mediaismypassion

[mediaismypassion]

8/04-14/04

The Edinburgh TV Festival has a free entry-level scheme for anyone aged 18+ who wants to start a career in television. I am planning to apply for the scheme. Here is link to the The Network application:

 https://www.thetvfestival.com/talent-schemes/the-network/

I watched: 

1. Fleabag (2019) Series 2, episode 6, BBC Three Television, 8 April. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p074qkfs/fleabag-series-2-episode-6 (Accessed: 8 April 2019). 

2. Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make-up Star (2019) Series 1, episode 6, BBC Three Television, 3 April. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p074ql5f (Accessed: 13  April 2019). 

3. All Together Now (2019) Series 2, Episode 6, BBC One Television, 13 April. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00049nf (Accessed: 14 April 2019).

[mediaismypassion]

01/04-07/04

In February after Andy’s Ashworth’s talk from Cut Media in the college, I decided to email and ask about the work experience opportunity. Last week producer Lisa Annette emailed me and offered a runner’s work for a one day. Luckily I was available and spent a day on location shooting the online advert. My main responsibilities were looking after talent, marshalling people and assisting producer. During the 10 h shoot, I was able to see how Cut Media is working on the location, what kit they are using, how they solve problems and more. Moreover, particular sequence involved scenes with the fake snow and I was able to help to create the set with the snow. Also, before the shoot producer sent relevant paperwork - call sheets, risk and safety assessments, contact list, movement order, equipment list, location maps and other information. In addition, this was the first time seeing a filled paperwork from industry professional. During the shoot I improved different skills: 

ability to work with the talent; 

working in a fast and stressful environment;

communication skills with public and team;

problem solving during the shoot on location;

technique working with SFX snow.

1. Fleabag (2019) Series 2, episode 5, BBC Three Television, 1 April. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0740jqh/fleabag-series-2-episode-5 (Accessed: 1 April 2019). 

2. Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make-up Star (2019) Series 1, episode 5, BBC Three Television, 3 April. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0740k63 (Accessed: 3 April 2019). 

3. All Together Now (2019) Series 2, Episode 5, BBC One Television, 6 April. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00042x9 (Accessed: 7 April 2019). 

4. ‘Lord Snow’ (2011) Game of Thrones, Series 1, episode 3, Sky Television. Available at: https://www.nowtv.com/gb/watch/entertainment/highlights/asset/game-of-thrones/8e6fa5c7e1fdf410VgnVCM1000000b43150a____/seasons/1/episodes/1/A5EK65Bcwd6LTwzWT5g1m (Accessed: 7 April 2019). 

I read: 

Musburger, R. and Ogden, M. (2014) Single-camera video production. 6th ed. Abingdon: Focal Press, pp.157.

[mediaismypassion]

25/03-31/03

This week I visited Guru Live Glasgow hosted by BAFTA Scotland. I attended two talks Telling Stories | Drama and Masterclass | Directing TV with Douglas Mackinnon. 

Telling Stories | Drama: 

A panel of screenwriters share their advice on getting your idea from the page to screen. Panellists include Louise Ironside (Call the Midwife, The Split, Shetland), George Kay (Killing Eve, The Stag, My Mad Fat Diary) and Sarah Phelps (Dublin Murders, The ABC Murders, Ordeal by Innocence). Hosted by Sarah Brown (Head of Drama, STV). 

During the talk, three writers introduce themselves and told how they started their journey in the industry, how they work and what are the biggest challenges within the writer's role. I chose this talk because every good programme or film starts with a great script. Art to tell and understand the story is applicable to both roles that I have chosen as my future goals. 

Notes from the talk: 

“It's important to navigate relationships with the producer and editor. Having conversations is a crucial part of the process.“

Masterclass | Directing TV with Douglas Mackinnon: Join director Douglas Mackinnon (Doctor Who, Sherlock, Good Omens) as he takes you on a visual tour behind the scenes of his shows.Hosted by Carolynne Sinclair Kidd.

Director Douglas Macinnon talked about his journey in the industry and introduced with his most popular works. 

Notes from the talk: 

“You only got yourself, so be who you are!“

“Story is everything. The script is everything.“

“It's not only about words, but it's also about pictures as well“

“Clear set, rehearse, read!“

This week I watched:

1. All Together Now (2019) Series 2, Episode 4, BBC One Television, 30 March. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0003vbd  (Accessed: 31 March 2019). 

2. Fleabag (2019) Series 2, episode 4, BBC Three Television, 25 March. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p073cnqq/fleabag-series-2-episode-4  (Accessed: 25 March 2019). 

3. Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make-up Star (2019) Series 1, episode 4, BBC Three Television, 27 March. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0739cl7 (Accessed: 27 March 2019). 

4. ‘Winter is Coming’ (2011) Game of Thrones, Series 1, episode 1, Sky Television. Available at: https://www.nowtv.com/gb/watch/entertainment/highlights/asset/game-of-thrones/8e6fa5c7e1fdf410VgnVCM1000000b43150a____/seasons/1/episodes/1/A5EK65Bcwd6LTwzWT5g1m (Accessed: 30 March 2019). 

5. ‘The Kingsroad’ (2011) Game of Thrones, Series 1, episode 2, Sky Television. Available at: https://www.nowtv.com/gb/watch/entertainment/highlights/asset/game-of-thrones/8e6fa5c7e1fdf410VgnVCM1000000b43150a____/seasons/1/episodes/1/A5EK65Bcwd6LTwzWT5g1m (Accessed: 30 March 2019). 

[mediaismypassion]

18/03-24/03

I was invited to a job interview for an American reality show. The interview was so quick and lasted 10 minutes. I feel that I wasn't able to present myself properly. I struggled to give confident and structured answers to questions about my previous experience and future plans. I felt that I know what I will reply to that kind of questions but it seems that it would work better for me if I would write down bullet points and general answers for most common interview questions.

Comedy is definitely not my favourite genre but BBC series Fleabag, in my opinion, is one of the best tv series I have seen so far. The script, acting (especially Olivia Colman) and unique filming style together make an exceptional experience for the audience. 

Also, I have been particularly enjoying entertainment programmes All Together Now and  Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make-up Star. I think that All Together Now format works really well and creators have found a new angle of talent shows. As well as Glow Up has managed to bring YouTube to make up videos to the next level. However, in my opinion, Stacey Dooley as a presenter doesn't work for this particular programme and most of the times she is unnecessary and doesn't know what to say and where to be.  

This week I watched: 

1. Fleabag (2019) Series 2, episode 2, BBC Three Television, 11 March. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0722dbw/fleabag-series-2-episode-2 (Accessed: 18 March 2019). 

2. Fleabag (2019) Series 2, episode 3, BBC Three Television, 18 March. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p072nm3v/fleabag-series-2-episode-3episode-2 (Accessed: 18 March 2019). 

3. Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make-up Star (2019) Series 1, episode 3, BBC Three Television, 20 March. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p072n429 (Accessed: 20 March 2019). 

I read: 

1. Musburger, R. and Ogden, M. (2014) Single-camera video production. 6th ed. Abingdon: Focal Press, pp.237-253.

[mediaismypassion]

11/03-17/03

During this week I watched: 

1. Fleabag (2019) Series 2, episode 1, BBC Three Television, 4 March. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p071bk3f/fleabag-series-2-episode-1  (Accessed: 11 March 2019). 

2. ‘Gypsy Kids Taken from Home’ (2018) Stacey Dooley Investigates, BBC One Television, 24 July. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05x5rh4 (Accessed: 14 March 2019). 

3. ‘Second Chance Sex Offenders’ (2018) Stacey Dooley Investigates,  BBC Three Television, 31 July. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05tjbkp (Accessed: 15 March 2019). 

4. Stacey Dooley on the Front Line: Girls, Guns and Isis (2017) BBC One Television, 17 January. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04f26sh (Accessed: 17 March 2019). 

5. Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make-up Star (2019) Series 1, episode 2, BBC Three Television, 13 March. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0720g1m (Accessed: 13 March 2019). 

My main responsibilities during the Glasgow Short Film Festival 2019 as a Font of House Assistant was similar to the main festival:

communicate with the festival audience; 

check tickets;

help with any issues relating to screening and tickets.

Throughout Glasgow Short Film Festival 2019 I saw a diverse selection of genre, format and length short films from all over the world. There are no boundaries or strict laws for short films. Every short film is a unique experience that responds quickly to current events and pressing topics. For me, as a storyteller, these films will always be as an example to be creative, original and brave professional in the industry. 

During the Glasgow Short Film Festival 2019 I saw:

1. Caucasus (2018) Directed by Laurynas Bareisa [Film]. Lithuania. 

Tekle and her daughter Ema return from abroad to visit Dalia, Tekle’s mother. When Ema goes out to walk her dog, Dalia fears something terrible might happen to her granddaughter and starts looking for her.

2. Vassileia (2018) Directed by Anastasia Kratidi [Film]. Greece. 

Vassileia has lost her father, she is about to lost her home but she still has her job. Working keeps her active and it gives her the sense of stability she needs. She soldiers on in silence.

3. Three Stories Inside A Rental Van (2018) Directed by Lewis Attey [Film]. Australia. 

The life of a white rental van is told via the different people who hire it.

4. Liminality&Communitas (2018) Directed by Laura Rantanen [Film]. Finland. 

After sundown, a man walks the motorway verges, gathering roadkill. An investigation of the border between life and death, and the edges of the manmade world.

5. Dogma (2018) Directed by Francesco Rufini [Film]. UK. 

Exploring dog-lovers’ obsession and their life inside the bubble of dog shows. How far do we go in striking for success - and who do we become?

6. Ululation (2018) Directed by Carina Haouchine [Film]. UK. 

A filmmaker from Scotland tries to understand what it means to be between two cultures by spending time with the woman in her Algerian family.

7. Just Agree Then (2018) Directed by Ross Hogg, Duncan Cowles [Film]. UK. 

In August 2018, seven months before the UK is due to leave the EU, two stubborn Scottish filmmakers struggle to make a short film together in the Austrian Alps.

8. My Loneliness is Killing Me (2018) Directed by Tim Courtney [Film]. UK. 

Two men, each lonely in their own way, hook-up for a brief but revealing sexual encounter.

9. Whole (2018) Directed by Slava Doytcheva [Film]. Bulgaria. 

A wedding. A girl. A closet. And the choice to be made once and for all - against the current or against herself.

10. Jujuba (2018) Directed by Shun Ikezoe [Film]. Japan. 

Th shiny red skin of jujube brings back vague memories of my former step-mother. That time is recreated on expired 8 mm colour reversal film. The expiration date if the film used is the same year that she walked out on us.

11. Doppelgänger (2018) Directed by Michaela Taschek [Film]. Austria. 

It's Friday 13th and the moon is full when Erich Taschek dies in his bathroom. But was this truly the moment when the filmmaker’s father disappeared from her life? Or had he already left twenty four years earlier, replaced by a doppelgäneger?

12. A is for Artist (2018) Directed by Ayo Akingbade [Film]. UK. 

Following a tragedy, a young woman assembles photos from her father's archive to encourage her pursuit of being an artist.

13. I Don't See Myself Being Old (2018) Directed by Martina Juncadella [Film]. Argentina. 

Jaki lives with her parents and two poodles. She writes poetry and sells street food. One day, she thinks of a new text, and while writing it, her ideas start ti mix with her own life.

14. Everything is Far Away (2018) Directed by Emanuel Parvu. Romania. 

A mother and her younger don travel a long distance to pay a surprise birthday visit to his older brother. But he doesn't show up.

15. Video Home System (2018) Directed by Sharlene Bamboat [Film]. Canada.

Tracing the convergence of popular culture and politics in Pakistan during the 1980s and 1990s, this video explores how bootleg economies kept the cinema industry alive during periods of censorship.

16. Flora (2018) Directed by Chaerin Im [Film]. USA. 

Uncanny sculptures of vagina and penis-like flowers question the connotations of gender and sexuality, the awkwardness of division.

17. III (2018) Directed by Marta Pajek [Film]. Poland. 

A woman and a man meet in a waiting room, get closer to each other and soon their game begins.

18. Those Progressive Meats (2017) Directed by Minoru Karasube[Film]. Japan. 

A twenty-five-year-old self-styled hermit who believes that he had achieved enlightenment tries to neutralise people’s desire.

19. Self Destructive Boys (2018) Directed by Andre Santos [Film]. Portugal. 

Three boys in their mid-twenties test the limits of their sexual flexibility. This film is built on an edge: the ambiguity of human relationships. Boys will always be boys.

[mediaismypassion]

04/03-10/03

After two busy weeks during the Glasgow Film Festival 2019 I am starting to fill in my Media Professional Development blog. I feel really inspired and full of creative ideas on how to make my portfolio more visual and artistic. Instead of using Microsoft Office Word I will use online platform Canva. I chose this platform because it has many great tools for adjusting images, fonts, colours, shapes and many more that will help to create a design of Portfolio. Lately, I have been thinking about my future plans intensely and I have decided that I would like to work as a vision mixer in TV studios, OB or events (both live and pre-recorded) or as a director in TV studios, OB or factual programmes (both live and pre-recorded). In addition, after volunteering at the film festival I would like to work in that industry as well. In order to have a precise action plan and starting point, I researched different TV job’s maps and added them to my Portfolio. 

After having a great experience at the Glasgow Film Festival 2019 I decided to apply for a volunteer position at Glasgow Short Film Festival 2019. I was accepted and had a festival induction on Saturday. 

Lately, I have been watching many of Stacey's Dooley's documentaries. The reason behind is that my Final Project film about disabilities within the sport led by presenter Sannah and format-wise it will be really similar to Stacey's Dooley's documentaries. As a director and camera operator of a film I am thinking how to tell a story visually, create 'a presence' feeling for the audience, what angles and shots to use. And watching these documentaries I am learning how to do that  from on the best documentary makers in the UK. 

This week I saw: 

1. Period. End of Sentence [2018] Directed by Rayka Zehtabchi [Film]. United States: Netflix. 

2. ‘Living with Big Game Hunters’ (2016) Brainwashing Stacey, BBC Three Television, 1 February 2017. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04gjlhz (Accessed: 6 March 2019). 

3. Glow Up: Britain's Next Make-up Star (2019) Series 1, episode1, BBC Three Television, 6 March. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p071ft41 (Accessed: 7 March 2019). 

I read: 

1. Holland, P. (2017) The new television handbook. London: Routledge, pp.67-75.

[mediaismypassion]

25/02-03/03

I have been really busy with the festival. This week I had four shifts as a Front of House Assistant. During my shifts, I was able to see many films from various countries. 

This week I saw:  

1. Girl (2018) Directed by Lukas Dhont [Film]. Belgium, Netherlands: Lumière. 

Victor Polster makes an unforgettable screen debut as a teenager determined to make their dreams a reality. 15-year-old Lara (Polster) was born a boy and now longs for the day when she can have gender reassignment surgery. Her ambition is to become a ballet dancer. The daunting physical demands of the training combined with the changes in her life create a situation of almost unbearable daily pressures. Lukas Dhont’s beautifully realised debut feature sensitively captures all the complex feelings of this deeply moving coming-of-age story.

2. A New Leaf (1971) Directed by Elaine May [Film]. USA: Paramount Pictures. 

Elaine May declared herself unhappy with the final result but her directorial debut is a real treat that harks back to the golden age of screwball comedy. Walter Matthau stars as a wealthy, spendthrift New York bachelor facing the nightmare prospect of being poor. His clinical solution is a quick wedding to a wealthy bride but where could he find someone so gullible and trusting? Enter Elaine May as a socially graceless botanist worth a tidy fortune. The fact the she has no living relatives makes her even more vulnerable to the wicked Matthau’s cunning plan. Terrific fun.

3. The White Crow (2018) Directed by Ralph Fiennes [Film]. United Kingdom, France: StudioCanal.

The extraordinary early life and mercurial brilliance of Rudolf Nureyev are the inspiration for a richly atmospheric true-life biography from actor/director Ralph Fiennes. Ukrainian dancer Oleg Ivenko makes an astonishing debut as the young Nureyev. Arriving in Paris in the early 1960s with the Kirov Ballet, Nureyev devours the cultural life of the city and the chance to venture beyond the Iron Curtain. There is no turning back and his plot to defect unfolds against flashbacks that capture his humble beginnings, blazing talent and determination to become a major figure on the world stage.

4. José (2018) Directed by Li Cheng [Film]. Guatemala, USA. 

Winner if the Queer Lion at Venice, Li Cheng’s Josè is a sensitive, tenderly felt portrait of desire and longing set in Guatemala. 19 year-old Josè (Enrique Salanic) lives with his devoted mother in a small apartment. They eke out a living as best they can. Josè covers his true desires with little white lies as he goes looking for a partner. When he meets construction worker Luis (Monolo Herrera), a physical attraction blossoms into an emotional attachment. Can Josè ever take a chance on love when family ties and a suffocating macho culture seem to set against him?

7. Luz (2018) Directed by Tilman Singer [Film]. Germany. 

Whilst a confused young cab driver, Luz (Luana Velis), enters a police station to discuss an incident that took place the evening, another woman, Nora (Julia Riedler), seduces police psychotherapist De. Rossini (Jan Bluthardt) in a nightspot across town. When Nora’s true identity is revealed, Luz finds herself battling a terrifying entity that endangers the entire city. Shot in 16 mm film with an iconic synth score, this is intelligent and cool genre filmmaking that owes more to Andrzej Žutawski and early John Carpenter than your average late night schlock.

8. The Song of the Tree (2018) Directed by Aibek Daiyrbekov [Film]. Kyrgyzstan. 

Aibek Daiyrbekov’s gorgeous musical takes its inspiration from real events and Kyrgyzstan folklore to tell a captivating saga of love, honour, sacrifice and revenge. Set amidst the stunning beauty of the Tien Shan range, it follows the fate of star-crossed lovers Esen (Omurbek Izrailov) and Begimai (Saltanat Bakaeva). Banished by the tribal leader, Esen strives to prove himself a man worthy of Begimai’s love, whilst the tribal leader himself faces a change in fortune after ordering a sacred tree be cut down. A beautiful and beguiling romance with a song at its heart.

9. Face to Face With Armageddon (2018) BBC Three Television,  25 September. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06kt6x9 (Accessed: 26 February 2019).

10. ‘The Blame Game’ (2016) Stacey Dooley in Cologne, BBC Three Television,  28 January. Available at:  https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03gr6mg (Accessed: 27 February 2019).

11. Canada’s Lost Girls (2017) BBC One Television, 5 September. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04tqcby (Accessed: 27 February 2019).

[mediaismypassion]

18/02-24/02

On Wednesday I went to Format Masterclass with Hazel Marshall. This was a very useful masterclass because Hazel Marshall managed to explain basic rules of how to make a successful TV programme and pointed out what is trending at the moment. Information from this masterclass will be useful in any future role.  Within two hours she talked about: 

what is format;

what is trending at the moment; 

how to make a format;

how to build a structure of the programme; 

how to set a tone; 

how to set a world.  

I am having a great time at the Glasgow Film Festival. During my first two shifts, I have met many people and the majority of them have been working at the festival for years and are industry professionals. Although, most of the volunteers are students that studies media or arts and this is a great opportunity for networking. My main responsibilities are to communicate with the festival audience, check tickets and help with any issues relating to screening and tickets. Ability to solve problems and good communication skills can be adapted to my future career path as a vision mixer or director. Moreover, being a volunteer gives me an opportunity to see how the festival is being organised from the 'inside', for example, how many people working in the festival and what kind of responsibilities they have. 

On Thursday and Saturday I had my Glasgow Film Festival shifts. 

This week I saw:

1. Mothers' Instinct (2018) Directed by Olivier Masset-Depasse [Film]. France, Belgium: Axia Films, Haut et Court, Karma Films, Indie Sales. 

There are echoes of Hitchcock and Patricia Highsmith in this luscious, devilishly entertaining Belgium thriller. Suburban neighbours Alice (Veerle Baetens) and Celine (Anne Coesens) are the very best of friends. Their inseparable sons are more like brothers than chums. When tragedy strikes, they both struggle to accept the consequences. A once happy relationship is infected with suspicion, paranoia and resentment. Are their responses a natural reaction to trauma, or there something more sinister afoot? The suspense of finding out will take you to the edge of your seat...

2. The Pluto Moment (2018) Directed by Ming Zhang [Film]. China. 

A meditative and metaphysical journey into the artist psyche, The Pluto Moment follows a film director’s search for inspiration deep in the mountains of southwest China. Inspired by the Chinese mourning song ”The Tale of Darkness”, Wang Zhun (Xuebing Wang) seeks to delve into rural China alongside his producer and photographer, only to find himself reflecting on his role in the world. Parallels to Fellini and Antonioni, as well as cinematography surpassed only by Wong Kar-Wai, make this a film to melt into, as well as one you won't forget.

3. Easy Rider (1969) Directed by Dennis Hopper [Film]. USA: Columbia Pictures. 

Few films embody the changing times of 1960s America as sharply as Easy Rider. Dennis Hopper’s state of the nation road movie follows bikers Wyatt (Peter Fonda) and Billy (Hopper) as they head for the New Orleans Mardi Gras. Roaring down the highway, travelling light and sleeping rough, they encounter the jagged edges of a deeply divided country. A triumph of low-budget, independent filmmaking, Easy Rider also brought stardom and a first Oscar nomination to a scene-stealing Jack Nicholson as a disillusioned lawyer drawn to these irresistible free spirits.

4. Tell It to the Bees (2018) Directed by Annabel Jankel [Film]. United Kingdom: Vertigo Releasing, Good Deed Entertainment.

The Scotland of 1952 is no place for the faint-hearted. When mill worker Lydia (Holluday Grainger) is abandoned by her philandering husband, she struggles to pay the rent and feed herself and son Charlie (Gregor Selkirk). Local doctor Jean (Anna Paquin) is one of the few to help and a friendship develops that blossoms into a romance that will scandalise the town. Director Annabel Jankel has crafted a sensitive adaptation of the Fiona Shaw novel that captures oppressive small town life and the way love has the power to challenge narrow minds and deep-rooted prejudices.

‘Anti-Abortion Camp’ (2016) Brainwashing Stacey, Series 1, episode 2,  BBC Three Television, 24 January 2017. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04fvzyv (Accessed: 23 February 2019).

Les Miserables (2018) Series 1, episode 5, BBC One Television, 27 January. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0c1rcs2 (Accessed: 24 February 2019).

Les Miserables (2018) Series 1, episode 6, BBC One Television, 3 February. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0c2ktn4 (Accessed: 24 February 2019).

The Greatest Dancer (2019) Series 1, episode 8, BBC One Television, 23 February. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0002vxl (Accessed: 23 February 2019). 

I also applied for PA/Runner and Assistant Coordinator position for an American reality show.

[mediaismypassion]

11/02-17/02

On Monday I had the Glasgow Film Festival 2019 Volunteer induction.  Volunteer Manager introduced us with the festival strands, general rules and responsibilities. My experience with film festivals is very little. There is only one international film festival in Latvia - Riga International Film Festival since 2014 and a few smaller festivals. I have never been a volunteer so this will be a new experience for me. Also, film and festival industry, in general, will be a different medium for me because I have only worked in television and commercial sector. Furthermore, I am planning to apply for postgraduate studies in film curation at Glasgow University or Edinburgh University. Besides TV career I would like to work in film festivals as well because it is an exciting industry that allows to create new experiences within cinema, come up with programmes and be a part of contemporary film industry. This was my second time applying for a volunteer position at GFF and last year I wasn't chosen so this year I can't wait for the festival to the beginning.

On Tuesday I went to Newcastle for North Film + Media Boot Camp. This one-day media boot camp was for everyone who wants to start a career in TV or film industry. During the day we had various masterclasses and guest speakers that shared their experience, knowledge and tips and tricks about the industry. For example, Location Manager and Line Producer Christine Llewellyn Reeve introduced us with an overview of the production, an order of the production day and production hierarchy. While the NFM Academy Coordinator talked about CV. At the end of the day, we had three guest speakers - Line Producer Fahima Chowdhury, Director James Cook and Production Designer Lisa Davidson.  

Tip from Christine Llewellyn Reeve “respect yourself and the production“.

On Thursday I had an interview at Raise the Roof Productions. I was interviewed by Jeannot Hutcheson and Kathryn Burnett. The overall interview went well and I wasn't  too nervous because I had my work experience in this production company and the environment was known to me. 

I watched: 

Beast (2017) Directed by Michael Pearce [Film]. United Kingdom: 30 West. 

Lion (2016) Directed by Garth Davis [Film]. Australia, United Kingdom, United States: The Weinstein Company, Transmission Films, Entertainment Film Distributors. 

The Greatest Dancer (2019) Series 1, episode 7, BBC One Television, 16 February. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0c47gs0 (Accessed: 16 February 2019). 

Les Miserables (2018) Series 1, episode 3, BBC One Television, 13 January. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0c06z07 (Accessed: 17 February 2019). 

Les Miserables (2018) Series 1, episode 4, BBC One Television, 20 January. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0c10xk8 (Accessed: 17 February 2019).

[mediaismypassion]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06mvrwn

04/02-10/02

In the beginning of the week, I was editing my showreel. I am not satisfied with the music. I think that my chosen music is more suitable for some companies highlight video than a showreel. However, I couldn't find a better song so I am using a track that I found last week. Also, editing is really time-consuming and it took me two days to finish showreel. After watching it a couple of times, I am thinking to make it shorter and use a split screen for some sequences.

I saw:

‘Tiger’ (2018) Dynasties, Series 1, episode 5, BBC One Television, 9 December. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06mvrwn (Accessed: 9 February 2019).

Les Miserables (2018) Series 1, episode 1, BBC One Television,  30 December. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06t60pl (Accessed: 9 February 2019).

Les Miserables (2018) Series 1, episode 2, BBC One Television,  6 January. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0by3zd9 (Accessed: 9 February 2019).

The Greatest Dancer (2019) Series 1, episode 6, BBC One Television, 9 February. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0c3ggm7 (Accessed: 9 February 2019). 

I think that Dynasties is a true masterpiece both visually and content-wise. The commitment that the production team show to the animals by living and following them for years is unbelievable. I particularly enjoy the footage from locations and behind the scenes at the end.

Four White Shirts (1967) Directed by Rolands Kalnins [Film]. Soviet Union: Riga Film Studio. 

I watched Latvian film Four White Shirts (1967) which was banned in the Soviet Union because of the controversial content and had it's premiere more than 30 years later after the film was released. Last year renewed version of the film had premiered at the Cannes Film Festival honouring film's director and DOP.  

Also, I applied for the office runner position at Raise the Roof Productions. I wrote a cover letter what has been added to my Media Professional Development Portfolio.

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28/01-03/02

I added more things that I will include in my portfolio: 

Action plan

Self-evaluation

Biography

CV’s

Website

Showreel

Link to Flickr profile

Link to Letterboxd

Volunteering and work experience placements

Traineeships

Memberships

Job applications 

Driving licence 

Qualifications

Business card design 

Link to Linkedln 

Languages

I purchased the Adobe student package that includes more than 20 softwares including Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Lightroom etc. This is the first time that I have Premiere Pro on my own laptop and it's much more easier to edit and develop my editing skills. I think that one of the reasons I had basic editing skills was because I didn't had access to the software. Since I started this course I have improved my skills and learned how to edit sound, add photos, make a split screen and other useful tricks. One of my career aspirations is to be a vision mixer and in my opinion, good editing skills for this role is crucial. So one of my action plan bullet points is to improve technical ability in the gallery and improve editing skills. 

After Wednesday class I started to think about what to include in the showreel. I realised, that I have been irresponsible because I haven't collected all the footage from student projects. In the future, I will save every project where I am participating because some of the footage could be useful. Also, I have beautiful footage filmed with iPhone but all material is filmed vertically for the Instagram stories so it can’t be used on the showreel. From now on I will film everything both horizontally and vertically so I can use filmed material for wider purpose. Before I start to edit my showreel I watched several clips on Vimeo and Youtube:

ThomHaig (2018) Thom Haig Showreel 2018. Available at: https://vimeo.com/249636033 (Accessed: 28 January 2019).

Sharpe, J. (2018) JAMES SHARPE - WRITER / DIRECTOR / PRODUCER - SHOWREEL 2018. Available at: https://vimeo.com/85171716 (Accessed: 28 January 2019). 

Claramunt, V. (2016) ShowReel 2016 4K UHD. Available at: https://vimeo.com/158841409  (Accessed: 28 January 2019). 

Reinhard, N. (2018) Showreel 2018 - Director, Producer - Niels Reinhard. Available at: https://vimeo.com/119840296 (Accessed: 28 January 2019). 

Heather, S. (2018) Syd Heather | Multimedia Producer Showreel 2018. Available at: https://vimeo.com/250988118 (Accessed: 28 January 2019). 

I also saw:

The Long Song (2018) Series 1, episode 1, BBC One Television, 18 December. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0bw99xk/episodes/guide (Accessed: 2 February 2019).

The Long Song (2018) Series 1, episode 2, BBC One Television, 19 December. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0bw99xk/episodes/guide (Accessed: 2 February 2019). 

The Long Song (2018) Series 1, episode 3, BBC One Television, 20 December. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0bw99xk/episodes/guide (Accessed: 2 February 2019).

The Greatest Dancer (2019) Series 1, episode 5, BBC One Television, 2 February. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0c2pd86 (Accessed: 3 February 2019). 

For short videos like showreel, music is very important. However, it's really hard to find royalty free and downloadable free music that is good quality. I spent hours on different websites like: 

http://freemusicarchive.org 

https://audiojungle.net 

https://www.premiumbeat.com

In the end, I found a few tracks that could probably work. I also received an email that I have been chosen as a Front of House Assistant volunteer at Glasgow Film Festival 2019. 

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21/01-27/01

I have decided that I will write my Media Professional Development online blog on Tumblr. I used this platform when I studied in Riga so it seemed natural to continue. During next few months every week I will describe my professional development and progress of Portfolio. I will write about masterclasses, films and programmes that I will attend and see during the week. Since I remember myself I have enjoyed exploring the area around me and capture it into photos or videos. I like to search for beautiful light, contrasts and a perfect compositions. However, I have noticed that ability ”to see” needs to be practised every day through films, looking at paintings, photos and people. In order to practice every week, I have set myself a challenge to take a different picture every week and post it on a weekly blog post.

After the first Media Professional Development class, I made a list that could be in my Portfolio:

Action plan

Self-evaluation

Biography

CV's

Website 

Showreel

Link to Flickr profile 

Link to Letterboxd

Volunteering and work experience placements 

Traineeships 

Memberships

Job applications 

One of my aims after developing an interest in the film and television industry has been the ability to critically reflect to the industry. For example, to write a film or television programme reviews. In order to do that, last year I started to list every film that I watch on Leterboxd. Also, this week I discovered the magazine Little White Lies that focuses on the film industry. The creative team not only write but make podcasts and youtube videos where they discuss the most recent and best classic films. As I am travelling a lot I have started to listen to their weekly podcast with film critics and journalists. From their conversations, I am learning how to look at and evaluate different aspects of films.

I am one of those people that tries to watch nominated films before the award ceremony, not after that. So far from nominated films, I have seen:

The Favourite (2018) Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos [Film]. United Kingdom, Ireland, United States: Fox Searchlight Pictures. 

Roma (2018) Directed by Alfonso Cuarón [Film]. Mexico, United States: Espectáculos Fílmicos El Coyúl, Netflix. 

Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) Directed by Bryan Singer [Film]. United Kingdom, United States: 20th Century Fox. 

Colette (2018) Directed by Wash Westmoreland [Film]. United States, United Kingdom, Hungary: Bleecker Street, 30West, Lionsgate.

I also saw: 

The Greatest Dancer (2019) Series 1, episode 1, BBC One Television, 5 January. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06tvxm5 (Accessed: 25 January 2019). 

The Greatest Dancer (2019) Series 1, episode 2, BBC One Television, 12 January. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0c0cgjg (Accessed: 25 January 2019). 

The Greatest Dancer (2019) Series 1, episode 3, BBC One Television, 19 January. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06tvxm5 (Accessed: 26 January 2019). 

The Greatest Dancer (2019) Series 1, episode 4, BBC One Television, 26 January. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0c2pd86 (Accessed: 26 January 2019). 

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Cilvēki tur: Alūksne

Mani sauc Zane Apsīte un pirmajā fotogrāfijā redzama man māsa Dita. Ditai ir 10 gadi un viena no viņas mīļakājiemm laika pavadīšanas veidiem ir darbošanas ar šķērēm, līmēm, papīriem un visādiem krāsainiem spīdumiņiem. Māsa spēlē klavieres, dejo un spēlē teātri. Aktīvi noslogots bērns.

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Ģimenes Ziemassvētku eglīšu mežs. Kopā ar ģimenes draugiem iestādījām šīs eglītes un katru gadu vairākas reizes tās apciemojam un apbužinam. Alūksne, ja tā var teikt, ir popularā ar dziļajam ziemām, jo salīdzinoši ar citam Latvijas pilsētām sniegs visātrāk uzsnieg un visvēlāk nokūst. Iebraucēji un ciemiņi saka, ka pilsēta atrodas mežā, un jautā vai tiešām tajā ir kādā dzīvība?

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Manuprāt, pateicoties tam, ka pilsēta atrodas netālu no Krievijas un Igaunijas robežas cilvēki ir pieraduši viens ar otru kopoties un daudz laika pavadīt provinciālajā pilsētiņa, kur tās iedzīvotāji ir veiksmīgi uzņēmeji un ir nodrošinājuši pārējos ar visām vajadzīgajām iestādēm. 

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Mans tētis Armands ir mežsargs. Dažreiz man šķiet, ka daba un mežs no viņa nekad neatkāpjas. Patriots no matu galiņiem līdz papēžiem. Šķiet, ka dziļās ziemas dēļ arī viņa mīļākie svētki tāpat kā Ditai ir Ziemassvētki. 

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Ģimenes tradīcija ir visiem kopā braukt un atrast Ziemassvētku eglīti. Esam atraduši īsto kociņu.