Lesson 4- 28/1/10
In today's lesson, my group and I started to edit what we had film last lesson. We captured the film from the tape into the computer, and saving it on to our own 'T Drive'. The editing software that we would be using is Adobe Premiere Pro CS4. I had read the manual for this editing software the evening before, but still has some difficulties along the way which as a group we overcame.
We first started by renaming each scene from the tape so it would be easier to recognise which scene in order as it was captured in several clips. We then watched each clip to see if it was necessary to keep for our preliminary task or to delete if it was not needed. We also checked that none of our footage was corrupted which was good as this gave us more time to edit. We cropped each scene and dragged it into order on a timeline to where it was appropriate so that any mishaps were deleted, we repeated this for each shot. This helped the film sequence to flow more easily and slowly came together. The edits between each scene was a trial and error process to see what would look best, this also included special effects and the titles. This helped to see what each effect would give us to our film if were to chose a specific one.
A problem which occurred during the editing was that between each shot the lighting changed noticeably and the shot looked out of place. Another complication was that the editing took time as there were many tools that was unknown to me and to my group, but with some more practice on this programme I will be more confident when editing for the main task.
For the next lesson as a group we decided re-film the shots which had the contrasted lighting, record ambient sound like the sound of footsteps that was required in the specification and to finish the editing before the deadline.
Thursday 28 January 2010
Tuesday 26 January 2010
The Preliminary Task- Filming
Lesson 3- 26/1/10
In today's lesson my group and I were ready to film our preliminary task. We started by making sure that our tape was working properly and that we were not recording over someone else's work. We also collected a tripod to assist with some camera shots and angles. This would help when panning a camera shot or help a shot/reverse shot. I was the one who was appointed to film as Sam and Robert was to appear in the short sequence, this is what we had previously planned.
Before we filmed each shot we would leave 5 seconds before we started recording to give flexibility in editing. Our first shot was to be a pan from right to left in the L-shaped corridor seeing the actor Robert walking towards a door. But when we started filming we had to make sure that we left a gap at the beginning of the recording to avoid any glitches in the tape. We encountered a few problems of lining the camera up so we could film Robert smoothly, Sam helped me to make sure that I had filmed the shot correctly. We also made sure that we used the right props, to give the right impression to the audience. We then moved on to the next camera shot from our storyboard.
As the next shot was a close up of Robert's hand on a door handle, to him opening the door, this went according to plan. When filming the rest, the location would be in a quiet and dark classroom that would be appropriate and free, to make a more eerie atmosphere we used an artificial light. This took a few trials to get the lighting right to make the scene happen. This was done by Sam and Robert who adjusted the artificial lighting until I was satisfied for the benefit of the group. This was used to cast shadows across the actors to give a sinister impression, but came across a complication. When reviewing what we had filmed for that hour and a half we noticed that in some shots that were filmed the lighting was well lit in some shots and in others unfortunately was not as lit causing unnecessary silhouettes. This was due to the location and the where the artificial lighting was placed within each shot was obviously placed wrong and needed to be moved. The other camera shots that we used were: close-up, two shot, shot reverse shot and over the shoulder shot.
Next lesson my group and I would start to edit what we had filmed, and finally complete it to it's best.
In today's lesson my group and I were ready to film our preliminary task. We started by making sure that our tape was working properly and that we were not recording over someone else's work. We also collected a tripod to assist with some camera shots and angles. This would help when panning a camera shot or help a shot/reverse shot. I was the one who was appointed to film as Sam and Robert was to appear in the short sequence, this is what we had previously planned.
Before we filmed each shot we would leave 5 seconds before we started recording to give flexibility in editing. Our first shot was to be a pan from right to left in the L-shaped corridor seeing the actor Robert walking towards a door. But when we started filming we had to make sure that we left a gap at the beginning of the recording to avoid any glitches in the tape. We encountered a few problems of lining the camera up so we could film Robert smoothly, Sam helped me to make sure that I had filmed the shot correctly. We also made sure that we used the right props, to give the right impression to the audience. We then moved on to the next camera shot from our storyboard.
As the next shot was a close up of Robert's hand on a door handle, to him opening the door, this went according to plan. When filming the rest, the location would be in a quiet and dark classroom that would be appropriate and free, to make a more eerie atmosphere we used an artificial light. This took a few trials to get the lighting right to make the scene happen. This was done by Sam and Robert who adjusted the artificial lighting until I was satisfied for the benefit of the group. This was used to cast shadows across the actors to give a sinister impression, but came across a complication. When reviewing what we had filmed for that hour and a half we noticed that in some shots that were filmed the lighting was well lit in some shots and in others unfortunately was not as lit causing unnecessary silhouettes. This was due to the location and the where the artificial lighting was placed within each shot was obviously placed wrong and needed to be moved. The other camera shots that we used were: close-up, two shot, shot reverse shot and over the shoulder shot.
Next lesson my group and I would start to edit what we had filmed, and finally complete it to it's best.
Thursday 21 January 2010
The Preliminary Task- Storyboard
Lesson 2- 21/1/10
During today's lesson the group planned and created the storyboard. The storyboard consisted of what camera angle we were going to use in each shot when breaking down the film to see what was happening in each shot. I wrote out what was going to happen in each shot in as much detail as I could. Robert then drew what the shots would hopefully look like when filming to give us an idea of how the scene would actually look like and to see if it would give the correct impression to the audience.
The pictures above show what we have finally decided for each camera shot and what the scene will consist of.
When deciding the camera shots, we wanted to use those that would enhance the extract. We agreed to have a close up of the two male characters shaking hands to show their formal relationship between them. We wrote the storyboard in as much detail as we could so when filming it would make it easier and quicker to film. We have included the lighting and the dialogue that is going to be in the extract, to help us establish which camera shots would be best. As a group we finally decided on a casual 'business meeting' in which we see a male going to meet an 'associate' and exchanging a few lines of dialogue and trading a briefcase. This covers what the specification of the preliminary task asks us to do, before we start the main task, where the male enters the room and having a conversation with the other male 'associate'.
We decided to film in the next lesson when we had more time. This would ensure that we can get the shots that we needed and see if anything needs to be altered that would enhance our work for the best. It would also help the lighting and their costume to be the same throughout the whole of the filming of the extract. This is best as if we ran out of time it would be difficult to get these key components the same for the next time we film.
During today's lesson the group planned and created the storyboard. The storyboard consisted of what camera angle we were going to use in each shot when breaking down the film to see what was happening in each shot. I wrote out what was going to happen in each shot in as much detail as I could. Robert then drew what the shots would hopefully look like when filming to give us an idea of how the scene would actually look like and to see if it would give the correct impression to the audience.
The pictures above show what we have finally decided for each camera shot and what the scene will consist of.
When deciding the camera shots, we wanted to use those that would enhance the extract. We agreed to have a close up of the two male characters shaking hands to show their formal relationship between them. We wrote the storyboard in as much detail as we could so when filming it would make it easier and quicker to film. We have included the lighting and the dialogue that is going to be in the extract, to help us establish which camera shots would be best. As a group we finally decided on a casual 'business meeting' in which we see a male going to meet an 'associate' and exchanging a few lines of dialogue and trading a briefcase. This covers what the specification of the preliminary task asks us to do, before we start the main task, where the male enters the room and having a conversation with the other male 'associate'.
We decided to film in the next lesson when we had more time. This would ensure that we can get the shots that we needed and see if anything needs to be altered that would enhance our work for the best. It would also help the lighting and their costume to be the same throughout the whole of the filming of the extract. This is best as if we ran out of time it would be difficult to get these key components the same for the next time we film.
Tuesday 19 January 2010
The Preliminary Task- Planning
Lesson 1-19/1/10
In the first lesson we were introduced to what the coursework practical included which in result would count as 50% of our AS grade. As throughout the task we must maintain a blog, which after every lesson we must update and include any work that my group and I had completed. But first we had to create our blogs on: 'www.blogspot.com' and name the blog, 'Henna Mistry Thriller.'
The preliminary task was briefly described to us and what the task would consist of. I was put into a group with Sam Willis and Robert Mills who I would be working with on this task. We first had to start planning our preliminary task by discussing what ideas each of us had and write down our ideas on to a spider diagram which is shown below.
The picture above shows our spider diagram where we were planning the task. As you can see we have considered many key important areas that need to be taken into account like the location, camera angles, themes and mise en scene plus many more that we have thought about that could possible be used. We completed this planning as when it comes to filming it will cut down time when deciding what to do.
We were shown how to use and handle the camera with care. When inserting the tape into the camera, the tape needs to be facing outwards and then push the tape down. The camera would then close automatically. We were told to film in wide screen 16:9 throughout our filming and to check that the recording format is on slow play. When recording it is best to press record, wait at least 5 seconds then start the scene as this would give flexibility when editing. When panning the camera it best to pan the area more than you need to before and after the scene as this gives it more fluidity when the camera is moving. An establishing shot should be used to enable the audience to get used to the setting of the scene. The rule of thirds was also explained to us and that it is best to film within the thirds. The 180 degree rule would help the shots to flow, if this rule is broken then the audience may become confused about what is happening.
Next lesson we will decide together as a group what the extract of the preliminary task will consist by consulting the specification before we start filming.
In the first lesson we were introduced to what the coursework practical included which in result would count as 50% of our AS grade. As throughout the task we must maintain a blog, which after every lesson we must update and include any work that my group and I had completed. But first we had to create our blogs on: 'www.blogspot.com' and name the blog, 'Henna Mistry Thriller.'
The preliminary task was briefly described to us and what the task would consist of. I was put into a group with Sam Willis and Robert Mills who I would be working with on this task. We first had to start planning our preliminary task by discussing what ideas each of us had and write down our ideas on to a spider diagram which is shown below.
The picture above shows our spider diagram where we were planning the task. As you can see we have considered many key important areas that need to be taken into account like the location, camera angles, themes and mise en scene plus many more that we have thought about that could possible be used. We completed this planning as when it comes to filming it will cut down time when deciding what to do.
We were shown how to use and handle the camera with care. When inserting the tape into the camera, the tape needs to be facing outwards and then push the tape down. The camera would then close automatically. We were told to film in wide screen 16:9 throughout our filming and to check that the recording format is on slow play. When recording it is best to press record, wait at least 5 seconds then start the scene as this would give flexibility when editing. When panning the camera it best to pan the area more than you need to before and after the scene as this gives it more fluidity when the camera is moving. An establishing shot should be used to enable the audience to get used to the setting of the scene. The rule of thirds was also explained to us and that it is best to film within the thirds. The 180 degree rule would help the shots to flow, if this rule is broken then the audience may become confused about what is happening.
Next lesson we will decide together as a group what the extract of the preliminary task will consist by consulting the specification before we start filming.
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