“work experience can be for a short space of time, it can be with any size or status of employer or freelancer, and it can be arranged with a well-planned telephone call, email, or letter. […] There is no point spending a lot of time and energy on getting yourself work experience in something that isn’t really going to give you added value. This means that you must go for something meaningful for you.” 

(Gregory, Healy, Mazierksa, 2008, 61).

I have worked at Speed Motion Films every Tuesday for the last two months and will continue to do so until the end of December. The company specialises in visual storytelling as a prominent and leading video production company, working closely with its expansive clientele in the tourism and sports sectors, as well as charity and awareness organisations to create promotional videos. I have been working alongside the team as a video editor which has allowed me to meet and work with clients. My role constantly changes and evolves depending on what project or client I work with, meaning that the role requires versatility, flexibility, quick learning and an understanding of video production, editing, and client handling. The following will comprise Gibb’s reflective model divided into a paragraph and subheadings for each of the six steps (description, feelings, evaluation, analysis, conclusion, and action plan), in relation to my experiences at Speed Motion Films. 

Description

During my transformative time at Speed Motion, I have learned how to edit videos seamlessly while exploring the functionality of Final Cut Pro X. I have learned what areas of video production I can thrive in, and areas in which I can develop more as a video editor. For example, I have spent several weeks editing interview videos for NIPANC to spread awareness for early symptoms of pancreatic cancer. During this time, I have learned not only to detach emotion from work but also how to visually cue storytelling techniques and apply emphasis where needed in order to ultimately tell a story of urgency and emotion through visual techniques. I initially found it challenging to detach emotion from work and I believe I can still improve on it over the next month I have left at Speed Motion Films. As my time progressed with the company, I ended up being assigned other clients’ work to complete or work for the company’s own portfolio. 

Feelings

Before starting I was of course slightly nervous about working in a new professional environment, feeling immense pressure to impress and do well. However, I also felt excited to have been offered the opportunity to work within a leading visual storytelling company. I believe my previous experience on film sets where I learned the basics of film and media production deeply helped with providing a feeling of comfort and familiarity. On the other hand, upon starting my work there as a video editor I was told I would be working with Final Cut Pro X, an editing software I had only heard and read about. I became anxious that I would not be able to contribute and perform efficiently as I need to truly be able to grasp concepts and techniques before applying them to any practice. Additionally, due to the good and true nature of the three members of the team, the calm learning environment, and the laidback atmosphere, I felt a sense of community, family and belonging during my time at Speed Motion Films.

Evaluation

  What went well  and why:

I was assigned to my colleagues Chris and Lewis who acted not only as a healthy source of comradery and friendship but as dedicated and effective instructors. Their expertise and practical approaches truly enhanced my learning experience as I have been able to come home and apply what they have taught me to my own endeavours, such as working on extra-curricular music videos for The 2:19 blues band. My main takeaway from their instruction has been ‘never be afraid to ask questions’. Because of this I always ask when I am uncertain of something or need advice in a particular area. This means that my work has reached its full potential and has received praise from everyone in the studio who commends my work and attitude to working. On top of that, this has meant that I was able to adapt quickly and efficiently to the fast-paced nature of the work. This suggests that I have been learning from “the preparatory stage”, which comprises “a number of elements […] an outline by a teacher or supervisor of the aims of the activity and the broad structure of what is to take place” (Boud, Keough, Walker, 1985, 9). This means that I have behaved reflectively from the beginning of the preparatory phase, since “In the preparatory phase reflective activity occurs when the students start to explore what is required of them” (Boud, Keough, Walker, 1985, 9).

  What went bad and why:

In contrast, I have experienced poor-quality external communication with the company via email. For example, I requested multiple different sources of media to include in this blog post several times but only received one example which was very last minute and is too large in file size to attach as media. This makes me believe that there is a concerning breakdown in communication when I am not physically present at the studio. This was also the case during the Summer while I was awaiting my offer of work; my emails and follow-up emails were not replied to until over a month later, which led me to believe they were not interested anymore. However, I did eventually receive this towards the end of Summer. This breakdown in communication has been frustrating and appears to be a frequent issue due to its recurrence, it is just one of those things you cannot really control and while it is frustrating you just need to find an ideal solution, which for me has been discussing important matters in person.

Analysis

The evaluation has suggested two main points. Firstly, my training is not only working within the studio, but it is encouraging personal and extra-curricular growth. This is a fantastic outcome as it demonstrates my capability as a learner and member of the Speed Motion Films team, as well as demonstrating both Chris and Lewis’ immense ability to instruct creativity and positive and constructive thinking. This has led me to feel truly excited by the prospect of ‘what will I learn next’ which is arguably the single most important factor in any learning environment, whether it be at a school, a college, or a work-based learning university module. The second point that is highlighted by the evaluation is that communication outside of the workplace is poor and not as constructive as communication within the workplace. This ultimately means that most of my interactions with the team can only take place on Tuesdays, suggesting that any attempt at contact outside of this time will result in a delayed response or no response at all. Kathleen McMillan describes this “introspection” as “Reviewing your learning experiences” (McMillan and Weyers, 2013, 31). I have learnt from the positive and negative outcomes of the evaluation and therefore have reviewed my learning experiences in a reflective manner. 

Conclusion

“It is part of human nature to learn continually from experience, generally becoming more proficient and wiser in our responses to events as we grow older. Reflection is thus an important part of being an effective learner.” 

(McMillan and Weyers, 2013, 31)

This reflective blog has deduced that this placement came with both good and bad aspects, like an excellent learning environment and poor external communication. Overall, looking back on this mixed experience, it was always about learning in one way or another, and I truly believe that I have been able to learn from both the good and the bad. This relates to McMillan’s idea of being “an effective learner” (McMillan and Weyers, 2013, 31). My fantastic instruction from Chris and Lewis has encouraged a sense of confidence and openness in the continuation of my time at Speed Motion Films. On top of that, my disappointing communication experience with Damien has taught me that you cannot always rely on certain people, thereby making me realise I should engage more with Damien at the studio where I am able to. I feel like I have truly developed as a professional team member and as a student who is beginning to explore the media industry. 

Action Plan

The analysis suggests several steps to take in the form of an action plan; firstly, I plan to continue to ask questions and seek advice where necessary in order to further my understanding and development in the field of video editing. This will ensure that I am always taking to correct approach and never unsure of how to accomplish a task effectively. On top of that, I plan to engage in heightened communication at the studio in order to avoid disappointing attempts at external communication. This will ensure that any questions and requirements are fulfilled when I need them to be. 

Final Thoughts

This blog has effectively employed Gibb’s reflective model structure to reflect upon my subjective experiences objectively. I plan to take on board the aforementioned action plan in order to further my career in the creative arts. My time as a video editor in the Speed Motion Films team has been rewarding and challenging at times and I am glad to have experienced both positive and negative elements of this industry so as to prepare me for any challenges to come in the future. 

List of References

Boud, David. et al. (1985) Reflection : turning experience into learning. [Online]. London ; RoutledgeFalmer.

McMillan, K. & Weyers, J. D. B. (2013) How to improve your critical thinking & reflective skills. Harlow, England: Pearson.

Gregory, Georgina. et al. (2007) Careers in media and film the essential guide. Los Angeles, Calif. ; SAGE.

Gibbs, G. (2013) Learning by doing : a guide to teaching and learning methods. Online edition. Oxford: Oxford Centre for Staff and Learning Development.