We were all quite disorganized today, we spent the whole hour split into pairs, going to any clothes shop that was open and knocking on shops that were not, to ask whether they had any spare mannequins that they wanted to throw out to give to us, this was because we still did not have a solution to our mannequin problem from last lesson however this plan failed, so me and Fatma went to go and check out our planned location but when we got there we realized that filming there would not be possible because all the trees' branches were too thin for anyone to be hanged on, the park was too small for us to film the running scene and it also limited the types of shots that we could use, so we all regrouped back at college to sort out what do.
We decided to just film the shots that did not include the mannequin, but then we realized we didn't have a tape recorder either so we have to borrow one from the media department instead, as we left the building, I spotted the other art teacher and asked him instead if we could borrow a mannequin and he said yes. We all went back upstairs to collect the different parts and then we went all the way back down to the drama department to go dress it up in the same clothes as Carel as it was suppose to be a copy of her, we also found a wig and borrowed some rope.
Fatma then took us to a canal she had been too that was near to our college. It was perfect because it much more trees that were thicker and better for us to choose from, it had a stairway going into a long path which would be good for the running scene and it had no people around so we would not be disturbed. So then we chose a tree and began to set up the mannequin, this was difficult because the torso and the legs pieces weren't the correct match and so they didn't fit so we had wrapped the rope though the legs and around the neck to keep it together then we tied a loop around the neck again and hung it on the whole thing on the tree. We put Carels' coat on the mannequin so the rope holding it together could not be seen and so you could not tell that it didn't have any arms. Then we put stuck the post-it note on the the recorder, placed it on the ledge next to the mannequin and began filming.
At first we did the all shots that involved the mannequin so we wouldn't need to borrow it again, but because I was in most of these scenes, such as when I walk in and do actions that shows parts of the mannequin, I couldn't take part in filming so instead we took turns. So when it was just Carel by herself in shots I had the opportunity to film then.
We filmed me walking into the scene, taking a double look at the body and screaming from different angles, this was so we could have to choice of shots to use for a match cuts and also we had to film some shots a number of times because of disturbances, such as the sun shining from an angle spoiling the lighting or people walking in the way of sun shine changing the lighting from a previous scene, making it bad continuity and other times the people on the boats in the canal would go past and their engines would make too much noise or they would also stop to talk to us and take photos. We then done the shots of me picking up the recorder and listening from different angles, we decided to leave the post it note blank when we filmed the close up because we were going to edit it to show 'PYSCLE' and then change into 'PLAY' on the computer instead with effects.
When it came to filming Carel climbing the tree to hang her self we had to change trees as the one we were using was too high for the reach and also the branch didn't look too steady, so we went to another tree and she sat on it while we filmed her feet hanging lifelessly and then shaking as if she was struggling while being hanged. After that we went back to our original tree to film her top half because the branch would be in shot so we needed it to be the same. We tied a lose loop in the rope and Carel put around her neck while Fatma held (lightly) on the to the other end that was hooked over the branch so the rope didn't look flimsy and then Carel did a little jump on the ledge as if she just fallen from the tree and shook again to create a struggling illusion and then slowly hung her head down, swaying a little as to show that she was dead.
Because of our late start we were still filming through our lunch break and then decided just to film one more scene of Carel running into the canal barefooted, but it was freezing that day and it too much for Carel to bear as the pavement was cold too so instead we she ran in her shoes but it didn't make a difference anyway because you couldn't tell what was on her feet as it just look like her trouser were long. We only got this shot from one angle because we ran out the time and had to get back to college for next lesson.
I hope that next time we film we will be more organized and will be able to get more shots done, however I don't think that this lesson was a complete disaster because we did in fact get most of our storyboard done so I pleased about that.
Friday 30 January 2009
Thursday 29 January 2009
Thursday 29/01/2009 (Filming)
In this lesson, we spent the first hour searching for open shops that might be able to give or loan us a mannequin; however, this proved unsuccessful. Miserably defeated, we went back to college to get a tape recorder, postit notes, and rope. Whilst there, we ran into an art teacher, and Nicole asked again about borrowing a mannequin. He said yes (problem solved!) so we all went upstairs to get the various body parts. On our way back downstairs, we suddenly realised that I didn't have a change of clothes, and refused -point blank- to freeze to death while we filmed the mannequin; so we went to the props and costumes department to ask about using a costume to dress the mannequin in to make it look more like me, as I was to be the one filmed "hanging". Another problem solved, as we were allowed to use costumes. We didn't need to find a shirt, as we were going to use my long coat, zipped to the top, to hide the fact that the mannequin didn't attach properly, so all we needed was a pair of trousers that looked like the ones I was wearing. This was a lot more difficult than we'd thought; however, we found two identical pairs of trousers (much better), so I changed into one, and we put the other on the mannequin. We also found a wig that was almost my hair colour, so we borrowed that as well. Finally ready, after about an hour and a half, we left college to film.
The park we had originally planned to use, proved unsuitable, as -not only were the overhanging branches far too thin to support much weight- the trees had recently been fenced off, which meant we wouldn't be able to film there. This meant needing to look for a new location. Thankfully, Fatma had a good idea of where to go, so we went to have a look. It was a pathway running alongside a canal, and almost every tree had a good branch that leant out over the pathway. It was perfect, except for some of the canal boats that occasionally drove through our shots, ruining the sound.
Our next problem was actually stringing up the mannequin. We decided to film all the parts we needed the mannquin for first, as this would mean not having to borrow it again. First, I threw the rope over an overhanging branch, and we looped it around the mannequin's neck to give the actual hanging effect. Then, using the rope as a pulley, we hauled up the mannequin's top half, and attached the bottom half, wrapping the rope around it, and then tying it to the knot at the neck, to make it look like a whole person. Then we put my coat on the mannequin, covering up the second layer of rope keeping it all together, and zipped it up to hide the fact that the mannequin wasn't wearing a shirt. The mannequin didn't have any arms, but that didn't matter, as my coat was thick enough to make it seem as though there were arms in the sleeves. We added the wig -as a final touch- and put the tape player -with a blank postit note- on the ground beside the tree we were using, and we were finally ready.
We then filmed the mannequin, and Nicole's reaction to the "dead body" swinging from a tree, several times from varying angles, so that we could do match cuts in editing. We got a lot of strange looks, as many people passing by thought the mannequin looked very real (which can only be a good thing). Nicole then had to pick up the tape player, and pretend to read the note, which we also filmed from several angles, including one from between the mannequin's ankles. We also shot a close up of the tape recorder, so that we could add titles to the postit note in editing. Once we'd filmed everything we needed with the mannequin, we had the difficult job of actually taking it down, and making it look like I was the one hanging. The first shot in sequence for our film is a close up of my bare feet dangling. This was not easy to film, as it was extremely cold, and I couldn't quite get high enough to hold onto the branch. So we found a different tree with a similar background that I could climb a little way up, and sit on to dangle my feet down. We filmed it from one angle, to make it look most like how it would have if I'd been in the right place. Whilst there, we filmed a shot from later on, when I'm actually in the process of "hanging" myself. For this, we had to make it look like I'd dropped down, and was struggling and jerking before going still and lifeless. After this, we went back to our original tree to film my top half doing exactly the same as my feet - first swinging, and then dropping down and jerking. We were a little worried about this bit, as it meant having the rope around my neck. However, we did not tie the rope to the tree, as this would have been a serious safety hazzard had I slipped off the ledge I was standing on. Instead, Fatma held the rope behind the camera, and gave me some slack at the approriate moments. Each time we reshot that section of film, I had to adjust the knot in the rope, as it was slowly getting tighter; however, it was all perfectly safe in the end. I never slipped off the ledge, and Fatma never let the rope get tight enough to actually touch my neck. Once all of this was out of the way, we filmed a section of me running up the path to the tree. Originally, this was supposed to be bare-footed as well, but I didn't get half-way down the path before my feet were far too cold for me to be able to physically run, so I had to put my shoes and socks back on. We only managed to get this from one angle, as we ran out of time. We packed up, and hobbled back to college, very cold, and a little in pain. Once there, we took eveything back to the appropriate departments. With what we filmed today, hopefully we won't need most of the props next time.
The park we had originally planned to use, proved unsuitable, as -not only were the overhanging branches far too thin to support much weight- the trees had recently been fenced off, which meant we wouldn't be able to film there. This meant needing to look for a new location. Thankfully, Fatma had a good idea of where to go, so we went to have a look. It was a pathway running alongside a canal, and almost every tree had a good branch that leant out over the pathway. It was perfect, except for some of the canal boats that occasionally drove through our shots, ruining the sound.
Our next problem was actually stringing up the mannequin. We decided to film all the parts we needed the mannquin for first, as this would mean not having to borrow it again. First, I threw the rope over an overhanging branch, and we looped it around the mannequin's neck to give the actual hanging effect. Then, using the rope as a pulley, we hauled up the mannequin's top half, and attached the bottom half, wrapping the rope around it, and then tying it to the knot at the neck, to make it look like a whole person. Then we put my coat on the mannequin, covering up the second layer of rope keeping it all together, and zipped it up to hide the fact that the mannequin wasn't wearing a shirt. The mannequin didn't have any arms, but that didn't matter, as my coat was thick enough to make it seem as though there were arms in the sleeves. We added the wig -as a final touch- and put the tape player -with a blank postit note- on the ground beside the tree we were using, and we were finally ready.
We then filmed the mannequin, and Nicole's reaction to the "dead body" swinging from a tree, several times from varying angles, so that we could do match cuts in editing. We got a lot of strange looks, as many people passing by thought the mannequin looked very real (which can only be a good thing). Nicole then had to pick up the tape player, and pretend to read the note, which we also filmed from several angles, including one from between the mannequin's ankles. We also shot a close up of the tape recorder, so that we could add titles to the postit note in editing. Once we'd filmed everything we needed with the mannequin, we had the difficult job of actually taking it down, and making it look like I was the one hanging. The first shot in sequence for our film is a close up of my bare feet dangling. This was not easy to film, as it was extremely cold, and I couldn't quite get high enough to hold onto the branch. So we found a different tree with a similar background that I could climb a little way up, and sit on to dangle my feet down. We filmed it from one angle, to make it look most like how it would have if I'd been in the right place. Whilst there, we filmed a shot from later on, when I'm actually in the process of "hanging" myself. For this, we had to make it look like I'd dropped down, and was struggling and jerking before going still and lifeless. After this, we went back to our original tree to film my top half doing exactly the same as my feet - first swinging, and then dropping down and jerking. We were a little worried about this bit, as it meant having the rope around my neck. However, we did not tie the rope to the tree, as this would have been a serious safety hazzard had I slipped off the ledge I was standing on. Instead, Fatma held the rope behind the camera, and gave me some slack at the approriate moments. Each time we reshot that section of film, I had to adjust the knot in the rope, as it was slowly getting tighter; however, it was all perfectly safe in the end. I never slipped off the ledge, and Fatma never let the rope get tight enough to actually touch my neck. Once all of this was out of the way, we filmed a section of me running up the path to the tree. Originally, this was supposed to be bare-footed as well, but I didn't get half-way down the path before my feet were far too cold for me to be able to physically run, so I had to put my shoes and socks back on. We only managed to get this from one angle, as we ran out of time. We packed up, and hobbled back to college, very cold, and a little in pain. Once there, we took eveything back to the appropriate departments. With what we filmed today, hopefully we won't need most of the props next time.
Tuesday 27 January 2009
Monday 26/01/2009 and Tuesday 27/01/2009
In this lesson (Monday), my group spent a while explaining the previous lesson to me, and what our idea finally was. Once I was -mostly- up to speed, we began storyboarding each shot properly, to get a better sense of what was achievable, and what we wanted it all to look like. While Nicole and Yarohey drew the storyboards, Fatma wrote down what effects/sounds/etc would be in each scene, and I wrote it all in more detail (with actions, etc). We then ran into a problem when Nicole and Fatma went to the art department to ask about borrowing a mannequin, which we're not allowed to do. After the lesson, Fatma and I went to the drama and props departments to see if they had any there, and it turned out that art took the ones from the props cupboard, and we already knew we weren't allowed to use them. Our next idea is to ask around at some of the clothes shops, and see if they have any damaged ones spare; if not, we'll have to find an alternative.
Today (Tuesday) I wrote up a rough draft of a proper script of the shots we're going to use, various editing notes (e.g. "desaturate the flashback"), and the dialogue for the voice-over in the flashback.
Today (Tuesday) I wrote up a rough draft of a proper script of the shots we're going to use, various editing notes (e.g. "desaturate the flashback"), and the dialogue for the voice-over in the flashback.
Storyboard
This lesson we first explained what we had done last week to a member of our group who was absent from the previous lesson and then together we sorted out the plan for our opening. We discussed shots we had in mind, whilst me and Yarohey drew out the storyboards, Fatma wrote down the effects, transitions and audio for each frame, both diegetic and non-diegetic and Carel wrote up the narrative. We decided that we were either going to film Fatma or Carel and we talked about what props we need to bring in.
As one of our frames is a long shot showing a full image of a person hanging on a branch, we needed a dummy, I knew that the Art department had many body parts of mannequins that we could put together to create a whole person, so me and Fatma went up to ask to borrow one but the teacher said the only times we could borrow it was during a specific time that didn't fit into our schedule. We went back to our class and our teacher searched the cost of a mannequin while we brainstormed other ways we could get one or make one. We could go shops and asked if they had any spare ones that they were going to throw out or we could stuff clothing with the inside of cushions and attach a balloon on as a head and put a wig on top of that so it looks like a person from far away.
At the end of the lesson we still had not found a solution and next time we were supposed to be filming so we need to come up with a second option soon.
As one of our frames is a long shot showing a full image of a person hanging on a branch, we needed a dummy, I knew that the Art department had many body parts of mannequins that we could put together to create a whole person, so me and Fatma went up to ask to borrow one but the teacher said the only times we could borrow it was during a specific time that didn't fit into our schedule. We went back to our class and our teacher searched the cost of a mannequin while we brainstormed other ways we could get one or make one. We could go shops and asked if they had any spare ones that they were going to throw out or we could stuff clothing with the inside of cushions and attach a balloon on as a head and put a wig on top of that so it looks like a person from far away.
At the end of the lesson we still had not found a solution and next time we were supposed to be filming so we need to come up with a second option soon.
Pitch
In our groups we were given felt tips and paper to create a mind map of the key areas that we needed to cover in our pitch such as the plot, key images, settings and location, lighting, camerawork, editing, props, music and audience. We had previously discussed the majority of this using MSN the night before so we were confident with our idea and all we had left to do is get it written down and decided on a name. During the lesson Mickey asked us about our plot and advised us to make it simple as it was too complex to be used in a two minute opening. He suggested ways to simplify it but we weren't sure with his ideas and there was not that much time left for us to come up with a better solution as we had to pitch soon. So we decided to pitch our original idea to the teachers to get more opinions on what we should do.
Our idea we presented was focused on a villain and a victim. The narrative is the following:
A girl is kept captive by psycho who has been previously following her and has been keeping a recording of whatever she does. The girl manages to escape and takes the recordings with her as evidence. As she runs through a park but gives up and climbs up a tree and commits suicide, leaving the evidence by her side. This is then found by a someone else who then becomes the psycho's next victim.
The way we planned to film this confused a lot of the class and the teachers who also agreed that the idea was good but it needs to be more simple. We then talked through the rest of our pitch and explained how the title we had created relates to the plot. The title is a combination of the words ' Psycho' and 'Cycle' to make ' Pyscle', because its about a psycho who attacks on a continuous cycle.
At the end of the lesson we began deciding on what park we would film in and at first decided to film near Fatma's area but realizing how long we would take to get there and back it would be a waste of time, so we knew that we should be looking for parks that are good enough to film in near our college instead.
I think that we all left the lesson feeling the opposite to how we was when we came in because their was still not a clear idea for our opening and we did not have a location sorted out.
Our idea we presented was focused on a villain and a victim. The narrative is the following:
A girl is kept captive by psycho who has been previously following her and has been keeping a recording of whatever she does. The girl manages to escape and takes the recordings with her as evidence. As she runs through a park but gives up and climbs up a tree and commits suicide, leaving the evidence by her side. This is then found by a someone else who then becomes the psycho's next victim.
The way we planned to film this confused a lot of the class and the teachers who also agreed that the idea was good but it needs to be more simple. We then talked through the rest of our pitch and explained how the title we had created relates to the plot. The title is a combination of the words ' Psycho' and 'Cycle' to make ' Pyscle', because its about a psycho who attacks on a continuous cycle.
At the end of the lesson we began deciding on what park we would film in and at first decided to film near Fatma's area but realizing how long we would take to get there and back it would be a waste of time, so we knew that we should be looking for parks that are good enough to film in near our college instead.
I think that we all left the lesson feeling the opposite to how we was when we came in because their was still not a clear idea for our opening and we did not have a location sorted out.
Past Two lessons
The lesson before last was the pitch. We had to pitch our ideas to the class, and teachers. We started the lesson making spider diagrams for our pitch. As a group we discussed our previous ideas and put them to paper. Then we had to pitch to the class. Everyone in the group spoke about the film opening, and what we were planning to create. The class then asked questions, and we got some positive criticism back to help improve our work.
Last lesson, we worked on creating our storyboard and script. We had the option to go and film- but we knew we were not ready. we focused on tranisitions, shot types, editing and sound mainly. We found that we had too many ideas, that could not be put to paper. In other words we were OVER complicating matters, just because we were focused. We exchanged futher ideas before storyboarding, and scripting last. The outcome of the lesson was good although we did not start filming.
Last lesson, we worked on creating our storyboard and script. We had the option to go and film- but we knew we were not ready. we focused on tranisitions, shot types, editing and sound mainly. We found that we had too many ideas, that could not be put to paper. In other words we were OVER complicating matters, just because we were focused. We exchanged futher ideas before storyboarding, and scripting last. The outcome of the lesson was good although we did not start filming.
Saturday 24 January 2009
Pitch
I was unable to attend this lesson due to various complications which have been explained; however, from what I've heard it went alright.
Thursday 22 January 2009
22.01.09 Pitch
Today’s lesson was all rushed; we were to complete our storyboards, make a filming schedule and pitch our ideas ready for filming next lesson. (The whole call only managed to present their ideas for the film.) This included, mise-en-scene, camera work, editing, sound, characters, audience, costume, props, location and lighting.
One member of our group was unable to attend this lesson meaning it was down to the three of us to pitch. We weren’t too worried about three of us pitching because the night before we all pitched in our ideas over msn so we had a brief idea of what we wanted to film.
The main problem that occurred with our narrative was that it was very complex. We were told this when given approval to film under the condition that we simplify our plot. Our initial ideas were very basic but due to us constantly disagreeing, and teachers sharing their ideas, we ended up over complicating everything.
We were the second group to pitch our plan to “the judges” yet in my opinion, the most time consuming group. As we were presenting our ideas to everyone, or in media terms “pitching,” I noticed how other pupils reacted to our plot. Some gave us confusing looks, which worried me because I had no idea how it compared to theirs, and some of them showed at lot of interest which brought up my confidence.
We explained how the narrative was based around the story of a psychopath who captures victims and continuously toys with people’s minds which leads them to eventually committing suicide. Therefore we eventually agreed to the title “Psycle”. It’s a play on words, the combination of the words “Psycho” (which represents the villain) and “Cycle” (which represents the repeated procedure.)
When we came to speaking of location we agreed to film in a park that was local to me, but there was a matter of how long it would actually take to travel there and back while we could be using most of the travelling time to film. So now we have to search for appropriate locations as well as a similar narrative.
Nobody had anything to ask us, there were more or less suggestions.
One member of our group was unable to attend this lesson meaning it was down to the three of us to pitch. We weren’t too worried about three of us pitching because the night before we all pitched in our ideas over msn so we had a brief idea of what we wanted to film.
The main problem that occurred with our narrative was that it was very complex. We were told this when given approval to film under the condition that we simplify our plot. Our initial ideas were very basic but due to us constantly disagreeing, and teachers sharing their ideas, we ended up over complicating everything.
We were the second group to pitch our plan to “the judges” yet in my opinion, the most time consuming group. As we were presenting our ideas to everyone, or in media terms “pitching,” I noticed how other pupils reacted to our plot. Some gave us confusing looks, which worried me because I had no idea how it compared to theirs, and some of them showed at lot of interest which brought up my confidence.
We explained how the narrative was based around the story of a psychopath who captures victims and continuously toys with people’s minds which leads them to eventually committing suicide. Therefore we eventually agreed to the title “Psycle”. It’s a play on words, the combination of the words “Psycho” (which represents the villain) and “Cycle” (which represents the repeated procedure.)
When we came to speaking of location we agreed to film in a park that was local to me, but there was a matter of how long it would actually take to travel there and back while we could be using most of the travelling time to film. So now we have to search for appropriate locations as well as a similar narrative.
Nobody had anything to ask us, there were more or less suggestions.
Wednesday 21 January 2009
Editing the Preliminary Film
This lesson we carried on and finished editing our practice piece which took the whole lesson to do rather than the short time we were suppose to do it in. After looking at other groups pieces we realized that ours was quite quick, this was probably to do with fast dialogue which we had, even though we slowed it down. We did not get add sound but then still uploaded it to Blogger along with the first practice film we did of the person reading the newspaper in a thrilling way. Then in the last 5 minutes we were given a small briefing on the pitch we are going to do and was told to prepare ideas for next lesson.
Tuesday 20 January 2009
The Preliminary Film
Today was the day that we finally got to film the storyboard we created last lesson. We began with the corridor scene of ( character 1) me, storming down the corridor. This was the most annoying and difficult scene to film because of various reasons, when filming the close up of my feet walking from a worms eye view it was hard to track because even after many attempts when Carel was holding the camera it kept on jolting and we could not get a smooth shot, however Carel took off one her jumpers and placed the camera on top of that instead and to drag it backwards when filming which worked so much better. So we began again but this time our next problem was that we could not get the right timing to stop zooming out and begin to track my feet this often ended up with me over taking Carel tracking because of me walking too fast or my feet nearly kicking the camera because of the tracking being too slow because of Carel trying not to cause the camera shake in case she buckled. Another problem of using this shot was that the room that we was using was locked so when we finally got the timing perfect and the tracking going at the right speed, my feet went to turn into the door but then stopped because we could not get into the room. It was a relief by the time we got that shot perfect as I had walk down the corridor so many times.
We then moved on to do the scene in a mid shot which would of been simple however it seemed to be the most used corridor ever as whenever we began to film, random interruptions of people popping in and out of their classroom kept on happening and people kept on coming through the corridor door. Then when people had realized that we were filming they stood at sides watching instead which was okay but sometimes you could see them so we had to film it again. We also had to get a shot of me walking through the door, this was difficult because I could not see when it my cue to come through but this was then we solved this by Carel waiting behind the door with me while Fatma gave her the signal. Then we filmed me coming through the door from behind mid shot, from a high angle and and a mid shot from in front and the dialogue between me and Yarohey (character 2) in over shoulder shots and mid shots. The dialogue shot was difficult to film because by then it had turned to break and other people was in the room too so we had to get them to be quiet and also me and Yarohey kept on messing up our lines so that took more time to shoot as well.
Finally we were done and it was the second half of the lesson had started so we went to go and upload the footage onto Final Cut Pro but there was something wrong with it so he had to do it again so by the time we began to editing the shots we got up to dialogue and did not get to finish it but so far it was looking quite good as the match shots of me walking worked well.
I think the filming this time was more fun and creative then filming our first practice film as there was more of us present so we was able to do a lot more and there was more idea input when we was planning but also it was more stressful because of the lack time we had to film, so we had to continue through our break and just about finished it filming on time. This is probably because we did not take in consideration of our location as we wasted a lot time getting people to move out of our way it would have been more easier to move to a less busy corridor on another floor. So I think from based on this and the other filming my group is perfect with getting the ideas down and planning what were going to do but when filming our thriller we need to spend time on creating a schedule for the time and making sure we stick to it and when choosing location to film in we need to think about whether it suitable in case people interrupt us or if we interrupt them. When it comes to tracking we need to have already planned and practiced how we are going to use objects to assist us.
I feel that we did follow forms and conventions of real films however our lighting could of been better as the light in the classroom looked quite low because of the light coming through the window but it was best we could do as when shut the blinds it made the room too dark, our mise- en - scene was empty classroom which worked well as it created an typical day feeling because together with the people in the corridor in the far background it made our the acting in the scene more dramatic. We did not use costume or props to play a key role of our film but we did use a pen to show the the boredom of Yarohey character compared to the fast pace walking of my angered character. Once we finish editing, I am sure that it will be clearer that it is a comedy piece.
We then moved on to do the scene in a mid shot which would of been simple however it seemed to be the most used corridor ever as whenever we began to film, random interruptions of people popping in and out of their classroom kept on happening and people kept on coming through the corridor door. Then when people had realized that we were filming they stood at sides watching instead which was okay but sometimes you could see them so we had to film it again. We also had to get a shot of me walking through the door, this was difficult because I could not see when it my cue to come through but this was then we solved this by Carel waiting behind the door with me while Fatma gave her the signal. Then we filmed me coming through the door from behind mid shot, from a high angle and and a mid shot from in front and the dialogue between me and Yarohey (character 2) in over shoulder shots and mid shots. The dialogue shot was difficult to film because by then it had turned to break and other people was in the room too so we had to get them to be quiet and also me and Yarohey kept on messing up our lines so that took more time to shoot as well.
Finally we were done and it was the second half of the lesson had started so we went to go and upload the footage onto Final Cut Pro but there was something wrong with it so he had to do it again so by the time we began to editing the shots we got up to dialogue and did not get to finish it but so far it was looking quite good as the match shots of me walking worked well.
I think the filming this time was more fun and creative then filming our first practice film as there was more of us present so we was able to do a lot more and there was more idea input when we was planning but also it was more stressful because of the lack time we had to film, so we had to continue through our break and just about finished it filming on time. This is probably because we did not take in consideration of our location as we wasted a lot time getting people to move out of our way it would have been more easier to move to a less busy corridor on another floor. So I think from based on this and the other filming my group is perfect with getting the ideas down and planning what were going to do but when filming our thriller we need to spend time on creating a schedule for the time and making sure we stick to it and when choosing location to film in we need to think about whether it suitable in case people interrupt us or if we interrupt them. When it comes to tracking we need to have already planned and practiced how we are going to use objects to assist us.
I feel that we did follow forms and conventions of real films however our lighting could of been better as the light in the classroom looked quite low because of the light coming through the window but it was best we could do as when shut the blinds it made the room too dark, our mise- en - scene was empty classroom which worked well as it created an typical day feeling because together with the people in the corridor in the far background it made our the acting in the scene more dramatic. We did not use costume or props to play a key role of our film but we did use a pen to show the the boredom of Yarohey character compared to the fast pace walking of my angered character. Once we finish editing, I am sure that it will be clearer that it is a comedy piece.
19.01.09
During this lesson we finally finished editing our short film from last week, the editing process was suppose to be 30 minutes but ended up taking up the whole lesson. We didn’t even get to add sound to our short film. The editing was the pretty much the same process of the previous lesson. The only problem we had was that our final product was a bit too fast. We didn’t realise how fast it was until we played it back. The dialogue was too fast and even when we slowed it down it was too fast.
Just before we left the lesson we were told about the pitch we have to do for the next lesson.
Just before we left the lesson we were told about the pitch we have to do for the next lesson.
Match Cuts
In this lesson we focused on how and when a match cut is used and learnt that with good editing it can be hardly noticeable. We were also taught the importance of the 180 degree rule and why it should not be broken. We then split up into pairs to create a storyboard the following task:
'East London. 3pm. A man chain- smokes as he sits at his home PC. He copies confidential files and plans to a CD. He packages them and is seen posting them.'
Me and my partner Carel had to think about what shots could we use to include the information of the brief and how would they tell the audience about the scene, such as using an establish shot to show that the character was in east London or having a shot of the clock to show that it is 3pm. At the end of the task we had created 13 shots and had written about the type, the action and the description of the scene when we realized that at the beginning we had clearly we shown the man lighting a cigarette, but then after that it had disappeared because we had forgotten to indicate that the man was chain-smoking because no other shot included the cigarette. We should have included shot/reverse shots from the man to the clock to show that he is chain smoking as time goes by.
Mickey, the technician had already filmed footage of our exercise task earlier and played it back to us to see if our storyboard had any similarities and to also to spot the match cuts he had used.
Afterward we got into our Thriller groups and was given the task of creating a storyboard for the following task:
'A character opens a door walks into a room, sits down opposite another character and they share a few lines of dialogue.'
We then planned to film it next lesson in a dramatic comedy style and have one character storming down the corridor and burst into a room, this would involve a range of match cuts. Then an argument would occur with the other character who is inside sitting down at the table in shot/reverse shot. Then the character who was sitting down would leave the room in angrily keeping to the 180 degree rule.
'East London. 3pm. A man chain- smokes as he sits at his home PC. He copies confidential files and plans to a CD. He packages them and is seen posting them.'
Me and my partner Carel had to think about what shots could we use to include the information of the brief and how would they tell the audience about the scene, such as using an establish shot to show that the character was in east London or having a shot of the clock to show that it is 3pm. At the end of the task we had created 13 shots and had written about the type, the action and the description of the scene when we realized that at the beginning we had clearly we shown the man lighting a cigarette, but then after that it had disappeared because we had forgotten to indicate that the man was chain-smoking because no other shot included the cigarette. We should have included shot/reverse shots from the man to the clock to show that he is chain smoking as time goes by.
Mickey, the technician had already filmed footage of our exercise task earlier and played it back to us to see if our storyboard had any similarities and to also to spot the match cuts he had used.
Afterward we got into our Thriller groups and was given the task of creating a storyboard for the following task:
'A character opens a door walks into a room, sits down opposite another character and they share a few lines of dialogue.'
We then planned to film it next lesson in a dramatic comedy style and have one character storming down the corridor and burst into a room, this would involve a range of match cuts. Then an argument would occur with the other character who is inside sitting down at the table in shot/reverse shot. Then the character who was sitting down would leave the room in angrily keeping to the 180 degree rule.
Film openings
In this lesson we learnt about the four different types of openings to films such as the classic instant arousal and the small taster to that creates questions, title sequences and flashbacks. We also watched a documentary on different directors speaking about film openings whilst answering questions about it, after that we then watch last years AS levels students thriller openings to see what we should and should not be aiming to create based on their grades and we were also given a sheet to use to analyze their setting, camerawork, editing, sound ( diegetic and non- diegetic) and lighting and discussed our own opinions of their work and suggested improvements. I thought that a lot of of the previous students openings were quiet good, I saw that the location and setting was used very effectively in some but in others such as a one that was filmed in our college corridor look absolutely boring and last minute. After this lesson my group and I were all influenced by their work and suggested ideas of our own.
Editing Practice Video
In last lesson we took up the majority of the time editing our short clip. We managed to finishing editing the short practice piece, yet did not add sound. The video was then uploaded to blogger, along with the second practice clip. I belive that the latest partice clip is considerabley much better. Although we did not add sound, it teaches us in the future to use time wisely.
Monday 19 January 2009
Editing/Pitch Brief
In todays lesson, we finished editing out short film from last week, except for the soundtrack. The main thing is we finally got it finished. It took a few minutes to remember what we were going to do as a carry-on from last time, but we got back into it fairly swiftly. There were several instances where the cuts didn't quite work properly, and we were forced to use a different angle.
After editing, we were given a briefing on how to do a pitch, which we'll have to present to the class next lesson.
After editing, we were given a briefing on how to do a pitch, which we'll have to present to the class next lesson.
Editing Practice 2
We had to film and edit a short clip that includes match cuts, shot-reverse-shots and obeys the 180 degree rule.
Sunday 18 January 2009
Editing Practice 1
We had to film someone reading a newspaper in a thrilling way. This is the result.
Friday 16 January 2009
Preliminary Film
Today’s lesson began with excitement! We had 1 hour and a half to film what we had planned last lesson. We decided to film in order of the sequence of shots in the final product, so that it was easier with editing.
The first shot we achieved was to have a worms eye view shot tracking footsteps walking towards it. We all agreed that the camera should be on top of an object that can glide across the floor. Eventually we decided to put it on a t-shirt a pull the t-shirt back as Nicole (the main character) stormed towards it. The idea was good but not thought out enough, the faster Nicole walked towards the camera, the faster we were to pull the camera back was difficult to do without buckling. Another issue was that the corridor we used was never empty, we constantly had people walking front of the camera. To resolve this we each guarded a corner to warn them that filming was in progress. But after so many takes, we eventually got the shot. From here on we basically filmed Nicole walking down the corridor again from different angles such as mid-shot and over the shoulder.Then we filmed Nicole bursting through the door at 2 different angles: Long shot high angel and mid-shot. Then we recorded the clock and a panned it to Yarohey (character two) sitting patiently. We filmed all the dialogue using over the shoulder shots due to time restrictions. We even had students from other groups in the room along one wall as we filmed because it was break time. We recorded over both characters shoulders. We just about managed to get enough footage to edit within the given time.
The second practice filming went well considering it was mine and Caz’s first lesson for filming. It could have been better but we got it all done in the end, considering it was another practice task so that’s all that matters I suppose. Even though I didn’t film in the previous lesson I learnt that it was much easier to use a tripod for a steady shot. The main thing that differed from the first short film to the second was the narrative. We actually constructed some form of a story. I also learnt the effect of recording the same scene from different angles, it worked well for match-cuts.
I feel that my group followed the form of the conventions from a real film but would have preferred to have challenged it, but lack of time held us back. When filming in the classroom the lighting was very poor, Yarohey couldn’t be seen against the light from the window, and when the blinds where closed it was too dark. The rest of the lighting was ok though. We chose to have a simple mise-en-scene. The only things placed within frame were the characters, the clock and the table and chairs they sat on. The other things present wee computers behind Yarohey, the door which Nicole burst through the background people (which couldn’t be avoided) and a few other unnecessary items.
When editing problems were occurring with the log and capture process. Final Cut Pro wouldn’t allow us to upload our footage at first, so we were forced to restart twice. It wasted a lot of valuable editing time so we never managed to finish editing. We just got to the dialogue before we had to stop, this means we didn’t manage to add a shot-reverse-shot. But we managed to get as close to perfect as we could with the match-cuts, with meant the continuity was to a high standard. During editing we were asked why we filmed the clock and panned it to Yarohey. We said that it was supposed to imitate a security camera, so we were advised to do it there and then in case we didn’t finish, good advice considering we didn’t.
I have no comments to make about this practice, the only thing I can say about the representation is that it represents a comedy genre. Nothing more to be said really.
The first shot we achieved was to have a worms eye view shot tracking footsteps walking towards it. We all agreed that the camera should be on top of an object that can glide across the floor. Eventually we decided to put it on a t-shirt a pull the t-shirt back as Nicole (the main character) stormed towards it. The idea was good but not thought out enough, the faster Nicole walked towards the camera, the faster we were to pull the camera back was difficult to do without buckling. Another issue was that the corridor we used was never empty, we constantly had people walking front of the camera. To resolve this we each guarded a corner to warn them that filming was in progress. But after so many takes, we eventually got the shot. From here on we basically filmed Nicole walking down the corridor again from different angles such as mid-shot and over the shoulder.Then we filmed Nicole bursting through the door at 2 different angles: Long shot high angel and mid-shot. Then we recorded the clock and a panned it to Yarohey (character two) sitting patiently. We filmed all the dialogue using over the shoulder shots due to time restrictions. We even had students from other groups in the room along one wall as we filmed because it was break time. We recorded over both characters shoulders. We just about managed to get enough footage to edit within the given time.
The second practice filming went well considering it was mine and Caz’s first lesson for filming. It could have been better but we got it all done in the end, considering it was another practice task so that’s all that matters I suppose. Even though I didn’t film in the previous lesson I learnt that it was much easier to use a tripod for a steady shot. The main thing that differed from the first short film to the second was the narrative. We actually constructed some form of a story. I also learnt the effect of recording the same scene from different angles, it worked well for match-cuts.
I feel that my group followed the form of the conventions from a real film but would have preferred to have challenged it, but lack of time held us back. When filming in the classroom the lighting was very poor, Yarohey couldn’t be seen against the light from the window, and when the blinds where closed it was too dark. The rest of the lighting was ok though. We chose to have a simple mise-en-scene. The only things placed within frame were the characters, the clock and the table and chairs they sat on. The other things present wee computers behind Yarohey, the door which Nicole burst through the background people (which couldn’t be avoided) and a few other unnecessary items.
When editing problems were occurring with the log and capture process. Final Cut Pro wouldn’t allow us to upload our footage at first, so we were forced to restart twice. It wasted a lot of valuable editing time so we never managed to finish editing. We just got to the dialogue before we had to stop, this means we didn’t manage to add a shot-reverse-shot. But we managed to get as close to perfect as we could with the match-cuts, with meant the continuity was to a high standard. During editing we were asked why we filmed the clock and panned it to Yarohey. We said that it was supposed to imitate a security camera, so we were advised to do it there and then in case we didn’t finish, good advice considering we didn’t.
I have no comments to make about this practice, the only thing I can say about the representation is that it represents a comedy genre. Nothing more to be said really.
Blog 5-Filming our short clip
This lesson started quickly, we had no time to spare. We had to get on with filming as soon as possible, but due to a late member of the group we had to wait. After, a short wait we started. We started filming in order of how it would appear on screen just to make it easier, when editing. We filmed in the hallway, the main character (Nicole) walking through the corridor. We did this repeatedly as we had to get more than one clip, and due to a busy corridor. Then we flmed the main character opening and closing the door, making sure we had a match cut down. After more filming of that we went onto the second character (Me). We filmed me looking at my watch, and then the clock. The camera tilted down from the clock to me in a CCTV style. The next scene was one a high angle view of the main charcter (Nicole) as she storms into the room. Next, was the over the shoulder shots from behind the main chracter (Nicole) and the second charcter(Me).
Once we finished filming, we quickly when to the editing suite. We all helped out editing the clip, but fell short due to a lack of time. We only edited a quarter of our clip as we were running low on time.
The second practice did go very well compared to the first. We had a lot more group members involved, and more time to think and plan. Although, we did quite good it could have been better. We could have included more shot types e.g. low angles and managed our time better. If we mangaed our time better would could of actually completed editing. Although, our believed our group worked well- and i can't wait to start the thriller soon.
Once we finished filming, we quickly when to the editing suite. We all helped out editing the clip, but fell short due to a lack of time. We only edited a quarter of our clip as we were running low on time.
The second practice did go very well compared to the first. We had a lot more group members involved, and more time to think and plan. Although, we did quite good it could have been better. We could have included more shot types e.g. low angles and managed our time better. If we mangaed our time better would could of actually completed editing. Although, our believed our group worked well- and i can't wait to start the thriller soon.
Blog 4- Match Cuts
In this lesson we identified match cuts and learnt what they were-most importantly. After a brief discussion we watched a short clip. With the short clip we soon had to identify where the match cuts were, and the other editing/camera work.
We then had to as a group plan out (storyboard) our ideas for a short clip we'd be filming later on in the week. My group shared ideas, and we were ready to create our clip. We had to make sure we had short-reserve-shots, match cuts and a range of shot types and editing techniques. Our clip was about two characters, the main chracter would burst through the corridor and into the room angrily. The second character would be sitting in the room calmly, and the two would exchange words. After a brief arguement the second charcter would leave the room, with the main charcter still fuming.
We then had to as a group plan out (storyboard) our ideas for a short clip we'd be filming later on in the week. My group shared ideas, and we were ready to create our clip. We had to make sure we had short-reserve-shots, match cuts and a range of shot types and editing techniques. Our clip was about two characters, the main chracter would burst through the corridor and into the room angrily. The second character would be sitting in the room calmly, and the two would exchange words. After a brief arguement the second charcter would leave the room, with the main charcter still fuming.
Thursday 15 January 2009
Preliminary/Practice Sequence
In today's lesson, we filmed and edited the short sequence we'd planned in the last lesson. Filming started off shakily, as we knew what we wanted, but didn't know how to get it. The idea was to track a person's feet walking towards the camera using a worm's eye view. With just a stationary tripod, we weren't sure how to achieve the overall look we wanted for that particular shot. The original idea was to put the camera on a piece of cardboard and then drag it, but cardboard scrapes the floor and makes a noise that would be difficult to edit out. However, when I presented the fact that I was wearing several layers, and could quite easily take one off, filming got underway. We used one of my t-shirts to place the camera on, so that we could drag it along the floor without any harm to the camera, and no awkward noises.We were very slow filming the shots we needed in the corridor, because so many people were continuously using it, and most didn't like being asked to stop and stay still while we filmed a short section. But we got it eventually, and that's what matters. Then we were almost continuously interrupted during our filming inside the classroom as other students filtered in. It took us a while to make it clear to them that if they were going to be in the classroom, they had to be silent and against one wall, so as not to keep ruining our shots.Eventually, we got everything we needed; however, due to time restrictions, it was not possible to get everything to the degree of almost-O.C.D-perfection that we wanted.Editing was also not without it's difficulties. We had problems with the log and capture process from the camera to the program. It simply stopped working and we were forced to restart twice, which used a lot of valuable editing time. Because of this, our sequence is not entirely complete; however, what we have edited is -if I do say so myself- really quite good! Fatma and I became very obsessed with getting the continuity in the match cuts as close to perfect as we could get them. We added three effects to a few shots to imitate a security camera ("desaturate", "timecode bar" and "video frame"). Unfortunately, we didn't have time to edit the entire section of dialogue.As I wasn't involved with the filming of the first practice piece, I can't really comment properly on whether or not this one went better than the first. However, I'm told it did, as we had planned it properly this time, and had an actual narrative to film for. Since the last practice piece, I've learned the importance of getting the same sequence in a variety of different shots and angles for match cuts, and I've learned I can get a little obsessed with continuity both in filming and editing which -at the end of the day- can only be a good thing really. The lighting in the classroom was bad, as it was difficult to see Yarohey because of the light from the windows, but when we closed the blinds it was too dark. We decided to keep the mise en scene simple, and just have the characters, clock, tables and chairs, although there were varying papers and bags in the room that we tried to hide, along with the computers that we couldn't move. I think our group stuck to the conventions of real films, though we'd probably have preferred to challenge them; however, we weren't inventive enough to do so with such little time. I think, and it may just be my interpretation, but I think our film represents the overall view of our group, in a way. If we had been able to finish editing, it would have been clear that it was a short comedy piece, which just shows that our group is definitely about having fun, and those little absurdities in life, which I think is quite a nice message. It shows we're willing to make ourselves look ridiculous in order to get the work done in a way that is both fun and productive. (And I can guaruntee that both Fatma and I looked just a ridiculous filming as Nicole and Yarohey did being filmed.)
Tuesday 13 January 2009
Match Cuts
We learnt how to use and identify “Match Cuts” this lesson. I learnt that a Match Cut is a transition in which something in the scene follows in the next cut directly matching a character or object in the previous scene.
We were given a task to plan shot types, angles and actions in order to film a short sequence about a chain smoker illegally downloading secret files, burning them onto a disc and mailing it to whomever.
We then watched the clip that Michael (one of the media technicians) had done for this scenario to see if we had chosen any of the clips used (which I and my partner did plan.) We were also to spot the matched cuts used which I spotted after watching the second time.
Our next task was to plan what we'd do for a short piece of film that we will be shooting next lesson. We were asked to make sure we use certain shots. The scenario was someone walking into a room to sit opposite someone else and then start conversation. My group and I all thought it would be a good idea to make a “dramatic” comedy. We decided that both dialect and gestures would help to create the “comedy” atmosphere. The clip was going to be of one (character one) storming down a corridor to the second character (character 2) sitting patiently in the room. We decided to use a match cut between (character one) opening the door and bursting through. We tried to make sure the 180 degree rule could be achieved. We then chose to use shot-reverse-shot where the characters speak or in our case have a harsh toned discussion. There was more to our planning but I cannot remember it in all detail at the moment. But hopefully it goes according to plan.
We were given a task to plan shot types, angles and actions in order to film a short sequence about a chain smoker illegally downloading secret files, burning them onto a disc and mailing it to whomever.
We then watched the clip that Michael (one of the media technicians) had done for this scenario to see if we had chosen any of the clips used (which I and my partner did plan.) We were also to spot the matched cuts used which I spotted after watching the second time.
Our next task was to plan what we'd do for a short piece of film that we will be shooting next lesson. We were asked to make sure we use certain shots. The scenario was someone walking into a room to sit opposite someone else and then start conversation. My group and I all thought it would be a good idea to make a “dramatic” comedy. We decided that both dialect and gestures would help to create the “comedy” atmosphere. The clip was going to be of one (character one) storming down a corridor to the second character (character 2) sitting patiently in the room. We decided to use a match cut between (character one) opening the door and bursting through. We tried to make sure the 180 degree rule could be achieved. We then chose to use shot-reverse-shot where the characters speak or in our case have a harsh toned discussion. There was more to our planning but I cannot remember it in all detail at the moment. But hopefully it goes according to plan.
Movie Openings
This lesson was based on the opening of movies. We watched a documentary on the importance of the movie opening and trailers. This was to help guide us when creating our movie openings. To make sure that we had a clear understanding of the documentary we were given a series of questions to answer. The documentary analysed all aspects of a movie such as the Mise-en-scene, editing and sound. We made note how the overall effect was created from the camerawork, sounds editing and so on.
We then watched the openings of student’s short films from last year. Our class (including me) was either very critical or the total opposite with each short films we watched. After we viewed each short clip we were asked to guess the provided grade. Most of us estimated accurately.
Eventually I left the lesson earlier than others due to last minute revision for another exam.
We then watched the openings of student’s short films from last year. Our class (including me) was either very critical or the total opposite with each short films we watched. After we viewed each short clip we were asked to guess the provided grade. Most of us estimated accurately.
Eventually I left the lesson earlier than others due to last minute revision for another exam.
Sound Editing
In today's lesson we learnt about the importance of sound and how it helps create the intended feeling on the audience. Some of us had already experienced creating sound for a video so we were aware of the effects of it.
To begin with we were taken to the Macs room to watch the trailer for the James Bond movie: Casino Royale where we were to listen to the sounds used and the effect it had on the audience. We then all had the fun of using a software where we had to add sound effects to a still image. We then moved on and had to add sound to a silent short clip from the movie, there was a wide variation of sounds to chose from and compose together (This was my favourite task.) Although the Mac had issues playing back the chosen sounds, eventually we heard what we had produced. I felt mine sounded perfect. I added in effects such as the grunts to the passing vehicles, the tire’s drift and finally the numerous explosions.
Our last task was to use “Soundtrack Pro” (the software we used before for adding sound to our Thriller) to add sound to previously edited footage. By this time I was just listening to the variations of sounds and thought to add comedy type sounds to change the mood of the scene. The lesson finished before I had constructed an appropriate sound layering.
To begin with we were taken to the Macs room to watch the trailer for the James Bond movie: Casino Royale where we were to listen to the sounds used and the effect it had on the audience. We then all had the fun of using a software where we had to add sound effects to a still image. We then moved on and had to add sound to a silent short clip from the movie, there was a wide variation of sounds to chose from and compose together (This was my favourite task.) Although the Mac had issues playing back the chosen sounds, eventually we heard what we had produced. I felt mine sounded perfect. I added in effects such as the grunts to the passing vehicles, the tire’s drift and finally the numerous explosions.
Our last task was to use “Soundtrack Pro” (the software we used before for adding sound to our Thriller) to add sound to previously edited footage. By this time I was just listening to the variations of sounds and thought to add comedy type sounds to change the mood of the scene. The lesson finished before I had constructed an appropriate sound layering.
Match Cuts
During this lesson, we learned about making editing "invisible" using match cuts. Match cuts follow the same sequence from many different angles, so that it looks like one smooth shot, and the audience doesn't notice the editing. We were set a task to plan shot types we would use in order to film a short sequence about a chainsmoker ilegally downloading secret files from MI5, burning them to disc and posting them. Nicole and I had quite a few good ideas, but we forgot to make the "chainsmoking" bit obvious. We then watched a film that Michael (one of the media technicians) had done for this scenario, to see how many of the shots we'd thought about, and whether or not we could see the match cuts. Of, I think, four match cuts, I only saw one.
After this, we were set the task to plan what we'd do for a short piece of film that we will be shooting next lesson. It is supposed to be someone walking into a room, sitting opposite someone else and the pair of them talking; and it can be in any genre we want it to be. So, seeing as our group is composed of Yarohey, Nicole, Fatma and myself, we decided to make it a "dramatic" comedy. Hopefully, if all goes well, we'll have a short piece of character 1 storming down a corridor, a jump cut to character 2 sitting patiently in the room, a jump cut back to character 1 turning to a door and then a match cut of character one bursting through the door and into the room where character 2 is waiting. All this followed by shor-reverse-shots of comedy dialogue done as if it was all very serious, character 2 calmly walking out and character 1 staring into the camera at the end. Overlayed onto all of this, should be an interesting soundtrack (we hope).
After this, we were set the task to plan what we'd do for a short piece of film that we will be shooting next lesson. It is supposed to be someone walking into a room, sitting opposite someone else and the pair of them talking; and it can be in any genre we want it to be. So, seeing as our group is composed of Yarohey, Nicole, Fatma and myself, we decided to make it a "dramatic" comedy. Hopefully, if all goes well, we'll have a short piece of character 1 storming down a corridor, a jump cut to character 2 sitting patiently in the room, a jump cut back to character 1 turning to a door and then a match cut of character one bursting through the door and into the room where character 2 is waiting. All this followed by shor-reverse-shots of comedy dialogue done as if it was all very serious, character 2 calmly walking out and character 1 staring into the camera at the end. Overlayed onto all of this, should be an interesting soundtrack (we hope).
Film Openings
In this lesson, we watched a video about Thriller film openings, so that we could have a better idea of how to do ours. During this, we had to answer some questions. The video analysed the mise en scene, editing and sound of the opening few minutes to various thriller films. We noted how certain soundtracks, lighting or placements could give different effects to the overall film, as well as the editing, camera movement, etc.
We then had a look at students' thriller openings from last year. Most of the ones we saw were very good, using effective shot types, sound, mise en scene, etc to get varying types of thrillers. One or two even made us want to watch the film, which means they were doing their job properly!
The lesson ended early due to several students having an exam and needing time to continue revising.
We then had a look at students' thriller openings from last year. Most of the ones we saw were very good, using effective shot types, sound, mise en scene, etc to get varying types of thrillers. One or two even made us want to watch the film, which means they were doing their job properly!
The lesson ended early due to several students having an exam and needing time to continue revising.
Monday 12 January 2009
Blog 3
Blog 3
In this lesson we watched a short video on film openings to help us with ours. Whilst watching the video clip we had to answer questions. The video analysed looked at different title sequences to films. The video outlined the significance of lighting, mise en scene, sound (diagetic and non-diagetic), camera work and editing has on films.
Later, we looked at videos of clips of past students work on thrillers. We discussed as a class their performances, how good they were/wern't in ability. Also, we suggested ways of improvements and guessed grades.
In this lesson we watched a short video on film openings to help us with ours. Whilst watching the video clip we had to answer questions. The video analysed looked at different title sequences to films. The video outlined the significance of lighting, mise en scene, sound (diagetic and non-diagetic), camera work and editing has on films.
Later, we looked at videos of clips of past students work on thrillers. We discussed as a class their performances, how good they were/wern't in ability. Also, we suggested ways of improvements and guessed grades.
Blog 2
Blog 2
In this lesson we worked on sound, and found out how important it is in a piece of media. We looked at Casino Royale. After analysising how sound is used in the clip the class went on to activities from Casino royale. The activities including adding appropriate sound to the scenes, reducing and adding sound and more. We then used a sound editor to include dialogue, special effects, and a soundtrack to a film clip. The task consisted of layering sound, dragging and dropping different sound features to the "storyboard" type panel.
Later, we went on to using a sound editing software on the Mac's. The feature allowed us to manipulate the given footage and add sound. The footage was of a little boy in a cafe, and an older man rummaging around for food. The ability to add sound to the footage was great, i really enjoyed it. It allowed me to create different moods, e.g. sympathy and suspense all through sound. The program had lots of different sounds from people to instruments. Although i thought the sound did a vast amount for the footage, the footage was quite good. The sound and footage work great together.
In this lesson we worked on sound, and found out how important it is in a piece of media. We looked at Casino Royale. After analysising how sound is used in the clip the class went on to activities from Casino royale. The activities including adding appropriate sound to the scenes, reducing and adding sound and more. We then used a sound editor to include dialogue, special effects, and a soundtrack to a film clip. The task consisted of layering sound, dragging and dropping different sound features to the "storyboard" type panel.
Later, we went on to using a sound editing software on the Mac's. The feature allowed us to manipulate the given footage and add sound. The footage was of a little boy in a cafe, and an older man rummaging around for food. The ability to add sound to the footage was great, i really enjoyed it. It allowed me to create different moods, e.g. sympathy and suspense all through sound. The program had lots of different sounds from people to instruments. Although i thought the sound did a vast amount for the footage, the footage was quite good. The sound and footage work great together.
Sunday 11 January 2009
Sound Editing Tutorial
In this lesson we were on the Mac's and Mickey was showing us the importance of sound is to footage and how it can be used effectively. We first watched Casino Royale to see what are the different types of sound used such as, dialogue, soundtrack and special effects, to see how sound attracts the viewer attention by making a scene more interesting. We then ourselves had a turn at sound editing different video clips of Casino Royale through activities on the computers, such as listening to the different types of sound used on a scene separately before the sound editor put them together, choosing different sound effects to suit site specific scenes and sound editing a mute car chase scene by adding the correct sound in the right places. We also watched video clips from the sound editing team from Casino Royale to hear their opinions and experience of using sound effectively.
After that we moved onto using Soundtrack Pro to edit a piece of footage that was a normal everday scene of boy sitting in a cafe and some other people in his surroundings. Mickey showed us how to put the sound on the footage , how to shorten it and make it longer. I started off choosing different sounds for the ambience because there was a scenes where the camera switched from being in the cafe to being outside with the traffic and then I moved on to the sound of objects, like a fork hitting the side of a plate but I didn't get to finish it because then the lesson ended. I enjoyed the editing the Casino Royale car chase better because it was more interesting to do and the sound effects that need to be added to scene are more obvious because they often exaggerated in films to create suspense so you notice them more but with the everyday scene you don't really realized that the clip has been edited because it is more subtle to show you that its an natural environment. I also think that it was good for us to use Soundtrack Pro for this exercise because it gives us practice for when we begin to edit our thillers.
After that we moved onto using Soundtrack Pro to edit a piece of footage that was a normal everday scene of boy sitting in a cafe and some other people in his surroundings. Mickey showed us how to put the sound on the footage , how to shorten it and make it longer. I started off choosing different sounds for the ambience because there was a scenes where the camera switched from being in the cafe to being outside with the traffic and then I moved on to the sound of objects, like a fork hitting the side of a plate but I didn't get to finish it because then the lesson ended. I enjoyed the editing the Casino Royale car chase better because it was more interesting to do and the sound effects that need to be added to scene are more obvious because they often exaggerated in films to create suspense so you notice them more but with the everyday scene you don't really realized that the clip has been edited because it is more subtle to show you that its an natural environment. I also think that it was good for us to use Soundtrack Pro for this exercise because it gives us practice for when we begin to edit our thillers.
Monday 5 January 2009
Sound Editing
In today's lesson, we learnt about the various layerings of sound, and what effect it can have on the audience. As our group had already put some sound onto our video, we knew a little about both the effect and the program used to add the sound.
Firstly, we were shown a trailer for the James Bond movie: Casino Royale, and then had to think about the sounds used, and what effect they had on us as the audience. We were then given a series of entertaining, interactive tasks on various Casino Royale clips and stills, along with several Sound Producer's videos. I liked the task where we had to place the sounds onto the still image, as it was interesting seeing what the different placements did to where you heard the sound coming from. I managed to make it sound like a truck was driving from one side of the screen to the other. (It was most amusing!)
I particularly enjoyed layering different sounds onto a clip from Casino Royale, as it gave me a chance to see what sounds could fit where, and which were better suited. I got two crashes and a tyre screech in the right place by complete fluke. Also, some of the sounds were quite amusing, particularly the "grunts".
One of my favourite pieces of work was the sound layering work we did after the James Bond stuff. We were given a video that we had recently edited some clips from, and told to give it a soundtrack using the program "Soundtrack Pro". (This is what my group and I used to add a soundtrack to our short thriller practice piece.) I found that, for this particular footage, middle-to-high-pitched violins worked quite well, along with a high-to-middle flute here and there, as well as a soft beat and a low violin at different points. Giving each instrument it's own layer meant that I could control the volume of each one individually, how long they all went on for, and whether or not they overlapped at all. I also learnt how to fade the music in and out, which made it sound better than a straight stop. Unfortunately, there was not enough time to finish it, but I still had fun making it.
Firstly, we were shown a trailer for the James Bond movie: Casino Royale, and then had to think about the sounds used, and what effect they had on us as the audience. We were then given a series of entertaining, interactive tasks on various Casino Royale clips and stills, along with several Sound Producer's videos. I liked the task where we had to place the sounds onto the still image, as it was interesting seeing what the different placements did to where you heard the sound coming from. I managed to make it sound like a truck was driving from one side of the screen to the other. (It was most amusing!)
I particularly enjoyed layering different sounds onto a clip from Casino Royale, as it gave me a chance to see what sounds could fit where, and which were better suited. I got two crashes and a tyre screech in the right place by complete fluke. Also, some of the sounds were quite amusing, particularly the "grunts".
One of my favourite pieces of work was the sound layering work we did after the James Bond stuff. We were given a video that we had recently edited some clips from, and told to give it a soundtrack using the program "Soundtrack Pro". (This is what my group and I used to add a soundtrack to our short thriller practice piece.) I found that, for this particular footage, middle-to-high-pitched violins worked quite well, along with a high-to-middle flute here and there, as well as a soft beat and a low violin at different points. Giving each instrument it's own layer meant that I could control the volume of each one individually, how long they all went on for, and whether or not they overlapped at all. I also learnt how to fade the music in and out, which made it sound better than a straight stop. Unfortunately, there was not enough time to finish it, but I still had fun making it.
Sunday 4 January 2009
Practice Thriller Editing
Our task was to compose a piece of film based around someone reading a newspaper, using as many of the conventions of a thiriller as we could. Unfortunately, the filming side of this was quite difficult, as both Fatma and myself were absent during that lesson due to illness. This meant that we gave no contribution to the filming process.
When we watched what the others had filmed in the next lesson, we all realised we needed more clips in order to do a good piece of work. However, this was out of the question, so we had to use what we had. I was a little confused with how we were to produce a coherent plot, but that's what editing is for (as a fall-back). I was pleased with some of the shots they'd managed to get of a girl reading a newspaper; including a close-up of her eyes moving along the lines as she read, a few over-the-shoulder shots of the inside pages of the newspaper and a high-angle shot, filmed from the first floor. Unfortunately, I was a little disappointed that each shot had been filmed in the same location, and the entire film was just of a girl reading the newspaper (i.e. No shots of her walking, talking to anyone, etc). I also found that the camera had not been held steadily, and the zoom, however effective, was definitely not smooth. Though, I am sure it was the best they could have done, given the circumstances. I was quite pleased that they had remembered to film a few seconds before and after the shot they were filming.
The first thing we did, was upload the whole video onto the Mac, so that we could see all of it. We then split it into clips, and renamed them, so we knew exactly what shots were where, and how long they all were. We then trimmed them, and placed them on the timeline in a different order to create as much of a plot as we could, with as much accurate continuity as is humanly possible. There was a small problem with a specific, vital shot that we needed to add, but which had poor continuity. I suggested reversing it, and that seemed to make it work better, so we stuck with it. There were also places where we needed to slow down the clip for dramatic effect. Finding the "slow down" command gave us a little trouble, but once we'd found it, it all went rather well.
Once we were as happy as we could be with our minute-long film, we added some music to it. The non-diagetic sound, or soundtrack, was a difficult one to compose, as there was so much music to choose from that we didn't know where to start. Once we'd found a good drum-beat, everything else started clicking into place. While Yarohey and Nicole started blogging, Fatma and I decided to start layering the sound, so that it started quite quietly, with just a drum-beat, and then began to open up into a louder, more thrilling composition of drums, guitar, a violin and some form of piano or organ. I believe the composition of this music, and the instruments chosen, create a suspense that the film itself cannot. The music then cuts out just as we come to a speedy zoom into the headline of the newspaper's front page, which claims 88 people have died. This is acompanied by the squeaky sound of a fast zoom, and breaks the suspense and tension that the music has been playing up to. I believe it to be quite effective, as it is very unexpected, and could possibly make the more nervous members of the audience jump.
Our short film doesn't exactly make sense, but as a practice, the narrative is clear enough: There's a girl, on her own, reading a strange story in the paper, although -let's be honest- the cover headline says "88 dead" but the inside page she's reading is about mortgages. Still, you can't have everything perfect in a poorly planned practice. The editing does help. The mise en scene is quite good, and definitely helps to create a tense atmosphere. The girl in the shot is the only person inside the building, so she is definitely on her own. Her clothes command a casual respect, and her hair is tied back so that we can see the expressions on her face and her reactions to the article she is reading.
There was one shot that I thought built up the suspense, in conjunction with the soundtrack. She turns her head, and looks around, as if she knows that someone is watching her, but can't quite place where from. I have my own personal belief that the high-angle shot from the first floor could be a point-of-view shot from whoever is watching the girl. But that's just me. I think this really draws the audience into the story, such as it is, as everyone knows what it's like to feel as if you're being watched. It enables the audience to connect with the character, providing more suspense within the audience than if they could not relate at all.
I think we only really used one convention from the thriller genre: the music, as there was not enough footage to judge otherwise. However, I am impressed with what the editing could do to change a boring film of a girl reading a newspaper into a less dull, slightly more interesting film of a girl being watched.
Like Fatma, I also feel partly responsible for the poor quality and lack of variety of the footage. If we had been there during the filming session, perhaps our group would have done things differently.
When we watched what the others had filmed in the next lesson, we all realised we needed more clips in order to do a good piece of work. However, this was out of the question, so we had to use what we had. I was a little confused with how we were to produce a coherent plot, but that's what editing is for (as a fall-back). I was pleased with some of the shots they'd managed to get of a girl reading a newspaper; including a close-up of her eyes moving along the lines as she read, a few over-the-shoulder shots of the inside pages of the newspaper and a high-angle shot, filmed from the first floor. Unfortunately, I was a little disappointed that each shot had been filmed in the same location, and the entire film was just of a girl reading the newspaper (i.e. No shots of her walking, talking to anyone, etc). I also found that the camera had not been held steadily, and the zoom, however effective, was definitely not smooth. Though, I am sure it was the best they could have done, given the circumstances. I was quite pleased that they had remembered to film a few seconds before and after the shot they were filming.
The first thing we did, was upload the whole video onto the Mac, so that we could see all of it. We then split it into clips, and renamed them, so we knew exactly what shots were where, and how long they all were. We then trimmed them, and placed them on the timeline in a different order to create as much of a plot as we could, with as much accurate continuity as is humanly possible. There was a small problem with a specific, vital shot that we needed to add, but which had poor continuity. I suggested reversing it, and that seemed to make it work better, so we stuck with it. There were also places where we needed to slow down the clip for dramatic effect. Finding the "slow down" command gave us a little trouble, but once we'd found it, it all went rather well.
Once we were as happy as we could be with our minute-long film, we added some music to it. The non-diagetic sound, or soundtrack, was a difficult one to compose, as there was so much music to choose from that we didn't know where to start. Once we'd found a good drum-beat, everything else started clicking into place. While Yarohey and Nicole started blogging, Fatma and I decided to start layering the sound, so that it started quite quietly, with just a drum-beat, and then began to open up into a louder, more thrilling composition of drums, guitar, a violin and some form of piano or organ. I believe the composition of this music, and the instruments chosen, create a suspense that the film itself cannot. The music then cuts out just as we come to a speedy zoom into the headline of the newspaper's front page, which claims 88 people have died. This is acompanied by the squeaky sound of a fast zoom, and breaks the suspense and tension that the music has been playing up to. I believe it to be quite effective, as it is very unexpected, and could possibly make the more nervous members of the audience jump.
Our short film doesn't exactly make sense, but as a practice, the narrative is clear enough: There's a girl, on her own, reading a strange story in the paper, although -let's be honest- the cover headline says "88 dead" but the inside page she's reading is about mortgages. Still, you can't have everything perfect in a poorly planned practice. The editing does help. The mise en scene is quite good, and definitely helps to create a tense atmosphere. The girl in the shot is the only person inside the building, so she is definitely on her own. Her clothes command a casual respect, and her hair is tied back so that we can see the expressions on her face and her reactions to the article she is reading.
There was one shot that I thought built up the suspense, in conjunction with the soundtrack. She turns her head, and looks around, as if she knows that someone is watching her, but can't quite place where from. I have my own personal belief that the high-angle shot from the first floor could be a point-of-view shot from whoever is watching the girl. But that's just me. I think this really draws the audience into the story, such as it is, as everyone knows what it's like to feel as if you're being watched. It enables the audience to connect with the character, providing more suspense within the audience than if they could not relate at all.
I think we only really used one convention from the thriller genre: the music, as there was not enough footage to judge otherwise. However, I am impressed with what the editing could do to change a boring film of a girl reading a newspaper into a less dull, slightly more interesting film of a girl being watched.
Like Fatma, I also feel partly responsible for the poor quality and lack of variety of the footage. If we had been there during the filming session, perhaps our group would have done things differently.
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