Jen McDonagh

Education

Equipment

My Equipment/Kit:

I can use:

About me

I am a 22 year old Professional Sound and Video Technology Graduate BSc looking to develop a career within the broadcast industry.

From studying my degree, I understand the development and application of film as well as the basic concept of moving image production. I am able to analyse the underlying concepts and principles used to capture, encode, and decode video signals and television images to create a broadcast/film. Recognising the relationship between various technological choices has contributed towards the production, distribution, and reception of filming projects. My degree has also helped in understanding the principles and methods of production planning, location recording (i.e. foley), and applying a range of techniques to a digital editing and production project.

Being a quick learner has contributed to the knowledge of using technical equipment such as recording studios, mixing desks, loudspeakers, Sony EX1/EX3 and HXc100 studio camera confidently. I also have plenty of experience using various digital video production equipment (for e.g. MAM and Orad systems) and editing software (i.e. Logic, ProTools, Adobe Premier Pro/Adobe Creative Suite, After Effects, Maya 3D, and DaVinci Resolve) to construct moving image sequences.

This is a result of using digital video production equipment (for e.g. MAM and Orad systems) and editing software (i.e. Logic, ProTools, Adobe Premier Pro/Adobe Creative Suite, After Effects) to construct moving image sequences.
Developed a systematic understanding of television engineering; in particular, following the programme chain from filming to broadcast.

Developing a systematic and detailed understanding of the tools and techniques associated with both audio and video mastering. Learning the keys methods in applying and evaluating appropriate colour correction and compression techniques to a variety of genres (i.e. Action, Horror, Film Noir, and Music Video) by using After Effects, Adobe Premier Pro, and DaVinci Resolve.

Having knowledge in the history of computing applied to audio, including hardware devices, software functionalities, and audio file formats.
Evaluating the importance of the different parameters that influence music synthesis using both hardware and software for preparation, composition, arrangement, recording, editing, production, mixing and mastering. Understanding the underlying concepts and principles of multi-track production, and developing the organisation skills needed to translate multi-source live music and sound into a recorded stereo image to produce successful studio recordings.
Music Technology Systems - Using software such as Logic and ProTools for the generation, control, processing, and audio reproduction in music technology.

Audio Live Sound Connections - Connecting audio and video equipment for analogue and digital data transmission and power delivery in the context of PA and sound reinforcement systems.
Looking after the fundamental electrical principles and practices necessary for the design and assembly of PA and sound reinforcement systems for delivery of music and sound to a live audience.
Developed organisational skills necessary to specify systems and plan in advance according to the requirement of the venue and performers.
Spatial Audio - Gaining an appreciation of the factors which affects the perception of sound by humans; an historical and technical overview of the audio recording and reproduction techniques used to provide spatial audio.

During Animated Graphics I have developed skills in scripting alongside animation aspects of digital video systems. I have also learnt the key methods in 3D graphics, and how to accurately used these techniques to create digital animations using After Effects, Maya, and DaVinci Resolve.

C and C++ programming used for implementation throughout projects created in Xcode and Max/MSP. Comprehended a firm understanding of the application of programming to audio (i.e. MIDI programming) and Music systems.
Applying knowledge and techniques to problems and learning how to design suitable solutions using textual/graphical programming to implement solutions. Acknowledging the concept of event-driven software architectures and their utility with audio systems. Understanding relationships between main processing functions, the library it uses, the operating system, and the underlying hardware. Demonstrating a confident use of various operating systems: UNIX, Windows, and MSDOS.

Developing content for the Web using HTML5, PHP, Javascript, CSS, and MySQL. Learning about the established technologies associate with websites and how to apply knowledge and understand to design, build and maintain a dynamic website. Creating a web design that is efficient and applicable for use with mobile phones and tablets along with search engine optimisation.

I consider it a huge interest to be able to meet and network with a range of people from various backgrounds. I feel it is important to learn and understand various cultures and perspectives in life to be able to successfully connect and obtain audiences engagement - Particularly through a program that has been designed and created to inform and educate audiences of all age groups.
Additional information:
My most recent experience in broadcasting was as a Personal Assistant to a Media Scheduler within the BBC Marketing and Audience Department. In my role I helped organise and plan live schedule for TV, Radio and the iPlayer. I was also responsible for inputting vital data into a variety of systems i.e. iBroadcast, OnAir, and the green button scheduler via Alchemy. During this time I also learnt how to schedule Public Information Films. As a result of this role I gained knowledgable experience of working in multidisciplinary teams within a high paced environment therefore constantly adapting and evolving to last minute schedule changes. Regularly reacting to changing live broadcast needs. Also Familiar with RAJAR survey measurements to analyse audience data.

Previous experience within in the industry includes working at the BBC within the News and Current Affairs department for Rip Off Britain. During this placement I planned short film and programme ideas, scheduling various aspects of location shooting and assisting the team with location filming. In particular, researching and location running for the ‘Red Lolly, Yellow Lolly’ episode. I also helped with logging footage via Aframe, scheduling vox pops and handling footage and relevant documentation via Huddle. Understanding the overview of News & Journalism across various programming, reporting and editing processes. Familiar with BBC Editorial Guidelines.
Completed following training courses: Safety at Work, Safeguarding Trust, Legal Online, Data Protection, Copyright Online and DSE.

Other experience includes a runner placement with Red Production Company for their current running series Scott and Bailey, Last Tango in Halifax and a couple of new series to be released such as Cucumber and Banana. My role and daily tasks during this placement consisted of making script amendments, answering phone calls and transferring enquires to the appropriate series department/person, greeting potential talent during casting days, greeting directors (Russell T Davies) and ensuring important meetings a equipped with drinks and refreshments through specific lunch orders, going for a food or drink run that require handling petty cash, and other general running errands around the office.

I am also currently working for Unity Radio (92.8 FM) as a Studio Assistant/Broadcast Technician for DJ JC and DJ Vital’s programme. Duties include operating the Myriad System, and checking social networks/text line for track requests and shout outs. Recently I filmed a televised interview with Katy B, Bipolar Sunshine, and Sasha Keable as well as meeting and greeting competition winners of the station.

Other experience as a camera operator includes filming the Class of ’92 game vs. Salford City FC through Quays TV based at MediaCityUK. In this instance, I used a Sony EX3 to film the highlights of the match and oversee the technical set up of both the cameras and sound equipment. – Whilst providing other assistant and solutions for any technical problems.

During university I worked as a camera operator in a group of fourteen for Television Engineering Module. During the assignment, we created a section for a magazine style programme. The aim of the project was to gain knowledge in video and audio television student practices, and to develop skills in vision mixing, lighting, and using studio cameras. Overall, I gained an understanding into the systems within a control room and TV studio environment.

Working in various team roles to complete assignments has enhanced my group working skills in listening, negotiating and motivating others. This has helped to engage in various planning processes and be flexible in responding to new information or change in situations. It has also provided interpersonal skills when working alongside colleagues to identify problems that may arise and initiate effective teamwork.

Skills

Secondary Job Title	Researcher (Junior)
Job Titles	Production Assistant (PA), Production Support, Researcher, Camera Operator, Camera Trainee, Camera Assistant, Boom Operator, Locations Assistant
Years in industry	less than a year