Monday, 10 May 2010
Wednesday, 24 March 2010
Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?
As I did not film in my preliminary task I feel that I have definitely improved with our piece, ‘One Eleven’ as I contributed to filming the scenes I was not in. Although not all my shots were great I did my best to correct my mistakes. For example I shot the scene panning around the HOODED MAN’S face. My first attempt did not go to plan as I was in the wrong position and was not 100% clear of what I was meant to be doing, however when shot again I did my best the produce a steady shot as the camera was hand held. The shot now looks a lot more effective and portrays the eerie effect of the evil face watching the three girls in an intense manner.
Panning around HOODED MAN'S face
Adobe Premiere
Unsigned Band Web
Panning around HOODED MAN'S faceAnother major fault I seem to come across is the breaking of the 180* rule as this occurred in my preliminary task and the first attempt with the final project. Luckily we realised this fault and were able to correct this mistake and I know completely understand the rule and will not do it again.
Breaking the rule
Breaking the ruleI have definitely become more confident over the editing process from the preliminary task. I found it much easier to use the editing software as I knew where the buttons needed were, and how the shots had to be placed. I found the blogging process quite simple meaning it was done quickly. I also learnt new techniques that improved the sequence such as the fade/ dissolve in and out button which gives our titles a more interesting appearance, making them more mysterious. Except nearer the end where we experimented and found that it actually looks better to use hard cuts on the final shots to make an intense, scarier pace. Having the superimposed images allowed me to change the opacity and trial how dark or light the shots needed to be to make it the most effective, which gave me more experience with the different options Adobe Premier has to offer. Although it was quite challenging at times as we had a few jump cuts or issues with continuity and needed to cover them, we did our best to get round the problems and in doing so I improved my skills with the programme which will help me in the future and showed me where I was going wrong in filming.
Adobe PremiereAnother area in which I have enhanced on is with the sound of the film. In the preliminary task we simply used a CD and just put it on in the background making it quieter when the door closed, and loader when it opened as it was meant to be from a different room. This gave me a little knowledge of the programmes audio software. However in our opening sequence we need the sound to help create the mood for the piece and add to the overall performance. This required finding or creating a noise which would fit with the horror genre with an eerie sense to build the texture of the sequence. We decided to find a piece of music, though this became difficult as the original sight we wanted to use- mobygratis- which had ideal tunes, did not send us the rights to download them. Luckily we found a song from Unsigned Band Web called ‘Aluminium’ with the song ‘Iodine’. It took us a while to find an appropriate sound and even when we decided on this one it did not sound quite right. This is where adjustments were needed and skills learnt. We decided to slow the piece down as it became more horror like and less sci-fi which entailed fiddling with the programmes sound buttons. We also had to raise and lower the tone of the piece so it was not overpowering with the dialogue, yet louder when we wanted it to make an impact, for example over the superimposed images and some titles. However before we mixed the sound track we had to merge the audio with the footage so that it faded up and down on cue, I had done this previously but am much more confident doing so now as I used to get slightly confused. From adding the soundtrack I learnt how to use Adobe Premier in more depth and can now combine the visual with the audio more comfortably. Unsigned band Web
Unsigned Band Web
How did you attract/ address your audience?
One way in which I believe we attacked the audience is through the location. As it is set in a typical block flats it makes the story realistic and life like, giving the sense it could happen to you. The fact that the woods surround the building helps create a scary atmosphere with the darkness and unknown of what could be within the trees.
Protagonist (LAURA)
Antagonist (HOODED MAN)
Another is the fact the protagonist is attractive as it draws people to the posters and trailers as people always notice good looking people, as shallow as it sounds. It may also help with capturing woman’s eyes as it is female orientated with the three girls moving into the flat and the film based around a woman and the power they contain, showing them not to be as weak as they have been stereotyped.
Protagonist (LAURA)However this should also appeal to men as well, in addition to the male presence shown with the HOODED MAN.
Antagonist (HOODED MAN)The super imposed images also create a sense of wonder, and a want to continue watching as you can interpret weather you think these scenes are going to happen, or have already happened, therefore making you want to watch and find out the truth. It also creates a different, mysterious vibe as it is unexpected and not something
Certificate 15
Suitable only for 15 years and over.
No one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema.
No one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video work.
Discrimination
The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour.
Does not contain any
Drugs
Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse. The misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances (for example, aerosols or solvents) is unlikely to be acceptable.
Does not contain any
Horror
Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised.
Contains murder but horror which is acceptable for this certificate.
Imitable behaviour
Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.
Contains forms of death however not shown in a positive light and with no appeal for any actions to be copied.
Language
There may be frequent use of strong language (for example, ‘fuck’). The strongest terms (for example, ‘cunt’) may be acceptable if justified by the context. Aggressive or repeated use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.
Moderately bad language with the use of strong language, however no case of the strongest terms as they not needed.
Nudity
Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.
Does not contain
Sex
Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour, but the strongest references are unlikely to be acceptable unless justified by context. Works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation are unlikely to be acceptable.
Only moderate sexual behaviour if any.
Theme
No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds.
Contents abides by the rules of a 15 year old certificate therefore is not inappropriate for them to see.
Violence
Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. Strong sadistic or sexualised violence is also
unlikely to be acceptable. There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence but any portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet and have a strong contextual justification.
No gory images or sexual violence, scenes of pain and injury however quickly short lived.
http://www.bbfc.co.uk/downloads/pub/Guidelines/BBFC%20Classification%20Guidelines%202009.pdf
Suitable only for 15 years and over.
No one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema.
No one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video work.
Discrimination
The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour.
Does not contain any
Drugs
Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse. The misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances (for example, aerosols or solvents) is unlikely to be acceptable.
Does not contain any
Horror
Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised.
Contains murder but horror which is acceptable for this certificate.
Imitable behaviour
Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.
Contains forms of death however not shown in a positive light and with no appeal for any actions to be copied.
Language
There may be frequent use of strong language (for example, ‘fuck’). The strongest terms (for example, ‘cunt’) may be acceptable if justified by the context. Aggressive or repeated use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.
Moderately bad language with the use of strong language, however no case of the strongest terms as they not needed.
Nudity
Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.
Does not contain
Sex
Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour, but the strongest references are unlikely to be acceptable unless justified by context. Works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation are unlikely to be acceptable.
Only moderate sexual behaviour if any.
Theme
No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds.
Contents abides by the rules of a 15 year old certificate therefore is not inappropriate for them to see.
Violence
Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. Strong sadistic or sexualised violence is also
unlikely to be acceptable. There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence but any portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet and have a strong contextual justification.
No gory images or sexual violence, scenes of pain and injury however quickly short lived.
http://www.bbfc.co.uk/downloads/pub/Guidelines/BBFC%20Classification%20Guidelines%202009.pdf
Who would be the audience for your media product?
The audience we are trying to attract are teenage girls. This is because the main character is a young female with whom the audience could relate, therefore making it more realistic and will grab their attention. Also they will entice there partners to go as they will not go alone which creates a different group of people who may enjoy the film and report back to their friends. Obviously there is already a set audience who enjoy the horror genre for the thrill so is important to reach our film to them as well.
Sam Grace is an 18 year old girl who is currently working as an apprentice at a hairdresser. She lives with her mother and father and has a teenage sister and brother who she loves. Her boyfriend’s name is Lee who she has been with for around three years, and spends most of her time with. She continually sees her friends and is always out, doing activities such as shopping, horse riding and at the theatre. She enjoys a night out clubbing but likes a night in with a film and popcorn. She watches many types of film with her favourite being ‘Taken’, as it is exciting and combines two genres of action and thriller. When going to the cinema she is up for most films other than depressing, sad films with a boring storyline. She particularly likes thriller and horror movies as they give you an adrenaline rush and usually keep you interested with many busy, jumpy scenes. Her favourite horror is the ‘Strangers’ as it gets straight to the point and is intriguing as you cannot see the faces of the villains. However she also likes chick flick’s because they contain female dominance as well as attractive men.
Sam Grace is an 18 year old girl who is currently working as an apprentice at a hairdresser. She lives with her mother and father and has a teenage sister and brother who she loves. Her boyfriend’s name is Lee who she has been with for around three years, and spends most of her time with. She continually sees her friends and is always out, doing activities such as shopping, horse riding and at the theatre. She enjoys a night out clubbing but likes a night in with a film and popcorn. She watches many types of film with her favourite being ‘Taken’, as it is exciting and combines two genres of action and thriller. When going to the cinema she is up for most films other than depressing, sad films with a boring storyline. She particularly likes thriller and horror movies as they give you an adrenaline rush and usually keep you interested with many busy, jumpy scenes. Her favourite horror is the ‘Strangers’ as it gets straight to the point and is intriguing as you cannot see the faces of the villains. However she also likes chick flick’s because they contain female dominance as well as attractive men.
What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
Production Company
A production company is a company responsible for the development and physical production of new media, performing arts, film, radio or a television program. The company may also be directly responsible for the raising of funding for the production or may do through an intermediary. The production company may be a small company, selling its product to a film studio or presenting it at a theatrical venue, or, in the case of film and television, it may be the studio itself. A co production is a theatrical presentation or film made by more than one company. It is common for actors to form their own production companies so that they can have more control over their own careers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Production_company
As our film is being produced by a British company, TCCA and is in association with Kings Langley Production, we will need to get our funding from a number of different sources. We will obviously need our individual money to begin but would not be able to afford the making by ourselves. This means that people must combine to get the product out. This can be done by sponsorship, Film London, the lottery and other funding schemes / opportunities / competitions. The best way of getting our film out there would be taking it to film festivals where hopefully it would be discovered by British distributors or even American.
A film festival is an organised, extended presentation of films in one or more movie theaters or screening venues, usually in a single locality. The films may be of recent date and, depending upon the focus of the individual festival, can include international releases as well as films produced by the organisers' domestic film industry. Sometimes there is a focus on a specific film-maker or genre, or subject matter.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film_festival
Film London would be helpful to producing our film as it is the capital's film and media agency. We sustain, promote and develop London as a major international film-making and film cultural capital. This includes all the screen industries based in London - film, television, video, commercials and new interactive media.
http://www.filmlondon.org.uk/content.asp?CategoryID=737
A production company is a company responsible for the development and physical production of new media, performing arts, film, radio or a television program. The company may also be directly responsible for the raising of funding for the production or may do through an intermediary. The production company may be a small company, selling its product to a film studio or presenting it at a theatrical venue, or, in the case of film and television, it may be the studio itself. A co production is a theatrical presentation or film made by more than one company. It is common for actors to form their own production companies so that they can have more control over their own careers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Production_company
As our film is being produced by a British company, TCCA and is in association with Kings Langley Production, we will need to get our funding from a number of different sources. We will obviously need our individual money to begin but would not be able to afford the making by ourselves. This means that people must combine to get the product out. This can be done by sponsorship, Film London, the lottery and other funding schemes / opportunities / competitions. The best way of getting our film out there would be taking it to film festivals where hopefully it would be discovered by British distributors or even American.
A film festival is an organised, extended presentation of films in one or more movie theaters or screening venues, usually in a single locality. The films may be of recent date and, depending upon the focus of the individual festival, can include international releases as well as films produced by the organisers' domestic film industry. Sometimes there is a focus on a specific film-maker or genre, or subject matter.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film_festival
Film London would be helpful to producing our film as it is the capital's film and media agency. We sustain, promote and develop London as a major international film-making and film cultural capital. This includes all the screen industries based in London - film, television, video, commercials and new interactive media.
http://www.filmlondon.org.uk/content.asp?CategoryID=737
Film London offers three funds in support of screen activity in the capital - the Cultural Film Exhibition Fund, the Outer Boroughs Pilot Fund and the Education 'Hubs' Fund. We also have a Digital Film Archive Fund for projects which encourage public engagement with archive and can demonstrate the public value of film archive material; this may offer funding to film festivals, venues or educational organisations for specific work.
Sposers of Film London include...
‘The Cultural Film Exhibition Fund aims to support a rich film viewing culture for London. The fund has £40,000 for the financial year 2009/10 and will offer grants of £3,000 to £5,000 to screening projects that will reach large audiences through a strong mix of programming and marketing. We want to ensure London audiences have access to high quality viewing experiences which offer them the chance to discover new and unfamiliar non-mainstream film, which engage them more deeply in film culture, and which demonstrate the value and beauty of the medium.
I believe ‘The Cultural Film Exhibition Fund’ would be a good form of funding as it wants to discover new types of cinema. As there is not a great number of British horror films this would be very helpful for our product as with our results from the questionnaire we see that it is a very popular genre among people therefore would connect with a large audience.
Another major funding company is the UK Film Council. They fund script development, film production, short films, film export and distribution, cinemas, film education, culture and archives, festivals and audience support schemes.
http://www.ukfilmcouncil.org.uk/funding
I believe ‘The Cultural Film Exhibition Fund’ would be a good form of funding as it wants to discover new types of cinema. As there is not a great number of British horror films this would be very helpful for our product as with our results from the questionnaire we see that it is a very popular genre among people therefore would connect with a large audience.
Another major funding company is the UK Film Council. They fund script development, film production, short films, film export and distribution, cinemas, film education, culture and archives, festivals and audience support schemes.
http://www.ukfilmcouncil.org.uk/funding
Distribution and exhibition
This is the final stage, where the film is released to cinemas or, occasionally, to DVD, VCD, VHS (though VHS tapes are less common now that more people own DVD players), Blu-Ray, or direct download from a provider. The film is duplicated as required for distribution to cinemas. Press kits, posters, and other advertising materials are published and the film is advertised.
Film companies usually release a film with a launch party, press releases, interviews with the press, press preview screenings, and film festival screenings. Most films have a website. The film plays at selected cinemas and the DVD typically is released a few months later. The distribution rights for the film and DVD are also usually sold for worldwide distribution. The distributor and the production company share profits.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filmmaking#Distribution_and_exhibition
This is the final stage, where the film is released to cinemas or, occasionally, to DVD, VCD, VHS (though VHS tapes are less common now that more people own DVD players), Blu-Ray, or direct download from a provider. The film is duplicated as required for distribution to cinemas. Press kits, posters, and other advertising materials are published and the film is advertised.
Film companies usually release a film with a launch party, press releases, interviews with the press, press preview screenings, and film festival screenings. Most films have a website. The film plays at selected cinemas and the DVD typically is released a few months later. The distribution rights for the film and DVD are also usually sold for worldwide distribution. The distributor and the production company share profits.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filmmaking#Distribution_and_exhibition
We would want them to distribute our film as it would allow the film to be shown to a number of different people in many different places. Without them the film would not be publicized and possible not shown at all because you need them to put it to the people and produce a large audience. We would take our film to a British film festival where hopefully it would be discovered as a new start for the horror genre in Britain. As there is not a dominant horror genre in the British film industry we would like to think our film could introduce a new range. It would also be creating new actors into the world, yet although may effect the decision to take us on as there is no well know actor therefore not a prepared audience, they may see it as a new beginning and interesting to bring a new performer to the industry.
How does your media product represent particular social groups?
Character Comparison
Although the character of the HOODED MAN is appears differently from the villain of ‘Scream’ they have similarities. There purpose is the kill the people they see fit and try to be undetected. This is why they both wear the hoods, to disguise themselves and keep their identities hidden. However they do not seem to be afraid of being seen if their faces are covered. For example the HOODED MAN stands under the widow allowing the girls to see him watching them. And in the same way the man in scream as he calls his victims and will make himself visible before attacking. This is to make it scarier for the character in the film as they know something bad is going to happen which reflects to the audience making it frightening and creepy to watch.
I have chosen the comparison of Karen Davis (Sarah Michelle Geller) from ‘The Grudge’ with Laura as they have similar qualities. They both are pretty blonds who begin the film with normal life’s and new surrounding as they have both moved house. Although you do not see a lot of Laura in the opening sequence you can tell she is a nice, average, independent girl much like Karen. This would be good in a film with a different genre but as it is horror this does not come in their favour, it screams susceptibility, meaning that they are the likeliest people to victimise. Both these films have a lady protagonist and are female orientated. Neither of them deserves bad things to happen to them but because they seem like your typical girls it makes each story more realistic and creates a scary atmosphere with the knowledge and proof it could happen to anyone.
Although the character of the HOODED MAN is appears differently from the villain of ‘Scream’ they have similarities. There purpose is the kill the people they see fit and try to be undetected. This is why they both wear the hoods, to disguise themselves and keep their identities hidden. However they do not seem to be afraid of being seen if their faces are covered. For example the HOODED MAN stands under the widow allowing the girls to see him watching them. And in the same way the man in scream as he calls his victims and will make himself visible before attacking. This is to make it scarier for the character in the film as they know something bad is going to happen which reflects to the audience making it frightening and creepy to watch.
I have chosen the comparison of Karen Davis (Sarah Michelle Geller) from ‘The Grudge’ with Laura as they have similar qualities. They both are pretty blonds who begin the film with normal life’s and new surrounding as they have both moved house. Although you do not see a lot of Laura in the opening sequence you can tell she is a nice, average, independent girl much like Karen. This would be good in a film with a different genre but as it is horror this does not come in their favour, it screams susceptibility, meaning that they are the likeliest people to victimise. Both these films have a lady protagonist and are female orientated. Neither of them deserves bad things to happen to them but because they seem like your typical girls it makes each story more realistic and creates a scary atmosphere with the knowledge and proof it could happen to anyone.
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
Audience Feedback
Audience Feedback Results
1. Can you identify the genre the film would be?
Most people showed they recognize it was from the horror genre, however some thought it was slightly unclear. Yet I believe from adapting the sequence since the viewing- for example adding the sound- the genre has become more apparent.
2. Do you think our titles (i.e. font, size) fitted the genre?
The titles were positive to the viewer as were said to be clear, and easy to read, however some could have been kept on for a longer period of time. We have understood this point and changed them to stay on the screen longer, which adds to the intensity making it easier the read.
3. Can you explain the significance of the flat? Explain what has happened here before?
There were mixed views from this question as some people were not entirely sure of the significance. However more people than not new that there had been murders before hand involving the HOODED MAN.
4. How did you feel the costume, location and props contributed to the narrative?
The costume was good as it portrayed everyday life, except from the HOODED MAN which showed him to be mysterious and creepy. The props worked well as thy helped with the understanding of the girls moving into a new home. The location gave a realistic sense and the surroundings made it seem spooky and secluded. Combined, the mise-en-scene helped build suspense and intensity and fitted well with the genre.
5. If you had the chance would you continue watching the rest of the film?
Unfortunately a few people declined the offer to continue watching the rest of the film. This was down, in most cases, to them not enjoying the horror genre as a whole, but some believed it to be slightly amateur. Yet these people are outsiders who did not realise we had little funds and a single camera and were more understanding when informed of this. Luckily on the whole most people wanted to continue watching to find out what happens in the flat and to the girls, as the opening sequence grabbed there attention and did not give to much away.
6. Where the superimposed images effective? How do they help show you what has happened?
Some people did not think they were that noticeable so we extended the overlap of the superimposed shots and darkened the opacity to make it more visible. But the main contentious was that they added something different to the piece, which mad the sequence easier to understand as it gave an insight of what happened in the past, and worked with the rest of the footage to predict the future.
7. Any other comments?
Not many people added extra comments, but the ones who did said they enjoyed our sequence and would want to continue watching to see the outcome.
The overall feedback was positive in many places which is good for our sequence and the criticism was constructive and helped us improve sections which needed work.
We asked an audience to view our opening sequence and then filmed there responses. However because of technical difficulties it is not possible to put them onto our blogs.
1. Can you identify the genre the film would be?
Most people showed they recognize it was from the horror genre, however some thought it was slightly unclear. Yet I believe from adapting the sequence since the viewing- for example adding the sound- the genre has become more apparent.
2. Do you think our titles (i.e. font, size) fitted the genre?
The titles were positive to the viewer as were said to be clear, and easy to read, however some could have been kept on for a longer period of time. We have understood this point and changed them to stay on the screen longer, which adds to the intensity making it easier the read.
3. Can you explain the significance of the flat? Explain what has happened here before?
There were mixed views from this question as some people were not entirely sure of the significance. However more people than not new that there had been murders before hand involving the HOODED MAN.
4. How did you feel the costume, location and props contributed to the narrative?
The costume was good as it portrayed everyday life, except from the HOODED MAN which showed him to be mysterious and creepy. The props worked well as thy helped with the understanding of the girls moving into a new home. The location gave a realistic sense and the surroundings made it seem spooky and secluded. Combined, the mise-en-scene helped build suspense and intensity and fitted well with the genre.
5. If you had the chance would you continue watching the rest of the film?
Unfortunately a few people declined the offer to continue watching the rest of the film. This was down, in most cases, to them not enjoying the horror genre as a whole, but some believed it to be slightly amateur. Yet these people are outsiders who did not realise we had little funds and a single camera and were more understanding when informed of this. Luckily on the whole most people wanted to continue watching to find out what happens in the flat and to the girls, as the opening sequence grabbed there attention and did not give to much away.
6. Where the superimposed images effective? How do they help show you what has happened?
Some people did not think they were that noticeable so we extended the overlap of the superimposed shots and darkened the opacity to make it more visible. But the main contentious was that they added something different to the piece, which mad the sequence easier to understand as it gave an insight of what happened in the past, and worked with the rest of the footage to predict the future.
7. Any other comments?
Not many people added extra comments, but the ones who did said they enjoyed our sequence and would want to continue watching to see the outcome.
The overall feedback was positive in many places which is good for our sequence and the criticism was constructive and helped us improve sections which needed work.
We asked an audience to view our opening sequence and then filmed there responses. However because of technical difficulties it is not possible to put them onto our blogs.
Wednesday, 3 March 2010
Production Report
We filmed our opening sequence on the 6th February 2010 at Charley’s flat on Elstree Road in Woodhall Farm. I enjoyed the few hours it took to shoot, however we did come across a few problems. These include lighting, camera work and forgotten lines, as well as starting late.
The first problem we encountered was within the first scene where the three girls walk into the block of flats. This shot, which should not have taken along time, in fact took around 5-6 takes. This was because I needed to walk faster than the other girls so that we could have a smooth transaction into the next scene, on top of this forgetting our lines and bursting into laughter which was unprofessional.
When moving onto the next scene we had a problem with the camera work as the shot did not look as it was meant to. I was meant to Pan around the hooded man without revealing his face, however I tracked around him and instead of stopping on his face I moved past him. This went wrong because I used the wrong technique and now must be re-filmed as it does not look as mysterious as expected, therefore isn’t as interesting.
One of the major dilemmas which we faced was the lighting within the stairwell. The only lights placed there are set to a timer and only come on at night. Also there are no plug sockets to add any extra lighting unless attaching an extension lead from the flat, which could cause disruption to the other residents which we did not want to happen. This caused the shots in this location to be very dark and again we will need to re-film these parts, such as the girls walking up the stairs and the conversation with the old lady. Yet this time we will see if using night mode on the camera will brighten up the scenes, or by using a powerful touch high in a corner to make it look like a lightened room.
The first problem we encountered was within the first scene where the three girls walk into the block of flats. This shot, which should not have taken along time, in fact took around 5-6 takes. This was because I needed to walk faster than the other girls so that we could have a smooth transaction into the next scene, on top of this forgetting our lines and bursting into laughter which was unprofessional.
When moving onto the next scene we had a problem with the camera work as the shot did not look as it was meant to. I was meant to Pan around the hooded man without revealing his face, however I tracked around him and instead of stopping on his face I moved past him. This went wrong because I used the wrong technique and now must be re-filmed as it does not look as mysterious as expected, therefore isn’t as interesting.
One of the major dilemmas which we faced was the lighting within the stairwell. The only lights placed there are set to a timer and only come on at night. Also there are no plug sockets to add any extra lighting unless attaching an extension lead from the flat, which could cause disruption to the other residents which we did not want to happen. This caused the shots in this location to be very dark and again we will need to re-film these parts, such as the girls walking up the stairs and the conversation with the old lady. Yet this time we will see if using night mode on the camera will brighten up the scenes, or by using a powerful touch high in a corner to make it look like a lightened room.
As we continued we had more difficulties with the camera work. One of the most obvious was the panning with the girls walking up the stairs. Although this was partly down to the space issues as there was not a lot of room to put the camera on the landing and then walk past it. This lead to cutting off the girls heads and not following there movements well as the lens would go out of focus if the camera or people moved to fast. What should have happened was the camera operator setting the camera higher, as well as allowing two of the girls to be out of shot, then following the third up the stairs. As we are going to re-film this section we will do it like this, whilst making as much space as possible to make it easier to move around.
Three mistakes which should have been avoided were firstly the re-watching the tape. We have been told never to do this, just to film a shot again if we didn’t think it was right. However at the time we did not think and watched a few shots back. This caused breaks in times which made it harder when blogging. The second was the height of the camera. In most of the shots it was to low and cuts the tops of people’s heads off. We now have to re- shoot these shots as they look silly and look very amateur. Lastly the actors did not know there script 100% so improvised certain sections. This was not good as it goes against what we have put in the pre-production section in our blogs, however will be learnt and said correctly with the scenes that are going to be re-filmed.
When editing one of the main problems we faced was issues with continuity as some of the scenes do not flow to well and do not match 100%, yet we managed to cover these with fade in black screens and titles. This is why there are many more titles than shown in the treatment and shot list as we needed to create more to overcome certain issues, yet having more seems to add to the effect of the overall sequence as the fade in and outs create more intensity. Also there is a section near the end when Laura walks up to the door frame and pauses and then the camera moves forward closely behind her. The effect we wanted to give was the impression that she wasn't sure weather to answer the door or not as she did not no what she may come across, however this in fact does not appear like this and seems like dodgy camera work which we now regret creating. Another was where Laura has her back to the camera, with the next shot being a close-up of her face where she has changed direction which looks strange and is incorrect. At the time we did not think about this as where more concerned about fitting different shots in. I realise how careful you must be as little things make a big difference.
The final cut is also over the required amount of time but we decided that we needed all the footage as it made a good introduction to the film and included an insight to the characters, past events and a feel for what the rest of the film is going to be about.
Monday, 1 March 2010
Pre- Production Report
During the pre-production stage we made the decision to use the horror genre straight away as we all enjoy watching these types of film and know we would not loose interest. However we had a few difficulties with deciding on the story line as there were communication problems within the group and many ideas to choose from. We finally came up with the basic outline of what the sequence was going to contain, however we all had our own ideas and views on what should happen, and unfortunately none of them matched. For example killing three girls in the opening sequence and having the film as a detective finding out what happened to them. This led to us having a group meeting to discuss all the options and to decide on the best action to take for our film. Luckily we agreed on a storyline which we have stuck to.
One of the first pieces we had to write was the treatment. This did not go to plan as we made many mistakes and had to add parts and change the order of scenes. This again was down to communication and misinterpretation of what was happening, and when, in the film. Yet when we went through the whole idea whilst writing the shot list we found it much easier to correct the errors of the treatment and make the two pieces match. We also had a problem with our storyboard as it did not match the shot list or treatment at one point. We also found that it needed to be in more detail with the sound used and how long each shot was. So we had an extra lesson re-arranging the storyboard to make it correct and easy to follow. The other items from the pre-production went ok and everything was completed quickly without as many problems.
We had to post all of our work to do with our production on our blog. This meant scanning in certain parts like the storyboard and inserting it as a JPEG image, also with the shot list, script and location recce, as they cannot be copied and pasted onto the blog as it does not allow this to happen. A problem that occurred for me during the transferring period was that my computer at home would not allow me to copy and paste onto the blog so I had to relocate it to school to do so. I tried to keep this as up to date as possible with our group work and also our independent work about the genre we have picked, but also the reasons why we chose to do it. Throughout the project I feel that the group has worked well together with the sharing of the work over the group so one person isn’t doing all the work. We also had a few disagreements about things like the name of the film as someone wanted to call it Nightmare of Elstree as it is a play on words of another with the name 'Nightmare on Elmstreet', however we decided against it as it sounds witty so could be confused as being a comedy as well as being unoriginal. Also different ideas of what the actual storyline would be like, and what the plot would contain.
Our first idea for the plot was for three girls to move into a flat and get murdered by a hooded man. However we changed this as it is a predicable story for a horror film and would not leave a great plot for the rest of the film. We decided to keep the three girls moving into the flat but not getting killed, instead just getting the impression they would later in the film. This is done by viewing the hooded man watching the girls, as well as an old lady getting worried at the thought of them living in the flat. This gives a mysterious vibe and sets up the narrative enigma to the film as well as seeing the superimposed images of past events including the hooded man, leaving the audience wondering.
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
Monday, 1 February 2010
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