WHAT WAS TRICKY/EASY OVERALL?
Throughout the whole project I wouldn’t say that any particular task has been ‘easy’. However we managed to solve problems that occurred with the filming, editing and time managing quite quickly. In my opinion the written side of the coursework has been the more straightforward task; this is because I personally prefer to write about things rather than talk to a camera.
During the filming, at certain points it was quite frustrating. Sometimes the shots that I had in mind weren’t as easy as which I originally thought and therefore we had to compromise with this. The editing process was also tricky, this was down to the fact there were so many different editing techniques available for us to use we had to choose the most suitable one for our genre without making it seem to ‘cheesy’. However, with the many options to choose from I believe we picked out the most convenient.
Therefore, overall I believe there wasn’t any task that I could consider easy although I favoured some more than others. However, in saying this I am satisfied with the work I produced both the written and filming tasks.
Friday 20 April 2012
Thursday 19 April 2012
Production Blog 4
HOW WE GOT THE SHOTS WE WANTED:
After our preliminary task, we filmed some more test shots. This allowed us to practice with the camera and therefore get the different angles which we wanted in our final piece. After the first filming day, we wasn’t completely satisfied with the shots we had filmed, therefore before we done any more filming for the next three days we just practiced with the camera, and filmed some shots around school. For example we filmed a close-up of a knife cutting – so we were able to make it perfect for the real shot of the steak being cut. Below is a screen shot of the practice shot and then the final shot used.
After our preliminary task, we filmed some more test shots. This allowed us to practice with the camera and therefore get the different angles which we wanted in our final piece. After the first filming day, we wasn’t completely satisfied with the shots we had filmed, therefore before we done any more filming for the next three days we just practiced with the camera, and filmed some shots around school. For example we filmed a close-up of a knife cutting – so we were able to make it perfect for the real shot of the steak being cut. Below is a screen shot of the practice shot and then the final shot used.
Wednesday 18 April 2012
Production Blog 3
WORKING AS A GROUP:
At the start of the media production we all worked well as a team and each of us contributed our own ideas. We ensured that all of the research and planning tasks were finished on time, and that each of us had them posted onto our blogs.
When it came down to the editing after half term, Charlie had gone on holiday. So it was only Danielle and myself who was able to edit, we spent almost every free lesson editing the sequence, finding suitable music and adding sound effects. We managed together to get the sequence finished and completed to a standard which we were happy with.
When it came down to the group evaluations, we decided to answer these individually. This was because one of our group members had contributed little to the whole task and therefore wouldn’t have had much to say about what had gone well. With Charlie still on holiday, questions associated with the editing side of the task could only be answered by me or Danielle. To save confusion we simply just decided to fill these in by ourselves.
Overall, as a group I don’t think our teamwork was brilliant. Although at times we worked well together, I do think there were certain areas that could be improved. However, I am happy with the final product so I don’t think this is a major issue.When it came down to the filming, the whole group was present on the first day. We managed to get some shots, but when we played it back, we decided we wanted to change the layout of the table – so we could no longer use these shots. On the second filming day I wasn’t present as I was working, Danielle and Charlie filmed some more shots and this was the beginning of the sequence coming together. From then on I, Charlie and Danielle attended every other filming day.
At the start of the media production we all worked well as a team and each of us contributed our own ideas. We ensured that all of the research and planning tasks were finished on time, and that each of us had them posted onto our blogs.
When it came down to the editing after half term, Charlie had gone on holiday. So it was only Danielle and myself who was able to edit, we spent almost every free lesson editing the sequence, finding suitable music and adding sound effects. We managed together to get the sequence finished and completed to a standard which we were happy with.
When it came down to the group evaluations, we decided to answer these individually. This was because one of our group members had contributed little to the whole task and therefore wouldn’t have had much to say about what had gone well. With Charlie still on holiday, questions associated with the editing side of the task could only be answered by me or Danielle. To save confusion we simply just decided to fill these in by ourselves.
Overall, as a group I don’t think our teamwork was brilliant. Although at times we worked well together, I do think there were certain areas that could be improved. However, I am happy with the final product so I don’t think this is a major issue.When it came down to the filming, the whole group was present on the first day. We managed to get some shots, but when we played it back, we decided we wanted to change the layout of the table – so we could no longer use these shots. On the second filming day I wasn’t present as I was working, Danielle and Charlie filmed some more shots and this was the beginning of the sequence coming together. From then on I, Charlie and Danielle attended every other filming day.
Tuesday 17 April 2012
Production Blog 2
TIME MANAGEMENT:
To begin with we didn't have any real planned time where we were to go out and film, as a result our time management to start was weak. For example - when our research and planning work had been accomplished, we wasn't taking the filming as seriously as what we should have done and therefore when it came down to it we were rushing trying to reach our deadline.
It was only when we realised how quick time was going that we sat down and made a plan about what days and what times the group as a whole were available to film - this was successful as we were able to meet our deadline with a good piece of finished work.
We spent many lessons and free time concentrating on the credits for the titles rather than actually getting the filming for our sequence finished. This is an additional example as to how our time keeping wasn't very good to begin with, however once the credits were completed we were happy with the result and this therefore meant we were able to put all of our focus into the filming.
Luckily for our group we had half term a week before our project needed to be in. This was a helpful thing for our group as it meant we could spend a lot of time putting the finished sequence together. When we returned to school after half term, the last week meant editing – and a lot of it! I and my group member Danielle spent a lot of free lessons on Final Cut editing the final sequence.
Overall, I think throughout the task our time management progressed, this was after we realised how little time we had left and how much work we had to do. But after we recognised this we were able to control our time efficiently and consequently reach all of the deadlines required.
To begin with we didn't have any real planned time where we were to go out and film, as a result our time management to start was weak. For example - when our research and planning work had been accomplished, we wasn't taking the filming as seriously as what we should have done and therefore when it came down to it we were rushing trying to reach our deadline.
It was only when we realised how quick time was going that we sat down and made a plan about what days and what times the group as a whole were available to film - this was successful as we were able to meet our deadline with a good piece of finished work.
We spent many lessons and free time concentrating on the credits for the titles rather than actually getting the filming for our sequence finished. This is an additional example as to how our time keeping wasn't very good to begin with, however once the credits were completed we were happy with the result and this therefore meant we were able to put all of our focus into the filming.
Luckily for our group we had half term a week before our project needed to be in. This was a helpful thing for our group as it meant we could spend a lot of time putting the finished sequence together. When we returned to school after half term, the last week meant editing – and a lot of it! I and my group member Danielle spent a lot of free lessons on Final Cut editing the final sequence.
Overall, I think throughout the task our time management progressed, this was after we realised how little time we had left and how much work we had to do. But after we recognised this we were able to control our time efficiently and consequently reach all of the deadlines required.
Monday 16 April 2012
Production Blog 1
PROBLEMS WITH FILMING:
Before we started filming we never understood how complicated it would be to get all the shots that we required without giving too much away and getting the background of the location included. The first day that we started to film, we had each of our props ready and laid out how we wanted - our dinner was pasta bake. After looking back at the camera shots and what we filmed we agreed that this particular meal wasn't suitable, so we changed it to a steak (the idea of the blood) and we re-filmed.
The second day, in which we went to film, the camera battery ran out. Like planned, we returned to school the following day and re-charged the battery, but also took with us a spare one. However, we missed out on a day of essential filming therefore we had to make the time up and work hard on the weekend.
A further problem what we had was the lighting. For the scene to look romantic we needed to turn off all the main lights and make use of the light from the candles. We filmed the scene but when we played it back it still wasn't as light as what we intended it to be. We therefore came into school and took back with us a red head lighting kit, the shutters on this light allowed us to direct the light specifically where we needed it to be and this made the whole scene look so much better when we filmed it again.
PROBLEMS WITH EDITING:
Fortunately the editing for our sequence was quite simple. The whole idea of our sequence was not to be continuous, we wanted the audience to feel uneasy and in a way confused as to what was going on so we kept jumping back and forth from the meal to the girl tied up. However, one problem that did frequently occur was figuring out the best way to link the shots together. Cross dissolve, and additive dissolve were eventually the main two editing techniques that we used for the shots.
Friday 13 April 2012
Thursday 12 April 2012
Research into Film Companies
As one of my research tasks I decided to research and find out more about individual film companies. I included some background information about their production and examples of the films which they have produced. I chose three of the most famous film companies and these were: Universal Studios, Dreamworks and Paramount Pictures.
Universal studios is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, it is one of the leading film companies around the world and although it is based in California it is known worldwide. Surprisingly, it is the second oldest movie studio in the world that is still in continuous production. Universal Pictures is the longest-lived Hollywood studio.
Below are examples of some of the films Universal Studios have produced:
Dreamworks is an American film studio which began in 1994. It has produced and distributed more than 10 films with box-office grosses, which totals more than $100 million each. Its founders were Steven Spielberg, Jefferey Katzenburg and David Geffen and they decided to come together following Katzenburgs resignation from the Walt Disney Company. The first film the company released was in 1998, and since then thousands have been distributed. Below are examples of the films Dreamworks have produced:
Paramount Pictures was founded in 1912 and also like Universal Studios is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. It is one of the largest movie studios known and the last to exist in the Hollywood district of L.A, aswell as being the third oldest film studio. Below are some examples of films that Paramount Pictures have produced:
Universal studios is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, it is one of the leading film companies around the world and although it is based in California it is known worldwide. Surprisingly, it is the second oldest movie studio in the world that is still in continuous production. Universal Pictures is the longest-lived Hollywood studio.
Below are examples of some of the films Universal Studios have produced:
Dreamworks is an American film studio which began in 1994. It has produced and distributed more than 10 films with box-office grosses, which totals more than $100 million each. Its founders were Steven Spielberg, Jefferey Katzenburg and David Geffen and they decided to come together following Katzenburgs resignation from the Walt Disney Company. The first film the company released was in 1998, and since then thousands have been distributed. Below are examples of the films Dreamworks have produced:
Paramount Pictures was founded in 1912 and also like Universal Studios is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. It is one of the largest movie studios known and the last to exist in the Hollywood district of L.A, aswell as being the third oldest film studio. Below are some examples of films that Paramount Pictures have produced:
LiveType Trials
Throughout our lessons we have began to focus on the production logo, which we are going to apply to commence our opening sequence. We have experimented with LiveType and thought out different ways in how we are going to present it. We initially made a production logo, but at a later date we decided to change it. Here are screen shots of our first idea and then our changed and final idea.
INITIAL IDEA:
We used black and white as basic theme colours; this was because we wanted the logo to relate to our genre. We thought of the name ‘Dash Productions’ and to start the logo, each letter glows white until both of the words are highlighted. We purposely did this so the audience could focus on one letter at a time.
After all the letters had been highlighted, we added a shake effect to the writing. This was to create an unstable and jolty atmosphere for the audience, so even before they the opening sequence had started, already they recognise the genre. It also emphasises the name of our logo, so for future reference (if the logo was genuinely real) the audience would keep in mind the genre it is associated with.
Once the shaking and the glowing was over, the words along with the clapperboard would fade out. This was to inform the audience that the film was about to begin. It would become unsettling for the audience, as they wouldn’t know what to expect next (in the dark wondering if something unexpected was going to 'jump' out at them).
SECOND AND FINAL IDEA:
We decided to slightly alter our first idea. Therefore to welcome each letter we highlighted it in red, whilst landing on the clapperboard one at a time. We agreed this would have a better effect for the reason that the colour red was one of the motifs for our genre. Also with the colour being quite bold, it stands out further from the background, grabbing attention more.
Again, instead of using this as our first shot we decided to change it to our second. After the red has highlighted each letter they turn white - and that’s when the writing starts to fade off screen. We thought this was necessary, as adding more effects will make our production logo more unique.
Finally, we decided to keep the last effect matching, yet again each letter fades out along with the clapperboard, indicating to the audience that the film is going to begin.
Although we did try out and practice with other effects, we agreed to keep this as our final logo. This was because we didn’t want it to be too cliché or predictable, but we thought was detailed enough.Live type practice
This is a brief clip which myself and the group prepared, this was to run through not only the skills with the camera but similarly to experiment on the programme ‘Live Type’. The idea was to practice with the programme in order to be able to eventually use it for my final opening sequence, this included working out how to insert titles and effects to the clip. From this I gained a better understanding on how to work with Live Type but in addition, more experience with the camera and the different angles which I am able to use.
Wednesday 11 April 2012
Tuesday 10 April 2012
Contingency Plan
During the making of this opening sequence, we need to consider and resolve any problems that are likely to come up, it is essential that we think in advance in order to make a back up plan which could still allow us to film successfully.
Cast dropping out/Unreliable actors/Bad actors:
For the teenage girls role, either myself or a member of the groups little sister will be acting, therefore we have a back up plan if either of us for whatever reason cannot act. For the old man’s role we have two actors who are both keen to take on the part, this means we can film both and then make a decision on which we think is more appropriate.
Crew being late/getting lost:
Before we film, we will meet up with each person, and as we are going to previously agree a time in which everyone is free this shouldn‘t be a problem. We will assure the actors of where it is, and all travel together. We have also allowed an hour at the end of the filming time, so if for whatever cause a problem does occur with timing, we can make it up with this hour.
Problems with location/Too noisy/Having too much background noise:
Through our decision to keep both locations simple, there is no need for us to get authorisation to be able to film there. The opening scene will be filmed in either mine, or my group members dining room, and the other in a shed in the garden. We have purposely chosen these settings as both are distant from a main road, therefore it is improbable the background noise will override the filming.
Battery running out on camera:
We will make sure that the battery of the camera is fully charged before we leave to film. If the camera battery does run out when we are in the middle of our task, we will simply return to the location a day later with the camera charged, but also a spare battery to carry on without any more disturbances.
Continuity problems:
Fortunately, continuity editing has never been a trouble which has occurred with my group. We all take notice of all detail regarding this, and with every person paying attention it is unlikely for this to occur in our opening sequence. We too decided, by taking pictures of the location and the actors, we can resemble them if we film another day to help us over-come a continuity problem.
Cast dropping out/Unreliable actors/Bad actors:
For the teenage girls role, either myself or a member of the groups little sister will be acting, therefore we have a back up plan if either of us for whatever reason cannot act. For the old man’s role we have two actors who are both keen to take on the part, this means we can film both and then make a decision on which we think is more appropriate.
Crew being late/getting lost:
Before we film, we will meet up with each person, and as we are going to previously agree a time in which everyone is free this shouldn‘t be a problem. We will assure the actors of where it is, and all travel together. We have also allowed an hour at the end of the filming time, so if for whatever cause a problem does occur with timing, we can make it up with this hour.
Problems with location/Too noisy/Having too much background noise:
Through our decision to keep both locations simple, there is no need for us to get authorisation to be able to film there. The opening scene will be filmed in either mine, or my group members dining room, and the other in a shed in the garden. We have purposely chosen these settings as both are distant from a main road, therefore it is improbable the background noise will override the filming.
Battery running out on camera:
We will make sure that the battery of the camera is fully charged before we leave to film. If the camera battery does run out when we are in the middle of our task, we will simply return to the location a day later with the camera charged, but also a spare battery to carry on without any more disturbances.
Continuity problems:
Fortunately, continuity editing has never been a trouble which has occurred with my group. We all take notice of all detail regarding this, and with every person paying attention it is unlikely for this to occur in our opening sequence. We too decided, by taking pictures of the location and the actors, we can resemble them if we film another day to help us over-come a continuity problem.
Saturday 7 April 2012
Locations Recce
Locations for our opening sequence:
The first location is in a dining room, we have chosen to use this location as we want the sequence to be as real to life as possible. This will be the first scene, and the actual introductory of the sequence, and due to the fact it is a standard dining room, it will be used as the man’s point of view, and what he considers is happening. We will pull the table away from the wall and decorate it appropriately (with rose petals, candles etc.) we will also move anything in the background that we do not want to feature in the scene; this is to help the setting look current. Fortunately for us, because this dining room is in one of the group members house, it is improbable for any problems (such as lack of power points) to occur. However, it is likely that their family will be using the dining room around the time we want to film. We are going to overcome this by arranging an agreed time the dining room will be kept free with the people living in the house, allowing us to film during this space.
Below are some pictures of the dining room we are going to use.
The second location will be in a forest or a shed. We have selected this place as it isn’t an average setting where people are expected to have a meal. This creates extra suspension and makes the whole film seem more unique. This setting will be the girl’s point of view and ultimately the reality of the situation. This will confuse the audience and make them question what is actually going on, and why the man is so content with what he is doing. We have to consider the restrictions of using the forest, for example due to the fact it is open for the public we need to contemplate how we are going to avoid them in our filming. We have discussed this, and decided that we will film, and if at that certain time the location is busy, we will simply come back at a later time and film piece by piece until it is eventually finished. However, a forest will be very spacious so it is likely we will just be able to move somewhere else.
The first location is in a dining room, we have chosen to use this location as we want the sequence to be as real to life as possible. This will be the first scene, and the actual introductory of the sequence, and due to the fact it is a standard dining room, it will be used as the man’s point of view, and what he considers is happening. We will pull the table away from the wall and decorate it appropriately (with rose petals, candles etc.) we will also move anything in the background that we do not want to feature in the scene; this is to help the setting look current. Fortunately for us, because this dining room is in one of the group members house, it is improbable for any problems (such as lack of power points) to occur. However, it is likely that their family will be using the dining room around the time we want to film. We are going to overcome this by arranging an agreed time the dining room will be kept free with the people living in the house, allowing us to film during this space.
Below are some pictures of the dining room we are going to use.
The second location will be in a forest or a shed. We have selected this place as it isn’t an average setting where people are expected to have a meal. This creates extra suspension and makes the whole film seem more unique. This setting will be the girl’s point of view and ultimately the reality of the situation. This will confuse the audience and make them question what is actually going on, and why the man is so content with what he is doing. We have to consider the restrictions of using the forest, for example due to the fact it is open for the public we need to contemplate how we are going to avoid them in our filming. We have discussed this, and decided that we will film, and if at that certain time the location is busy, we will simply come back at a later time and film piece by piece until it is eventually finished. However, a forest will be very spacious so it is likely we will just be able to move somewhere else.
Tuesday 3 April 2012
Equipment List
A list of technical equipment which we will need for our production, and post production is a crucial part in actually enabling us to film the opening sequence. Below is the list of equipment which is vital for us.
Digital Video Camera:
- This will be needed to record our footage, and is perhaps the most important piece of equipment needed to complete or even start an opening sequence.
Tripods:
- This will be used so we are able to place our camera on a steady surface when filming the first location of our sequence.
Lighting:
- A candle light will be used both in the first and second location, although we will have a small amount of lighting in the background this will be the prevailing light used. This is because of the flickering effect a candle has on the characters face.
Radio:
- We will need an old radio player, but although this will be featured in our opening sequence the music playing doesn’t need to come play from it, therefore a radio playing music off the scene will be just as effective.
Apple Mac Computer:
- This is a vital piece of equipment which we need. Once the filming has been completed we will then use the Macs to edit the footage. The two main software’s we will be using is ‘Final Cut Express’ and ‘Live Type’.
Audio Recorder:
- This will be used so we can hear more clearly the girl trying to scream whilst her mouth is taped shut.
This is an example of an audio recorder, tripod, digital camera and an Apple Mac, all which we are going to use for our opening sequence.
Digital Video Camera:
- This will be needed to record our footage, and is perhaps the most important piece of equipment needed to complete or even start an opening sequence.
Tripods:
- This will be used so we are able to place our camera on a steady surface when filming the first location of our sequence.
Lighting:
- A candle light will be used both in the first and second location, although we will have a small amount of lighting in the background this will be the prevailing light used. This is because of the flickering effect a candle has on the characters face.
Radio:
- We will need an old radio player, but although this will be featured in our opening sequence the music playing doesn’t need to come play from it, therefore a radio playing music off the scene will be just as effective.
Apple Mac Computer:
- This is a vital piece of equipment which we need. Once the filming has been completed we will then use the Macs to edit the footage. The two main software’s we will be using is ‘Final Cut Express’ and ‘Live Type’.
Audio Recorder:
- This will be used so we can hear more clearly the girl trying to scream whilst her mouth is taped shut.
Sunday 1 April 2012
Costumes and Props List
Before we film an opening sequence, it is vital we design and map out as much as we can in order to make the task easier. Therefore, we need to take into account the costumes and the props of the designated characters and locations, in order to complete the understanding of what we are essentially going to film.
Costumes
During the course of the opening sequence and throughout the contrasting scenes both the characters will have the same costume on.
Jane – A long white t-shirt
Old man – Shirt and tie
Jane’s top will be scruffy and muted, this is mainly all the clothing we will see on her, due to the fact she is tied up. Her make up will be run, and her hair will purposely be messy and knotted from where she hasn’t washed or brushed it in a while.
The old man will be in smart attire, predominately of darker colours. This is to give off the assumption he is well kept, and has made an effort for the occasion. The dark colours are to also show his dark personality, and her white top resembles purity and virginity allowing the audience to emphasise with her.
Props
Likewise for our sequence we will need a number of props to make the scene look more professional but also real to life. Below are lists of props that will be involved in the filming.
- A small, circular wooden dining table
- Two wooden chairs
- Two cooked dinners
- A bottle of wine
- Two wine glasses
- A handful of rose petals
- 10x small circular candles
- Table cloth
- A small old stereo
- Two sets of cutlery
For the first location, the room which they will be devouring the meal in will be a traditional dining room, preferably from a middle class household. The room is likely to have paintings and pictures on the wall for a better effect, and we will also ensure that around the table all is clean and tidy.
The second location is the complete reverse; this will either be in a forest, cellar, or a deserted place. The setting of the table will be identical, but we will not interfere with the background of this situation.
Costumes
During the course of the opening sequence and throughout the contrasting scenes both the characters will have the same costume on.
Jane – A long white t-shirt
Old man – Shirt and tie
Jane’s top will be scruffy and muted, this is mainly all the clothing we will see on her, due to the fact she is tied up. Her make up will be run, and her hair will purposely be messy and knotted from where she hasn’t washed or brushed it in a while.
The old man will be in smart attire, predominately of darker colours. This is to give off the assumption he is well kept, and has made an effort for the occasion. The dark colours are to also show his dark personality, and her white top resembles purity and virginity allowing the audience to emphasise with her.
Props
Likewise for our sequence we will need a number of props to make the scene look more professional but also real to life. Below are lists of props that will be involved in the filming.
- A small, circular wooden dining table
- Two wooden chairs
- Two cooked dinners
- A bottle of wine
- Two wine glasses
- A handful of rose petals
- 10x small circular candles
- Table cloth
- A small old stereo
- Two sets of cutlery
For the first location, the room which they will be devouring the meal in will be a traditional dining room, preferably from a middle class household. The room is likely to have paintings and pictures on the wall for a better effect, and we will also ensure that around the table all is clean and tidy.
The second location is the complete reverse; this will either be in a forest, cellar, or a deserted place. The setting of the table will be identical, but we will not interfere with the background of this situation.
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