The big day has arrived!

It was an early start for all of us this morning, having to be at university for 8.20am to get set up for the students. Unfortunately about 20 minutes before I was due to make my journey I received an email from James Harris regarding guest speaker, Andy Roberts' media background. So I quickly drafted up what I could, ready to print out when I arrived at university.

Guest Speaker Profiles

Gemma Hunt

Gemma first studied a Media Performance BA degree at the University of Luton Once graduating with first class honors she signed up with an agent Through her agent she sent off a show reel to CBBC She has now presented on CBBC for over four years This has included hundreds of hours of live TV experience Currently, Gemma works freelance as a presenter

Andy Roberts

Andy studied 2 years on a BTEC national diploma in Audio and Video systems then did then onto a HND in professional sound and video technology Then went straight into work for Granada television as a technical operator for 6 years Having started out on satellite television he then moved on to directing and camera operating on shows such as Cold Feet, Coronation Street, Champions League and Stars in Their Eyes For the last 5 years i've been working as a shoot edit cameraman for bbc news.

Unfortunately, being in such a rush I noticed a few grammatical errors that I had made in his write-up which I had only noticed once I had printed. I really should have proof-read it before printing, but got caught up in the pre-event organisation.

My first task was to arrange our room. We had a lot of chairs and tables to clear so that took some time. I also went to grab equipment from stores to help the organisation process. Once we had arranged the room to our satisfaction, there were some last minute touches we made. For instance, music and putting up 'Wanted' posters designed by Rachel. We also had to get into our cowboy costumes.

I then went to meet the rest of the class at the Main House where I was able to pick up a name badge and a Bath Spa Uni T-Shirt. Here, I stayed for the welcome of the students and also watch the introduction by Chloe.

Once that was over, I headed to our room, NAG03 to make last minute preparations. I.E sticking a fake moustache on! The weather was definitely on our side so we decided that our speaker, Tom, would explain what we were going to do, show them a clip from The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, work out the script and then take it outside.

Our first group were very timid at times and some seemed a little uninterested at first. However, once they got into the swing of actually thinking up shots they appeared to enjoy themselves. Where some people were reserved, when given the role of director or AD they really seemed to open up. They didn't seem too confident with the cameras which was fine, because it felt like we were actually teaching them something. The script worked really well which in turn made them enjoy the filming much more, because it was something they had created.

Our second group was a bit more confident with their skills than the first. They seemed more focused on the technical side which led them to take longer on their shots. Which was almost a down fall really given the time limit. The decisions really need to be snappy and the pressure was on and I noticed we had to time check quite a lot and try to move them along. This was not a problem though, and just added to the challenge.

Our third group were unfortunately interrupted by a photographer from the Bath Chronicle, which ate into about ten minutes of their film time. This was a real shame as they could have benefited from having that extra bit of time. Although, I'm sure they'll be pleased to get their faces in the paper!

When the students left we made sure we gave them some feedback. When we were pushed for time, even just a simple, "You guys did great" really helped create a rapport with them.

In fairnes though, they did all do incredibly well and I'm really pleased with how the activity went. The students appeared to be having a great time and had the chance to get hands on with equipment they hadn't used before like the boom mic.

They all had a great sense of humor too, which really helped us, considering we were dressed as cowboys!

Once the students were having their lunch we re-arranged the room to suit the next activity, which was the guest speakers and luckily managed to change out of our costumes. We also manaed to sneak in a swift lunch which was in my opinion, well deserved. While on lunch we also managed to chat again with some of the students. Very casual chat, which was really great.

After lunch it was time for the guest speakers. CBBC presenter Gemma Hunt was first up. She spoke incredibly well and was very engaging. I kept trying to look around at the college students to see whether they were enjoying the talk or not and in my honest opinion they looked genuinely enthused. Andy Roberts took a very different approach but was equally engaging. I think that he related to some of the students that may not necessarily feel confident in themselves but shows that you can be successful without having to be loud and in your face.

When the talks were over we had time to say goodbyes and thank yous to the students and the speakers and snuck in a quick photo opportunity or two. We also managed to converse with some of the students about future projects and getting them involved which is just what we wanted from the event.

I personally feel that the whole day was a great success. I know there were mishaps in other areas but I do feel that we all worked incredibly hard, especially Chloe, Brad, Esther and James. Everyone's communication either through email or facebook has been spot on and we were all made ware of any changes or important messages. The Shoot-Out as an activity went incredibly well. Where I feel that a couple of the students may not have fully enjoyed the actual filming, watching the edited pieces at the end of the day made it all worthwhile and goes to show just what you can do in such a short space of time.

When all of the students left it was time to derig everything and debrief although I unfortunately had to miss some of the debrief because I had to pick up equipment for my personal project.

The Shoot-Out

One of the activities on the day will be called 'The Shoot Out'. From the warped minds of myself, Keiran Jones and Rachel Sowden we decided that it would be great fun for the students to create a mini film in the style of a spaghetti western. Drawing inspiration from films such as The Good, The Bad and The Ugly and Once Upon a Time in the West, we will be getting the students to think about the effects and use of a variety of shots to create tension. So from the establishing shots, to medium and to extreme close-ups.

Our first idea was to have the students themselves act out in the film. However, it then dawned on us that they may feel under too much pressure. So Rachel and I decided to volunteer ourselves as the actor and have the students as the film crew. It is going to be a very time-pressured activity so will require dedication and quick-thinking from the students. Hopefully the students will learn what is possible in a matter of about half an hours worth of filming.

Room Recce

The room recce went very well with Rachel, Tom and organiser Chloe. The room did actually change though which was at first seen as a disadvantage. However, when it came to it, the room we used on the day, NAG03 turned out to be perfect as we had a projector and computer at our disposal, and access to outside if the weather was on our side.

Props

Rachel and I decided to get props for authenticity (and a bit of fun). We conversed with marketing regarding our budget and it turned out we had around £20 to spare. So we decided to buy three cowboy hats, guns and fake moustaches. Rachel also managed to sort out bales of hay to decorate the place.

General Rules

I thought it would be a good idea for the students to be able to draft some kind of short script for us. I suggested it could be like the old school game of consequences, where one person comes up with one line, then another the next etc.

We decided that each line should probably have some sort of theme. So we thought of this:

• An accusation: Eg. “You stole ma' Woman.” “You burnt ma' barn”

• A defence: Eg. “I had to, the townspeople depended on it”

• A threat: Eg. “I'm gonna make you eat hay.”

• Another threat: Eg. “You're gonna pay!”

• An outcome: Eg. Who dies...

This then allows the students to come up with something completely original which will be fun and hopefully they will learn from working under pressure. One way we though to set the mood would be to have country and western music playing when the students entered the room like Johnny Cash.

Guest Speaker Profiles

As it stands, James Harris has not had a reply from Andy Roberts regarding his history within the media. So I have had to go ahead and create a draft using the vague information I had been given on him. I am little disappointed as I wanted to provide the students with a worthy amount of information. Here is how it looks at the moment.

Gemma Hunt

Gemma first studied a Media Performance BA degree at the University of Luton Once graduating with first class honors she signed up with an agent Through her agent she sent off a show reel to CBBC She has now presented on CBBC for over four years This has included hundreds of hours of live TV experience Currently, Gemma works freelance as a presenter

Andy Roberts

Andy works freelance as a camera operator He has worked for a number of drama companies He is currently working for the BBC

Very vague, but unfortunately it will have to do.

Rock For Rosie 2

As part of our research folder we have been asked to research a media event that is either currently happening or about to happen.

I have decided to look at an event called "Rock for Rosie 2" which is a music event based in my home town of Penzance. Early last year, a young girl from the local area, Rosie Howis died following a long battle with a rare form of bone cancer. This event is in memoriam of the teenager but also a fund-raiser aimed at raising money for the LARF charity which focuses on providing care for children and teenagers undergoing cancer and leukaemia treatment.

Rosie's favourite local band, iPony played for the first ever Rock for Rosie event last year and are also due to play this year, alongside San Pablo and Cubs.

I have spoke to members of the bands as they are good friends of mine and they all agree that this event not only raises awareness for a worthy cause, but does it in a really fun way. It is something that Rosie would have loved to attend and it's a great way for her memory to live on.

A very popular girl to the area, as it stands, well over 500 people are due to attend according to the facebook page.

Here is the information as it states on the Facebook page for the event:

ROCK FOR ROSIE 2
WEDNESDAY 20th APRIL 2011
(Easter Holidays)

Celebrating the inspirational life of Rosie Jade Howis.

LIVE PERFORMANCES FROM:
* iPONY
* SAN PABLO
* CUBS

DJ SETS FROM:
* SOUND RESIDENTS BORIS, DS & CQ
* SNATCH THE WAX DJs KRISTOFF & MAX HONEYMAN
* SOUND U18 DJs JAY KEY, CRAIGY B & R GOLDS

Anyone wanted to get involved, by donating raffle prizes, by selling raffle tickets, if you are willing help in any way, contact us at rockforrosie@live.co.uk

OPEN 9PM - 2AM. AGES 16+
FANCY DRESS THEME: 'THE LETTER R'

ENTRY £5 - ALL PROCEEDS DIRECT TO CHARITY

This event relies entirely on volunteers and the goodwill of people. I think it is a truly inspirational event that has really brought a community together. It is through events like this that you realise how, even through such hard financial times, people are still willing to help. I hope to see this become an annual event.

Now, what does Andy Roberts do?

While my write up on guest speaker, Gemma Hunt was going well following the masses of information I found researching the internet, Andy Roberts was proving more elusive. According to Google and Wikipedia, he is either a cricketer, musician or footballer. Upon that particular digression, I guessed that this was probably the wrong man. I emailed James Harris regarding the matter because he knows Andy Roberts personally. James agreed to email him on my behalf, asking briefly about his history working within the media.

I was also asked by my group leader, Bradley about organising refreshments in each room. I decided to email Annie because she is in charge of the budget, to see what she could suggest. I figured that we may be able to go through the Student Union because they can probably buy things in bulk from a wholesalers.

Annie was prompt in her reply and said that only £50 had currently been spent from the £200 budget, on Gemma Hunt. Annie also mentioned that she currently works for Sainsburys and can get 10% discount on purchases and that she also has a car to load and unload the refreshments.

I mentioned that we should possibly get bottles of water to dilute the squash, which we could probably do prior to the event and also that we should probably avoid hot beverages for health and safety reasons, to which she agreed.

I told Annie to keep in touch with regards to the refreshments and if there was anything I could do to help, but it seemed as though she had everything under control, what with the fact she works in Sainsburys and has a car.

My next piece of research towards the event will be about our activity, The Shoot-Out.

Gemma Hunt

This week I have been asked by my group leader, Brad, to do some research on our guest speakers. Presenter Gemma Hunt has been confirmed in the last couple of days and I think she will make a valuable contribution to the day of the event. Hunt is a freelance presenter and has worked mainly for CBBC, she started off doing a media performance BA at university.

Gemma is managed by Take 3, a company who specialise in television, radio and publishing and have been in business since 1998. I think that Gemma will be able to give the Bath College students some idea about seeking out the correct form of management and explain how media companies work.

Here is a brief overview of her work so far within the media industry.

Autumn 2008/Jan 2009	Co-presenter of 20 episodes of ‘Barney’s Barrier Reef’ on CBBC. Filmed on location in Australia.
June 03 – August 2007	CBBC presenter across CBBC1 and 2 and the CBBC Channel.
July 2006	Chucklevision - Presenter of ‘Mighty Man of Steel Competition’ Episode.
June 2006	Presenter of CBBC Channels live coverage from ‘The Party at The Palace’ for the Queen’s 80th Birthday.
June 2006	Presenter of CBBC Channels live coverage from Leeds Millennium square for England’s first game in the World Cup.
Sept 2004 – March 2006	Presenter of Xchange, live magazine show.
Autumn 2005	Presenter of Xchange’s coverage within the BBC’s ‘Africa Lives’ season, in Ghana.
September 2003 – 2005	Presenter for 3 years for CBBC Channel’s live coverage of the Junior Great North Run and in 2005 participated as a runner and also reported live from the run.
July 2003, 2004, 2006	Presenter of CBBC’s live coverage at Wimbledon.
July	Presenter of ‘Britain’s Amazing Mates (BAM) in Wales, live games show from contributors’ house.

Radio

Summer 2005	Presenter promoting ‘Ha half term’ giggling competition, live on 15 local BBC radio stations.
2000 – 2002	Daily presenter on live RSL radio station ‘Luton FM’, University of Luton.

The Leader of the Gang

In today's session we continued discussing ideas for our media event. It is incredibly vital for there to be a structure to our team and it made sense to appoint a leader. In light of this, we started discussing the qualities a leader should have, citing leaders through history. Good and bad.

We decided that in some form or another, all of these leaders had qualities in common, being, strong beliefs, a good speaker and communicator, authoritative and a good delegator.

Some leaders do not possess the following qualities. However, these are what we decided a good leader should probably have:

• Honesty
• Sincerity
• Fairness
• Integrity
• Inspiring
• Clever
• Good listener

In light of this discussion about leadership and roles within a filming team we were divided into small groups once more and given a short task. As part of a hypothetical independent TV company we had to select 4 crew members for a documentary called 'Plight of the Polar Bears'. We were given a list of potential crew, each specifying their skills and any issues that we had to be aware of.

From the list, we chose the following crew:

• Richard Hastie - Camera man and Wildlife Photographer. A bit of a loner but we figured he would be able to get on with the job at hand.
• Brian McCormack - A producer and director. He is fit and used to organising people and keeping up morale within the group which would be good for 'loner' Hastie.
• Sven - He is a native Inuit but doesn't speak any English, only Icelandic. He will be great for health and safety, survival and knowledge of the area.
• Ingrid Gunsten - She is a researcher but also fluent in Icelandic so would be able to interpret for Sven

We would have appointed McCormack as the leader of the group because of his production and directorial experience. Also he is good at keeping up morale so will be good for delegation.

It was interesting to hear the different choices from different groups as each production would have taken a completely different approach.

We then decided to, as a class, decide on our leader for our team. We did this by casting votes. The 3 members of our class who received the most nominations were Brad, Chloe and Esther. As the votes were too close to call we decided the fairest thing to do was to have another vote between those 3. The eventual appointed leader was Miss Chloe Sibthorp, whom I think will be an excellent leader as she is very good at communicating and being diplomatic.