3MW

Letter of complaint

To whom it may concern,

I am writing this letter regarding the Apprentice Digital Video Production Producer job advert that has recently been released. The job description for part of a factual programme production team has a variety of discriminating terms that states must be met in order to apply. For example, stating that applicant must have religious views of a Christian. This violates The Equality Act 2010, which states that it is illegal to discriminate against any individual based on their religious beliefs, which is classed as a protected characteristic under the act. In the advertisement, it states that any application can be handed in at the front desk of your Norwich office or sent to the HR of your department HR@liverecruitment.co.uk. However, this does not state that personal information will not be shared, as there is no confidentiality clause. A confidentiality clause is a clause in the contract of employment that states that personal information will not be shared to other companies and employers. This causes the job to lack security. However the section below where it states that you must not apply for any other job of this nature incorporates an exclusivity clause that no two production companies conflict with another and market the same brand, which adds legitimacy to the job advert.

The Equality Act 2010 incorporated previous equality acts of parliament into one single piece of legislation. For example this includes:

- The Equal Pay Act 1970

- Sex Discrimination Act 1975

- Race Relations Act 1976

- Disability Discrimination Act 1995

By incorporating this into one single document, the Equality Act has simplified the extent to which discrimination takes place. This ensures that all individuals including employees and employers are protected under the act.

Another piece of legislation is the Equal Opportunities. This outlines a code of practice of equitable treatment by complying to the The Equality Act. There are many areas in how the individual can be discriminated against, for example direct discrimination. This is where the individual is treated differently from the other staff and in a sense the non-favored one due to a protected characteristic. Indirect discrimination is where a practice or certain task applies to everyone equally, however has a disproportional effect on those who posses a protected characteristic, for example an individual that finds it hard to comply because of their age. This is also included in your job advert where it states you must “below the age of 30 years old” to apply. This is breaching the Employment Equality Regulations on age 2006, by discriminating against someone of an older age to take part in the production.

The Employers Liability Act 1969 ensures that the employers are responsible for the health and safety of their employees while they are in the working environment, also if an employee falls ill due to working in a certain environment, for this to occur there is insurance to cover any claims. The Employee Rights Act 1996, when an employee begins employment the employer must give them a written statement of what the employment entails, with all health and safety information and when the employee begins and ends, this protects the employee from exploitation from and employer. An example from your job advert is the 'hours' section where it declares the hours to be worked 'between 10-45 per week (variable)' this does not state how many hours the individual will be contracted to because it can vary, therefore violating the Employee Rights Act 1996 by not giving clear information. Trade unions are also available to protect workers rights and ensure that they will back up the individual if exploited or their contract is breached by the employer or even by the individual. BECTU, Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematography and Theatre Union is a trade union that supports employees in the media industry. A small sum of money each month is paid and adds up to the protection needed for legal aid. BECTU works for the employee by using the influence to persuade employers to treat and pay their staff fairly, they can stand up for improvements to pay and work conditions of employment, additionally hours, sick pay and job confidentiality.

The representation of your advert creates of a specific ideology and stereotype. For example, you stated that 'You should interview teenagers and other individuals who might be/have been affected by the topic, including female victims and male offenders who will talk candidly to the camera'. This shows the representations of males as being the sexual offenders and the females as always being the victims. This is misleading the audience and therefore the 'factual' side of this is questionable, this is also relating to social concerns and how the media portrays those in the spotlight. This could also create a moral panic, which is a feeling a large group of society expresses against a certain 'type' of individual. It is unrepresentative how the media portrays certain parts of society and if this were to be produced it would be harmful to those that are categorised in the 'dangerous' in society on the basis of how the media has stereotyped them, which manipulates the audience.

There is also legal issues that surround this subject, the regulators exist to enforce the law on broadcasting issues and make sure every broadcast complies with the rules when it comes to the media. The Broadcasting Act 1990 created this and made it law that there must be a regulatory body that enforces this. The act states that 'the rules to be observed with respect to the showing of violence or the inclusion of sounds suggestive of violence including licensed services, particularly when large numbers of children or young people may be expected for viewing. In your job advert it states it is a 'short documentary that can be shown to children at a high school promoting the No Means No campaign', and the brief is to document an issue regarding rape which could be documented in an inappropriate way therefore this would be difficult to show a campaign like this to a high school full of under-age pupils. This could be argued as a breach of The Broadcasting Act 1990 for the protection of those under age against exposing footage, in a high school the ages can range from 11-16 which is a large gap to be showing the same footage that could potentially be psychologically harmful to those who are younger than the age of consent which is 16. The most commonly known regulatory body is Ofcom, they have a code that applies to protecting the under 18's, an example from the code:

“Material that might seriously impair the physical, mental or moral development of people under eighteen must not be broadcast.

This could damage the minds of the underage by painting males in the picture as the only ones who would be involved with an activity as such as this could affect not only how they see the males in their life but how they see males in general. 

 This gives Ofcom the authority to be regulators and to report and carry through any issues relating to a broadcasting issue in which they have the power to.

Intellectual property applies to the job advert as well, 'you should use a popular music soundtrack that will appeal to the target audience'. In much smaller text, you add that 'you will be recompensed up to the value of £20 for he production of the video'. This violates the Copyright Act 1988 that states you cannot reproduce sounds from which are owned by an individual and that you do not have the rights to. Therefore, much of your intentions are directly breaking the law.

I hope you take responsibility for the issues that have been addressed in this letter. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours Sincerely,

Ehren Harris

Careers Handbook

Task 1

1.        I keep track of both my own and my parents finances.

1.1.    I helped my brother with his personal car loan and bank loan. 

1.2.    I do a monthly spread sheet for my parents.

1.3.    I studied accounting for a period of time

2.       Camera use

2.1.    A2 photography

2.2.    Btec media filming

2.3.    Creation of own film destroy recipe

3.       It skills

3.1.    Photoshop skilled

3.2.    Adobe products well learnt

3.3.    Partial coding for websites

4.       Communication

4.1.    Team work

4.2.    Media groups

4.3.    Creative discussions in graphics

5.       Creativity

5.1.    A-level graphics at an A grade

5.2.    A-level photography C grade

5.3.    Sold some pieces of work

Task 2

My name is Ehren Harris I am currently attending East Norfolk Sixth Form College I am studying Graphic design and Btec Creative media (film and tv) both of the courses I need to pass for my university offer at the university of Brighton to study graphic design my offer is for AAC which is 300 ucas points .I hope to leave with Bachelor of Graphic design or if save enough for a masters I will take one.

Task 3

1.       Producer – see job roles blog post.

2.       Editor –see job roles blog post.

3.       Marketing –see job roles blog post

Task 4

National press

The national press advertise jobs in a specialised section of the paper they advertise jobs on a national level and offer a wide selection of job roles.

Trade press

Is s a field of media that deals with a particular section of seller of goods or services. For example Advertising is a field that is covered by a publication known as CAMPAIGN, which is a trade talk for advertising in all its forms - This publication will tell its readers about advertising companies, current adverts statistics and other useful information about the advertising world. Engineering today, is another publication/magazine that deals with all things that are engineered, and also supply information about big events in the engineering field. 

Internet recruiting

 is the act of scouring the Internet to locate both actively searching job seekers and also individuals who are content in their current position (these are called "passive candidates"). It is a field of dramatic growth and constant change that has given birth to a dynamic multibillion dollar industry.

Traditionally, recruiters use large job boards, niche job boards, as well as social and business networking to locate these individuals. The immediate goal of Internet recruiting is to find individuals that a recruiter or company can present to hiring managers for the purpose of employment. Quite often, Internet recruiters have very short-term goals when it comes to recruiting online. The general catalyst that sparks this process is when a new job requisite comes in (called a REQ). The recruiter scans his or her database to see if anyone's resumes match the requirements. If not, they proceed to search on the Internet. An example of this is Indeed.com

Trade fairs

A trade fair (trade show, trade exhibition or expo) is an exhibition organized so that companies in a specific industry can showcase and demonstrate their latest products, service, study activities of rivals and examine recent market trends and opportunities. Trade fairs show jobs and companies can also use them for recruitment I went to the ucas fair which is very similar and offers a chance to talk to unis before you apply for them so you get a sense of what is out there.

Word of mouth

Personal contacts and networking

Internal promotion

Task 5

CV

Task 6

Link to flickr

Task 7

Research: 3 Minute Wonder

3 Minute Wonder is a short Channel 4 television slot that broadcasts first time directors' three-minute TV programmes in the middle of the channel's weekday primetime schedule. It offers first-time directors and assistant producers the opportunity to air their work to a large audience, and in doing so, to take a first step into the competitive UK film industry.The 3 Minute Wonder strand is part of the Channel 4's 4Talent initiative to help new talent break into the very competitive UK television industry. Other projects in the scheme include FourDocs and the Channel 4 Sheffield Pitch documentary competition.

3 Minute Wonder - Last Supper
This one is about a man who has committed murder and is on death row, the title is called Last Supper because it is a topic that is spoke about a lot on death row as you get to choose your last supper before you die. I like this one because it gives an insight into the people on death row, i learnt about the crime he committed and how the death penalty works in jail. The documentary format is an observational one, as it solely focuses on him as a person and his crime and there is no voice over but several shots of the setting. i feel this documentory is harrowing and shows how easily a life can be changed by the events and actions one might commit

3 Minute Wonder - Heavy Addiction
This short looks at the reality of body building and asks the question of whether it is just a hobbie, or an addiction. The documentary is set in a gym and interviews some of the passionate body builders that attend. I like this documentary as i feel it shows the passion in which people have for this. the man they intereiw i feel is the most honest and realist about his addiction to body building and the effect on his mental health . I feel the woman is less realistic in the way that shes not looking at the effect its having on her more about what she wants to do in the future.
The mode used here is the expository one, using interviews with people who have first hand experience with the topic that is being focused on, to relay the information extracted to the audience.

Karl Pilkington: Life
I liked this short film because it’s both funny yet informative. Karl’s way of explaining things are odd from the normal so give you a different perspective on things most of us know and haven’t thought as deeply into as he seems to within this documentary .I have learned very little apart from the fact of looking at things from a different way can give you a different opinion and thoughts on a subject.

BARB market research

From the BARB website this is the percentage of popularity in the documentaries and other entertainment programs. As you can see 11.9% coming in third of the most popular types of program, this is where documentaries lie. Surprising it is above the news and just shows how maybe the pubic seem to believe documentaries more than the news, however this is only a possibility. Could be seen the other way round as drama which is fake is more popular than documentaries, this means that the public could possible prefer a fake and fantasy instead of the truth and reality. As we have seen the documentaries that tend to be on at prime time are ones in the public interest and most relation towards the subject.

tv guide research
For this part of my research i have decided to look whats on, on a weekday because the type of documentary may differ from what could be shown on a weekend. I chose the times from 7pm because that is when people will be home from work and sitting down for tea and possibly watching the TV and these are the documentaries available.

editing guide - pictures

Step one

log onto the network user area within college using a mac , as this gives you access to more space for files to allow for faster and smother production. The log in for this will be given to you by your teacher. The log in should be as follows “MediaB” the B will change with whatever block you are in.

Step Two

On the rear of the machine there is an SD card slot (Marked bellow with a red circle) .Make sure the card isn’t locked (shown below were to lock and unlock). Insert the card into the port allowing the card to load access the files from the desktop.

Step three

Access the files through the finder (Access from the menu at the bottom of the desktop) and fined the folder called “Movies” open this. Create a new folder right click the new file select from the drop down “Rename”. Rename the file whatever the name of your project maybe for example (The Cookie Monster Project) Rename the folder so you can easily find the files from premier pro also so they don’t get over written.(macs won’t allow two private in the same folder area).move the footage from the SD card (which can be accessed from the finder or desktop). Usually under “noname”.access the SD card footage can be accessed in two ways depending on camera.

DSLR

SD>DCIM/MOV.>(current date)or folder with code>files

MiniCams>Private>current date or folder code>moviefiles

 (Note you can’t access or preview the files from here they need to be added to the folder you just created in the Movies folder)

Step 4

Access to pop up menu situated at the base of the mac desktop or from the applications on the finder or from the applications logo situated on the desktop. Scroll or search for the Adobe PremierPro Icon or name right clicks open or double click on the application or icon to open the programme.

If opening premierPro for the first time you will be given a list of options before accessing if you don’t understand these options ask your teacher for help before changing them.

Step 5

Access the drop down menu File>Import>locate the folder and import it.

Step 6

In the bottom left hand corner there should be a Media bin appear which is used to access your footage

Trouble finding your files?

Select New Search Bin from the Project panel’s pop-up menu or context menu.

Select File > New > Search Bin.

In the Search Bin dialog, enter the search criteria in the Find field.

In the Search Bin dialog, you can search across all the metadata used in your project or restrict your search to specific folders.

Further information can be found here online

http://www.adobepress.com/articles/article.asp?p=2114502&seqNum=3

Step 7

Drag files from the media bins where the files are kept in order into the time line in the order you wish to edit them. You can access the tools for editing around the time line and from the drop down at the top.

TO MOVE THE FILES FROM THE MEDIA BIN TO THE TIME LINE DRAG FROM THE ABOVE HIGHLIGHTED AREA TO THE BELLOW HIGHLIGHTED AREA IN THE SCREEN SHOT.

Step 8

To render you have to click the time line and click Enter.

To Export

·  Do one of the following:

In a Timeline panel or Program Monitor, select a sequence.

In a Project panel, Source Monitor, or bin, select a clip.

·  Do one of the following:

Choose File > Export > Media. Premiere Pro opens the Export Media dialog box.

Choose File > Export. Then select one of the options other than Media from the menu.

·  (Optional) In the Export Settings dialog box, specify the Source Range of the sequence or clip you want to export. Drag the handles on the work area bar. Then click the Set In Point button and Set Out Point button .

· To crop the image, specify cropping options in the Source panel.

· Select the file format you want for your exported file.

· (Optional) Select a pre-set best suited for your target means of playback, distribution, and audience.

Job roles in the television and film industries

The Job of a Runner

Main job description

A runner is an entry-level position, the most junior role in the production department of a broadcast, film or video company. Runners act as general assistants, working under the direction of the producer and other production staff, to undertake basic tasks that are required to ensure the smooth running of the production process. Runners are also employed in a range of areas. For example, film, television and radio production.

Runners' general responsibilities include:

·        tea making;

·        transporting scripts and hire equipment;

·        taking messages;

·        looking after guests;

·         getting everything in place for shoots.

This role offers the opportunity to gain vital experience and knowledge of the production process, offering valuable networking opportunities, and is often seen as the first step on the ladder for people aspiring to roles in broadcasting media.

Organisation, flexibility and good communication skills are essential skills needed for the runner.

Working conditions and salary

working hours vary according to the needs of the production. These include working long and unsocial hours, including early mornings and late evenings as required.

Working environments also vary, as runners may be based in a studio, production office or on location.

The salary of a runner also greatly depends on the size of the production. This affects the contract that the runner is employed on, as this may be long or short term depending on the production. The general wage can range from £6.50 to £8.00 as a set hourly rate.

Sources

http://www.prospects.ac.uk/runner_broadcasting_film_video_job_description.htm

The job of a Researcher

Main job Description

Researchers work in a variety of sectors within the media industry. These include, radio, TV and film. They organise the majority of the aspects that go into the media production, involving planning and further executing their ideas. A researcher is responsible for following and being aware of the constant changes within the media industry, in order to alter and shape their programmes to suite each environment.

Main responsibilities of a researcher include;

·         Working alongside directors and executives

·         Planning future programmes

·         Writing reports on each programme

Additional information and salary

Salary depends on the company and size of production. On average, researchers are paid £350 to £600, which varies between junior and senior roles. A degree is also required to qualify as a researcher. In addition to this, communication, computing, and researcher skills are also needed to be suitable for the role.

Sources

https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/mediaresearcher.aspx

The Job of an Editor

Main job description

Film Editors assemble footage of feature films, television shows, documentaries, and industrials into a seamless end product. They manipulate plot, score, sound, and graphics to refine the overall story into a continuous and enjoyable whole.

The use of digital technology and computer software are key aspects of being a film and TV editor. Editors are responsible for assembling recording raw material into a finished product that's suitable for broadcasting. Editors also work closely with the director to achieve the desired end result by collaborating their ideas. On a general basis, editors work on short-term basis, however, this does also depend on the size of the production.

Additional information and salary

Editors work standard office hours but it will vary depending on the production. This includes shift work if editing studios are booked at night. When there are deadlines to meet, long hours and overtime may be required. A film/video editor position is not typically an entry-level job, starting at a minimum salary wage. Editors starting salaries for those who are employed by a television or post-production studio are in the region of £18,000 to £25,000. With experience as a film or video editor, the salary increases to £20,000 to £35,000. At a senior level, the potential earnings of £37,000 to £70,000 are reached but the higher end of this scale is only available to senior editors working on high-status projects.

Sources

http://www.media-match.com/usa/jobtypes/editor-jobs-402709.php

       http://www.prospects.ac.uk/film_video_editor_salary.htm

The Job of a Director

Main job description

Directors have overall responsibility for the way films or television programmes are made. As a director, creativity, organisational skills and technical knowledge are all needed to manage the whole production process. As directors will also be leading a team of people with very different roles, in this job good communication skills are also required. There are many different routes to getting into this job. Starting out as a 'runner' is one route, or progressing from camera or acting work. Courses in media production could teach some of the skills are needed.

Additional information

working hours on a shoot would often be long and irregular according to the production's needs, and may include evenings and weekends. A weekly salary for a film director starts at £1300, which also depend on the size of the production.

Sources

https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/TVorFilmDirector.aspx

The job of a Production Manger

Main job description

A production manager is responsible for the organisation of all aspects of the production. They work over a variety of genres in the industry such as documentaries, entertainment in order to interpret the director’s ideas. There are no specific qualifications to become a production manager, however a degree in a media related subject is desirable. Skills that are needed for this role include

·         Having efficient problem solving skills

·         Having strong financial and budgeting skills

Additional information

Production managers generally work on a freelance basis and have one of the most demanding job roles in the industry. Their working hours can also differ depending on the size of the production and work is often in an office base work environment with studio visits and location meetings.

Sources

https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/tvorfilmproductionmanager.aspx

Job of a Location manager

Main job description

Location managers are responsible for making all the practical arrangements for film, television or photographic shoots taking place outside the studio. Productions are made in a wide range of places and location managers need to research, identify and organise access to appropriate sites.

A location manager's role follows a sequence of activities from pre-planning to the completion stages of a production. Tasks that may be carried out include:

·         Assessing and interpreting scripts or story boards to get an understanding of the location required;

·         Meeting with the director and designer to discuss projects and working to their creative vision;

·         Collating ideas and undertaking research using resources such as the internet, specialist location libraries, local and regional film commissions and agencies.

Additional information

Location managers work on a freelance basis and are paid on contract terms. Work demands are at their highest during the summer and winter but the role of a location manager is considered to be the least demanding job role in the industry. As location managers must be readily available, they work full time hours.

Sources

http://www.prospects.ac.uk/location_manager_job_description.htm

The job of a Production designer

Main job description

Production designers are responsible for the visual concept of a film, television or theatre production. They realise a design style for sets, locations, graphics, props, lighting, camera angles and costumes, while working closely with the director and producer. Once the concept is decided, designers usually appoint and manage an art department, which includes a design and construction team. They often form a strong partnership with a particular director with whom they may work on many productions. Designers tend to specialise in either film, television or theatre, although there may be some overlap. In the theatre, production designers are also called stage or set designers.

Most production designers work as freelancers and so an important part of their work is marketing their skills and experience, making contacts and briefing agents. First tasks usually include clarifying the brief and agreeing a suitable fee and timescale, which is sometimes done by an agent. After this, work activities might then include:

·         reading scripts to identify factors indicating a particular visual style;

·         considering the production brief, which may be written or oral;

·         meeting the producer and director to discuss concepts and production requirements

Additional Information

Production designer is not typically an entry-level position. Those breaking into the field usually start as art department runners, art department assistants or design assistants.  The entry requirements include knowledge of the industry. For example, Theatre and performer design.

The job of a Producer

Main job description

Producers play an integral role in the television, film and video industries. A producer will oversee each project from conception to completion and may also be involved in the marketing and distribution processes. Producers work closely with the directors and other production staff on a shoot. Increasingly, they need to have directing skills as they may be the director and be in charge of all project operations. Producers arrange funding for each project and are responsible for keeping the production within the allocated budget.

Creative input and the level of decision-making varies, as this depends on the client and the brief.

Additional information

Starting salaries for assistant producers may range from around £18,000 to £25,000. With experience, salaries can reach £40,000 to £55,000, and for departmental heads, £60,000 to £80,000 plus benefits. Producers work regular unsocial hours during weekdays and weekends to meet the strict deadlines that are set.

Sources

http://www.prospects.ac.uk/television_film_video_producer_salary.htm

The job of an Executive producer

Main job description

The role of the Executive Producer is to oversee the work of the producer on behalf of the studio, the financiers or the distributors. They will ensure the film is completed on time, within budget, and to agreed artistic and technical standards. An Executive Producer may be a producer who has raised a significant proportion of a film's finance, or who has secured the underlying rights to the project. In major productions, the Executive Producer may be a representative or CEO of the film studio. In smaller companies or independent projects they may be the creator or writer. Typically, Executive Producers are not involved in the technical aspects of the filmmaking process, but have played a crucial financial or creative role in ensuring that the project goes into production. There may be several Executive Producers on a film who may take the lead role in a number of areas, such as development, financing or production. Executive Producers must be excellent negotiators. They need a keen business sense, and an intimate knowledge of all aspects of film production, financing, marketing and distribution.

Additional information

There are no specific qualifications to becoming an Executive Producer in TV. However, a degree in a media-related, drama or specialist subject may be desired. Salary can range from £50, 000 - £90,000, which can increase depending on the size of the production.

Sources

http://www.media-match.com/usa/jobtypes/executive-producer-jobs-405700.php

Job of a Sound assistant

Main job description

Sound Assistants are the third members of the production sound crew and provide general backup and support to the production sound mixer and the boom operator. They are responsible for checking all stock, microphones and batteries and making sure that the sound department runs as smoothly as possible.

On large scale productions, Sound Assistants may be called upon to operate the second boom, recording all off-camera lines of dialogue, i.e., lines spoken by characters who do not appear on screen. Sound Assistants usually work on a freelance basis with the same production sound mixer and boom operator. Most Sound Assistants work on both film and television productions, unless they work with a production sound mixer who works exclusively on feature films. The hours are long and the work often involves long periods working away from home.

Additional information

Salaries vary depending upon the actual role and type of production. In established studio or in television and radio, starting salaries may be in the region of £16,000 to £18,000. With experience this can rise to salaries upward of £30,000. Supplements for unsocial hours may be available. The average working day consists of working a 10 hour day on a fixed term contract.

Sources

http://www.media-match.com/usa/jobtypes/sound-assistant-jobs-402781.php