13 July 2009
Disaster has struck. The film has been seriously delayed and we are now looking for a new animator. I imagine that it will have to be altered (we probably won't be able to keep the plasticine element!).
On a happier note, the bags and stickers have arrived and once I have internet at home I will put some pictures up so everyone can see how brilliant they are!
On a happier note, the bags and stickers have arrived and once I have internet at home I will put some pictures up so everyone can see how brilliant they are!
04 June 2009
The intro for the film (minus sound for now...) is up!
03 June 2009
1) What was your project about?
This project was about everyone's favourite, food! The aim was to educate and spark interest about the industrialization of food. We produced a very short animated film, some games, a goody bag and organized lesson time to go in and speak to kids at school.
2) How do you think it made a difference to the community or wider world?
The main thing I was very conscious about when starting up the project was that I wanted maximum numbers of people involved. This is why we have organised the project in the way we have. We have had numerous people contribute to the setting up, planning etc of the project but we also need a whole set of new volunteers to actually take the project into schools. Not only that but we have also tried to set the project up so that it can last long term. The making of the film means that we are not restricting our volunteers to people who are comfortable talking about the topic, anyone can do it, just pop the DVD into the player! Also, the dvds will last for years and are inexpensive which means that even when I am no longer at Kingston University, volunteers can still take the project into schools.
I hope that the film will have an impact on people and this will have a knock on affect. Children are very often targeted by food companies and so they seemed the obvious group to tackle. The film aims to spark some thoughts, maybe the children will go home and talk to their parents about it and have a better understanding of food which in turn will improve their quality of life. In this sense, I hope that it will have an effect within families and between friends.
3) What did you get out of/like about volunteering on this project?
A huge amount. This project has taken longer than I anticipated to complete. The main thing I have taken away is that pushing through with something, even though it looks like you could be defeated, is definitely worth it. Juggling between my final year studies and the project has been challenging to say the least, but with the end approaching, I now know that I can do it!
I have made new friends having met a array of people that I am certain I would not have met had it not been for the project. I thoroughly enjoyed making the film and have discovered that if my career in law does not go any further, I might have a chance with films! ;)
This project was about everyone's favourite, food! The aim was to educate and spark interest about the industrialization of food. We produced a very short animated film, some games, a goody bag and organized lesson time to go in and speak to kids at school.
2) How do you think it made a difference to the community or wider world?
The main thing I was very conscious about when starting up the project was that I wanted maximum numbers of people involved. This is why we have organised the project in the way we have. We have had numerous people contribute to the setting up, planning etc of the project but we also need a whole set of new volunteers to actually take the project into schools. Not only that but we have also tried to set the project up so that it can last long term. The making of the film means that we are not restricting our volunteers to people who are comfortable talking about the topic, anyone can do it, just pop the DVD into the player! Also, the dvds will last for years and are inexpensive which means that even when I am no longer at Kingston University, volunteers can still take the project into schools.
I hope that the film will have an impact on people and this will have a knock on affect. Children are very often targeted by food companies and so they seemed the obvious group to tackle. The film aims to spark some thoughts, maybe the children will go home and talk to their parents about it and have a better understanding of food which in turn will improve their quality of life. In this sense, I hope that it will have an effect within families and between friends.
3) What did you get out of/like about volunteering on this project?
A huge amount. This project has taken longer than I anticipated to complete. The main thing I have taken away is that pushing through with something, even though it looks like you could be defeated, is definitely worth it. Juggling between my final year studies and the project has been challenging to say the least, but with the end approaching, I now know that I can do it!
I have made new friends having met a array of people that I am certain I would not have met had it not been for the project. I thoroughly enjoyed making the film and have discovered that if my career in law does not go any further, I might have a chance with films! ;)
03 June 2009
Ok, so a really quick update:
: Harish is tying the film together
: Martin has ordered necessary items for gift bag
: I am doing exams
: a meeting is arranged for next week when hopefully we can piece everything together and throw some volunteers into schools with it!
: 5 days until exams are over (hopefully, forever!)
: Harish is tying the film together
: Martin has ordered necessary items for gift bag
: I am doing exams
: a meeting is arranged for next week when hopefully we can piece everything together and throw some volunteers into schools with it!
: 5 days until exams are over (hopefully, forever!)
05 May 2009
Two months since the last post! Can you tell we've been busy??!
Easter was progressive. And testing on our patience! We managed to complete all the filming and voice recording necessary to edit together the film.
However, the pressure of final year exams are taking its toll so things are not coming along as hoped (we missed our deadline!). On top of that, the goody bag was proving to be a little too time consuming and complicated. Martin has arrived at the rescue though and has assumed responsibility for it until we are rid of exams.
Despite all of that, we are still optimistic, even if the project has been put on the back burner. Hopefully, the final product will be worth the effort and will do what it is supposed to do.
Easter was progressive. And testing on our patience! We managed to complete all the filming and voice recording necessary to edit together the film.
However, the pressure of final year exams are taking its toll so things are not coming along as hoped (we missed our deadline!). On top of that, the goody bag was proving to be a little too time consuming and complicated. Martin has arrived at the rescue though and has assumed responsibility for it until we are rid of exams.
Despite all of that, we are still optimistic, even if the project has been put on the back burner. Hopefully, the final product will be worth the effort and will do what it is supposed to do.
05 March 2009
It's been a long time since this idea first got going but finally, in the next 3 weeks, we will be very close to completion!
The design for the worksheet is finished (check photos!) and it looks brilliant! Thanks goes to Ella from the KUSU Design Dept who is also responsible for the fantastic logo.
Hopefully the 'Day of Plasticine' on Friday 13th will go successfully which will mean filming and editing can be finished quicker. I'm bringing homemade cakes and there will be tea and coffee, so even if you're not sure you possess any artistic skills (MARTIN!) come along to have a drink and a chat. I'd be very happy to hear your thoughts about the project!
The design for the worksheet is finished (check photos!) and it looks brilliant! Thanks goes to Ella from the KUSU Design Dept who is also responsible for the fantastic logo.
Hopefully the 'Day of Plasticine' on Friday 13th will go successfully which will mean filming and editing can be finished quicker. I'm bringing homemade cakes and there will be tea and coffee, so even if you're not sure you possess any artistic skills (MARTIN!) come along to have a drink and a chat. I'd be very happy to hear your thoughts about the project!
20 February 2009
Check out the new logo in the photos section!!
13 February 2009
13.02.2008
Harish and I are meeting later on today to make some of our main characters for the film. Instead of having a few presenters in the film, we have decided to have an animated one, and so that is something we will be working on tomorrow. Should be fun!
Harish and I are meeting later on today to make some of our main characters for the film. Instead of having a few presenters in the film, we have decided to have an animated one, and so that is something we will be working on tomorrow. Should be fun!
22 January 2009
Firstly, Happy New Year!
I'm pleased to say that the project is moving at a good steady pace despite exams and coursework - wonderful!
Harish, our brilliant animator, gave us a little preview of what to expect from the film at our meeting a few days ago - exciting! We aim to start filming properly within the next few weeks.
We have made a lesson plan for the 50 mins available in one session. Accompanying the film, we have drafted a few activities/games aimed to provoke some thought. Most of this is typed up now and ready for finalizing later on.
Martin has been set the task of finding estimates for our fun pack (pens, bags etc), so we will be spending some dosh soon (yay!).
Nicole has come up with a brilliant idea for the freebie food to go in the packs. This was quite a dilemma. We wanted it to be healthy but tasty and cheap too - so Nicole deserves a big cheer.
A logo has also been designed by the kind staff of Kingston SU. Its just undergoing some editing before it is unveiled!
Generally, things are coming together nicely. We have decided to aim to complete the whole project before Easter holidays so that we can get into the schools before the end of the year.
I'm pleased to say that the project is moving at a good steady pace despite exams and coursework - wonderful!
Harish, our brilliant animator, gave us a little preview of what to expect from the film at our meeting a few days ago - exciting! We aim to start filming properly within the next few weeks.
We have made a lesson plan for the 50 mins available in one session. Accompanying the film, we have drafted a few activities/games aimed to provoke some thought. Most of this is typed up now and ready for finalizing later on.
Martin has been set the task of finding estimates for our fun pack (pens, bags etc), so we will be spending some dosh soon (yay!).
Nicole has come up with a brilliant idea for the freebie food to go in the packs. This was quite a dilemma. We wanted it to be healthy but tasty and cheap too - so Nicole deserves a big cheer.
A logo has also been designed by the kind staff of Kingston SU. Its just undergoing some editing before it is unveiled!
Generally, things are coming together nicely. We have decided to aim to complete the whole project before Easter holidays so that we can get into the schools before the end of the year.
12 December 2008
Things are certainly coming together!! We have gathered a great team to work on the project!
Achievements since last time:
- Our budget has been set.
- The design for 'Food For Thought' is underway.
- Our animator, Harish, has been briefed and is setting to work.
- We have a small group of volunteers waiting for the final product so they can go into the schools!
To do still:
- get the packs together
We hope to be able to start putting everything together by the end of January -ish.
Many thanks to Nicole and Martin for all their help and input at the last meeting!! You are STARS.
Good luck to everyone with exams and coursework! Try to enjoy Christmas and the New Year!
Achievements since last time:
- Our budget has been set.
- The design for 'Food For Thought' is underway.
- Our animator, Harish, has been briefed and is setting to work.
- We have a small group of volunteers waiting for the final product so they can go into the schools!
To do still:
- get the packs together
We hope to be able to start putting everything together by the end of January -ish.
Many thanks to Nicole and Martin for all their help and input at the last meeting!! You are STARS.
Good luck to everyone with exams and coursework! Try to enjoy Christmas and the New Year!
18 November 2008
I'm pleased to say that we now have some volunteers and will be holding a meeting for everyone involved. Details:
WHEN?
- tomorrow
TIME?
- midday
WHERE?
- Martin's office in Kingston SU
WHEN?
- tomorrow
TIME?
- midday
WHERE?
- Martin's office in Kingston SU
07 November 2008
The brainstorming is more or less over now. We have a clear structure and plan for the project. All the ideas are ready, we just need some more volunteers now!!