hour meetings therefore the longer time scale was useful as we could spend time ensuring everything was completed to the best ability and then we could undertake peer review and critique before moving on. As the project started we met with the client to go over the brief and understand fully how they wanted the video to look and which projects of the 21 would be included. We had the first draft ready on time for the feedback meeting with the client, at which point we took a temperature check to ensure we were still on track with their ideas and could agree the final deadines. For future tasks of a similar nature it is important to communicate with the client so that the video can be made to exactly what they want and be appropriate for their desired use. Danniella is a very good leader and I would suggest her to lead future projects as everyone was involved and listened to her whilst still being independent and using initiative to carry out tasks. 

During the meeting with the client we received extensive feedback about the first draft of the video; they really liked the video especially the music and the pace and tempo it created. They pointed out particular shots they specifically liked (which helped us to appreciate their style and preferences) but overall they enjoyed the range of shots we provided.  They agreed with and approved the people and locations we used in the video and were confident that overall it promoted River Tees Rediscovered really well. We agreed on a small number of improvements to make; the majority being the use of logos - the River Tees Rediscovered logo had been changed and they also needed us to put other logos of companies, partners and charities who are involved.

As a group we gave feedback on the overall video; as we were looking at this from a filmmakers point of view we found more small things to change including adding transitions, changing one or two shots, lengthening the time the photos were on screen and adjusting the sound in the interview. The feedback is very important to ensuring the client gets what the best possible video but also helps us learn and improve our skills and ability, therefore affecting our ability for future projects.

Overall the group, the client and myself believe the video is very suitable for the client and is of a professional and industry standard.