Media Evaluation
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Thursday 7 May 2009
Tuesday 21 April 2009
Comparison to Donnie Brasc
+ The cartoon tiger at the opening of the text introducing the production company. The tiger becomes real and jumps through the ring in the centre of the screen, upon roaring.
+ The use of white font on a black background is also used in Donnie Brasco in order to establish the genre for the rest of the narrative.
+ Donnie Brasco also used location shots in order to reinforce the setting of the text. Thus, helping to engage and guide the audience through the narrative.
Whereas Donnie Brasco used more shots of CU’s, MS’s and ECU’s. This was apparent in the shot after the title sequence where an ECU is used to show the characters eye. Thus, helping to lead into the upcoming scene, whilst establishing that he will become a crucial character within the text.
Whereas, Donnie Brasco used slow pace editing through the majority of the opening sequence in order to dominate the shots to obtain more ‘thrillerness’ rather than action.
+ The use of white font on a black background is also used in Donnie Brasco in order to establish the genre for the rest of the narrative.
+ Donnie Brasco also used location shots in order to reinforce the setting of the text. Thus, helping to engage and guide the audience through the narrative.
Whereas Donnie Brasco used more shots of CU’s, MS’s and ECU’s. This was apparent in the shot after the title sequence where an ECU is used to show the characters eye. Thus, helping to lead into the upcoming scene, whilst establishing that he will become a crucial character within the text.
Whereas, Donnie Brasco used slow pace editing through the majority of the opening sequence in order to dominate the shots to obtain more ‘thrillerness’ rather than action.
Teacher evaluation
GRADE A
+ Demonstrates excellence across most technical aspects
+ The titles are highly effective developing generic/ narrative features through semiotics and colour use.
+ The overall feel of the piece (editing/sound in particular) is engaging fitting the chosen sub-genre.
- the transition between the titles and opening scene is inflective
- titles could have continued to include "producer"/ "director"/ a cross dissolve into an establishing shot would have
better fit the generic codes and conventions.
- some of the animation could have been smoothed out to add a greater degree of polish to the finished artifact.
From the teacher comments in which I received, I feel completely satisfied with the response in which we got. The target for our project was to create an action thriller witholding the generic codes and conventions of that particular sub-genre. From the teacher and group feedback I feel that we have achieved a text that meets the codes and conventions of an action-thriller. In order to further develop our project I feel that the main objective would be to extend the length of our title sequence. Apart from this I feeel l that no major changes would need to be made to extend the quality of our project.
+ Demonstrates excellence across most technical aspects
+ The titles are highly effective developing generic/ narrative features through semiotics and colour use.
+ The overall feel of the piece (editing/sound in particular) is engaging fitting the chosen sub-genre.
- the transition between the titles and opening scene is inflective
- titles could have continued to include "producer"/ "director"/ a cross dissolve into an establishing shot would have
better fit the generic codes and conventions.
- some of the animation could have been smoothed out to add a greater degree of polish to the finished artifact.
From the teacher comments in which I received, I feel completely satisfied with the response in which we got. The target for our project was to create an action thriller witholding the generic codes and conventions of that particular sub-genre. From the teacher and group feedback I feel that we have achieved a text that meets the codes and conventions of an action-thriller. In order to further develop our project I feel that the main objective would be to extend the length of our title sequence. Apart from this I feeel l that no major changes would need to be made to extend the quality of our project.
Group evaluation
In order for our text to be completely analysed, we used a variation of evaulation technqiues. One method in which we used was a group evaluation. This involved watching the text and four groups making brief comments about the positive and negatives of our extract. This feedback contributed to more decisions being made, for example potential improvements.
The feedback included:
- positive= music over titles was really effective and engaging made audience automatically know the henre of the extract.
- positive= animation was relative to genre.
- Improvement= sound over footage could have been more engaging.
- Opening with animatic seemed very professional.
- gun sound very effective
- shot at end could have been more steady.
- shot with cigarette could have been more centralised- came off screen.
- CGI could of had better colours to represent the genre (red, gold, etc)
- shots were unsteady in some
- Overall title sequence was very good, especially "Money" title.
- Very professional
- Costume and casting very good - professional, again
- Title sequence could have lasted longer e.g. director.
From the group feedback in which I recieved, I feel that the overall response was fairly good. This was due to the fact that the positive points outwayed the negatives. Thus, meaning that we successfully gave our audience members the relevant text in which we originally set out to deliver. Many people commented that the overall look of the extract was very "professional". This was reinforced through the CGI sequence in which we implemented at the beginning of the text. By doing this, it gave us an advantage because it kept the audience members engaged and wanting more. Thus, meaning that if we were going to do this project again then we would lengthen the title sequence to satisfy the needs of our target audience.
The feedback included:
- positive= music over titles was really effective and engaging made audience automatically know the henre of the extract.
- positive= animation was relative to genre.
- Improvement= sound over footage could have been more engaging.
- Opening with animatic seemed very professional.
- gun sound very effective
- shot at end could have been more steady.
- shot with cigarette could have been more centralised- came off screen.
- CGI could of had better colours to represent the genre (red, gold, etc)
- shots were unsteady in some
- Overall title sequence was very good, especially "Money" title.
- Very professional
- Costume and casting very good - professional, again
- Title sequence could have lasted longer e.g. director.
From the group feedback in which I recieved, I feel that the overall response was fairly good. This was due to the fact that the positive points outwayed the negatives. Thus, meaning that we successfully gave our audience members the relevant text in which we originally set out to deliver. Many people commented that the overall look of the extract was very "professional". This was reinforced through the CGI sequence in which we implemented at the beginning of the text. By doing this, it gave us an advantage because it kept the audience members engaged and wanting more. Thus, meaning that if we were going to do this project again then we would lengthen the title sequence to satisfy the needs of our target audience.
Tuesday 7 April 2009
Evaluation questions- first thoughts
1. In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
Our media product has changed dramatically since the first filming and editing stages. This has been due to the realisation that the codes and coventions of the sub-genre for our text are vitally important for creating the best extract possible. Our CGI footage has become more unique and thus meaning that it could challenge actual media products with similar forms of CGI. The ability to use a variation of shots has improved and we now have learnt to tell a story through the use of mise en scene, sound, camera and editing instead of relying soley on the ability of our actors and the actions in which they present. Overall, the media product has evolved to meet with a high expectation in which we originally challenged upon brainstorming what we were going to do.
2. How does your media product represent particular social groups?
Throughout our thriller text we tried to implement certain social groups to make the narrative of the extract relatable. Originally, we used the difference of class between both characters. However we found that the difference between a James Bond style detective and an English teenager was too abstract for the ideology in which we were trying to create. Therefore we decided to use a James Bond style detective and a formal business man. In order to show the formality of both characters, smart dressed was required.
3.What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
If this extract were to be extended then it could be made into a Hollywood film, this is because the narrative of the sequence is unfinished. Thus meaning that opportunities are available to alter the narrative and make it longer. This extract could be produced by a major Hollywood studio this is due to the similarities in which it shares with other successful action-thrillers, for example Casino Royale and Mission Impossible. Thus, meaning that audience members will accept the extract to see if it differs or is an improvement from other action-thrillers.
4. Who would be the audience for your media product?
As our thriller in-keeps with the codes and conventions of an action thriller it means that the target audience for our product is more widely spread. This is good for generating a high profit and gaining an established film name. Therefore, the target audience for our thriller would be 12+.
5. How did you attract/address your audience?
An engaging opening was delivered to audience members. The title sequence was designed using the Apple MAC. Thus, meaning that as well as footage we also gained at least a one minute sequence that kept the audience intuned with the tone and setting of the text. The non-digetic music was altered many times until it fit most appropriate with the extract. The pace was realistic and yet effective for the action we were trying to portray. The environmnent/ location was suitable for reinforcing the idea of trying to 'find a criminal' (travelling= protagonist travelling with the audience).
6. What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing the product?
From the process of creating and filming this two minute extract I have learnt a variation of skills that have contributed to my development in media.
- I know how to use the camera efficiently, using all of the equipment for example tripod.
- I can conduct a variation of shots to the best of my ability, for example still shot, CU, MS, LS, ELS, shot reverse shot
- I am more aware of the programs on the Apple MAC. However I would like to improve my knowledge on programs like Premier Pro so I can do it very effectively.
7. Looking back to your preliminary task, what do you feel that you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?
From the preliminary task in which I originally conducted I feel that I have progressed to a new level of understanding. Not only do I feel more confident using certain technologies, for example the camera but I have also learnt a variation of other things. I have a clearer understanding about how the four key concepts make up the filming and not just the narrative. I have also learnt that it is not the actors that make up the text it is the filming.
Our media product has changed dramatically since the first filming and editing stages. This has been due to the realisation that the codes and coventions of the sub-genre for our text are vitally important for creating the best extract possible. Our CGI footage has become more unique and thus meaning that it could challenge actual media products with similar forms of CGI. The ability to use a variation of shots has improved and we now have learnt to tell a story through the use of mise en scene, sound, camera and editing instead of relying soley on the ability of our actors and the actions in which they present. Overall, the media product has evolved to meet with a high expectation in which we originally challenged upon brainstorming what we were going to do.
2. How does your media product represent particular social groups?
Throughout our thriller text we tried to implement certain social groups to make the narrative of the extract relatable. Originally, we used the difference of class between both characters. However we found that the difference between a James Bond style detective and an English teenager was too abstract for the ideology in which we were trying to create. Therefore we decided to use a James Bond style detective and a formal business man. In order to show the formality of both characters, smart dressed was required.
3.What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
If this extract were to be extended then it could be made into a Hollywood film, this is because the narrative of the sequence is unfinished. Thus meaning that opportunities are available to alter the narrative and make it longer. This extract could be produced by a major Hollywood studio this is due to the similarities in which it shares with other successful action-thrillers, for example Casino Royale and Mission Impossible. Thus, meaning that audience members will accept the extract to see if it differs or is an improvement from other action-thrillers.
4. Who would be the audience for your media product?
As our thriller in-keeps with the codes and conventions of an action thriller it means that the target audience for our product is more widely spread. This is good for generating a high profit and gaining an established film name. Therefore, the target audience for our thriller would be 12+.
5. How did you attract/address your audience?
An engaging opening was delivered to audience members. The title sequence was designed using the Apple MAC. Thus, meaning that as well as footage we also gained at least a one minute sequence that kept the audience intuned with the tone and setting of the text. The non-digetic music was altered many times until it fit most appropriate with the extract. The pace was realistic and yet effective for the action we were trying to portray. The environmnent/ location was suitable for reinforcing the idea of trying to 'find a criminal' (travelling= protagonist travelling with the audience).
6. What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing the product?
From the process of creating and filming this two minute extract I have learnt a variation of skills that have contributed to my development in media.
- I know how to use the camera efficiently, using all of the equipment for example tripod.
- I can conduct a variation of shots to the best of my ability, for example still shot, CU, MS, LS, ELS, shot reverse shot
- I am more aware of the programs on the Apple MAC. However I would like to improve my knowledge on programs like Premier Pro so I can do it very effectively.
7. Looking back to your preliminary task, what do you feel that you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?
From the preliminary task in which I originally conducted I feel that I have progressed to a new level of understanding. Not only do I feel more confident using certain technologies, for example the camera but I have also learnt a variation of other things. I have a clearer understanding about how the four key concepts make up the filming and not just the narrative. I have also learnt that it is not the actors that make up the text it is the filming.
Tuesday 31 March 2009
Comparing thriller genres
In class, we watched three different thriller openings so that we could examine the codes and conventions of each text. This enabled us to compare it to our text to distinguish if we were including the right things. Furthermore, it gave our group an inspiration to try and improve and enhance the potential success of our opening.
1. Sixth sense
- Music leads sequence= makes it very slow
- effective sound = getting louder as titles progress
- slow pace= build up= story telling through the use of music
- black and white throughout- reinforcing thriller genre darkness)
- title of film= change in sound
- opening production labels= no sound= introduction to genre is ambiguous
- light= connotations= dark verses light= good verses bad= binary opposite
- slow pace shoot
- cut to show tone changing in the text
- woman getting wine, going into the dark cellar= subvert male
2. The Village
- Production= light= tea bag look= musky
- eery non-diagetic music
- trees= village= environment= surroundings= realistic
- credits= black and white- using nature to set tone
- dominated by black = darkness (thriller)
- sounds like large footsteps= build up
- nice mise en scene= environment= green= subvert
- POV (links to title= union= village) shot from village perspective of man grieving
- cut of falling angel= appears as if a statue is speaking
- shaky camera= emotions= feelings
3. Lady in the water
- black and white
- story feeling= juvenile= cartoons
- break down= complicated story
- editing= moving cartoon clips
- message of narrative told in cartoon
- CU of male= important character
- sound= realism= people taking at once
- characters in background= insignificant
+ music always lasts longer in thriller
= use diagetic sound
+ make own sound effects = layer things up
+ hold shots
+ holding our shots= matts face= train = newspaper
1. Sixth sense
- Music leads sequence= makes it very slow
- effective sound = getting louder as titles progress
- slow pace= build up= story telling through the use of music
- black and white throughout- reinforcing thriller genre darkness)
- title of film= change in sound
- opening production labels= no sound= introduction to genre is ambiguous
- light= connotations= dark verses light= good verses bad= binary opposite
- slow pace shoot
- cut to show tone changing in the text
- woman getting wine, going into the dark cellar= subvert male
2. The Village
- Production= light= tea bag look= musky
- eery non-diagetic music
- trees= village= environment= surroundings= realistic
- credits= black and white- using nature to set tone
- dominated by black = darkness (thriller)
- sounds like large footsteps= build up
- nice mise en scene= environment= green= subvert
- POV (links to title= union= village) shot from village perspective of man grieving
- cut of falling angel= appears as if a statue is speaking
- shaky camera= emotions= feelings
3. Lady in the water
- black and white
- story feeling= juvenile= cartoons
- break down= complicated story
- editing= moving cartoon clips
- message of narrative told in cartoon
- CU of male= important character
- sound= realism= people taking at once
- characters in background= insignificant
+ music always lasts longer in thriller
= use diagetic sound
+ make own sound effects = layer things up
+ hold shots
+ holding our shots= matts face= train = newspaper
Friday 20 March 2009
Self evaluation
From the teacher feedback in which I recieved I was very pleased with the results we got from our rough cut. The positive areas of our text outwayed the things in which we needed to improve on. This was good because it meant that as a group we could focus all our attention to the certain areas of improvement.
Personally, I felt that the improvements and suggestions we were given meant that we knew exactly the things that needed changing. In order to improve the quality of our product, I have decided to research more sound effects to determine what will best fit within our text. Through doing this I believe it will strengthen the text and help best meet with the generic codes and conventions of an action/thriller genre.
In order to make the extract consistent and consise we have decided to cut our actor Will from the text. I am hoping that it will increase the 'thriller'ness of the text because Matt is never in contact with the suspect/criminal. Therefore making the audience more engaged and kept waiting for something to occur.
The editing of the action/thriller text will need to be closely looked at. We decided that the shot from Matt dropping the cigarette after Will's scenes (and soon to be title sequence once certain shots are removed) was too quick. This was due to the use of cross dissolve as part of the transition that separated the two shots. Consequently, meaning that the audience missed the majority of the shot because of the rapidness of it. Therefore we will either use a different transition/re-arrange the shots/ re-order the sequence.
As part of my self progression I am pleased with the time and effort in which I have contributed. I have thought of ideas consistently to enable the editing, narrative and entire sequence to progress. I can also understand the improvements in which have been given and will therefore make a consious effort to re-evaluate the text to ensure it can perform its best to meet the generic codes and conventions of a thriller genre.
Personally, I felt that the improvements and suggestions we were given meant that we knew exactly the things that needed changing. In order to improve the quality of our product, I have decided to research more sound effects to determine what will best fit within our text. Through doing this I believe it will strengthen the text and help best meet with the generic codes and conventions of an action/thriller genre.
In order to make the extract consistent and consise we have decided to cut our actor Will from the text. I am hoping that it will increase the 'thriller'ness of the text because Matt is never in contact with the suspect/criminal. Therefore making the audience more engaged and kept waiting for something to occur.
The editing of the action/thriller text will need to be closely looked at. We decided that the shot from Matt dropping the cigarette after Will's scenes (and soon to be title sequence once certain shots are removed) was too quick. This was due to the use of cross dissolve as part of the transition that separated the two shots. Consequently, meaning that the audience missed the majority of the shot because of the rapidness of it. Therefore we will either use a different transition/re-arrange the shots/ re-order the sequence.
As part of my self progression I am pleased with the time and effort in which I have contributed. I have thought of ideas consistently to enable the editing, narrative and entire sequence to progress. I can also understand the improvements in which have been given and will therefore make a consious effort to re-evaluate the text to ensure it can perform its best to meet the generic codes and conventions of a thriller genre.
Rough cut, Teacher practical feedback
Mark= 42 Grade= C
FEEDBACK:
- Camera work is controlled and steady throughout
- Framing of shots is mostly well concieved with elements included/ excluded as appropriate
- Some variety of shot distances is evident- the number is limited due to sturtcure/ content of the extract
- Most of the material is appropriate to the task set however there is too much leaving the extract significantly over the 2 minute time limit
- Mise- en- scene has been clearly thought out with effective use of iconic/ symbolic signifiers, choice of location, dress and props
- Editing is competent- there is considerable socpe for improvement here which will also improve pace and continuity
- Shot transitions are mostly ok but they need work- again this is directly connected to the sequencing and continuity of the piece
- Non-digetic sound has been used generally well but the opening needs some re-thinking. Also non-digetic sound could be far better utilised. This is one key aspect that limits the project
- The title sequence is highly effective but comes to a somewhat clumsy and abrupt end. Again see editing.
Targets for improvements
- You must revisit your use of sound- the non-digetic sound needs to be higher in the mix during the latter stages and more needs to be made of sound effects to add to the mood of the sequence as a whole.
- You also need to reconsider the opening- the noise/ chatter does not achieve the intended effect and gets the title sequence off to a rocky start.
- Editing needs considerable work - the transition from title sequence to live action needs to be slower and smoother.
- Also, you need to consider losing a whole section. What's more you need to pace your clips with a little more finesse and deliberateness.
- Finally, you need to hold some key shots for longer. This will add to the 'thriller'ness of your piece.
FEEDBACK:
- Camera work is controlled and steady throughout
- Framing of shots is mostly well concieved with elements included/ excluded as appropriate
- Some variety of shot distances is evident- the number is limited due to sturtcure/ content of the extract
- Most of the material is appropriate to the task set however there is too much leaving the extract significantly over the 2 minute time limit
- Mise- en- scene has been clearly thought out with effective use of iconic/ symbolic signifiers, choice of location, dress and props
- Editing is competent- there is considerable socpe for improvement here which will also improve pace and continuity
- Shot transitions are mostly ok but they need work- again this is directly connected to the sequencing and continuity of the piece
- Non-digetic sound has been used generally well but the opening needs some re-thinking. Also non-digetic sound could be far better utilised. This is one key aspect that limits the project
- The title sequence is highly effective but comes to a somewhat clumsy and abrupt end. Again see editing.
Targets for improvements
- You must revisit your use of sound- the non-digetic sound needs to be higher in the mix during the latter stages and more needs to be made of sound effects to add to the mood of the sequence as a whole.
- You also need to reconsider the opening- the noise/ chatter does not achieve the intended effect and gets the title sequence off to a rocky start.
- Editing needs considerable work - the transition from title sequence to live action needs to be slower and smoother.
- Also, you need to consider losing a whole section. What's more you need to pace your clips with a little more finesse and deliberateness.
- Finally, you need to hold some key shots for longer. This will add to the 'thriller'ness of your piece.
Thursday 12 March 2009
Filming session 10/02/09
During our last filming session we used only one actor "Matt" as we had previously shot our other actors scenes. Whilst filming Matt's shots we knew exactly what needed to be filmed. Instead of trying to do as much as possible in the time we had, we decided to re-film the shots that we needed to ensure that they looked as accurate as possible. We filmed on and off the train, due to the fact that we filmed at a later time during the day it meant that we gained more extras for a piece. This was good for making the extract appear more realistic as in the opening of this type of text it would be unusual to see only just one actor. The overall running of the filming session went smoothly and we occured no probelms throughout.
Sunday 8 March 2009
Progression
Since our last filming session we have edited our title sequence and are planning one last filming session. In the next filming session we will only take shots of one of one of our actors -Matt- this is due to the blurriness of our last shots. Thus, meaning that all of the previous shots taken are satisfactory despite the picture quality. This is good for us as it means that we know exactly how each shot should look.
We have also been looking at songs in which we could use that would best fit with our particular genre (action-thriller). This is because the last song in which we chose did not fit well with our narrative. Since then we have been conducting wider research.
We have also been looking at songs in which we could use that would best fit with our particular genre (action-thriller). This is because the last song in which we chose did not fit well with our narrative. Since then we have been conducting wider research.
Thursday 26 February 2009
Filming session 26/02
This afternoon, we filmed will -one of our actors- inside our location choice. Instead of shooting as many different scenes as we could, we decided to specialise in certain areas of the shot.
For example: shooting will from a POV shot instead of just a MS or LS
We used our creativity and initiative to try and evolve our narrative so that it made more sense.
After brainstorming I have thought of new ideas that I will present to the group tommorw:
- Will sending an email to a fellow baddie
= to make the connection that Will has bad intentions in the narrative of the text (not good)
- Using a security machine to show that Will is stealing the money (connection to Matt's newspaper)
- Using the idea of a "blackout" to show that Will is in "hiding" for doing something he shouldn't.
For example: shooting will from a POV shot instead of just a MS or LS
We used our creativity and initiative to try and evolve our narrative so that it made more sense.
After brainstorming I have thought of new ideas that I will present to the group tommorw:
- Will sending an email to a fellow baddie
= to make the connection that Will has bad intentions in the narrative of the text (not good)
- Using a security machine to show that Will is stealing the money (connection to Matt's newspaper)
- Using the idea of a "blackout" to show that Will is in "hiding" for doing something he shouldn't.
Tuesday 24 February 2009
Individual progression
I believe that i have made significant progression since the start of my AS media coursework. From a basic idea summarizing what genre, sub-genre and narrative we wanted to a thorough understanding of the text and the filming process. I have developed my skills by using the camera during filming. Thus, meaning I can take a variety of shots to develop the narrative of the text.
I am also building the confidence to use the complex Apple software in order to edit our filming. This is important for me to develop this skill as I feel it is necessary in order to depict how I want certain shots to look.
I am also building the confidence to use the complex Apple software in order to edit our filming. This is important for me to develop this skill as I feel it is necessary in order to depict how I want certain shots to look.
Friday 13 February 2009
Changes from second feedback
As a group we felt that some of the shots in which we filmed were slighly blurry, this was due to the fact that one of the cameras was not focused enough. Nevertheless the shots that were taken looked really good, so this means that in the next filming session we know exactly what we need to achieve.
Other changes include:
TRAIN:
1. Shot of Matt getting on the train
2. Shot of Matt sitting down
3. Ipod shot- CU, MS
4. Newspaper shot- MS, CU
5. Matt getting off the train- MS, LS
Will's shots
1st shot= Balcony shot - Slow tilt LS
2nd shot= show suitcases
3rd shot= Open suitcases= reveal money- LS, CU, MS
4th shot= Reading paper on balcony- MS, CU = Reinforces narrative.
Instead of showing all of Matt's shots then all of Will's shots we decided to show a dual representation. This means that the audience will be able to engage with both characters throughout, instead of one at a time.
E.G.
1. Doors closed by the balcony - MS, LS
2. Hand on train - CU
3. CU of Will looking out of balcony
4. POV shot from Will looking onto skyline
5. Matt steps out of train station.
Additional changes:
+ Re film shot 3 = footsteps and walking
+ Music= use music that runs pararrell against the CGI effect
+ Establishing shots= characters enter into the shot
+ Less walking scenes
+ More of Matt on the train
+ Use cross dissolve between shots
Other changes include:
TRAIN:
1. Shot of Matt getting on the train
2. Shot of Matt sitting down
3. Ipod shot- CU, MS
4. Newspaper shot- MS, CU
5. Matt getting off the train- MS, LS
Will's shots
1st shot= Balcony shot - Slow tilt LS
2nd shot= show suitcases
3rd shot= Open suitcases= reveal money- LS, CU, MS
4th shot= Reading paper on balcony- MS, CU = Reinforces narrative.
Instead of showing all of Matt's shots then all of Will's shots we decided to show a dual representation. This means that the audience will be able to engage with both characters throughout, instead of one at a time.
E.G.
1. Doors closed by the balcony - MS, LS
2. Hand on train - CU
3. CU of Will looking out of balcony
4. POV shot from Will looking onto skyline
5. Matt steps out of train station.
Additional changes:
+ Re film shot 3 = footsteps and walking
+ Music= use music that runs pararrell against the CGI effect
+ Establishing shots= characters enter into the shot
+ Less walking scenes
+ More of Matt on the train
+ Use cross dissolve between shots
Thursday 5 February 2009
Name of text
We have decided to call our thriller extract "Money" this is due to the fact that the subject matter is so common that audience members can relate to it.
This enables audience members to raise issues and questions whilst watching the text. For example:
- the importance of money in society
- how desperate people get over having lots of money
- the fight and or disruption it can cause between individuals.
We are hoping that audience members react to our text in a positive way. Thus, reinforcing the decision to make the text as realistic as possible.
This enables audience members to raise issues and questions whilst watching the text. For example:
- the importance of money in society
- how desperate people get over having lots of money
- the fight and or disruption it can cause between individuals.
We are hoping that audience members react to our text in a positive way. Thus, reinforcing the decision to make the text as realistic as possible.
Introduction of new props
IPOD-
The ipod was used in a scene on the train and also throughout the shots after. This was to keep the continuity the same during each shot. During the brainstorming process ideas were built and it was decided that the ipod would be used as a "gadget" for the main protagonist "Matt". The screen would then be edited to show something other than songs, instead it would show where the "villain" is positioned within the area.
Newspaper-
The newspaper was a key part within the shot as it helped show the flow of the scene. The newspaper implemented the headline and story of the "villain" which consequently formed the gadget to be used. The newspaper was specially designed on the computer so that it looked realistic and acccurate.
The ipod was used in a scene on the train and also throughout the shots after. This was to keep the continuity the same during each shot. During the brainstorming process ideas were built and it was decided that the ipod would be used as a "gadget" for the main protagonist "Matt". The screen would then be edited to show something other than songs, instead it would show where the "villain" is positioned within the area.
Newspaper-
The newspaper was a key part within the shot as it helped show the flow of the scene. The newspaper implemented the headline and story of the "villain" which consequently formed the gadget to be used. The newspaper was specially designed on the computer so that it looked realistic and acccurate.
Second Filming
Using the feedback that we recieved from our first filming session we were able to make various improvements and adjustments. As a group we created a new storyboard and shot list. This was good for introducing new ideas and showing where they would be implemented during each shot.
Instead of doing most of our predominant filming around one particular area -train station- we decided to expand our location choices. We filmed the main protagonist-Matt- getting on and off the train. Instead of just using one train station we travelled to another station to make the scenes flow and increase the realism of the story.
Another big change that we made was what our actor, Matt would do during each shot. We decided that:
- Matt would get on the train
- look at the newspaper {see the headline and story of -Will- villian}
- Get the ipod out of his jacket and search for the villian to detect where he is 'hiding out'.
- After this Matt gets off the train and searches for Will
Will's shots also got changed, instead of doing the filming outside we decided to film him inside as part of him "hiding out". Due to the apartment we were filming in, it meant we had the full benefit of using the balacony located outside the bedroom. This was used to show Will standing outside on the balacony and getting shot by Matt.
Instead of doing most of our predominant filming around one particular area -train station- we decided to expand our location choices. We filmed the main protagonist-Matt- getting on and off the train. Instead of just using one train station we travelled to another station to make the scenes flow and increase the realism of the story.
Another big change that we made was what our actor, Matt would do during each shot. We decided that:
- Matt would get on the train
- look at the newspaper {see the headline and story of -Will- villian}
- Get the ipod out of his jacket and search for the villian to detect where he is 'hiding out'.
- After this Matt gets off the train and searches for Will
Will's shots also got changed, instead of doing the filming outside we decided to film him inside as part of him "hiding out". Due to the apartment we were filming in, it meant we had the full benefit of using the balacony located outside the bedroom. This was used to show Will standing outside on the balacony and getting shot by Matt.
Wednesday 21 January 2009
Evaluation of filming process: first shooting
After shooting for the first time we gathered many shots even if we were not going to use them we decided it was better to have more than not enough. We used equipment such as camera, tripod and storyboard. This assisted us during the entire process of shooting. We began filming by the train station and took predominately long shots of one of the main characters. Me and Lewis also took a variation of photographs to use in the opening credits that would be covered and edited by the use of CGI. As the director it was important that i informed each actor where they needed to be looking and what they needed to be doing. We did not use any dialouge as we wanted to create an emphasis on the shots, angles, and non-digetic music.
After presenting our various shots to our teacher, it became apparent that the majority of the shots we had would not be usable. This was due to the shots that were taken, for example:
- the actors looking at the camera throughout shots
- the location choice quite poor in some aspects
- the direction
- the lack in variation of camera angles
Other feedback:
- too many shots
- doesn't have to be an ending to the two minute extract
- improve continuity
When we next film all of our shots we will make a purpose to change the angles to keep the audience engaged. We will also set a time during the day that will be suitable, for example light weather no rain/ darkness.
We will make directions or storyboard notes so that we can go and film straightaway and guide are actors so they know exactly what they have to achieve in each scene.
After presenting our various shots to our teacher, it became apparent that the majority of the shots we had would not be usable. This was due to the shots that were taken, for example:
- the actors looking at the camera throughout shots
- the location choice quite poor in some aspects
- the direction
- the lack in variation of camera angles
Other feedback:
- too many shots
- doesn't have to be an ending to the two minute extract
- improve continuity
When we next film all of our shots we will make a purpose to change the angles to keep the audience engaged. We will also set a time during the day that will be suitable, for example light weather no rain/ darkness.
We will make directions or storyboard notes so that we can go and film straightaway and guide are actors so they know exactly what they have to achieve in each scene.
Thursday 8 January 2009
Evaluation of animatic
Feedback from the teacher
Whilst trying to sort and prepare for our presentation it became apparent that we had difficulties trying to intergrate the music into the animatic. After many attempts of inserting music and sounds into our animatic, we decided that we would play music from itunes whilst the animatic was playing.
We used a combination of drawings, photographs and CGI in order to show the narrative of our animatic. Sound and special effects have been used so that we get a better idea of how our final extract will appear. It also enabled us to distinguish problems in the extract, this helped us make various improvements.
During the presentation we used a combination of moving and still images to help show our audience members- teenagers- what they should expect to see in our actual thriller extract.
As part of conducting our presentation we had to form 100 questionnaires and get feedback and opinions from this.
Our feedback included:
-An action thriller
-Suspense
-A male lead
-The plot to be revealed
-A plot twist
-Fast paced music
-Special effects
-Fit men
For our opening two minutes of a thriller film we have collectively decided to create a CGI style credits sequence involving patterns and colours with titles appearing in a similar style to the sort of opening credits seen in films such as James Bond and Seven.
Whilst trying to sort and prepare for our presentation it became apparent that we had difficulties trying to intergrate the music into the animatic. After many attempts of inserting music and sounds into our animatic, we decided that we would play music from itunes whilst the animatic was playing.
We used a combination of drawings, photographs and CGI in order to show the narrative of our animatic. Sound and special effects have been used so that we get a better idea of how our final extract will appear. It also enabled us to distinguish problems in the extract, this helped us make various improvements.
During the presentation we used a combination of moving and still images to help show our audience members- teenagers- what they should expect to see in our actual thriller extract.
As part of conducting our presentation we had to form 100 questionnaires and get feedback and opinions from this.
Our feedback included:
-An action thriller
-Suspense
-A male lead
-The plot to be revealed
-A plot twist
-Fast paced music
-Special effects
-Fit men
For our opening two minutes of a thriller film we have collectively decided to create a CGI style credits sequence involving patterns and colours with titles appearing in a similar style to the sort of opening credits seen in films such as James Bond and Seven.
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