M16MC – MA Media Project

Bukky Arobieke

MA Media Production

THE PICTURE ARCHIVE

Film Title: Nigeria: A Place Called Home

Duration: 13mins 02Secs

The picture archive contains images that were captured on my visit to Nigeria. These still images were selected amongst other images because it speaks for the nation in terms of her people as a populace, her culture and her traditions. There images are known to have cultural values otherwise which could also be referred to as historical values. Each image creates a story in the mind of the viewers in terms of where Nigeria and her culture began from.

From my perspective, these images which could also be referred to as ornaments were selected in preference to images of people because firstly, I wanted to display Nigeria from a creative angle. I believe that the viewers would be able to relate more with the selected images than the common images of people and location.

The selected images help to create a subtle emotion to the mind of the viewers as it differs from the actual documentary. The aim was to create something extraordinary than that which is viewed on a daily basis.

Picture One

Picture Two

Picture Three

Picture Four

Picture Five

Picture Six

Picture Seven

Picture Eight

M16MC – MA Media Project

Bukky Arobieke

MA Media Production

PROJECT RECOMMENDATION

This media project titled Nigeria: A Place Called Home cannot claim one hundred percent perfection due to the limitations earlier stated. However, further study shows that such work  could be improved upon.

Such improvement includes:

1)      extended duration time for the documentary film,

2)      extended time frame for completing the media project,

3)      the assistance of more than one camera person,

4)      more in-depth research into the community where shooting is to take place,

5)      more variety of the audio soundtrack to be used for the documentary film,

6)      attending additional tutorials to discuss the progress of the media project, and

7)      showcasing the short documentary film to a sample population.

M16MC – MA Media Project

Bukky Arobieke

MA Media Production

PROJECT LIMITATION

The limitations encountered during this project could be narrowed down to the time frame given for submission and the short duration given to the documentary film.

I as the producer and director of this short documentary film believe that much work could have been done if the time frame given for the media project was extended. Such work included thorough research for the post production stage. Here, I would have had more time to study the software, Final Cut Pro which was to be used for the overall editing of the project. Irrespective of this limitation, I was still able to complete my editing to the best of my knowledge based on my previous experience of Final Cut Pro.

Secondly, the short limitation given for the short documentary film which is the maximum of ten minutes hindered me from adding all of the footage that I would have wanted to include in the documentary film. Due to this limitation, certain footage such as the documented aspect of Coventry was omitted from the documentary and more emphasis was given to the Nigeria aspect of the documentary.

Irrespective of these limitations, I as the producer and director of the short documentary film was able to achieve a quality piece work and also achieve my set goals.

M16MC – MA Media Project

Bukky Arobieke

MA Media Production

PRODUCTION EVALUATION

The Pre Production Stage

I as the producer/ director of the short documentary film titled Nigeria: A Place Called Home would classify the overall media project as commendable from the pre production stage to the post production stage.

Based on my pre production layout, I was able to sequentially organise my production. Due to earlier preparations in the pre production stage, I was aware of the equipments needed for production and the type of footage that I required for my short documentary film.

The pre production stage gave me an edge in producing the short documentary as I was able to conceptualise what the short documentary film was about before I began shooting as well as the necessary tools required for bringing the short documentary film to reality.

The Production Stage

The production stage which consisted of shooting the short documentary film wouldn’t have been possible without the pre production planning, was made simpler but at the same time very tasking. The production stage of the short documentary film titled Nigeria: A Place Called Home, required a lot of concentration and dedication as there were many locations to be captured as part of the footage.

Although the production stage required much focus, it was at the same time very enjoyable because I as the director/ producer was exposed to places and people in Nigeria that I was not very familiar with. I was exposed to various cultures and heritage that I had never heard of or experienced before.

This stage helped me to be more accustomed with my heritage and the people within my community. It gave me an edge to accept my culture and cultural values in more depth. All shots that were retained during this stage gave light to my project and its considerations.

The Post Production Stage

The post production stage which consisted of the previewing and editing of the footage required my creativity and talent. Here, all footage that was captured was carefully reviewed and screened. Only the best shots were selected to be included in the short documentary film.

After much scrutiny and observation of the captured footage using Final Cut Pro, the selected footage was organised on the timeline along with the voice over which supported the narrative aspect of the short documentary film, and the audio soundtrack to be used for the short documentary film.

Once all these elements were gathered and carefully presented to the producer’s satisfaction, the montage and end credits were prepared and infused where necessary.

To conclude the post production stage, the footage was previewed over and over again to its perfection. Once I was satisfied with the overall presentation, the short documentary film titled Nigeria: A Place Called Home was then transferred to DVD using DVD Studio Pro.

Once again, I believe that the outcome of this media project is commendable due to the fact that most of the project intentions were achieved. By preparing each stage before hand I was able to overcome most challenges and obstacles. All persons whom I required permission from to shoot within their establishment were helpful and gave a delightful response within the required time.

Irrespective of the fact that there were some limitations to the project work, I as the producer was still able to meet the set deadline for submitting the media project.

M16MC – MA Media Project

Bukky Arobieke

MA Media Production

THE SCRIPT

Film Title: Nigeria: A Place Called Home

Duration: 10 Minutes

Narrator: Bukky Arobieke

Much has been documented about Nigeria, her people and her culture that sheds light on the tremendous potential of this tropical African continent.

Nigeria has the largest population compared to any nation in Africa, with approximately one hundred and twenty million people.  This nation is known to have the greatest diversity of cultures, ways of life, cities and terrain.

Due to the great diversity of people and culture, Nigeria has distinguished herself over the centuries in the field of arts.

The National stadium has been a host to many national and international sport personalities.  The stadium is a home to many potential athletes and sport persons.

The richness and diversity of the Nigerian culture is a manifestation of the socio-cultural differences of over two hundred and fifty ethnic groups that inhabit the land for decades.

Broadcasting organisations such as 89.75 Eko fm has assisted in bridging the information gap between the information rich and the information poor. Such stations help in keeping the populace informed about daily events that occur with the community and beyond.

Lagos television is a twenty-four hour broadcast station that can be viewed on the national station, cable satellite and Dstv. Its transmission is received far and beyond the shores of Nigeria.

Covenant University is one of many private educational sectors that represent Nigeria as a student city.  The University is referred to as a ‘dream centre’ where students are expected to take hold of a dream that gives value to their acquired talents, skills and lifestyle.

Nigeria lies within the tropics yet there are wide climatic variations known as the dry season and wet season.

Nigeria’s economy is frequently described as most promising.  It is a mixed economy that accommodates all corners, individuals, corporate organisations and government agencies, to invest in almost all range of economic activities.

Nigeria is a vast country with a population of approximately one hundred and twenty million  people, covering about nine hundred and twenty three thousand, seven hundred and sixty eight square kilometres (923,768 sq.km) of land mass, located within the tropics.

Nigeria, mostly described as the ‘Giant of Africa’ is richly endowed with ecological and cultural resources, which are of universal recognition.

Till today, many tourists vow that Nigeria is surely a place to visit or reside.  It is the pride of Africa.

M16MC – MA Media Project

Bukky Arobieke

MA Media Production

My Personal Reflection(s) for Narration

Narration is an additional element that helps to shape and control the type of documentary film to be made.  Using a narrator for my short documentary film titled – Nigeria: A Place Called Home, aims to advance the composed footage in a rhythymitic format.

With consideration for each viewer’s values and discrimination, the use of narration in this short documentary film intends to intelligently bring together all selected visual footage in a poetic format.

The use of narration aims to present all facts and information in a rhythymitic tone to give the audience the opportunity to develop personal emotions and views without invading their memory or colonising their subconscious state. This is due to the fact that viewers take the narrator’s voice as the voice of the film itself. The quality and association of the narrator’s voice to the film intends to allow viewers the opportunity to develop personal judgements without any form of prejudice.

The Qualities of a Good Narrator

A good narrator:

1)      limits his narration to useful factual information.

2)      does not manipulate the emotions of his audience.

3)      avoids value judgements, unless it is evident in his recordings.

4)      lets the audience draw up their personal conclusions

from the evidence shown.

5)      must use the direct and clear language of everyday speech.

M16MC – MA Media Project

Bukky Arobieke

MA Media Production

THE GHOST IDEA REVISITED

Following feedback from the presentation of our final project, I have decided to omit ‘the ghost idea’ which was to be added to the documentary film.  This is due to the fact that ‘the ghost element’ might bring about more complexity in the understanding of the film.

Certain viewers might not understand or agree with the idea of tourists being perceived as a ‘ghost’ in foreign countries.  Some tourists may claim that they are familiar with the people, their culture, the norms and values of specific tourist destinations that the visit, and are not regarded as ‘ghosts’.

Therefore, in order to avoid the issue of offending the target audience and bring about more clarity in the documentary film, and looking at both destinations as a tourist and student location, ‘the ghost idea’ has been revisited and omitted from the overall film.

The idea of removing the ‘ghost’ element from the documentary was inspired by a colleague with the intention to introduce the subject of simplicity to the project and its developments.

In conclusion, after much consideration, I as the producer of this short documentary believe that it would be in my best interest to keep the overall production simplified, putting into consideration the level of understanding of each viewer, thereby, giving the audience an opportunity to be able to relate to the film, thereby, creating a memorable experience altogether.

Friday 12th June 2009

M16MC – MA Media Project

Bukky Arobieke

MA Media Production

A REPORT OF THE PRIMARY LOCATIONS FOR SHOOTING

Location: Coventry, England

Name of Institution: Coventry University

Address:

Coventry University
Priory Street,
Coventry,
England,
CV1 5FB

Coventry University

Coventry University is a forward-looking, modern University with a proud tradition as a provider of high quality education and a focus on multidisciplinary applied research.

Coventry University is an established academic presence regionally, nationally and internationally, and take great care in providing a supportive environment for all their students.

Coventry University is a forward-looking, modern University with a proud tradition as a provider of high quality education and a focus on applied research.

The University provides a supportive learning environment for over three thousand international students from almost one hundred countries.

International students have particular needs to meet the challenge of studying in a foreign country, which can be a daunting prospect.

Coventry University provides international students with a warm welcome, support throughout their stay in all personal and academic matters and, above all, give them a memorable, value-for-money experience.

Coventry University is a dynamic place to study. The institution has carved out some outstanding specialisms, largely identified by the list of subjects rated excellent for their teaching.

References

British Council (2009) Coventry University

[online] available from <http://

www.educationuk.org/pls/hot_bc/bc_pr

ofile.page_pls_profile_details?x=132410

786205&y=0&a=0&z=350

7&sec_id=1&amp;p_lang=31&

gt; [26 June 2009]

M16MC – MA Media Project

Bukky Arobieke

MA Media Production

Production Equipments

1. Sony HD Z1 Digital Camera
2. Tripod
3. DV Recording Tapes
4. Digital Camera
5. Lights
6. Radio Microphone
7. Headphones

M16MC – MA Media Project

Bukky Arobieke

MA Media Production

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Coventry Interview Questions

1. How long have you lived in Coventry?
2. How do you feel about the place Coventry as a tourist destination and student city?
3. From your point of view, what is the future of Coventry?

Nigeria Interview Questions

1. How long have you lived in Lagos, Nigeria?
2. How do you feel about the place Lagos, Nigeria as a tourist destination and student city?
3. From your point of view, what is the future of Nigeria?

My Personal Reflection(s) For the Chosen Interview Questions

The chosen interview questions are a basis for helping the selected interviewees experience life in front of the camera and make life changing decisions about the subject matter.

The selected interview questions act as a catalyst to helping individuals express their deepest events and meanings in their lives, share rare and important experiences and also to initiate changes that would bring about personal development.