Filming process log

Once we had watched our first/rough draft of our short sequence we realised that our lip sync dubbing was not in time and also that there was too much background sound which in a few cases did not complement our scenes. As well as that we realised that our film lacked continuity which made it less interesting and more confusing. We had to film again which made things slightly difficult for us because of the fact that all of our actors would have to make sure they were wearing the same clothes so that there was no confusion while the audience watch the sequence. For one of our actors it was possible for them to get the exact same clothing as they used in the previous scene becuase of this we had to pospone our filming date. This violated our time management plan once again.

Filming process log

Due to the fact that we couldn’t pull all of our actors together at the same time we couldn’t film quite a few scenes on time. Because of this the call sheet wasn’t followed exactly according to plan. As well as this our filming hours got cut down due to the instant change in weather and in some cases our location being off limits at certain times.

Analysis

Before we began to create an opening to our own thrillers we watched and analyzed two title sequences which would help us in the creation of our own. While we were watching them we had to take note of how techniques were used to create thrills, tension and suspense to set the atmosphere of a successful thriller. The two opening we saw were The Silence of Lambs and Butterfly Effect.

The opening in the silence of lambs had a specific effect on the audience, it starts with an establishing shot of woodland with no sign of any human, and this keeps the audience in suspense not having any idea what's to come. The music played in the background and the slightly dark atmosphere gave off the idea that the film would be a thriller. We then see a long shot of a woman climbing up a rope towards the camera. The further away she is from the camera smaller and weaker she looks. As she gets closer to the camera she seems a lot stronger mentally and physically, which is an effective technique. This is shown when we see a very intense look on her face as she forces her way up the rope as well as her wearing male type clothing. After this we see the character running though the woods with the camera behind her following her hand held making it seem as though she is getting chased which is also an effective technique to the thriller genre. The sound used while she is running though the woods is slow which gives off a mysterious sense heaped tension on the moment having the audience thinking something bad is going to happen. As well as this the fact that she is breathing so heavily and was obviously tired after what she had been doing the audience would be worried that she wouldn’t be able to defend herself if she were to be attacked.

Similarly in butterfly effect we immediately get the sense that the film to come is a thriller. This thought is started off with an establishing shot of a dark room which almost tell us the film will be a thriller. We then see a man poke his head into the scene looking though blinds and then there are plenty jumps shots, at this point the audience don’t know what to expect while in suspense they would most likely think that the character is either looking for something or someone. Their thoughts will change rapidly as the character hurries into the room searching for a good hiding spot and material to communicate with the people who were after him. As this happens the camera shots rapidly change as the scene moves at a very quick pace showing shots of police searching the area and the man trying to write his message as quick as possible, though that period we hear a lot of hustle and bustle as well as heavy breathing.

Watching the opening of these two thrillers showed us that we can communicate a lot of information to our audience though a small period of time. It also showed that there are many different techniques to create thrills and suspense which will keep the audience hooked and willing to know what’s next.

In addition to this we also realised that the title can and should also be used to reflect what the film will be about. For example in the film butterfly effect the whole title sequence is based on very dark colours with little white a black background with a butterfly fluttering in the middle. This could portray little hope in a dark maybe evil environment giving the audience a little taste of what is to come. It is clear there was a lot of thought put into the title in this film we see the in the movement and animation used. In the same way The Silence of Lambs also a has dark background a grey sky and tree branches without many leaves and behind that everything goes unseen in fog. Here little things like the trees having few leaves could have an important meaning to the audience. Also the grey skies could represent lambs.
Every little part of a film can give off a lot of information.

Audience
The target audience for the Butterfly Effect is presumably 16 years to 26 years. The film is ultimately open to both genders but deeper in the film it maybe though that it will be aimed more at the male gender. There are plenty audience attractions in the opening of the film for example the introduction of the first character how he is immediately made the victim of a hunt. The fast shots happening at this moment will also attract a young audience as it is quick ongoing action. The music is an addition to high tension levels which young people always want to feel. As we know young people watch films to live the moments so packs of action are what they are most likely to be interested in.

The target audience for Silence of the Lambs is most likely 18 years and over. This film is also open to both genders, because it has a military type atmosphere the male gender will obviously be into this film, but the fact that a woman is playing the main role will which is often said to be a man’s role will lure a female audience into watching this film. This is a very good technique used by the makers of this film as it will attract a wider audience and can also send a worldwide message though the film. Unlike the film Butterfly Effect I think this film will appeal to a wider age range although there is a lot of action is this film also it seems like a film of which patience will be needed to watch and enjoy and the younger ages just don’t want that.

Location Recee

Location Recee

We took photo shots of the whereabouts our filming would take place. These specific places were selected because they went very well with the opening to our story and these are the exact areas were most of our filming will take place.

(PICTURES)

Call Sheet

This call sheet was used to help our organisation, knowing what different days we will be filming at what times we will be be filming and also when our filming would be completed by.

Time Management

Time management

We created a time management sheet, this was done to help us keep on track knowing our deadlines and starting dates for specific things. Our time management contained the times we would:

- Create our contracts for the filming location and the actors
- Take photo shots for our location recee
- Call Sheet
- Start and finish Filming
- Start and finish our editing
- Show our sequence to an audience
- Have for amendments
- Spend online blogging

(TIME MANAGEMENT)

Location filming permission contract/Actor’s agreement contract

Filming Agreements

In our opening sequence we needed quite a few actors. Before our actors took part in our short sequence they had to sign the contract provided in order for us and the actors to have an agreement, hence we were permitted to have each actor within the footage needed for our sequence.
(ACTORS AGREEMENT CONTRACT)




As well as this we had to get permission from the location in which we planned to film. This would allow us to film without complaints keeping our filming flowing smoothly.
(LOCATION AGREEMENT CONTRACT)

Initial Main Task Ideas

Our Thriller

This film is a horror type thriller produced specifically for teenagers/young adults. It is set in a cemetery next to an old church which seems a beautiful place in the day time but a terrifying field in the night. These are only just thoughts until a few teenagers thoughts a cemetery would be a ‘cool’ place to enjoy a night out with plenty drinks. Little did they know they were not alone, they were in for a gruesome night. The teenage kids were picked off one by one until two remained, they could be said to be the two who deserved to live, thus they told the tale of their reality nightmare.

The film is about a person’s soul that has not had rest since its couple/fiancé that it loved with all of its heart unpredictably killed him. After death his soul remained on earth but he is only allowed within the cemetery which he was buried, which has kept him away from his fiancé which is the only reason why he remains on earth. Because of this he has taken control of a woman who lives in an old church next to the cemetery in a quest to find a way to communicate with people outside to get a chance to see his fiancé. Because of his lack of communication there is a lot of confusion during his quest.

Shot list

- Close shot

- Hand held

- Establishing shot

- Long shot

- Mid shot

- Pan

- Shot reverse shot

- 180 degree rule worms eye view

Main task

Main task

For our main task we had to plan and create an opening sequence to a movie of the thriller genre. This opening sequence had to be completed within the intervals 1.30 to 2 minutes. This task would put our filming ability and knowledge to the test, for example examining our use of titles, mise en scene, sound camera shots and on into further detail. Before anything my group and I got together, in doing this we came up with ideas for the opening sequence of our thriller. Firstly as a group we decided on what sub – genre our film would be for specificity, we were spoiled with choice but we ended up deciding on a horror type thriller after agreeing it was the genre we all knew the most about. As well as this we watched two films of the same sub-genre, which would allow us to expand on ideas not only from our own knowledge but from knowledge gathered from watching professional films.

Prior to filming and editing, as a group we made plans on exactly what were going to do for this task. Initially we were all laying our ideas out on a table discussing different shot types, music and other factors that would enhance our sequence. Then we realized before we progressed we would need to get a hold of a storyline. It took us about 15 minutes to get our storyline stuck into our heads, we also decided on the type of characters would fit our story. Once we had done this we then decided on what exact parts of the story would be used for our opening. While discussing exactly what would be in each shot we created our storyboard, drawing a rough sketch for each shot showing exactly what we planned to have on frame to ensure we don’t forget initial ideas.

Synopsis

A group of young college attending students has a late night out while drunk. During this occasion they get bored of walking about and go to the extreme of selecting a graveyard as their location to settle down under the influence of alcohol. Under estimating the headings given to graveyards the once fearing teenagers are stunned the death of one of their friends (Tiffany Walker). The remaining members of the group fail in their attempts to escape the graveyard in addition to all forms of communication being seized mysteriously. With no success in their calls for help and no other option the group decide against all odds to investigate on the incident which led to Tiffany’s fatality. Nevertheless the murderer is one step ahead of the investigators and presumably has plans for each of the teenage students; apart from him himself… he (Lucas Barker) goes on to realize he has a split personality. By the time he has realized this only one of his friends remains alive which happens to be his closest friend this lead to a lengthy search and a passionate confrontation with results in a struggle between the two sides of Tommy resulting in the good side of him killing himself to save the life of his closest friend.

Shot List

· Establishing shot of the graveyard (only), and then all characters walk into the shot.

· The camera then pans to the entrance on of the graveyard, and then there is a mid shot as characters converse.

· Long shot of characters walking towards camera.

· Long shot showing group splitting up, girl and boy drift off into the bushes.

· Close up shot reverse shot as group converse while sitting on log.

· Mid shot of boy and girl kissing.

· Mid shot showing the boy leave the girl.

· Close up showing boy getting up and walking deep into the bushes which slowly changes to a mid shot then a long shot.

· Mid shot show the boy make his way through a rough environment.

· Handheld shot showing the boys feet as he continues walking further away from the group.

· Mid shot showing girl alone looking behind her in fear.

· Handheld shot watching the girl while moving behind trees and branches.

· Over the shoulder shot of mystery character looking down on girl.

Preliminary Task

Preliminary task

For my preliminary task, I alongside my group had to create and film a short TV sequence. This TV sequence was supposed to be specifically a TV drama aimed to show our understanding on different and important rules used in TV dramas. Although we had to create our own script and handle the body of our TV drama alone for example mise-en-scene, we had to follow a specific scenario. The first character opens a door and walks into a room, of which a second character is waiting, then the first character takes a seat opposite the first character and they exchange a few words. Key rules we have to a good understand of are:
- Match on Action
- Shot-reverse-shot
- 180-degree

Before anything we had to make a script following the scenario as instructed. The script was short and simple as we want to keep the footage short, flowing smoothly. Our main aim was to show a good understanding of the three key rules.

Script:
A: Hi
B: What took you so long.
A: It's a long story.
B: Tell me then.
A: I Can’t!
B: Why?
A: I...I... killed someone.
B: What!

Synopsis:
Character A walks along a corridor emotionally depress knowing he has something to tell character B. As he opens the door and walks into the room of which character B is waiting he goes to take a seat opposite her. Once he is seated and a little pressure is exerted from character B, he reveals that he killed someone, character B stays seated with a shocked look on her face.

Once we had completed the script we moved on to the story board, which show the order of our shots. We did this by drawing pictures which also showed what would be happening in each shot so that when it got down to the actual filming we would know exactly what it was we were filming which also went on to help our filming to be completed with less time than it would otherwise. We also had a separate shot list

Shot list
- Long shot of corridor before character A walks in.
- Changes into a medium shot as the character comes closer.
- Use of pan to make sure the camera stays tuned on the character
- Medium shot as character A enters from outside the room then onto the inside
- Pan used as character A crosses the room as well making sure the 180 degree rule is not violated
- Mid shot of character A seated opposite character B
- Close shot of character B
- Shot reverse shot as characters A and B exchange text (close shot).

Story Board:

Filming
Filming went mainly because one of our group members has decent experience which was a major boost. On the other hand we did have a few problems firstly while the camera man was filming the sequence he realised one of the legs on the tripod was slightly damaged which meant he had to be extra careful making sure the camera was kept steady throughout. As well as that when it came to filming character A walking through the room towards the seat it was quite hard for the camera man to finds a spot because the room was full of tables and chairs, but we completed the filming successfully and went on the show an audience. We received a lot of helpful feedback and helped us realise plenty mistakes and things we could have changed, so we went on to film the whole sequence again revisiting all mistake made previously

Editing
Once all the filming was completed we then went on to edit our footage. To do this we had to upload all of the filmed footage onto our computers in order to edit them using final cut pro which was extremely hard to use as it was a first for me but with a few lessons I got the hang of it. Once I uploaded the footage onto my computer system with the assistance of one of my group members I cut out all the parts I felt were unnecessary and the few mistakes made while filming. Use of final cut pro was helpful because it meant we were allowed to continue film even though mistakes were made.