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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.