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!

Realisation

Here's roughly what I said and talked about if you didn't catch everything or had some technical problems:

I've realised and discussed this with Patrycja that we don't need Big Ben to display the time for our opening sequence. Yes, it  is a landmark, but we are planning to film whilst red buses and black taxi cabs are going by - those are just some of the indicators to the audience that the location is London.  As I really want the time to be displayed in our opening sequence, through fading effects in editing, I can just take shots of one clock and change the time on the clock for each shot, illustrating that time is moving and life is going on to the audience : simple!

I find it's a great contrast having life shown via the traffic, crowds, market and general busy city atmosphere, with ghosts, i.e death, displayed via overlapping of shots and re-appearing and disappearing characters through editing - fantastic - as our film brings both ends and extremes of the spectrum together. This is intended to promote further intrigue from our audience and make our production unique.

I think the clock is a good idea because it reiterates to the audience that London is a busy place, time is moving constantly helping to give it a realistic feel, by adding something that the audience would relate to - not having enough time - whilst also suggesting a countdown that is intended to provoke suspense. Also, I'd quite like to film at different times during the day to get the daylight change, the clock will help with the continuity and flow of narrative.

Not only have I realised that, we also don't need to film in Central London - Oxford Street - because it would highly complicate the filming and crowd continuity. Considering this, I find that a perfect local location would be Camden Town because of it's expression of culture, busy atmosphere  and it's vast filming space, filled with balconies to film from, getting various view points, making our whole sequence interesting and unique.It's not as busy as Central, which helps the filming process quicken.
I'm considering my plan for filming and will post it soon.

Thanks for following :)

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!

Radio Report Script 1

I wanted to conduct research on Radio stations and how their reports or sentencing is crafted. So I listened to various clips on YouTube to get an understanding of how I should structure my own:

Radio News Reporting Project 5#
BBC THREE, 60 seconds news update 01

I have a better understanding of how Radio's construct their information. The presenters introduce themselves, the Radio station and can state the time, also advertising certain products and merchandise. However, as I'm intending to do a 60 second news update, I realise that the information needs to be said at a fast pace and must contain no waffle - sticking to the point and facts.
I've listened, watched and focused upon some more 60 second news updates, here's the links:

BBC THREE, 60 seconds news update 02
BBC THREE, 60 seconds news update 03
60 Seconds News Update
GT ONLINE, 60 Seconds News Update

Their introduction's are very brief and can state the time of update but don't always seem to because of the limited amount of time. The presenters pace of voice doesn't seem to really matter, as-long as they state all of the information given within the time limit. I think a presenter can have an accent, as-long as the information is clear for the listener. A slower pace may be used to allow listeners to process the information more. Also, I've noticed that the presenters pause in between stories - indicating each different update to the listener. I will need to create my own sound to announce the 60 second news update for the protagonist and our audience. I'm planning to do this using Logic Pro.

Here's the result:

Good evening, all you Londoner's! You're listening to 'Look out' Radio's 60 second news updates
I'm (NAME)
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 shin, possibly abrasions or bruising.She is also said to have long dark matted hair.Unfortunately, we cannot give further details due to the lack of information received from members of the general public.
If you believe you have seen this girl, or someone of a similar description, please do not hesitate to get in contact with your local Police station and Lookout Radio...

Katie Price has recently bought a new 9 and a half thousand pound handbag and says "it's a splash of cash for my little Princess"

I wanted to immediately ascertain a rough time estimate and audience location within the first sentence. I wanted the audience to know that this was a 60 second update - as the normal music played and was interrupted a listener would need to be notified why or what it was interrupted by. Then beginning with the story I tried my best to decrease the waffle, getting straight to the point. By questioning the audience I intended to grasp their attention and intrigue, adding my own twist to the 60 second news update. I then moved on to Katie Price - at this point I intend the volume of the non-diagetic Radio to decrease through editing as the audience follow the protagonists reaction; closing our opening sequence.
I realise that this is only the 'skeleton' of the script and that it will be improved over time.

I have recorded multiple clips of this on camera and will edit it soon. I realise that this will most likely need improving and or tweaking to get it to a high standard and the best quality to make it a believable Radio for our audience.

Thanks for reading, hope the see some helpful feedback :)

Analysing Film Openings 5

North By North West film poster

I briefly watched North By North West's Opening Sequence because I admire Alfred Hitchcock's style and was intrigued by how he began this film especially as it has elements of the Thriller genre.

I really enjoyed watching the beginning as Hitchcock establishes the location immediately. I enjoyed the short animation before, in green, as the lines were drawn and smoothly transitioned through a fade effect to the reflection of traffic on a skyscraper. The audience understand that it is a city by targeting specific buildings, like sky scrapers, using the reflections on the windows to see ongoing traffic, targeting specific streets and vehicles i.e. America's notorious yellow taxi cabs, targeting busy crowds and specific people to display the hardship, busy and almost unkind atmosphere a city can be. I found this really insightful and an inspiration to start the film focusing on location first, especially as I would like to recreate a busy city atmosphere too.

I've been thinking that, to also target London and make it seem clearer, I could film on a rainy day - not only is it pathetic fallacy for a negative event or happening, but England's weather is notorious for rain.

Here's a BBC weather report

This would be a really interesting shot to take, to establish the location through a LS and window reiterating that the audience is watching, although I'm not sure if I would be able to because of the location and time it would take to travel would be very challenging. It might be too far fetched for our opening sequence at the moment but it's an interesting idea for an establishing shot.

I really want to included shots with London's red buses as it helps establish the location. I also would like to take shots of crowds holding umbrellas to help show that it is raining through the ms-en-scene even if the camera doesn't pick it up and to display the effect that nature has over man; helping create a realistic atmosphere.

However, I can't rely on the weather as it's unpredictable and we could waist valuable filming time. It would be ideal to film in the rain as the pathetic fallacy would be perfect, although not ideal filming conditions, I am willing to not film in the rain if it provides good filming that Patrycja could work with in editing.

Video Questionnaire - Characters

Finally have been able to upload the video!

I used Adobe Premier Pro for the editing. It was very interesting, as I had my first hands on approach! It was fun to actually import, move the clips, cut invalid sections and listen to the flow of diagetic sound; instead of me normally watching. I discovered that you can add transitions to clips; which was very useful in making the cut smoother, if it was originally sharp/harsh, and showing the next question/section. I even added a title at the end!

There have been many technical issues - mainly to do with converting the edited clips to a video that can be uploaded. However, with patience (and a colleague that knows allot about computers), this was achieved.

I hope you like my findings and the differing opinions that people have.

Preliminary Task Video

Please note
If this video is not loading or working properly go to the link bellow to watch it:
Preliminary Task Video

I really enjoyed being a part of making this video and I can't wait for the next filming!

Hope you like it!

Please leave feedback thank you :)

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 :)

Analysing Film Openings 1

I have done some analysing of the opening of a film in the Thriller genre. I began analysing the Opening Sequence at 01:04 on the clip.

'Murder By Numbers':

The opening credits begin with a slow moving forward, level, MID establishing shot, the ms-en-scene displays waves crashing against rocky cliffs; seeming calm whilst setting the scene. The crashing waves may symbolically connote a future threat or disturbance to the audience. A sense of isolation is also suggested, as the audience follow the waves through the camera, without any characters present.
Non-diagetic music combines through the editing with the shot; slow piano keys and violins are heard. Both the violins play a mixture of unhurried and upbeat paces, as if to stimulate a heartbeat; which may be used to create tension for the audience, with an additional sense of uncertainty. The editor fades this shot to a black, back grounded screen with credits, bridging the non-diagetic music, to continue the suspense for the audience without exhibiting a visual aid.

The director prolongs the suspenseful atmosphere for the audience, through the edited fading of an establishing long shot, displaying through the ms-en-scene what seems to be an abandoned house at the cliff edge. The camera slowly zooms into the window of the building. Continuing inside through the camera the ms-en-scene exhibits an aged wooden interior; seeming slightly eerie whilst maintaining the interest of the audience through prolonged tension.
The non-diagetic music’s volume is lowered by the editor, gradually ceasing. Diagetic dialogue begins; indicating the presence of characters and revealing to the audience that the building is not abandoned.  The ms-en-scene displays two males, both white and dark haired, are seen facing each other in a birds eye shot, creating an abnormal view of the scene; which is possibly used to suggest an uncomfortable or irregular relationship between characters.

The editor quickly cuts to a black screen displaying more credits with a silent pause; which may be used to prolong tension and intensify curiosity. Then a non-diagetic gun shot is added, which could act as a hook for the audience, whilst teasing their curiosity; thus provoking more interest.

The following shots demonstrate an introduction to the male characters previously seen, hinting that the suggested 'death' of one of them is yet to be revealed to the audience.

A long shot establishes, through the ms-en-scene, what seems to be a class room. Young male and female roles wearing casual clothes are also visible through the ms-en-scene and are sitting at wooden desks; indicating to the audience they are students. They appear to be listening to a speaker as diagetic dialogue can be heard, he is similarly clothed through the ms-en-scene and is stationed at a lectern.

A mid shot of this speaker reveals to the audience that he is one of the male characters previously seen, through his distinct hair style in the mid shot and ms-en-scene. The cut pace has increased creating a spontaneous effect.

A slightly low angle group shot gives more detail of the class. One male student particularly stands out in this shot as he is centred and focussed on. His actions are unique in the group shot; head buried in his arms, whilst other students are sitting upright. The director has used this camera shot to draw the audience’s attention to him, giving his character significance.

The camera returns to the mid shot of the speaker, appearing to look emotively at the male student. Cutting to a low angle mid shot, the male student character is seen through the camera and ms-en-scene rebelliously looking up and snickering at the speaker, the ms-en-scene and detail provided in the mid shot helps confirm him as the other male in the previous scene.

Through the build up of camera shots and the increasing pace of cuts, there may be a suggested sexual tension between the characters for the audience. Even so, there is tension and awkwardness in this relationship through the choice of shots. Here they are suggested as opposites in society; one as a rebel, the other academic. From society’s viewpoint these individuals would not normally associate. The audience may wonder why these opposites join forces and what could possibly lead them to using a gun.

If you could comment or give feedback on my analysing I would really appreciate it! :D 

Thanks :)