On Tuesday, we continued the second part of our filming. We asked a friend to borrow his car for our filming which meant that we all had to arrange an out-of-lesson time that everyone would be able to attend filming. Eventually we argreed on Tuesday afternoon which meant we would only have around 1.30mins to do the filming and a lot of time was then wasted by trying to find the right location. We got various shots that we needed and tryed to cram in a few more at the end however, these might have to be re-taken as we would ideally like to have spent a bit more time on this part.
Today, we done more filming. We completely re-shot all of the footage that we took on day one of filming as we had more time and also had access to the outside of Ana's mum's cafe without feeling that we were being disturbing (which we have no idea why we never thought of that in the first place.) The filming we did on Tuesday was in dry weather unlike last Thursday's filiming which was raining and today the weather was also dry meaning that the continuity would also be better. After uploading the footage from today, we feel that slightly more filming on the 'kidnapping action' should be done before we start editing, other then that, the shots were successful.
Thursday 29 January 2009
Monday 26 January 2009
filming part 1
When we began our filming, we decided to use a local cafe to do the opening first shots.
I, myself use to go there a lot so I thought the people who worked there, would be ok with it and they were. We thought as a group to film outside, since it won’t disturb the people inside. When we started filming, it didn’t go quite smooth. Since it was outside a cafe, some people kept walking by with a grin saying sorry. It did get annoying after a while. Maybe the problem was that we decided to film at peak hour for cafes, but we managed to get the shots we needed done. We also did have some difficulties when acting too, as we are not that professional and laughter is a main theme when a mistake is occurred. As a result we had to do more shots to get it right.
I wanted to do lots of different angled shots when the actors were doing the same thing, to get some good match-cuts when editing so, me and Laura did a couple of them.
The next lesson we didn’t do any filming due to the time we had, but decided to see what we had got and how to improve. Some shots were alright but some had to be done again, because of the framing and mise-on-scene. We found out it is important to keep the costumes the same and not to change anything in the period when filming. We improved our skills on the programme we used to create our opening sequence clip. It was tricky to use, but the main functions had gotten mastered.
On the second part of the filming we got all of the shots that didn’t look right and re-did them. Also i had asked a good friend if we could use his car. This was adding realism and we thought, it would look good if we had a 1 series BMW in our opening sequence. My friend let us use it, but even with that we had limited time so we got a lot of shots done in no time. We got some good shots too, when the camera was looking in the side mirrors as the girl walked passed. It was a P.O.V shot and worked well. Overall, I think that the time with the car was rushed because we spent more time looking for another good location with the car instead of doing actual planned filming. However the shots that we did, worked well.
I, myself use to go there a lot so I thought the people who worked there, would be ok with it and they were. We thought as a group to film outside, since it won’t disturb the people inside. When we started filming, it didn’t go quite smooth. Since it was outside a cafe, some people kept walking by with a grin saying sorry. It did get annoying after a while. Maybe the problem was that we decided to film at peak hour for cafes, but we managed to get the shots we needed done. We also did have some difficulties when acting too, as we are not that professional and laughter is a main theme when a mistake is occurred. As a result we had to do more shots to get it right.
I wanted to do lots of different angled shots when the actors were doing the same thing, to get some good match-cuts when editing so, me and Laura did a couple of them.
The next lesson we didn’t do any filming due to the time we had, but decided to see what we had got and how to improve. Some shots were alright but some had to be done again, because of the framing and mise-on-scene. We found out it is important to keep the costumes the same and not to change anything in the period when filming. We improved our skills on the programme we used to create our opening sequence clip. It was tricky to use, but the main functions had gotten mastered.
On the second part of the filming we got all of the shots that didn’t look right and re-did them. Also i had asked a good friend if we could use his car. This was adding realism and we thought, it would look good if we had a 1 series BMW in our opening sequence. My friend let us use it, but even with that we had limited time so we got a lot of shots done in no time. We got some good shots too, when the camera was looking in the side mirrors as the girl walked passed. It was a P.O.V shot and worked well. Overall, I think that the time with the car was rushed because we spent more time looking for another good location with the car instead of doing actual planned filming. However the shots that we did, worked well.
Improving filming and Using LiveType (#12)
In today's lesson we decided not to do any filming due to the time we had and some props we didn't have. Instead we decided to look at the footage we had already uploaded and what we might have to film again and what we need to do next. We noticed a few mistakes which means we might have to re-film them such as one shot with bad framing and another shot where a member of a group was accidentally seen on camera in a reflection.
We arranged the days that we will be filming and booked our equipment. After this we began experimenting with how to use LiveType. This is the program that we will use to create our opening credits so we experimented with different fonts and effects that we may possibly use.
We arranged the days that we will be filming and booked our equipment. After this we began experimenting with how to use LiveType. This is the program that we will use to create our opening credits so we experimented with different fonts and effects that we may possibly use.
Thursday 22 January 2009
Day 1 of Filming (#11)
We begun our filming today. We went to a cafe for our opening shot and asked them for permission to use there premises for filming. As we didn't want to be too disturbing we decided to film outside the cafe instead. The filming went well however we had to do quite a few re-takes due to small things such as public getting in the way or just general acting mistakes. We repeated the same shots from different angles so we could do match-cuts when editing.
Me and Ana, were playing the school girl characters so the mise-en-scene was important. We dressed in clothes that looked like school uniforms.
After filming, I went to workshop, we uploaded what we had filmed and started to edit it. Not a lot could be done at this point as we did not have a lot of footage and also we noticed a few things that we wanted to change.
Me and Ana, were playing the school girl characters so the mise-en-scene was important. We dressed in clothes that looked like school uniforms.
After filming, I went to workshop, we uploaded what we had filmed and started to edit it. Not a lot could be done at this point as we did not have a lot of footage and also we noticed a few things that we wanted to change.
Day 1 of filming thriller
In todays lesson, my group and i went to a cafe located on the back roads of Angel.
Monday 19 January 2009
Sound Demo (#10)
In the lesson today, we had a little interactive sound tutorial and exercise to do based around the film 'Casino Royale.' Firstly we had to work our way through the little tasks and the eventually the main exercise was a sound sequence task. We had to choose a sequence from the film and using the sound clips given, we had to add the sound to it so that it firstly made sense to the action taking place and secondly, it was effective.
After this, we were shown how to use Soundtrack Pro to add music to our preliminary exercise. As some people in my group had already produced a soundtrack for it, we just experimented using the program rather then create another one.
After this, we were shown how to use Soundtrack Pro to add music to our preliminary exercise. As some people in my group had already produced a soundtrack for it, we just experimented using the program rather then create another one.
Meant to be posted on Thursday 15th January 09
On Thursday's lesson the majority of our media class had to there pitch in front one and other. The homework that was set for that week, was for members of our group to be allocated fields of film, such as lighting, camerawork, music, etc. and then pitch it to the class. I was allocated the field of camerawork. Other members of my group, such as, Akash that was set the task of describing key images and icons, and describing the setting and location for where our thriller will be held. Cristina was given the task of music. Ana was given the task of the type of lighting that will be used as well as what audience type were we filming for. When Thursdays lesson came around, we were told to bring in our homework and then present in a visual way, this is in the form of sugar paper etc. When we had finished the main parts of our pitch and the parts for when people will be speaking next; we decided to create our story board as a group. After this, we pitch our idea to class and to the teacher, we were graded on this pitch.
Sunday 18 January 2009
10. Thursday 15th January 2009
In the first half of the lesson, we continued with our pitch. We also watched some other students' past work for ideas on what worked and what didn't work. In the second part of the lesson we finished off our pitches and each group got up in front of the class and presented their pitch ideas.
9. Monday 12th January 2009
Today we began to think of ideas for our thriller. Our group had to think of things such as the settings and locations that we were going to use, the lighting and the camerawork. We started to put our ideas onto our group pitch which we were to present to the class the following lesson.
Thursday 15 January 2009
Pitch and Idea development (#9)
Today we done our pitch. Following on from the homework set last lesson, each member of our group put together their notes on the category they were allocated. Akash had to describe key images and icons and the setting and location where we will be filming each part of the thriller. Ana had to describe the type of lighting that will be used and our target audience. Laura had to describe the types of shots and camera work involved and finally, I had to describe the sounds and music we will create.
Once we put our notes together, we spoke about any changes we would like to make and then produced a storyboard which was needed for the pitch.
Our synopsis is:
' Character A and B are two school girls who are having a hot-chocolate at a cafe. Character C is a man whose face remains unidentified throughout the thriller opening. Character A and B leave the cafe together and part to go home seperate ways. Character A walks slowly on her way home unaware of character C who has been waiting for her in his car. He quickly creeps up behind her and fiercefully attacks her and throws her into the boot of his car.'
We was given positive feedback from our teacher for our pitch.
Once we put our notes together, we spoke about any changes we would like to make and then produced a storyboard which was needed for the pitch.
Our synopsis is:
' Character A and B are two school girls who are having a hot-chocolate at a cafe. Character C is a man whose face remains unidentified throughout the thriller opening. Character A and B leave the cafe together and part to go home seperate ways. Character A walks slowly on her way home unaware of character C who has been waiting for her in his car. He quickly creeps up behind her and fiercefully attacks her and throws her into the boot of his car.'
We was given positive feedback from our teacher for our pitch.
Monday 12 January 2009
Thriller Practical ideas to pitch (#8)
In the lesson today we began the first steps towards the planning of our thriller opening. We were told that in Thursday's lesson, we would have to pitch our ideas like a real media/film institution would have to.
The first thing that we did was came up with the sub-genre of our thriller. During the research parts of this unit, we had brainstormed sub-genres for thrillers and found quite a variety that we could use. We decided that we would like to make the opening to a crime thriller. I was happy that we chose this as a lot of the thrillers I have been watching for inspiration falls under this category. Some of the films I have watched include 'Kindergarten Cop (1990),''Passenger 57 (1992),' 'Con Air (1997),' 'Breach (2007),' 'Taken (2008).' All of these thriller films contained a lot of crime and action as well as some featuring elements of comedy. The main storylines featured involved spy, kidnap, security, FBI, government and a lot of fighting.
We decided to go ahead with a kidnapping scene as our opening to a thriller. The reason why we chose this was because it is a simple narrative that can look very effective with the use of great camera work and editing. The storyline is typical of a crime thriller and can also make a very suspenseful opening to a film which is what we are aiming to achieve.
After we created our synopsis, we allocated different parts of what needs to be included in our pitch for Thursday. The area I will focus on is music/sound.
The first thing that we did was came up with the sub-genre of our thriller. During the research parts of this unit, we had brainstormed sub-genres for thrillers and found quite a variety that we could use. We decided that we would like to make the opening to a crime thriller. I was happy that we chose this as a lot of the thrillers I have been watching for inspiration falls under this category. Some of the films I have watched include 'Kindergarten Cop (1990),''Passenger 57 (1992),' 'Con Air (1997),' 'Breach (2007),' 'Taken (2008).' All of these thriller films contained a lot of crime and action as well as some featuring elements of comedy. The main storylines featured involved spy, kidnap, security, FBI, government and a lot of fighting.
We decided to go ahead with a kidnapping scene as our opening to a thriller. The reason why we chose this was because it is a simple narrative that can look very effective with the use of great camera work and editing. The storyline is typical of a crime thriller and can also make a very suspenseful opening to a film which is what we are aiming to achieve.
After we created our synopsis, we allocated different parts of what needs to be included in our pitch for Thursday. The area I will focus on is music/sound.
Ideas to pitch
when we made our pitch idea we had the basic story and shots, but as it went on we adusted it and improved some shots even more before we pitched it. i think our whole group gave great ideas but some were contradicted and some were imposible to do, plus it wouldnt make sense.
my group was the first to present our pitch. i thought our's differed to others. i personally didnt do much speaking becasue i got stage fright for some reason but, i have the same input as everyone else in my group. We talked about the idea of your story and talked about types of camera angels. Which kind will help reinforce the meaning of the shot.
my group was the first to present our pitch. i thought our's differed to others. i personally didnt do much speaking becasue i got stage fright for some reason but, i have the same input as everyone else in my group. We talked about the idea of your story and talked about types of camera angels. Which kind will help reinforce the meaning of the shot.
Friday 9 January 2009
8. Thursday 8th January 2009
For the first half of the lesson, we filmed our second mini-thriller and for the second half we uploaded our footage and then edited our shots so that they ran smoothly into one another. We also had a few match-cuts.
7. Monday 5th January 2009
We had a mini tutorial on 'match-cuts', which is a technique in editing where two different shots run smoothly into each other. For example, if a man is filmed from the front while he is walking, then the match-cut would then be the man being filmed from the side, while walking. This is an example of a match-cut because the man is seen continuously walking in both shots.
Thursday 8 January 2009
Preliminary Task - Match Cut (#7)
Following on from Monday's lesson, today we had to continue our preliminary exercise. The task was continuity task involving filming and editing two characters engaged in some basic 'thrilling' action as described in the synopsis on Monday's blog. Our storyboard consisted of character A walking into a room with a bag. Uncomfortably greeted by character B spinning around on her office chair telling character B to "Take a seat." Character B sits down and hands character A the bag. Character A begins to open the bag before Character B quickly snatches it back stating "That's not what I had in mind." This was our last shot as we decided to leave our thrilling action with a cliffhanger.
We began the filming making sure to allow 5 seconds before and after each shot. To begin with was a tracking shot involving following character A's feet. We placed a camera on a chair with wheels to create this effect however the filming looked very unsteady. We repeated the shot using hand-held technique and to our surprise, it looked much better and how we were hoping it would turn out. This was one lesson learnt from our practise task.
Another thing that we learnt from this task was continuity of mise-en-scene. As we approached the end of the filming we realised that our first few shots did not contain the most important prop (the bag). Unfortunately we did not have enough time to re-shoot these few shots and as a result of this, we knew that it would pose a problem during editing. This was definitely a major lesson learnt and next time we film it would be a good idea to rewind and play each shot after we have filmed it rather then wait to the end to spot our mistakes.
During the uploading of our footage we came across another mistake that we had not noticed during the filming. In a few of our shots we had very bad frame work. The type of shots such as over the shoulder shots worked well however, the way in which the camera was positioned showed a lot of surrounding space that was not needed to be seen. We did not pay enough attention to the framing due to time that we had but, again, this was a major fault that we will have to spend more time on during our thriller openings.
Other then the frame work, mise-en-scene and continuity issues, the overall editing went very well. We produced some very good match-cuts and despite the props problem, it still made sense. We managed to create an element of suspense by the narrative, camera work and the background music.
The feedback from our teacher was quite positive although they picked up on the bad framing instantly which shows that this is something we will have to think about on our final piece. On the other hand, we were told that our match-cuts were very good which is also something we were pleased about.
To conclude, I personally feel that this preliminary task was very valuable in terms of understanding our strengths and weaknesses and how we will avoid our mistakes in our thriller opening. I learnt a lot from this exercise and also found it very enjoyable. Whilst filming, me and my group had fun and cooperated well which is always nice when working with others. This is now the second practise task that we have completed and I feel that I am starting to become more confident with using Final Cut Pro to edit as well as using the camera to film. I have not yet done any acting which is something I might consider in the final piece. Overall, I am happy with what we have produced but I am more excited to know what our thriller opening will be like now that we have picked up on our mistakes and I am sure we could produce something much better.
We began the filming making sure to allow 5 seconds before and after each shot. To begin with was a tracking shot involving following character A's feet. We placed a camera on a chair with wheels to create this effect however the filming looked very unsteady. We repeated the shot using hand-held technique and to our surprise, it looked much better and how we were hoping it would turn out. This was one lesson learnt from our practise task.
Another thing that we learnt from this task was continuity of mise-en-scene. As we approached the end of the filming we realised that our first few shots did not contain the most important prop (the bag). Unfortunately we did not have enough time to re-shoot these few shots and as a result of this, we knew that it would pose a problem during editing. This was definitely a major lesson learnt and next time we film it would be a good idea to rewind and play each shot after we have filmed it rather then wait to the end to spot our mistakes.
During the uploading of our footage we came across another mistake that we had not noticed during the filming. In a few of our shots we had very bad frame work. The type of shots such as over the shoulder shots worked well however, the way in which the camera was positioned showed a lot of surrounding space that was not needed to be seen. We did not pay enough attention to the framing due to time that we had but, again, this was a major fault that we will have to spend more time on during our thriller openings.
Other then the frame work, mise-en-scene and continuity issues, the overall editing went very well. We produced some very good match-cuts and despite the props problem, it still made sense. We managed to create an element of suspense by the narrative, camera work and the background music.
The feedback from our teacher was quite positive although they picked up on the bad framing instantly which shows that this is something we will have to think about on our final piece. On the other hand, we were told that our match-cuts were very good which is also something we were pleased about.
To conclude, I personally feel that this preliminary task was very valuable in terms of understanding our strengths and weaknesses and how we will avoid our mistakes in our thriller opening. I learnt a lot from this exercise and also found it very enjoyable. Whilst filming, me and my group had fun and cooperated well which is always nice when working with others. This is now the second practise task that we have completed and I feel that I am starting to become more confident with using Final Cut Pro to edit as well as using the camera to film. I have not yet done any acting which is something I might consider in the final piece. Overall, I am happy with what we have produced but I am more excited to know what our thriller opening will be like now that we have picked up on our mistakes and I am sure we could produce something much better.
Preliminary Filming Task on the usage of Match Cut
In today's lesson my group started to film and edit out Preliminary task on how to use Match Cut. Akash, Ana, Cristina and I used the guidance of our storyboard sheet and a sheet that limited us to a minimum of 16 shots.
We started filming our clip, by adapting as a group we wanted to have various shots, however given the impression that the subject is simply walking. In doing this, we had to make Akash walk numerous times, while Cristina, shot this action in different angles, such as, him walking towards the camera and the camera following behind him. We then had to establish, how Akash would enter the room, when we decided, we came to the conclusion of a continuous shot of Akash walking and then we will cut until he enters the room. From this point, we had to then film within the room, here was the major match cut. Where we had to cut between, Akash walking down the corridor, to him entering the room. After this point, was the dialogue, it was kept to a minimum. Here we filed the whole dialogue from a distance, and then we filmed it again from over the shoulder of both, Akash and Ana. So the duration of the editing process, we can have various cuts during the dialogue.
During the editing process. we found it relatively hard to have fluidity of each shot as we didnt leave 5 seconds at the end, or we left too much at the end.
As a whole, we have learnt as a group, the amount of space taken up on a frame, for example during the dialogue, there was a waste of about 50%, as we did not allow the heads of Akash and Ana to touch the top of the frame. We have also learnt the rule of allowing 5 seconds after each piece of footage, as this is very important during the editing process. What i have learnt from this task compared to the previous task, is the importance of the 5 second rule. I do not think that as a group we have formed a clip, that is similar to a fill, for we were very limited, in the case of lighting, mise-en-scene. However, in fields of narrative it can be very strong no matter if you asre working with a lot of money or hardly any, for narrative can be very simplitic, depending on how you come across.
We started filming our clip, by adapting as a group we wanted to have various shots, however given the impression that the subject is simply walking. In doing this, we had to make Akash walk numerous times, while Cristina, shot this action in different angles, such as, him walking towards the camera and the camera following behind him. We then had to establish, how Akash would enter the room, when we decided, we came to the conclusion of a continuous shot of Akash walking and then we will cut until he enters the room. From this point, we had to then film within the room, here was the major match cut. Where we had to cut between, Akash walking down the corridor, to him entering the room. After this point, was the dialogue, it was kept to a minimum. Here we filed the whole dialogue from a distance, and then we filmed it again from over the shoulder of both, Akash and Ana. So the duration of the editing process, we can have various cuts during the dialogue.
During the editing process. we found it relatively hard to have fluidity of each shot as we didnt leave 5 seconds at the end, or we left too much at the end.
As a whole, we have learnt as a group, the amount of space taken up on a frame, for example during the dialogue, there was a waste of about 50%, as we did not allow the heads of Akash and Ana to touch the top of the frame. We have also learnt the rule of allowing 5 seconds after each piece of footage, as this is very important during the editing process. What i have learnt from this task compared to the previous task, is the importance of the 5 second rule. I do not think that as a group we have formed a clip, that is similar to a fill, for we were very limited, in the case of lighting, mise-en-scene. However, in fields of narrative it can be very strong no matter if you asre working with a lot of money or hardly any, for narrative can be very simplitic, depending on how you come across.
Preliminary Task on match-cut
In the lesson for our premliminary task we were given a assingment to create a short clip, with a little dialogue between two characters, a package being given, but mainly focusing on match-cuts. Previously we was shown a clip on some good shots of match-cuts, to get ideas from it. In our groups, we had created a shot list of 20 shots to get our idea in were the matches was going to take place. After, we started to do the practical an put our camera work skills to practice once again.
I think, when we were filming the shots was perfect, we just had to get use to the functions a little bit more. when it came to the acting and the characters dialogue, we had to re-do the shot because there was so much laughter and mistakes. i guess as well as camera work and editing, you do need some acting skills. However, overall we enjoyed our task given and i think produced a good short clip.
The difficult part was when it came to editing, to get the match right. We worked as a group and took in all the input from each member, on which cut suited. i personally think when it came to the dialogue bit, we got the match cut right and did well in making it a continuity edit.
I think, when we were filming the shots was perfect, we just had to get use to the functions a little bit more. when it came to the acting and the characters dialogue, we had to re-do the shot because there was so much laughter and mistakes. i guess as well as camera work and editing, you do need some acting skills. However, overall we enjoyed our task given and i think produced a good short clip.
The difficult part was when it came to editing, to get the match right. We worked as a group and took in all the input from each member, on which cut suited. i personally think when it came to the dialogue bit, we got the match cut right and did well in making it a continuity edit.
Meant to be posted on Monday 5th January 09
On Mondays lesson, we were shown, a clip as inspiration on how to do out thrillers. This clip simply consisted of a man at a computer East London around 3pm. He seems to be doing something illegal, as the camera pans up to an MI5 website. He then goes to a table to write something on an envelope that he will later post. At this point there is a major match cut and we were told to look out for the match cut. Afer this part of the clip, the man then walks to the post box and here, there is another match cut as, we are in front of him , when hes walking and then we go across the road, however it appears as a continous shot. The point of showing this clip to the class is, the overal scenario of the clip is very simple however, used in a very complex way.
Tuesday 6 January 2009
match-cut
In this lesson we looked at match-cut and learned that it is a good technique to use in editing. We were showed a clip, that the college staff made themselves and was told to take notes. After we watched it 3-4 more times to identify the mise en scene and match cuts that took place. After a small discussion were went back to our real thriller groups and was set a task. We was told to write synopsis and told to write up a storyboard, which could only consist of 20 shots. Next lesson we was going to actually film it and edit it. I’m interested in how my groups clip turns out. I think this is were we prove that we know how to do match-cut.
Monday 5 January 2009
Match-Cut exercise (#6)
In today's lesson we focused on match-cuts. The first task we were given was to create a shot list on a given synopsis. The synopsis was 'East London. 3pm. A man chain-smokes as he sits at his home PC. He copies confidential computer files and plans to a CD. He packages them and is seen posting them.' From this synopsis, in pairs we had to create 20 shots stating the shot number, interior/exterior shot, shot type, action and shot description. The main idea of this shot-list was to include match-cuts. On completion of this task, we were shown a video that the staff had made as an example and we had to identify any shots we used and the match-cuts.
Following on from this tutorial, we were then given another synopsis, ' Character A opens the door and enters a room and sits in the chair opposite character B. Character A and B exchange a couple of lines of dialogue.' Like the first task, we were then given a shot list consisting of 16 shots. We completed this in our thriller practical groups and then allocated 4 shots to each person to draw up on a storyboard for homework due for the next lesson where we would film our idea.
Following on from this tutorial, we were then given another synopsis, ' Character A opens the door and enters a room and sits in the chair opposite character B. Character A and B exchange a couple of lines of dialogue.' Like the first task, we were then given a shot list consisting of 16 shots. We completed this in our thriller practical groups and then allocated 4 shots to each person to draw up on a storyboard for homework due for the next lesson where we would film our idea.
Sunday 4 January 2009
what i'v done in the past lessons
In the past few lesson we have been doing a lot of analysis on thriller in general and other aspects got to do with it.
In one of the lessons we watched a movie called ‘the Bourne Identity’. this film was a action, spy, thriller which was about a man called Jason Bourne. who does remember who he is of were he came from after a tragic accident which the director does not show. Overall, it is about the main character looking for his identity. I learnt a lot from watching this film. It helped me get a idea of how I want my own thriller to be. I learnt some tips on how to create suspense and other thriller elements.
And I think the week after that lesson we started to do a practice run. We made out own 5 minute clip thriller. All we got told was the scene has to be about reading the newspaper and the jist of it was to add suspense to it, to see our camera work and editing skills. Our clip that we created, which took 2 whole lessons was alright but we learnt as a group, how music and positioning of cuts are vital to create suspense.
The disappointing thing I found was that, we had to make our own soundtrack for the ’real’ thriller. Even though the teacher said it will be simple to use and you will learn more. At first my ideal plan was to take a soundtrack from a song, as in getting the instrumental. But I guess making our own sound will make it more original.
Overall, in these lessons, I learnt how to use a camera which was extremely helpful, what type of shots are more effective than others and why and I have gathers information on films, clips and other sound material to get a idea on what I want to do for the thriller, so I can contribute my ideas to my group when the time comes.
In one of the lessons we watched a movie called ‘the Bourne Identity’. this film was a action, spy, thriller which was about a man called Jason Bourne. who does remember who he is of were he came from after a tragic accident which the director does not show. Overall, it is about the main character looking for his identity. I learnt a lot from watching this film. It helped me get a idea of how I want my own thriller to be. I learnt some tips on how to create suspense and other thriller elements.
And I think the week after that lesson we started to do a practice run. We made out own 5 minute clip thriller. All we got told was the scene has to be about reading the newspaper and the jist of it was to add suspense to it, to see our camera work and editing skills. Our clip that we created, which took 2 whole lessons was alright but we learnt as a group, how music and positioning of cuts are vital to create suspense.
The disappointing thing I found was that, we had to make our own soundtrack for the ’real’ thriller. Even though the teacher said it will be simple to use and you will learn more. At first my ideal plan was to take a soundtrack from a song, as in getting the instrumental. But I guess making our own sound will make it more original.
Overall, in these lessons, I learnt how to use a camera which was extremely helpful, what type of shots are more effective than others and why and I have gathers information on films, clips and other sound material to get a idea on what I want to do for the thriller, so I can contribute my ideas to my group when the time comes.
Analysing Thriller Openings (#5)
During our lesson before the Christmas holidays, we watched the opening sequence to a variety of famous thrillers including 28 Days Later, Arlington Street, Collateral, The Shining. After looking at these film openings we were asked to write an analysis of one of them, describing aspects such as how the camera work creates suspense. the film i chose to write about is 'The Shining.'
‘The Shining’ begins by setting the scene with an establishing shot. The location used creates an eerie feeling as the lighting is very gloomy showing, what seems like, an isolated house surrounded by trees and a mountain in the background. This shows the importance of location and setting when trying to create a particular atmosphere. There is then a cut straight to inside this ‘house’ and it becomes clearer that it is actually a hotel. We know this by the mise-en-scene of long corridors and many hotel room doors facing opposite each other. The camera is located behind a young, small boy on his tricycle and begins tracking the boy as he rides along the long corridors. The camera appears to have a hand-held effect as if we, as an audience, are also riding a bike behind the little boy. A lot of suspense is built as the camera is at the same level as the boy and following him directly which means that we can only see what he sees, this idea is emphasised particularly as he turns around the corner because we are expecting something to happen. The non-digetic background music adds to this uneasy feeling as well as the long unedited and slow pace shot.
The little boy stops by a door and looks up at it. There is a low angle shot looking up at the door from his level emphasising his vulnerability. He continues to stare at the door numbered ‘237’ suggesting that this is possibly a relevant number used later on in the film. Next, there is a clear close-up of the little boy’s face which is made clearer due to the surrounding background being out of focus. It then cuts back to the previous low angle shot showing the door number and then to a medium shot of the boy looking back at the door. The slow editing pace is continued which again, really builds up the suspense as ‘the scary part’ that we are all expecting is very unpredictable. The boy then stands up and walks towards the door as the camera pans his movement and he edges forward and puts out his hand to open the door then takes his hand away and looks up. The camera then quickly cuts to two little girls standing there and then straight back to the little boy who gets back onto his tricycle and rides off quickly along the corridor whilst the camera, this time, does not track him and remains static.
The fact that the little boy is riding along an isolated corridor on his own and the feeling of emptiness in the hotel seems quite strange however, I think that the music plays a major role in building tension as when the same clip is played without the music, the two twin girls just appear to be normal little girls who in fact, are not scary at all and the little boy just seems to be riding around on his bike.
This opening is overall very effective. So much suspense was built up slowly making a quick shot of two little girls appear to be very scary. I personally like the idea of having the camera behind the main walking/moving subject as it gives the impression that you are there with the character and only know as much as what the character does.
‘The Shining’ begins by setting the scene with an establishing shot. The location used creates an eerie feeling as the lighting is very gloomy showing, what seems like, an isolated house surrounded by trees and a mountain in the background. This shows the importance of location and setting when trying to create a particular atmosphere. There is then a cut straight to inside this ‘house’ and it becomes clearer that it is actually a hotel. We know this by the mise-en-scene of long corridors and many hotel room doors facing opposite each other. The camera is located behind a young, small boy on his tricycle and begins tracking the boy as he rides along the long corridors. The camera appears to have a hand-held effect as if we, as an audience, are also riding a bike behind the little boy. A lot of suspense is built as the camera is at the same level as the boy and following him directly which means that we can only see what he sees, this idea is emphasised particularly as he turns around the corner because we are expecting something to happen. The non-digetic background music adds to this uneasy feeling as well as the long unedited and slow pace shot.
The little boy stops by a door and looks up at it. There is a low angle shot looking up at the door from his level emphasising his vulnerability. He continues to stare at the door numbered ‘237’ suggesting that this is possibly a relevant number used later on in the film. Next, there is a clear close-up of the little boy’s face which is made clearer due to the surrounding background being out of focus. It then cuts back to the previous low angle shot showing the door number and then to a medium shot of the boy looking back at the door. The slow editing pace is continued which again, really builds up the suspense as ‘the scary part’ that we are all expecting is very unpredictable. The boy then stands up and walks towards the door as the camera pans his movement and he edges forward and puts out his hand to open the door then takes his hand away and looks up. The camera then quickly cuts to two little girls standing there and then straight back to the little boy who gets back onto his tricycle and rides off quickly along the corridor whilst the camera, this time, does not track him and remains static.
The fact that the little boy is riding along an isolated corridor on his own and the feeling of emptiness in the hotel seems quite strange however, I think that the music plays a major role in building tension as when the same clip is played without the music, the two twin girls just appear to be normal little girls who in fact, are not scary at all and the little boy just seems to be riding around on his bike.
This opening is overall very effective. So much suspense was built up slowly making a quick shot of two little girls appear to be very scary. I personally like the idea of having the camera behind the main walking/moving subject as it gives the impression that you are there with the character and only know as much as what the character does.
Saturday 3 January 2009
6. Thursday 18th December 2008
We watched past examples of students' thrillers. For each one, we wrote a few lines on the settings and locations, the camera work, the editing and our own overall opinions. We then discussed each one together as a class and we learnt some tips that are useful to remember for when we go to film our thrillers.
5. Monday 15th December 2008
Today we watched a group of thriller openings of different films such as 'Arlington Road', 'The Shining', 'What Lies Beneath', '28 Days Later'. We compared each one and said what we liked and disliked about each opening.
4. Thursday 11th December 2008
In this lesson, we watched ‘Bourne Identity’, which is a spy thriller. After watching the film, we discussed some interesting scenes, talking about the camera shots and other edited parts.
3. Monday 8th December 2008
For this lesson we finished off our filming and then edited our uploaded footage on the final cut pro programe, we then added some dramatic music to our thriller.
2. Thursday 4th December 2008
In the first half of the lesson, we had a tutorial on how to use the video cameras, which we would later be using. We were taught the basics first: how to put and remove the battery, how to turn the camera on and off and how to use the main buttons on the camera. We were then taught some tips on the best way to hold the camera, how to use the camera stand and lastly some Do’s and Don’ts that we should always remember. Some of these included: Before you continue to film, Do always remember to fast forward the camera to the end of your filming, other wise you may record over your filming; and Don’t ever touch the lens of the camera as it will leave a mark! This tutorial was very useful as we learnt the basics on how to use the cameras and we also learnt some good filming techniques and how to film different angled shots.
In the second half of the lesson, we got back into our groups and continued our preliminary exercise. We placed the still shots, which we took the previous lesson, onto our storyboard. We numbered each shot and wrote a brief description under each one. We then began the filming of our preliminary exercise.
In the second half of the lesson, we got back into our groups and continued our preliminary exercise. We placed the still shots, which we took the previous lesson, onto our storyboard. We numbered each shot and wrote a brief description under each one. We then began the filming of our preliminary exercise.
1. Monday 1st December 2008
This was our first lesson back, where we started on a new topic: Thrillers. Part of our coursework is to create an opening of a thriller. We would later be put into group and we would then have to work together to complete our own thriller opening. In this lesson, we had a mini tutorial on editing. We were taught the basics of editing, such as cutting up different shots and placing them in different orders, using the timeline on the screen. The program we to practise editing was ’Final Cut Pro’, which is simple to use once you know the basics. To finish of the editing tutorial we had to do a task, which was to arrange and put different shots together to create a short film, where the scenes linked into each other. This tutorial was very helpful to me as I had never used ’Final Cut Pro’ before and I was able to learn new techniques from it!
After we had finished our task, we were then put into our groups which we would be working with for the rest of the term. I was put into a group with Akash, Cristina and Laura and I was pleased because I know that they are reliable, hard-working and I am able to work with them. Our next task was a preliminary exercise; we had to get together with our group, and create a 'mini thriller', using one important prop: a newspaper. We were then told to take still photographs of different shots, showing our story. This would later be put onto our ‘mini thriller’ storyboard and we would then use it as a guide when it came to filming.
After we had finished our task, we were then put into our groups which we would be working with for the rest of the term. I was put into a group with Akash, Cristina and Laura and I was pleased because I know that they are reliable, hard-working and I am able to work with them. Our next task was a preliminary exercise; we had to get together with our group, and create a 'mini thriller', using one important prop: a newspaper. We were then told to take still photographs of different shots, showing our story. This would later be put onto our ‘mini thriller’ storyboard and we would then use it as a guide when it came to filming.
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