Bright Minds Advert
MOCK ASSESSMENT | 2026
Embedded Files
Project Overview
The Bright Minds Advert was created to showcase an educational initiative dedicated to empowering young people to make a positive difference in their communities. The promotional video was designed to highlight the program’s activities, students, and teaching methods in a visually engaging and professional manner, capturing the energy, enthusiasm, and educational value of the initiative. The final 60-second advert serves as a versatile promotional tool for parents, educators, and sponsors, presenting Bright Minds as a dynamic and inspiring program.
Production Pack
Location Recces
About the Project
This project involved creating a concise yet engaging 60-second advert that balanced informative content with cinematic presentation. The aim was to showcase different aspects of the program, including student participation, group activities, and individual achievements, while maintaining a clear narrative flow and a professional visual style. Careful consideration was given to casting, ensuring that each participant could deliver their lines naturally and effectively, with roles chosen to suit their strengths and comfort in front of the camera. The advert was designed for 1080p resolution at 30fps with a 16:9 aspect ratio and broadcast-standard specifications, ensuring it could be used across digital platforms while meeting professional quality requirements.
My Roles
I was solely responsible for all aspects of the project, including planning, camera operation, audio recording, lighting setup, directing cast, and post-production editing. I ensured that each scene was captured according to technical specifications, guided the cast to deliver natural performances, and managed all equipment to maintain efficiency during the shoot. Editing involved compiling footage, synchronising audio, colour grading, and delivering the final MP4 file in accordance with broadcast-standard specifications.
Pre-Production
For pre-production, I created multiple supporting materials, including posters and an end card. The posters were designed in Adobe Photoshop at 18x24 inches and 72 dpi, using dynamic text and consistent branding with the provided logo. I ensured that the text, imagery, and color palette were consistent across all materials, targeting different themes such as the local community, survival training, and teamwork. Each poster was exported as a PNG for print use. For audio, I sourced music and sound effects from copyright-free libraries on Pixabay. Five different tracks were downloaded to experiment with pacing and tone, ensuring a suitable choice could be made during editing. For the end card, I used Adobe After Effects to create a 1080p sequence lasting 30 seconds. The background, text, and logo were carefully animated with keyframes and fade-in effects to maintain smooth transitions and dynamic presentation.
Production
Filming took place across multiple locations, using a Sony A7 III mounted on a DJI RS2 gimbal. Settings such as shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and lens selection were carefully adjusted to suit lighting and movement conditions for each scene. Scenes included the theatre, TV studio, gallery, art room, hallway, and presentation room. I captured multiple takes for each scene, ensuring that all footage matched the storyboard and met visual and audio requirements. During filming, I ensured audio quality using a Zoom recorder and shotgun mic, sometimes mounted on my body to allow free movement. I guided the cast on delivering lines naturally while maintaining visual continuity. Detailed footage logs were kept to record file names, scene information, shot notes, and take numbers. In one instance, audio lost from the presentation scene was recovered and relinked, demonstrating careful attention to asset management.
Post-Production
Editing was done in Adobe Premiere Pro, starting with importing and organizing all assets into color-coded bins. I created a 1080p, 29.97 fps sequence, synced external audio to footage using waveform synchronization, and trimmed excess clips to match the script. J-cuts were applied to smooth dialogue, and multiple takes were compared for audio quality, visual clarity, and camera movement, with only the best clips selected. Music was carefully chosen from five options to match the tone and pacing of the advert, and audio levels were normalized to -6 dB for dialogue to ensure clarity. Scenes without dialogue had audio removed, leaving extra footage for planned transitions. I used Dynamic Link to import the After Effects end card, allowing any edits to update automatically in Premiere Pro. Transitions were refined using fade-to-black and fade-to-white effects, custom masks, and frame-by-frame keyframing to ensure smooth visual flow. Additional SFX, including shimmer and whoosh sounds, were used to enhance movement and maintain a consistent tone. Nested sequences allowed me to apply warp stabilizer to clips with altered speed. Color correction was applied non-destructively using adjustment layers, adjusting exposure, contrast, highlights, and selective saturation to enhance visual consistency. The final cut included detailed refinements, such as adjusting mask expansions, exposure keyframes, and custom fade timing to maintain smooth transitions and avoid distracting visual artifacts. Export settings adhered strictly to the brief: 1080p, 30fps, 16:9, H.264 codec, MP4 format, with a LUFS target of -14 and a loudness report. Audio deliverables were exported separately as MP3s using Adobe Media Encoder. Throughout post-production, assets were securely stored on the college PC, backed up on an external SSD and OneDrive, and footage logs were kept to maintain organization and protect against data loss. The final advert successfully combines careful planning, professional production techniques, and detailed post-production work to meet the client’s brief.
Technical Setup & Locations
Filming took place across multiple locations within the Bright Minds facilities, including classrooms, galleries, and the theatre. I used a Sony A7III with kit lens for mobile shots and gimbal work, allowing smooth, tight framing in confined spaces such as art rooms, while the Panasonic HC-X2 4K video camera was used for long-range shots and zoomed coverage. Audio was captured using a Beyerdynamic MCE86 shotgun microphone on a boom, supplemented by a Rode Video Mic GO mounted on the Sony A7III for backup and additional flexibility. The audio was routed through a Zoom H5 with a channel splitter to ensure balanced, high-quality sound, monitored in real time with headphones.
Camera stabilisation was achieved through a combination of Manfrotto tripods, a Neewer handheld stabilizer, and a DJI RS4 gimbal, enabling smooth panning and dynamic movements. Lighting relied on portable bounce boards and reflectors, used to enhance natural light and ensure even, soft illumination while avoiding harsh shadows or flare. Equipment was set up to allow rapid transitions between locations and scenes, providing both cinematic quality and efficiency during filming.
Reflection
Creating this advert was an extensive and valuable learning experience that allowed me to develop both my technical and creative skills across the entire production process. From pre-production to post-production, I was able to take ownership of each stage, making decisions that directly affected the quality and effectiveness of the final product. During pre-production, I focused on designing posters and supporting materials in Adobe Photoshop, carefully researching reference materials and maintaining consistent branding with the provided logo and colors. I experimented with dynamic text and layer management to ensure clarity and visual appeal, exporting each poster in a high-quality format ready for print. Creating an end card in Adobe After Effects allowed me to explore motion graphics, keyframing, and animation principles, ensuring that the final graphic was visually engaging while maintaining brand consistency. This stage highlighted the importance of attention to detail, from hex codes and font selection to layering and timing of animations, ensuring all elements were cohesive. Filming across multiple locations gave me practical experience in camera operation, lighting, and scene composition. I learned to adapt to challenges, such as low-light environments in the theatre and reflections in the gallery, by testing settings and adjusting techniques before capturing final takes. Guiding the cast through performances, managing camera movement with the DJI RS2 gimbal, and monitoring audio using the Zoom recorder developed my ability to plan and coordinate complex shots while maintaining visual and audio continuity. I encountered challenges with autofocus in low light and audio capture in dynamic scenes, which required problem-solving and flexibility to ensure the footage met the brief. Additionally, keeping a detailed footage log allowed me to stay organized, track assets, and prepare for potential reshoots, emphasizing the importance of strong organizational practices in production. Post-production in Adobe Premiere Pro was where all the planning and filming came together. I organized assets into color-coded bins and synced external audio with camera recordings, learning the value of precise waveform analysis and how to adjust audio for clarity. I used techniques such as J-cuts, masking, custom transitions, and keyframing to create a smooth, dynamic flow between scenes, ensuring that movements and dialogue appeared natural and cohesive. Selecting the appropriate music and integrating sound effects helped unify the advert’s pacing and tone, showing me how audio design can enhance storytelling. Additionally, using adjustment layers for non-destructive color correction allowed me to maintain consistency across scenes while individually addressing issues like overexposed highlights or overpowering yellows. Nesting sequences to apply warp stabilizer demonstrated the importance of workflow flexibility when combining visual effects with speed adjustments. One of the main lessons from editing was the importance of iteration and attention to small details. For example, adjusting mask expansions to cover gaps in transitions, easing exposure keyframes, and customizing fade-to-black timing ensured that the final product appeared professional and polished. I also learned the value of keeping all assets secure and backed up, not only to protect my work but also to maintain efficiency throughout the post-production process. Overall, this project allowed me to develop a comprehensive understanding of the full production workflow, from initial concept to final delivery. I gained technical experience in camera operation, lighting, audio recording, editing, visual effects, and motion graphics. I also enhanced my problem-solving skills, learning to adapt to challenges such as lighting issues, audio syncing difficulties, and framing adjustments. Creatively, I developed my ability to tell a story visually and aurally, making decisions that supported the brief while maintaining consistency and clarity. Reflecting on the process, I am proud of the final advert, which demonstrates careful planning, technical skill, and creative decision-making, and I feel more confident in managing future projects from start to finish.
Teacher Feedback
While my project demonstrated strong technical knowledge and organisational skills, there are several areas highlighted in feedback where I can improve for future productions. Firstly, although my equipment choices were appropriate and I showed a solid understanding of camera movements, I did not explicitly consider lens options. Reflecting on different lenses and their effects on framing, depth of field, and shot composition would strengthen my technical understanding. In terms of logistics, my planning of locations, cast, and timing was effective, but I could have enhanced pre-production by including visual diagrams, such as camera placement sketches or cast blocking plans, to provide a clearer guide for both myself and the crew. From a legal and regulatory perspective, while I considered copyright for third-party assets, I did not fully evaluate licensing for music beyond YouTube use. In future projects, reviewing licensing requirements for broader distribution will improve my awareness of copyright and intellectual property considerations. Regarding the client brief, I successfully justified my creative and technical choices, but I could further explore how these choices influence audience interpretation. Reflecting on how meaning is communicated through shot composition, pacing, and audio would help me ensure my work aligns more closely with the client’s intentions and audience expectations. Finally, during production, I noted inconsistencies in test footage, such as occasional focus errors and quiet audio. To improve, I need to monitor audio levels more closely, adjust microphone placement or gain settings, and check focus and depth of field for key elements before each take. Using consistent, recognised directing cues such as “Action” and “Cut” will also improve communication and efficiency on set. Overall, these reflections give me clear areas to develop, which will enhance the technical quality, planning, and audience impact of future projects.
Behind The Scenes
Working on this advert wasn’t just about capturing footage and editing, it was full of small, fun, and creative challenges that taught me a lot along the way. One of the highlights was learning to operate the DJI RS2 gimbal. At first, it was tricky to get smooth camera movements, but after a few practice runs with the cast, I became confident and could create fluid tracking shots that really brought the scenes to life. I also enjoyed setting up creative transitions, like using the mask tool to move the camera past cast members’ heads. Drawing the mask frame by frame and adjusting keyframes to match the motion felt like digital sculpting, which was satisfying when it finally flowed naturally. Similarly, reversing a shimmer sound effect to match transitions added a subtle but professional touch that made the advert feel polished. Filming in different locations brought its own quirks. In the gallery, avoiding reflections on the TVs tested my framing skills, while in the hallway, balancing the Zoom recorder and gimbal at the same time required a bit of improvisation, using a belt pack and Velcro to keep cables secure was a clever workaround. There were also funny and unexpected moments. For example, swapping the original cast for Hector in the gallery scene led to a fresh perspective and some spontaneous reactions, which added authenticity to the footage. In the presentation scene, sliding tables around while filming pulled-back shots felt like a mini choreography, and seeing the cast laugh naturally during the final take made all the planning worthwhile. Even the small details were enjoyable. Making custom fades to black, adjusting mask expansions, and experimenting with keyframe easing showed me how technical adjustments can dramatically improve the storytelling. These moments, though sometimes time-consuming, were rewarding and gave me a real sense of control over the final product. Overall, the behind-the-scenes work was not only educational but also creatively satisfying. It reminded me that production is as much about problem-solving and experimentation as it is about capturing the footage itself, and these hands-on experiences are the parts I’ll remember and carry forward into future projects.
Meet The Team
Bradley Crawt
Director | Editor
I directed and edited the advert, taking the project from initial planning through to the final cut. I organised the shoot, set up camera movements, handled gimbal shots, and structured the timeline in Adobe Premiere Pro. I also directed the cast, supervised audio syncing, applied effects, and completed the colour correction to make sure the final advert met the brief’s requirements.
Ryan Hughes
Cast #1
Ryan played the first main character in the advert. He delivered his lines naturally, followed marks for camera and gimbal movements, and helped the scenes flow smoothly. I worked closely with him to make sure his timing, dialogue, and positioning matched the scene and editing needs.
Oliver
Cast #2
Oliver played the second main character and had key interactions with Ryan. He focused on clear dialogue delivery, timing, and eye lines, which made it easier to edit and keep the conversation feeling realistic.
Gertie
Cast #3
Gertie brought energy and personality to her role. She interacted with both Ryan and Oliver while performing actions that supported the story. I worked with her to hit marks for transitions and mask effects, helping the final scenes look polished.
Hector
Cast
Hector played a character in the gallery scene, acting as someone recording a podcast. He adapted quickly to the scene, making the activity look natural and helping the transition to the following scenes feel seamless.
Harrison
Cast
Harrison performed in the petition scene, delivering his lines and interacting with the background cast to create a realistic, engaging environment. His timing and actions helped make the scene feel authentic and supported the story flow.
See the Project in Action
The Bright Minds advert is designed to be both informative and visually engaging, showcasing the program’s activities, student participation, and educational impact in a concise, professional format. The final video combines dynamic camera work, smooth audio, and carefully structured narrative to deliver a promotional tool suitable for digital platforms, capturing the spirit of the initiative while meeting all technical and broadcast standards.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse