Pilot: Weather Change (w/ Script, Mockup, Graphics)
Pilots for an independent educational series on meteorology and weather I attempted to start up in 2008. It involved a topic-knowledgeable host presenting plain-English information while interacting with animated graphics and backdrops, created in a chroma-screened studio. The series did not succeed, although it was an amazing learning experience for myself since it was my first attempt at producing such a show from beginning to end. I credit this time as giving me my start in my current specialty of "Full Spectrum" media production.
Pilots for an independent educational series on meteorology and weather I attempted to start up in 2008. It involved a topic-knowledgeable host presenting plain-English information while interacting with animated graphics and backdrops, created in a chroma-screened studio. The series did not succeed, although it was an amazing learning experience for myself since it was my first attempt at producing such a show from beginning to end. I credit this time as giving me my start in my current specialty of "Full Spectrum" media production.
The Transcript, Storyboard, and Graphics List for one of the pilot episodes of the series. I spent a great deal of time sketching out stick figures and outline on paper before ever setting foot in the studio, making sure each scene would provide enough change and animated elements to keep viewers interested.
Mock-Ups of some scenes of the pilot episodes, showing the intended placement of animated graphics, backdrops, and the talent. These were shot in a chroma-screened studio, then processed and composited before editing the video and graphics.
Social Media
As I produced the video and graphics for the pilot episodes, I also set up pages and accounts on various popular social media outlets. Of course, since the series was never picked up, the social pages have remained inactive for some time.
As I produced the video and graphics for the pilot episodes, I also set up pages and accounts on various popular social media outlets. Of course, since the series was never picked up, the social pages have remained inactive for some time.
A screenshot of the highly complex “Composite Noodle” I created to take any blue-screen video and automatically chroma-key, color-correct, and exposure-smooth in one step. This was an excellent time-saving tool in my workflow, and I'm very glad I took the time to create it as soon as I realized how time consuming all of that would be normally. Created in the open source Blender3d program.
What I learned from Failure
Although this first series of mine ultimately was not successful, I learned a tremendous amount from the attempt. It was my first project that I took on from beginning to end, and as such I consider it my start in my current specialty of "Full Spectrum" media production.
In hindsight, my first big mistake was to not focus on top quality production for the pilots. I had the attitude that the pilots were just for selling the idea of the series and to acquire funding, and therefore I breezed over many aspects such as studio lighting and the polish of the animated graphics. I did not realize how big of a factor the rough style was in the rejections until too late. So a critical lesson learned is to always put in the extra time and effort to polish a production off when venturing into new venues, clients, and topics.
