Experiencing different programmes

At the moment, I am concentrating on getting as much experience with both print and video production programmes. So far I have used Photoshop and Adobe premier pro CS5. I worked on Photoshop individually, creating a cover for a TV magazine: Radio Times. I had used another version of photoshop before, but not in much detail, so this was a chance to familiarise myself with it. I found it fairly easy to use, as I managed to find all f the effects I needed. I could definately use this programme to create my final production. I think I may set myself some tasks using photoshop, so I am more comfortable with it. When using Adobe Premiere Pro CS5, I worked in a small group and our task was to film a short sequence including a 180 degree rule, shot reverse shot and match on action. We managed to include all of these details, as one of our group member had a lot of previous experience with filming. We also edited the video, complete with audio adjustments so that when a door opened the sound from inside the closed room became louder, and other details. I didn't have full control of the filming or editing, but this allowed me to learn from someone more experienced, who was able to give me advice. It also meant that we created a successful sequence. In the future, I will be experimenting with Windows movie maker, which involve me taking pictures of 'A day in the life of Katie Spencer' and creating a short film with them. I have used this programme before and I found it easy to use, so I am sure I will make a successful film.

Starting my coursework

I have looked at the options for my coursework and although I don't have a definate idea of what I would like to do, I do have some initial thoughts. For genre, I would like to cover either 'Soap' or 'Documentary' as I feel I don't have enough experience with thriller or horror. Out of these two genres, I feel that soap would be better suited to my skills. As for pre-production, I would like to do 'at least two draft designs aimed at different audiences', although that does restrict me to only print-based production. I don't have much experience with video-based production so I would like to trial that before making any final decisions. Becuase of my lack of experience with video production, I am leaning towards print based production. For print based production I would most likely do the front page for a magazine and a double page feature.  For my media A level I would like to get an A/B but my 'APLs' grade is B/C.