This is my Preliminary Task Final Outcome:
This is my Main Task Final Outcome:
Wednesday, 24 March 2010
Evaluation: Question 7
'Looking back at your Preliminary Task, what do you feel you have learnt in progression from it to the Full Product?'
Before our Preliminary Task, I was a complete novice to recording footage. This included framing, shot types, editing, using the tripod, working the camera, using the editing program. Everything basically. I probably could of used common sense to work things out, but I definitely benefited from the introductory lessons we had to the course.
We were shown the different shot types needed for our Preliminary Task, such as the 180° Rule, Match-On-Action, Shot-Reverse-Shot. And how to frame the shots properly, with head space etc.
We were also given an introductory lesson or two on how to use the editing program, Adobe Premier Plus Pro 2.0. We were shown how to use all the tools and where to save it and how to load it. For the Preliminary Task, Tim and I edited the majority of the footage, and so we had a head start on using the program when it came to the Main Task.
When we finished the Preliminary Task, we went straight into the Main Task. This was easier because we still had the skills from the Preliminary Task fresh in our memories. This was easier when it came to planning our Main Task, and planning the production.
Filming the Preliminary Task was difficult because we weren't the most confident in the beginning; we re-filmed 3 times. However, in the Main Task, we filmed in 4 parts, and used some footage from each session. We filmed over some footage, but used a little form each session, so each session was relevant and used in the final product. We found filming the Main Task easier than filming the Preliminary Task because we had the practice when filming the Preliminary Task.
We found it a lot easier to log and capture the shots because we had already done it before. It was also a lot easier to edit the footage, and we all had a good go at it this time. We were all in the media lessons, as well as editing in our own time; we all know the program quite well now.
It's not just the technical side of things we have learnt. I have learnt how to manage my time better, how to work quickly and efficiently in a group, how to listen and take on board advice as a group, how to do proper research, which is being put into practice now with our exam preparation. I have learnt quite a few things whilst doing the media course and the coursework, all of which will help me when I hopefully do Media A2.
Before our Preliminary Task, I was a complete novice to recording footage. This included framing, shot types, editing, using the tripod, working the camera, using the editing program. Everything basically. I probably could of used common sense to work things out, but I definitely benefited from the introductory lessons we had to the course.
We were shown the different shot types needed for our Preliminary Task, such as the 180° Rule, Match-On-Action, Shot-Reverse-Shot. And how to frame the shots properly, with head space etc.
We were also given an introductory lesson or two on how to use the editing program, Adobe Premier Plus Pro 2.0. We were shown how to use all the tools and where to save it and how to load it. For the Preliminary Task, Tim and I edited the majority of the footage, and so we had a head start on using the program when it came to the Main Task.
When we finished the Preliminary Task, we went straight into the Main Task. This was easier because we still had the skills from the Preliminary Task fresh in our memories. This was easier when it came to planning our Main Task, and planning the production.
Filming the Preliminary Task was difficult because we weren't the most confident in the beginning; we re-filmed 3 times. However, in the Main Task, we filmed in 4 parts, and used some footage from each session. We filmed over some footage, but used a little form each session, so each session was relevant and used in the final product. We found filming the Main Task easier than filming the Preliminary Task because we had the practice when filming the Preliminary Task.
We found it a lot easier to log and capture the shots because we had already done it before. It was also a lot easier to edit the footage, and we all had a good go at it this time. We were all in the media lessons, as well as editing in our own time; we all know the program quite well now.
It's not just the technical side of things we have learnt. I have learnt how to manage my time better, how to work quickly and efficiently in a group, how to listen and take on board advice as a group, how to do proper research, which is being put into practice now with our exam preparation. I have learnt quite a few things whilst doing the media course and the coursework, all of which will help me when I hopefully do Media A2.
Evaluation: Question 6
'What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?'
Evaluation: Question 4
'Who would be the audience for your media product?'
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NRS_social_grade
http://prezi.com/0am13ij-ve9p/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NRS_social_grade
http://prezi.com/0am13ij-ve9p/
Evaluation: Question 3
'What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?'
http://www.prezi.com/vnanregxnnbo/
http://www.prezi.com/vnanregxnnbo/
Evaluation: Question 2
'How does your media product represent particular social groups?'
Our media project focuses mainly on teenagers. There are many ideologies for teenagers; the majority of them negative. For example, one ideology is that all teenagers are moody and laze about in bed all the time. Another is how they all want to smoke and party all the time and dabble in recreational drugs and sex. There is obviously some truth behind these ideologies, and that is how society believes and identifies with them. However, we believe a lot of these ideologies through stereotypes and mediation. The media select the information we are given as a society, and we are therefore led to believe the ideas behind them. A good, comic example of a stroppy teenager is Harry Enfield's film 'Kevin And Perry Go Large'. He just strops about the place whining and sleeping all the time.
Another example is a character called Lauren from 'The Catherine Tate Show'. She has to keep her cool by asking 'am i bovvered?'. This adds to the ideology of teenagers having an attitude and acting cool.
These ideologies are quite negative, but there is some truth in them. We have conformed to quite a few ideologies in our project, but this is because there is some truth in them. For example, the girls in the footage are quite fashionable and this conforms to the ideology of young girls being into the latest fashion and trends.
Another one is the killer is male. He is big and intimidating and has concealed his face, conforming to the ideology of it being a man that is a criminal and preys on teenage girls; we could of challenged this ideology of using a female killer, unusual and it goes against the grain.
We have conformed to the fact that the woman is always the victim. The 'Damsel in Distress' and the weak, vulnerable one, who always needs saving, typically by a heroic, masculine man.
An ideology we have unintentionally conformed to is that the lead girl is blonde, and in danger, suggesting that 'all blondes are dumb'. WE did not mean to conform to this ideology, because Dulcie was chosen to act because she was willing and we thought she would be the best at it. However, it has worked quite well because the other girl in the footage, myself, is ginger, and there are not many ginger people in films. There is always a brunette or a blonde in roles. We could of challenged this norm and cast myself as the lead, but as a group, we thought Dulcie would be better.
There are quite a few ideologies we have conformed to, but there are some we have challenged. The recent headlines within the news and the gangs all wearing their hoodies gave teenagers a bad status in society, as most of these hoodied youths aren't dangerous. The girl in our project has a hoodie on, and so challenges the ideology of hooded youths as dangerous, because she is the one IN danger.
Another ideology we have challenged is the fact a group of girls have gone camping. Stereotypically, girls are not outdoorsy and are really into fashion and hair and make-up. Clearly these girls are, but the have chosen to go camping in the woods, stereotypically a boyish thing to do.
I think we have represented the social group of teenage girls quite well. We conform to quite a few ideologies, whether they were intentional or not. The fact they were unintentional proves the point of mediation; of how we believe what information is selected for us to read. We decided to use teenagers because it was realistic to film and shoot, and realistic for audiences to believe them to go camping and have fun, and get into trouble and end up in danger!
Our media project focuses mainly on teenagers. There are many ideologies for teenagers; the majority of them negative. For example, one ideology is that all teenagers are moody and laze about in bed all the time. Another is how they all want to smoke and party all the time and dabble in recreational drugs and sex. There is obviously some truth behind these ideologies, and that is how society believes and identifies with them. However, we believe a lot of these ideologies through stereotypes and mediation. The media select the information we are given as a society, and we are therefore led to believe the ideas behind them. A good, comic example of a stroppy teenager is Harry Enfield's film 'Kevin And Perry Go Large'. He just strops about the place whining and sleeping all the time.
Another example is a character called Lauren from 'The Catherine Tate Show'. She has to keep her cool by asking 'am i bovvered?'. This adds to the ideology of teenagers having an attitude and acting cool.
These ideologies are quite negative, but there is some truth in them. We have conformed to quite a few ideologies in our project, but this is because there is some truth in them. For example, the girls in the footage are quite fashionable and this conforms to the ideology of young girls being into the latest fashion and trends.
Another one is the killer is male. He is big and intimidating and has concealed his face, conforming to the ideology of it being a man that is a criminal and preys on teenage girls; we could of challenged this ideology of using a female killer, unusual and it goes against the grain.
We have conformed to the fact that the woman is always the victim. The 'Damsel in Distress' and the weak, vulnerable one, who always needs saving, typically by a heroic, masculine man.
An ideology we have unintentionally conformed to is that the lead girl is blonde, and in danger, suggesting that 'all blondes are dumb'. WE did not mean to conform to this ideology, because Dulcie was chosen to act because she was willing and we thought she would be the best at it. However, it has worked quite well because the other girl in the footage, myself, is ginger, and there are not many ginger people in films. There is always a brunette or a blonde in roles. We could of challenged this norm and cast myself as the lead, but as a group, we thought Dulcie would be better.
There are quite a few ideologies we have conformed to, but there are some we have challenged. The recent headlines within the news and the gangs all wearing their hoodies gave teenagers a bad status in society, as most of these hoodied youths aren't dangerous. The girl in our project has a hoodie on, and so challenges the ideology of hooded youths as dangerous, because she is the one IN danger.
Another ideology we have challenged is the fact a group of girls have gone camping. Stereotypically, girls are not outdoorsy and are really into fashion and hair and make-up. Clearly these girls are, but the have chosen to go camping in the woods, stereotypically a boyish thing to do.
I think we have represented the social group of teenage girls quite well. We conform to quite a few ideologies, whether they were intentional or not. The fact they were unintentional proves the point of mediation; of how we believe what information is selected for us to read. We decided to use teenagers because it was realistic to film and shoot, and realistic for audiences to believe them to go camping and have fun, and get into trouble and end up in danger!
Evaluation: Question 1
'In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?'
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horror_film
This is the definition given by Wikipedia. 'Their plots frequently involve themes of death, the supernatural or mental illness. Many horror movies also include a central villain.' This is true because any viewer who intentionally watches a horror film, know and slightly hope they will be scared.
There are many different elements to a horror film that make it scary. For example, either having a really graphic, gory film where everything is shown freely, or having a subtle film where nothing is shown and there is a slight mystery.
Both can be quite chilling and both can have a positive or negative effect on the audience, depending on your aims as a film-maker.
We did some research into horror films by looking and the opening sequence of 3 other horror style films; 'Shrooms', 'The Blair Witch Project' and 'Se7en'. These films helped us to gather knowledge about the type of shots needed to create a certain atmosphere within the footage. For example, the shot of the girls feet running through leaves in 'Shrooms', or the handheld camera shots of people running away from something in 'The Blair Witch Project'. These pieces of footage both represent danger as the characters in both films are running away from something, and the fact that as an audience, we don't know what they are running away from, it keeps an element if fear and unknown in the atmosphere surrounding the film.
A still from The Blair Witch Project, where the characters are running away from something.
A still from Shrooms, the shot of her feet running through the forest. Disembodied and unknown.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horror_film
This is the definition given by Wikipedia. 'Their plots frequently involve themes of death, the supernatural or mental illness. Many horror movies also include a central villain.' This is true because any viewer who intentionally watches a horror film, know and slightly hope they will be scared.
There are many different elements to a horror film that make it scary. For example, either having a really graphic, gory film where everything is shown freely, or having a subtle film where nothing is shown and there is a slight mystery.
Both can be quite chilling and both can have a positive or negative effect on the audience, depending on your aims as a film-maker.
We did some research into horror films by looking and the opening sequence of 3 other horror style films; 'Shrooms', 'The Blair Witch Project' and 'Se7en'. These films helped us to gather knowledge about the type of shots needed to create a certain atmosphere within the footage. For example, the shot of the girls feet running through leaves in 'Shrooms', or the handheld camera shots of people running away from something in 'The Blair Witch Project'. These pieces of footage both represent danger as the characters in both films are running away from something, and the fact that as an audience, we don't know what they are running away from, it keeps an element if fear and unknown in the atmosphere surrounding the film.
A still from The Blair Witch Project, where the characters are running away from something.
A still from Shrooms, the shot of her feet running through the forest. Disembodied and unknown.
Sunday, 28 February 2010
Our Title Sequence
This is our title sequence, the final draft.
I am really happy with it and think after the months of planning, we have done quite well. There are obviously some improvements that could be made, but I am happy with it and think we have got a good outcome and the hard work has been worth it.
Thursday, 25 February 2010
Script
This is our script for our Main Task. Alice, Dulcie and I started the script one lesson, and I finished it off at home. There may be some potential faults as I haven't ever written a script before and did not really know if I was doing it correctly because there is minimalist speech in our title sequence. It was hard to do the script, because in the film sequences I analysed there was a lot of speech and I didn't have much to compare it to.
The script will help us keep an order to our film, and will help us when editing. However because there is minimalist speech in our title sequence, the script will be virtually empty of speech so there is little for the audience to recognise with. This will put a slight barrier between the audience and the characters, but the theme and atmosphere over powers this and so the audience understands there isn't supposed to be much speech.
We based our title sequence on this script but we did improvise slightly, and there are different words used in some of the takes when shooting, however we then decided on the correct words and stuck with them. We had to rerecord the sound and match it to what was shown on screen, so that is when the speech was really finalised.
Wednesday, 24 February 2010
Location and Set Design
When we decided to film, we knew we were going to have to film off site.
We originally planned to film at Alice's house and the forest behind it, but on the day we scheduled to film, it wasn't possible.
So, as ALice and I live locally, we knew of some forestry nearby, so in our Monday free period, we went here and shot the footage of the train, prison gate, pond and running scene.
We filmed the board and dark room scene and bag scene at college, for convenience because we were limited for time. However with the exception of the bag scene, they were indoor shots, so we chose suitable locations within the college.
The forestry we chose was was suitable because there was a river nearby and a train track and random scenery. The location looks quite scary but was a good location to film, as there was more going on in the scenery than just tree's and bushes.
In the indoor scenes, it isn't particularly noticeable that it was filmed inside the college. We had the idea of using the darkroom in random conversation one day, it wasn't originally planned, but made the film a lot better. It linked the storyline and made it a bit more interesting.
We originally planned to film at Alice's house and the forest behind it, but on the day we scheduled to film, it wasn't possible.
So, as ALice and I live locally, we knew of some forestry nearby, so in our Monday free period, we went here and shot the footage of the train, prison gate, pond and running scene.
We filmed the board and dark room scene and bag scene at college, for convenience because we were limited for time. However with the exception of the bag scene, they were indoor shots, so we chose suitable locations within the college.
The forestry we chose was was suitable because there was a river nearby and a train track and random scenery. The location looks quite scary but was a good location to film, as there was more going on in the scenery than just tree's and bushes.
In the indoor scenes, it isn't particularly noticeable that it was filmed inside the college. We had the idea of using the darkroom in random conversation one day, it wasn't originally planned, but made the film a lot better. It linked the storyline and made it a bit more interesting.
Equipment Used And Researched
We used a Sony DV Hand-Cam to film with.
This was good to use because they are simple to use and were easy to transport about for going off college site to film. The camera was good to use because we did a running scene, which needed a hand-held camera in order to complete the scene and make it believeable.
The camera was easy to use when capturing and with playback, and was just a good camera to use. I am not particularly knowledgeable on camera's, but from what we needed it for and for what was available to us, it was a good choice.
We also used a tripod to hold the camera still when filming most shots. We didn't use the tripod for the running scene, or some other scene's which weren't used in the final edit.
We used the same tape as in the camera before because this saved money and time.
This was good to use because they are simple to use and were easy to transport about for going off college site to film. The camera was good to use because we did a running scene, which needed a hand-held camera in order to complete the scene and make it believeable.
The camera was easy to use when capturing and with playback, and was just a good camera to use. I am not particularly knowledgeable on camera's, but from what we needed it for and for what was available to us, it was a good choice.
We also used a tripod to hold the camera still when filming most shots. We didn't use the tripod for the running scene, or some other scene's which weren't used in the final edit.
We used the same tape as in the camera before because this saved money and time.
Tuesday, 23 February 2010
Actors and Costumes
Tim
Dulcie
LaineyDulcie and Tim are the main actors in the title sequence. I will have a small part answering Dulcie's question. Dulcie and I are part of the group of teenagers who go camping, and we will find the bag belonging to Natalie Grey. There will be some speech asking who's bag it is and wondering who Natalie Grey is. They are supposed to be a group of clueless teenagers camping in the woods, oblivious to danger.
Tim plays the killer. There is no speech required for the killer, because we don;t see his face and don't directly know who he is. the viewer will understand he is male and tall and intimidating because of his physique, but because of these elements, speech would overpower the subtlety of his intimidation.
We chose Tim to play the killer because he is so tall and broad. The fact the killer preys on innocent youth is emphasised by Tim's physique, which is intimidating in itself. Tim will also be available to film whenever we plan to film, so casting was easier because of this factor.
We chose Dulcie to play the unknown girl running away from the killer because she was the most willing and has the right features for it. Long blonde hair and blue eyes, tall and pretty, and she looks like Natalie Grey, only slightly. There isn't too many similarities but there are some which links the unknown girl to the killer and Natalie Grey, like out of the two girls featured, who the killer was more likely to prey on.
The killers clothes are all dark and this shows how he is a dark character. The girls clothes are lighter and fashionable, teenage clothes. They are mainly what Dulcie and myself were wearing that day because the unknown girls are supposed to just be teenagers going camping, casual attire.
Props
We are planning to use some props in our title sequence as it helps to explain the storyline. The most important prop is the bag. The bag with the 'Natalie Grey' tag on it. This bag signifies something has happened to Natalie Grey and her bag has mysteriously appeared with the other bags in the wood by the camp. There should be a really obvious shot of this bag, and of the tag, to clearly show the importance of the bag.
Another prop we are going to use is the board the killer has of newspaper clippings. The board will have newspaper clippings of missing persons and have images. The missing persons are all quite young, so the viewer can make the link between the young persons from the board, and the developing photo. Natalie Grey will be shown on the missing persons board. There should be a close up shot of this so the audience can mark the importance of Natalie Grey and the killer, and the bag and the fact she is missing.
We will also have a close up of the killer circling Natalie Grey, so need a marker pen in order to do this. I think a black one would be best suited as it is opaque and is the darkest colour, and the killer is dark and mysterious and sinister; black is quite a sinister colour.
There aren't any major props to be used in the title sequence. The dark room may use props, but these are the proper tongs and equipment used in a dark room.
The props are strictly Natalie Grey based, so the viewer can make the link with her and the killer and her importance in the film.
Saturday, 13 February 2010
Music
The music used on our title sequence is called 'Ghostpocalypse 4 Temptress'.
It is quite eerie and chilling, and it builds up, creating a little tension.
We looked at quite a few websites to get this music from. It took us quite a long time, but we found it in the end.
It is quite eerie and chilling, and it builds up, creating a little tension.
We looked at quite a few websites to get this music from. It took us quite a long time, but we found it in the end.
Friday, 12 February 2010
Final Lesson
We have finally finished a first draft of the Main Task.
It has been quite stressful. Getting it finished on time has been frustrating and time consuming, but it is done. We added some extra things today that wasn't talked about before, but the final outcome is quite good.
We added some natural background noise so that there was more audio than the music. We also added a scream at the end. This is quite a spine-tingling scream thanks to Dulcie! We re-recorded the audio and edited them back into the sequence because the original audio wasn't very clear.
We did a lot today actually. We put all the effects on. We put all of the credits on. We finished the shots and made some shots longer or shorter. For example, Dulcie Running. It is in slow motion, with heavy breathing as the audio. This creates quite a bit of tension and is good because it then contrasts with the speed of the train later and the Natalie Grey tag on the bags.
I am really pleased with the first draft of the Main Task. Hopefully it is satisfactory and it will be the only draft we do, as I really like it. Our group worked well today. It was hard work, but we got it done. This draft turned out better than I thought a week ago, I didn't think it would be that good because we had so much left to do. But, considering how quickly this week has gone by and how much we still had left to do, I am so happy it was completed on time and that it turned out better than I thought!
It has been quite stressful. Getting it finished on time has been frustrating and time consuming, but it is done. We added some extra things today that wasn't talked about before, but the final outcome is quite good.
We added some natural background noise so that there was more audio than the music. We also added a scream at the end. This is quite a spine-tingling scream thanks to Dulcie! We re-recorded the audio and edited them back into the sequence because the original audio wasn't very clear.
We did a lot today actually. We put all the effects on. We put all of the credits on. We finished the shots and made some shots longer or shorter. For example, Dulcie Running. It is in slow motion, with heavy breathing as the audio. This creates quite a bit of tension and is good because it then contrasts with the speed of the train later and the Natalie Grey tag on the bags.
I am really pleased with the first draft of the Main Task. Hopefully it is satisfactory and it will be the only draft we do, as I really like it. Our group worked well today. It was hard work, but we got it done. This draft turned out better than I thought a week ago, I didn't think it would be that good because we had so much left to do. But, considering how quickly this week has gone by and how much we still had left to do, I am so happy it was completed on time and that it turned out better than I thought!
Credits
I didn't know the order in which the credits needed to come onto the screen. So, i went on to Wikipedia and typed in 'Opening Credits'. This is the list that i found, which will help us to complete the first 2 minutes of the title sequence. Tim and Alice had already done this, and Tim saved it on his 'Bookmarks'. He text me and told me, but I didn't understand the text, and so found it myself. It was only later when Tim showed me that I realised. How foolish.
Common opening credits order
While there are numerous variations most opening credits use some variation of the basic order noted within:
(NAME OF THE STUDIO)
- name of the studio that is distributing the film and may or may not have produced it (Buena Vista, Columbia, Lions Gate, Universal, etc.)
(NAME OF THE PRODUCTION COMPANY)
- name of the production company that actually made the film
- name of the investment groups or companies that financed a substantial part of the film (usually credited as "in association with")
(PRODUCER NAME) PRODUCTION or/and (director only) A FILM BY (DIRECTOR or PRODUCER NAME)
- director's or producer's first credit, often "a film by XY or "a XY film"
STARRING
- principal actors, ( Sometimes the stars' and director's credits will be reversed, depending on the star's deal with the studio)
(FILM'S TITLE)
- name of the film
Common opening credits order
While there are numerous variations most opening credits use some variation of the basic order noted within:
(NAME OF THE STUDIO)
- name of the studio that is distributing the film and may or may not have produced it (Buena Vista, Columbia, Lions Gate, Universal, etc.)
(NAME OF THE PRODUCTION COMPANY)
- name of the production company that actually made the film
- name of the investment groups or companies that financed a substantial part of the film (usually credited as "in association with")
(PRODUCER NAME) PRODUCTION or/and (director only) A FILM BY (DIRECTOR or PRODUCER NAME)
- director's or producer's first credit, often "a film by XY or "a XY film"
STARRING
- principal actors, ( Sometimes the stars' and director's credits will be reversed, depending on the star's deal with the studio)
(FILM'S TITLE)
- name of the film
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
Editing
Today was good in the sense we moved our project significantly forward. However, we did have a bit of tension along the way. Our group did not work particularly well today as a whole, but in couplets it was fine. Me and Dulcie found some more music and i think our group has pretty much decided on one bit of music now. Tim can edit music slightly because he does a radio show and has edited music before, so if this music needs editing, we may be at a slight advantage. Whilst we were finding music, Alice and Tim carried on editing the footage.
After the Media lesson, Me, Alice and Dulcie stayed for about an hour and carried on with the editing. We would have stayed longer, but I had to be home in time for a driving lesson and Alice had a lesson in college. Tim went home after the Media lesson.
Us 3 managed to satisfactorily get a lot more shots put on to the timeline and started putting the credits on. We want to put the credits and music on before we start playing around with effects because then we can see how long the sequence is and what the whole thing will look like with credits and audio on. I think effects should be the last thing, just because it is easiest, but i may be wrong and credits may be the easiest thing to finish with.
I have a free tomorrow, so i will be in Media editing the footage more. Hopefully Tim, Alice or Dulcie will have a free at the same time and we can edit together so there is a second opinion on eachothers ideas, but either way i am hoping to get some editing done.
I am slightly worried that this won;t be finished by the deadline, but hopefully it will be and then we can put this project behind us. It has been quite fun to plan and do, and act in and even watching the footage back was quite hilarious. But it has been equally stressful and frustrating.
After the Media lesson, Me, Alice and Dulcie stayed for about an hour and carried on with the editing. We would have stayed longer, but I had to be home in time for a driving lesson and Alice had a lesson in college. Tim went home after the Media lesson.
Us 3 managed to satisfactorily get a lot more shots put on to the timeline and started putting the credits on. We want to put the credits and music on before we start playing around with effects because then we can see how long the sequence is and what the whole thing will look like with credits and audio on. I think effects should be the last thing, just because it is easiest, but i may be wrong and credits may be the easiest thing to finish with.
I have a free tomorrow, so i will be in Media editing the footage more. Hopefully Tim, Alice or Dulcie will have a free at the same time and we can edit together so there is a second opinion on eachothers ideas, but either way i am hoping to get some editing done.
I am slightly worried that this won;t be finished by the deadline, but hopefully it will be and then we can put this project behind us. It has been quite fun to plan and do, and act in and even watching the footage back was quite hilarious. But it has been equally stressful and frustrating.
Monday, 8 February 2010
Editing
We carried on editing today. We have built upon the footage we have already got, and made our sequence better. We have had guidance from both teachers on how to improve it and what the pace is like, if we are using the right shots in the right order, and so far, I think everything is going ok.
There were a few unspoken differences, but we worked through that and managed to find some music to use in the title sequence. The music needs to be approved by all the members of group, but we have time to find more music if this isn't the right piece for our title sequence.
We introduced effects to our footage today, and have decided on some that we like and where we could use them. We are aware we do not want to over-do it on the effects because that would undermine the atmosphere of the footage and make it incredibly predictable and cheesy, but there are certain effects that do look good, for example 'ghost' on the scene where dulcie is running as this shot is already shaky cam.
There were a few unspoken differences, but we worked through that and managed to find some music to use in the title sequence. The music needs to be approved by all the members of group, but we have time to find more music if this isn't the right piece for our title sequence.
We introduced effects to our footage today, and have decided on some that we like and where we could use them. We are aware we do not want to over-do it on the effects because that would undermine the atmosphere of the footage and make it incredibly predictable and cheesy, but there are certain effects that do look good, for example 'ghost' on the scene where dulcie is running as this shot is already shaky cam.
Friday, 5 February 2010
Editing
In today's lesson, we got quite a bit of editing done. Tim was a little late to the lesson, but we managed to log and capture the shots from Wednesday's filming and start editing whilst he was on his way from Salisbury.
We all worked well on Friday and we all got involved with the editing. There may have been some creative differences but we worked through them and have hopefully used everybody's ideas in the project and this will be shown with our Final Outcome.
We wrote all the shots down in order of what we wanted so that if anything went wrong, we had the shots already to put back again. Dulcie and Alice found a list of roles needed to be put into the credits such as 'Director' and 'Producer' etc. This will help and make the credits a lot easier when we finally come to putting them in.
We all worked well on Friday and we all got involved with the editing. There may have been some creative differences but we worked through them and have hopefully used everybody's ideas in the project and this will be shown with our Final Outcome.
We wrote all the shots down in order of what we wanted so that if anything went wrong, we had the shots already to put back again. Dulcie and Alice found a list of roles needed to be put into the credits such as 'Director' and 'Producer' etc. This will help and make the credits a lot easier when we finally come to putting them in.
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
Editing
Today we had a little panic. As a group, we decided we needed more indoor shots to contrast with the outdoor running, and so we had to grab a camera and finish filming in the college. Our filming occurred in 4 stages; one second half of a media lesson, where we got some footage of the 'missing persons board'. Once when we went off site and managed to shoot the main scenes of the project like the running and the train and Tim in the forest etc. Another time we filmed at the back of the college field, these are the shots with the bags and the Natalie Grey tag, where Dulcie and I are talking. And on the Wednesday we filmed some more indoor shots of Tim in the dark room, developing some pictures, and of Tim's grubby hands. We also shot some footage of Tim drawing on the missing persons board. All of these little indoor shots will hopefully just break the sequence up and disorientate the viewers slightly, which is the feel of the footage we are going for.
We do still have quite a bit left to do, and only a week and half left to do it. We are certainly feeling the pressures of the project and there has been some slight tension in the group, but that's natural and forgotten about now. We are going to hopefully come and do some editing in our free's so we can move forward with the project.
We do still have quite a bit left to do, and only a week and half left to do it. We are certainly feeling the pressures of the project and there has been some slight tension in the group, but that's natural and forgotten about now. We are going to hopefully come and do some editing in our free's so we can move forward with the project.
Monday, 1 February 2010
Logging/Capturing/Rough Edit
On Monday 1st February, we carried on editing the rough version of our film. We decided we didn't need to film anymore shots and so we had a little bit more time to edit. This calmed our group a bit as we were getting a little stressed over the project and if it would be completed by the deadline. Tim wasn't in Media today, because he was ill, but he phoned me before the lesson and text the college to let us know he wouldn't be in. This was a little frustrating for the group, because Tim knew the programme best and we weren't as comfortable using it. However, because of Tim's absence, we have managed to get to grips with the programme and can now all use it, which has sped the editing process up quickly.
Friday, 29 January 2010
Logging The Shots
Today we finished logging the shots and captured them all on the computer. We then all worked as a group and started on a rough edit of shots. By doing one rough, quick edit, it allowed us to see where the improvements had to be made and if we needed to re-shoot some footage. We have all near-enough been present in all the Media lesson since Christmas,and so we have managed to move the project forward, quite swiftly, considering we had a setback before Christmas and not being able to film over the Christmas holidays.
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
Wednesday's Lesson
We are going to log and capture our shots today, and may even be able to start editing them if we work quickly. This hopefully won't take us long, so the quicker we can get a rough copy done, then the more time we have to re-shoot if we need to and edit the final piece.
We managed to get some good shots filmed in some woods near the college. As we are going to have really quick edits, like 1 second shots, we do have quite a lot of footage to use in the final piece.
We managed to get some good shots filmed in some woods near the college. As we are going to have really quick edits, like 1 second shots, we do have quite a lot of footage to use in the final piece.
Monday, 25 January 2010
Filming Off Site
Today we went off-site of college and filmed some footage for our Main Task. We now think we have all the shots needed to complete the task, but this can only be confirmed once we have made a rough edit of the footage to see what it looks like.
Today we managed to shoot the bulk of the project. We left the site and filmed and were back on site within an hour. We filmed the essential outdoor parts which we think we needed, like the running scene. We also improvised and filmed some shots, such as:
- 2 different trains going past, in opposite directions, at different times
- the scenery, such as a pond, and the prison like gate underneath the rail line
- running with the camera just capturing the bushes
These shots will be useful hopefully and it gives us more options on what can be put into the opening sequence. Now we can hopefully log and capture our shots and make sure we have sufficient footage in order to make a decent opening sequence.
Today we managed to shoot the bulk of the project. We left the site and filmed and were back on site within an hour. We filmed the essential outdoor parts which we think we needed, like the running scene. We also improvised and filmed some shots, such as:
- 2 different trains going past, in opposite directions, at different times
- the scenery, such as a pond, and the prison like gate underneath the rail line
- running with the camera just capturing the bushes
These shots will be useful hopefully and it gives us more options on what can be put into the opening sequence. Now we can hopefully log and capture our shots and make sure we have sufficient footage in order to make a decent opening sequence.
Friday, 22 January 2010
Filming The Board
Today, we were all here and didn't have enough time to go off site and film, so we decided we could get some indoor shots done.
We filmed the missing person board and filmed me eating fruit. We were told that peeling or eating fleshy food signifies like murder and danger and killing. I don't think we will use the shot, but it was funny to film.
We also tried to do some filming in the Dark Room as it was empty, but as soon as we were ready to film, we had to leave as it was needed to be used by Photography Students.
We filmed the missing person board and filmed me eating fruit. We were told that peeling or eating fleshy food signifies like murder and danger and killing. I don't think we will use the shot, but it was funny to film.
We also tried to do some filming in the Dark Room as it was empty, but as soon as we were ready to film, we had to leave as it was needed to be used by Photography Students.
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
Filming
We planned to film on Monday, but Tim had a meeting which cut the filming time in half, and Dulcie hasn't been here. Me and Alice didn't think it fair on ourselves or Tim to shoot some footage with only 2 members of the group working, so we have waited to decide on another day.
We are now planning to film the missing persons board and maybe a suitcase being packed on Fridays lesson. The rest can be shot next week, on Monday, we all have a 2 hour break in which to film.
We are now planning to film the missing persons board and maybe a suitcase being packed on Fridays lesson. The rest can be shot next week, on Monday, we all have a 2 hour break in which to film.
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
Main Task Idea
We have decided to go with the camping in the woods idea, with a murderer. There will be a group of teenagers going camping in the woods and having a party. Then all of a sudden a random suitcase appears in their luggage pile and it confuses the party slightly.
We plan to use shots of:
- a suitcase being packed for camping
- the wind blowing in the trees
- a newspaper board in the killers house
- a close-up of the suitcase in the pile, belonging to Natalie Grey
- a close up of the newspaper article saying Natalie Grey is missing
- a suitcase being packed, full of knives
- the newspaper articles of other missing people
- a girl running frantically through the woods, breathing really heavily.
This should be edited really quickly and disjointedly, to sort of confuse the viewer, and to create the theme of uncertainty. This will keep the viewer slightly in suspense and make them want to watch the rest of the film to find out why she is running, who Natalie Grey is, and what happened to her.
We are going to start filming as soon as possible, but we haven't seen Dulcie for weeks. We have just phoned her and spoken to her, but she is not in todays lesson because she has a cold. It has been really frustrating Dulcie not being here, because it means that we cant work together as a group properly. However hopefully this will be sorted and Dulcie will be here next lesson.
We plan to use shots of:
- a suitcase being packed for camping
- the wind blowing in the trees
- a newspaper board in the killers house
- a close-up of the suitcase in the pile, belonging to Natalie Grey
- a close up of the newspaper article saying Natalie Grey is missing
- a suitcase being packed, full of knives
- the newspaper articles of other missing people
- a girl running frantically through the woods, breathing really heavily.
This should be edited really quickly and disjointedly, to sort of confuse the viewer, and to create the theme of uncertainty. This will keep the viewer slightly in suspense and make them want to watch the rest of the film to find out why she is running, who Natalie Grey is, and what happened to her.
We are going to start filming as soon as possible, but we haven't seen Dulcie for weeks. We have just phoned her and spoken to her, but she is not in todays lesson because she has a cold. It has been really frustrating Dulcie not being here, because it means that we cant work together as a group properly. However hopefully this will be sorted and Dulcie will be here next lesson.
Saturday, 9 January 2010
Analysis of 'Shrooms'
The running scene from Shrooms gave us some ideas for our title sequence. Again, Shrooms has a group of teenagers camping in the woods when something goes wrong and it has the same effect on the audience as the Blair Witch Project did. It builds suspense and tension in the audience, and the audience feels like they are there, with the actors.
The running sequence in this has been cut. It flits quickly to other contrasting scenes in the film. This is unnerving for the audience, because although there is a pace and rhythm to the editing, there is also the uncertainty of them flicking between the running and numerous of contrasting shots like the hands and the silhouette. I like this opening sequence. This sequence if edits is cleverly done and i like how they quickly jump to 'random' shots, although after doing media studies, i see they aren't actually random and are organised to create a pace and continuity for the audience. The atmosphere in this title sequence is eerie and scary. It made me feel nervous and uneasy.
The title sequence in Shrooms has more relevance to our title sequence than the Blair Witch Project did.
The lighting in these shots is all dark and mysterious, with lots of fog, which clouds the camera space. This makes the audience feel uneasy because the fog symbolises the unknown because you can't see through it. The lighting is distorted in some shots which adds to the uneasiness of the audience, creating more tension and adding to the atmosphere in the title sequence.
The girl is slim and looks quite pretty, even though we only see quick flashes of her in the shots. She is wearing normal teenage clothes, just jeans and a vest and a hooded jumper. This signifies the audience where she is and why, because she is dressed casually running through the woods. If she had a prom dress on whilst running through the woods, we would be able to understand, as an audience, that something had gone wrong on Prom Night. She has blonde hair, which plays to the stereotype of the American Dream Girl, and I think she will be one of the main characters.
These outdoor, running shots contrast with the indoor shots of people in masks and wielding knives. These shots are dark and scary because only little lighting is used and silhouettes are created. The actors are dirty and grimy and wearing sacks on their head, so we know there is something wrong with these characters because we know it is modern times in American Society because of the girl running through the trees.
There are numerous of shots of the girls feet running through bushes, which dehumanises her because we cannot see her face. We can tell it is the girls feet because of the trousers she wears and the breathing, it matches with the shot of her when her face is shown. This makes the audience feel sorry for her because she is obviously running away from something, and by showing her feet, signifies she is not running fast enough and may be caught.
The diegetic sound heard is the heavy breathing she makes herself, she can obviously hear it, and the rustling through bushes. The non-diegetic sound the audience can hear is the creepy music. When played together, it creates tension and creates an atmosphere for the audience.
The fast pace of the editing and how they contrast also creates an ominous feeling for the audience that disconcerts them and makes the audience feel tension. This will make the audience want to watch the film and see what happens, no matter how uneasy they are feeling.
The mise-en-scene changes in every shot. It is mainly bushes and trees where the girl is running away, but the indoor shots are quite weird. They flit between close-ups of grubby disfigured hands to someone's dirty, bloody face. These distorted anatomical images makes the audience wonder what is going on and why they are disfigured and dirty. It makes the audience uneasy and makes them feel slightly nervous.
The running sequence in this has been cut. It flits quickly to other contrasting scenes in the film. This is unnerving for the audience, because although there is a pace and rhythm to the editing, there is also the uncertainty of them flicking between the running and numerous of contrasting shots like the hands and the silhouette. I like this opening sequence. This sequence if edits is cleverly done and i like how they quickly jump to 'random' shots, although after doing media studies, i see they aren't actually random and are organised to create a pace and continuity for the audience. The atmosphere in this title sequence is eerie and scary. It made me feel nervous and uneasy.
The title sequence in Shrooms has more relevance to our title sequence than the Blair Witch Project did.
The lighting in these shots is all dark and mysterious, with lots of fog, which clouds the camera space. This makes the audience feel uneasy because the fog symbolises the unknown because you can't see through it. The lighting is distorted in some shots which adds to the uneasiness of the audience, creating more tension and adding to the atmosphere in the title sequence.
The girl is slim and looks quite pretty, even though we only see quick flashes of her in the shots. She is wearing normal teenage clothes, just jeans and a vest and a hooded jumper. This signifies the audience where she is and why, because she is dressed casually running through the woods. If she had a prom dress on whilst running through the woods, we would be able to understand, as an audience, that something had gone wrong on Prom Night. She has blonde hair, which plays to the stereotype of the American Dream Girl, and I think she will be one of the main characters.
These outdoor, running shots contrast with the indoor shots of people in masks and wielding knives. These shots are dark and scary because only little lighting is used and silhouettes are created. The actors are dirty and grimy and wearing sacks on their head, so we know there is something wrong with these characters because we know it is modern times in American Society because of the girl running through the trees.
There are numerous of shots of the girls feet running through bushes, which dehumanises her because we cannot see her face. We can tell it is the girls feet because of the trousers she wears and the breathing, it matches with the shot of her when her face is shown. This makes the audience feel sorry for her because she is obviously running away from something, and by showing her feet, signifies she is not running fast enough and may be caught.
The diegetic sound heard is the heavy breathing she makes herself, she can obviously hear it, and the rustling through bushes. The non-diegetic sound the audience can hear is the creepy music. When played together, it creates tension and creates an atmosphere for the audience.
The fast pace of the editing and how they contrast also creates an ominous feeling for the audience that disconcerts them and makes the audience feel tension. This will make the audience want to watch the film and see what happens, no matter how uneasy they are feeling.
The mise-en-scene changes in every shot. It is mainly bushes and trees where the girl is running away, but the indoor shots are quite weird. They flit between close-ups of grubby disfigured hands to someone's dirty, bloody face. These distorted anatomical images makes the audience wonder what is going on and why they are disfigured and dirty. It makes the audience uneasy and makes them feel slightly nervous.
Analysis of the 'Blair Witch Project'
We have used other films to get an idea for our title sequence. One of these films was the Blair Witch Project. The opening title sequence of this isn't really relevant to our project, however some scenes are.
From 1:08-1:24.
These are the running scenes shown in the trailer. We have based our title sequence on this because of the tension. We liked the shaky cam effect and that you couldn't see their face; that just their back as they ran away from whatever was chasing them. It creates a bit of tension for the audience because it appears as if they are closer to the scary thing than the actors on screen. We liked the idea of teenagers camping in the woods and that something scares them. It could of turned out to be really cheesy, but I don't think the Blair Witch Project is, nor our title sequence.
The lighting is also quite good in these shots because they are at dusk and night fall, which is scarier because the audience can't see as much as broad daylight.
The atmosphere of this trailer is disconcerting and ominous. Quite mysterious really. The scene where Heather is talking into the camera, making her apology to her parents etc, from 1:26-1:34, is good as it adds to the ominous feel of the film. She is saying goodbye basically, so there is clearly obviously something wrong and she is scared she will die. This is implicit in the footage but does make the audience feel uncomfortable and slightly scared for her, a feel which i think would be good to add into our title sequence. This makes the audience feel uneasy and want to help her, want her to be ok, because she is pleading for help directly to the camera.
The diegetic sound heard in these shots is the heavy breathing of the people running and the rustling of the bushes and trees as they run through. The non-diegetic sound isn't played with clips, it is just a steady pounding of one drum, when title sequences are coming up onto the screen. This makes the audience more aware of the clips being played because the attention is put back on the sound in those clips. The pounding of the drum creates a steady beat and creates a bit of anxiety for the audience.
The mise-en-scene changes in every scene. From running away into the forest, to half of the frame being filled with her face. This is strange for the audience because it is such a contrast in framing and zoom, which changes the perspective to the audience.
The editing is quite fast and goes from person to person in an interview like manner and talking about the Blair Witch, and the folklore on it. Then it cuts to the forest where they are arguing and running away and crying into the camera and the audience knows something bad will happen to them in the forest, creating tension. The fast editing is even more disconcerting because it happens fast.
From 1:08-1:24.
These are the running scenes shown in the trailer. We have based our title sequence on this because of the tension. We liked the shaky cam effect and that you couldn't see their face; that just their back as they ran away from whatever was chasing them. It creates a bit of tension for the audience because it appears as if they are closer to the scary thing than the actors on screen. We liked the idea of teenagers camping in the woods and that something scares them. It could of turned out to be really cheesy, but I don't think the Blair Witch Project is, nor our title sequence.
The lighting is also quite good in these shots because they are at dusk and night fall, which is scarier because the audience can't see as much as broad daylight.
The atmosphere of this trailer is disconcerting and ominous. Quite mysterious really. The scene where Heather is talking into the camera, making her apology to her parents etc, from 1:26-1:34, is good as it adds to the ominous feel of the film. She is saying goodbye basically, so there is clearly obviously something wrong and she is scared she will die. This is implicit in the footage but does make the audience feel uncomfortable and slightly scared for her, a feel which i think would be good to add into our title sequence. This makes the audience feel uneasy and want to help her, want her to be ok, because she is pleading for help directly to the camera.
The diegetic sound heard in these shots is the heavy breathing of the people running and the rustling of the bushes and trees as they run through. The non-diegetic sound isn't played with clips, it is just a steady pounding of one drum, when title sequences are coming up onto the screen. This makes the audience more aware of the clips being played because the attention is put back on the sound in those clips. The pounding of the drum creates a steady beat and creates a bit of anxiety for the audience.
The mise-en-scene changes in every scene. From running away into the forest, to half of the frame being filled with her face. This is strange for the audience because it is such a contrast in framing and zoom, which changes the perspective to the audience.
The editing is quite fast and goes from person to person in an interview like manner and talking about the Blair Witch, and the folklore on it. Then it cuts to the forest where they are arguing and running away and crying into the camera and the audience knows something bad will happen to them in the forest, creating tension. The fast editing is even more disconcerting because it happens fast.
Analysis of Films
Whilst we are on the Snow Days, I thought of some films and opening sequences we can analyse to build on our idea. We were shown the opening sequence to 'Se7en' in class and so it inspired us in some way because we then thought of our original idea's. I also think that 'Shrooms' is relevant to our idea, as is 'The Blair Witch Project'. I will analyse the opening sequences or the trailers for these films to show how horror films have inspired us to make our opening sequence.
Thursday, 7 January 2010
Snow Days
We came back to College on Monday and began discussing when we were available to film. We hadn't discussed a solution to all of us having outside commitments such as work and radio shows throughout the week, so we knew we wouldn't all be able to film outside of college hours.
We then planned to film some indoor shots on Wednesday whilst we were all hopefully in college and this allowed us to get some filming done and not waste anymore time.
However, the college was shut due to Snow and so we missed Wednesday and Fridays lesson because of this. I understand everybody had these days off, and no-one could really progress with their media project much, but some groups had already filmed and were ahead anyway. This was quite a setback, but couldn't be helped, by anyone.
We then planned to film some indoor shots on Wednesday whilst we were all hopefully in college and this allowed us to get some filming done and not waste anymore time.
However, the college was shut due to Snow and so we missed Wednesday and Fridays lesson because of this. I understand everybody had these days off, and no-one could really progress with their media project much, but some groups had already filmed and were ahead anyway. This was quite a setback, but couldn't be helped, by anyone.
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