Vox Pop

Myself, Tom, Holly and Tom had to set out in Farnham to record a Vox Pop, asking the question 'Do you have any plans for Valentines Day?' Unfortunately, many members of the public were scared off by the large camera and microphone, so we decided to come back to University to ask a few students. As we started to film the camera run out of battery and there were no other batteries available, so we had to stop filming and could not upload the footage.
We now know next time that we should check the battery ourselves before we head out to film, so we can film some good positive footage.

VOX POP Remembrance Day

VOX POP Remembrance Day by Fisk

Radio

Radio News by Fisk

For the radio assignment myself, Charlotte, Stacey, Jamie and Mike worked in a group of five. Our brief was to record a VOX POP about people’s thoughts on Remembrance Day. We went out to Farnham high street and stopped a member of the public each and asked them ‘Do you think Remembrance Day is as relevant as it once was?’

It was a new experience for me to approach people on the street and to ask them questions, some people are willing to talk whereas others appear too busy and walk on past. Some members of the public seemed to be put off by the recording equipment but once they realised we were students they were happy to help. As we were filming on the street there was lots of background noises such as traffic and people, which was picked up on the recording.

Although we all worked as a group, we also each asked a member of the public a question each so we could all practice our interviewing techniques. We approached the public by firstly telling them that we were students and we were carrying out the interview as part of our assignment, this seem to be the person at ease and they were happy to answer the question. We each had a different technique so all of our answers were slightly different which was good.

I found the editing tricky, as we had to edit our own voice out and just have the person answering the question. Also some people didn’t say much or their answer wasn’t meaningful to the question. Next time I would aim to ask the person a question in a quieter place and also ask a many people as I can, so I had lots of options when it came down to editing.

Individually, we also had to write two radio news stories and record them. I found this enjoyable and was interested in how the equipment in a radio studio works.

Christmas Video

For the television assignment myself, Charlotte, Stacey, Jamie and Mike worked in a group of five. Our brief was to go out into Farnham town centre and to film a report on Christmas shopping including, a voiceover, piece to camera, VOX POPS, PIX and interviews.

We shot the first film and decided we need to add more, so the group went back out to re-shoot the film. I had a lot of involvement within the first film, where I worked on the sound deciding where it was best to place the microphone for good quality. We all had an input on writing the script, giving ideas and opinions on what we all thought was best for the reporter (Mike) to say. We then also wrote our own scripts on what we were to say for the voice over’s and links.

For the second film unfortunately I was ill on the date of shooting, so I put my efforts in on writing my script for my link, which I recorded the following week.

I felt I learnt a lot during the filming process, especially whilst out filming in a public place where you have to be aware of the others and also the road traffic. The sound was also quite difficult as we were filming in a busy high street, so there were a lot of traffic noise and busy shoppers. It was also tricky to stop the public for an interview, as they were many busy shoppers that didn’t want to spare their time to talk to us, although we finally got some members of the public to give us their opinion and they were very helpful.

Although I think the Christmas video was a success, next time I would aim to shoot in a less busy place and also somewhere sheltered so the wind doesn’t affect the sound. I also feel that as a group we could of all had a larger impact on the editing, as it was mainly one person in the group editing the video and it would have been good experience if we all had a chance to have a go at it.

I have also realised how different it is to write to radio and television. In radio the stories are very short, no longer than four sentences long and it should grab the listeners attention without telling them the whole story. Whereas in television, the story gives much more detail and is quite descriptive.

I have very much enjoyed studying television, not only writing the stories but also the practical side of filming them too.

Is Kate Moss to blame?

When Kate Moss shared her thoughts during an online interview last week, 'Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels', it straight away caused riots. Eating disorder charities called the motto very dangerous, saying young women are mostly at risk from anorexia which is very much influenced by celebrities. The model's agency, Storm, said her comments had been taken out of context. There seems to be no suggestion that she is going to apologise.

I don't think Kate Moss purposely said this comment to cause young girls to eat less, the fashion industry has always been the same and no matter how much the media report on 'size zero' models - it will never change. I think it has been misrepresented, but she should most definitely think before she speaks (this is possibly why we never hear interviews by Kate Moss).

Young women only have to flick through fashion magazines to find slim models, showing the latest fashion trends. So I don't think Kate Moss' comments are only to blame.

We all have to realise that to look good, we need to be healthy too. A balanced diet is the way forward, to have a good complexion, nice hair and to show those womanly curves!

Bye for now,

L x

Rest in Peace Stephen Gately

I was shocked to hear the news of the death of boy band singer, Stephen Gately. It was rumoured that Boyzone star died due to an eight hour heavy drinking session, whilst holidaying in Majorca with his partner. His family have rejected claims of binge drinking stating that it is simply just a tragic accident. Stephen was found dead on his sofa and police are investigating the sudden death.

The rest of Boyzone flew out to Majorca yesterday to show their support for Stephen, he was much loved by the band and they were due to tour early next year.

Stephen was most definitely one of the most loved members of Boyzone, not only was he a fantastic singer but also a role model for the younger gay society, he made it OK to be gay and showed the public that it was something he was proud of. 

It was devastating for me to hear such tragic news, Stephen died at the age of 33 and it makes you think of your own life and how we should cherish each day we have - nobody is aware of what is round the corner. My thoughts go out to the family and friends of Stephen Gately - Rest in Peace.

Bye for now,

L 

Fashion Trends A/W 2009-10

Tweed is back! As demonstrated by many designers this season, including Luella, Pringle of Scotland and Burberry, tweed coats are the way forward. They look great thrown over jeans or a dress teamed with thigh high boots or thick opaque tights. To give your tweed coat a different look, wrap a patent belt over your waist which gives your body a great shape.

Hosiery is a fantastic way to brighten up any outfit, whether it be a jumper dress or shorts, legs deserve to be decorated. Lengthen your pins with stripes or add colour to a dark outfit.

Tweed, Hosiery and now Velvet - the 80's are definitely coming back! This time round though, Velvet isn't the frumpy, grandmother style we all have in mind, it's all about sophistication with sexy, sleek dresses giving that glamorous style. Jasper Conran Autumn/Winter collection show's a perfect example of what to be seen in this winter, a fatal black velvet dress paired with opaque tights looked stunning on the catwalk and it also would too at your Christmas party!

To see more fashion trends, check out Vogue who have full show reports and images to show what to wear and most importantly how to wear it!

Bye for now

L