Unit 5.2 - Understand how to communicate effectively with colleagues

2.1 Explain the importance of balancing the needs of tasks and people

A very important skill to learn, not just in the entertainment industry, but in any job.
A balance is key to making new friends in the workplace, but also meeting your job requirements and hopefully exceeding them. It can be easy at times to just want to talk about your life and what your going to do at the weekend, but this is a big no! Your employer did not hire you to bore people about what you are doing at the weekend, by all means inform if your colleague is interested but don't stop working! Multitasking is key, if you can work and talk then personally I don't see a problem (however, i'm not your employer i'm afraid) as you can still be getting your work done, and at the same time making your company a social place to work, raising company morale and in turn making a bigger profit (subject to your employees).

At Cyclops Vision where I am currently residing, I feel that i'm able to talk to colleagues, but at the same time I know it's important to get my head down and get my work done (I'm a man, statistically multitasking isn't one of our strong points), fact is without concentration at times your quite likely to make mistakes - and in some cases this could pull a strain on your job. I would suggest every few hours making yourself a nice warm drink and offering your
colleagues one, this promotes a 'happy to help' attitude and people like this.


2.2 Explain the importance of sharing information with colleagues

This is pretty paramount to a smooth workforce, during the Pre Production process i've been requested to make a list of what i'm searching for, whether it be props or properties (see what I did there :D) as if a i'm not in due to sickness or holiday, depending on the urgency of my tasks another work memeber may have to cover what I had been undertaking. But without a list it would be alot more stressful finding out where I may have stood on a certain area, just because I know what motorbike prop we may need, doesn't mean my colleague will.

During the Pre Production stage at my company i'm currently trying to find props, despite having limited information at this time on certain things. I've created a document with different action vehicle companies with numbers and quotes attached or with personal comments regarding alternatives, despite this list helping me it would also be paramount to my colleague if I just died and couldn't tell them what I had been doing.

2.3 Identify ways of tactfully requesting others to change working arrangements to improve own productivity

Just ASK! Despite this being the best policy on requesting change in working arrangements, sometimes I find myself to 'scared' to bring up certain things (i'm working on it)

On a day to day basis i'm sure you will have to ask for something, whether it being a coffee, a contract, or even a word. But the best way to productively change working arrangements is with a smile and a reasonable amount of time. You could find yourself in a situation when your work ties in with possibly research someone else has done or haven't. In this case scenario when they haven't done the work, how should you approach it? Well getting angry and talking to them like shit probably isn't the way to go - I definately wouldn't like someone doing that to me! Personally I would approach it in a way that made them feel bad/guilty if they didn't get that work across to you, as surely it isn't fair to have the blame on your back for not getting your work in, and you don't want to be known as the person who can't address this issue with a colleague (not who they would want as management material). So approaching the colleague and calmyly with a smile enquire about the work, and address that it has to be in by the end of the day. Most work colleagues would respect this and make it priority number one as to avoid any work relationship strains.

In the case that they don't respect the way you have approached them in your little polite manner, then I would follow up with an email, even possibly cc'ing your manager in, I'm sure they would get on the task pretty quick then. I joke I wouldn't copy my manager in, but i'm sure that would be effective.
Sit them down have a coffee, tea, hot chocolate (take your pick) and discuss in a calm way, that despite there reassurance on getting the research done, they could have been honest with you and explained the reasons for not as soon as you first addressed the problem, then in this case you may have had time to conduct the work yourself or start from where they left off.


2.4 Describe how to explain own decisions clearly and constructively

This is something that i've done in the stages of development, originally we were going to rent a production office. So there I went researching offices and looking on a relatively small budget, in a low budget independent film this is imperative. Instead of going to and from with emails regarding this and that property. I made an excel document instead that stated address/location, cost per square meter, utilities included, contact details, and an online link. This simple document allowed me to breakdown the properties i've been looking at and then send it to those concerned. Due to the fact it was all in one place, management could quickly
decide what office's were suitable and within budget. In the end we were given an office by a friend of the company.


2.5 Describe how to resolve conflict situations or dissatisfaction

Generally an issue that none of us want to be in, but despite this it may happen - So lets be prepared!

The best way to approach this situation is by keeping things quiet and calm. Bringing anything up in a work environment especially if aimed at a work colleague can be embarrassing for both your colleague and also for you. You wouldn't like to be put on the spot and told what your doing is wrong! So I feel a suitable way to have a positive outcome would be by emailing the relevant person you have a 'problem' with and state your reasons on why you would like to speak to them as it may be upsetting you with the way they've been talking to/about you. By sending this email you can give them some time to think over what they have done, or give them time to fight there corner on the topic. This is constructive not destructive to your work relationship, and definately beats pussy footing around the situation and can give both parties peace of mind after the discussion.


2.6 Explain the importance of liaison with colleagues to productivity

WHAT?

Unit 5.1 - Understand how to agree working arrangements (3.1 Included)

1.1 Identify key roles and tasks in the production process

During my time at Cyclops Vision i've already learnt a tremendous amount on Production, and what a massive stage it is.
When I first started the Apprenticeship in late July I honestly couldn't imagine what would be coming up, anxious was when I was given the jobs of helping find the crew. Obviously with this job I was posting adverts on websites such as 'Shooting People, Production Wizard, My First Job In Film (i'm sure there were more)' and from there replies literally by the hundreds came pouring in. Certain positions were filled by 'friends of the company, who had worked on previous work' but a lot of the others such as runners, costume designers, makeup artists, production coordinators, 1st - 2nd and 3rd ADs etc were going through me. It was quite a strange position to be in deciding from there CV who would be worth having in for Rosa (the producer) to interview.

But regardless, from this task I learnt many things about the roles that they play in Production, and the fact our Production is a low budget one I can't even imagine how many crew you would have for a Hollywood blockbuster! (I'm thinking 80? More or less, i'm not to certain. That was the first number that came into my head).


Tasks within Production another one I felt very unclear about when I started this Apprenticeship, obviously It's good to go into something and be like 'hey, I know how a 6kw generator works' but sometimes this isn't quite possible :(.

So anyway, some tasks that I have been part of so far have been on casting, actually a large proportion has been on recording each casting session. I was quite suprised how different on and off camera an actor can be portrayed.
Also tasks such as helping to purchase furniture and office equipment with the production coordinator (you would never guess, but this included more advert posting but on gumtree and freecycle) - To no avail. One thing i've been very attached to is my emails, having two work emails (one company email and other production email) uses up a whole lot of time, this is where I would be liaising with the casting director, and booking in interviews, attempting to find out sales figures and other fun stuff!

So tasks that i'm undergoing currently involve helping the art department find certain props for the film, as well as finding out certain regulations and laws that go hand in hand with said prop. Also i've been contacting different avenues with regards to sponsorship and marketing (this also isn't the easiest of things to do, but as of today i've had a positive response, so i'm feeling confident that i've learnt some tricks of the trade. I'm not sure if there is a saying but maybe i'll make one 'learning through failing')


I'm going to keep this post open as of the moment, as i'm sure there is going to be plenty more for me to reel off to your lovely self!


1.2 Outline how to clarify, agree and revise working arrangements in a way which promotes good working relationships AND
3.1 Clarify, agree and revise working arrangements, promoting good working relationships

Communication is key to a healthy working arrangement, especially if you have to request time off for specific reasons. I feel that A in which this should be done is with follow up confirmation for requesting time off, due to the fact work life can already be extremely hectic and can allow for such requests to slip through the net. Therefore it's good to send an email to your work colleagues with said details attached giving them knowledge that you won't be in, as they may have expected you to give them some help on one of there assignments or something else work related.

Rule of thumb for me is discussing information on a face to face basis, as this communication is key to having that bond with work colleagues and helps to show your dedicated to the business's needs and understand what effect your absence may have on the company. During my time at Cyclops Vision i've been off for one full day, this was due to being in a car crash. Despite this I still contacted the relevant person and explained that I was very shaken up and needed to sort myself out, during my absence I was still contactable and checked my emails so that despite being absent I could forward relevant information onwards so it could be dealt with promptly.

Professional Behaviour in the Creative Media Sector

Unit 4.2 Know how to plan and manage workload

2.1 Describe effective time management skills needed to plan workload

The skills I use for my personal time management revolve around having a work diary, this way I can plan my tasks for the day ahead and once I've completed said task I can cross it out (a feeling that I personally find quite liberating). Another pro to my diary is being able to prioritise what needs to be done when, and I can add stuff in wherever I am in the world. Internet or not.

Another tool of the trade for me is google calendar, that allows me to add and share appointments with our production team, therefore allowing everyone to know what is happening in the workplace.
In the Google Calendar settings it also lets you set reminders and alarms so you will never be late again, supposedly :).

2.2 Describe how to specify and agree timescales, budgets and resources

From past experience I have found that emails are a very important tool for agreeing certain time scales and sticking to the agreed timescale. Emails allow us to bring up a past discussion that you may of had in person. An example of this could be at my past job I was asked not to bother watermarking some erotic screeners, due to the fact it would take to long and the sales team member wanted to close a deal quickly. The screeners were going to a high risk country where if lost in transit could be sent on and then sold. Despite the fact this incident would then be on my back if they were lost and illegally distributed, I sent an email to the salesman confirming our conversation with his 'okay' to sending them without a watermark.
That occasion taught me how important it was to confirm stuff in some sort of electronic format so if all went pete tong, I could then say well heres the email stating I should of done this.
So if there is someone out there with these unwatermarked erotic screeners - i'm watching you!

2.3 Explain how to construct a simple project plan

To construct an effective project plan you have to look at four key things Pre Production, Production, Post Production, and Marketing & Audience Consumption. These four things are heavily connected and reliant for a possible financial success. Marketing and Audience is one that can dictate whether or not the film has to be taken back to the pre production stages, possibly due to an incorrect portrayal of a character.

A project plan could be arranged on a spreadsheet, or on specialised location management software. Or my favourite being a whiteboard, simple and effective. With the company i'm working for currently being in pre production i'm sure that I will be picking up further knowledge on project plans as the weeks go on.

2.4 Explain the use of a contingency plan

Contingency plan - A very important tool to the trade, that prepares you or your production for an unfavourable scenario, whether this being a camera running out of battery, as you've filmed for much longer than anticipated - the contingency plan would involve having spare batteries.

Despite the fact it's a massive pro to have a contingency plan, i'm personally someone who likes to think of the positive side of said situation and find myself most effective thinking on my feet by finding a feasable solution.

A contingency plan could also be used in your social life, where you find yourself having to make these alternative choices if the preffered one fails, almost like a failsafe. For example if I were planning on going to the park with friends and the weather took a turn for the worst, I would have the instinc of going to the pub or someones house if we weren't in the mood for getting pissed on by the sky!

2.5 Explain the importance of storing work, using version control and observing file naming conventions

From personal experience I have found it is VERY important to label files correctly, not just for your sake but for others. An example of this would be at my last job in distribution, I was updating some avails for content and had them saved on the server. I knew where to find these files but once leaving the company, I received a message asking where they were on the server but guess what? I DIDN'T KNOW! A hard lesson to learn, not just the fact my ex colleague had to redo the work, it also meant I used up valuable company time completing it to have nothing to show for it.
So the learning curb for me now is when i'm saving work I title it by the exact thing it is and sometimes if i'm feeling snazzy I do the date in this format > 111609 (Abit of extra information never did anyone any harm).

Professional Behaviour in the Creative Media Sector

Unit 4.1 - Understand the appropriate conduct for a particular Creative Media workplace -

1.1 Describe and compare the cultures of different creative media workplaces

In my workplace we do not have a 'set' dress code that we are to abide to. However despite not having this as a set of rules, I would not come in looking like a mess due to the negative connotations attached to this. If I were aware of an outside client coming to visit the workplace I would dress a lot more professional than the casual jeans.
Indigo Film and Television where I last worked were fine with wearing shorts during the hot summer months, but if meetings were taking part you were to wear trousers.
I'm yet to find out the correct dress etiquette for working on film production, but i'm sure this will be learnt soon enough.

Within my workplace the use of swear words are rarely used, and still then when one slips out you would try to keep that pretty low key. If the odd f bomb were to pop out i'm sure this wouldn't be a massive hoo ha, but i'm sure if the c*nt word did, this would be frowned upon.
In my everyday life and college I will add, I swear quite commonly and find many profanities to me aren't offensive and even use the c*nt word often enough. My mindset is that aslong as you're not using one of these words with an angry tone to a person, then they shouldn't find it offensive. I do understand why people don't agree with swearing as they are known to have negative connotations, but in this day and age these words are being said in everyday life.

1.2 Describe examples of challenging behaviours and issues in the workplace

Challenging behaviours can occur in the workplace on an everyday basis for some. Luckily for me I haven't encountered such a problem yet, but an example of when I have is when I was working at a company before 'And a had a customer complaining to me about a refund that I had given him, despite the fact I gave him one he wanted more as it was an 'inconvenience' despite the fact most of the product was nearly all consumed. I told him that I would get a manager as he was very angry, and I felt out of my comfort zone. Looking back on this situation I'm sure I could deal with this is a more effective way.

1.3 Explain the role of the key people to inform in relation to these examples

In the situation when this customer wouldn't take what I had offered him, I decided to call the duty manager who came to find an attainable solution. The manager's solution was to give the customer a further refund, despite the fact I later found out he comes in all the time to get double refunds, and I must of pissed him off by not going from previous experience.

At Indigo Film & TV I would report to the Managing Directors PA, who I could liaise with if I were having difficulties with something or had a request (having time off, leaving early etc).
I also had a line manager who sometimes I would help relieve her workload by helping input contracts into our rights software.

I would usually try to go to the Managing Director's PA first if I were having a problem, but if I felt that a solution hadn't been achieved I would take it further by talking to the MD himself.


1.4 Explain the impact of different behaviours and conduct in the workplace

In the workplace behaviours should always be kept professional, and you should never bring your home life into work. Despite sometimes having a lot on my plate at home, I always keep these emotions at bay and a smile on my face at work. I find this is important as a smile can do so much in the workplace as it's quite a contagious emotion, if you were working in a negative work environment with a low morale then I'm sure the company would suffer in it's productivity and also financially.

Sometimes swearing can be used in my workplace, but despite this it's not in a way to cause offence to people. As discussed in college, swearing can express how passionately you feel about a certain topic 'I fucking love American Beauty' - and so you should!

BACKSTREET'S BACK ALRIGHTTTTTTTTTTT

AMAZING

Professional Behaviour in the Creative Media Sector

3.1 Explain what is meant by ‘continuous professional development’
3.2 Create and justify a personal development plan
3.3 Describe opportunities for training and development and explain the relevance of those choices

When I think of Continuous Professional Development, learning springs to mind. This learning development should equip you with the knowledge and skills that allows you to perform in your current job role and also prepare you for future job opportunities.

Continuous professional development can be as informal as, reading a newspaper, journal, or even watching something on the TV, or as formal as attending a course. It's always a good idea to keep a record of what you have done, however small this may be - thus using it when it comes to your Annual Review of Pay (ARP) with your management, you can reel all your progress off to them and hopefully get that reward you were looking for!

At your ARP you should also have clear goals set by your management, this will involve telling you what you may need to improve or learn to achieve in your future continuous development.

A few questions to ask yourself before having your Continuous Professional Development Evaluated could be -

Where am I now?
Where do I want to be? What new skills, knowledge and attributes will I need to get there?
How might my work change in the next few years?
How can I achieve my goals?

These four questions allow you to have a clear and direct plan on how you can improve and move forward with your career or even your personal life.


For my own Continuous Professional Development, over the past year I have achieved and learnt a great deal and moved forward in the film world. I have done this through being with Indigo Film & Television - when I started it took me much longer to progress on work and found certain tasks tedious. However if I hadn't of been willing to learn and progress I would not have got the positives out of this great opportunity.
I learnt about Distribution and how this process worked including updating avails and pitch documents for territories worldwide, also it greatly improved my telephone and professional manner which means a great deal to people.

Below is my Continuous Professional Development plan for this year -

Where am I now?
Currently working for Cyclops Vision, an independent production company, as well as doing an Advanced Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media at City of Westminster College and working part time at Waitrose.


Where do I want to be? What new skills, knowledge and attributes will I need to get there?For my development I would like to become more confident and experienced in Final Cut Pro, this will allow me to take on more challenging tasks in my workplace. I would also like to learn how to breakdown on budgets and understand what needs to be done without having to ask.


How might my work change in the next few years?
This question isn't so easy to answer, due to the fact the industry is constantly changing and adapting to peoples needs. But I would hope I was out of Waitrose and doing something full time in something that I enjoyed in film production. Towards the end of this year the company I work for will be entering production on there up and coming low budget feature film - this is a very exciting step in the right direction for me.


How can I achieve my goals?
I feel the best way to achieve my goals is by talking to others within the industry, this will allow me to digest what I need to learn and improve on. Another thing will be out of work learning, that could involve working on short films with friends or doing a film camera course, allowing me to learn more technical information on the equipment I will eventually use.


Opportunities available for me to further my learning involve DIVA, this company set up the Apprenticeship Scheme in Partnership with the City of Westminster College. The Advanced Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media has taught me alot so far, including what to expect in the industry and how to develop my learning further by acquiring new skills.

My part time job also allows me to progress to a higher position at the company thus offering me opportunities to become a wine specialist, horticulture specialist, cheese specialist, fish specialist and meat specialist. These opportunities are really one of a kind, as not many people work for a company that will pay for them to get pissed up on wine while getting a Connoisseur qualification out of it?

Ciao