Before beginning the process of filming our production we had to take a number of different aspects into consideration. Firstly we had to agree as a group the best possible location for that particular scene of our production in which we were shooting. This was based on numerous location scouting expeditions and through this we had to decide between practicality and availability. Also our decision was made by the mise en scene and iconography a certain location obtained and what affect on the audience it had when presented on screen. Additionally due to the majority of the filming be shot during weekends we had to ensure that we were all available before proceeding as well as any actors/actresses who were starting in our production. We decided that shooting the footage for our production during the weekends was the best solution for us as during the week it was very hard to find enough time available for all of us to be present whilst filming. The amount of time that it takes to film a particular scene is extremely time consuming and we agreed as a group that we didn’t want to rush our project otherwise the final outcome would not be to as good standard as we would have wanted to achieve.
For certain locations we had to take into account were we able to film there? Or did we have to get any permission and if so make sure that we were well prepared and organised by informing the certain people to gain access to the location, early so if not we had enough time to find an alternative location. Travelling was also an issue with the locations we desperately wanted the locations we choose to have a substantial affect on the audience however we didn’t want to travel miles and miles to find these particular locations because of this it cost us a lot of time and money for the location scouting but definitely was time and money well spent. As the locations in which we decided on contained the best possible mise en scene that we could find and also were all relatively easy to travel to.
We had arranged previously as a group that it would be convent to film this scene on this date as we were all available and we wanted to get started with the filming as soon as possible to allow us maximal amount of time for editing which we had learnt from the previous year took a substantial amount of time.
First Session of Filming is the Interior Garage Scene which was scheduled for:
Date: Saturday 17th October 2009
Time: 10am – 2pm
Location: Peter McLaughlin’s Garage
Travel Time to Location: 30 minutes
Cast: Peter McLaughlin (John) Holly Brookes (Dead Girl)
Crew: Oliver Fitch, Peter McLaughlin, Joseph Lawrence and Tim McNiven
Costume: Peter McLaughlin – Long Sleeve Grey Top, Old denim Jeans and Black Trainers. Holly Brookes – Old Black Hoodie, Blue Tracksuit Bottoms and White Trainers.
Iconography: The Box, The Guide
Equipment Needed: HD camera and Tripod
Estimated Scene Length: 30 – 40 seconds
Due to running out of time the day before when we had initially planned to shoot this scene, we decide that we wanted to finish filming this scene and the weather was also very similar to yesterday so we proceed with our decision. We all firstly met up at Peter’s House then once we were already left with all the necessary equipment and iconography needed for this scene.
Second session of filming is the Exterior Field Scene which was scheduled for:
Date: Sunday 18th October 2009
Time: 10.30am – 4pm
Location: Public Field
Travel Time to Location: 40 minutes
Cast: Peter McLaughlin (John) Holly Brookes (Dead Girl)
Crew: Oliver Fitch, Peter McLaughlin, Joseph Lawrence and Tim McNiven
Costume: Peter McLaughlin – Long Sleeve Grey Top, Old denim Jeans and Black Trainers. Holly Brookes – Old Black Hoodie, Blue Tracksuit Bottoms and White Trainers.
Iconography: The Box, The Guide
Equipment Needed: HD Camera and Tripod
Estimated Scene Length: 30 – 40 seconds
Timing was crucial for this scene as it had to be filmed before we broke up for school as the cement was going to be put in the foundations soon, so we all met up after school on the last day of term to film this footage. We had only really heard about the holes on the school recently so we had to make a quick decision about this. We had to meet up with Mr Piper before hand as he was going to supervise us during the shooting of the scene due to health and safety reasons.
Third session of filming is the Exterior Grave Scene which was scheduled for:
Date: Friday 23rd October 2009
Time: 3.30pm – 5pm
Location: School Field
Travel Time to Location: 5 minutes
Cast: Peter McLaughlin (John) Holly Brookes (Dead Girl)
Crew: Oliver Fitch, Peter McLaughlin, Joseph Lawrence and Tim McNiven
Costume: Peter McLaughlin – Long Sleeve Grey Top, Old denim Jeans and Black Trainers. Holly Brookes – Old Black Hoodie, Blue Tracksuit Bottoms and White Trainers.
Iconography: The Box, The Guide, Spade and Shovel
Equipment Needed: HD Camera and Tripod
Estimated Scene Length: 20 – 30 seconds
We had to take some time of school for this scene but had to ask for permission first from our teachers if we were allowed to. However Joe was not available for this shoot as he couldn’t get the time of school as he teachers wouldn’t let him miss their lesson because he would fall behind with work. So myself, Peter and Tim where to meet up at school to get the permission we needed to film before proceeding to Peter’s House where we picked up all the relevant equipment, iconography and allowed Peter to change in to his costume. Before going to the location where this scene was to be shoot.
Fourth session of Filming is the Exterior Woods Scene which was scheduled for:
Date: Wednesday 25th November 2009
Time: 9pm – 1.30pm
Location: Public Woods which backed onto a Field near where we had previously filmed
Travel Time to Location: 50 minutes
Cast: Peter McLaughlin (John)
Crew: Oliver Fitch, Peter McLaughlin and Tim McNiven
Costume: Peter McLaughlin - Long Sleeve Grey Top, Old denim Jeans and Black Trainers.
Iconography: The Box, The Guide
Equipment Needed: HD Camera and Tripod
Estimated Scene Length: 30 – 40 seconds
We all apart from Tim had free periods at this time so we decided that we would film some more footage at the first location (Interior Garage Scene) as previously we had not gained enough footage and variety of camera angles and shots. We all had a lesson period one so after this we all met up in the common room and then headed back to Peter’s House for the second session of filming at this location.
Fifth session of Filming is any re-shooting of previous footage from the Interior Garage Scene
Date: Tuesday 1st December 2009
Time: 10am – 12.20pm
Location: Peter McLaughlin’s Garage
Travel Time to Location: 5 minutes from school
Cast: Peter McLaughlin (John)
Crew: Oliver Fitch, Peter McLaughlin and Joseph Lawrence
Costume: Peter McLaughlin - Long Sleeve Grey Top, Old denim Jeans and Black Trainers.
Iconography: The Box, The Guide
Equipment Needed: HD Camera and Tripod
Estimated Scene Length: 30 – 40 seconds
This scene had already been delayed on numerous occasions simply because all the group members could not be present a certain times. Also this scene required a Van and someone that could drive it. I had to ask my good friend Davy Tan who was able to assist us with this scene as his dad owned many Vans and he was ensured on them and therefore able to drive them. This was perfect for us but we also had to take into consideration a suitable time for Davy as he was also busy during the weekend so we had to arrange a time that was appropriate for everyone.
Sixth session of Filming is the Exterior Van scene in which we see John Transport the Body to a different location
Date: Sunday 13th December 2009
Time: 10am – 3pm
Location: Peter McLaughlin’s House and Public Woods
Travel Time to Location: 30 minutes
Cast: Peter McLaughlin (John) Holly Brookes (Dead Girl)
Crew: Oliver Fitch, Peter McLaughlin, Joseph Lawrence and Tim McNiven
Costume: Peter McLaughlin - Long Sleeve Grey Top, Old denim Jeans and Black Trainers. Holly Brookes – Old Black Hoodie, Blue Tracksuit Bottoms and White Trainers.
Iconography: The Box, The Guide, White Van, Spade and Shovel
Equipment Needed: HD Camera and Tripod
Estimated Scene Length: 30 – 40 seconds
Oliver Fitch
Friday, 16 October 2009
Thursday, 15 October 2009
Costumes and props within the film
Our characters' costumes will be critical to their representation within the film. The decision we make on costumes will have a major impact on how the chartacters are percieved, so discussion will be critical to making to sure we make the right choice.
The protagonist will awake in a dark and dingy garage, and so we will need to discuss as a group what we think is the best choice of costume. Having him smartly dressed would make a good contrast to the mise-en-scene of the garage, although shabby and dishevelled clothing could act as a way to relate the character to the events of the film.
The dead girl within the box is never seen in full, and so the costume we use will largely be irrelevant. We have chosen to dress her in a dark jumper: this allows her to blend into the shadow of the box, leaving her blonde hair visible in the darkness. This will draw attention to the "innocent blonde" stereotype, causing the audience to feel as though the girl was dragged into the events against her will.
- Joseph Lawrence
The protagonist will awake in a dark and dingy garage, and so we will need to discuss as a group what we think is the best choice of costume. Having him smartly dressed would make a good contrast to the mise-en-scene of the garage, although shabby and dishevelled clothing could act as a way to relate the character to the events of the film.
The dead girl within the box is never seen in full, and so the costume we use will largely be irrelevant. We have chosen to dress her in a dark jumper: this allows her to blend into the shadow of the box, leaving her blonde hair visible in the darkness. This will draw attention to the "innocent blonde" stereotype, causing the audience to feel as though the girl was dragged into the events against her will.
- Joseph Lawrence
Wednesday, 14 October 2009
'The Scientist' - How it is an Influence for our Short Film and the Analysis of it as a Music Video
we plan to use no copyrighted music for our short film (this is because when you listen to music that you recognise your attention is focused on the origins of the song as opposed to the emotion expressed).
Yet the tone and directional techniques shown in the Jamie Thraves’ music video of Coldplay's 'The scientist' is awe inspiring, it also contains similar narrative themes. This means we can employ many of the techniques demonstrated.
Grading
All the pictures were graded to a grey tone, with blue enhanced. This is because we link blue with tragedy, and the main theme of the piece is death. This is shown in the opening shot of Chris Martin (Lead Singer), he makes his eyes extremely blue.
This not only emphasises that him as an aspiration figure and uses his sexuality to sell records, but also suggests that the character is mourning.
The use of grey shows that the world is empty, there is nothing to interest us, because without his love there is nothing. Colours excite an audience, the lack of it makes us feel upset creating pathos for the character.
Editing and Cinematography
Whilst we do not want to replicate this aspect of the video, it uses the slow editing. That’s because it’s a slow character piece. Whilst ours too focuses on one character, it shows his hectic attitude as he is stuck in this situation.
‘The Scientist’ has a multiple of midshots, close ups and wideshots all focusing on ‘Chris Martin’ (meaning he is always in the foreground, making his black clothing prominent against a bright background).
Constant Voyuerism takes place through the video, this to make Chris Martin have a connection with the viewers, it forces you to recognise his grief and makes the situation all the more real (ironically considering it’s breaking the forth wall).
All these techniques reinforce the image of Coldplay (more specifically their lead singer) , this video was made at a highpoint of their career and promoting the star is essential for any band and a selling point.
Locations
The mixture of Urban and Rural locations plays a major part of the visual direction of both our piece and the music video. I believe it gives an epic feel, as if being on a journey, also leaving suburbia for nature gives a feeling of escapism, a quest.
The tall trees give a scale as they tower over our protagonist. There is a mixture of beauty mixed with tragedy. This creates an underlying poetic poignancy that makes the piece much more powerful and timeless. We hope to encapsulate this tone in our Short Film
Thursday, 8 October 2009
Choice Of Editing Software
As a group we have decided to take a step up on the post production side of the project.
Peter McLaughlin
In reviewing the script that has been set and created for this project we have realised that the film will have to be constructed with the utmost professionalism. We will want to have clean cut transitions, high quality grading, Super-fine colour correction and the ability to capture footage in High Definition. That is why we will be using the latest software, Pinnacle HD14.
Not only do we want our final product to be that of a high standard, but to portray the work of an aspiring Film Director, Editor, or other various roles in the media/film industry. We hope that if a film keen audience was to watch our final product they would be able to recognise what films, directors and pieces of fact and fiction have had an affect on our Short, from the research we have provided along side it. We feel that we can make this clearer through modern software that gives a crisper picture and character to our video and it will make for better viewing for our audience.
Peter McLaughlin
Conventions Of Music Videos
Music videos are largely dependent upon the song they are promoting: a video from a country singer will be vastly different from that of a hardcore band. Because of this, filming styles vary greatly.
One example of this is the cinematography used in the video for Deftones’ Hexagram. The video makes use of close ups and rapid editing, low key lighting and dark mise en scene. This is a good choice of style to go with the fast and heavy music.
Aside from camerawork, music videos rely heavily on mise en scene, particularly in their representation of social groups. This is largely done through the choice of wardrobe for the people portrayed, allowing the viewer to establish what sort of music the video is promoting even if the sound is muted. Locations are also important: Hexagram is filmed in an underground car park, with a very dark atmosphere to fit with the song itself. Obviously, a song lighter in tone would be promoted with a video lighter in its visuals.
The channels on which a music video is played are largely determined by the genre of the music, with channels dedicated to rock, pop, R&B etc. This allows the music video to be seen by it’s target audience, instead of being mixed with other genres that the viewer may not be interested in seeing and hearing.
- Joseph Lawrence
One example of this is the cinematography used in the video for Deftones’ Hexagram. The video makes use of close ups and rapid editing, low key lighting and dark mise en scene. This is a good choice of style to go with the fast and heavy music.
Aside from camerawork, music videos rely heavily on mise en scene, particularly in their representation of social groups. This is largely done through the choice of wardrobe for the people portrayed, allowing the viewer to establish what sort of music the video is promoting even if the sound is muted. Locations are also important: Hexagram is filmed in an underground car park, with a very dark atmosphere to fit with the song itself. Obviously, a song lighter in tone would be promoted with a video lighter in its visuals.
The channels on which a music video is played are largely determined by the genre of the music, with channels dedicated to rock, pop, R&B etc. This allows the music video to be seen by it’s target audience, instead of being mixed with other genres that the viewer may not be interested in seeing and hearing.
- Joseph Lawrence
Monday, 5 October 2009
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Thursday, 1 October 2009
Codes and Conventions of a Short Film
Before producing our short film we have to critically analyse the structure, codes and conventions associated with this particular genre. Short films normally have an interconnected narrative and constructive format in which the story is explained.
Short films usually consist of one main focus character but however use external characters to assist in the progression of the film; conversely these external characters can have a negative impact on the short film so in that sense are not always required. These characters linked with the protagonist generally have basic/simple relationships or connections related to the focus character but however they can be used in a positive way, as they can be used to express the individual’s emotions, feelings and the way they live.
Short films mainly consist of one main plot otherwise known as (Linear), due to the duration is which short films last for, as the audience has to understand the plot being explained in that short space of time. Due to the time consumption of short films it is relatively rare to come across a short film that demonstrates, development into other sub plots within the narrative. Because of this lack of complex development within the narrative the film usually ends by leading up to the climax. Many short film directors recognise this and generally want to have a clear almost disturbing message to leave with the audience. The directors achieve this by ending the short film with an exceptionally unexpected event which leaves the viewers shocked and keeps them talking about the striking disclosure of the film. A good example of this is from the short film ‘About a Girl’ where towards the end we see her carrying the plastic bag, which she drops in the canal that contained her baby as she is incapable of looking after it. This ending I think does leave the audience very disturbed and shocked from this event. Flashbacks can occasionally be used in short films as they can have a very positive impact as they can relate the external characters to the main character and also can help explain the focus character’s story, events that reflex’s the situation that the character is now in to the audience (Not usually used in short films because you come away from the one idea). However the most crucial aspect of a short film is to keep the plot simple which has some complexity but this complexity must not be intermittent into confusion. If this is achieved successfully then complexity can be effective in constructing enigmas for the audience.
Many short films don’t follow or use the ‘Todorov’ Theory stating that all films narratives have equilibrium: the normal state at the beginning of the film. Any opposing forces are in balance, disequilibrium: an action or conflict is introduced into the narrative, new equilibrium: the conflict is resolved and the narrative strands are tied together. Sometimes short films may start with disequilibrium or on the other hand they could follow a completely different theory but what is clear is that short films don’t have to follow a structure like having a beginning, middle and ending.
Locations in Short Films are essential to the narrative as they give the audience particular representations of the characters. This is why directors of short films predominantly use stereotypical locations to help accentuate the personality of the character. The Locations of a Short Film are generally set in a one particular place or setting which has relevance to the narrative. Also Locations have a significant importance as they are a major factor of the mise en scene, which assists in giving the audience a considerably broader understanding of that individual character.
Stereotypes are used to give the audience simplified conceptions of specific social groups, or types of individuals based on several prior assumptions. The main aspect that contributes towards creating stereotypes within the narrative is all the elements that make up mise en scene. The dialect which the character uses is a clear indication to the audience of what specific social class they are from and also where the character is from or originated from. The costume of a character can represent to the audience class, wealth or age. The other elements of mise en scene props, lighting and composition, the decor and colour in a setting also have a factor in contributing to explanation of the story.
When it comes to distribution of a Short Film it is approached in a very different manner to Feature Length Films for many reasons. Firstly a fairly obvious point Short Films generally last from five minutes to forty minutes where as Feature Length Films on average last from ninety to one hundred and twenty minutes. Because of this Short Films mainly have simple plots and therefore only require minimal actors/actresses at a time. Whereas Feature Length Films have many and complex plots that requires a major budget and a significant amount of actors/actresses. Also Feature Length Films have a major budget for the appearance of major stars within the film to help create a word of mouth about the film and also attract audiences.
Unlike Feature Length Films which are distributed to global cinema complexes, short films can educate audiences and put across a serious point to the audience and because of this they are distributed on the internet (YouTube), film clubs, art galleries and on the television (BBC, Channel 4). However if the director of the short film wants to develop his career into the film industry, short films are often shown at short film festivals in order to promote yourself as a director.
By Oliver Fitch
Short films usually consist of one main focus character but however use external characters to assist in the progression of the film; conversely these external characters can have a negative impact on the short film so in that sense are not always required. These characters linked with the protagonist generally have basic/simple relationships or connections related to the focus character but however they can be used in a positive way, as they can be used to express the individual’s emotions, feelings and the way they live.
Short films mainly consist of one main plot otherwise known as (Linear), due to the duration is which short films last for, as the audience has to understand the plot being explained in that short space of time. Due to the time consumption of short films it is relatively rare to come across a short film that demonstrates, development into other sub plots within the narrative. Because of this lack of complex development within the narrative the film usually ends by leading up to the climax. Many short film directors recognise this and generally want to have a clear almost disturbing message to leave with the audience. The directors achieve this by ending the short film with an exceptionally unexpected event which leaves the viewers shocked and keeps them talking about the striking disclosure of the film. A good example of this is from the short film ‘About a Girl’ where towards the end we see her carrying the plastic bag, which she drops in the canal that contained her baby as she is incapable of looking after it. This ending I think does leave the audience very disturbed and shocked from this event. Flashbacks can occasionally be used in short films as they can have a very positive impact as they can relate the external characters to the main character and also can help explain the focus character’s story, events that reflex’s the situation that the character is now in to the audience (Not usually used in short films because you come away from the one idea). However the most crucial aspect of a short film is to keep the plot simple which has some complexity but this complexity must not be intermittent into confusion. If this is achieved successfully then complexity can be effective in constructing enigmas for the audience.
Many short films don’t follow or use the ‘Todorov’ Theory stating that all films narratives have equilibrium: the normal state at the beginning of the film. Any opposing forces are in balance, disequilibrium: an action or conflict is introduced into the narrative, new equilibrium: the conflict is resolved and the narrative strands are tied together. Sometimes short films may start with disequilibrium or on the other hand they could follow a completely different theory but what is clear is that short films don’t have to follow a structure like having a beginning, middle and ending.
Locations in Short Films are essential to the narrative as they give the audience particular representations of the characters. This is why directors of short films predominantly use stereotypical locations to help accentuate the personality of the character. The Locations of a Short Film are generally set in a one particular place or setting which has relevance to the narrative. Also Locations have a significant importance as they are a major factor of the mise en scene, which assists in giving the audience a considerably broader understanding of that individual character.
Stereotypes are used to give the audience simplified conceptions of specific social groups, or types of individuals based on several prior assumptions. The main aspect that contributes towards creating stereotypes within the narrative is all the elements that make up mise en scene. The dialect which the character uses is a clear indication to the audience of what specific social class they are from and also where the character is from or originated from. The costume of a character can represent to the audience class, wealth or age. The other elements of mise en scene props, lighting and composition, the decor and colour in a setting also have a factor in contributing to explanation of the story.
When it comes to distribution of a Short Film it is approached in a very different manner to Feature Length Films for many reasons. Firstly a fairly obvious point Short Films generally last from five minutes to forty minutes where as Feature Length Films on average last from ninety to one hundred and twenty minutes. Because of this Short Films mainly have simple plots and therefore only require minimal actors/actresses at a time. Whereas Feature Length Films have many and complex plots that requires a major budget and a significant amount of actors/actresses. Also Feature Length Films have a major budget for the appearance of major stars within the film to help create a word of mouth about the film and also attract audiences.
Unlike Feature Length Films which are distributed to global cinema complexes, short films can educate audiences and put across a serious point to the audience and because of this they are distributed on the internet (YouTube), film clubs, art galleries and on the television (BBC, Channel 4). However if the director of the short film wants to develop his career into the film industry, short films are often shown at short film festivals in order to promote yourself as a director.
By Oliver Fitch
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