Here is my final coursework and the evaluation to go with it. I decided to upload the videos to YouTube instead of blogger, purely because YouTube is quicker. Be sure to double click the videos to watch them on YouTube in full screen, because the tag sidebar on blogger cuts out part of the video.
One Last Thing:
Evaluation:
Showing posts with label AS Group 01. Show all posts
Showing posts with label AS Group 01. Show all posts
Monday, 10 May 2010
Thursday, 22 April 2010
Key Points
To ensure some slick editing, I learnt about using key frames and points when using Premiere pro. When using sound and transitions, I've been able to utilise key frames and create a more entertaining piece. In this blog, I'll mention some examples of key frames I used within the piece and include pictures to show them.
I began by trying fading of the audio. The key frames below (click to enlarge) show how the volume of the music returns momentarily until the second key frame where it lowers to nothing.
This is to accompany what is happening on screen. The camera moves upwards towards the sky in a dreamy-like fashion as the boys walk away, and the screen fades out. The key frames for a fade like this are basic, and only require two key frames (One at 100%, and one at 0%), I positioned the frames far apart so the fade would be nice and slow, adding to the warmth and intimacy of the scene.
These next key frames are slightly more complex. I wanted the credits to blend into the video, in a similar style to 'Heroes', where people would walk in front of, or on top of, the text. Here, I've created an effect where Richard appears to walk into the text, wiping it away as he does. To do this, I had to carefully add a key frame into nearly every frame.
Joni Beech
I began by trying fading of the audio. The key frames below (click to enlarge) show how the volume of the music returns momentarily until the second key frame where it lowers to nothing.
This is to accompany what is happening on screen. The camera moves upwards towards the sky in a dreamy-like fashion as the boys walk away, and the screen fades out. The key frames for a fade like this are basic, and only require two key frames (One at 100%, and one at 0%), I positioned the frames far apart so the fade would be nice and slow, adding to the warmth and intimacy of the scene.
These next key frames are slightly more complex. I wanted the credits to blend into the video, in a similar style to 'Heroes', where people would walk in front of, or on top of, the text. Here, I've created an effect where Richard appears to walk into the text, wiping it away as he does. To do this, I had to carefully add a key frame into nearly every frame.
I cropped the text that Rich was behind frame-by-frame; it looks as though he walks past the text as if its somehow in the video, rather than on the video. Creating an effect like this...
Joni Beech
Kathy
I was told to add more of a hook to the coursework. The piece didn't really have a 'cliffhanger', or a reason to continue watching the film; it was just two best friends who were leaving college, with slight reference to what I actually intended to happen. Knowing this, I added an extra scene introducing the antogonist; Kathy.
With this scene, the audience can see that she is a love interest of both Paul and Nick; and that they probably will fight over her in later in the film and she will cause a rift between the two.
I wanted to choose a song to play over the 'Kathy' scene. I wanted a song that summed up her personality through the guitars and tempo, rather than the vocals (If they were lyrics that summed her up, then it would be too distracting to the audience and they'd focus on the music more than the film, at the end of the day, it's still background music). I wanted something that was sassy, sexy and dangerous.
I narrowed it down to two songs...
or...
After a class-vote of media students, Love train won the vote, and was put over the scene.
The end of the song is slightly remixed in the piece, so it ends with two thick strums of the guitar.
My only worry is that I haven't ensured that Kathy is dislikable enough. The phone call is supposed to be a call to Paul, but the audience cannot tell who she's talking to and what she's saying.
I'm going to replace the "hanging up the phone" shot, with a text from Paul saying "Hey babe, how are you xxxxx" or something like that, just so the audience can understand that Paul and Nick are both interested in her.
Till then,
Joni Beech
With this scene, the audience can see that she is a love interest of both Paul and Nick; and that they probably will fight over her in later in the film and she will cause a rift between the two.
I wanted to choose a song to play over the 'Kathy' scene. I wanted a song that summed up her personality through the guitars and tempo, rather than the vocals (If they were lyrics that summed her up, then it would be too distracting to the audience and they'd focus on the music more than the film, at the end of the day, it's still background music). I wanted something that was sassy, sexy and dangerous.
I narrowed it down to two songs...
or...
After a class-vote of media students, Love train won the vote, and was put over the scene.
The end of the song is slightly remixed in the piece, so it ends with two thick strums of the guitar.
My only worry is that I haven't ensured that Kathy is dislikable enough. The phone call is supposed to be a call to Paul, but the audience cannot tell who she's talking to and what she's saying.
I'm going to replace the "hanging up the phone" shot, with a text from Paul saying "Hey babe, how are you xxxxx" or something like that, just so the audience can understand that Paul and Nick are both interested in her.
Till then,
Joni Beech
Friday, 12 March 2010
Fonts and jump cut sequences
So, I've been capturing and editing all this week. This is more or less, the first time I've edited and utilised Premiere Pro.
I've made a fancy jump cut sequence of both Nick and Paul, which proves quite effective, attention is grabbed with jump cuts and adds excitement to an otherwise boring sequence.
Some things that have required much of my attention are the brightness/contrast levels. They've proven to be of much use to me, as I can 'even up' brightness levels of the things that were shot at different points. Say, for instance, a cloud got in the way of the sun for one shot, and then it was fine for another shot: by using these levels, I can make them look as similar as possible. By doing this, I can remain faithful to the laws of continuity.
I've been looking for appropriate fonts to use as opening credits. I went to dafont.com for a source, because many of the students doing print coursework seem to use it often. I settled on a font that looks handwritten, the holes on each letter are filled in and looks like a font a teenager would write. I chose this font as it loosely reflects the teenage lifestyle these two boys live: educated, with a playful, friendly side.
In previous experiences with credits, there is often a difficulty in telling who is who, because the credits don't line up with the character.
I've decided to take inspiration from two of my favourite films, in terms of opening credits.
Reservoir Dogs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzMpH9jjo4w&feature=related
Reservoir Dogs has a brilliant, iconic opening sequence. I enjoy it, because it clealy shows which actor is which, although we do not know the names of the character (Alluding to the anonymous theme of the film).
Snatch:
Snatch is effective, as it dedicates a few seconds to each character. Often film-goers forget the names of the characters, because they're only breifly mentioned. Guy Ritchie, here shows his characters with big bold letters (An allusion to the big, bold, cartoon-esque characters found in Snatch.
Mike has taught me the use of key points in the piece, which have been a great help. With key points, I can fade music in and out (something I've been secretly hoping to achieve, but didn't think was capable at AS level), I can enlarge the credits and make them generally more exciting to watch.
We nearly hit a snag with some shots: scene's filmed in Lewis Calvert's bedroom were nearly for waste, becuase they were simply too dark. After mixing brightness levels and such, I've achieved a nice visible level; the room can be seen nicely, and the darkness masks Paul's face ever so slightly. I think this makes a cool effect, especially as the next scene is a nice mid-shot of him eating breakfast in the light; his face is perfectly visible and for this reason, I chose to place the credit "Ben Wilson as Paul" next to his face in this shot.
That's everything I can think of for now.
Y'all have a nice day!
Joni Beech
I've made a fancy jump cut sequence of both Nick and Paul, which proves quite effective, attention is grabbed with jump cuts and adds excitement to an otherwise boring sequence.
Some things that have required much of my attention are the brightness/contrast levels. They've proven to be of much use to me, as I can 'even up' brightness levels of the things that were shot at different points. Say, for instance, a cloud got in the way of the sun for one shot, and then it was fine for another shot: by using these levels, I can make them look as similar as possible. By doing this, I can remain faithful to the laws of continuity.
I've been looking for appropriate fonts to use as opening credits. I went to dafont.com for a source, because many of the students doing print coursework seem to use it often. I settled on a font that looks handwritten, the holes on each letter are filled in and looks like a font a teenager would write. I chose this font as it loosely reflects the teenage lifestyle these two boys live: educated, with a playful, friendly side.
In previous experiences with credits, there is often a difficulty in telling who is who, because the credits don't line up with the character.
I've decided to take inspiration from two of my favourite films, in terms of opening credits.
Reservoir Dogs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzMpH9jjo4w&feature=related
Reservoir Dogs has a brilliant, iconic opening sequence. I enjoy it, because it clealy shows which actor is which, although we do not know the names of the character (Alluding to the anonymous theme of the film).
Snatch:
Snatch is effective, as it dedicates a few seconds to each character. Often film-goers forget the names of the characters, because they're only breifly mentioned. Guy Ritchie, here shows his characters with big bold letters (An allusion to the big, bold, cartoon-esque characters found in Snatch.
Mike has taught me the use of key points in the piece, which have been a great help. With key points, I can fade music in and out (something I've been secretly hoping to achieve, but didn't think was capable at AS level), I can enlarge the credits and make them generally more exciting to watch.
We nearly hit a snag with some shots: scene's filmed in Lewis Calvert's bedroom were nearly for waste, becuase they were simply too dark. After mixing brightness levels and such, I've achieved a nice visible level; the room can be seen nicely, and the darkness masks Paul's face ever so slightly. I think this makes a cool effect, especially as the next scene is a nice mid-shot of him eating breakfast in the light; his face is perfectly visible and for this reason, I chose to place the credit "Ben Wilson as Paul" next to his face in this shot.
That's everything I can think of for now.
Y'all have a nice day!
Joni Beech
Monday, 1 March 2010
Security and permission to film
Jonathan
Saturday will be fine. Please can you report to Steve the security guard in the Pavilion before you start filming. I will speak to him before Saturday to let him know you are coming. If there are any problems he can ring me on my mobile.
Good luck with the weather!
regards
Ian
So, this saturday; 1) We'll be able to film, and 2) We'll be able to have a security guard, so we won't be rudely interrupted.
Till then,
Joni Beech
Saturday will be fine. Please can you report to Steve the security guard in the Pavilion before you start filming. I will speak to him before Saturday to let him know you are coming. If there are any problems he can ring me on my mobile.
Good luck with the weather!
regards
Ian
So, this saturday; 1) We'll be able to film, and 2) We'll be able to have a security guard, so we won't be rudely interrupted.
Till then,
Joni Beech
Friday, 26 February 2010
Filming schedule!
Monday lunchtime: Costume ideas with Rich.
Tuesday lunchtime: Film at Nick's house (Becky's House), film the walk up to college.
Wednesday lunchtime: Paul's walk to college
Friday afternoon: Film library scene.
Saturday: Film at Paul's house (Calvert's) afternoon, film at Vicky park (Sunset).
Till then,
Joni Beech
Tuesday lunchtime: Film at Nick's house (Becky's House), film the walk up to college.
Wednesday lunchtime: Paul's walk to college
Friday afternoon: Film library scene.
Saturday: Film at Paul's house (Calvert's) afternoon, film at Vicky park (Sunset).
Till then,
Joni Beech
Thursday, 25 February 2010
Prelminary task
Filming begins tomorrow morning; I've spent all this evening vlogging and making important calls.
Till then,
Joni Beech
Costume plan!
At lunchtime today, myself and Ben Wilson will meet up in the Media block to discuss costume ideas.
We've both brought in shirts that we think would suit 'Paul'. So I'll get Ben to try on different shirts and take pictures; we'll come up with costume ideas through these photos, and we'll even have costume ideas for the rest of OLT, not just the 'Coursework' section. Needless to say, those photos will find a way on here...
The costume we primarily decide on will go towards the big crane shot tommorow. To say I'm excited is an understatement.
Till then,
Joni Beech
We've both brought in shirts that we think would suit 'Paul'. So I'll get Ben to try on different shirts and take pictures; we'll come up with costume ideas through these photos, and we'll even have costume ideas for the rest of OLT, not just the 'Coursework' section. Needless to say, those photos will find a way on here...
The costume we primarily decide on will go towards the big crane shot tommorow. To say I'm excited is an understatement.
Till then,
Joni Beech
Test Shots
So I decided to practice filming part of the opening scene yesterday. I filmed a portion of the "motivated cut" sequence, where Nick walks towards the library. As Richard wasn't available, I borrowed Ryan Wetherby, a friend of mine, to fill in the part (They're just test shots, they won't be in the final product, no worries).
The plan was to film one long take (A little tribute to Stanley Kubrick, where long takes can be found in his work: Full Metal Jacket, The Shining, A Clockwork Orange. Long takes are less frequent thing, I suppose you could call long takes part of a 'retro' style of filming), I would edit the piece afterwards, creating a motivated cut style of filming.
It took two takes filming it, the first time around, I felt that I couldn't keep up with Ryan; and couldn't achieve the "above-the-waistline" level I was trying to achieve. We came up with a walking pattern (1-2-3-4, 1-2-3-4 etc) and filmed again and came up with a good end result.
I've just finished editing the test shots. Cutting was a little tricky, I ended up having 'nuggets' of the take at my disposal, it was just a matter of making each 'nugget' the right legnth of time.
There is no sound, due to the fact that in the final cut, 'A Death in The Family' will be playing over the opening credits (Until the conversation-in-thelibrary scene).
Anyway, I digress; please enjoy my test shot :)
Joni Beech
The plan was to film one long take (A little tribute to Stanley Kubrick, where long takes can be found in his work: Full Metal Jacket, The Shining, A Clockwork Orange. Long takes are less frequent thing, I suppose you could call long takes part of a 'retro' style of filming), I would edit the piece afterwards, creating a motivated cut style of filming.
It took two takes filming it, the first time around, I felt that I couldn't keep up with Ryan; and couldn't achieve the "above-the-waistline" level I was trying to achieve. We came up with a walking pattern (1-2-3-4, 1-2-3-4 etc) and filmed again and came up with a good end result.
I've just finished editing the test shots. Cutting was a little tricky, I ended up having 'nuggets' of the take at my disposal, it was just a matter of making each 'nugget' the right legnth of time.
There is no sound, due to the fact that in the final cut, 'A Death in The Family' will be playing over the opening credits (Until the conversation-in-thelibrary scene).
Anyway, I digress; please enjoy my test shot :)
Joni Beech
Friday, 19 February 2010
It's a long way to the top if you want to Blog 'n Roll...
"Jonathan
This looks fine. I'm sure you understand that you can't have exclusive use of the area for filming and will need to rely on goodwill of any park visitors to stay out of shot.
It would be useful to know the filming date (and alternative dates if the weather isn't suitable) to pass onto the staff on duty so you don't get challenged on the day.
I don't think there is a standard form for filming and professional requests are dealt with by Tourism or PR.
Regards
Ian"
I suppose all that's left for me to do is figure out a date when to shoot the park scene. I'll have to figure out what saturdays Ben and Rich are free.
Till then,
Joni Beech
Tuesday, 16 February 2010
Costume ideas for Paul
So the first shot for OLT is in 10 days, and I need to come up with ideas for Paul's costume.
I need to consider numerous factors when coming up with a costume.
I'd like Paul to look similar to this picture of Nicholas Hoult;
He pulls of a trendy look which I'd like to capture with Paul. This could be detrimental, however, as I may choose to have Nick looks similar to Sid from the TV show 'skins' (Nicholas Hoult plays 'Tony', Sid's best friend); and then it would look like I'm just trying to 'rip off' skins.
Till then,
Joni Beech
I need to consider numerous factors when coming up with a costume.
- Ben's size and shape, we're of a similar size, so he can wear clothes that I, myself, own. It's nothing more than a look in my wardrobe.
- Weather: Let's put it into context, Ben will be walking in the cold; so, of course Paul would wear a coat, size of the coat is something I'll have to dwell on.
- Paul's style: I described Paul at one point as "smart and trendy, think Burtons and Topman". This provides a good backbone for me as I can look at Burtons and Topman models and imagine Paul dressed in those clothes.
I'd like Paul to look similar to this picture of Nicholas Hoult;
He pulls of a trendy look which I'd like to capture with Paul. This could be detrimental, however, as I may choose to have Nick looks similar to Sid from the TV show 'skins' (Nicholas Hoult plays 'Tony', Sid's best friend); and then it would look like I'm just trying to 'rip off' skins.
Till then,
Joni Beech
Replying back to Halton Council
So I replied back to Halton Borough Council; why is it always when councils send you e-mails, they're always intensely vague about things? Ah well, such is life. I attached the photos below as well, for reference.Hello Ian
Please find attached a few images of where in the park we wish to film at.
We wish to take advantage of natural sunset lighting, so we will film between 3 and 6.
Here is an extract of the script, which we wish to film at Victoria Park.
Just out of educational purposes, would it be possible to view a form for professional filming as well?
Many Thanks
Jonathan Beech
So yeah, currently waiting his reply, which will no doubt be as vague as the last e-mail.
Till then
Joni Beech
Saturday, 13 February 2010
Halton e-mails
So, I recieved an e-mail back from Halton borough council, and as you'd expect with e-mails to the council; it's never the results you want.
Dear Jonathan
Thank you for your enquiry regarding filming at Victoria Park for your media course.
We don't have a specific form for student filming but the only problems I can foresee are people objecting to being filmed and child protection issues. It would help if you could let me know what sort of shots you are considering before proceeding.
Thanks
Ian
This left me a bit confused, I find it rather farfetched that a council would want to read the script, or read the storyboards for OLT. Then again, I've never done anything like this before; so I'm bound for some surprises along the way.
Currently considering ways of closing off the section of the park where we're going to film, but that's easier said than done.
Till then
Friday, 12 February 2010
First day of shooting!
26th of February 2010 will be the first day of filming for OLT.
The crane has been booked, and I shall film the crane shot of Paul as he walks into the college. It'll be during the media lesson, first thing in the morning; I want to capture the morning sun's natural lighting for this shot (And the car park will be packed, another thing I was hoping for).
One very good use of the crane that I found is from Scrubs (Beginning at 7:05)...
We won't need Rich, but we'll have to pull Ben of a lesson. I need about 20 extras, so I'll steal people from my media class to use (In order to sweeten the deal, I mentioned the fact that I'll be using a crane and they'll be really small).
So, weather permitting, we should be all set to film!
The wheels are in motion...
Till then,
Joni Beech
The crane has been booked, and I shall film the crane shot of Paul as he walks into the college. It'll be during the media lesson, first thing in the morning; I want to capture the morning sun's natural lighting for this shot (And the car park will be packed, another thing I was hoping for).
One very good use of the crane that I found is from Scrubs (Beginning at 7:05)...
We won't need Rich, but we'll have to pull Ben of a lesson. I need about 20 extras, so I'll steal people from my media class to use (In order to sweeten the deal, I mentioned the fact that I'll be using a crane and they'll be really small).
So, weather permitting, we should be all set to film!
The wheels are in motion...
Till then,
Joni Beech
Thursday, 11 February 2010
Filming at Vicky Park enquiry
Hello
My name is Jonathan, I'm currently studying Media Studies at Winstanley College, UK. I have recently begun production of the subject's coursework, which entails creating a 2-minute opening sequence to a film.
The coursework will not be broadcast to the public and will only be created for private usage.
During the opening sequence, I wish to film a scene in Victoria Park. I was just wondering how I can make this a reality, and if you could send me any details/forms that could allow me to film at Victoria Park.
Many Thanks
Joni Beech
I recently sent this e-mail via halton.gov.uk, with a view to be granted filming permission in Victoria Park. They said they'll get back to me within 10 working days, which seems quite ridiculous to me, but I shall persevere.
Till then
Joni Beech
My name is Jonathan, I'm currently studying Media Studies at Winstanley College, UK. I have recently begun production of the subject's coursework, which entails creating a 2-minute opening sequence to a film.
The coursework will not be broadcast to the public and will only be created for private usage.
During the opening sequence, I wish to film a scene in Victoria Park. I was just wondering how I can make this a reality, and if you could send me any details/forms that could allow me to film at Victoria Park.
Many Thanks
Joni Beech
I recently sent this e-mail via halton.gov.uk, with a view to be granted filming permission in Victoria Park. They said they'll get back to me within 10 working days, which seems quite ridiculous to me, but I shall persevere.
Till then
Joni Beech
The cast is complete!
So, the auditions went quite well. Smaller numbers than I expected, but I still got what I wanted; in the end.
We were so impressed with Richard, we decided to give him the lead role of Nick and Ben to play Paul.
All that's left now is to ask permission to film in Victoria Park, find a location for Scene 1 and then I'll go straight into production. In the meantime, I'm going to draw storyboards, to remind myself of how I want the shot to play out.
Till then
Joni Beech
We were so impressed with Richard, we decided to give him the lead role of Nick and Ben to play Paul.
All that's left now is to ask permission to film in Victoria Park, find a location for Scene 1 and then I'll go straight into production. In the meantime, I'm going to draw storyboards, to remind myself of how I want the shot to play out.
Till then
Joni Beech
Monday, 8 February 2010
Auditions for Paul
This page was put up on the college's intranet home page this morning. This advertisement is for my film; One Last Thing. Currently, I'm preparing for filming the opening scene, which doesn't feature the character of Kathy; so a female audition isn't necessary at this stage.Tomorrow, I'll briefly describe the character of Paul; the necessity to be reliable; and finally, run through a dialogue with each of them (I'll bring Ben Wilson along with me, to get a feel for character). This scene will be scene 6, the first park scene; these scenes are of vital importance, so I'll need to be confident these scenes can be delivered expertly by the actors.
Till then
Joni Beech
Friday, 5 February 2010
Narrative inspiration
One Last Thing bears vague similarities to one of my favourite films: Superbad. The film focuses on two friends, Seth and Evan, in their final year of high school, both reaching for the goal of female attention, but ultimately cherishing their friendship over any woman; with the occasional "Yo mamma" joke thrown in.
However, while Superbad is unmistakably a comedy, OLT is defnitely drama-romance hybrid.
The opening few shots, as Nick walks towards school, is somewhat of an homage to another favourite film of mine: The Wrestler:
While I cannot find the opening scene to The Wrestler on youtube.com, I feel that it is a perfect way of introducing a film which is essentialy a character study. The film centers around Randy 'The Ram' Robinson, a retired wrestler with sociopathic tendencies, struggling to connect with fellow humans outside of the professional wrestling business.
In the first few minutes of the film, the audience cannot see Randy's face, the camera only sticks close to his back as he walks, stopping to sign autographs, returning home, visiting his landlord etc. Eventually his face is revealed as he speaks to his landlord.
This technique suits well, as it shows immediately who the main protagonist is, and who the audience should pay attention to. Which is why I chose to use it in One Last Thing.
However, while Superbad is unmistakably a comedy, OLT is defnitely drama-romance hybrid.
The opening few shots, as Nick walks towards school, is somewhat of an homage to another favourite film of mine: The Wrestler:
While I cannot find the opening scene to The Wrestler on youtube.com, I feel that it is a perfect way of introducing a film which is essentialy a character study. The film centers around Randy 'The Ram' Robinson, a retired wrestler with sociopathic tendencies, struggling to connect with fellow humans outside of the professional wrestling business.In the first few minutes of the film, the audience cannot see Randy's face, the camera only sticks close to his back as he walks, stopping to sign autographs, returning home, visiting his landlord etc. Eventually his face is revealed as he speaks to his landlord.
This technique suits well, as it shows immediately who the main protagonist is, and who the audience should pay attention to. Which is why I chose to use it in One Last Thing.
Inspiration for the park scene
A key element of the park scene is the use of sunset. I'm going to use the technique of pathetic fallacy to describe the mood in this scene.
I'm using sunset because it signifies death, or dying. The friendship of Nick and Paul is reaching its conclusion, as they go separate ways to different universities.
I've been inspired to utilise the sun and natural lighting by the music video for "Last Train Home" By Lostprophets.
The shots focusing on the teenagers in their car, I think, is very effectively used. If I can do half the job that Last Train Home achieved, I will have made something to be proud of.
I'm using sunset because it signifies death, or dying. The friendship of Nick and Paul is reaching its conclusion, as they go separate ways to different universities.
I've been inspired to utilise the sun and natural lighting by the music video for "Last Train Home" By Lostprophets.
The shots focusing on the teenagers in their car, I think, is very effectively used. If I can do half the job that Last Train Home achieved, I will have made something to be proud of.
More Location Shots
Yesterday, I walked to my friend Rebecca's house; which is fairly close to the college to take location shots. Her parents have kindly given me permission to film certain sections of the project at their home. Here are a few of the photos.
The final picture is an exact shot which I'd like to use for a shot in the opening credits. Nick will walk down these stairs, with the camera tightly staying behind him. The other pictures I'd also like to similarly use for the project.
The location for this house is brilliant; being so near to the college, I'd be a fool not to take advantage of this opportunity.
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