My Proforma

FMP Pro Forma 2009
March 25, 2009 · No Comments

Student Name: Jack Featherstone

Email: feathersflys@gmail.com

1. Project Summary

To produce tour visuals plus supporting graphics for the DJ group ‘The Count and Sinden’. The visuals will be used at festivals, clubs and other live venues as they promote their forthcoming album to be released on Domino Records. The project is live and I will be receiving payment for the job.

2. Context (Background)

I was contacted by Annette Russell (Sinden’s manager) to work for them after she was referred to my work by a contact of mine at Lo Recordings. The project she was referred to was my second year FMP entitled ‘Add Then Subtract’, which can be found at www.addthensubtract.blogspot.com. Both the Count and Sinden are highly respected DJ’s with a busy international touring schedule, so a huge amount of people will see my visuals throughout their tour(s). They chose me over other potential artists as they felt that my visual aesthetic greatly complemented their musical style.

3. Rationale (Why the project is relevant to you and to GDComm practice)

The project combines two of my great loves: motion graphics and electronic music. This is quite literately a perfect project for me as there will be very little restriction on what I can do. The client trusts me as a visual artist and understands that I have many ideas to bring to the table. The project will clearly demonstrate the changing role of the graphic designer, as I will need to move freely between discipline boundaries such as graphic design, film making, animation, lighting design, set design and potentially live performance.

4. Skills Evidence: (describe your approach to the following)

Intellectual rigour and debate

The work produced for this project will be directly informed by the research and opinions that I expressed within my dissertation, which revolved around the argument that VJ’s (visual jockeys) / Audio Visual performers should refrain from using representational imagery within their performances as this undermines the ingrained human desire to blend music and vision. I will use my dissertation as a sort of manifesto for my FMP.

Focus of research and analysis

My research will continue to be into finding more complete techniques to represent music in a visually exciting way.
Practical skills involved
Animation, Design, Editing, Client interaction

Sustainability and Content of project (over as a double unit)

The client has made it clear to me that this will be an ongoing relationship. Requesting that my work will evolve as shows go by, allowing for constant experimentation and development of ideas / visual aesthetics. The hope is that the project will conclude with a special show that goes beyond simple visuals into something a bit more impressive and higher budget.

Projection of professional or further research ambitions

This audiovisual subject area is something that I definitely wish to continue past degree level. Both as a personal venture and hopefully a professional one.

Elements of risk and challenge (originality and direction against the status quo)

Creating visuals that have no footage shot on camera and represent nothing other than themselves is relatively rare within the VJ world. This poses both a challenge and a shot at originality.

Predicated outcomes

At least two hours worth of original material to be used on tour. Special show that could involve more elements such as lighting / live visual performance etc.

Manufacturing and production issues

Work will only be produced by me. Visuals will be delivered as DVD.

Opportunities for professional feedback

I will be working closely with the client receiving regular feedback, there is also a chance of feedback via reviews of the live shows within magazines / blogs etc.