The best part about studying VCE Studio Arts Multimedia or Media is that the majority of the work is fun.

Ok, I may be a little bit biased, because i love these subjects but let me give you one tip that will quickly turn homework hell in to homework heaven.

When developing a folio or production plan don’t forget – Ideas can come from anywhere. Thats right, spending a few hours at the beach with friends can very quickly give you a couple of pages to add to your planning.

If you are going to the beach, there is a good chance that this plays some inspiration in your life, so hopefully it will be represented in your production.

Take photos – If you plan to film at the beach, this is the perfect opportunity to take lots of photos. Keep the shots wide, so you get an overall perspective of the location. Better yet, get a couple of friends to stand in and take photos for your storyboard.

Local business information – While you’re there, take the opportunity to visit local businesses. The ones that will be most handy to you are probably food related. Grab their business cards. I have seen many students receive free catering from local businesses just by saying “I am a student…I am filming this day, …would you be able to sponsor my film by providing *insert product* here for free/ at a discounted price?”. Offer them a credit in the film. You will be surprised at the results and remember, the worst they can say is no.

Google maps – This will help a lot in planning. When you get home, print out Google Maps of your location. Even connect your photos with its map location by using arrows. Another way to connect photos with maps is by using a camera that has ‘geotagging’ technology. It uses a GPS on the camera to embed location data for later use. Your iphone can do this.

How good is that? You have gone to the beach, had a great time and got a heap of work done.

A warning: Make it clear before you go of your intensions with your friends. I have seen cases where friends go to the beach, take photos that are exactly the same and use them in their folios. This could be deemed by your teacher as plagiarism.