The Demo's...

The first demo I was booked in for was the the camera demo. We had the opportunity of using three video camera's which included a standard Panasonic home camcorder, the Sony A1 or the beastly Z1. In the first year I made a short film, however, we were encouraged not to delve into the semi-pro equipment and to stick with the more simplistic Panasonic. This was due to the staff and their ability to help us with the more advanced camera's and also the difference in the price between the Sony's and the Panasonic. In the first year we were heavily marked on our narratives and stories and not so much how we explored the medium. This means I am new to this level of camera and would there for be in desperate need of the Demo given by Richard.

The Z1

This demo was a lot more detailed than I thought it would be. I am lucky though due to the fact that I enjoy photography and pursue it as a hobby. This meant that have some experience with the terminology, exposures and so on. The demo was structured in a way where we all were shown the basics of the general set-up of the equipment (tripod etc) as a group. We were then asked to go and set up the equipment outside as a group. This is so we could help each other if there were points and elements that we were not so sure about. It is also helpful to get some hands on as we had spent the first hour just trying to absorb as much key points and detail as we could. In the next session we were then given a more complex tutorial on the sound equipment and other techniques that included shot transitions. We were then meant to receive a test to finish, however, after Myles had finished his, Richard said that we all seemed pretty confident and that he felt there was no need for all of us to do the test. He also made sure there was no areas that we were unsure of before sending us home.

Other visited tutorials...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNVsOTsho2o

and

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbC5W_PVOhI&feature=related

Final Cut Pro

The final cut demo is one that I was booked in for but had to cancel last minute due to my part time job roping me in. I was meant to rebook another demo but found it difficult finding a time that would fit my weekly schedule with Richard's. It was not the end of the world as I have Final Cut Express on my computer and therefore had experience using it. Although this is not ideal, I have been trying to book myself on an official Apple certified Final Cut Pro course since the beginning of the year. I am currently on a waiting list, hoping that a position becomes available. Not re-arranging a demo with Richard is one of my biggest regrets of the preparation for this film.

Here is a link to the basics of Final Cut Express that are posted on Apple's website...

http://www.apple.com/finalcutexpress/tutorials/

These links really helped with the basics.