Workshops: Media Foundations

This workshop series forms the foundation of my media education at Crawley College. Through creating a short film project, I'm learning all the essential skills needed for media production, from technical software proficiency to hands-on equipment operation.

The short film project serves as both a creative outlet and a practical learning experience, allowing me to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios while developing my storytelling abilities.

Core Applications

• Final Draft - Professional screenwriting software for script development
• Adobe Premiere Pro - Video editing and post-production
• Adobe After Effects - Motion graphics and visual effects
• Adobe Photoshop - Image editing and graphic design

Learning Focus

Mastering the technical aspects of each software while understanding their role in the broader production pipeline. Learning workflow optimization and industry-standard practices.

Camera Systems

• DSLR Cameras - Understanding camera settings, composition, and manual controls
• Lens Selection - Choosing appropriate lenses for different shot types
• Camera Movement - Tripods, stabilizers, and handheld techniques

Audio Equipment

• Professional Microphones - Boom mics, lapel mics, and studio recording
• Audio Interfaces - Sound mixing and recording equipment
• Monitoring Systems - Headphones and speaker setup for quality control

"Your Friend" - Current Production

A mystery comedy short film exploring themes of curiosity and trust. The story follows a boy who finds a mysterious note and follows its instructions, leading him to a location that wasn't intended for him.

My Role

• Contributing to planning and pre-production stages
• Participating in filming and cinematography
• Involved in post-production editing and effects
• Learning collaborative workflow management

Learning Outcomes

This project is designed to showcase developing skills in storytelling, editing, and creative collaboration while building confidence in applying technical knowledge in a professional environment.

Technical Skills

• Camera operation and cinematography
• Audio recording and mixing
• Video editing and post-production
• Motion graphics and visual effects
• Color grading and image enhancement

Creative Skills

• Storytelling and narrative structure
• Visual composition and framing
• Pacing and rhythm in editing
• Collaborative creative processes

Professional Skills

• Project planning and organization
• Team collaboration and communication
• Time management and deadline adherence
• Problem-solving in production challenges

The Media Foundations workshop is currently ongoing, with active participation in the "Your Friend" short film project. Regular sessions cover both theoretical learning and practical application of media production skills.

Next Steps

• Complete filming for "Your Friend"
• Finalize post-production editing
• Apply learned skills to future projects
• Continue building technical proficiency