4.1 Explain opportunities for exploiting converging technology AND
4.2 Research and plan a test for an identified opportunity 4.3 Carry out planned test and evaluate and present the findings
Friday, 9 March 2012
Unit 24 – Manage and Market Own Freelance Services
Unit 1 - Be able to market own services
1.1 Identify relevant business contacts within the industry
A great way to identify relevant business contacts is firstly online, as this method allows you to filter your search and find companies/ clients that are more relevant in your industry. There are also many events for industry professionals to attend such as director and producer functions.
1.2 Maintain established business contacts within the industry
A good way to maintain your business contacts in the industry would be to keep in contact, whether that being through social networks, email, phone, or meeting. Another way to maintain your business contacts would be to attend events set up by certain companies, as this is a positive way to catch up with contacts and also meet some new ones.
1.3 Participate within relevant networks and expert organisations to support own freelance activity
This basically means if you are trying to promote yourself within the relevant networks it would be a good idea to sign up to mailing lists that will inform you of industry events taking place. It would then be wise to bring your business cards with you, and exchange as you wish with like-minded people.
1.4 Use appropriate strategies and tools to enhance own professional reputation and promote own services
Recently I have thought about this, especially as I approach my final few months on the apprenticeship. One method that I’ve seen used a lot is having your work on a website, that showcases your talent and displays your CV. Another one widely used is having a show reel – shame I haven’t got anything for mine.
1.5 Implement systems to enable early identification of work opportunities
The best way to find out about upcoming job opportunities would be joining creative media websites and signing up to mailing lists, such as shooting people, mandy, production base and so on. Also LinkedIn now offer a tool that prompts you regarding new jobs.
1.6 Identify potential agents or other representatives
As mentioned above, potential representatives that market your services could be media websites such as mandy, shooting people and production base. Some other ways to identify agents/ reps could be by posting an advert into a media newsletter or magazine, such as Broadcast, Televisual, The Knowledge, etc.
Unit 2 – Be able to manage own performance
2.1 Identify own development needs drawing on a range of relevant sources
Ways to identify my own development could be done by setting myself targets that I hope to achieve by a certain date, and also a breakdown on how I’m going to achieve them. At the moment my personal development plan involves using the college camera’s more, allowing me to draw on gaining further experience in that field (the one I wish to pursue).
2.2 Seek constructive feedback from relevant parties about own performance
A simple, yet effective way to gain constructive feedback from relevant parties on your performance could be having a monthly meeting with your employer on your progress (I can’t remember the name of this meeting – perhaps it is called monthly meeting?). Your employer should be able to give you your weaknesses and your strengths and an action plan with something to achieve.
2.3 Set, monitor and review realistic objectives for own training and development needs, performance and business targets
A way that I have monitored these performance and business targets in the past is by having a training card with my personal performance level and what level I need to achieve to meet my set targets – whether this being in sales or customer service. I did realise however that there is little point setting yourself unrealistic targets, as it can be quite sad when you do not meet them.
2.4 Work flexibly, adapting to the requirements of others as appropriate whilst maintaining own personal work ethic and reputation
I can definitely say I understand and respect the fact sometimes work flexibility and requirements change, I have been in this situation when I worked for a distribution company and myself and two other colleagues worked late into the night to make sure that everything was prepared for MIPTV (did get a lovely sushi meal paid for though). Another occasion that I showed work flexibility was during production at my current job, it was always an understanding that during this busy time I would be required to work Monday – Saturday with long hours – however this was not a problem, it’s one of the things I find exciting about making a film. HARD WORK PAYS OFF….. Sometimes!
2.5 Make appropriate business decisions
I feel some clarification should be shed on this answer, as generally people don’t intend to make inappropriate business decisions…
Unit 3 – Be able to manage own systems, accounts and records
3.1 Implement effective systems of managing budgets, finance and documentation
An effective way to maintain your budgets, finance and documentation could be by keeping a fileofax with separate areas for each different document area, such as legal, bills, bank statements, invoices, pay cheques etc. Another way to manage your budget and finance would be by conducting a breakdown of bills, therefore giving you an idea of income and outgoings.
3.2 Maintain appropriate, accurate and up-to date accounts and records
One way I would ensure accurate and up-to date accounts and records would be organising a folder/ or filofax with month dividers, this way you can easily find certain bills and keep things in a logical order. Another thing that I do is write down what my billing dates are for each of my direct debits and credit cards – that way I can ensure that I have sufficient funds in my account/ or make sure I transfer the money across.
3.3 Implement effective support services
Use services such as connections and government websites to find effective support
3.4 Plan ahead to maintain a viable work and cash flow
This could consist of having a rota of work lined up, including a summary of what your being paid for each job. From here you can then sit down and organise whether you can afford those new clothes or not. Rule of thumb it’s best to find your outgoings for bills, tax, food, travel and I’m sure much more and from that you can budget sensibility throughout the month.
Unit 4 Be able to manage own contracts
4.1 Negotiate contracts that meet legal and industry requirements
I guess the most effective way of negotiating your contact in line with legal and industry requirements would firstly be learning your legal rights such as holiday entitlement, minimum wage, unfair dismissal and so on. Negotiating your contract to industry requirements could be harder to find, but I’m sure you can find a friend in the HR department of a creative media industry.
4.2 Agree realistic fee rates, schedule and other expenses
Always a delicate subject I find, as it can be very hard to negotiate fees and expenses in which both sides win. An example of this could be being presented with a fee that your unhappy with but if you put a counter offer on the table, for all you know the job could be pulled from your feet or you could start off on an awkward note with your new employer.
4.3 Establish clear performance outcomes
A great way to establish clear performance outcomes would be to talk to your employer, as at the end of the day they want to get the most out of you and stretch you for whatever money they are paying you. If you ask your employer to give you say a monthly or quarterly meeting discussing your performance you can then note down what may need improving.
4.4 Ensure that contracts include all relevant details, checking that these match agreements
Personally I would check that my contract meets legal and industry requirements by either checking it against a draft contract or by checking it against a previous job contract, this way you can ensure you are not being mugged off. Also if you find yourself inadequate of doing this, I would speak to an industry HR department who I’m sure can offer some guidance.
4.5 Communicate the obligations of all parties clearly
BASICALLY, this means don't mumble.
4.6 Store a written copy of the final signed contract securely
I would personally put my final signed contract securely in my purchased fileofax – that keeps all my other documentation safe and secure (unless a fire or burglar help themselves). It may also be a wise idea to keep a copy of your contract on a over the air location such as Dropbox or SugarSync (I doubt these will crash!) or even an external hard drive.
1.1 Identify relevant business contacts within the industry
A great way to identify relevant business contacts is firstly online, as this method allows you to filter your search and find companies/ clients that are more relevant in your industry. There are also many events for industry professionals to attend such as director and producer functions.
1.2 Maintain established business contacts within the industry
A good way to maintain your business contacts in the industry would be to keep in contact, whether that being through social networks, email, phone, or meeting. Another way to maintain your business contacts would be to attend events set up by certain companies, as this is a positive way to catch up with contacts and also meet some new ones.
1.3 Participate within relevant networks and expert organisations to support own freelance activity
This basically means if you are trying to promote yourself within the relevant networks it would be a good idea to sign up to mailing lists that will inform you of industry events taking place. It would then be wise to bring your business cards with you, and exchange as you wish with like-minded people.
1.4 Use appropriate strategies and tools to enhance own professional reputation and promote own services
Recently I have thought about this, especially as I approach my final few months on the apprenticeship. One method that I’ve seen used a lot is having your work on a website, that showcases your talent and displays your CV. Another one widely used is having a show reel – shame I haven’t got anything for mine.
1.5 Implement systems to enable early identification of work opportunities
The best way to find out about upcoming job opportunities would be joining creative media websites and signing up to mailing lists, such as shooting people, mandy, production base and so on. Also LinkedIn now offer a tool that prompts you regarding new jobs.
1.6 Identify potential agents or other representatives
As mentioned above, potential representatives that market your services could be media websites such as mandy, shooting people and production base. Some other ways to identify agents/ reps could be by posting an advert into a media newsletter or magazine, such as Broadcast, Televisual, The Knowledge, etc.
Unit 2 – Be able to manage own performance
2.1 Identify own development needs drawing on a range of relevant sources
Ways to identify my own development could be done by setting myself targets that I hope to achieve by a certain date, and also a breakdown on how I’m going to achieve them. At the moment my personal development plan involves using the college camera’s more, allowing me to draw on gaining further experience in that field (the one I wish to pursue).
2.2 Seek constructive feedback from relevant parties about own performance
A simple, yet effective way to gain constructive feedback from relevant parties on your performance could be having a monthly meeting with your employer on your progress (I can’t remember the name of this meeting – perhaps it is called monthly meeting?). Your employer should be able to give you your weaknesses and your strengths and an action plan with something to achieve.
2.3 Set, monitor and review realistic objectives for own training and development needs, performance and business targets
A way that I have monitored these performance and business targets in the past is by having a training card with my personal performance level and what level I need to achieve to meet my set targets – whether this being in sales or customer service. I did realise however that there is little point setting yourself unrealistic targets, as it can be quite sad when you do not meet them.
2.4 Work flexibly, adapting to the requirements of others as appropriate whilst maintaining own personal work ethic and reputation
I can definitely say I understand and respect the fact sometimes work flexibility and requirements change, I have been in this situation when I worked for a distribution company and myself and two other colleagues worked late into the night to make sure that everything was prepared for MIPTV (did get a lovely sushi meal paid for though). Another occasion that I showed work flexibility was during production at my current job, it was always an understanding that during this busy time I would be required to work Monday – Saturday with long hours – however this was not a problem, it’s one of the things I find exciting about making a film. HARD WORK PAYS OFF….. Sometimes!
2.5 Make appropriate business decisions
I feel some clarification should be shed on this answer, as generally people don’t intend to make inappropriate business decisions…
Unit 3 – Be able to manage own systems, accounts and records
3.1 Implement effective systems of managing budgets, finance and documentation
An effective way to maintain your budgets, finance and documentation could be by keeping a fileofax with separate areas for each different document area, such as legal, bills, bank statements, invoices, pay cheques etc. Another way to manage your budget and finance would be by conducting a breakdown of bills, therefore giving you an idea of income and outgoings.
3.2 Maintain appropriate, accurate and up-to date accounts and records
One way I would ensure accurate and up-to date accounts and records would be organising a folder/ or filofax with month dividers, this way you can easily find certain bills and keep things in a logical order. Another thing that I do is write down what my billing dates are for each of my direct debits and credit cards – that way I can ensure that I have sufficient funds in my account/ or make sure I transfer the money across.
3.3 Implement effective support services
Use services such as connections and government websites to find effective support
3.4 Plan ahead to maintain a viable work and cash flow
This could consist of having a rota of work lined up, including a summary of what your being paid for each job. From here you can then sit down and organise whether you can afford those new clothes or not. Rule of thumb it’s best to find your outgoings for bills, tax, food, travel and I’m sure much more and from that you can budget sensibility throughout the month.
Unit 4 Be able to manage own contracts
4.1 Negotiate contracts that meet legal and industry requirements
I guess the most effective way of negotiating your contact in line with legal and industry requirements would firstly be learning your legal rights such as holiday entitlement, minimum wage, unfair dismissal and so on. Negotiating your contract to industry requirements could be harder to find, but I’m sure you can find a friend in the HR department of a creative media industry.
4.2 Agree realistic fee rates, schedule and other expenses
Always a delicate subject I find, as it can be very hard to negotiate fees and expenses in which both sides win. An example of this could be being presented with a fee that your unhappy with but if you put a counter offer on the table, for all you know the job could be pulled from your feet or you could start off on an awkward note with your new employer.
4.3 Establish clear performance outcomes
A great way to establish clear performance outcomes would be to talk to your employer, as at the end of the day they want to get the most out of you and stretch you for whatever money they are paying you. If you ask your employer to give you say a monthly or quarterly meeting discussing your performance you can then note down what may need improving.
4.4 Ensure that contracts include all relevant details, checking that these match agreements
Personally I would check that my contract meets legal and industry requirements by either checking it against a draft contract or by checking it against a previous job contract, this way you can ensure you are not being mugged off. Also if you find yourself inadequate of doing this, I would speak to an industry HR department who I’m sure can offer some guidance.
4.5 Communicate the obligations of all parties clearly
BASICALLY, this means don't mumble.
4.6 Store a written copy of the final signed contract securely
I would personally put my final signed contract securely in my purchased fileofax – that keeps all my other documentation safe and secure (unless a fire or burglar help themselves). It may also be a wise idea to keep a copy of your contract on a over the air location such as Dropbox or SugarSync (I doubt these will crash!) or even an external hard drive.
Friday, 10 February 2012
Unit 10 - Awareness of Health and Safety in the Creative Media Sector
Unit 10.1 – Understand the relevant health and safety regulations in the Creative Media sector
1.1 Describe key elements of health and safety regulations, relevant to working in the Creative Media sector
The key elements to health and safety regulation are as follows –
Policy – This is rules that are put in place, e.g. If you spill something mop it up.
Organising – What protocols need to be put in place to avoid problems eg Wires covered to avoid anyone tripping over them.
Planning and implementing – Making sure that your Health and Safety policy has been trialled and used and up to the legal standard.
Measuring Performance – This will allow the policy to be tested by seeing what accidents continue to arise in the Creative Media sector; this could be measured through a company Accident Book.
Reviewing Performance – From the data collected measuring performance, the management board can meet and discuss this information so improvements can be implemented.
1.2 Explain safe working practices for a specific job role in the Creative Media sector
Safe working practices for a Production Assistant at a Film Production company would involve, keeping film sets safe and secure and ensuring the general public are kept at a safe distance away, especially with hot lighting equipment.
Other safe work practices would include keeping equipment away from fire exits and clear of passageways. Also it’s very important making sure that when you carry equipment you carry it safely and do not attempt to lift anything to heavy.
1.3 Describe the main employer responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act
General duties of employers to their employees.
(1)
It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees.
(2)
Without prejudice to the generality of an employer’s duty under the preceding subsection, the matters to which that duty extends include in particular—
(a)
the provision and maintenance of plant and systems of work that are, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe and without risks to health;
(b)
arrangements for ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, safety and absence of risks to health in connection with the use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances;
(c)
the provision of such information, instruction, training and supervision as is necessary to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety at work of his employees;
(d)
so far as is reasonably practicable as regards any place of work under the employer’s control, the maintenance of it in a condition that is safe and without risks to health and the provision and maintenance of means of access to and egress from it that are safe and without such risks;
(e)
the provision and maintenance of a working environment for his employees that is, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe, without risks to health, and adequate as regards facilities and arrangements for their welfare at work.
(3)
Except in such cases as may be prescribed, it shall be the duty of every employer to prepare and as often as may be appropriate revise a written statement of his general policy with respect to the health and safety at work of his employees and the organisation and arrangements for the time being in force for carrying out that policy, and to bring the statement and any revision of it to the notice of all of his employees.
(4)
Regulations made by the Secretary of State may provide for the appointment in prescribed cases by recognised trade unions (within the meaning of the regulations) of safety representatives from amongst the employees, and those representatives shall represent the employees in consultations with the employers under subsection (6) below and shall have such other functions as may be prescribed.
F1(5)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(6)
It shall be the duty of every employer to consult any such representatives with a view to the making and maintenance of arrangements which will enable him and his employees to co-operate effectively in promoting and developing measures to ensure the health and safety at work of the employees, and in checking the effectiveness of such measures.
(7)
In such cases as may be prescribed it shall be the duty of every employer, if requested to do so by the safety representatives mentioned in [F2subsection (4)] above, to establish, in accordance with regulations made by the Secretary of State, a safety committee having the function of keeping under review the measures taken to ensure the health and safety at work of his employees and such other functions as may be prescribed
Unit 10.2 – Be able to comply with relevant health and safety procedures
2.1 Describe the differences between hazards and risks
Hazard - A chance of being injured or harmed – Something that can cause you mental or physical hard, could be through stress or using equipment chemicals
Risk - The possibility of suffering harm or loss – This is based on the chance of a hazard arising; this is usually assessed on a low, medium and high rating.
2.2 Carry out a risk assessment
During pre production we had to carry out a risk assessment on scenes that posed a risk to the actors, employees, and the general public prior to production. This consisted of a low, medium, and high scale of an accident occurring in different situations (such as the likelihood of someone getting burnt, or getting hit by a car etc etc) This was also filed with the local authorities and our insurance company.
2.3 Report identified hazards and risks to the appropriate parties
In my work place if there was an issue with say, equipment, or a chair that wasn’t fit for sitting etc, I would let the company director know the situation before a potential accident arose. This way eliminating any potential accidents to company visitors or other employees, how ever if there were a problem with an electrical object I would probably arrange for an experienced electrician to come fix it.
2.4 Suggest ways of reducing risks to health and safety in a specific Creative Media job role
As we all know most risks can be avoided with a simple guideline of what IS and what ISN’T acceptable at work. Some that pose the biggest risks are wires – these can easily be secured with gaffer tape or even specific wire covers. Spillages also cause many falls and a very simple way of warning people could be putting out a ‘wet floor sign’ that way your covering your arse if an accident did occur. Stress is also a big work risk that I guess can be abit hit and miss at being avoided, but generally by having clear communication and a friendly work atmosphere this should be avoided.
1.1 Describe key elements of health and safety regulations, relevant to working in the Creative Media sector
The key elements to health and safety regulation are as follows –
Policy – This is rules that are put in place, e.g. If you spill something mop it up.
Organising – What protocols need to be put in place to avoid problems eg Wires covered to avoid anyone tripping over them.
Planning and implementing – Making sure that your Health and Safety policy has been trialled and used and up to the legal standard.
Measuring Performance – This will allow the policy to be tested by seeing what accidents continue to arise in the Creative Media sector; this could be measured through a company Accident Book.
Reviewing Performance – From the data collected measuring performance, the management board can meet and discuss this information so improvements can be implemented.
1.2 Explain safe working practices for a specific job role in the Creative Media sector
Safe working practices for a Production Assistant at a Film Production company would involve, keeping film sets safe and secure and ensuring the general public are kept at a safe distance away, especially with hot lighting equipment.
Other safe work practices would include keeping equipment away from fire exits and clear of passageways. Also it’s very important making sure that when you carry equipment you carry it safely and do not attempt to lift anything to heavy.
1.3 Describe the main employer responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act
General duties of employers to their employees.
(1)
It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees.
(2)
Without prejudice to the generality of an employer’s duty under the preceding subsection, the matters to which that duty extends include in particular—
(a)
the provision and maintenance of plant and systems of work that are, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe and without risks to health;
(b)
arrangements for ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, safety and absence of risks to health in connection with the use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances;
(c)
the provision of such information, instruction, training and supervision as is necessary to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety at work of his employees;
(d)
so far as is reasonably practicable as regards any place of work under the employer’s control, the maintenance of it in a condition that is safe and without risks to health and the provision and maintenance of means of access to and egress from it that are safe and without such risks;
(e)
the provision and maintenance of a working environment for his employees that is, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe, without risks to health, and adequate as regards facilities and arrangements for their welfare at work.
(3)
Except in such cases as may be prescribed, it shall be the duty of every employer to prepare and as often as may be appropriate revise a written statement of his general policy with respect to the health and safety at work of his employees and the organisation and arrangements for the time being in force for carrying out that policy, and to bring the statement and any revision of it to the notice of all of his employees.
(4)
Regulations made by the Secretary of State may provide for the appointment in prescribed cases by recognised trade unions (within the meaning of the regulations) of safety representatives from amongst the employees, and those representatives shall represent the employees in consultations with the employers under subsection (6) below and shall have such other functions as may be prescribed.
F1(5)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(6)
It shall be the duty of every employer to consult any such representatives with a view to the making and maintenance of arrangements which will enable him and his employees to co-operate effectively in promoting and developing measures to ensure the health and safety at work of the employees, and in checking the effectiveness of such measures.
(7)
In such cases as may be prescribed it shall be the duty of every employer, if requested to do so by the safety representatives mentioned in [F2subsection (4)] above, to establish, in accordance with regulations made by the Secretary of State, a safety committee having the function of keeping under review the measures taken to ensure the health and safety at work of his employees and such other functions as may be prescribed
Unit 10.2 – Be able to comply with relevant health and safety procedures
2.1 Describe the differences between hazards and risks
Hazard - A chance of being injured or harmed – Something that can cause you mental or physical hard, could be through stress or using equipment chemicals
Risk - The possibility of suffering harm or loss – This is based on the chance of a hazard arising; this is usually assessed on a low, medium and high rating.
2.2 Carry out a risk assessment
During pre production we had to carry out a risk assessment on scenes that posed a risk to the actors, employees, and the general public prior to production. This consisted of a low, medium, and high scale of an accident occurring in different situations (such as the likelihood of someone getting burnt, or getting hit by a car etc etc) This was also filed with the local authorities and our insurance company.
2.3 Report identified hazards and risks to the appropriate parties
In my work place if there was an issue with say, equipment, or a chair that wasn’t fit for sitting etc, I would let the company director know the situation before a potential accident arose. This way eliminating any potential accidents to company visitors or other employees, how ever if there were a problem with an electrical object I would probably arrange for an experienced electrician to come fix it.
2.4 Suggest ways of reducing risks to health and safety in a specific Creative Media job role
As we all know most risks can be avoided with a simple guideline of what IS and what ISN’T acceptable at work. Some that pose the biggest risks are wires – these can easily be secured with gaffer tape or even specific wire covers. Spillages also cause many falls and a very simple way of warning people could be putting out a ‘wet floor sign’ that way your covering your arse if an accident did occur. Stress is also a big work risk that I guess can be abit hit and miss at being avoided, but generally by having clear communication and a friendly work atmosphere this should be avoided.
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