Thorough research and planning is essential for practical production projects. This includes researching examples, keeping records of the planning process, and getting feedback at all stages from peers and teachers. When producing the project, thoroughly prepare equipment, logistics like scheduling people and locations early, and shoot extra footage for coverage. The production process involves organizing materials before editing, establishing the big picture, and fine-tuning details later.

1. perfecting your
production work
how to get the most out of your practical projects

2. Key words
• research and planning
• blogging and evidence
• ideas and feedback
• logistics, equipment and production

3. Research
• really look at real examples
• keep evidence of all your research
• research every angle
• conventions, audiences, institutions

7. Planning
• plan for all eventualities- what could
possibly go wrong?
• record all your planning- visuals
• show the process of your ‘journey’

8. blogging
• a blog allows you to link to examples, ideas
and inspiration
• keeps a record of the process of your
project’s journey

9. evidence
• storyboards, animatics, recce photos
• flatplans, all your original images
• screengrabs of your manipulation of
material- digital editing, photoshop, etc

10. Ideas
• keep ideas simple
• have a workable concept with realistic
plans
• try the ‘25 word pitch’ or the ‘lift pitch’

11. get feedback
• at all stages from peers, teachers and
others
• keep records of the feedback
• take notice of it and respond to it

12. logistics
• people, places, props, costumes
• get it done early- you may need to do it all
again
• rehearse and prepare
• share contact details for all involved

13. Equipment
• practice on it
• prepare it, get to know it
• make the most of it
• are all the parts there before you use it?

14. production
• always shoot extra for coverage
• organise your material before editing
• start with the big picture
• fine tune the detail later

15. perfecting your
production work
how to get the most out of your practical projects