Year 2 Proficiency Drill

YEAR 2 PROFICIENCY DRILL BRIEF: AN EXERCISE TO COMPLETE 9 SHOOTS OVER 5 DAYS The Proficiency Drill is about teamwork, communication and learning to work fast. The goal is to hone the team into a well-oiled machine. All Year 2 students are involved across their specialisations. Directors will devise a shooting plan, which they will have discussed with their DP prior to the shoot. STAFF INVOLVEMENT Directing – Athina Tsoulis Camera –Dan Wagner Production – Larry Justice Art Direction – Brent Hargreaves Sound – Victor Grbic Editing – Glenn Thomas IMPORTANT DATES Thurs, Day 1 - Wed, Day 2 - Thurs, Day 3 - Wed, Day 4 - Thurs, Day 5 - Wed,

28 Feb 5 March 6 March 12 March 13 March 19 March

0900-1200 0900-1200 0900-1200 0900-1200 0900-1200 0900-1200

Proficiency Drill Intro Proficiency Drill with Directors (A) Proficiency Drill with Directors (B & C) Proficiency Drill with Directors (D & E) Proficiency Drill with Directors (F & G) Proficiency Drill with Directors (H & I)

PRE-PRODUCTION Scripts will be handed-out and cast and crew allocated. Directors will study their script and formulate a shooting plan. The Director will then meet the DP and 1st AD to work out any problems prior to the shoot. The Director will also make time to rehearse the action with the cast. THE SHOOT On the first day: • The crew will load the gear into the studio • Directors and actors will do a quick rehearsal of the block with DP observing • Actors will then do a run-through of the action for all crew • Directors will clearly communicate the shots they envisage for coverage and camera placement to DP and 1st AD while crew observe • The DP will have the opportunity to discuss the coverage • Once the Director and DP are happy with decisions, the DP will communicate with the 1st AD re shot order. • The 1st AD will clarify the number of shots and shooting order and will communicate to the crew as to what needs to occur.

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The DP will communicate the shooting plan details to the crew, who will set up for the shot (camera & sound placement, focus marks, etc.) The director will give final instructions to actors The scene will then be shot The scene must be blocked, rehearsed, set-up for, shot and wrapped – all within 2 hrs. Designated observers notate opportunities for improvement. The final 30 mins of the class will be a debrief of the experience.

Subsequent days: As above, but within a 1 hour time frame per shoot. The setting for all scenes will be the studio – utilising the whole space. THE CHALLENGE The challenge for the Director, 1st AD and DP is to COMMUNICATE CLEARLY, QUICKLY AND EFFECTIVELY in such a way that the crew knows exactly what to do. The challenge for the crew is to LISTEN ACTIVELY, asking any questions as soon as the plan is articulated, then to EFFECT THE PLAN WITH SPEED, PRECISION AND TEAMWORK. The first day will be the “ramp-up” day. On Days 2-5, there will be only one hour to rehearse, block, setup, shoot and wrap each scene. We guarantee you will find this challenging. The only way to achieve this time constraint is if you listen all the time and keep your attention tuned in 360 degrees around you. FEEDBACK An important component to the Proficiency Drill if feedback. This will come from peers, tutors and from the “Observers”. On Day 1, we will stop after each stage of the shoot and briefly review strengths and weaknesses. We integrate peer feedback into some of the exercises and projects - so as learners, you can exchange information about how you do what you do. We hope you make the most of these opportunities. From Day 2 onwards, we will work at maximum efficiency which will improve as the exercise progresses. OTHER IMPORTANT INFO •

Shot with single camera narrative style: Masters, Overs, Singles.

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Proficiency must be the driving force behind all decisions.

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This exercise is not about lighting - general lighting will be set up.

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Camera moves are allowed, but we advise you to keep them simple.

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Director, DP, Continuity, 1st AD, tutors ONLY to stand/sit at monitor. The above may make technical comments but the sole province of the Director.

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Debriefs at the end of each shoot – we will not view rushes, but discuss how we worked together as a team. This is the heart of the exercise.

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We conform to correct on-set protocol.

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Each shoot will include several positions called “Observer” whose joint responsibility is to evaluate crew interaction and how well each instruction was communicated and effectuated for constructive feedback to each crew.

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Please speak respectfully and listen with an open mind.

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Any health and safety issues should be discussed immediately with your 1st AD or tutor.