Shawn Briggs is working towards a career in the film production industry. He is currently studying at the University of Portsmouth and gaining hands-on experience with various cameras and sound equipment. His end goal is to become a film director, ideally starting in advertising production. He is taking steps like designing business cards, logos, showreels, and a website to promote himself professionally and build his network in the industry.

1. CREATIVE PLATFORMS:
PRESENTATION OF
PROGRESS
BY SHAWN R. BRIGGS

2. MY CHOSEN INDUSTRY
The industry I am working towards finding
employment in is the Film Production industry.
I am currently learning how to use film equipment
in both the Camera and Sound Departments of
film production. I have been trained and had
hands-on experience with using DSLR cameras,
Canon C300, Red Epic, Blackmagic 4K Film
camera, and the Arri Alexa – all of which are
cameras currently in use by the Industry and by
Independents. As for Sound Equipment, I have
learnt how to operate external recording devices
such as the Tascam DR 100, and Tascam DR 680. I
have an understanding of what microphone, from
boom microphones to lavaliere microphones. I
also have hands on experience setting up and
using a Line Mixer setup, allowing for sound
recording to sync instantly in the camera as it
records the visuals.
I have trained in these technologies as I believe to
increase my chances of employment as a full time
film industry employee or perhaps a part-time
freelance having a versatile set of skills is
important.

3. THE END GOAL
From working on a variety of Film Productions I have
performed in a number of different roles, roles such as:
Sound Recordist, Camera Operator, Gaffer, Spark, and Video
Editor. These are all relevant to my work experience, training
myself to becoming as versatile as possible so that I may
confidently tackle any future opportunities.
The end goal is to become a Film Director. I would like to
start in Advertising, like critically acclaimed film director,
Ridley Scott, as this would allow me to quickly produce a
large portfolio of work in the industry and then eventually
move into Directing Feature Films.Along side industry work, it will also be important to produce independent works
too, so long as it does not interfere with industry experience. These independent
works shall act as to present what inspires me and would also be eligible for Film
Festival submission to get my work out into the world. Attending Film Festivals is
also a prime setting for networking with other industry professionals and
independents, gaining more contacts.
Networking is, no doubt, a big part of getting a foothold in this industry and so
attending as many Networking events as possible in a variety of areas could prove
crucial to gaining the contacts required to break into my desired career path.

4. USING A BLOG
On tumblr I have proceeded to post updates online,
to keep a record for myself and for others who might
be interested of the relevant experience I am
building up in preparation for the industry.
It all acts as evidence of my progress as a
professional and so that I can share my own
independent projects.
http://shawnrbriggs.tumblr.com/

5. LOGO DESIGNS
Over the past few years, while studying Television and
Film Production at the University of Portsmouth, I have
designed a number of logos for experimental
purposes. The intention of them was to find a suitable
logo that was original and could be used on my video
content, website, and business cards as a signature to
better represent myself in a promotional manner.
At the moment, the Dricstar Films logo is the one I am
using. This is because it is a simple design, which suits
being composited on both white and black
backgrounds and the image itself expresses something
modern and dynamic in quality. To further improve the
production value of this logo I shall create a new
animated ident, which shall feature on my showreel,
website and future independent film projects.

6. BUSINESS CARDS
In 2013 I had printed a 100 business cards using vistaprint.co.uk.
The design to the right is the design I produced on Photoshop,
which I have distributed at various networking events.
Reflecting on feedback, directed towards the design of my current
Business Card, I shall design a new set of cards that shall hold a
more professional quality. It would also be necessary to have it so
the design of the new card follows the themes and colour scheme of
the website I shall also design for my online portfolio and overall self
promotion.
Instead of Vista Print, I shall be using
uk.moo.com to produce my future
business cards. This is due to the
variety of materials, sizes, and
shapes that they can print the cards
in. I believe that the more innovative
a card appears the more it will stand
out to those on the receiving end at
networking events.
Examples:

7. SHOWREELS
Seeing as I’m looking to,
potentially, work in three
departments of the Film Industry
(i.e. Camera, Sound, and
Directing) it would be
appropriate for me to have three
separate Showreels, catering for
each role. This would be
beneficial for promoting myself
when applying for jobs in the
three different fields.
From my research, Showreels
tend to be from one minute in
length to two minutes. Involving
a Title Card introducing the
showreel and who’s it is and
then proceeding to show clips
from previous work.
It is also detailed on the clips
what the viewer should be
looking or listening for.
Sound Recordist Showreel Example
From this, it is clear that the Showreel should consist of demonstrating moments n
filmmaking where I have utilized the tools in an interesting way, especially at
points where sound recording may have been a challenge.
Camera Operator Showreel Example
This Showreel makes sure to demonstrate a variety of camera work, ranging from
interviews, to short films, to sports videos, and corporate videos. Showing the
versatile range of experience across TV & Film platforms could prove essential to
broadening my chances at getting work.
Director’s Showreel Example
In this example the Director has included his/her visual style, demonstrating what
kind of projects he/she usually works on. In this case, something very dark and
filled with drama. It is also evident that inclusion of some interestingly directed
material is shown, such as methods of story telling, and choices of shots to tell
this story. Involving clips from a few of the Director’s work is also necessary to
reinforce what kind of Film Director ad how versatile they are from genre to genre.

8. WEBSITE
To improve my
online presence and
for professional
purposes, it would
be beneficial for me
to obtain a domain
name, online, and to
design a website
detailing what work
I have done and am
able to do in the
industry.
This would also
grant me a
personalized email
address, coming
across as more
professional to
potential clients and
employers.
Here is an example of a
Director’s website. Very
simple, but modern. It
gives the name, the
occupation, and contact
information, before
proceeding to show
links to his previous
work.
This is similar to how I
shall be presenting my
own.
At www.123-
reg.co.uk I shall
purchase my
domain name. I am
planning on buying
shawnrbriggs.co.uk,
but shall be
conducting further
research before I
do.

9. To the left I have my
current CV. The layout is
simple and keeps all
information as brief as
possible.
It details my skills, work
experience and
achievements, as well as
providing my contact
details for any potential
employers or clients.
The purpose of the
layout is for it to be easy
to read and for it to
provide as much
information as possible
on one page.
To improve my CV, I
shall look at examples
online for what Film
Production CVs can look
like to make them stand
out more. Example to
CV

10. CURRENT SITUATION
I am currently studying at the University of Portsmouth
working on my degree in Television & Film Production
BA(Hons). Here I have access to a range of different kits,
from DSLRs to Canon C300s and the Arri Alexa kits. I also
have access to full Sound Kits and Editing Facilities.
Experience-wise, I have worked as a Videographer and
Sound Recordist for a number of different shoots in both
commercial and Independent fields. All of my experience is
detailed on my LinkedIn profile with links to the finished
videos.

11. STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES
Strengths:
• Having past experience in multiple fields.
• Time management.
• Planning ahead and preparing for
setbacks.
• Networking abilities/meeting new people
• Having a strong database of contacts,
local to my area and from other regions.
• Having extensive knowledge of how a
set functions.
Weaknesses:
• Working under pressure when I’m not
entirely sure what to do.
• Taking on too much work at one time.
• Not preparing enough research and
applying it to work.

12. NEXT STEPS
What I am now to do is begin the designs for my Website and
translate that design across to my new batch of Business
Cards and my CV.
I must then produce a Showreel to demonstrate my work.
Having the Showreel on the Homepage of my website may
act as an effective greeting to any potential Clients or
Employers who visit the site.
I must also keep updating my Blog. Keeping a consistent
journal of my progress will let others know what I am
currently working on. It will also help with the building of my
portfolio; having a gallery of videos, screengrabs and photos
of my work on display.