Amber used the 'Sin City' DVD cover for inspiration as it has a similar theme of both genre and colour. As you can clearly see, some elements of our DVD cover have been copied from the Sin City design.
Monday, 17 December 2012
Further Developments
After I gave Amber my unfinished version of our video's DVD case, she changed the style rather dramtically, in order to make it look more realistic and professional.
Amber used the 'Sin City' DVD cover for inspiration as it has a similar theme of both genre and colour. As you can clearly see, some elements of our DVD cover have been copied from the Sin City design.
Amber used the 'Sin City' DVD cover for inspiration as it has a similar theme of both genre and colour. As you can clearly see, some elements of our DVD cover have been copied from the Sin City design.
Saturday, 15 December 2012
The Importance of Red
We used the colour red for the cloak, not only because Little Red Riding Hood wears a red cloak, but also because red is an incredibly interesting colour, due to its many connotations; not only does it symbolise love and lust, but it also symbolises anger, rage, fire and danger. It could even be considered that red could symbolise the majority of human emotions, yet the juxtaposing emotions could cause dramatic changes in mood, or even personality.
The film, 'Don't Look Now', from 1973, uses the colour red extremely well.
As the little girl in the red coat drowns, the red ink on the picture begins to run; this is symbolic for her life running out as her, and her red coat are submerged with water.
The film, 'Don't Look Now', from 1973, uses the colour red extremely well.
As the little girl in the red coat drowns, the red ink on the picture begins to run; this is symbolic for her life running out as her, and her red coat are submerged with water.
First Cut and Developments
On Thursday's lesson, we watched one another's productions, and gave feedback. Our video received positive feedback for our titles, as they looked professional and appropriate for the task, though we also received negative feedback, which bascially summed up as; film more!
Our First Cut
In order to improve our video, we intend to do some more filming over the Christmas period, and maybe even edit a second draft at home, rather than juts having one at school.
I also wanted to make our video appear professional and realistic, so I decided to design a DVD cover for when I burn our video onto a blank DVD.
I used the film poster that Amber designed to create a DVD cover including fictitious quotes from newspapers to make the cover appear more professional.
Though it is not entirely finished yet, as I haven't put our film company logo, or name on the back, I think that this would fully round off the film to make it seem very realistic, and authentic, just like any other film available today.
All we need to do now... Is film more shots!!!!!!
Our First Cut
In order to improve our video, we intend to do some more filming over the Christmas period, and maybe even edit a second draft at home, rather than juts having one at school.
I also wanted to make our video appear professional and realistic, so I decided to design a DVD cover for when I burn our video onto a blank DVD.
I used the film poster that Amber designed to create a DVD cover including fictitious quotes from newspapers to make the cover appear more professional.
Though it is not entirely finished yet, as I haven't put our film company logo, or name on the back, I think that this would fully round off the film to make it seem very realistic, and authentic, just like any other film available today.
All we need to do now... Is film more shots!!!!!!
Sunday, 9 December 2012
Editing 2
I exported this small clip featuring red behind a set of bars to emphasize her psychotic tendencies and to convey her animal like behaviour.
We also thought that using the two freeze frames, shown below, from this series of shots would be a useful for designing the film poster.
Editing
At the editing stage of our production, I started studying the opening titles on other films so that the first few opening shots of our video would look professional and realistic; for example, I noticed that the Director's name also features last on screen.
I also started using different video effects, such as 'Gamma Correction', which enabled us to darken the shots that were filmed in broaden daylight; this made the shots creepier, and more similar to a horror film. I had suggested that we use this effect from day 1, as from past experience, filming in the dark can become incredibly problematic, as the shots often come out blurry, fuzzy and unclear. Using this tool would enable the shots to be darken to a chosen degree, and would allow the picture to remain in focus.
The shots that work particularly well after being modified using the Gamma Correction tool feature 'Red' locked behind bars like a wild animal; the effect lightened her skin to make her sheet white, and intensified the red in her cloak.
I also started using different video effects, such as 'Gamma Correction', which enabled us to darken the shots that were filmed in broaden daylight; this made the shots creepier, and more similar to a horror film. I had suggested that we use this effect from day 1, as from past experience, filming in the dark can become incredibly problematic, as the shots often come out blurry, fuzzy and unclear. Using this tool would enable the shots to be darken to a chosen degree, and would allow the picture to remain in focus.
The shots that work particularly well after being modified using the Gamma Correction tool feature 'Red' locked behind bars like a wild animal; the effect lightened her skin to make her sheet white, and intensified the red in her cloak.
Filming Progress
Over the weekend, we unfortunately did not do any filming due to poor weather.
We intend to film a few more shots during the week in order to fill in the gaps in our production work.
We intend to film a few more shots during the week in order to fill in the gaps in our production work.
Filming Developments 4
Regarding other aspects of our production work, we have changed our commercial film company from 'Warp Films' to 'Fox Searchlight Pictures'.
We thought that this Film company would be more appropriate for our production as 'Warp Films' is for Indi films, such as 'Submarine', which does not parallel with our genre.
This film company features at the very beginning of our film opening.
We thought that this Film company would be more appropriate for our production as 'Warp Films' is for Indi films, such as 'Submarine', which does not parallel with our genre.
This film company features at the very beginning of our film opening.
Thursday, 6 December 2012
Filming Developments 3
During Thursday's lesson we developed our film opening ideas, building on the basis of our previously designed storyboard. We planned what we were going to film over the weekend and drew up some notes, as displayed below of what we were going to do.
Wednesday, 5 December 2012
Filming Developments 2
During Tuesday's lesson we set about three different tasks;
- Tom used our previously designed Film Company logo to develop a animated title sequence that we could put into our two minute clip. Here it is below:
- Amber then planned a different title sequence using green screen which we could use instead of the other animated sequence. We thought that it would be look more professional and unique.
- I went about the task of editing our two minute clip, adding opening titles and editing shots to make it appear more sinister. I also placed the title, 'Red' at two minutes, so that I could see where the limit for the number of shots needed to be added was.
- Adding the music, by Amanda, the video started to take shape.
- We intend to film more shots over the weekend in order to have a completed first draft by the end of Term.
Thursday, 29 November 2012
Filming Developments
Film Company
After Thursday's lesson we came up with our Film Company's name and designed its logo:
'Terra Somnia' is Latin for 'Land of Dreams'. We thought that this rather unusual name would reflect our company's unsual nature in relation to the type of films that it would produce.
Our Animatic
After Thursday's lesson we came up with our Film Company's name and designed its logo:
'Terra Somnia' is Latin for 'Land of Dreams'. We thought that this rather unusual name would reflect our company's unsual nature in relation to the type of films that it would produce.
Our Animatic
Wednesday, 28 November 2012
Production Context of Film Opening
Inspiration
Our film opening is one of an unusual subject; a twist on Little Red Riding Hood where the protagonist is suffering from a psychological breakdown is not something that would appeal to mass audiences.
The film, 'Submarine' could be compared to our film opening in relation to how unorthodox and unstereotypical it is; the story revolves around a 15 year old school boy who has an incredibly mature thought process and ponders eliquantly about every action he makes, whilst our film opening focuses on an astrange version of Little Red Riding Hood. Both plot lines unparallel their conventional models, in which the teenage boy would be a drunken hooligan, and Little Red Riding Hood would be nothing but sweet.
In addition, as the interesting and diverse film of Submarine is produced by Warpfilms, we thought it best if we ourselves used the same film company for our 2 minute snippet.
Film Company Title Sequence
Our film opening is one of an unusual subject; a twist on Little Red Riding Hood where the protagonist is suffering from a psychological breakdown is not something that would appeal to mass audiences.
The film, 'Submarine' could be compared to our film opening in relation to how unorthodox and unstereotypical it is; the story revolves around a 15 year old school boy who has an incredibly mature thought process and ponders eliquantly about every action he makes, whilst our film opening focuses on an astrange version of Little Red Riding Hood. Both plot lines unparallel their conventional models, in which the teenage boy would be a drunken hooligan, and Little Red Riding Hood would be nothing but sweet.
Film Company Title/Logo
We are undecided as to what to entitle our Film Company, but we intend it to be a name suitable for niche audiences, and maybe even in Latin.
Until we have invented a name, we are unable to design a Company Logo.
Film Company Title Sequence
Tuesday, 13 November 2012
Specific Location Ideas
Locations
In this location we plan to have Red outside the church looking innocent, which will then change using a static effect which will switch to the more run down church to shown 'Red's' state of mind. This will reflect her unhinged and unstable mind set, and will give the video an eerie effect.
In this shot we plan to throw 'Red's' hood from the window were you can see Amber standing; we will put this in slow motion, which would look very effective, as it will symbolise her death; her red coat is what defines her, and without it, she is nothing.
More Possible Locations
In this location we plan to have Red outside the church looking innocent, which will then change using a static effect which will switch to the more run down church to shown 'Red's' state of mind. This will reflect her unhinged and unstable mind set, and will give the video an eerie effect.
In this shot we plan to throw 'Red's' hood from the window were you can see Amber standing; we will put this in slow motion, which would look very effective, as it will symbolise her death; her red coat is what defines her, and without it, she is nothing.
More Possible Locations
Film Title Ideas
Title Possibilities
We have come up with two possible Title ideas for the opening;
Example 1
This GIF of a puddle with the title shows how the title will form in the water after 'Red' runs through the puddle, rippling the water. As the watert begins to calm once again, we intend to fade in the displayed title.
Example 2
This GIF shows the location where we will have 'Red' running across the horizon towards the tree. As she runs we will dissolve her red coat, so that the bits drift upwards and gradually form in the sky above, in the position displayed.
We have come up with two possible Title ideas for the opening;
Example 1
This GIF of a puddle with the title shows how the title will form in the water after 'Red' runs through the puddle, rippling the water. As the watert begins to calm once again, we intend to fade in the displayed title.
Example 2
This GIF shows the location where we will have 'Red' running across the horizon towards the tree. As she runs we will dissolve her red coat, so that the bits drift upwards and gradually form in the sky above, in the position displayed.
Thursday, 8 November 2012
Main Production Task - Film Opening Planning
Team members:
Our Shooting Schedule:
- Tom Hurst - Camerawork and Sound
- Daniel Faint - Editing and Foley
- Amber Law - Creative Designer and Head Director
Our Shooting Schedule:
-
11th November 2012: Go to Amber's house; planning, location scouting and fillming.
- 18th November 2012: Idea developments, prop and costume gathering.
- 22nd – 25th November 2012: Shots of the wicker basket dropping, shots of 'Red' in the forest, shots of 'Red' running, Moon shot (in puddle?).
- 2nd December 2012: Dark/indoor shots filmed. Inside; grubby horrible church. Outside; nice, pretty church. All outside shots are dark. Moon title shot (in puddle?).
- Each of these pictures are useful in determining where to film; they promote the theme of isolation.
Costumes:
- Red coat with hood - there is only one character (protagonist/antagonist)
- Fake sharp nails
- White/pale face paint
- Fake loose fur
Props
- Wicker basket
- Fruit; mouldy and fresh
- Fake blood
Music/SFX
- Sam the Sham and the Pharohs - Little Red Riding Hood
- Link to soundtrack: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FA85RO89HA
- Static Effect
Creative Ideas
- The protagonist/antagonsit has schizophrenia
- Title font possibilities:
Inspirations from similar film genres
- Arlington Road
- True Blood
- American Horror Story
- The Company of Wolves
Wednesday, 31 October 2012
Main Production Task - Film Treatment
During my last lesson before half term, we were set about the task of designing our own film opening in small groups. We were asked to think about the subject of the film, the genre and the characters involved. Working with Tom and Amber, our idea soon became apparent;
Initially, we all thought it sensible and appropriate to entitle the production, 'Red' as that would be the most significant colour featured in the film opening, but also because the colour itself has perhaps the most connotations of any colour; the symbolism of love, lust, anger and rage afloat when the colour red is observed.
During the 2 minute film opening, there will be a chance for numerous stylistic features to be used; the manic running through the trees will be shot through a variety of shots, such as hand held, tracking, point of view and over the shoulder, which will cut from one to another quickly to intensify the pace.
A brief summary
The story of a troubled girl who never quite fitted in at school; an estranged child who was always the outsider, who sat alone, away from everyone else. She never joined in with any childhood games. Never made any friends. Never laughed or played with any other child. There was nothing particularly distinctive about her, nor especially unusual. She liked her own company; what was wrong with that?
Her home life was never much fun; she would often come home to an empty house, or a violent domestic dispute. It is not exactly clear how she came to her untimely end... All that we know, is that she was last seen, running through the forest, in her little red coat.
The possible location for the filming is by the old Church in Thundridge. Here are some photographs of the chosen setting:
- Girl in red coat
- Girl running away from something
- Ambiguity of what she is running from
- Instant audience engagement
- Inaccurate represenation of the innocent
Initially, we all thought it sensible and appropriate to entitle the production, 'Red' as that would be the most significant colour featured in the film opening, but also because the colour itself has perhaps the most connotations of any colour; the symbolism of love, lust, anger and rage afloat when the colour red is observed.
During the 2 minute film opening, there will be a chance for numerous stylistic features to be used; the manic running through the trees will be shot through a variety of shots, such as hand held, tracking, point of view and over the shoulder, which will cut from one to another quickly to intensify the pace.
A brief summary
The story of a troubled girl who never quite fitted in at school; an estranged child who was always the outsider, who sat alone, away from everyone else. She never joined in with any childhood games. Never made any friends. Never laughed or played with any other child. There was nothing particularly distinctive about her, nor especially unusual. She liked her own company; what was wrong with that?
Her home life was never much fun; she would often come home to an empty house, or a violent domestic dispute. It is not exactly clear how she came to her untimely end... All that we know, is that she was last seen, running through the forest, in her little red coat.
The possible location for the filming is by the old Church in Thundridge. Here are some photographs of the chosen setting:
Friday, 19 October 2012
Analysis of Opening Title Sequence
Film - Kidulthood
The opening sequence of Kidulthood is very effective as the quick paced camera movements, and general unsteady shots reflect the manic and rushed feel of a typical Secondary School. The frequent pans and zooms to different social clusters symbolise the great social partide that most schools have; it becomes apparent that there is tension amongst some of the groups, and that some people are more dominant than others.
From the 9 shots taken from the film's opening, it becomes clear that these people are typical, troubled teenagers from a relatively rough area, (London). There is clearly some form of bullying taking place; top right hand corner shows a girl being pinned against a wall, showing her lack of dominance, which is further peptuated in the bottom left hand corner, as the bully's victim appears very shrew and weak.
The opening immediately throws the viewer into the deep end; we are instantly plunged into the fast paced life of a stereotypical teenager without any fancy titles, which would simply take up too much time, and distract the viewer from the overall tone of the film.
The opening sequence of Kidulthood is very effective as the quick paced camera movements, and general unsteady shots reflect the manic and rushed feel of a typical Secondary School. The frequent pans and zooms to different social clusters symbolise the great social partide that most schools have; it becomes apparent that there is tension amongst some of the groups, and that some people are more dominant than others.
From the 9 shots taken from the film's opening, it becomes clear that these people are typical, troubled teenagers from a relatively rough area, (London). There is clearly some form of bullying taking place; top right hand corner shows a girl being pinned against a wall, showing her lack of dominance, which is further peptuated in the bottom left hand corner, as the bully's victim appears very shrew and weak.
The opening immediately throws the viewer into the deep end; we are instantly plunged into the fast paced life of a stereotypical teenager without any fancy titles, which would simply take up too much time, and distract the viewer from the overall tone of the film.
Wednesday, 17 October 2012
Evaluation of Preliminary Exercise
Preliminary Exercise Final Cut
At the editing stage of our Preliminary Exercise, we split into two different groups to allow everyone to have a chance to edit; Jimmy, Harry and I were in one group, and Megan and Shannon were in the other. Our camera work was steady and smooth as we made sure that we filmed each shot on a tripod, which prevented any unwanted jerky camera movements, as a hand held camera shot was not needed for our video. Despite this, there was one particular shot which was poorly framed; the over the shoulder shot of Jimmy from Harry's point of view made Jimmy appear incredibly distant, and did not mirror the better framed over the shoulder shot of Harry from Jimmy's point of view.
As we filmed inside, the dialogue was loud and clear, and there were no unwanted or distracting background sounds during the scenes in the office; however, the sound in the corridor was particularly bad, and unnecessary; this however, was a likely outcome as we filmed during the midst of the lunch time rabble, and we were positioned next to the canteen.
The editing was efficient in the sense that it strictly obided by the 30 second maximum time limit, yet as a juxtoposing negative consequence of this, a lot of the shots were removed, which made the video appear rushed, and generally uninteresting. Though match on action was included, where Harry walked through the door, and shot reverse shot also played a significant part, the actual events themselves were relatively boring; it was simply a 10 second conversation. Although, due to the fact that the 180 degree rule was obided by throughout, and due to the other editing techniques used, I would state that my current editing level is intermediate; My group and I exhibited skilled editing techniques to excel beyond basic, yet we were not good enough just yet to be labelled as advanced.
The shots/techniques used during the Preliminary Exercise:
At the editing stage of our Preliminary Exercise, we split into two different groups to allow everyone to have a chance to edit; Jimmy, Harry and I were in one group, and Megan and Shannon were in the other. Our camera work was steady and smooth as we made sure that we filmed each shot on a tripod, which prevented any unwanted jerky camera movements, as a hand held camera shot was not needed for our video. Despite this, there was one particular shot which was poorly framed; the over the shoulder shot of Jimmy from Harry's point of view made Jimmy appear incredibly distant, and did not mirror the better framed over the shoulder shot of Harry from Jimmy's point of view.
As we filmed inside, the dialogue was loud and clear, and there were no unwanted or distracting background sounds during the scenes in the office; however, the sound in the corridor was particularly bad, and unnecessary; this however, was a likely outcome as we filmed during the midst of the lunch time rabble, and we were positioned next to the canteen.
The editing was efficient in the sense that it strictly obided by the 30 second maximum time limit, yet as a juxtoposing negative consequence of this, a lot of the shots were removed, which made the video appear rushed, and generally uninteresting. Though match on action was included, where Harry walked through the door, and shot reverse shot also played a significant part, the actual events themselves were relatively boring; it was simply a 10 second conversation. Although, due to the fact that the 180 degree rule was obided by throughout, and due to the other editing techniques used, I would state that my current editing level is intermediate; My group and I exhibited skilled editing techniques to excel beyond basic, yet we were not good enough just yet to be labelled as advanced.
The shots/techniques used during the Preliminary Exercise:
- Point of View (POV)
- Over the Shouler (OTS)
- Medium Close Up
- High Angle
- Match on Action
- Shot Reverse Shot
Wednesday, 10 October 2012
Preliminary Exercise
Group Members:
This is a photograph of our group, taken by our Media teacher, in the Headteacher's Office, as we set up to film the 30 second clip.
After receiving permission from the Head regarding us filming in his Office, we started to film the first few shots, which were outside in the corrdior, before we then progressed into the Office. The filming took around 45 minutes as we wanted to achieve the best look possible.
Equipment
We used numerous skills during the production process of the preliminary exercise, such as Shot Reverse Shot (SRS) and Match on Action, whilst taking into consideration the 180 degree rule and the rule of thirds.
Positives and Negatives
Some of our production successes include our Shot Reverse Shot skills, as although Harry's and Jimmy's lines were filmed seperately, they do appear to run together rather nicely, giving the impression that they are actually having a conversation. The 180 degree rule was also obided as both characters maintained their positions, rather than swapping sides, which made for good continuity.
However, as we were pushed for time, and because the conversation went on for too long, we had to cut the end of the video short in order to keep within the 30 second time limit.
- Daniel Faint (far left)
- Megan McMillan
- Jimmy Beaton
- Shannon Pratt
- Harry Mead (far right)
This is a photograph of our group, taken by our Media teacher, in the Headteacher's Office, as we set up to film the 30 second clip.
After receiving permission from the Head regarding us filming in his Office, we started to film the first few shots, which were outside in the corrdior, before we then progressed into the Office. The filming took around 45 minutes as we wanted to achieve the best look possible.
Equipment
- Camera - Canon Legria Camcorda Plus
- Editing Software - Adobe Premiere
We used numerous skills during the production process of the preliminary exercise, such as Shot Reverse Shot (SRS) and Match on Action, whilst taking into consideration the 180 degree rule and the rule of thirds.
Positives and Negatives
Some of our production successes include our Shot Reverse Shot skills, as although Harry's and Jimmy's lines were filmed seperately, they do appear to run together rather nicely, giving the impression that they are actually having a conversation. The 180 degree rule was also obided as both characters maintained their positions, rather than swapping sides, which made for good continuity.
However, as we were pushed for time, and because the conversation went on for too long, we had to cut the end of the video short in order to keep within the 30 second time limit.
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