Hey Guys,

Today we are going to be talking about balancing our workload. We always have multiple classes on the go, and with that we have multiple assignments and shows due on the same day. Balancing them and being able to work around it, is an important skill for not only surviving DMP, but also when we get into the industry and will have to work around multiple assignments.

Organize Your Schedule

This is a life saver to me, while I do not always right it down, I mark when everything is due. The 2nd years would even put our due dates up on the board to help everyone figure out what’s due when. Choose a day and time which works best with you, and focus on a few assignments that you have to do, by making time to do them. This can help give you time to work, but also ensure that you have some time for yourself, and help ease your stress, knowing you’ve at least started it.

Learn to Prioritize

I have some trouble with this at times, but in the end, look at what an assignment is worth. If you have an assignment worth 10% and an assignment worth 20% due at the same time, which would you spend more time on? The 20% one, you need to learn to balance you time, don’t spend all your time making the 10% one look amazing, when the 20% one qualities hurts because of it. Always measure how much it is contributing to your overall grade, and look at the bigger picture.

Talk to your Teachers

There are a few times where no matter how hard I tried, I could not finish an assignment on time. When you feel too overwhelmed, and are behind on your work, perhaps you were ill, or there’s just a load of thing due at the same time, talk with your teachers. They tend to be really understanding about this, and as long as you notify them before, their usually okay with giving you a day or two extension. Of course, don’t make a habit of this, but if there’s just one time where you feeling overwhelmed, it’s always good to ask. I can never stress enough how important communicating with your peers and teachers are.

Do you guys have any tips on how you balance your busy schedule? Let me know in the comments below,

Thanks for reading,

Andrea

Hey Guys!

Today I got to watch the first year’s first live show! I was impressed! I couldn’t even tell it was their first show, and one of their guests even thought they were further along. While the show was not perfect, I must say it was impressive to watch, and I cannot wait to see what they produce in the future.

With that being said, here a few tips, tricks and advice I’ve learnt and been given through my time in DMP thus far.

If you are not early, you are late.

I think Mike, Michele and Steve have all told us this, if you are not early, you are late. This being said, life happens, and if you are going to be late, make sure you call or email ahead! In productions, especially on live shows, we tend to be on really tight deadlines, as such starting on time is very important. On production days wake up a little bit earlier in the morning to ensure you can make it their in time, and perhaps wait till later to wait in that 20 minuet line for coffee.

Pre-Production is Key.

Now, you may not believe me when I say this, but the moment you go through a production where you feel like you were lacking information, you’ll understand just how much pre-production helps a production go smoother. The formats and such may feel like a bit of overkill, checking all the wire, microphones and cameras a head of time, but the moment anything goes wrong, or your missing one, you’ll be glad for that time you spent in pre-production. Especially formats, they are a life saver, it really does feel like your a fish out of water when you lack one. Spending a few extra minuets making a format, even a basic one, will help a lot.

Practice Transitions

Those few extra minuets you gain from being really organized in your pre-production will definitely come in handy here! Mike would tell us, that if you cannot practice everything, at least practice your transitions. This means from going from black to live, and live to black, two different live locations, live from server and any other transitions you have in the show. It may feel weird only to practice these parts, but when your short on time, or you do not have your guest there, practicing your transitions will help the show run smoother and ensure everyone knows exactly what they are supposed to be doing during this time.

Hey guys!

In this post we will be talking about the basic tips I learnt in my first semester of DMP. Well, I said, ‘I’ but I really mean we, the second year students all felt like they learnt these lessons pretty quick, so for anyone interested in joining, here is some advice for when you get to your first semester of class.

Check Your Emails

Checking your emails, may seem like the simplest of advice, but trust me, it will be a life saver. When not in class, the main form of communication between you and your teacher is through emails. You will be handing in most of your assignments through here, if the teachers have any updates on assignments, or if heaven forbid, class is cancelled! So, just don’t forget to check your emails, I recommend checking them at least once a day. I probably check them 8-10 times a day, but I’m weird so…

Stay in Communication

Life happens, we get it, there are times when you are sick, or have a family emergency, feeling overwhelmed by the workload and need an extension, we’ve all been there, but the most important part of this is communication. In the media field it’s all about communication, if your going to be late, let them know, always be honest because we understand. Michele, Mike and Steve are almost always understanding and accommodating, especially when you communicate with them, and stay in contact so they know what is happening.

Have Fun

With all the work piled on your head, sometimes it’s hard to have fun. One of the best advice I can give to you is to have fun, your only here for two years, so why not make the most of it! This is also your time to experiment, if there is an effect or shot you’ve always wanted to try, try it! (though if it’s dangerous, make sure to get the teachers advice if it’s plausible!) In these two years, it’s the time to collaborate, experiment and try new things, because who knows when you’ll next be surrounded by equally passionate people, and 24/7 access to state of the art equipment. Do not waste this opportunity, Enjoy it!

Thanks for reading,

Andrea