Overall, I have found creating this piece of coursework very enjoyable and I am pleased with the outcome, even though some aspects of the film opening has been hard, I feel like the outcome was worth it and that our final product looks good and effective.
Thursday 2 April 2015
Deleted Scenes
After we had created our coursework and evaluated it, me and my group decided to create a short clip of some of our deleted scenes. These scenes where not included in our coursework because of errors such as continuity, acting and sound. For example in some of the scenes the actor was looking at the camera and therefore this is not a convincing scene to add into our opening (it would seem unprofessional). Most of the deleted scenes however are due to continuity errors, we only realised that many of these scenes where not able to be put into our final product when we started editing, this is because they would not have continuity/ be continuous with other shots that we have included in the opening.
Wednesday 25 March 2015
Evaluation; my role in filming/ managing
My Role in Filming;
Within our group we all made sure to take in terms filming, this is so that we were all able to experience dealing with the filming. Before filming we decided that we would each use the camera for 50 minutes each time, this is due to the fact we where going to be filming for about 2 and a half hours.
here are some examples of the shots that I have taken;
The fridge scene was filmed by me, I directed the actor to make sure that the continutity was right for example the scene consisted of the boy looking in the fridge whilst he hears a sound, it then cuts to the stove and cuts back to a close up of his face, this meant that he had to stay in the same place one we had cut back to his expression and therefore I had to make sure that the continuity was right.
These two shots of filming were managed by 2 people from the group from 2 different cameras. This was so that we could use continuity from two different clips. I filmed the first scene and another group member filmed the other scene at the same time. I am very happy with the outcome after editing with this shot because it looks professional and the continuity is very good.
Before planning the filming some of the scenes we filmed we didn't think of until we were actually filming for example; I came up with the idea to have the cupboards open unexpectedly, I feel like without this shot it would not of completed the opening and therefore I am happy that I came up with the idea.
The fact that we all took it in turns to film made the experience better for example we were all able to have equal chances at filming the scenes , the fact that we planned out who was filming what (on my production decisions blog) made it an easier quicker procedure, however filming did take longer than 2 and a half hours due to other disruptions from the setting, in spite of this we still managed to film all of our film opening in one day, this made it easy because we were able to have all the clips that we needed so we could get straight on with editing.
My Role in Editing
Editing was carried out by all members of the group, similar to filming. However we all made different types of decisions in editing, sometimes it was hard to all agree on one thing for example the lighting or titles, however this helped us because it made sure that our film was created to the best of all our abilities.
My editing decisions consisted on things such as; type of font/size to have (although all members of the group all agreed on the font/ size), we all helped with aspects such as continuity for example a member of the group would be editing and we would all input our opinions on whether it was continuous or not. I also came up with the idea to make the lighting darker/ more professional on some scenes for example the first scene of the hand held camera walking up to the door. I think that this decision made the atmosphere and the setting of the scene look more mysterious and effective. In addition I also suggested some sound effects for example the dial tone on the phone and the doorbell. I think that these completed the film opening and made them seem more professional and effective.
We all decided to use a dissolve transition in the kitchen scene (this is when the main character hears a noise).
Even though it does not show a continuous effect it shows the passing through time for example the time that has passed from the last scene, we had to chose to put this transition in this scene because when we were filming the opening there was a continuity error with the camera work, therefore I think that the group made a good decision to add the transition to fix the problem.
Some aspects of editing was hard to do individually, due to the fact everybody in the group had to make decisions on different transitions, sound etc. However I feel like due to all of our inputs in all aspects of creating Forsaken helped and created a good outcome.
Within our group we all made sure to take in terms filming, this is so that we were all able to experience dealing with the filming. Before filming we decided that we would each use the camera for 50 minutes each time, this is due to the fact we where going to be filming for about 2 and a half hours.
here are some examples of the shots that I have taken;
The fridge scene was filmed by me, I directed the actor to make sure that the continutity was right for example the scene consisted of the boy looking in the fridge whilst he hears a sound, it then cuts to the stove and cuts back to a close up of his face, this meant that he had to stay in the same place one we had cut back to his expression and therefore I had to make sure that the continuity was right.
These two shots of filming were managed by 2 people from the group from 2 different cameras. This was so that we could use continuity from two different clips. I filmed the first scene and another group member filmed the other scene at the same time. I am very happy with the outcome after editing with this shot because it looks professional and the continuity is very good.
Before planning the filming some of the scenes we filmed we didn't think of until we were actually filming for example; I came up with the idea to have the cupboards open unexpectedly, I feel like without this shot it would not of completed the opening and therefore I am happy that I came up with the idea.
The fact that we all took it in turns to film made the experience better for example we were all able to have equal chances at filming the scenes , the fact that we planned out who was filming what (on my production decisions blog) made it an easier quicker procedure, however filming did take longer than 2 and a half hours due to other disruptions from the setting, in spite of this we still managed to film all of our film opening in one day, this made it easy because we were able to have all the clips that we needed so we could get straight on with editing.
My Role in Editing
Editing was carried out by all members of the group, similar to filming. However we all made different types of decisions in editing, sometimes it was hard to all agree on one thing for example the lighting or titles, however this helped us because it made sure that our film was created to the best of all our abilities.
My editing decisions consisted on things such as; type of font/size to have (although all members of the group all agreed on the font/ size), we all helped with aspects such as continuity for example a member of the group would be editing and we would all input our opinions on whether it was continuous or not. I also came up with the idea to make the lighting darker/ more professional on some scenes for example the first scene of the hand held camera walking up to the door. I think that this decision made the atmosphere and the setting of the scene look more mysterious and effective. In addition I also suggested some sound effects for example the dial tone on the phone and the doorbell. I think that these completed the film opening and made them seem more professional and effective.We all decided to use a dissolve transition in the kitchen scene (this is when the main character hears a noise).
Even though it does not show a continuous effect it shows the passing through time for example the time that has passed from the last scene, we had to chose to put this transition in this scene because when we were filming the opening there was a continuity error with the camera work, therefore I think that the group made a good decision to add the transition to fix the problem.
Some aspects of editing was hard to do individually, due to the fact everybody in the group had to make decisions on different transitions, sound etc. However I feel like due to all of our inputs in all aspects of creating Forsaken helped and created a good outcome.
Monday 12 January 2015
Evaluation; Looking back at your preliminary task what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to full product?
I feel as if we have come far from the preliminary task and I have learnt new things for example;
For example; the lighting in our preliminary task was very bright and natural, this was because we were unable to control the lighting in our shots, this is due to the fact our preliminary task was filmed during school time and there were students around. However compared to my thriller opening the lighting is dark and represents the feelings of the character and what may be about to happen. For example the scene where the boy goes up the stairs to check what sound he heard, the lighting changed here from homely/ natural to dark and mysterious. I think that we have come tremendously far from our preliminary task, I am very happy with the final outcome of our coursework product, this is because me and my group have learnt a lot about media and its conventions. I have thoroughly enjoyed creating this film opening and I am happy over what we/I have achieved.
- Different camera shots/angles/movement
- How to edit using imovie
- How to create sound and add effects on Garage Band
- I have developed more knowledge about mise en scene
- Learnt how to use film conventions/ how to portray particular social groups in a film
- Discovered how to adjust lighting to feelings and atmospheres of characters/ actions
- Learnt how to handle the camera/ create different effects with different shots
- I have learnt how to create continuity and a smoothly running selection of shots
For example; the lighting in our preliminary task was very bright and natural, this was because we were unable to control the lighting in our shots, this is due to the fact our preliminary task was filmed during school time and there were students around. However compared to my thriller opening the lighting is dark and represents the feelings of the character and what may be about to happen. For example the scene where the boy goes up the stairs to check what sound he heard, the lighting changed here from homely/ natural to dark and mysterious. I think that we have come tremendously far from our preliminary task, I am very happy with the final outcome of our coursework product, this is because me and my group have learnt a lot about media and its conventions. I have thoroughly enjoyed creating this film opening and I am happy over what we/I have achieved.
Evaluation; What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?
Before our preliminary task and my thriller coursework, I did not have much experience with the equipment that we used, however I found them easier to get the hand of. I already had experience with computers, however for this project we used Apple Mac computers, these were new too me, however I found them easier after a few lessons and think that this technology has helped a lot in making a better final product. I used the Apple Macs to upload our shots, we then used imovie and garage band to edit the opening and add music/ sound effects. Due to money, we could not afford the most expensive equipment and therefore used a simple camera/ recorder when filming. We also used objects such as a tripod, we used this object when panning the camera on shots such as when our character was walking to the front door, and when the cupboards opened in the kitchen. I found it easier to use a tripod for this due to the fact it kept the camera steady, it also made it look professional and gave it a better effect. In addition to this equipment I also used my mobile phone, this helped me take pictures of us filming and of the setting/ place where we filmed. I also used it to take photos of our work/ ideas about our product. In addition to this technology I was able to downloaded the blogger app, to help me blog from my phone, making it easier to upload photo's, it also meant that I was very active and up to date when blogging.
Friday 9 January 2015
Evaluation; How did you attract/ address your audience?
When trying to attract our audience we used different techniques to keep them interested in watching the film. For example the sound. We wanted our opening to be quiet and not have much sound (only diegetic sound). This was so that we could keep our audiences attention, it gives the film mystery and you wonder what is going to happen next. When showing our film opening to others, they liked the fact that there was no sound, I think that it adds drama and suspense. I feel like if I added other sound that was non diegetic, then it would of taken away the suspense from the opening.
The main actor in the opening was wearing pyjamas, we decided this would make him look weak and vulnerable. I feel like the audience would have understood this and therefore would feel sympathetic towards the boy. Our props where very 'homely' and are realistic e.g. objects in the house/ the setting of the film. When we used the shot of all the cupboards being opened I feel like this would have shocked the audience, this would have grabbed their attention and therefore they would be interested in seeing what happens next. In addition I feel like the realistic setting would have been a reminder of reality to the audience, it can make them feel as if they understand the boy because it is a similar reality to themselves e.g. a normal family house.
We wanted our film to be interesting for our audience and therefore we only chose one actor to act one part of the opening, it shows that he is alone and vulnerable and therefore the audience will keep watching because its obvious somebody is watching him/ wants him for something.
As you can see, he is a normal child which brings a sense of reality to the film and the film opening.
The narrative plays a big role in attracting the audience, if the story line was boring and didn't make sense then the audience would not want to keep watching the film. Therefore we left the beginning/ opening of the film on a cliff hanger due to the writing added in saying "10 years earlier", you are not aware of what happens to the boy, which is something you will find out during the rest of the film, this then keeps the audiences attention and makes them interested in watching the rest of the movie. I feel like we have captured the audiences attention very well and therefore I am pleased with the outcome of the opening.
The main actor in the opening was wearing pyjamas, we decided this would make him look weak and vulnerable. I feel like the audience would have understood this and therefore would feel sympathetic towards the boy. Our props where very 'homely' and are realistic e.g. objects in the house/ the setting of the film. When we used the shot of all the cupboards being opened I feel like this would have shocked the audience, this would have grabbed their attention and therefore they would be interested in seeing what happens next. In addition I feel like the realistic setting would have been a reminder of reality to the audience, it can make them feel as if they understand the boy because it is a similar reality to themselves e.g. a normal family house.
We wanted our film to be interesting for our audience and therefore we only chose one actor to act one part of the opening, it shows that he is alone and vulnerable and therefore the audience will keep watching because its obvious somebody is watching him/ wants him for something.
As you can see, he is a normal child which brings a sense of reality to the film and the film opening.
The narrative plays a big role in attracting the audience, if the story line was boring and didn't make sense then the audience would not want to keep watching the film. Therefore we left the beginning/ opening of the film on a cliff hanger due to the writing added in saying "10 years earlier", you are not aware of what happens to the boy, which is something you will find out during the rest of the film, this then keeps the audiences attention and makes them interested in watching the rest of the movie. I feel like we have captured the audiences attention very well and therefore I am pleased with the outcome of the opening.
Thursday 8 January 2015
Evaluation; Who would be the audience for your media product?
We had already planned previously who our media product would be targeted at e.g. age and gender and social groups, this was a simple decision to make because we decided in our plot that the rest of the film would include scenes of violence and crime and therefore the certificate of the film would be a 15.
The age of our audience was roughly around 15 too 35, this is because it would be inappropriate for people under the age of 15. We decided to collect data on the types of people who like thrillers, we found that the age of audiences where from 15 to 35 years old, this is because thrillers are interesting to this age of people. Our film is appropriate for both genders; boys and girls because thrillers are very open to a wide range of ages and social groups.
When researching (before making our final product), me and my group decided to do a questionnaire to some of our class, this is so that it would help us when thinking of ideas for a film. One of the questions asked about the target audience of our film, it said "what age group would you say thrillers should be targeted at" our most common result was 15 to 35, therefore when editing and creating our film we made sure that it would suit this audience. I feel like it successfully targets our audience, even though the main character of the film opening is young, it still targets our audience because they will be able to feel sympathy for him due to his age, this is because they are older than him. We decided that our target audience is 15 years and over, our questionnaires helped us to decide this.
Our plot involves going back in time to past events that have occurred in the house after the film opening, it is made clear that this is going to happen because before our film opening finishes we edited in font saying "10 Years Earlier". This would then keep our audience interested and make them want to find out the rest of the story line. I think that this is good for our target audience because they need to want to watch the rest of the film, the style of our film ensures this.
When researching (before making our final product), me and my group decided to do a questionnaire to some of our class, this is so that it would help us when thinking of ideas for a film. One of the questions asked about the target audience of our film, it said "what age group would you say thrillers should be targeted at" our most common result was 15 to 35, therefore when editing and creating our film we made sure that it would suit this audience. I feel like it successfully targets our audience, even though the main character of the film opening is young, it still targets our audience because they will be able to feel sympathy for him due to his age, this is because they are older than him. We decided that our target audience is 15 years and over, our questionnaires helped us to decide this.
Our plot involves going back in time to past events that have occurred in the house after the film opening, it is made clear that this is going to happen because before our film opening finishes we edited in font saying "10 Years Earlier". This would then keep our audience interested and make them want to find out the rest of the story line. I think that this is good for our target audience because they need to want to watch the rest of the film, the style of our film ensures this.
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