Thursday, 26 March 2009
Filming 11th March
This shoot was to fill in gaps we have in our narrative and to address the points for improvement we had been given. The filming focused on Andy's character and was shot on location at Gerrard's Cross station, as there were issues with his character and the narrative that meant more filming with him was needed. We shot some good reaction shots where he realises sehbs character has fooled him and more showing him chasing sehb, hopefully improving jumpy editing. Andy worked very well, took Ryans direction and advice and was also in appropriate dress. Having watched some of the footage back, i am pleased with the quality and most if not all of the shots will be used in the final piece.
Thriller opening animatic-revisited
The animatic we produced was completed late but i feel we did fairly well. I would have preferred to use photographs rather than sketches as this is more effective in creating a sense of narrative that is easy to follow. We also had issues with conflicting ideas about what the storyline should be about and lack of communication made it difficult to complete this task to a high standard but the issues were solved and we are happy with our animatic as a whole.
After showing the animatic to our class/teacher there are some improvements to consider...
1. We missed the 'Directed By' text in the opening.
2. An 'Establishing Shot' needs to be included.
3. Edit the dialogue to not give too mush away too soon.
4. Include an 'Establishing Shot' of the train leaving at the end of the opening.
5. More diagetic sound in the animatic e.g. footsteps.
Furthermore, we drafted a shooting schedule so we know when and where we are filming certain shots however most of our filming is outside on location in Gerrads Cross which means weather will be an issue. We will need to check weather updates regularly and re-schedule certain shoots if need be.
After showing the animatic to our class/teacher there are some improvements to consider...
1. We missed the 'Directed By' text in the opening.
2. An 'Establishing Shot' needs to be included.
3. Edit the dialogue to not give too mush away too soon.
4. Include an 'Establishing Shot' of the train leaving at the end of the opening.
5. More diagetic sound in the animatic e.g. footsteps.
Furthermore, we drafted a shooting schedule so we know when and where we are filming certain shots however most of our filming is outside on location in Gerrads Cross which means weather will be an issue. We will need to check weather updates regularly and re-schedule certain shoots if need be.
Rough cut feedback
We have watched each groups thriller opening and have given and received feedback on where improvements can be made and the overall effectiveness of our pieces. Our teacher also went through what needs to be done to improve our grade.
We ranked each thriller from best to worst, this is my view...
1)Next-Amber,Emily,Sehb
2)Reflections-Andy,Georgia,Charlie,Jade
3)Disturbance-Amber,Gemma,Jamie
4)Tracker
It was the general view of the class that Tracker was bottom, however i fully expected that. Despite this, watching the work back in its entirety made me see the positives. I feel its opens strongly and am please with the first 30-60 seconds, it is the latter half which needs improvement. It is clear from watching the other openings that the standard of work is very high, as a group we will need to pull together to get the best grade possible but i am confident we can improve on our opening vastly before the final deadline.
FEEDBACK:
Grade: D
Mark: 30
Level: 2
Improvements,
1. The titles are too big- they need to be more subtle.
2. An establishing shot is needed, with the cafe in view, a slow pan would also help to build tension.
3. Get rid of the mid shot/close up of sehb, instead just get the brief case and torso in shot.
4. Hold the shot of sehb sitting down- tension.
5. Slow the pace down.
6. Do not cut before the character leaves the screen- hold the shot.
7. Cut straight into Andy at the fence watching Sehb escape- editing.
8. More emotional reactions.
9. Instead of loads use just one good shot of Andy running off screen- cut to Sehb walking through the entrance of the train station.
10. Finish with Sehb on the train, get a shot of Andys reaction, last shot will be the train pulling away.
Overall i think the shots of sehb and andy running need to be cut down dramatically. This is due to the fact that often the narrative is hard to follow which also highlights issues with editing. We need to be more thorough with our editing in order to create pace, tension and a sense of narrative. We are quite confident in the quality of the first minute, but like alot of groups that quality needs to be maintained throughout the opening.
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
Update-Improvements to be made (3rd march)
Having been through our work we need to consider the following in order to improve...
A longer establishing shot of the surroundings, this will also establish a tone and pace to the piece. The is also an issue with the narrative. Certain shots are needed to add pace and narrative, therefore making the piece flow.
Andy, looking at phone...
sound effects-we have added more diagetic sound as well as the backing track but we need to decide weather sehb will speak or not because we need to hear what he is saying. A sound of a text message being received is also needed. There needs to be more time spent on introducing Andy's character-sehb dominates. The issue of time passing needs to be depicted better as this increases the realism and verisimilitude of the piece.
The editing is also to jumpy, to establish dual narrative we need to introduce andy in his environment and perhaps consider making the two characters associates and perhaps exchange a briefcase. This could add emphasis on the secretive tone to the undercover operation.
FILMING SCHEDULED: WEDNESDAY 4TH MARCH
Titles-consider making them tie in with the tone of the film more. The simplicity of them is very effective but we should consider how we will integrate them into the opening effectively and still maintain narrative and pace. 'Tracker' could make the film title a different font-emphasis
_____________________________________
FILMING 4TH MARCH
Filming on this day was a success. The director being present helped us to complete work quicker and i feel to a better quality- we now have a better understanding of what shots we need. The actors worked well, taking direction well and complying with the dress code we set for them (suits-business dress) in order to create an effective use of mise-en-scene for our film. Sehb also brought an important prop- the briefcase which was essential to filming.
5th march-Charlotte uploaded footage and began editing
A longer establishing shot of the surroundings, this will also establish a tone and pace to the piece. The is also an issue with the narrative. Certain shots are needed to add pace and narrative, therefore making the piece flow.
Andy, looking at phone...
sound effects-we have added more diagetic sound as well as the backing track but we need to decide weather sehb will speak or not because we need to hear what he is saying. A sound of a text message being received is also needed. There needs to be more time spent on introducing Andy's character-sehb dominates. The issue of time passing needs to be depicted better as this increases the realism and verisimilitude of the piece.
The editing is also to jumpy, to establish dual narrative we need to introduce andy in his environment and perhaps consider making the two characters associates and perhaps exchange a briefcase. This could add emphasis on the secretive tone to the undercover operation.
FILMING SCHEDULED: WEDNESDAY 4TH MARCH
Titles-consider making them tie in with the tone of the film more. The simplicity of them is very effective but we should consider how we will integrate them into the opening effectively and still maintain narrative and pace. 'Tracker' could make the film title a different font-emphasis
_____________________________________
FILMING 4TH MARCH
Filming on this day was a success. The director being present helped us to complete work quicker and i feel to a better quality- we now have a better understanding of what shots we need. The actors worked well, taking direction well and complying with the dress code we set for them (suits-business dress) in order to create an effective use of mise-en-scene for our film. Sehb also brought an important prop- the briefcase which was essential to filming.
5th march-Charlotte uploaded footage and began editing
Tuesday, 24 February 2009
How would you describe your level of progress?
How would you describe your level of progress since the start of your as media coursework?
I would say my level of progress has not been consistent. Although i feel i have learnt alot from this coursework, the level of work has not been good. As a group we have struggled to make decisions and as i am not naturally very outspoken it has been hard to make any decisions as there have been so many disagreements. This hinders our work and it took far too long to complete an animatic as people were not contributing properly. I feel although i have not been as willing to edit i have tried hard in aspects such as story boarding, shot lists, filming and directing and the overall style and look of our thriller opening.
I have learnt that sometimes you will not always have other people to rely on, therefore you have to make decisions yourself and not every member of the group will be happy with it. In order for the coursework to make progress, i have to use my initiative and be more independent. Overall i need to make more use of the skills i have learnt and make sure i meet deadlines.
I would say my level of progress has not been consistent. Although i feel i have learnt alot from this coursework, the level of work has not been good. As a group we have struggled to make decisions and as i am not naturally very outspoken it has been hard to make any decisions as there have been so many disagreements. This hinders our work and it took far too long to complete an animatic as people were not contributing properly. I feel although i have not been as willing to edit i have tried hard in aspects such as story boarding, shot lists, filming and directing and the overall style and look of our thriller opening.
I have learnt that sometimes you will not always have other people to rely on, therefore you have to make decisions yourself and not every member of the group will be happy with it. In order for the coursework to make progress, i have to use my initiative and be more independent. Overall i need to make more use of the skills i have learnt and make sure i meet deadlines.
Thursday, 5 February 2009
Filming 25th jan
Sunday the 25th of jan,
We completed some filming on location in Gerrard's cross. As some off our actors didn't show up we decided to only film shots including the protagonist. We were fairly happy with our work however we failed to upload it before handing the camera back as there was a mix up. Unfortunately our work was deleted from the camera's memory card and the recent bad weather has hindered re-filming. As we have had many problems with finding enough actors available to film on particular days we have simplified our story board. We now have only two actors and have re-scheduled the filming for sunday 8th feb.
FILMING 8TH FEB:
Opening was reshot as footage from previous shoot was lost. despite this, the footage from this shoot is of better qaulity i feel as both actors were present and a better knowledge of what we wanted. Our actors-Andrew Johnson and Sehb Hundal are very reliable and take direction well and the group was happy with the overall result. Footage will be uploaded on the 9th of march onto the mac to begin editing and any shots we are unhappy with can be re-shot to meet standards. Organisation is getting better, as well as communication but we will need to increase our workload and pace if we are to meet deadlines. Overall, i do feel we are in a better position for a higher grade.
Tuesday, 25 November 2008
Film classifications research
For our thriller we need to decide as a group what film classification our opening will be. The company which classifies films is called The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) and is an independent, non-governmental body, which has classified cinema films since it was set up in 1912. We have been given the choice between a '15' and an '18' certificate. In order to do this i have researched what the content of both these certificates is and therefore decide on the appropriate rating for our thriller...
(Taken from the...
BBFC website.)
'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 or DVD.
Theme
No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate to 15 year olds.
Language
There may be frequent use of strong language (eg 'fuck'). But the strongest terms (eg 'cunt') will be acceptable only where justified by the context. Continued aggressive use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.
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.
Sex
Sexual activity may be portrayed but without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour.
Violence
Violence may be strong but may not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. Scenes of sexual violence must be discreet and brief.
Imitable techniques
Dangerous techniques (eg combat, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on imitable detail. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.
Horror
Strong threat and menace are permitted. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable.
Drugs
Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse.
'18' – Suitable only for adults
No-one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 18 may rent or buy an ‘18’ rated video.
In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC's public consultations, at '18' the BBFC's guideline concerns will not normally override the wish that adults should be free to chose their own entertainment, within the law. Exceptions are most likely in the following areas:
* where material or treatment appears to the Board to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society – e.g. any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which is likely to promote the activity. The Board may also intervene with portrayals of sexual violence which might, e.g. eroticise or endorse sexual assault.
* the more explicit images of sexual activity – unless they can be exceptionally justified by context and the work is not a 'sex work' as defined below.
In the case of videos and DVDs, which may be more accessible to younger viewers, intervention may be more frequent. For the same reason, and because of the different way in which they are experienced, the Board may take a more precautionary approach in the case of those digital games which are covered by the Video Recordings Act.
Sex Education at ‘18’
Where sex material genuinely seeks to inform and educate in matters such as human sexuality, safe sex and health, exceptions to the normal constraints on explicit images may be made in the public interest. Such explicit detail must be kept to the minimum necessary to illustrate the educational or instructional points being made.
Sex Works at ‘18’
Sex works are works, normally on video or DVD, whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation. Sex works containing material which may be simulated are generally passed ‘18’, while sex works containing clear images of real sex are confined to the ‘R18’ category.
THOUGHTS....
Having looked into what makes a film an '15' or an '18' we have decided to make an '15' rated opening. This is beacuse an 18 would limit the audience and as the narrative of our thriller would probably not feature too much unsuitable content, a 15 would be more appropriate. Fruthermore, a '15' would still suggest some violence ect. therefore appealing to men more than a '12' or a 'PG'.
(Taken from the...
BBFC website.)
'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 or DVD.
Theme
No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate to 15 year olds.
Language
There may be frequent use of strong language (eg 'fuck'). But the strongest terms (eg 'cunt') will be acceptable only where justified by the context. Continued aggressive use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.
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.
Sex
Sexual activity may be portrayed but without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour.
Violence
Violence may be strong but may not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. Scenes of sexual violence must be discreet and brief.
Imitable techniques
Dangerous techniques (eg combat, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on imitable detail. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.
Horror
Strong threat and menace are permitted. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable.
Drugs
Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse.
'18' – Suitable only for adults
No-one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 18 may rent or buy an ‘18’ rated video.
In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC's public consultations, at '18' the BBFC's guideline concerns will not normally override the wish that adults should be free to chose their own entertainment, within the law. Exceptions are most likely in the following areas:
* where material or treatment appears to the Board to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society – e.g. any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which is likely to promote the activity. The Board may also intervene with portrayals of sexual violence which might, e.g. eroticise or endorse sexual assault.
* the more explicit images of sexual activity – unless they can be exceptionally justified by context and the work is not a 'sex work' as defined below.
In the case of videos and DVDs, which may be more accessible to younger viewers, intervention may be more frequent. For the same reason, and because of the different way in which they are experienced, the Board may take a more precautionary approach in the case of those digital games which are covered by the Video Recordings Act.
Sex Education at ‘18’
Where sex material genuinely seeks to inform and educate in matters such as human sexuality, safe sex and health, exceptions to the normal constraints on explicit images may be made in the public interest. Such explicit detail must be kept to the minimum necessary to illustrate the educational or instructional points being made.
Sex Works at ‘18’
Sex works are works, normally on video or DVD, whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation. Sex works containing material which may be simulated are generally passed ‘18’, while sex works containing clear images of real sex are confined to the ‘R18’ category.
THOUGHTS....
Having looked into what makes a film an '15' or an '18' we have decided to make an '15' rated opening. This is beacuse an 18 would limit the audience and as the narrative of our thriller would probably not feature too much unsuitable content, a 15 would be more appropriate. Fruthermore, a '15' would still suggest some violence ect. therefore appealing to men more than a '12' or a 'PG'.
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