This document provides a 24-week production plan for a student's A2 media studies short film project. In the first weeks, the student conducted research on short film history, codes and conventions. They developed initial ideas and selected a final short film concept through audience feedback. Later weeks focused on script development, storyboarding, casting, location scouting, filming, editing, color correction and adding music/credits. Supporting materials like a film website and postcards were also created. The final weeks involved uploading all work to a blog, making final adjustments, and developing a critical evaluation presentation.

1. A2 Media Studies
Production Diary Progress Update Weekly Planer
Week 1 This week I was introduced to A2 coursework component. This year
practical production focuses on a media campaign that combines video,
print and website media. From set of briefs I have opted for short film
option. Within this project I will need to complete major task along with
two associated minor tasks. As I am the only one doing A2 level Media
Studies I will have to work on my own and complete all the tasks that will be
necessary in order to produce a short film of high standard and all
production stages including research and critical reflection. At this stage I
will start with secondary research into history of short film as well as
analysis of short film codes and conventions.
• History of short film
• PPT (summery of research findings)
• Codes and Conventions
• PPT (summery of research findings)
Week 2 During research tasks I have used range of available resources such as
school library and internet. In order to fully understand the practical task
that is ahead of me purposely wanted to find out about short film history
because such format is not valued and widely present in mainstream media.
I have realized that with the technological advances short film has achieved
re-birth especially due to affordable equipment and new digital and cyber
media. Research into short film codes and conventions is beneficial and the
findings will influence and structure my own short film production.
• Short film initial ideas
• Synopsis for each short film idea
• Pros and cons of each short film
idea
Week 3 This week I have analyzed each short film idea and summery was presented
using Power Point Presentation. In order to be able to select short film that
would communicate and be appealing to certain target audience that
appreciate short films I have used web-based survey provider to do my
primary research. Using research findings I was in position to identify
potential target audience and on the basis of information to select short
film idea that would be appealing to them.
• PPT short film ideas
• Primary research
• Smart Monkey survey
• Questionnaire analysis

2. A2 Media Studies
Production Diary Progress Update Weekly Planer
Week 4 While referring to my research findings into short film codes and
conventions this week I have mind map possible coursework ideas. During
this task my main intention was to avoid coming up with typical storylines,
Presented ideas are drawn and taken from my own experience or
anecdotes as well as from magazines and newspaper that I found
interesting and captivating. In final selection of initial ideas I made sure
that the plots are simple and plausible so that the audience can identify
and relate to them.
• Select final short film idea
• Develop short film plot
• Produce final short film screenplay
• PPT
Week 5 My main focus this week was the development of final short film idea.
While discussing initial ideas with tutor and friends I have realized that the
selected short film idea satisfies all of set criteria in terms of conventions
and creativity. Using initial synopsis I have first mind mapped possible
screenplay options and story development. Taking into consideration
screenplay writing structure I have developed two possible screenplays
with detailed explanation about story conflict as well as outer and inner
motivation. The core of the plot is the same in both options except how
the stories develop. At the final stage of development I have created
character profile so that I could imagine and visualize first of all main
character and to define who he really is.
• Genre conventions
• PPT (present research findings)
• Existing short film research
• Similar products critical
deconstruction
• PPT
Week 6/7 In order to continue with the development of my final short film in these
two weeks I have focused on research into drama genre conventions and
analytical research of existing short films. Both of these researches will
influence the construction of my own short film in regards of conventions
and structure as well as technical and visual requirements. I will make sure
that the story is realistic and that the lead character is relatable to the
audience.
• Film pitch
• PPT
• Pitch presentation
• Audience feedback

3. A2 Media Studies
Production Diary Progress Update Weekly Planer
Week 8/9 Using secondary and primary research findings and development of short
film idea this week I had to produce professional film pitch in order present
my short film to potential audience or to the possible investors. Prior to
starting with presentation I went trough detailed critical analyses of the
short film idea. As working title of the short film was Lonely Dinner I have
decided that the title is too obvious and that reveals the plot of the film. As
the film deals with quilt and redemption I opted that the tile should be
Redemption Diner. This short film title has many different levels of
interpretation and therefor entices the audience to watch it. In order to
create professional film pitch I have included examples of desirable
locations and character profile. In order to make the story plausible I have
related the film with existing films and influences. For the audience to be
able to visualize the narrative structure I have provided technical elements.
For the investors I have created detailed plan of how I intent to promote the
film. Over all I was very pleased with my presentation in front of the
audience as this was my main concern because as most people I am not
comfortable at public speaking. Audience feedback was very positive and
encouraging. Most of them like the simplicity of the story that is at the
same time enigmatic.
• Blog
• Research into pre-production
• PPT
• Script
Week 10/11 My first task during these two weeks was to upload research and short film
idea development presentation. As I am retaking AS foundation coursework
I had to create completely new blog where I had to upload all the work
regarding that project. Most film productions are divided into three main
stages of production. In order to know what kind of tasks are supposed to
be done in pre-production and how to correctly plan this stage I have
carried out research. Once completing the presentation I have realized the
scope of work that is ahead of me. In order to keep up with the schedule I
would need to put extra effort into completing all of the tasks so that
production runs smoothly and without any problems. As a director once I
got familiar with the script writing format I have started translating my
storyline into a detailed script. This was very useful as I was in a position to
put on paper my vision with clear instructions and directions.
• Script development
• Final script
• PPT

4. A2 Media Studies
Production Diary Progress Update Weekly Planer
Week 12 This was the week of drawing. I consider drawing as on of my great skills,
but I could never imagine that drawing a professional storyboard,
completely from your head, would be that demanding. However, it made
me think briefly how do I picture each scene and shot, which I have only
done generally before. It also made me realise that some of the shots are
not realistic enough and that there is no a slight chance to film them. I had
a strugle with drawing David’s face, but with a little help from my tutor, I
managed to effectively full-fill this task. He created a platform that I had to
follow for the second version of storyboard. I developed my drawing skills
and learned how to draw from the head. Another important issue that has
to be introduced in the final version is angle shots, camera movement,
scene and shot number and dialogues proposed.
• Rough Storyboard
• Storyboard development
Week 13 During the first half of this week, I developed my final version of
‘Redemption Dinner’ storyboard. There is in total 11 pictures and the order
is strictly followed. All neccessary detailes are included, scanned and placed
a side. The only task left is to place it on blog. Once I finished with
storyboard development, I started writing notes on the inner and outer
characteristics of my character. I managed to conclude that these
characteristics allied, would create one upper-class man, with a unique,
scary look which resebles his inner thoughts. After a brief internet research
on Serbian actors who are willing to help students to finish their projects, I
contacted around 7 actors and made a final decision. Bojan Zirovic, well
known Serbian actor, was picked for the role of David as the most reliable
choice.
• Final storyboard
• Character development
• Character casting
Week 14 This week I concentrated on finding the best possible locations for two
shooting days. First location has to look wealthy, modern, stylish...whereas
the second location is more old fashioned, with the atmsphere of 90s. I
maneged to successfuly find these locations. First one is in Vladimira
Popovica Street and the second one is in Milutina Milankovica, in Belgrade.
Hence I organised dates and hours when the shooting wil take place and
started collecting numbers for needed crew and cast. I created shooting
book that briefly conducts a rearch on each and evey shot with explanation.
• Location search
• Shooting schedule
• Shooting Book

5. A2 Media Studies
Production Diary Progress Update Weekly Planer
Week 15 This week I aimed to createa power point presentation consisting of
shooting schedule. I included cast, crew, equipment, prop list so as the
potential location options, potential character options and final choices.
This allowed me to spot what I was missing. For example, I did not have in
my private collection helmet rig, thus I had to negotiate with production
company Media Plus ltd. To borrow me for the day-student purposes. They
accepted it. Shooting was next week so I had a trial night where I designed a
kitchen and a dinning table as it was a real filming day.
• Cast List
• Crew List
• Equipment & Prop List
• Location Set Design
Week 16 This was one of the best experiences in my whole life. It allowed creativity
to develop, changes to be made and mistakes to be spotted. However,
filming did not go as smoothly as I thought it will go. There were difficulties
and unpredictable issues that had to be solved during fillming. On the other
hand, I find filming of ‘Redemption Dinner’ as an extremely useful project
for my future development. There was one important thing I will remember-
everything has to be perfectly organised, without delays because people
cooperating with new are not patient enough to wait for you. I also made a
decision to create Critical Path Diagram the very next time I have a project
to hold. There was an unexpected problem with lighting, thus I had to
improvise with turning one lamp on and positioning the other one bellow
the camera. Camera technique was not too demanding, as I was mainly
supposed to pan to the right and follow Bojan’s movement.
• Filming Location 1
Week 17 The week after, my assisstants and I shot the flashback scenes. This
shooting was more interesting as this was the first time I was using helmet
rig. However, the actress Anja Radulovic, had strugles with carrying it on her
head-it is way too heavy. Point Of View shots were done extremely
professional, thanks to Media Plus company. The biggest problem was that
we had to reshoot one shot-with the radio. The radio I took as a prop was
too old fashion-from 50s. It jumped out from the whole scene, so it was
much easier to repeat that shot. But now, i was the only one filming it,
without helmet rig and without Anja Radulovic.
• Filming Location 2
• Re-shoot location 2

6. A2 Media Studies
Production Diary Progress Update Weekly Planer
Week 18 This week my main task was editing of ‘Redemption Dinner’. The biggest
problem while editing was when I was supposed to cut both shots at the
same second so it looks realistic. After the10th trial it end up being
successful and Final Cut Pro is definitely the best possible option for editing
as it creates the real vision of how the film will look once it is played. On the
other hand, I wasn’t able to put rough videos in my preferred order, thus I
had to spent some time finding the right shot. The other problem was the
coordination of length between these two shots. However, once I was doing
the final version of editing everything was clearer. Rendering of the final
product took around 6 hours, which surprised me as I thought that it will be
done much, much quicker.
• Rough Editing
• Editing
• Final Editing
Week 19 Program used for increasing the quality of picture- colour correction was
Final Cut Pro. Video Filters allowed by Final Cut- Image control were of a
great use, as they allowed picture to be more natural, without that
yellowish effect (which can be seen on the picture) That was created by the
home lighting. Colour Balance was definitely of the best help, as it allowed
me to sharpen the picture as much as I want and balance it to the highest
possible level. The main drawback of this program was the speed, same as
for editing. The other part of this week was used for music, caption and
credits. Caption and credits was an extremely easy task as I was only
suppose to add it as the single shot on Final Cut Pro. Pre Tools allowed me
to implement ambient sound that was recorded by sound recording device.
Despite that, I was able to introduce non diagetic sound, e.g. answering
machine.
• Color correction
• Music
• Caption & credits
Week 20 This week, I firstly researched existing work to understand the codes and
conventions used in a very successful postcard.
Once I was producing postcard for the film, I decided to follow traditional
path without any big experiments. I applied the rule of thirds. I understood
what were the main conventions of creating a postcard and how they
should be created. I also created film Web Page-through a program called
Adobe Muse web design Software. This was the first time I worked over this
program, thus I had to watch few tutorials to prepare.
• Secondary research
• Film post card
• |Film Web Page

7. A2 Media Studies
Production Diary Progress Update Weekly Planer
Week 21 In the 21st week I created Film postcards, initial designs of web page and
final supporting products. This was the creative week with no research
needed so I consider it as the fun week. I created postcards where I placed
the ring on the left side of the poster and the title just above it. The reason
the title is above the ring is the better visual impact it has on viewers. I
payed attention on placing everything linear and to mach the colour scheme
for the postcard with the rest of the project with making sure to include
essential fonts and sizes. Despite the fact that I used a lot of what the
website offers, I concentrated on bringing new innovations so my web page
looks more compelling. Finally I created both products, with which I’m
extremely pleased.
• Initial Designs
• Film Post card
• Film Web Page
• Final post card & web page
design
Week 22 In this week I discussed with my tutor my initial and final designs. We came
to the conclusion that I have to re-do them as they were too simple without
some important elements. I learned that I had to do everything with
precision and that even the fun part should be done seriously. The final
website template that is used belongs to contemporary media form. For
instance, you don’t have to click on every single field to open a new page,
but to gently touch it with the mouse. Also, the last slide-contact us, gives
brief directions of how to reach me with a telephone number and mail
address.
Five main slides that took place on my web site are synopsis, credits, news
and contacts
• Final post card & web page
design
Week 23 The end is near. I used this week for arranging everything, deciding what
else has to be done and what has to be corrected. I uploaded most of the
things on the blog, but the internet is extremely slow, thus I will have to
wait to upload it further more.
• Final Adjustments
• Blog upload of outstanding work

8. A2 Media Studies
Production Diary Progress Update Weekly Planer
Week 24 This was a great challenge for me. Before I have started with writing, I was
discussing with my tutor and friends what is the best way to present it. I
finally decided for Prezi, as it has the best visual outlook and it is not too
demanding. After that, I wrote questions on the paper and discussed the
most proper way of writing them. Finally, I realised that there is a lot to
write and that it is just the question how will I manage to link everythink.
However, I went back on the things I have done months ago and
remembered the effort I placed on conducting these researches. After I
placed everything on the paper, I designed my own template, which was
based on clockwork template. During this week I finished questions 1,2 and
3.
• Final critical evaluation
Week 25 This final week started with proof reading previously done questions. As a
final touch I did question 4, which was extremely interesting question to do,
with linking all of the techniques I have used. I didn’t like my design so I had
to re do it. During this week I uploaded everything missing on blog and
made sure evrything is perfectly done.
• Final critical evaluation
• Prezi presentation design
END OF PROJECT