Finally i can explain!

So my cousin just came back from Ghana and made this amazing video of his trip, when i'm asked about why i love my home so much i sometimes get brain freeze, i'm posting this video as i feel it is everything i sometimes can't say in words. Family, Culture, Friends etc thats my HOME!!!!'

Professional Artefact

After much thought on which way to go i decided to go with an informative slide show, Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

http://www.slideshare.net/afi_agyeman/professional-artefact-1-20917129

Critical Reflection on professional practitioner inquiry

I feel module 2 has so far expanded on a set of skills i have developed since the beginning of module 1. I have been able to research further into what i would base my inquiry on and have used skills developed previously in the year.


In task 4 we were asked to develop a set of questions relevant to our practice (Appendix A), i did this in 2 parts first a set of general questions about the industry then a set based on the industry in Ghana. At first i didn’t have a particular theme to follow but with more research and comments on my blog i chose to stick with researching african media and based my inquiry around it. I sent my set of questions to my aunt who is Ghana based and has worked in media (Appendix B), her insight helped me think more into my line of inquiry. I decided to inquire weather ' An accredited performing arts program would be successful in Ghanaian schools'. I then set up an open SIG ‘Arts in Ghana’ (Appendix C) . I posted on my blog that i knew my line of inquiry would limit me (Appendix D) but with more people joining my group daily i hope to continue to create discussions based on this topic.


I proposed a title for my degree award which would allow me to continue to follow my love of arts and my new found passion for TV media (Appendix E). ‘BA (Hons) Professional in Media and Arts’ allows to keep all my options open in the industry.


(Appendix F) Researching ethics and morals helped me realise how important your background is as this effects how one would would act in everyday life. There are codes of conduct in every walk of life and it is very important we follow these. There are also ethics in my inquiry i must consider to produce a truthful and moral piece of work.


The last reader for this module was based on ‘Tools of Professional Inquiry’. The first tool i used was ‘Survey Monkey’ where i created a survey posted it on my blog and to my SIG (Appendix G). I think this is the best way to gain reliable results as people have different views and will answer truthfully. Another tool i used were interviews, As i was able to ask questions in much more detail and delve deeper into questions that would aid my inquiry research (Appendix H).


This module has helped me develop my research skills and i now have a new set of skills that will benefit me in Module 3 and help develop my chosen line of inquiry.






References
Reader 4, 2012-13. Developing Lines of Professional Inquiry. Middlesex University, 2012/13, (online) http://lgdata.s3-website-us-east-1.amazonaws.com/docs/566/501689/BAPP_Reader_4_2012-13.pdf [accessed 2012]
Reader 5,2012-13. Professional Ethics. Middlesex University, 2012/13 (online) http://lgdata.s3-website-us-east-1.amazonaws.com/docs/566/501689/BAPP_Reader_4_2012-13.pdf [accessed 2012]
Reader 6, 2012-13. Tools of Professional Inquiry. Middlesex University, 2012/13 (online) http://lgdata.s3-website-us-east-1.amazonaws.com/docs/566/501689/BAPP_Reader_4_2012-13.pdf [accessed 2012]
Agyeman, A, 2012, Afi Agyeman Blog (online), (http://afiagyeman.blogspot.co.uk/) [accessed 6th April 2012]

6c

Literature for some of you interested in African Cinema and Arts in Ghana:

• http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/filmblog/2012/sep/03/10-best-african-films
• http://www.ug.edu.gh/index1.php?linkid=840
• http://www.sibmas.org/congresses/sibmas80/belgrad_17.html
• http://books.google.co.uk/books/about/The_Performance_Arts_in_Africa.html?id=FA5vQcOQwdEC&redir_esc=y
• http://www.s158663955.websitehome.co.uk/ghanaculture/privatecontent/File/CULTURAL.%20POLICY%20-%20FINAL.pdf

6b

From the very beginning i knew the inquiry i had chosen would limit me a whole lot. The only people that my questions and research would benefit would be Ghanaians. I thought about changing my inquiry but thought to myself this is something i could learn a lot about and hopefully something could come of it in the future.

I first realised this with my SIG, i posted a discussion topic and realised people were going my group not joining in the discussion, I have now realised this is because they maybe don't know about Arts in Ghana, i think my only way to solve this is to get the linked in Ghanaian community involved. I think with that i will get more feedback and answers to help with my inquiry. 

The same problem is happening with my survey, although you can't force people to take it. I have posted the link in my SIG group so the more members i get that are willing to ill it in the better my statistics will be.

The interview process is something i am looking forward to, i have decided i will interview three types of people as i know the answers will be different and i can get different angles from them. These are; A school/ uni teacher lecturer, a uni student and a professional in the industry. All these interviews will have to be conducted over email.

These are the tools i have chosen to use, i don't think the other two would be possible to carry out now, but i may try them when i travel to Ghana in dec for 3 weeks.

Pilot Interview

Looking through all my contacts and networks i have developed i decided to start my interview process with someone i worked with over the summer in Ghana who has now become a good friend, he is a tv presenter/radio presenter and i know he has a lot of view on my inquiry. I am also travelling to Ghana again this xmas so hopefully i will be able to get some real incite with performers, teachers and students on weather they think a performance curriculum could be in introduced.

Pilot Survey

Having researched which site would be best to create my pilot survey i finally went with survey monkey. It was easy to use and create my survey. As this is a pilot i will draft some more relevant questions and hopefully update it.

Here is my link to my survey


http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/P59BKMZ

Thoughts on my inquiry.

Having started researching into my inquiry and thinking about tools used for professional inquiries i decided to go more further into Arts in Ghana and have chosen to base my inquiry on whether an accredited Arts curriculum/program would work in schools in Ghana.

Task 5C

Having read the reader on professional ethics i learnt there are three main area of ethics:

Personal: family values and religion
Professional and Organisational : Code of conduct

Ethics is based around the right way to carry out things. Being catholic my morals may differ from someone who was not.  In any professional place of work the code of conduct will be in place but may differ from job to job. For example the ethos in my place of work would differ to that if i was in a TV studio. There would be ethics in place to make sure things are carried out to make sure certain standards are upheld. I have also learnt not everything has a right and wrong answer there are many grey areas but this is due to our character.

Task 5b

In the previous task i wrote about codes of conduct in the work place and professional work place. This task was written without any research behind it. With research here are some websites i found with information on codes of conduct in the performing industry: 

1.  http://www.a-n.co.uk/knowledge_bank/article/92660
This websites talks about codes of practice anyhow they should be applied. 

'Artists' training and experience gives them a range of skills that can be applied to any number of professional situations. Creative thinking is increasingly prized.

Artists who have confidence in, and assert, the creative problem-solving and lateral thinking that underpins their artistic practice are more likely to get to where they want to be.'

Good practice prevails where artists

•contribute confidently
•prepare thoroughly
•collaborate creatively
•aim high'

Click on the link to see these principles elaborated on.

2.  http://www.actorsequity.org/docs/outreach/etiquette.pdf

Actors Equity describes the basic codes of conduct and practice in this business, and the performers responsibilities.

3.  http://www.cambridge.gov.uk/ccm/content/business/licensing-and-permissions/street-performers-code-of-practice.en

I found this site quite interesting, codes of conduct for street performers and buskers in order to respect those in the streets.

4. http://www.ism.org/news/article/ism_code_of_practice_for_performers_and_composers

Codes of practice for musicians.

In every walk of life there are rules to follow which i sometimes forget. Following these rules and ethics help any type of work to run smoothly.

Task 5a

ethicsplural of eth·ics (Noun)

Noun:	Moral principles that govern a person's or group's behavior. The moral correctness of specified conduct.

Working in a restaurant as FOH staff for a year, i have noticed that there are ethics and codes of conduct that apply    

:

1. Arrive punctually
2. Correct uniform and hair tied up
3. Be available for customers at all times
4. Make sure customers are aware of any products containing allergens
5. Communicating with your team
6. Following correct rules when asking for holidays and handing in notices.

These are ethics and morals that can be used in any place of work.

In my professional place of work, for example a tv or dance studio:

1. Arrive punctually eg 30 mins before your hour call, this gives you time to  go over any changes if any
2. Follow house rules at all times
3. Look presentable 
4. Keep your CV up to date and truthful
5. Have all equipment with you: shoes, song rep etc
6. Communicate with your team

www.google.com

Task 4C

I sent my enquiry questions to my aunt who is Ghana based, who worked for Unicef for many years and has experience in radio and media in Ghana. Here are here views on my questions:

1) Why is it so much easier for older people to gain work in the industry than younger people? Is it because in Africa for the younger generation it is all about the fame and celebrity? Partly true -in Africa 'the child must be seen and not heard' has been with us too long! Child participation is a recent thing championed by a few so we need to make a conscious effort through early identification and mentoring to develop talents for the industry.

2) Why are there know proper agencies so others especially talented children get a chance to showcase there abilities? For similar reasons stated earlier in 1) above and also it has not crossed the minds of those in authority who can influence such decisions to create and nurture such 

 

3) Many schools in Ghana hold talent nights and other things is this not a chance for agents and directors to find actual talent? This is what I choose to call 'missed opportunities' this can be easily worked out with the Education Ministry and boarding facilities where student entertainment could be a ready 'market ' to identify 'budding' talents.

4) Do you need qualifications to be in this industry? I do not really think so though some level of literacy will be necessary

5) Africans love entertainment so why is more money not pumped into advertising and better quality equipment.We do love entertainment and will flock such places but it seems somebody should do it and we still have not identified that person yet! 

Hopefully with the help of my aunt i can dig deeper into my enquiry. 

My SIG group

I think everyone can tell that i have a real passion for African cinema and media. Therefore i would like to create an SIG group on this topic, especially as a way for other who know not much about it to gain a little knowledge.

I based my inquiry a little on generally making it in the Arts industry and how to improve the arts industry especially with children in Africa specifically Ghana as that is my home country.

So I'm going to go with improving arts back home as i feel i have so much to learn, here is the link to my SIG group:

http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=4661744&trk=myg_ugrp_ovr

Please feel free to comment and ask questions.

4d: My award Title

The name of my award title is something i have been thinking about since i started the BAPP Program. I have been performing since age 7 and studied professionally for 3 years so some thing with arts in it is a definite yes. Since my passion for African cinema and media has grown and having worked in production over the summer and wanting to go into it in the future i would like to Propose:


BA (Hons) Professional Practice in Media and Arts


What do you think?

Task 4a

After reading reader 4 I am not to sure on what i would specifically like to enquire about so here are some general questions.

1) Why does it seem like nowadays its all about who you know rather than what you know?

2) Is it hard for newly graduated performers to gain work because of limited work on there CV? Why is it a casting director would rather take someone with an amazing CV than give someone with just as equal talent a chance but has just graduated and has not got much on their CV?

3) How do you keep motivated so that after a year of no work and not many auditions you keep trying anyway?

4) Are reality TV shows and celebrities taking away jobs from some who have worked so hard in there career?

5) Why are some agents so involved with their clients and others not as much?

6) Should courses like this be more advertised in theatre and performing schools so people can have a back up plan and feel more secure?

In module 1 i blogged a little about African cinema, having worked at a tv studio there over summer here are some questions i was asking myself.

1) Why is it so much easier for older people to gain work in the industry than younger people? Is it because in Africa for the younger generation it is all about the fame and celebrity?

2) Why are there know proper agencies so others especially talented children get a chance to showcase there abilities?

3) Many schools in Ghana hold talent nights and other things is this not a chance for agents and directors to find actual talent?

4) Do you need qualifications to be in this industry?

5) Africans love entertainment so why is more money not pumped into advertising and better quality equipment.

Just a few questions i have been thinking about.

90 Days of Summer, How i spent it.

This year i had the most unforgettable summer. I went on a journey with over 10,000 other people and performed in front of the entire World in the Olympics 2012 opening ceremony. I was in the section that celebrated the NHS as that is a big part of British history. The 8 weeks lead up was not easy rehearsals everyday, travelling to the other side of London, choreography being set and changed last minute. I got to meet lots of people from the same profession as me to people who had never danced in there lives. To be part of the greatest show on earth is something that will stay with me forever and i will always remember it. This is the only HQ video i could find so if you watch around the 45 minute mark you can see the NHS/Great Ormond Street section. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=4As0e4de-rI#t=2734s

On the 31st of July i traveled to Ghana West Africa for a month to do an attachment at a media company called 'Multi TV'. I worked as a runner/assistant but was mainly in the control room with the director being taught how to direct a show, how to talk to the presenters and the cameramen. There were very early mornings i had to be at the studio to help out with the morning show by 5am which ran till 10am this is the Ghanaian version of 'This Morning', they would have guests and talk about political and social issues, sports and entertainment. This was an experience because the show was recorded live but not in english in one of the many ghanaian languages called 'Twi'. I thought i understood twi pretty well but being on set it was clear i could only understand the basics, but it has definitely picked up and it is a task of mine to learn to speak it fluently. After the morning show was finished there was another show i would help out with called 'Fire for Fire'. This was a sports show that was also spoken in twi, on this show i had to do the graphics so i learnt a lot about post production and how much time goes into preparing everything needed for the show.  Production has become an interest of mine over the past few months and this attachment really made me learn a lot about the behind the scenes, it was different being behind the camera when I'm so used to being in front of it. I am actively looking for paid and non  paid work in production now as i feel there is a lot to learn in this field.

Task 3D: Critical questions and issues that emerge

Do some very specific ideas emerge about your networking and sources? Does your engagement to date seem appropriate? Limited? Focused? Planned? Unplanned?

I feel like using social media sites to network is something i could do a lot more, everything is online now a days as it is very convenient. Instead of just checking Facebook or Twitter for social reason i can start to check for casting and ask questions, as thats why the different casting directors have there twitters and Facebook pages. For Performers like me to ask questions and get involved, They are there to help us out, an i should take full advantage of this. From my research i have also noticed i can create different profiles for my different disciplines and this will help the right people look at exactly what there looking for, for example Casting Call Pro would be for more acting, and Dancers Pro for dancers. I could be a lot more to get involved one of the first things is follow more people in the industry, this might include me having to make a professional profile as my social and professional sides should never mix.

Does sharing ideas and communicating with others shift your thinking, planning or practice?

Communicating is the best way i work. i think this comes from my dance and acting background. To execute corrections you need to be communicated with, Same way as when i teach, the best results are gained through communication. Communicating with others and sharing ideas expands my thinking. In regards to this blog, communicating with others on this course through this blog has really opened my mind to other ways i can expand and improve my craft. The helpful and constructive comments have opened my eyes to a lot more ideas.

Does critical reflection help you decide what really matters and the actions to take?

Yes critical reflection does help me decide what really matters and what actions to take, Breaking down previously written work and analysing it is a very useful tool. Questioning experiences and analysing them i something i will take into my adult learning life.

To what extent do concepts and theories assist you in thinking about your professional networking in different ways? And do these different ways of thinking have some purpose for you?

In Task 3B i chose to reflect on the theories that i felt i understood and could use the most, Affiliation is the one that would have most purpose for me. As i said in previous questions asked i need to network as much as i can, affiliation is the key. Crisp and Turners idea that we all engage in affiliation is something that everyone will agree with. This includes attending classes with them and meeting others they know, using social networking sites to there absolute maximum and taking full advantage of what they have to offer. Sometimes t is about who you know.

Are you left thinking differently prior to this part of the module? and if so, how?

I feel like i have explored a lot in this module, Before i read the reader i made a post about my thoughts on what networking is, it was a very brief explanation. Reflecting on the different theories, my current sources of information and my own current networks opened my mind to the different ways i can expand on them. Going back to module 1 the use of WEB 2.0 will be very helpful to me. The different theories from the different practitioners are things that i use in everyday life and will continue to use. I never realised how much i already knew about The Networked Professional

  

Task 3c: Sources of Information

1. Google
2. YouTube
3. Social Media
4. Friends
5. Agents

1. Google runs over one million servers and processes over 1 billion search requests, From as far as i can remember, using this search engine has always been a comfort to me. I know i will get a choice of over 1 billion on whatever i am looking for. Most information you need can be found on the web, over the years the world wide web has expanded and search engines are the go to for any type of query. There is also a new feature called Google Alerts which alerts you when new information is posted. For example if i wanted  information on a celebrity i would sign up to have 'google alerts' alert me every time new information is posted about them. There are lots more product google has to offer. Google has helped me when i was preparing to go to performing arts college, it gave me a whole list of perspective colleges. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Google_products 

2. YouTube is a great way of sharing talents, views etc. It is great for posting show reels, monologues and dance videos. Videos on youtube spread so quickly with th help of social media. Posting the link to Facebook or Twitter spread the video worldwide and ion days it can have up thousands of views. It is great for sharing talent, there have been a lot of people who have gained careers from posting the talents up on youtube. West End shows and previews can also be found here, backing tracks and instrumentals for audition use are also posted here.    For me Youtube is a great way of networking as you can put information about yourself as well as videos and agents and casting directors can communicate with you via this.

http://www.youtube.com/user/LMELaura - here is the link to a dancer who really inspires me

3. Social Media and the use of facebook, casting call pro and other sites to keep up to date with auditions and whats is going on in the performing industry . Twitter is one of the biggest social networking sites with most casting directors on twitter now it is very easy to follow and hear about auditions. It allows you to keep in touch with peers and spread information. 

4. Friends are a great source of information as they are always around to help. In my last blog post i spoke about affiliation and feeling that network of support when we are in need. Friends will always no other who will no others. This is a great way of networking and meeting new people who can be of help in the industry, Friends are the most trustworthy people and would know what is best to help you.

5. Agents are another source of information. they have contacts all over and can put you up for roles best suited for you. I have classes with my agent every thursday, sometimes she has casting directors come into classes and so on. Agents know you ability and are the best people to network through.

Task 3b: Critical Reflection on Reader 3

'A work related community held together by either close working affiliation or more distant but common work interests or needs'


This is one if the definitions of a Professional Network from my reader, from further research here are some more definitions i have found.


“Professional networking” is networking conducted with a specific plan, or goal, in mind.  That plan, or goal, is specific to the individual doing the networking but will vary, depending on the nature of the networking event that is taking place."


http://www.networking-in-business.com/business-networking/professional-networking/


Here is a link to peoples personal views on what Professional Networking is:


http://www.linkedin.com/answers/professional-development/professional-networking/PRO_PNT/970489-10197795


Robert Axelrod (1984) When should a  person cooperate, and when should a person be selfish, in an ongoing interaction with another person? Should a friend keep providing favours to another friend who never reciprocates? 
Axelrod researched the 'Game Theory' 'succeeding at another's expense', 'cooperating till maximum benefit then to defect'. Cooperation is related to this, working with someone in the same business as you who could help you get to the next step. Most people would say they have worked with people who are only out for themselves, they will be nice as pie till they get what they want but if it was to be the other way round they may not help you. I definitely have encountered this many times especially in the business i am in. I feel cooperation is a key thing when networking as the saying goes 'If you scratch my back i'll scratch yours'


Affiliation ' A network of support that will help us when we are in need' (Crisp and Turner 2007)
Crisp and Turner's idea that we all engage in affiliation is very true. As a teenager i know i am very happy when i am with my friends who share the same interests as me, and these are the people who i would fall back on if i ever needed anything. Communicating with these people and others is the best way to achieve something when in need. 'According to evolutionary psychologists, our tendency to seek out others and form close relationships is an inherited trait that helps us survive and reproduce'. people and certainly young adults my age like to know they belong to something so this statement is something a lot of people can relate to. 


Affiliation can be defined as a positive, sometimes intimate, personal relationship 


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Need_for_affiliation


Affiliation is a very important part of networking and something we will use throughout our lives.

These are the two theories i understand best and use most when networking.

Is My Professional Career Finally Taking Flight?

So i got an email from my agent this week, and i had some great news. I will be performing in the opening ceremonies of the Olympics 2012. This was amazing news and i was so happy to hear it. I graduated in the summer of 2011, although i knew a job wouldn't come straight away i was getting a bit frustrated with going to audition after audition and hearing nothing back. Rehearsals start in June and i am so excited to learn and be part of this event. Hopefully this is the start of a long and fruitful career.