Wednesday, 4 May 2011
Tuesday, 3 May 2011
Evaluation - Q6. What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing the product?
I found it quite interesting to use the various technologies in the construction process of my film. I found using the camera at times tricky to use, for example at times, I found that movement of the camera caused distortion, which meant the quality of the film was low and the filming needed to be repeated. I fixed this problem by using a tripod which meant that the camera would remain stationary and at a fixed height.
Above is an image of myself securing my camera to a tripod.
I also found it troublesome to film when it was bright, as the light reflected on the camera lens and made it impossible to achieve a visible image. I resolved this problem by blocking the majority of the light with paper or editing certain frames so that the brightness is correct.
Above is an image of me practicing a handheld shot while using my free hand to prevent light from a nearby projector from obscuring my recording.
Since the majority of the shots in my film did not involve movement, I did not use equipment such as the Dolly. I also avoided using the dolly because unless the Dolly is used on a flat surface, then the filming becomes jolty and the film will in general appear to be low quality.
I have learned a variety of skills on editing software in the production of my film. I have used the editing software to include various transitions into my piece and crop certain scenes so that no inappropriate material was shown. I used I-Movie to edit my film. I chose to use this program because I was used to it and therefore I would be able to use it to a better quality, however, I movie lacked the precision that certain other programs may contain. For example, programs such as Final Cut Express would have allowed me to create a much more precise and better quality film, however I feel that as I was not familiar to this program, I felt that it would’ve taken a greater amount of time to create my film due to the fact that I would have to familiarise myself with the program before I began editing. I also found that with certain frames, I could not achieve the exact precision I wanted due to the ability of the I-Movie program. For example, the montage at the end of my film was not as quick and snappy as I wanted it to be due to the fact that the software would not allow me to make the freeze-frames any shorter. If I was going to recreate my film, I would probably consider using Final Cut Express as it will allow me to achieve a much more professional level off work. I found it useful that you could adapt certain frames so that they held a certain effect. For example, in my film I used the “x-ray” effect during my montage at the end of my film’s opening to create a supernatural feel.
I found it useful to log all of my work, as it allowed me to categorise my work which meant I could easily find the needed information to create my film.
This is me adjusting my camera so that it is parallel to the ground, meaning that I can film a standard shot effectively.
I also found it troublesome to film when it was bright, as the light reflected on the camera lens and made it impossible to achieve a visible image. I resolved this problem by blocking the majority of the light with paper or editing certain frames so that the brightness is correct.
Since the majority of the shots in my film did not involve movement, I did not use equipment such as the Dolly. I also avoided using the dolly because unless the Dolly is used on a flat surface, then the filming becomes jolty and the film will in general appear to be low quality.
I have learned a variety of skills on editing software in the production of my film. I have used the editing software to include various transitions into my piece and crop certain scenes so that no inappropriate material was shown. I used I-Movie to edit my film. I chose to use this program because I was used to it and therefore I would be able to use it to a better quality, however, I movie lacked the precision that certain other programs may contain. For example, programs such as Final Cut Express would have allowed me to create a much more precise and better quality film, however I feel that as I was not familiar to this program, I felt that it would’ve taken a greater amount of time to create my film due to the fact that I would have to familiarise myself with the program before I began editing. I also found that with certain frames, I could not achieve the exact precision I wanted due to the ability of the I-Movie program. For example, the montage at the end of my film was not as quick and snappy as I wanted it to be due to the fact that the software would not allow me to make the freeze-frames any shorter. If I was going to recreate my film, I would probably consider using Final Cut Express as it will allow me to achieve a much more professional level off work. I found it useful that you could adapt certain frames so that they held a certain effect. For example, in my film I used the “x-ray” effect during my montage at the end of my film’s opening to create a supernatural feel.
I found it useful to log all of my work, as it allowed me to categorise my work which meant I could easily find the needed information to create my film.
Evaluation - Q5. How did you attract/address your audience?
Below is a copy of the final cut version of my film, which I have annotated. Enjoy.
Evaluation - Q3. What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
Who would my film target?
After researching into my chosen genre and comparing my own film to other films in my chosen genre, I decided that I would exhibit my film to a niche audience. Instead of trying to target a mainstream audience who may not understand or appreciate my movie, I would specifically target a niche audience.
How would I target my audience?
I would broadcast my film in an Art House and on the internet, as these places would be the best place to reach my intended audience. I plan to generate interest in my film through social network sites such as facebook and twitter, and I plan to create
my own website with I can use to broadcast my film. By using the internet as the main means of exhibiting my film, I think that this will encourage more people to hear about my film through word of mouth. Also, by using the internet, I can use Below the Line advertising (for example: viral websites) to save money.
Thinking of the existing market...
If my film was to be produced by a Hollywood Institution then my film will share a lot of similarities to already existing products. For example, my film, in terms of the feelings experienced by the audience, would be similar to that of well known horror films (e.g. The “Saw” films)
Thinking about conglomerations...
If I was looking to actually properly produce and distribute my film, I would look to join my Institution of “Hysteria Productions” with “Fox Searchlight”, as they specialise in British films and have a good reputation, being behind films such as “Slumdog Millionaire”, “The Fully Monty” and “127 Hours.” I have researched into existing Media institutions that specialise in British films to decide which institutions would back my own. Institutions such as Working Title or Fox Searchlight would be my best bets as those companies usually specialise in British films. Also, if my own company converges with a well known institution such as Fox Searchlight, I will be able to use features such as special effects and well known actors to make my film more successful and achieve a higher gross.
Deeper thought into my film...
My film’s main purpose is to educate audiences and indirectly advise them about isolating people as they can become unstable like my main character does throughout the film. My film is made to generally entertain the audiences, however there will be an underline moral which should encourage people to think about what they may do to others. I plan to release a novel version of my film alongside the release of the film so that people who enjoy the film may want to read the novel to gain a deeper insight into the characters and storyline and avid readers who read my novel will be encouraged to see the film. This is similar to what was done with the Davinci code (2006) or the Harry Potter films, in which both novels and films were released. By releasing a film and novel, this should potentially heighten the interest and should generate a greater gross.
Thinking about distribution...
I plan to distribute my film on websites such as Amazon, and I plan to make my film downloadable on Itunes and other such sites, as this will encourage the teenagers and young adults to download my films, as I will be targeting them on the market which they use most.
After researching into my chosen genre and comparing my own film to other films in my chosen genre, I decided that I would exhibit my film to a niche audience. Instead of trying to target a mainstream audience who may not understand or appreciate my movie, I would specifically target a niche audience.
I would broadcast my film in an Art House and on the internet, as these places would be the best place to reach my intended audience. I plan to generate interest in my film through social network sites such as facebook and twitter, and I plan to create
my own website with I can use to broadcast my film. By using the internet as the main means of exhibiting my film, I think that this will encourage more people to hear about my film through word of mouth. Also, by using the internet, I can use Below the Line advertising (for example: viral websites) to save money.
Thinking of the existing market...
Thinking about conglomerations...
If I was looking to actually properly produce and distribute my film, I would look to join my Institution of “Hysteria Productions” with “Fox Searchlight”, as they specialise in British films and have a good reputation, being behind films such as “Slumdog Millionaire”, “The Fully Monty” and “127 Hours.” I have researched into existing Media institutions that specialise in British films to decide which institutions would back my own. Institutions such as Working Title or Fox Searchlight would be my best bets as those companies usually specialise in British films. Also, if my own company converges with a well known institution such as Fox Searchlight, I will be able to use features such as special effects and well known actors to make my film more successful and achieve a higher gross.
Deeper thought into my film...
Thinking about distribution...
Monday, 2 May 2011
Tuesday, 19 April 2011
Monday, 18 April 2011
My 2nd Rough Cut
Below is the second rough cut of my film, which I have also shown to a similar audience as my first rough draft. I have also shown my 2nd rough draft to some of the people I showed my first draft to so that they can compare and offer me feedback, saying what the like about what i have improved and what still need to be adapted.
I exhibited my film to people in my early target audience (aged 15-16.) They replied positively to my film, saying that they liked the use of music, my film left them on edge and that it left them wanting to know more. My audience were left asking questions like, "has he killed somebody?" and "what were the two girl's purposes?" I was also told that my own film was similar to the film "Shutter Island", which I thought was a good thing as if this is a film that some of the audience have seen and enjoyed then my film would attract them too. I was however told that they didn't understand the pictures of the girl appeared at the beginning of my film. I feel that this is not too much of a problem as my film's opening only serves to set up the film and the rest of the film will elabourate on what is seen in the film.
I also exhibited my film to older teenagers (aged 17-19.) They also gave me possitive fedback, saying that the contrast of colours is good and that the montage used at the end of my film was very effective. They said that the typing at the end of my film didn't work, ohowever I only included this to show that I planned to proceed with the rest of my film. Also, my audience said that the static sound effects did not work. I plan to use the sound of a camera going off to create more of a stalker-ish feel. I was also told to get rid of the "based on a true story" title, as it didn't work. I was also told that I should edit the font of my titles so that they are more ledgible.
I exhibited my film to people in my early target audience (aged 15-16.) They replied positively to my film, saying that they liked the use of music, my film left them on edge and that it left them wanting to know more. My audience were left asking questions like, "has he killed somebody?" and "what were the two girl's purposes?" I was also told that my own film was similar to the film "Shutter Island", which I thought was a good thing as if this is a film that some of the audience have seen and enjoyed then my film would attract them too. I was however told that they didn't understand the pictures of the girl appeared at the beginning of my film. I feel that this is not too much of a problem as my film's opening only serves to set up the film and the rest of the film will elabourate on what is seen in the film.
I also exhibited my film to older teenagers (aged 17-19.) They also gave me possitive fedback, saying that the contrast of colours is good and that the montage used at the end of my film was very effective. They said that the typing at the end of my film didn't work, ohowever I only included this to show that I planned to proceed with the rest of my film. Also, my audience said that the static sound effects did not work. I plan to use the sound of a camera going off to create more of a stalker-ish feel. I was also told to get rid of the "based on a true story" title, as it didn't work. I was also told that I should edit the font of my titles so that they are more ledgible.
My Rough Cut
This is a rough cut of my film. I did a preview of my film to a variety of people from different backgrounds and ages so that I could see how people found my film, if they understood it and how I could make improvements.
Targeted audience feedback:
I have exhibited my film to people aged 15 to 25 in order to see how my targeted audience react to my film. I hoped that by doing this, I could get a rough idea if my film would be something they were interesting in and how I could adapt my film so that my targeted audience found my film more appealing. I was told that my film contains a lot of content in the opening, however, it is not too clear of what the entire film is going to be about.
Feedback from my peers:
I exhibited my film opening to some of my peers as they would be creating their own films and therefore they would know what techniques should be apparent in a Thriller film and could help me by giving critical feedback. This would be different feedback from what I recieved from my audience, as the audience would be watching the film from a different perspective as my peers who would be watchng it from a film maker's perspective. I was told that the purpose of the character shown at the end it not that clear. This was intentional, as the question the character types before this character's appearance is "what is my purpose?" which gives the impression that the character shown in the following montage will provide the answer to this question. Also, I was told that the static used in the opening scene of my film's opening was too frequent and that I should remove the 2nd and 4th static effects so that my film flows better. I plan to adjust the number of static effects used in my opening so that the effect is not over used. I also plan to add a frame of the male prtagonist looking out the window and spoting the character "Raven", as this would show the audience that there is (or is going to be) some interaction between the two characters within the film's narrative. I was also told that tense music should be used nin the knife scene should be used, however, I feel that adding maybe a voiceover of someone laughing would be a lot more sinister and unexpected. I was also told that my film's opening was very slow and needs to be more action based. I plan to use sound to create the tension and set a dark mood, while the visual aspect will serve only as a flashback of the male protagonist. I was also told that certain sections in my film's opening needs to be cropped so that the framing is a lot better.
Feedback from adults:
I asked a variety of adults from various age ranges so that I could see how my film would be taken by people outside my targeted audience range. I asked adults with different professions (teachers, cleaners, unemployed, etc...) so that I could get a rough idea of how people from different social statuses react to my film. I was told that the fonts used in the film's title didn't work as this was not generic in films. I was initially going for a "Se7en" effect with the titles, however it did not work in my film as the background was a black screen as a pose to a man typing on the computer.
Targeted audience feedback:
I have exhibited my film to people aged 15 to 25 in order to see how my targeted audience react to my film. I hoped that by doing this, I could get a rough idea if my film would be something they were interesting in and how I could adapt my film so that my targeted audience found my film more appealing. I was told that my film contains a lot of content in the opening, however, it is not too clear of what the entire film is going to be about.
Feedback from my peers:
I exhibited my film opening to some of my peers as they would be creating their own films and therefore they would know what techniques should be apparent in a Thriller film and could help me by giving critical feedback. This would be different feedback from what I recieved from my audience, as the audience would be watching the film from a different perspective as my peers who would be watchng it from a film maker's perspective. I was told that the purpose of the character shown at the end it not that clear. This was intentional, as the question the character types before this character's appearance is "what is my purpose?" which gives the impression that the character shown in the following montage will provide the answer to this question. Also, I was told that the static used in the opening scene of my film's opening was too frequent and that I should remove the 2nd and 4th static effects so that my film flows better. I plan to adjust the number of static effects used in my opening so that the effect is not over used. I also plan to add a frame of the male prtagonist looking out the window and spoting the character "Raven", as this would show the audience that there is (or is going to be) some interaction between the two characters within the film's narrative. I was also told that tense music should be used nin the knife scene should be used, however, I feel that adding maybe a voiceover of someone laughing would be a lot more sinister and unexpected. I was also told that my film's opening was very slow and needs to be more action based. I plan to use sound to create the tension and set a dark mood, while the visual aspect will serve only as a flashback of the male protagonist. I was also told that certain sections in my film's opening needs to be cropped so that the framing is a lot better.
Feedback from adults:
I asked a variety of adults from various age ranges so that I could see how my film would be taken by people outside my targeted audience range. I asked adults with different professions (teachers, cleaners, unemployed, etc...) so that I could get a rough idea of how people from different social statuses react to my film. I was told that the fonts used in the film's title didn't work as this was not generic in films. I was initially going for a "Se7en" effect with the titles, however it did not work in my film as the background was a black screen as a pose to a man typing on the computer.
Sunday, 17 April 2011
Saturday, 16 April 2011
Considering Props - Fake Blood
Below are a series of videos in which I am talking through my creation of fake blood. This is a prop I plan to use for my piece.
Friday, 15 April 2011
Considering Health and Safety
In order to make sure that my actors, my equipment and myself are safe, I plan to take certain precautions. For example, I plan to avoid filming in any locations which can be dangerous. The only exterior areas in which I plan to film in is a park, which is public and safe. The rest of the places in which I plan to film in are interior shots and therefore, all of my actors and equipment will be safe. Also, I plan to use as few wires as possible to make sure that none of my actors (or myself) do not stumble on the wires and injure themselves. As I will be using fake blood which is obviously wet, I will make sure that I do not cover the floors with the fake blood which will make the area hazardous. I wll immediately clean up the fake blood so make sure that members of the public do not slip on the liquid. Also, as I will be including a gun replica in my film, I plan to make sure that no members of the public see the gun which could lead to police involvement. I will also make sure that the actors costumes do not cause irritation or discomfort, and that my actors have free movement and can breathe comfortably. I will also make sure that the actor's costumes are clean to avoid any bacteria getting onto the actors and causing them to become ill.
Thursday, 14 April 2011
Considering Sound
For my film, I am going to require background sound in order to create suspense and a dark atmosphere, as well as a soundtrack that will make my film seem more original and again add to the dark nature of the piece. Below is a list of the sounds I will need along with a couple of potential sounds I have already found.
Soundtrack
I am looking for a soundtrack that will really create an uncomfortable atmosphere. I want a soundtrack that will create a stalker-ish feel and will make the film seem as though “something is not as it seems.” I think that the soundtrack should either be base around the “rock” genre to create a rebellious mood, or from the “classical” genre, to create quite a tranquil peaceful feel which can juxtapose the events happening on the screen and the harsh sound effects. I was looking for something (if I went down the classical route) that will use a piano as the main instrument, as I feel that music played on the piano is usually the most emotive.
Bump in the Night – This creates the ominous spooky feel I was initially looking for. I think that this would go quite well in my piece as it matches the mood. The increase in sound levels at points in the soundtrack create suspense, which adds to the horror aspect of my film
Darkness is Coming – This, like the above creates the ominous spooky feel, and the childlike voices that run throughout create an eerie horror feel. T do however feel that this track is too slow and therefore I will not consider using it.
Enter the Maze – This soundtrack will give the film opening an energetic feel, yet still creates suspense. I will consider using this soundtrack for my film as I like the way it sounds and think that it may work well in my piece.
Ghostpocalypse (7 Master) – This soundtrack is very energetic and upbeat and will grip the audience, however, I feel that the soundtrack is not rightly suited for my film and therefore I will not use it for my film.
Rising – This soundtrack is quite emotive as a pose to being eerie or ominous, yet I think that this may fit well in my performance and therefore I will consider it for use in my film.
Scissors – This soundtrack is quite eerie and creates suspense at times, which could be effective for my film. I am not as keen on it as I am for some of the others, however I will consider using it during the opening of my film.
Below are a few of the tracks mentioned above. The ones I have chosen to consider using for my piece are green while the ones I have rejected have been highlighted red.
As stated earlier, I will be looking for background sound which enhances the suspenseful aspect of my film yet can blend subtly with the soundtrack that may be playing at the time. For this, I will be looking for low key notes or notes that gradually build in pitch or key to connote a build in suspense. As the sound effects will play simultaneously to the soundtrack, I will not use any background sounds that sound too different to the soundtrack, or any sounds that sound too similar to the soundtrack.
Aftermath – This background sound creates the idea that something shady has just happened and really creates an eerie feel. I will probably use this during the opening scene of my film to stress that fact that the main protagonist has done wrong.
Anxiety – I like the sound of this, however I think that together it does not work. I would however like to take this piece apart and place little sections of it into my film opening to build tension, as I think that this would be effective.
Deep noise – I like this because the build and fall in the sound creates suspense and, because you can’t indentify the sound, I think that this would create mystery and build suspense for the audience.
Inner Sanctum – I like this because there are constant builds and falls in the volume which creates suspense and gives false action codes to the audience. However, I will not use this as I think it would clash with the sound of the soundtrack in the film’s opening.
Night Break – I do like the sound of this as I think it creates an eerie feel throughout. I would definitely like to use the opening ten or so seconds of this as I think that placing that short section of sound in my film opening could be effective.
Right Behind You – I’m quite keen on the sound of this piece, however, I would like to break this piece of sound up into sections and use it randomly throughout my film opening to create an eerie feel. I think that the constant builds in sound really does make it feel as though something is behind you and this would be quite effective on the audience.
The Dread – I am not keen on this piece as I feel that it doesn’t sound as intriguing as some of the other sound effects. I do not plan to use this sound in my film opening.
Very Low Note – I think that this sound can function as a base sound for practically any other sound which I may use in addition to this. The constant drone creates an eerie feel which is what I was looking for.
NOTE: Unfortuneately, I coulod not find a source of these sound which I could upload to my blog, however, the source of these sounds was www.imcompetech.com.
I will be looking for Foley sound effects that can be used to show diegetic events going on in the film. These sounds are crucial to the film and therefore I will try to find a place to obtain them. The only required sound I will need is that of gunfire. I will need to obtain the sound of a single bullet being fired from a pistol, as this would help to show the audience what the character is doing in the film’s opening. Below are a few different gun sound effects. I plan to deliberate on which sounds the best and use on of these sounds.
44 Magnum
357 Magnum
Gun Reload
Soundtrack
I am looking for a soundtrack that will really create an uncomfortable atmosphere. I want a soundtrack that will create a stalker-ish feel and will make the film seem as though “something is not as it seems.” I think that the soundtrack should either be base around the “rock” genre to create a rebellious mood, or from the “classical” genre, to create quite a tranquil peaceful feel which can juxtapose the events happening on the screen and the harsh sound effects. I was looking for something (if I went down the classical route) that will use a piano as the main instrument, as I feel that music played on the piano is usually the most emotive.
Bump in the Night – This creates the ominous spooky feel I was initially looking for. I think that this would go quite well in my piece as it matches the mood. The increase in sound levels at points in the soundtrack create suspense, which adds to the horror aspect of my film
Enter the Maze – This soundtrack will give the film opening an energetic feel, yet still creates suspense. I will consider using this soundtrack for my film as I like the way it sounds and think that it may work well in my piece.
Ghostpocalypse (7 Master) – This soundtrack is very energetic and upbeat and will grip the audience, however, I feel that the soundtrack is not rightly suited for my film and therefore I will not use it for my film.
Rising – This soundtrack is quite emotive as a pose to being eerie or ominous, yet I think that this may fit well in my performance and therefore I will consider it for use in my film.
Below are a few of the tracks mentioned above. The ones I have chosen to consider using for my piece are green while the ones I have rejected have been highlighted red.
As stated earlier, I will be looking for background sound which enhances the suspenseful aspect of my film yet can blend subtly with the soundtrack that may be playing at the time. For this, I will be looking for low key notes or notes that gradually build in pitch or key to connote a build in suspense. As the sound effects will play simultaneously to the soundtrack, I will not use any background sounds that sound too different to the soundtrack, or any sounds that sound too similar to the soundtrack.
Aftermath – This background sound creates the idea that something shady has just happened and really creates an eerie feel. I will probably use this during the opening scene of my film to stress that fact that the main protagonist has done wrong.
Anxiety – I like the sound of this, however I think that together it does not work. I would however like to take this piece apart and place little sections of it into my film opening to build tension, as I think that this would be effective.
Deep noise – I like this because the build and fall in the sound creates suspense and, because you can’t indentify the sound, I think that this would create mystery and build suspense for the audience.
Night Break – I do like the sound of this as I think it creates an eerie feel throughout. I would definitely like to use the opening ten or so seconds of this as I think that placing that short section of sound in my film opening could be effective.
Right Behind You – I’m quite keen on the sound of this piece, however, I would like to break this piece of sound up into sections and use it randomly throughout my film opening to create an eerie feel. I think that the constant builds in sound really does make it feel as though something is behind you and this would be quite effective on the audience.
Very Low Note – I think that this sound can function as a base sound for practically any other sound which I may use in addition to this. The constant drone creates an eerie feel which is what I was looking for.
NOTE: Unfortuneately, I coulod not find a source of these sound which I could upload to my blog, however, the source of these sounds was www.imcompetech.com.
I will be looking for Foley sound effects that can be used to show diegetic events going on in the film. These sounds are crucial to the film and therefore I will try to find a place to obtain them. The only required sound I will need is that of gunfire. I will need to obtain the sound of a single bullet being fired from a pistol, as this would help to show the audience what the character is doing in the film’s opening. Below are a few different gun sound effects. I plan to deliberate on which sounds the best and use on of these sounds.
44 Magnum
357 Magnum
Gun Reload
Wednesday, 13 April 2011
Considering Filming Locations
Below is a video in which I am discussing a variety of filming locations I plan to use along with my justification.
Monday, 28 March 2011
Notes on my titles
Below are notes on my titles.
Notes on my Titles
I have decided to use the "Lone Raven Pictures" logo and the "Hysteria" logo, as they are my favourite logos and they match the mood of my piece. Also, I showed my four logos to 20 unbiased members of my targeted audience, and their choices were the same (on average) as mine. I believe that my logos will be better suited for an independant film (which my film is) and will be original and memorable enough so that any audience members who see my film will recognise my logo and will be influenced to watch my film.
My Lone Raven Pictures Logo
My Hysteria Productions Logo
Notes on my Titles
I have decided to use the "Lone Raven Pictures" logo and the "Hysteria" logo, as they are my favourite logos and they match the mood of my piece. Also, I showed my four logos to 20 unbiased members of my targeted audience, and their choices were the same (on average) as mine. I believe that my logos will be better suited for an independant film (which my film is) and will be original and memorable enough so that any audience members who see my film will recognise my logo and will be influenced to watch my film.
My Lone Raven Pictures Logo
My Hysteria Productions Logo
My Analysis of film titles
My Analysis of film titles
My Analysis of Film Titles (Times and Durations Etc...)
The opening to Resevoir:
The opening to Se7en:
My Analysis of Film Titles (Times and Durations Etc...)
The opening to Resevoir:
The opening to Se7en:
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