My Editing

Today I wanted to experiment with an idea that came to mind after having struggled with this clip and its transitions. I edited using Premier Pro and used both a 'cross-fade' on beginning and end of the clip and an 'echo' effect to distort and, through duplication, overlap a clip, distorting the  time in the clip and making a ghostly effect

Here's the video out come:

Sounds 6

During the clips involving both our characters, I needed to find a suitable build-up of a non-diagetic sound that would intrigue the audience to watching the rest of our film - a sort of narrative hook but evoked through sound.

Here's some sounds that I found in Logic Pro:

I particularly enjoy 6 because the sound stretches and gradually creeps in and builds successfully to the climax. I have already attempted to merge this non-diagetic sequence with the clips:

Sound, as I've just exhibited, is an immensely important feature in any sequence because it exposes the audiences senses to suggested information through non-diagetic sound. This non-diagetic sound can suggest a negative relationship between both characters or that a negative event is about to happen; I've used this particular sound to create suspense and imply a negative atmosphere to the audience.

Sounds 5

As you've probably guessed, I've chosen number 8 in a previous post to be the non-diagetic background sound for my radio report.

I have combined this, the beginning sound and the recorded voice-over to complete the report:

This example is taken from our edited clips so far. Editing's going really well and Patrycja's doing a great job of it. We both regularly sit together whilst we share in viewing and commenting on each others progress. One of the main things we focus on is getting the audio and video transitions to run smoothly, so far we've got all the filming out on the time-line in Premier Pro and are going step by step to get the transitions to the highest quality we can with our current skills.

Sounds 4

Concerning our distributors, FILM4 and MIRAMAX, we have used their video but have changed their original non-diagetic sounds and used our own.

Here's a before and after of each sequence:

I believe the non-diagetic sounds used merge well together and suit our Thriller-Horror genre because they build suspence and intrigue - not giving too much away to the audience.

 

Sounds 3

I'm focusing on the background beat for the radio report, having already found my beginning to it.
 
Here's some Beats and rhythms that I've discovered using Logic Pro:

My favourite beat is number 8. It's not too clubby and not too serious - it maintains the immediacy and importance of the report whilst also remaining contemporary.

Let me know what you think if you disagree, Thanks! 

Sounds 2

Continuing to use the violins I added the breath that merges with our slow motion production titles as the tissue blows away:

I wanted to add something simple to give this mix more depth I experimented with adding a heart beat. Once completing this, I exported this sounds into an mp3 file format and gave it to Patrycja who imported this new sound onto Premire Pro. We then edited the sound in with the clips and editing we've already done:

 I'm satisfied with this beginning and I'm looking forward to further construction of our opening sequence.

Sounds 1

I began merging and creating loops within Logic Pro.
My aim was to find and create a mix that to suits the opening shots involving the train that myself and Patrycja have edited together, (Patrycja uses Premier Pro to edit and I help or oversee what she's done to see if there are any major improvements to be fixed - you could say I'm acting as an objective perspective).

Here's the mixes that I'm considering:

I'm not entirely sure about this mix because when it's merged with the short beginning sequence it may make the audience believe a really bad events about to happen straight away and mislead/confuse them.

I believe this mix can build tension but is lacking something which, in my opinion, creates a lower level of interest when heard and doesn't really fit our Thriller-Horror genre because of the lack of suspense (its also more like an echoing sound effect and less like the suspenseful mix I'm llistening for).

I'm not as keen on this mix because, although the sounds are interesting and suspenseful individually, as a collective they contrast and collide with each other. I really enjoy the piano sound because it connotes a sense of impending doom for a character - it happens when a villain is enclosing on his/her victim. However I don't want to use this sound in another mix because it can contrast so easily with others - making it harder to find a suitable match.

I enjoy these two violins merged together the most. I want to experiment further with these because they seem more promising than the others. The violins are a contrast to the clips, yet they merge well with it because the ms-en-scene is expected to have a contemporary beat. Whereas, this non-diagetic sound is unexpected and can seem aged creating an eerie and suspenseful atmosphere.

Recordings of Radio Script Report 5

Both Patrycja and I are pleased with Radio Report Script 5. I recorded it with my voice and both of us are pleased with the outcome:

This isn't how it will sound in the Final video, I will add a beat, like ones used in the radio reports I've researched, to keep the report interesting and to maintain the fast pace. I am looking for a sound that will engage a listener, not to distract them from the information and a sound that will keep the professional sincerity of the report.

Looking forward to my next update!

Radio beginning using Logic Pro 02

After the feedback from Ms. Camboia in the Radio beginning using Logic Pro 01 post, I have explored in Logic Pro more and found another possible radio beginning sound:

Pre-existing 'Breaking News' loop found in Logic Pro

Editing the sound with a title using Premier Pro

Possible non-diagetic sound

I like this because it grasps the listener's/audience's attention via the echo before the loud 'dun'. It's important to have a less impacting sound before the louder sound because it prepares the listener and is less of a shock to the ears. Also, I enjoy the variety in the pitch and tone of the 'duns' following as it keeps the interruption fresh, keeping the interest of the listener. These impacting sounds will communicate that there is an important message to be heard, it also poses as a recognisable theme for the radio - listeners of this radio would know that this was a news interruption - our protagonist is one of these.

This sound reminded me of the Close Encounters of the Third Kind 1977 music scene by it's use of tones and structured melody.

Just a quick update, thanks :)

Radio beginning using Logic Pro 01

I experimented and searched through some sounds. I was looking for something before the 60 second news update that would grasp a listener's or audience's attention. I got the inspiration from BBC THREE, 60 seconds news update  as the broadcast began there was an electronic kind of echo effect beforehand, gaining the attention of the audience. I not only want to gain attention from my protagonist but also from our TA.

These sounds are only short and small but that's all they need to be. I was searching for ages to find suitable loops that I could merge together. The clips just to the right of the  long line are the ones that I've chosen:

Experimenting with Logic Pro

The bigger looking one, that i have circled in red, I tried at first on it's own, it was an 80's style theme tune, it didn't sound right on it's own and I thought it was missing an upbeat electronic edge.

The smaller looking one, that I have circled in red, was one that I cut out of a longer electronic beating sound.

I listened to it and merged them together, making sure the timing of both sound clips transitioned smoothly onto each other. Here's the final result:

I think this has everything I want for an interruption before the news update.

It's a possible radio sound so tell me what you think and comment on any improvements, I will be asking around!

Official Filming 2

Today I filmed the scene's with our actors in and Patrycja joined to support me. We all met in Camden at 5 pm to fit the dark night filmed yesterday. We also wanted it to be dark to create a sinister atmosphere using pathetic fallacy as the ghost appears.

It was very cold for our actress Marlena. In her costume I wouldn't be surprised! Thankfully she had a warm coat to snuggle into, keeping her warm in between takes. She did amazingly well considering the wet weather and repetitive amount of shots. She co-operated and listened to my directions carefully, taking on board everything.

Jack was nice and cosey in his costume! He co-operated fully for each time called to shoot, listening, taking on board any feedback on his acting and waited patiently when not being filmed.

We care very much for the well fair of our actors so we brought extra umbrellas for them to shelter under.

I think the filming was shorter than expected, finishing around 7 pm. I did allow a few refreshment breaks for everyone to rest while Patrycja and I checked the clips to see what needed re-filming but that didn't really eat away the time.

After re-filming the necessary shots I said good-bye to Patrycja and Marlena as Jack and I went back to his to charge the camera for his character's scene at home.

The corner of his kitchen was quite an easy area to film in, providing I stood beside the camera, as the tripod covered a large area. At first, it was difficult getting the camera in the right position as the back door window's reflection caught it. After adjusting and maneuvering the tripod I succeeded in finding a suitable position for it, the height, intended to be a level/equal LS of the protagonist - connoting the audience is equal to him - was lowered a little, and the camera was secure ready to shoot!

When being directed for actions Jack took initiative and came up with some of his own gestures for his character. I really enjoyed working with Jack as he kept experimenting with his movement in each shot. He was also a dedicated, humorous actor.

Once finished, roughly having over 120 shots in total, we decided to call it a day. I checked through his scenes and I think all the shots from today look great.

I'm looking forwards to seeing the clips edited together!

Official Filming 1

I filmed today between 10 am and roughly 7.40 pm in the rain with Patrycja's help holding the umbrella for the camera. It was very exciting, I felt like a professional camera woman! Members of the general public were smiling and looking at us, some spoke to us and asked what we were filming. That did get a bit annoying though as people seemed to try and stay on camera, even when we were taking shots of different crowds. We did politely wait for people to leave our cameras view, to get a duplicate of angle, position and type of shot for Patrycja to edit and overlap. At some points, the camera positioning did get quite cramped as I crouched down, trying not to get myself or the camera wet, holding position, making sure the camera was steady, was level via the spirit level

on the camera, that it didn't change position - so I could duplicate the shot successfully and I checked each shot individually to make sure the continuity flowed.
The only problem was that, although I had charged the camera to it's full capacity, it refused to hold out for longer than 2 hours! Thankfully I had thought this may happen and new of shops and cafe's to charge the camera. I was constantly checking on the daylight change and wanted to get slightly contrasting light to help with the clock shots. This was a repetitive process forcing us to quicken the pace of filming. It became very energy demanding rushing from shot to shot but it was so worth it!

I'm happy that the weather continuity stayed the same throughout. It was an overall successful day today and we have over 100 shots! I'm so thankful for making the filming plan as it really helped! I'm also really thankful for the story board, planning is so essential for success!

Looking forward to filming with the actors tomorrow!

Sound Experimentation 2

I've experimenting with the ambient city sounds more and asked Patrycja to listen with me:

Picture of Patrycja and me listening

I really like what I've come up with here's the sound:

Here's some feedback from it:

I think it creates the tension for the audience and the busy atmosphere that cities have. It's almost like it's got a rhythm to it, a heartbeat, which is why I like it. But I'm not sure if we are actually going to use it yet because we may change to an easier location with the filming, which will slightly impact the atmosphere and thus the non-diagetic sound.

I also really like the exhale that I found on Logic Pro, I hope it's good enough for our opening sequence's titles.

Here it is:

Let me know what you think to it via comment or I might just have to interview you!

Sound Experimentation 1

Whilst Patrycja was editing for our first filmed clips, I took initiative to experiment with Logic pro. I wanted to find any ambient city sounds that could be merged together to add to a clip; cars, traffic, overlapping conversations etc. I also wanted to find the sound of someone exhaling for the title as it fades out. I think this would be eerie for the audience as it's a normal sound, slowed, and used in a creepy way; possibly linking to our ghosts theme. It also reiterates that the titles are fading, like breath leaves the body. Anyway it's just a thought.

Here's a screen shot of what I found:

Experimenting with Logic Pro

I'm starting to get the hang of Logic Pro more as I experiment. I will be uploading the sounds I am considering using soon, but if I'm not satisfied with the exhale I will just have to record it myself!

Filming in Central

As a company we shot our first section of filming. We already wanted to film in Central London so we went to Marble arch via the 113 bus route

and began filming traffic, crowds, traffic lights etc. It was amazing! It was such fun! We went around loads of different locations, from Marble arch to Trafalgar square to Big Ben to the London Eye. Although it was fun, at the end I was a bit disappointed as we hadn't got as many shots as we could of because of the time consuming travelling. I don't think I did so well at being in charge of filming as I should have planned in more detail.
I know our next time filming will be allot better because I will thoroughly plan for it!

Radio Report Script 2

After recording the script using the camera myself, I uploaded the video's onto Premier Pro today. Patrycja and I then listened to the clips and discussed which ones to use:

Listening to first recordings of 'Radio Report', using Premier Pro

Having discussed, we realised that we needed to change the script as it didn't seem flow properly. This is shown in the following.

Firstly, we annotated it:

Amendments made to 'Radio Report'

Secondly, we made the changes in Microsoft Office Word:

Good evening, all you Londoner’s! I’m Dawn Cope and you’re listening to ‘Look out’ Radio’s 60-second news updates

Have you recently seen anything unusual?
We have reports of sightings in Oxford Street of a young female, early teens, wearing a ripped, blood stained, white night gown.
She is said to have marks across her face and skin, possibly abrasions or bruising.
She is also said to have long dark, matted hair.
If you believe you have seen this girl, or someone of a similar description, please do not hesitate, report immediately to your local Police Station and Lookout Radio…

Heading today’s 'More Money Than Sense' is Katie Price, who has recently bought a new 9 and a half thousand pound handbag and says it’s “a splash of cash for my little Princess”

Thirdly, I recorded it again and uploaded it to Premier Pro:

Listening to second recording of 'Radio Report', using Premier Pro

Hopefully we are done with editing the script!

Feedback appreciated, keep following thanks :)

Final Title for Opening Sequence

I found that the naming of our film wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. Patrycja and I both wanted something that would fit with our story-line and would also go with the theme of ghosts. Yes, the element of revenge is heavily focused upon in our synopsis, however, we didn't want the title to be 'Revenge' as it would give away the main theme. I wanted to focus upon the fact that we have a ghost in our opening sequence. So, we both considered our own ideas for the title. This did take a while as we wanted to be very specific. I mean we wanted the title to provoke intrigue and suggest an element of suspense, whilst also using a font or graphic effect to set the pace for the audience and help them identify what our genre is and what our film will contain via the title. I came up with 'The Forgotten', as ghosts are people who have passed away and remain stuck in the world possibly for so long that society forgets them - it seems to be appropriate for our narrative, as our unnamed female ghost is trapped and is forgotten by society until the events within our opening sequence occur.

Concerning the look of our title we both wanted something edgy that seemed either unnatural or have an eerie sense when seen. Mulling over a selection of fonts from Patrycja's research on fonts we then decided to agree on this:

I really like the aesthetic of the title because it's, faded, smudged, has a broken glass effect on some letters, some splatter effects, seems used, dirty, seems unnaturally crafted, seems intimidating and gripping; provoking intrigue. I think it is perfect for our story-line, fitting the genre, the unnatural element in our film and really gives a feel that something isn't right, there is disequilibrium and a sense of impending doom for the audience.

We both wanted to use a black font colour and not red because that is associated with the Horror genre, also we enjoyed the look of the black because it gives an impression of something dark, mysterious, it gives our title an edge, adds intrigue and is used to create an inhuman eerie atmosphere.

I hope you've enjoyed my thoughts on this and our developments so far, thanks :)

Preliminary Editing 3

Anna has done the sound today and came up with various compositions. It was a process of elimination, we didn't want it to be too dramatic other wise it would seem to overpowering for the video and we didn't want it to be a boring droning sound either. After a long discussion as a group and watching and re-watching the clip along side the different sounds we decided to have a playful piano as it helped intrigue an audience, was ironic and helped uplift or add humor to the sad situation.

I'm sure we are all pleased with the result, I am!

You know, it's made me realise how much work pre-production, filming and the post production actually take. It takes allot of work, effort, time and diligence to have a good production, you have to be a strong team, with good communication for it to go well. The whole process can take some films years to complete! But it's all worth it! 

This experience is really going to help me with my mind maps, production processes and creativity!

Will be uploading the Preliminary soon!

Feed back is welcome thanks :)

Preliminary Editing 2

Patrycja was editing in the titles today. After experimenting with different types of fonts and colour's, we chose to have a basic underlined green font; as it suits both the company name and background. 
The hard part was where to place the company name and title...Eventually Patrycja and I thought that it would be good to have the name at the beginning, separated from the titles. I thought it would be very humorous if the title 'Friendship' would be at the ending clip as it seems sarcastic and is ironic.

I've learnt much more about editing - titles - how to add, fade, remove, colour, change them etc. I have really enjoyed learning this and I'm looking forward to our last step. 

Each time we edit it's looking better and better!

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! :)