Friday, 24 April 2009

Final Meeting with my Workmate

I was glad that we split half way through as i feel that it has given us both a chance to explore our own roots and both persue different challenges and techniques. This overall ended up in two completely different film openings. Karl has given me feedback below:



My opinions for what i thought of his final idea for the film opening are on his blog;
www.stcmkhpp.blogspot.com

We both agreed that eachother's final ideas were very good in terms of quality, filming & editing techniques, and creativity, from what we first had decided to do. We are happy with our final products we had both made, and enjoyed watching eachother's film openings.

Feedback


Questions open to Viewers:

1: Age
2: Where are you from
3: Male or Female
4: What films do you normally watch
5: What do you like to see in a film


6: What is the best part about this film opening
7: What is the worst part of this film opening
8: Rate out of 10 how enjoyable this was to watch
9: What needs to be improved the most
10: Would you watch it again
------------------------------------------------------------------
Responses:

------------------------------------------------------------------

1: 25 ans

2: France ( Paris )

3: Male

4: All

5: Ambiance

6: the end ;)

7: no one

8: 7/10

9: music to create a dramatic ambient

10: Why not ;)

by SagAzZ^
-----------------------------------------------------------------
1. 16
2. United Kingdom
3. Male
4. Comedy/Horror
5. Good acting
6. The fact that it's in black and white
7. Unsteady camera
8. 8/10
9. Unsteady camera
10. Probably
-----------------------------------------------------------------
1. 20
2. Estonia
3. Female
4. Everything
5. Unexpected endings

6. Car and gunz :D and ofc the point in the end
7. Ketchup instead of real bl00d in Pip's face
8. 10/10 for sure
9. The part when you see Connor almost starting to laugh when the guys appear behind him :D it's rather cute but to this film atmosphare he shouldn't laugh :D
10. Of course !
-----------------------------------------------------------------

1: 16

2: Hungary

3: Male

4: Mostly like II.WW films

5: "omfg" ends ^^ (like Saw 1)

6: The car ;D

7: At first music fits well, then it could change a bit as sagaz said

8: 6/10

9: sagazz +

10: hehe, i already whatched it 4 times^^

-wizdom
-----------------------------------------------------------------

1: 17

2: Germany

3: Male

4: everything

5: a bad end which motivates you to think about

6: end

7: first seconds

8: 6/10

9: music, more cam work (more cuts), actors

10: whole film yes
-----------------------------------------------------------------

1. 20

2. hungary

3. male

4. almost everything

5. anything if its well made

6. 1.41 seconds in (the gunshot)

7. the fact that Connor drinks water, not alcohol :D

8. 10/10

9. drinking

10. yeah !

kraven
-----------------------------------------------------------------

1. 20

2. Norwich

3. Female

4. Comedy, psychological thrillers

5. Sex, comedy, he usual stuff

6. It is in black and white and the end with the ketchup

7. ..nothing? :D

8. 10

9. nothing :D

10. more than likely, but not today
-----------------------------------------------------------------

1: 21

2: N etherlands

3: Male

4: Every thing. Non specific.

5: What do you like to see in a film

6: What is the best part about this film opening

7: Suprises, connection.

8: 6

9: Shot Positions.

10: If asked.

n1 :)
-----------------------------------------------------------------

1: 24

2: Kuopio, Finland

3: Male

4: All kind of films, drama mostly

5: Great (distressing) atmosphere with the great acting (example Alien and Requiem for a Dream)

6: Atmosphere and music

7: read section 9, maybe the clothes of sitting guy :P

8: 7½

9: Well maybe speed up some parts

10: Whole film, sure
-----------------------------------------------------------------







Evaluation


My media product represents a film noir style. After analysing the conventions used in film noir examples, I realised that there are a variety of obscure shot types and usually the use of a voice over, or sinister soundtrack. I tried to include both of these. For example high and low angle shots were used to present inferiority and superiority while connoting the characters power. Other shots were also used frequently, such as close up shots to exaggerate certain events or facial expressions. One example would be when the gun is picked up off the table. I liked my use of voyeurism, for example the shot through the bottles of drink really helps add to the tension by controling the audiences perspective. To make the film as dark as possible, the use of a black and white effect is used throughout the film. Special effects and transitions make the film play through as smoothly as possible. Another example would be slow motion as the two characters walk down the steps. I have also tried to include the use of foreshadowing. When the gun is loaded, it gives the impression that there may be violence in the future and a possible firefight. Amplified sounds are also used to exaggerate the loading of the gun and the car engine as it parks. Considering the term “Film noir” means “Black film”, it was very important to create an atmosphere within the shot as well as just the soundtrack. I found that the key to this was to make sure that to lighting was low key, to give the impression of mystery and to create enigma. There was also a substantial number of subtitles that were used. Transitions were used to help them fade in and out without distracting from the action taking place at the time. Editing effects such as cross dissolves really help the film to run smoothly throughout. For example when the car is parked, a cross dissolve is used to support the parallel editing as it implies by fading the clips into eachother that they are happening at the same time. The editing helps keep the pace, and builds to the climax escpecially towards the gun shot. Fast cuts help create the tension needed for the audience.


My film uses stereotypical characters to give representations. For example clothing is used to represent the thug-like gangster image. Black leather connotes power, but also leather is a tough material. This may suggest that the characters are tough as well. This could possibly connote a typical ‘gangster’ persona, or a simply thug-like representation.

The idea behind the suburban background in the setting would suggest the victim’s status, and may possibly represent his lifestyle. My film however does not inform the audience of the characters status. For example the two characters in leather may be villainous characters, or the roles may have been subverted to make them the hero figures. This is unknown to the audience however at this stage. The Matrix inspired me, as the role of ‘Neo’ is subverted. An outlaw figure is portrayed to be the hero. The use of high angle an low angle shots in my film help the audience to identify with the characters. By giving the audience this sense of empathy, it helps them engage with the content of the film.



My film would not be used as a blockbuster production or anything with such a high status due to the initial genre of the film, but also due to the budget. For example "Universal" would be unlikely distribute my work as it is not designed to be viewed by a wide and mainstream audience. It would more likely be made by a small independant film company and be shown on channels such as E4 or Film Four, for a niche audience.
Even if this film was not produced by a film company or shown on a TV channel, it may still have a large audience simply based on Youtube or have a purely internet fan base.



My audience is closely linked with the audiences from other films. For example my opening film tries to target the same audiences as films such as “Pulp Fiction” and “Payback”. Both films target their audience by keeping the content dark, while using action to keep attention from the audience. I tried to do this with the use of parallel editing and using varied transitions. Due to the nature of the content of the film, the age range of the audience targeted is higher. Personally I feel that my film is more likely to attract the attention from teenagers and young adults. This may have to be the case as the use of blood is used, so if this was to be played on television, it would more likely be shown later in the evening.

The mise en scene was a particular strength in attracting my audience. For example, the black clothing and dark mood may possibly suggest a gothic style. The use of special effects and transitions also help. For example the slow motion clips. The use of black and white also helps to attract the audience. As a typical film noir convention, I think it works well with the parallel editing to attract those who are interested in thrillers. The soundtrack and pace of the entire opening really tries to grab any audience’s attention, even those who might not like this type of style.


I have learnt different prosumer software packages and how they work. For example I have learnt how to use Garageband to make my sound mix for the film. This includes sound effects, amplified sounds and of coarse the music itself. This program was vital in the making of this film as I personally feel the sound mix is one of the best qualities of it. I have learnt how to make the sounds perfectly synchronous with my film.

I have also learnt how to use the program iMovie HD 6. Learning how to use this program was paramount to the success of my final production. The vast amount of effects and user-friendly interface makes this program ideal for making a film such as mine. First I had to import my clips from the camera. Then I learnt how to manage them in a timeline. Then I learnt how to use transitions, effects and sounds to aid my work.
I also learnt simply how to use a camera affectively. I have learnt about editing techniques such as match on actions an the use of an eyeline match. Also the use of a tripod and how the tripod works was learnt while filming.
I have also learnt the importance of continuity and after making some errors, found out just how careful you have to be when filming.
I have learnt how to film and edit parallel editing and build tension through the use of a soundtrack, camerawork and transitions while still implying representations through the mise en scene.




My preliminary task was far less detailed when concerning production. Simple shots were used to convey a simple purpose. Editing techniques included the standard match on action and the use of the 180-degree rule. The transitions in the preliminary task were very limited and overall i feel it was a weaker film. This however is expected as less time was spent on producing it.

Much more was involved in this film however. For example more planning was involved. A storyboard was made and many group discussions took place. More research into the film noir style and the typical conventions used was made. The filming for ‘Fatal Justice’ is much more advanced as the camera angles had to be more diverse.


Tuesday, 21 April 2009

Final Film Opening -



Final film finished with sound mix -



As you can see the sound starts fairly quietly but builds as the pace quickens. Then the sound becomes quieter and fades away as the two characters enter the house. Then amplified sounds for the gunshot and loading of the gun, then finishing with the quiet part from the music at the start, to finish at the end, making it a circular soundtrack that relates back to the start.

Part 3 - Edit



Close up / Extreme Close up - Gun on the wall. Use of the shadow to make the implication more mysertierious and subtle. However this is also a use of foreshadowing as it implies there may be violence in the future.

Eye line match - when the character looks at the gun on the table and then picks it up in slow motion for dramatic effect.

Again the close up of the guns suggest a firefight but also connotes the power the characters in leather have.

Camera Tilts down to show the valnerability of the character in the chair.

A short series of fast cuts as the tension reaches its peak.
Screen becomes dark so the audience are unsure of what really happens.

Close up of blood to confirm the kill and for the audience to see the character's grimace.

Ends fading out - confirming the scene is over - also fade in with the title of the film.

Part 2 - Edit



Eye level medium shot - This helps the audience empathise with the character as they are at his level.

High angle long shot - shows more of the current setting which looks obviously suburban and possibly a peaceful place. This suggests this is where the 'good' character lives or the 'victim'.

Voyeurism used - to show character through bottles - film noir effect.

Again some normal cuts to keep pace.

Slow motion close up - feet walking down the steps - build tension and quicken parallel editing.

Over the shoulder shot - helps the audience empathise with the character once again.

Fade out - To signify the end of the parallel editing

Part 1 - Edit



Use of subtitles - The use of the subtitles enforce the fact that the video is an opening to a film clip. By positioning them lower on the screen, it still allows the audience clear visibility to the action within the frame.
I made sure the colours of the subtitles were white so that the black and white film noir theme was uncompromised. It also does not detract the audiences eye away from the action as much.

High angle shot - shows the characters status and inferiority.

Close up of drinking - shows lighing reflect of glass - film noir style. Also close up of drinking shows the drinking has a specific significance and could possibly suggest that this will have meaning in the future.

Simple cuts - were used to make sure that the pace of the scene is clealy established early on.

Film noir shot - through the glass - possibly connoting he has something to hide as he is shown behind / through the glass. Use of voyeurism to create tension.

Use of cross dissolves - to switch between parallel editing clips. Also for a slight mystery effect.

Sunday, 19 April 2009

My Camera Shots

Day of the Filming

After getting the actors in the right places and making sure there was nothing that would ruin the continuity of the opening. I then made sure i filmed each clip and action atleast twice. The filming was not done in order. as with the parallele editing, the light outside would be different at the end of the film to what it was at the start. The filming was split into two parts, indoor filming and outdoor filming.

The outdoor filming was done first, but as I was in the shot as an actor i had an assistant hold the camera as steady as possible. This was because the tripod could not capture the angles required. Extra footage was taken, to ensure there was no need to re-film. Two whole minuites of footage was taken just outside with the use of a varity of shots.

I then took the camera indoors where I filmed the indoor shots. First I filmed the shots without the two villainous characters. But then when they enter I tried to make sure the camerawork was slightly different.

Overall it was very effective and easily had enough footage, so there was no worry about re-filming.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Props that were used:







Things to include

Many films in the noir style usually have a vast range of shot types - from cantered angles to extreme close ups. So before I make an attempt at filming anything, I need to start with a shot list in an order that I want. That way when I come to filming, i'm prepared and will make the film opening look more professional if the camera shots are thought of before filming.

List of shots to include if possible:

- Cantered angle
- Close ups (more than 2)
- High angle
- Low angle
- Medium shot
- Any shots that use voyeurism
- Extreme Close ups

Editing is going to be the most time consuming task after filming everything. However the main point of editing is to clips to seamlessly flow smoothly without the audience noticing, unless for a specific, intended reason.

Some editing effects to use:

- Fade in / Fade out
- Cross Dissolve
- sharp cuts for pace
- Stop dissolve
- Subtitles - fade
- Black and white - Film noir effect
- eyeline match
- 180° Rule
- shot reverse shot

Sound takes a massive part in making sure the atmposphere, pace and tension is set. An epic soundmix will be the stand or fall of this opening i think.

Therefore i will try to keep these things in mind:

- Simple music
- Original Sounds (copyright free)
- Sound build - synchronous to action within the frame
- Simple sound layout - quiet > build up > crescendo > Build down > Quiet > Hint of a build up again at the end

- Amplified sounds to exaggerate actions within the frame ie: loading of the gun / gunshot / car engine
- It is paramount that the music is synchronous with the action. No good having a gunshot 10 seconds too late for example
- Possibly a voice over unless it does not aid the scene in any way.

Mise en Scene is very important as this helps provide detailed representations of characters and helps the audience understand the plot, without the use of words. It also helps in reducing continuity errors.

- lighting - constant lighting - especially outside
- lighting - use of shadows - film noir effect
- clothing - dark clothes contrast to lighter clothes and light ( black and white )
- clothing - supporting character stereotypes
- foreshadowing - use of props to suggest future violence (eg: guns)
- Props - Realistic looking props, used to create tention or for a specific action

After considering all these things i will now be ready to start filming as i know exacly what i must try and include. It may be impossible to include all of these features however i will try to include as many as possible without it effecting the plot or original idea.




Friday, 6 March 2009

Group Discussion - group split

After seeing some problems within our communication and organisational coordination, myself and Karl decided to split up when filming our original plan. We both felt that we would be able to work better if we worked individually, as we both are able to work at different times and could both spend more time working the filming individually. It was a major problem for us both, but as we are good friends we were mature about it and under good advisement, split up to allow one another to try and reach our own potentials.

This way we thought that we could make two different variations on the original plan, so that we could study and compare each others work and ultimately, learn more.

Wednesday, 21 January 2009

Group Discussion - 21/01/09 -

After planning the concept behind the clip, we found it now necessary to think about where the filming should take place, which will ultimately effect the settings within the film. This is a very important part of the planning and we feel that it should not be rushed as it is paramount to the success of our work.  

Therefore we have discussed possible places where we could film that would be suitable. The location must be indoors with and a table and chair must be in the room. Also the best location would presumably be a fairly plain room so that there are less distractions from the character within the frame of each shot.  We have talked about the use of blinds as a common feature of film noir examples. We may be able to use iMovie to give the effect of shadowing in the way that the blinds would give. However this is uncertain and so we may need to include the blinds into our possible location ideas.

Ideas:
- 6th Form Rooms
This was our first idea as it is easily accessible for filming at most times of the day. However this is a very bad idea overall as it looks cheap and unrealistic. Also the it would be extremely hard to change the location to suit what we want it for. The room we want is to be plain, but also should look homely and 'lived in'.

- Local snooker hall
This was a bit off the wall, however it had many of the features that we would want, especially when considering the mise en scene. The dark and gloomy which is the effect that we want to convey. This is a possible location but its not perfect. 

- House
This is a good location simply because it looks lived in, however finding a room that has a simple background or a room that can be converted into a set would be hard. However if the room does need to be changed to suit what we want, it is the best place to do it. It is also accessible at all times in the day or night for filming. This is looking like a strong possibility for the filming set. 

- Cafe
This was a strong idea also, however we simply would not be able to film there for longer periods of time as it is a public place. Also if we wanted the man to be smoking then we would be violating the the anti public smoking law. For this reason I do not think we will use this idea. 

At the moment the best idea is just using a normal house for filming as it is flexible and  can be altered for a desired set. Sample filming of a very short extract of our clip will be used at this location as a test to see if it is really the best place to film. 

Character sketches / concept art



After the discussion, and designing of the notes for the main task, my colleague Karl, decided to begin on the ideas of the clothing for the characters involved with the filming. He designed a sketch of both the main character, showing how he looks rough, as if he has lost everything, but also of the suspicious character in the trench coat. For information about the characters see ''Detailed notes on main task''.