Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology
Project Pitch
(video)
Project Proposal
| Candidate Name | Faith Angela Saunders-Beckwith |
| Candidate Number | 362585 |
| Pathway | Film and TV |
| Project Title | The Secret Life of Tortoises |
| Section 1: Rationale |
Over the past year, l’ve really built up my skills in factual storytelling and production through some key projects. For example, in Unit 9, I created a documentary about Endometriosis. This project taught me a lot about how to handle complex medical subjects sensitively and how to structure information in a way that’s both engaging and easy to understand. Also, in my Multi-Camera unit, I worked as a producer, which gave me valuable experience in guiding the creative side of things, managing all the production details, and leading a team. These experiences have helped me get really good at planning, organising, and delivering media projects that are both factually accurate and fun to watch. For my Final Major Project, I’m creating “The Secret Life of Tortoises,” which will be an interactive learning experience hosted on faithangela.co.uk. It’ll include a short documentary, a Tamagotchi-style game where you can interact with a virtual tortoise, and some written fun facts within the website for those who prefer reading over watching or playing. I’m taking this multimedia approach so that it suits different learning styles, and I’m also aiming to keep younger audiences entertained, specifically aged 6-12. I’m excited to expand my creative abilities by incorporating 2D animation. This will help me add some personality and charm to the story and simplify some of the trickier biological stuff for kids. Ultimately, I want to deliver something that’s both fun and educational, combining digital interactivity with strong storytelling. |
| Section 2: Project Concept |
Tortoises are often seen as slow and simple, but they’re actually intelligent and observant animals with some pretty surprising behaviours and instincts. “The Secret Life of Tortoises” aims to change those assumptions with a roughly five-minute documentary that mixes live-action footage, macro footage, 2D animation, images and some playful narration. I’m taking inspiration from things like Netflix original, “The Hidden Life of Pets” and CBeebies’ “My Pet and Me” to show just how complex and interesting tortoises can be. I’ll be using a warm and humorous tone to connect with viewers, especially children and families. The interactive website will not only host the documentary but also serve as a learning hub. It’ll feature a Tamagotchi-style game where users can care for a virtual tortoise, and a collection of fun facts and extra content for those who like to learn at their own pace through reading. The project will both entertain and educate people about tortoise behaviour, their anatomy and so much more. The animated sequences will show a stylised version of a tortoise’s day, and this will be contrasted with real macro footage that captures detailed behaviours like eating, basking, and interacting with each other. I’ll be using equipment like a DSLR camera for the close-up shots, lighting rigs to get the visuals just right, and Adobe software (Premiere Pro, Audition, XD and Animate) for the editing and animation. In post-production, I’ll be adding subtle sound design and music to really draw the audience in and set the tone. My research will cover tortoise biology, case studies (inspiration), script writing for children and animation techniques. This will inform my script and visual choices. My planning process involves a full production schedule, shot lists, animation drafts, and a testing phase. I want to get feedback on the animation, game mechanics and website layout, especially from younger users, to make sure everything is clear, user-friendly, and appealing. By combining creative storytelling with technical skills, I hope to create an engaging and informative experience that reveals tortoises as the fascinating creatures they truly are. |
| Section 3: Evaluation |
I’ll be measuring the success of the project through both qualitative and quantitative data, I have received in a feedback form. I’ll track how people are using the website, looking at things like how they interact with the game and the documentary. I’ll gather feedback through surveys, peer reviews, and self reflection. Before the launch, I plan to test the animation sequences and the interactive game with a small group to check if everything is clear, easy to use, and enjoyable, especially for kids. I’ll be reflecting on how well the documentary, animation, and game work together to communicate complex ideas in a way that’s both fun and easy to understand. I’ll keep weekly logs to document the production process, noting any challenges, creative decisions, and improvements. In my final evaluation, I’ll analyse how well the project met its goals, what I learned from experimenting, and how I can improve my approach for future interactive or educational media projects. |
| Proposed Research Sources and Bibliography (Harvard Format) |
Tortoise Research: Pets4Homes. (n.d.). Fun & Interesting Facts About Tortoises. [online] Available at: https://www.pets4homes.co.uk/pet-advice/fun-interesting-facts-about-tortoises.html. [Accessed 17 March 2025] YouTube. (n.d.). Garden State Tortoise. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYzqdqymxKfHTUUrLHHiBrA [Accessed 17 March 2025]. News, I. (2015). 10 facts you may not know about tortoises. [online] ITV News. Available at: https://www.itv.com/news/wales/2015-04-30/10-facts-you-may-not-know-about-tortoises [Accessed 17 March 2025]. Script Writing: Wright, P. (2016). Tips – Writing for Children’s TV. [online] Comedy Crowd. Available at: https://thecomedycrowd.com/tips-writing-for-childrens-tv/. [Accessed 25 March 2025]. Research: BBC (2019). Target audience – Revision 3 – GCSE Media Studies – BBC Bitesize. [online] BBC Bitesize. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zy24p39/revision/3. [Accessed 19 March 2025]. Bbc.com. (2025). BBC Player. [online] Available at: https://player.bbc.com/en/brand/my-pet-and-me-vet-tales [Accessed 19 March 2025]. Official Tamagotchi Site. (n.d.). Official Tamagotchi Site. [online] Available at: https://tamagotchi-official.com/us/ [Accessed 19 March 2025]. National Geographical (2015). National Geographic Kids. [online] National Geographic Kids. Available at: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/ [Accessed 19 March 2025]. Netflix.com. (2022). The Hidden Lives of Pets. [online] Available at: https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81318943 [Accessed 19 March 2025]. Website Images: Pexels (2025). Free Stock Photos. [online] Pexels.com. Available at: https://www.pexels.com/. Pixabay (n.d.). Pixabay. [online] Pixabay.com. Available at: https://pixabay.com/. |
My Production Schedule:
Week Beginning | Activity / What you are intending to do – including independent study | Resources / What you will need to do it – including access to workshops |
10th March 2025 | Context Page: Draft the project proposal, design brief (statement of intent) and conduct a SWOT analysis for the project. Begin setting up the website structure in WordPress using Elementor (create pages for Context, Research, etc.). Write initial content and gather context information. | WordPress (Elementor) for site setup and layout; Microsoft Word for drafting proposal/brief; Google Search for background research; Apple Notes for brainstorming and note-taking. |
17th March 2025 | Research Page (Primary & Secondary): Plan and conduct primary research (organise a focus group and create a survey of peers about tortoise-related learning or game interest). Collect secondary research on documentary techniques, Tamagotchi games, and related case studies. Start summarising findings. | Microsoft Word for writing notes and survey questions. Google Search and library books for gathering secondary research; Online tools (e.g. Microsoft or Google Forms) for surveys; Apple Notes for recording insights. |
24th March 2025 | Research Page (continued): Continue developing the Research page by adding annotated source summaries (annotated bibliography) from both primary and secondary research. Explain how each research finding will inform website design, game features, and documentary style. Begin transferring content into the WordPress page templates. | Microsoft Word for organising research notes and annotations; Google Scholar/Internet for sourcing references. Books or articles on documentary and game design. WordPress/Elementor to format content on the site. |
31st March 2025 | Practical Skills Page (Trial & Testing): Focus on practical trials. Book and prepare equipment (DSLR camera, tripod, lights, SD card, microphone). Conduct test video shoots and audio recordings for the documentary (framing, lighting, sound). Perform test animations/sketches on FlipAClip to prototype the Tamagotchi game art style. Document trial methods and results. | DSLR camera kit (camera, tripod, lighting, microphone, memory card) for trial footage; FlipAClip app (tablet/iPad) for animation tests; Microsoft Word for documenting trial processes; Apple Notes for quick test notes; Adobe Animate for basic motion tests. |
7th April 2025 | Problem Solving Page & Game Design: Reflect on Week 4 trials to identify issues (e.g. lighting/sound problems, animation challenges) and plan improvements. Begin designing the Tamagotchi-style game mechanics and interface: create wireframes/mockups in Adobe XD, and prototype animations in Adobe Animate. Draft content for the Problem-Solving page outlining challenges and initial solutions. | Adobe XD for Ul/wireframe design; Adobe Animate for initial game animation prototypes; Microsoft Word to write reflections for Problem Solving page; Apple Notes for jotting fixes and game ideas; FlipAClip for rough animation sketches if needed. |
14th April 2025 | Practical Skills Page (Filming & Animation): Film the main documentary content using the camera kit (capturing B-roll, interviews, tortoise footage). Record clear audio. Continue animating short segments for the game/story using Adobe Animate and FlipAClip. Populate the Practical Skills page with details of filming/animation processes and any new techniques learned. | DSLR camera kit (for filming); Portable audio recorder or microphone; Adobe Animate for detailed animations; FlipAClip for sketching animation frames; Microsoft Word for notes. Apple Notes for quick scene ideas; Premiere Pro (if doing quick rough cuts of test footage). |
21st April 2025 | Practical Skills Page (Editing & Embedding): Begin editing the documentary footage in Adobe Premiere Pro (rough cut: sequence clips, sync sound). Continue animating/refining game assets. Start embedding the Tamagotchi game (animations/interactive elements) into the website using WordPress/Elementor (e.g. using HTML5 canvas or animated GIF placeholders). | Adobe Premiere Pro for video editing; Adobe Animate for final game animations; WordPress with Elementor for embedding media/game; Microsoft Word for documenting editing workflow; Apple Notes for managing editing checklists. |
28th April 2025 | Finalise Practical Skills & Problem Solving Pages: Polish the Practical Skills page content. Continue refining the documentary edit (add transitions, titles, colour correction) and finalising animations. Update the Problem-Solving page with specific examples of challenges encountered (e.g. synchronise issues, coding bugs) and how each was resolved. Prepare the short documentary final cut. | Adobe Premiere Pro for final video editing; Adobe Animate and FlipAClip for final animation tweaks; Microsoft Word to write detailed Problem-Solving entries; WordPress (Elementor) to update pages; Google Search or tutorials for troubleshooting tips as needed. |
5th May 2025 | Finalisation & Presentation (Exhibition Week): Finalise all project elements. Ensure the Tamagotchi game is fully functional on the site and that all website pages are complete and formatted. Export and upload the finished documentary to the website. Conduct a project presentation or exhibition. Gather audience feedback via forms or notes. | WordPress/Elementor to upload final game and videos; Adobe Animate for any last-minute tweaks; Adobe Premiere Pro for final documentary export; Microsoft Word/Apple Notes to prepare presentation notes and collect feedback; Google Forms (optional) for feedback collection. |
12th May 2025 | Evaluation & Submission: Analyse exhibition feedback and reflect on the project’s outcomes. Write the Evaluation page content in Microsoft Word, discussing what went well, what could improve, and learning points. Finalise the website and all documentation. Ensure the entire project is ready for submission by May 16. | Microsoft Word for drafting the Evaluation and final report. Apple Notes to organise reflection points; Google Search or tutorials for any final formatting help; WordPress/Elementor to do final review of the site. |
Better Ideas Faster (BIF):
Name of Project:
The Secret Life of Tortoises
It’s all about discovering and exploring the world of tortoises through a fun, interactive documentary and website experience designed for kids aged 6-12, their families and animal lovers. Through combining a Website, Game ans Documentary I hope to create a engaging and entertaining interactive learning environment.
Description:
For my Final Major Project, I am creating an interactive learninb website which will host fun facts a short documentary that’s all about making learning fun for 6-12 year olds. Alongside a Tamagotchi-style game where you can look after your own virtual tortoise, that all reveals just how smart, active, and interesting these reptiles are.
Backstory:
Since I was a child, I have always been fascinated by how documentary shows like Netflix’s “The Hidden Life of Pets” and CBeebies’” My Pet and Me” successfully teach all about animals in such an entertaining way and appropriate way.
Whilst a lot of documentaries focus on exotic animals, I wanted to shine a light on Tortoises – they’re common pets, especially within the UK, but often misunderstood. Therefore, I’m using documentary storytelling with a playful twist to show their secret lives! I’ve also taken inspiration from interactive educational platforms like BBC Bitesize and National Geographic Kids for the website’s structure, and virtual pet games like Tamagotchi, Club Penguin, and Webkinz for the game, although they won’t require as much detail and depth . Overall, my initial intention, is creating a space where learning feels like playing, and kids can get excited about science without even realising they’re studying.
Opportunity:
Taking on this multi-format project solo was definitely a difficult challenge. I have to learn 2D animation from scratch, film macro footage with limited equipment, and build a working game for web browsers. Therefore, time management is going to be key, especially because filming animals is extremely unpredictable as tortoises definitely don’t take direction. And because the website will be hosted on faithangela.co.uk, I’m also responsible for the web design and making sure everything integrates smoothly. But even with these hurdles, this project is an amazing opportunity to bring together everything I love – storytelling, animation, education, and digital design – into one awesome experience that really showcases my skills and ambitions.
Scope:
The final interactive project will include a five-minute short documentary that mixes live-action footage with 2D animation to bring the tortoises’ world to life. It will also feature a Tamagotchi-style virtual game where users can learn how to care for their own virtual tortoise, and a library of fun facts and written content that dives deeper into the educational side of things. To bring it all together, there will be a website that presents everything in a way that’s super easy and fun for kids to use.
To keep things focused, the project is specifically about Tortoises. I won’t be exploring other pets or reptiles in general. The focus is really on their intelligence, their daily routines, and the hidden specialties that we often miss. Also, the website won’t have things like a parent-locked controls. But, I will include an ability to download the game as its own app.
Target Audience:
This project is designed for children aged 6-12, and their parents or teachers. The content is made to be super accessible, engaging, and educational for this age group, with a bright and friendly tone — a bit like CBeebies’ My Pet and Me. Kids in this age range are naturally curious about animals, and they love multimedia stuff that combines play and learning. The Tamagotchi-style game is perfect for encouraging nurturing and responsibility, while the fun facts section is there for kids who prefer reading and learning at their own pace. I also think educators will find this useful as a fun extension to science lessons at school.
Constraints:
The biggest challenges I’m facing are time, as juggling website development, animation, filming, and editing within the production schedule is going to be difficult. My own technical skills are also a constraint, because I’m learning animation and interactive design as I go, which adds another layer of difficulty. Also, there’s an animal unpredictability, because my tortoise stars aren’t exactly the most cooperative actors. Finally, I have to produce everything myself, using free or college software and equipment (like Adobe Creative Cloud and my existing web hosting). This means I need to be super strict with the project scope to make sure I can deliver everything to a high standard.
Assumptions:
I’m working on the assumption that kids aged 6-12 are pretty comfortable using touchscreens and navigating games and websites. I’m also assuming that I have access to the necessary equipment, software (like Adobe Animate), and web hosting. I believe that people will mostly access the site on tablets or computers, rather than smartphones, and that my audience enjoys learning in lshort timeframes, with fun visuals and interactive elements. Lastly, I assume that there’s a genuine interest in tortoises and pet care among children, especially if it’s presented in a fun and entertaining
Resources:
This is a solo project, so I’m doing everything myself. My two Hermann’s tortoises will be the stars within documentary. I will be using a DSLR camera, tripod, lighting, and macro lenses to film them. For the editing, animation, and sound design, I’ll be relying on Adobe Animate, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro. I’ll also be getting feedback and testing from friends and peers throughout the development process. The website will be hosted on faithangela.co.uk, which | already manage.
Success:
I’ll know the project is a success if I’ve created a funny short documentary with clear narration, engaging animation, and well-shot footage. Success also means that the interactive game is fully functional and works smoothly in a web browser, and that the fun facts section is packed with clear, well-written, and educational content. Of course, I’ll be looking for positive feedback from children, parents, and peers, and I’ll be keeping an eye on how people are actually interacting with the website – clicking through pages, spending time playing the game, etc.
Ultimately, if children are intrigued by tortoises and learn something new in a fun, playful way, then I’ll consider the project a clear success. I’ll also be documenting the whole process, including user feedback, testing insights, and my own reflections on how I’ve developed creatively and technically.
Envision:
The final product will be a roughly five-minute short film that blends real-life footage with hand-drawn 2D animation to tell a captivating story. It will also be a super fun, interactive Tamagotchi-style game that kids will want to play again and again, all within a browser. And of course, there will be a website hosted on faithangela.co.uk with a colorful, easy-to-use design that’s perfect for kids, and a section full of fun facts and extras that expand on the learning.
The overall tone will be playful, informative, and friendly – making it ideal for use in classrooms, for family learning at home, or just for kids exploring on their own. For me, success means that users are engaged, keep coming back to the game, and come away with a newfound appreciation for a pet they might have otherwise overlooked.
Deliverables:
To make it clear, I’m aiming to deliver a short documentary (around 5 minutes) that will be hosted on the website. I will also deliver an interactive Tamagotchi-style mini-game that users can play directly on the site, and a fully functional website with all the content, designed to be kid-friendly. In addition, I will provide a collection of tortoise facts and educational write-ups, and full project documentation, including production logs, animation tests, and a final evaluation of the project.
