Grade 10 media technology Media Content Creation – 1.2 Pre-Production Notes

Sub-sub-strands (overview) 🔎

• Roles of personnel in pre-production — who does what and why.
• Steps in media pre-production — the planning stages before filming/recording.
• Role of research in pre-production — finding facts, audience needs, legal/cultural checks.
• Script writing for electronic media programmes — format and example.
• Appreciation of pre-production steps — why each step matters for quality and safety.

Roles of personnel in pre-production 🎬

Key people and short descriptions (simple terms):

• Producer — leads the project, finds money, approves plans and schedule.
• Director — decides how the story will look and how actors present it.
• Writer / Scriptwriter — creates the script and dialogue for the programme.
• Researcher — checks facts, audience interests, laws and local culture.
• Production Manager — organizes people, booking locations and equipment.
• Casting Director — chooses actors or presenters.
• Sound Engineer / Audio Tech — plans how to record clear sound (mics, SFX).
• Cinematographer / Camera Operator — plans camera shots, framing and lighting.
• Production Designer — decides on sets, props, costume look.
• Legal / Clearance Officer — checks music rights, permissions, releases.
• Production Assistant (PA) — helps with many tasks on set and runs errands.

Steps in media pre-production ✅

1. Idea/Concept — choose topic and goal (inform, entertain, persuade).
2. Research — gather facts, audience profile, legal and cultural checks.
3. Scriptwriting — write and revise script (dialogue, cues, timings).
4. Budgeting — plan costs for equipment, transport, cast, permits.
5. Storyboarding / Shotlist — draw scenes or list camera shots and sequence.
6. Casting & Rehearsals — choose presenters/actors and rehearse.
7. Location Scouting & Permissions — find and secure places to shoot.
8. Scheduling — create shooting/recording timetable (call sheets).
9. Equipment & Logistics — book cameras, mics, props, transport and crew.
10. Risk Assessment — check safety, weather, COVID or local issues.

Role of research in pre-production 🔍

Research makes the programme accurate, relevant and legal. Key tasks:

• Audience analysis: Who will watch/listen? (age, language—English/Swahili/local dialects)
• Content verification: Check facts, dates, names and statistics (use trusted sources).
• Cultural sensitivity: Ensure content respects Kenyan cultures and traditions.
• Location & permissions: Find suitable places and secure permission from owners/authorities.
• Legal & copyright: Clear music rights, image releases and interview consents.
• Feasibility: Confirm budget, time and available equipment match the plan.

Example script for an electronic media programme (radio/online audio) 🎙️

Short 2½-minute school radio segment: Topic — "Healthy Eating at School" (suitable for Kenyan secondary schools).

Appreciation: Why pre-production matters ✨

• Reduces mistakes during shooting and saves time and money.
• Makes content suitable and respectful to Kenyan audiences and laws.
• Ensures better sound, picture, and storytelling quality.
• Protects safety of crew and cast through planning and risk checks.
• Helps everyone know their job — teamwork runs smoothly.

Suggested learning experiences & classroom activities 🎓

1. Group project: In groups of 4, plan a 3-minute school radio show. Complete: concept note, short script, cast list and a 1-day shooting/recording schedule. Present to class.
2. Role-play: Assign roles (producer, director, writer, sound tech) and run a 30-minute pre-production meeting to create a checklist for the show.
3. Research task: Each student finds 3 facts about a local topic (health, environment, career) and lists sources. Discuss credibility.
4. Scriptwriting exercise: Write a 60–90 second PSA (public service announcement) in English or Swahili. Peer review for clarity and cultural sensibility.
5. Location scout fieldwork: Visit one school location (canteen, playground) and submit a short risk and suitability report with photos and permission issues.
6. Equipment check demo: Teacher/demo student shows how to set up a basic mic, and how to take care of a camera/phone for recording.
7. Reflection & appreciation: After recording, students list 5 things that went well and 5 things they would change in pre-production next time.

Assessment ideas: Mark group projects on planning completeness, clear script, evidence of research and meeting safety/permission checks.

Quick pre-production checklist (handy) 📝