Friday, 15 April 2011
Thursday, 14 April 2011
Wednesday, 13 April 2011
Camera shots and Angles
Okay... well... the camera shots used in our media product vary but the main one we use is the mid-shot, we use extreme close-ups and aerial shots. it's edited smoothly and is appealing to the eye, whilst maintaining audience interest :)
Tuesday, 5 April 2011
Wednesday, 30 March 2011
The Construction
The Construction:
Well... we used a tripod for most of our filming time, only not using a tripod when experimenting with interesting shots for which we used the camera hand held, we used a medium sized tripod for most of the scenes other than the library scene where we use the large tripod (borrowed from the drama room). we used a tripod because if we did not use it, the film would be shaky and that kind of technique is used mainly for horror movies, because it creates an uneasy feel, that is NOT what we were going for, it's used to create a more realistic feel and has a high degree of transparency, which in turn, puts the audience in the film, where as, our film is a story being told and therefore it's more . We wanted to create a easy flowing feel for the audience because our movie genre is a teen romance so doesn't have many fast transitions because we took on a more traditional filming and editing approach.
We had a slight problem with the framing for the library scene because we had to create a set:
We used an existing shelf in the library and used a movable shelf to create an enclosed set environment, but beyond the shelf there was a classroom with a year 9 class in it, so we had to make sure that nothing beyond the side of the shelf was seen because then the class next door would be seen, and we wanted to create the feel that he is alone. the sound wasn't a problem because we knew that a song would be dubbed over the film.
Another problem was that of the lighting, because we filmed a few scenes then realised that the night-mode was on on the camera which didn't fit with the colour scheme of the rest of the film, and wasn't really editable.
We used a variety of different shots such as mid shots, close ups, extreme close ups and a high angle shot.
and example of a good extreme close-up shot, is where Nora kisses the mirror and leaves a lipgloss mark on the mirror. an example of a close up is when the diary falls on to the floor and a high angle shot
Because of our romantic genre, we chose an "idyllic" setting filming at a time where nobody would be walking past, and the fact that there are a few trees and grass that are neatly kept and look pretty.
On another note, we used mobile phones to keep in contact with the actors, and I would tell Jhavone when we are rolling and shout action, after which he would put the phone in his pocket and start walking until he reached the specified place and then we would cut.
The editing style that we used is slow and considered, we achieved this, by using long takes, and less cuts than a more fast paced movie. During the editing process, I found it necessary to ensure that the editing was done to the rhythm of the soundtrack, an example of this is toward the end of the media product, where the male character, Jhavone starts to dawdle by the trees, this is directly proportional to the pace of the soundtrack.
We used a voice over to bring together the silent action on the movie especially because we used cross cutting between the two scenes and it explains that these two characters are linked in some way or another. The voice-over also introduces the main characters and set's the plot into motion. It's also a genre convention ;) as it has a relaxing, whimsical quality, almost like a lover's diary entry confession.
We chose to incorporate an all female voice-over as opposed to the initial idea of having various voice overs of both the main boy and girl. This is because it creates a less confusing narrative and complements the genre of the film.
Simple transitions were mainly used during the title sequence, we went through numerous transition effects and then chose the two that we would use, they needed to be simple because the style we were trying to set was a traditional and classic one. There are two different types of titles used, one set to introduce the cast and another to introduce the production team (writer, editor and director) we decided that these were to be austere because the film style itself is restrained and mature. The titles for the production company stand out more (they have a larger font size and are centered, they also have a slightly different font/colour).
The vast majority of our film opening has non-diegetic sound other than the one instance where there is one word of dialogue by the male character, and for this we had to bring the volume for both the soundtrack and the voiceover down for a few seconds and put the volume of the clip, diegetic sound, up. For the rest of the sequence the diegetic sound had to be manually muted.
Well... we used a tripod for most of our filming time, only not using a tripod when experimenting with interesting shots for which we used the camera hand held, we used a medium sized tripod for most of the scenes other than the library scene where we use the large tripod (borrowed from the drama room). we used a tripod because if we did not use it, the film would be shaky and that kind of technique is used mainly for horror movies, because it creates an uneasy feel, that is NOT what we were going for, it's used to create a more realistic feel and has a high degree of transparency, which in turn, puts the audience in the film, where as, our film is a story being told and therefore it's more . We wanted to create a easy flowing feel for the audience because our movie genre is a teen romance so doesn't have many fast transitions because we took on a more traditional filming and editing approach.
We had a slight problem with the framing for the library scene because we had to create a set:
We used an existing shelf in the library and used a movable shelf to create an enclosed set environment, but beyond the shelf there was a classroom with a year 9 class in it, so we had to make sure that nothing beyond the side of the shelf was seen because then the class next door would be seen, and we wanted to create the feel that he is alone. the sound wasn't a problem because we knew that a song would be dubbed over the film.
Another problem was that of the lighting, because we filmed a few scenes then realised that the night-mode was on on the camera which didn't fit with the colour scheme of the rest of the film, and wasn't really editable.
We used a variety of different shots such as mid shots, close ups, extreme close ups and a high angle shot.
and example of a good extreme close-up shot, is where Nora kisses the mirror and leaves a lipgloss mark on the mirror. an example of a close up is when the diary falls on to the floor and a high angle shot
Because of our romantic genre, we chose an "idyllic" setting filming at a time where nobody would be walking past, and the fact that there are a few trees and grass that are neatly kept and look pretty.
On another note, we used mobile phones to keep in contact with the actors, and I would tell Jhavone when we are rolling and shout action, after which he would put the phone in his pocket and start walking until he reached the specified place and then we would cut.
The editing style that we used is slow and considered, we achieved this, by using long takes, and less cuts than a more fast paced movie. During the editing process, I found it necessary to ensure that the editing was done to the rhythm of the soundtrack, an example of this is toward the end of the media product, where the male character, Jhavone starts to dawdle by the trees, this is directly proportional to the pace of the soundtrack.
We used a voice over to bring together the silent action on the movie especially because we used cross cutting between the two scenes and it explains that these two characters are linked in some way or another. The voice-over also introduces the main characters and set's the plot into motion. It's also a genre convention ;) as it has a relaxing, whimsical quality, almost like a lover's diary entry confession.
We chose to incorporate an all female voice-over as opposed to the initial idea of having various voice overs of both the main boy and girl. This is because it creates a less confusing narrative and complements the genre of the film.
Simple transitions were mainly used during the title sequence, we went through numerous transition effects and then chose the two that we would use, they needed to be simple because the style we were trying to set was a traditional and classic one. There are two different types of titles used, one set to introduce the cast and another to introduce the production team (writer, editor and director) we decided that these were to be austere because the film style itself is restrained and mature. The titles for the production company stand out more (they have a larger font size and are centered, they also have a slightly different font/colour).
The vast majority of our film opening has non-diegetic sound other than the one instance where there is one word of dialogue by the male character, and for this we had to bring the volume for both the soundtrack and the voiceover down for a few seconds and put the volume of the clip, diegetic sound, up. For the rest of the sequence the diegetic sound had to be manually muted.
Tuesday, 15 March 2011
Tuesday, 8 March 2011
filming day
Me, Julia and Nora mainly use facebook for communication, we have set a date for a filming session on the Northwood Campus of our school for tomorrow. Below is a print screen from my facebook inbox confirming filming:
Thursday, 24 February 2011
This Means Change!
We have decided to no longer do the diary exchange scene on the bus, this is because it means having to get on unpredictable buses and film when the buses stop; annoying drivers and passengers alike. It also means we have no definite filming location and time, and filming would be at the driver's discretion.
So I recommended a simple transaction of the diary; so the boy (Jhavone) would be running down the stairs in school, and the girl (Nora) running up (or vise versa) and then they crash into each other, the girl accidently drops her diary and doesn't realise, the boy then picks it up and tries to call out for her but she doesn't listen.
and so we have agreed on this idea, because it's simple, and we're able to film it easily and quickly.
So... all is not lost, if anything... it's taken some pressure off Me, and of-course, the rest of the team :)
So I recommended a simple transaction of the diary; so the boy (Jhavone) would be running down the stairs in school, and the girl (Nora) running up (or vise versa) and then they crash into each other, the girl accidently drops her diary and doesn't realise, the boy then picks it up and tries to call out for her but she doesn't listen.
and so we have agreed on this idea, because it's simple, and we're able to film it easily and quickly.
So... all is not lost, if anything... it's taken some pressure off Me, and of-course, the rest of the team :)
Friday, 18 February 2011
CASTING!! need help!
This is a print screen from mine and Nora's conversation regarding casting for the main girl. We're really stuck! If anything... Nora or Julia may have to be the main girl.. I direct nora with the actual editing and filming.. I see myself as the Director, I bring the 'creativity' using camera angles and sound into the movie. but enough about me bigging myself up over being 'The Director' person :) hopefully we shall have all the filming done by the deadline... fingers crossed :)
Friday, 11 February 2011
Thursday, 10 February 2011
The Shooting Script
This is the shooting script for our film opening, it may change in editing and turn into something different, depending on final filming locations and time allocation, but this is what we are using as our basis:
The Diary
Scene 1
Beginning: girl getting ready. Separated shots of eyes, mouth, taking the jacket, the bag, leaving the house, going to the bus, taking the bus; the face is never shown, only small parts
Scene 2
He is getting off, she is getting on, she drops the diary he picks it up and the doors close, he sees just the back of the girl before the bus leaves and she is gone
He flicks through the diary, puts the diary in his bag, meets a friend
Friend:
How are you doing?
Boy:
Boy:
Fine, let’s go.
Scene 3
Girl sitting in the common room, before the lesson starts, talking to a friend on the phone in German- English subtitles. A boy is sitting on the other side of the room, looking at her.
Girl:
Hey sweetie! You can’t believe what I go through at the moment! I’m in the common room at the moment, waiting for the school bell to ring to start the lesson. I really hate boys, but they all seem to think that they fancy me! It’s hilarious! You know, there is especially this one guy, on the opposite side of the room. He stares at me all the time!
Girl looks at this boy, he gives her a wink
Girl:
Eww! He just winked at me! Why are boys always like that? I’m so glad girls are different! ...All right princess, I have to go now. I miss you already! …Love you, too! Bye..byebye (air-kisses)
Boy sees it and reacts but she ignores him.
Scene 3
You see the boy in lessons (the clock keeps ticking really fast)
School bell is ringing, kids leave school, everything recorded in fast motion with a fixed camera angle of a corridor.
Scene 4
Next scene we see the boy sitting in the empty library, surrounded by books, a German-English dictionary, the diary. During that scene play with words to have the comedy effect.
First the girls voice in the background reading out the diary extract.
Diary:
“In zwei Tagen geht mein grosses Abenteuer los. Ich habe ziemliche Angst davor, ich glaube mein Englisch ist unter aller Sau.”
The boy tries to translate it. We see him sitting there, writing down, looking in the dictionaries. He reads out and writes his translation.
Translation:
“In two days starts my big adventure. I am really scared, I think my English is under all pig.”
Camera on his face.. enquiring, confused face.
Boy:
That doesn’t make sense at all!!!
He crosses out his written sentence. He tears his hair. Looks straight in the camera, despaired view.
Boy:
I just can’t do it! But I need to! I want to know who she is! I need to!
Voice from the background:
“I am really sorry, but I have to close now. You can come back tomorrow if you want to.”
Scene 5
He is leaving the school (same camera angle as the fast motion), holding the diary in his hands.
Gets a phone call, we just see him taking the call.
Maybe split screen.
Friend:
“Hey mate, how are you doing? We are having a welcome party for our new foreign students this year. Would you like to come?”
Boy:
“What country do they come from?”
Friend:
“Germany, why? Are you coming or not?”
Boy:
“Alright mate, see you later.”
Boy is really happy- struggles, falls and drops the diary. Camera on the diary- opening credits coming up
:)
Tuesday, 8 February 2011
Sunday, 9 January 2011
Ten Thing I Hate About You - things that may be of use
I broke down the genre and wrote down the sterotypical things there are in a teen comedy (this reffering to Ten Things I Hate About You) and more importantly, what Julia and Nora find weird here in England and what we would change.
These are all things we could play with.
This too, was written on a word document, also on my laptop. whilst i watch the clip:
Typical school setting
Groups in the pupils…. Groths, chavs, geeks.. etc.
Outsiders of some sort are in it.
Changes..
· Teaching styles- more outfront
· Older women talking on the bus…
· Perving guys…
· Ready made meals
· tidy small gardens
· tall buildings – council housing
· tea
· school uniforms..
· driving
· cards for everything…. No birthday card really.. POST CARDS!
· Christmas presents on Christmas eve (Christmas Santa clause 6th )
· Meat – very lean when cooking in Germany.
Friday, 7 January 2011
07/01/2011
Brainstorm of ideas as written on word document whilst discussin was in process:
Diary extracts: lost in the bus
Boy finds it, takes German at school, she is in the same class, finds out diary-owner is in same school (school bus), could be one of the 4 German students of his class
Tries to find out who it is, not too obviously
Character ideas:
female foreign exchange student,
male foreign exchange student,
bully, “popular” people,
teacher, friends,
extras,
tarty clothed… and the other being very mature type clothed.
queue’s on the bus
money problems
clothes (no uniform) over the top?
Cover teacher scenario?
Foreign exchange students – differences
Scene 1 house- breakfast- Bus queue
Shop scene..
Bus stop
Instant enemy (l
Tour of school
Taken to class… (teacher scenario)
Date/year
Boy’s journal voice over about this story.
Girl leaves diary on bus. (Camera shows her neck downwards… no face)
Boy picks it up
Notice board to take German (to find out what is in the diary)… about to write his name… friend comes along, embarrassed about what he is trying to do and so doesn’t write his name.
He walks into a German class without actually taking the subject. Thinks it’s a beginner’s class but the class has been moved, so ends up in an AS class.
Two German girls who notice that he is not meant to be there try to expose him, make him read stuff out loud etc.
Gets thrown out of the class, into a friend who is with a girl (the diary girl’s best friend) they exchange pleasantries. The girl takes a liking to the boy but he doesn’t really care.
In the Library surrounded with German books and dictionaries, gets annoyed and says “I can’t do this” etc.
Phone call comes from friend asking to go to a party, he says that that girl is coming, and her friend who is German is also coming. First disagreeing… he agrees.
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