Preliminary Task Evaluation from Chris Forrest
We began our task by discussing different genres and themes, we were aware that this wouldn’t affect our overall grade, but we thought this would give us a clearer idea of what we wanted to achieve with our film, for example - shot types and dialogue. After a short period of time discussing what appealed to each member of the group, we agreed on a thriller. We came to this decision based upon the interesting shot types we could use, it also gave us an excuse to use less dialogue, which none of the members of the group were keen on doing. Another reason for choosing to do a thriller was to get some practise in for the thriller task we will be assessed on after the preliminary task.
Our whole film was inspired by a scene in John Carpenters’ 1978 film Halloween, where the main character played by Jamie Lee Curtis is being chased around a house by Michael Myers. The scene contains parallel editing between the two characters throughout, which proved to be a big inspiration in our overall product. The Halloween clip is available to watch on our blog.
After we had a vague idea of what was going to happen in our film, we began the storyboard. Jamie and I would sketch out what was going to happen in each shot, and then Dave would write down our ideas, shot types and how long the shot would last. This part of the task seemed to run rather smoothly, we had no idea clashes; we all seemed to be on the same wavelength concerning what was going to happen in the film.
During the filming process, we encountered several problems. At the time, I was suffering from a mild form of food poisoning, meaning I was absent for some of our filming time. Another set back was when we taped over half of our shots, resulting in us having to redo them, putting us behind schedule. Due to these set backs, we didn’t have enough time remaining to make the last sequence in the film turn out like how we wanted it to. In the storyboard, it shows the victim flicking his lighter to illuminate the room, showing the killer standing directly infront of him. We were all excited about filming this shot, but because of the lack of time, we had to make do with the torch on the camera, which didn’t fulfil our original expectations, but as a result of this, we now know that managing our time appropriately is very important, and we won’t make the same mistakes in the task we’re being assessed on after the preliminary.
One thing we were particularly pleased with was the use of match on action in certain shots; it was used when the victim dropped his keys, and then it was used two more times with door openings. Surprisingly in editing, it didn’t take very long at all to get these match on action shots up to a high standard, which was fortunate as we had lost a lot of time with the problems I have mentioned above. Another thing we were pleased with was the amount of different shot types we used effectively, such as – Extreme long shots, Close ups, high angles, medium shots, extreme close ups, pan shots, over the shoulder shot and a tracking shot. The tracking shot turned out better than I had first thought, and it proved to be a nice touch to the finished product.
At the time, we weren’t sure how to use ‘Garage band’ so our film lacks edited sound/music, although it does contain a few sinister notes played by string instruments at the end when the title of the film fades onto the screen.
Although our film wasn’t a complete failure, I believe - as a group - we are capable of much more. We were unfortunate with absences and having to redo several shots, which left us with very little time to make a product of high standard. In a way, I’m glad this happened, as it has shown us that we have to be careful and make good use of the time we have been given to complete the task.
Tuesday, 9 March 2010
Jamie Hunnisett - Preliminary Task
Peer Evaluation - Jamie Hunnisett
In our class we watched everyones videos and gathered valuable infomation and views from others who peer assesst our short film. They said the following:
-We tilted our establishing shot, which was good.
-The fading shots were good in the dark room.
-We could have included a sound track, and maybe used spound effects to add realism
-The story started off seriously, but ended up a bit like a Benny Hill sketch
What we would do differently:
We would focus more on the dialogue scene, and concetrate on soundtracks
Preliminary Evaluation from Jamie Hunnisett
During this project I have used a wide amount of filming equipment including video cameras, tripods and dollys. The modern technology we have available makes it easy to create a semi professional film in which we have learnt many camera techniques; also we have been able to experiment with camera angles and shots to create a gripping and interesting sequence.
During the project I realised just how dangerous working on a film can be, as we were taught the methods to make filming safer. This includes lighting, where huge burns could occur if no knowledge of how to use the lights is present. Another danger of using lights is a tripping hazard, as many cables have to be used to connect the lights with electricity. We learnt that warnings are vital for the safety of everyone involved, shouting ‘Lights on!’ and ‘Lights off’ whenever necessary reduces the chances of anybody wandering in front of a light source which is about to be turned on, and could lead to being blinded.
One thing we forgot to do a lot during filming was writing each shot number and take on a whiteboard and placing it in front of the camera before filming each shot. We were told to do this because when editing it can be hard to find the shots you want. We started out using this technique but as time was of the essence we began to forget. It was only later during editing in which we realised how important this was. So next time we will defiantly make sure we try and do that for every shot.
My roles in the production of our short film were spread across the whole process of production. During research I helped develop the ideas we had and make sure the idea would be possible to create. When we moved onto planning our short film I drew out the scenes on a storyboard with help from Chris, and then Dave annotated and described the events in the film. In production of the film I had the main acting role which personally I think was a mistake, and in the future I think we should find a drama student, although the acting wasn’t the main purpose of the film, it was to promote our skills in camera work and mise en scene, so I think we get away with it.
In our film we had to include three continuity strategies, for example match on action. To do a match on action the camera has to be setup specifically to make sure the movement from one room to another using two shots looks realistic. Obviously if a character is going through a door, the door has to be the same in both shots, so the camera is normally located in the next room looking at the same door. The reason for this again is realism, otherwise the experience the audience receives may not be believable which would ruin the build up of the film.
We used a program called iMovie which is for Macintosh computers to edit our film. I thought it was a relatively easy and beginner friendly way to edit the clip. It includes many tools in which help to enhance your film. A match on action sequence can only work if the shots our edited together correctly, the timing has to be perfect to make sure of a smooth scene. Continuity strategies would not work without a skilled editor in the production process of the film.
To conclude I think the preliminary task has helped me to understand the importance of camera techniques, mise en scene and continuity editing strategies to make a professional looking film clip. Our group shall take onboard what we have learnt and make sure we have practiced enough for our main piece. I think to improve our dialogue sequences need to be majorly improved, we stuck to the 180° rule but I think the way the scene was set out didn’t help to make a captivating viewing. Also of course the poor acting did not help, more expression would be needed in a thriller.
I now know what we need to produce a great main task, and look forward to including these new found skills in the final piece.
In our class we watched everyones videos and gathered valuable infomation and views from others who peer assesst our short film. They said the following:
-We tilted our establishing shot, which was good.
-The fading shots were good in the dark room.
-We could have included a sound track, and maybe used spound effects to add realism
-The story started off seriously, but ended up a bit like a Benny Hill sketch
What we would do differently:
We would focus more on the dialogue scene, and concetrate on soundtracks
Preliminary Evaluation from Jamie Hunnisett
During this project I have used a wide amount of filming equipment including video cameras, tripods and dollys. The modern technology we have available makes it easy to create a semi professional film in which we have learnt many camera techniques; also we have been able to experiment with camera angles and shots to create a gripping and interesting sequence.
During the project I realised just how dangerous working on a film can be, as we were taught the methods to make filming safer. This includes lighting, where huge burns could occur if no knowledge of how to use the lights is present. Another danger of using lights is a tripping hazard, as many cables have to be used to connect the lights with electricity. We learnt that warnings are vital for the safety of everyone involved, shouting ‘Lights on!’ and ‘Lights off’ whenever necessary reduces the chances of anybody wandering in front of a light source which is about to be turned on, and could lead to being blinded.
One thing we forgot to do a lot during filming was writing each shot number and take on a whiteboard and placing it in front of the camera before filming each shot. We were told to do this because when editing it can be hard to find the shots you want. We started out using this technique but as time was of the essence we began to forget. It was only later during editing in which we realised how important this was. So next time we will defiantly make sure we try and do that for every shot.
My roles in the production of our short film were spread across the whole process of production. During research I helped develop the ideas we had and make sure the idea would be possible to create. When we moved onto planning our short film I drew out the scenes on a storyboard with help from Chris, and then Dave annotated and described the events in the film. In production of the film I had the main acting role which personally I think was a mistake, and in the future I think we should find a drama student, although the acting wasn’t the main purpose of the film, it was to promote our skills in camera work and mise en scene, so I think we get away with it.
In our film we had to include three continuity strategies, for example match on action. To do a match on action the camera has to be setup specifically to make sure the movement from one room to another using two shots looks realistic. Obviously if a character is going through a door, the door has to be the same in both shots, so the camera is normally located in the next room looking at the same door. The reason for this again is realism, otherwise the experience the audience receives may not be believable which would ruin the build up of the film.
We used a program called iMovie which is for Macintosh computers to edit our film. I thought it was a relatively easy and beginner friendly way to edit the clip. It includes many tools in which help to enhance your film. A match on action sequence can only work if the shots our edited together correctly, the timing has to be perfect to make sure of a smooth scene. Continuity strategies would not work without a skilled editor in the production process of the film.
To conclude I think the preliminary task has helped me to understand the importance of camera techniques, mise en scene and continuity editing strategies to make a professional looking film clip. Our group shall take onboard what we have learnt and make sure we have practiced enough for our main piece. I think to improve our dialogue sequences need to be majorly improved, we stuck to the 180° rule but I think the way the scene was set out didn’t help to make a captivating viewing. Also of course the poor acting did not help, more expression would be needed in a thriller.
I now know what we need to produce a great main task, and look forward to including these new found skills in the final piece.
Jamie Hunnisett - Preliminary Task
Peer Evaluation - Jamie Hunnisett
In our class we watched everyones videos and gathered valuable infomation and views from others who peer assesst our short film. They said the following:
-We tilted our establishing shot, which was good.
-The fading shots were good in the dark room.
-We could have included a sound track, and maybe used spound effects to add realism
-The story started off seriously, but ended up a bit like a Benny Hill sketch
What we would do differently:
We would focus more on the dialogue scene, and concetrate on soundtracks
Preliminary Evaluation from Jamie Hunnisett
During this project I have used a wide amount of filming equipment including video cameras, tripods and dollys. The modern technology we have available makes it easy to create a semi professional film in which we have learnt many camera techniques; also we have been able to experiment with camera angles and shots to create a gripping and interesting sequence.
During the project I realised just how dangerous working on a film can be, as we were taught the methods to make filming safer. This includes lighting, where huge burns could occur if no knowledge of how to use the lights is present. Another danger of using lights is a tripping hazard, as many cables have to be used to connect the lights with electricity. We learnt that warnings are vital for the safety of everyone involved, shouting ‘Lights on!’ and ‘Lights off’ whenever necessary reduces the chances of anybody wandering in front of a light source which is about to be turned on, and could lead to being blinded.
One thing we forgot to do a lot during filming was writing each shot number and take on a whiteboard and placing it in front of the camera before filming each shot. We were told to do this because when editing it can be hard to find the shots you want. We started out using this technique but as time was of the essence we began to forget. It was only later during editing in which we realised how important this was. So next time we will defiantly make sure we try and do that for every shot.
My roles in the production of our short film were spread across the whole process of production. During research I helped develop the ideas we had and make sure the idea would be possible to create. When we moved onto planning our short film I drew out the scenes on a storyboard with help from Chris, and then Dave annotated and described the events in the film. In production of the film I had the main acting role which personally I think was a mistake, and in the future I think we should find a drama student, although the acting wasn’t the main purpose of the film, it was to promote our skills in camera work and mise en scene, so I think we get away with it.
In our film we had to include three continuity strategies, for example match on action. To do a match on action the camera has to be setup specifically to make sure the movement from one room to another using two shots looks realistic. Obviously if a character is going through a door, the door has to be the same in both shots, so the camera is normally located in the next room looking at the same door. The reason for this again is realism, otherwise the experience the audience receives may not be believable which would ruin the build up of the film.
We used a program called iMovie which is for Macintosh computers to edit our film. I thought it was a relatively easy and beginner friendly way to edit the clip. It includes many tools in which help to enhance your film. A match on action sequence can only work if the shots our edited together correctly, the timing has to be perfect to make sure of a smooth scene. Continuity strategies would not work without a skilled editor in the production process of the film.
To conclude I think the preliminary task has helped me to understand the importance of camera techniques, mise en scene and continuity editing strategies to make a professional looking film clip. Our group shall take onboard what we have learnt and make sure we have practiced enough for our main piece. I think to improve our dialogue sequences need to be majorly improved, we stuck to the 180° rule but I think the way the scene was set out didn’t help to make a captivating viewing. Also of course the poor acting did not help, more expression would be needed in a thriller.
I now know what we need to produce a great main task, and look forward to including these new found skills in the final piece.
In our class we watched everyones videos and gathered valuable infomation and views from others who peer assesst our short film. They said the following:
-We tilted our establishing shot, which was good.
-The fading shots were good in the dark room.
-We could have included a sound track, and maybe used spound effects to add realism
-The story started off seriously, but ended up a bit like a Benny Hill sketch
What we would do differently:
We would focus more on the dialogue scene, and concetrate on soundtracks
Preliminary Evaluation from Jamie Hunnisett
During this project I have used a wide amount of filming equipment including video cameras, tripods and dollys. The modern technology we have available makes it easy to create a semi professional film in which we have learnt many camera techniques; also we have been able to experiment with camera angles and shots to create a gripping and interesting sequence.
During the project I realised just how dangerous working on a film can be, as we were taught the methods to make filming safer. This includes lighting, where huge burns could occur if no knowledge of how to use the lights is present. Another danger of using lights is a tripping hazard, as many cables have to be used to connect the lights with electricity. We learnt that warnings are vital for the safety of everyone involved, shouting ‘Lights on!’ and ‘Lights off’ whenever necessary reduces the chances of anybody wandering in front of a light source which is about to be turned on, and could lead to being blinded.
One thing we forgot to do a lot during filming was writing each shot number and take on a whiteboard and placing it in front of the camera before filming each shot. We were told to do this because when editing it can be hard to find the shots you want. We started out using this technique but as time was of the essence we began to forget. It was only later during editing in which we realised how important this was. So next time we will defiantly make sure we try and do that for every shot.
My roles in the production of our short film were spread across the whole process of production. During research I helped develop the ideas we had and make sure the idea would be possible to create. When we moved onto planning our short film I drew out the scenes on a storyboard with help from Chris, and then Dave annotated and described the events in the film. In production of the film I had the main acting role which personally I think was a mistake, and in the future I think we should find a drama student, although the acting wasn’t the main purpose of the film, it was to promote our skills in camera work and mise en scene, so I think we get away with it.
In our film we had to include three continuity strategies, for example match on action. To do a match on action the camera has to be setup specifically to make sure the movement from one room to another using two shots looks realistic. Obviously if a character is going through a door, the door has to be the same in both shots, so the camera is normally located in the next room looking at the same door. The reason for this again is realism, otherwise the experience the audience receives may not be believable which would ruin the build up of the film.
We used a program called iMovie which is for Macintosh computers to edit our film. I thought it was a relatively easy and beginner friendly way to edit the clip. It includes many tools in which help to enhance your film. A match on action sequence can only work if the shots our edited together correctly, the timing has to be perfect to make sure of a smooth scene. Continuity strategies would not work without a skilled editor in the production process of the film.
To conclude I think the preliminary task has helped me to understand the importance of camera techniques, mise en scene and continuity editing strategies to make a professional looking film clip. Our group shall take onboard what we have learnt and make sure we have practiced enough for our main piece. I think to improve our dialogue sequences need to be majorly improved, we stuck to the 180° rule but I think the way the scene was set out didn’t help to make a captivating viewing. Also of course the poor acting did not help, more expression would be needed in a thriller.
I now know what we need to produce a great main task, and look forward to including these new found skills in the final piece.
Monday, 8 March 2010
Sunday, 7 March 2010
David Duffy - Title sequence analysis - Shanghai Noon
The background of the title sequence reflects the Chinese themes and characters of the film, gives early hints to the audience about the content of the film
Fairly simple title sequence, it relates to the story of the film but does not interfere or reveal any of the film narrative
It sets the mood for the upcoming film, it carries a mysterious atmosphere with it which provokes enigma ie what do the letters say?
The opening credits also carry on into the film, but they still do not interfere with the narrative
The music of the film also adds to the atmosphere, it is dramatic music that connotes danger
The slow fades of the words in the title sequence creates a sense of danger
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBuLTld-T9I
Monday, 1 March 2010
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