Video Questionnaire Fault

Hey everyone,
I do have a video questionnaire but there are some technical difficulties at the moment so it's not uploading.
I was hoping to upload it today but I will have to upload it within a few days, if not tomorrow.

Here's some info on it for now:

I asked 6th former's at my school what they thought my characters should or could look like in appearance and what personalities they might have.
I came up with various results and once the VLOG is uploaded I will upload my final ideas for the characters!

Thank you for reading and sorry for the inconvenience.

Preliminary Editing 1

Veronika edited the clips together today and did a really good job of it. It's looking great!

We all watched it back and decided that we needed a production name and title for the clip. It wasn't hard and Anna came up with the Company name 'Green Pie Productions'; we all like the colour green and enjoy pie!
Veronika thought of the title 'Friendship' - to add irony to the short film.

I've got some basic knowledge of editing and the edited clips were really helpful in improving that; as you can see all the tools used and technical terms on the screen.
You can alter the level of sound, speed up or slow down a clip, chop beginning and ends of clips to help them run smoothly, quick cuts to increase pace/action in scene, prolong clips for tension etc.

I find it really exciting and can't wait to see the final result!

Will update the next step tomorrow! :)

Questionnaire For You

Hi everyone,
This post requires you to feedback...

I was wondering what my male characters could look like. As you've been following my blog I presume you know that I'm focusing on the Thriller-Horror genre for the Final and you have a rough understanding of my idea.

So here's some pics (from Google) of my potential male Protagonist and his brother:

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 


8 

9 

10 

11 

 

12 

13 

Please comment which number you think suits the Protagonist, which one suits his Brother and give a reason for you're choice. Thank you!

Next, some pics (from Google) of my potential young female Ghost (baring in mind that she did go to an insane asylum):

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

Please choose the number/s you think suits her the most and give reasons why.
Thank you!

Final Production Idea Step 2

For my second step I wanted to expand on the characters and the films setting.
I made a mind map with these ideas:

On the back I wrote this:

Why London?

• Vast population and area, can seem like nowhere to run/hide
• Can display society through city
• Broader area and spectrum for filming

Why Protagonist male?

• Stereotype - strength, leader, influential
• Ghost is more powerful (super natural) contradiction, can imply how weak we are as humans when faced with supernatural phenomenon
• Can also evoke sympathy for him - limitations compared

I'm really looking forward to expanding my ideas further!

I hope you can see the pic properly, if not please comment for a clearer pic :) thanks

P.S: please help me along my journey and give feedback :) thanks again :)

Researching Thriller Genre Conventions and Techniques

I found this particularly enlightening for my chosen genre:

'Thriller films possess numerous technical tricks as “norm”. They include the use of particular musical pieces at key points throughout the film, for example, in the opening scene there is likely to be an iconic tune that builds up suspense until concluding when a character/place is introduced. Often, this music will be heard again at another point in the film, so the audience are able to link one particular scene to another – they will recognise the circumstances in which the music was first heard and predict that the same thing may be happening again.

Sound effects are emphasised in a thriller to strengthen the effect they have on the audience. Common sound effects include heavy breathing and footsteps when there is no non-diegetic music playing over the top of the film. These particular examples are simple yet effective, as they give the illusion that something or someone is a lot closer to the main character and audience than they actually are.

Camera shots and movement are a pivotal tool in evoking a particular emotion in scenes. Thrillers include plenty of close-ups throughout to portray the stress and horror particular characters are feeling at certain times – this adds to the effect on the audience, who are likely to feel more in touch with the film if they can “feel” what the characters are feeling as well. Establishing shots are common at the beginning of scenes in new locations, as they introduce the environment in which the movie is set at a particular time (the setting is commonly a dark suburban area, with little light). In terms of movement, handheld is a significant type and is a major technique in enhancing the atmosphere in a particular scene – often, handheld shots are used to express uncertainty and fright, they are accompanied by sound effects (heavy breathing). Editing is an important process for a film director, as they have to ensure they do not include footage that has little or no relevance to the film. They can also edit certain scenes by cutting them short – this adds to the uncertainty (a common convention for thriller) and by increasing/decreasing the pace of a scene – this again adds to the tone of a scene.

Another integral element to creating a thriller is mise-en-scene. This ranges from the cast, costumes worn by characters, the make-up used on them, the setting, the props and the environment in which it is set. It’s vitally important to use this to full effect to ensure everything looks authentic and realistic – this plays a big part in the audience committing to the story-line and film on the whole.'

This person highlights they key conventions of the Thriller genre and it's own intricacies. I really appreciate and am grateful for this, my comprehension of the genre is ever increasing through analysis and research, and I'm looking forward to the next steps of my idea.

But first my own POV:

I love that the aim of a thriller is to create exciting suspense for the audience, I too feel excited when watching, reading and writing about this genre!

Flash backs are common in Thrillers, especially when edited in black and white, as they reveal certain aspects of the characters involved and can increase the audiences knowledge of the narrative.

I find that the genre can be quite extroverted, but some threads lead to nothing. Red-herrings are vital for keeping a plot mysterious, enticing and tense for an audience.

It's surprising how many Thrillers that are set in both Urban and Sub-urban environments are so effective. I believe it's because the first is secluded and has an increased mystery about it and the second can seem claustrophobic - nowhere to run or hide - an antagonist can be anywhere and everywhere!

Now in Thriller's, the narrative is always going to involve an enigma; sometimes so complicated it seems like a rubix cube!

Daunting isn't it?

But once solved, generally at the end, it seems almost obvious!

Like this!

Although sometimes, and very craftily at that, it is left to one's own imagination...

DUN, DUN, DUN!

It is conventional that the hero/protagonist often reveals/solves the enigma; which can generally be an injustice within society; and we, the audience, follow their journey. There is normally a rational, not supernatural, explanation behind the thrilling mystery

Elementary!

Twists within the plot are often apparent in Thrillers to help produce the desired unanticipated surprise of certain events.

Heroes and villains can share similar characteristics

Also, along the way violence can be regular, but sometimes not so; to increase suspense for the unexpected...

Various shot types such as:

• Close up, of a face or an extreme CU of the eyes can display the effect of an action or the suspense building up; of course they also provide detail.
• Mid shots of breathing, prolonging tension.
• Bird's eye, quite an unnatural and distorted view; famous in Hitchcock's 'Psycho'; creates suspense and can imply an impending doom for the character involved.
• Tracking, can generate a sense of pace; especially within a chase, or can give a character supernatural speed.
• Multiple angles, can distort image, creepy, intense.

Various editing techniques such as;

• Quick cuts, controls pace level can increase it to evoke a sense of time limit, pressure, haste. Also can make seem spontaneous as events happen quick; unravelling narrative.
• Slow motion effect, creates distorted and unnatural atmosphere; possibly to focus upon character - sinister? Can slow down action in chase - even more suspense!
• Quick cuts moving to slow - impactful raises awareness of important scene/character.
• Darkly lit effect on shots, evil presence, something not quite right, unusual.
• Fade to black, leaves audience to make up their own mind of ending.

Various sounds such as;

• Fast paced non-diagetic rhythm, replicates heart beat - tension.
• Out of tune violins - unusual and eerie.
• Heavy breathing, creepy, intense, enclosed/trapped.
• Tapping of nails/ticking of clock, time limit, a wait before attack, suspense.

Here are the sites I have used to collect my information and mold my view point:

http://www.slideshare.net/Valvainolivi/final-codes-andconventions11

http://blogs.thegrangeschool.net/06beesn/2011/02/18/thriller-genre/


I am really looking forward the the Final Production! I'm sure this research will aid my idea and I hope to use allot if not all of these conventions in the planning and making of my opening sequence!

Thank you for reading, looking forward to you're feedback :) 

Preliminary re-filming

Well it just goes to show that you can't predict the weather!
It rained today. After looking back on yesterday's filming, with a bright shinning sun in the background, and our reality of heavy down-poor, we realised that we would have to film again...

Before I continue, I watched 'Great movie mistakes', as a film buff, and saw an epic continuity error in 'Indiana Jones: The Last Crusade':

Or maybe he can actually read a newspaper upside down! 
Continuity is so important in filming, it can change/ruin or aid the narrative; in this case it's not really noticed until you have a good look at it.

Anyway, back to reality. Our continuity was very bad, people that weren't in previous shots then appeared in following shots! I think we rushed with the filming and didn't really put much thought into it, which is a shame, but I'm glad we learnt our lesson.

We gave ourselves 2 hours to film this time, and it was worth it! During today's filming we didn't have our group in it's entirety because, unfortunately, Patrycja was unable to join. However, we did finish filming, yay!

I was the camera woman and followed the shot order diligently with patience - this time - thus, there was no chaos!
I found that carrying the camera in hand only lead to a wobbly outcome, so I used to tripod for the remainder of the filming; which was very handy but did prove repetitive when adjusting the height.
I enjoyed saying the shot and take because I felt like a professional, up until we got to shot 10 take 13! It's funny when I look back at it, but it wasn't so funny then, in fact it became laboriously frustrating - I remained calm.

Another frustration happened, the camera ran out of memory! I had to delete yesterday's filming, sadly we didn't back it up on computer - otherwise I would have added it to this update.
As Patrycja was absent I was also focusing on continuity and found it quite niggling but worth it - I can't imagine how the continuity department felt when their mistake in 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade' was made public!

So, we continued to film, 13 shots in total and smiles on our faces. Finished!
I have improved my filming techniques and have really enjoyed having another shot at it! Excuse the pun! Glad we got filming done and can now move on to edit!

Thanks again for reading. Comments, as always, are appreciated :)

Preliminary Filming

It was a lovely sunny day to film! We did take longer than expected and we didn't finish filming, which I find disappointing, but tomorrow we have more time to continue.

I am so glad we discussed the shot order, script and storyboard first before we started filming because it would have been a mess otherwise!
I occupied the camera - taking the shots - although, I think we rushed the filming a little because we had a short period of time to film. I did find it really laborious having to change the height, positioning and tilt of the camera and especially keeping the camera steady when recording but it was still a good experience because I am more prepared for the next time filming.

We have left the footage taken on the camera for tomorrow so we can view what we have already done.

Just a short update - Thanks for reading :)

Preliminary Planning 5

Here's our story board - pics taken by Anna:

Both Anna and Patrycja worked together to create the story board based on the shot list I created and script we did.

Preliminary Planning 4

Script:

Veronika turns around the corner
Close -up shot on her feet talking towards the door. Titles appear on this shot.
Mid-shot about to push the door
Close-up shot on her hand pushing the door
PAN on Veronika entering and walking by
Static Long shot of Veronika walking in towards the camera
Mid-shot behind Veronika turning the corner to meet Anna 
Low Angle shot of Anna’s face expression
Mid-shot of Veronika:
Veronika: Hi Anna.
Over the shoulder shot from Veronika’s left shoulder sitting opposite Anna, showing Anna’s head and shoulders.
Anna: What do you want?
Over the shoulder shot from Anna’s right shoulder, showing Veronika’s head and shoulders.
Veronika: Oh come on Anna, don’t be mad at me. I never meant this to happen.
Over the shoulder shot from Veronika’s shoulder, showing Anna’s head and shoulders.
Anna: You never meant this to happen?! Why would you do that to me, I thought you are my best friend?
Over the shoulder shot from Anna’s shoulder, showing Veronika’s face zoomed in.
Veronika: I know I should’ve told you, I promise it will never happen again.
Two shot of the girls showing full length of their bodies.
Anna: It’s just better this way. Leave it. 
Titles.

I'm really glad we sorted out the script - it helps me have a clearer understanding of what we are going to do :)

Analysing Film Openings 4

Although we did this Comedy/Action genre opening as a class, I found it very interesting and an eye opener because of the individual note making and the discussions of notes after; displaying multiple points of view.
We focused on these questions; 'What has the Director done to engage the audience?', 'How does the Director portray the character?'

Opening Sequence

'Hot Fuzz':

Immediate edited non-diagetic sirens over titles - fast paced, reflects adrenaline, audience straight into it - want to see action.

Prolonged static LS - character walking to camera, protagonist - we are following his journey - exaggerated non-diagetic footsteps - tension builds, footsteps are like heartbeat. Pro implied dedicated - outside = morning, early start through ms-en-scene.

Fast edited cut pace - heavy going job Pro dutiful, non-diagetic Pro voice over, CU - facial expressions, MS, crosscutting - Pro walking to office and his character intro.

Pro implied - serious, dedicated, controlling - likes to be in driver seat...

This has really improved my note making skills; they are precise, have more terminology and are shorter. I also understand the difference between genres; as I have done Thriller.

After all of this analysing I can’t wait to film Preliminary!

Thanks for reading, please comment :)

Preliminary Planning 3

OK, so we discussed how to set out the shots and I have come up with a shot order:

1. CU focussed on Veronika's feet
2. MS about to push door
3. CU hand pushing door
4. PAN entering and walking by
5. Static LS, influenced by 'Hot Fuzz' opening shot - prolongs tension, walking towards camera
6. LS turning corner
7. CU Anna expression
8. MS - 'Hi Anna'
9. OTSS (Veronika) view Anna
10. OTSS (Anna) view Veronika
11. OTSS (Veronika) view Anna
12. Zoomed OTSS (Anna) view Veronika
13. TS both facing, Anna leaves, Veronika left alone

I hope we can get the filming done asap to edit!

Thanks, comments are appreciated :)

Preliminary Planning 2

We realised that before we have an order of shots we need to know where we are going to film and who the characters are.

We decided that the filming should take place in 'The HUB' because there is quite allot of space to film and it has nice seating arrangements.
The characters will be played by Anna and Veronika who are both members of our group.
Anna - the victim in argument
Veronika - wants to apologise

In addition, we want to follow Veronika's journey as she is going to meet Anna; protagonist. We thought this would be a good way to experiment with tension and may intrigued an audience as to 'where is she going?' and 'why is she going there?'.

Preliminary Planning 1

Patrycja, Veronika, Anna and I have all decided to become a group for the Preliminary task.

Our basic storyline is that two girls have had an argument prior and are trying to make up.

The shots we are thinking of using are:
Close up's (CU), Panoramas (PAN), Low angle (LA), High angle (HA), equal/level shot, zooming to CU in shot. We also wish to use the shot reverse shot technique to help the conversation flow and become more believable and interesting.

We are going to discuss what to do and will organise a rough plan.

First Ideas for Final Production Step 1

I started ideas on the Plot and Genre of the Final production.

Here's a pic of the mind map:

If you can't see it properly I have taken two more pics so you can see the words clearer:

I did write these following notes on the back of the mind map but they are not being picked up so well by my web-cam...anyway here they are:

Why set in present day?
- Relates to audience more - young adults - contemporary
- seems current
- adds believability

Why is the past important?
- past can seem disturbing/dark (especially asylums - history)
- relates to plot/story

Why is  'Ghost' young girl?
- innocence, sympathy of situation, she's in distress (stuck in time, went through horrible event - life taken away from her at young age and wants to take revenge)
- contradicts the stereotype of weakness - super-natural strength/power although in predicament
- displays that looks are not what they seem
- creepy as she can be underestimated
- character is interesting - slight mystery - (helps audience question 'what can she do?', 'why is she here?' due to mystery - the wait for information at beginning)

Feedback would really help me for my next step mind map.

Thanks :)