Showing posts with label Preliminary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Preliminary. Show all posts
Tuesday, 7 April 2015
Monday, 6 April 2015
Preliminary Editing
We were due to start editing in our lesson on Thursday 28th November, however due to running into technical problems we were delayed. The final edit was completed on December 6th.
Editing was definitely the most difficult aspect of the preliminary task due to the unfamiliar with the process and the software. The editing software used was Adobe Premiere Pro (CS4).
Once we acquired the footage we experimented with the software in order to understand it better. We tried various effects, transitions and corrections to find the functions that we were looking for.
We began sequencing the shots in the correct order, selecting the takes that we felt were the best. After doing this with only straight cuts throughout, we went back to add in extra transitions such as fade in, fade out and dissolve.
After sequencing the visuals we had to adjust the ambient sounds, which were overwhelming in certain places, due to wind and electronic appliances. We then added in our music track.
We decided to start the clip with a fade in from black, to ease the viewer in and make a more professional looking start. The first scene in which Paige walks up some steps was shot twice but had to be edited to look like one walk. We achieved this by trimming both clips at a moment where Paige was in the same place at the beginning of the first clip and at the end of the second clip. This continuity editing occurred at other times during the task, such as when Paige opens the door and then enters.
We then inserted several dissolves whilst Paige was walking after she had obtained the paper from me to give the impression that she had been walking for a long time. We did consider creating an ellipsis of time whilst she was walking round the corner however we did not have enough time or experience with the software in the end.
Straight cuts were used during the shot-reverse-shot, as the conversation was fast paced. We also mixed the shot-reverse-shots with two-shots and a close-up of the paper, to draw emphasis. The last scene in which Sheree opens the piece of paper was shot on a slanted angle, with the intention of giving the audience a slight feeling of disorientation.
We struggled with the sound the most. We used a converter to import our desired song into Premier Pro. This track plays throughout. To make the music more audible we lowered the ambient sounds of the walking scenes, as it was overpowering in places. When Paige entered the Cafeteria the music was then lowered, in preparation of the dialogue and create the impression that the sound would be less audible once inside. Our planned distortion of the music did not take place as we lacked time and experience with the software. The dialogue scenes is where we struggled most as we were not able to separate the dialogue from the ambient sound of refrigerators. This made the dialogue quieter than we wanted. However we have now learnt to take more care about ambient sounds in filming locations.
Another aspect we did not have time for was the text at the end, on the paper. By leaving it blank, we left room for interpretation by the audience and added to the sense of confusion and mystery we set out with when planning.
Editing was definitely the most difficult aspect of the preliminary task due to the unfamiliar with the process and the software. The editing software used was Adobe Premiere Pro (CS4).Once we acquired the footage we experimented with the software in order to understand it better. We tried various effects, transitions and corrections to find the functions that we were looking for.
We began sequencing the shots in the correct order, selecting the takes that we felt were the best. After doing this with only straight cuts throughout, we went back to add in extra transitions such as fade in, fade out and dissolve.
After sequencing the visuals we had to adjust the ambient sounds, which were overwhelming in certain places, due to wind and electronic appliances. We then added in our music track.
We decided to start the clip with a fade in from black, to ease the viewer in and make a more professional looking start. The first scene in which Paige walks up some steps was shot twice but had to be edited to look like one walk. We achieved this by trimming both clips at a moment where Paige was in the same place at the beginning of the first clip and at the end of the second clip. This continuity editing occurred at other times during the task, such as when Paige opens the door and then enters.
We then inserted several dissolves whilst Paige was walking after she had obtained the paper from me to give the impression that she had been walking for a long time. We did consider creating an ellipsis of time whilst she was walking round the corner however we did not have enough time or experience with the software in the end.
Straight cuts were used during the shot-reverse-shot, as the conversation was fast paced. We also mixed the shot-reverse-shots with two-shots and a close-up of the paper, to draw emphasis. The last scene in which Sheree opens the piece of paper was shot on a slanted angle, with the intention of giving the audience a slight feeling of disorientation.
We struggled with the sound the most. We used a converter to import our desired song into Premier Pro. This track plays throughout. To make the music more audible we lowered the ambient sounds of the walking scenes, as it was overpowering in places. When Paige entered the Cafeteria the music was then lowered, in preparation of the dialogue and create the impression that the sound would be less audible once inside. Our planned distortion of the music did not take place as we lacked time and experience with the software. The dialogue scenes is where we struggled most as we were not able to separate the dialogue from the ambient sound of refrigerators. This made the dialogue quieter than we wanted. However we have now learnt to take more care about ambient sounds in filming locations.
Another aspect we did not have time for was the text at the end, on the paper. By leaving it blank, we left room for interpretation by the audience and added to the sense of confusion and mystery we set out with when planning.
Sunday, 5 April 2015
Preliminary Filming
On Monday 25th November 2013 we carried out and completed our filming. Most of our shoot was located outside around the school as this was our chosen location for Paige's walking scenes; the indoor scenes were shot in a school canteen. We arrived to Sixth Form in costume. We used a Canon EOS 550D camera with a 18-55mm lens and at various points an adjustable tripod. We filmed during lesson time as this ensured that the outdoor locations would be mostly empty and free to shoot.
During filming each member of our group operated the camera and got to experiment with different shots, giving us an idea of what may be possible for our final pieces. We stayed true to our storyboard as best as we could, however not all of our plans worked out in practise. The following changes were made:
- Added shots during Paige's and my encounter.
- Different angles in the shot-reverse-shots.
- Omitted zooms due to jerky camera operation.
- Planned 'extras' for the canteen scene were not possible or practical during our allocated filming time.
- Paper was left blank, leaving the decision for post-production instead.
The tripod was useful for steadying long takes and for continuity purposes. All scenes were shot multiple times, giving us more options when it comes the post-production process.
Overall we all gained experience with filming and have now become more familiar with the camera. If done again, we could spend more time arranging extras, artificially light the interior scene and use microphones. All of these factors could produce a more professional piece.
Preliminary Storyboard and Script
The group planned the storyboard together after location scouting around the school. Below is my version of the storyboard, I have included camera angles, plot details and actions:
(Second Page of Storyboard)
Script:
(Paige sits down opposite Sheree)
Sheree: Have you got it?
Paige: Yeah it's right here (Slides paper across table)
Sheree: Is it what you expected?
Paige: It's never what I expected
Sheree: (looks around nervously then picks up and unfolds the paper)
Friday, 3 April 2015
Preliminary Ideas
We all agreed on wanting to keep the preliminary task simple due to the short amount of time allocated to plan, film and edit the clip. However we also took this opportunity to experiment with and experience as many different aspects of filming and post-production we could with the time and resources available, in order to gain a better understanding of what could be achievable for our final texts.
The brief includes an exchange between two characters. In accordance to this we devised many scenarios where two characters would be able to converse a couple of lines of dialogue:
- Teacher and student
- Boss and employee
- Friends
- Enemies
- Family
- Shopkeeper and customer
After watching some examples of preliminary tasks completed by previous students we found that either comical or abstract ideas worked best as they felt more professional. We decided that we would create a mysterious clip, in order to create a story and allow the conversation to bear more meaning.
Preliminary Planning
Plot:
The protagonist (Paige) is on her way to meet an unidentified mediator (me). Satisfied that no one else is around, she accepts a folded piece of paper I slip to her, and continues walking to meet the recipient (Sheree) in a public café. Upon entering via a door, the two characters exchange dialogue and the paper is passed on. The recipient unfolds the paper, thus revealing the title to the audience.
Camera:
Many different types of shots will be used, such as: shot-reverse-shot, over-the-shoulder shot, long shot, mid shot, close-up, pan, zoom, tracking, low-angle and two shot. These will be more assigned in the storyboard.
Camera:
Many different types of shots will be used, such as: shot-reverse-shot, over-the-shoulder shot, long shot, mid shot, close-up, pan, zoom, tracking, low-angle and two shot. These will be more assigned in the storyboard.
Editing:
We aim to capture scenes with varying shot types and multiple times to make the editing process easier and have a better chance of creating the best possible piece by having a selection of takes to choose from. Straight cuts will be used as transitions, and fades can be added to the beginning and end of the clip.
We aim to capture scenes with varying shot types and multiple times to make the editing process easier and have a better chance of creating the best possible piece by having a selection of takes to choose from. Straight cuts will be used as transitions, and fades can be added to the beginning and end of the clip.
Sound:
As the clip will be mysterious and contain a confrontation we wanted to select appropriate music that would sound secretive and tense but not dark. We also wanted a song that could sound mainstream enough to be played in a public place, like a café. We plan to play the soundtrack at the beginning of the clip but when Paige's character walks in to the café the soundtrack will change to a more distorted version, as if it is being played through a speaker. Here is an example of this technique from Sherlock (0:16-0:52):
As the clip will be mysterious and contain a confrontation we wanted to select appropriate music that would sound secretive and tense but not dark. We also wanted a song that could sound mainstream enough to be played in a public place, like a café. We plan to play the soundtrack at the beginning of the clip but when Paige's character walks in to the café the soundtrack will change to a more distorted version, as if it is being played through a speaker. Here is an example of this technique from Sherlock (0:16-0:52):
With all of the above in consideration we searched through many soundtracks and finally decided upon Thick as Thieves by Kasabian:
We chose this track as it has a strong but slow rhythm from the start which creates a feeling of foreboding. The lyrics are also fitting as the song is about hiding in plain sight, which parallels with our characters' desires to blend in and be unnoticed. The overall sound fells tense and somewhat melancholic but light and upbeat enough to draw audiences in and to be played in a public place.
Mise-en-scene:
- Costume: All characters will wear casual attire, so to not stand out within a crowd. The clothes will be dark as the characters themselves will be dark and mysterious and again to make sure they are not easily distinguished. Long black coats will be used as this is a convention among the genre.
- Make-up: A standard amount creating a fresh, natural look and hair will also be casual.
- Lighting: For all outdoor scenes the lighting will be ambient. For the indoor conversational scenes we aim to create a warmer atmosphere by using indoor lighting.
- Setting/Location: The outdoor scenes will be shot around school buildings giving a urban feel and indoor scenes will be shot inside one of the cafeterias. We will be filming during free periods so the areas we will be occupying will by empty.
- Props: The paper containing the message will be the only prop.
- Cast and Crew: Paige, Sheree and I will be acting and filming at various points. For the indoor scene we will arrange for other free students to fill the frame and act as members of the public in a café.
The Preliminary Task Introduction
Brief:
Continuity task involving filming and editing a character opening a door, crossing a room and sitting down in a chair opposite another character, with whom they then exchange a couple of lines of dialogue. This task should demonstrate match on action, shot-reverse-shot and the 180° rule.
Continuity task involving filming and editing a character opening a door, crossing a room and sitting down in a chair opposite another character, with whom they then exchange a couple of lines of dialogue. This task should demonstrate match on action, shot-reverse-shot and the 180° rule.
Elements to consider:
All of the elements mentioned in the brief:
All of the elements mentioned in the brief:
- Camera: Movement, angle, focus, framing, shot type.
- Editing: Pace, transitions, eye line match, 180° rule, 30° rule, graphic and action matching, cross cutting.
- Sound: Mixing scenes to ensure dialogue is clear and effective to the scene, selecting appropriate music and dialogue for both diegetic and non-diegetic purposes.
- Mise-en-scene: Costume, lighting, casting of actors and direction of action, make-up and hair, props and setting.
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