Review for Test Shoots

Review for Test Shoots

After analysing our shots for our test shoot we have decided the two main areas in which we can improve on is lighting and the visuals in our shoot.

• There was too much noise on the video.
• Lights where not bright enough to maintain a good visual image

These problems can be fixed with more lighting equipment and by using the textures to bounce the light around the room. this will reduce the noise of the finished product and it will be easier to edit on post production.

• Buy reflectors to reflect light onto the actors/Talents face
• Lighting
• Record sound with Rhode mic (Car alarms, Dog barks, Angry voices, Glass Breaking)

By using the Rhode mic we plan to recreate our own sound effects thatw can be heard as the protagonist walks around with the candle.

We plan to shoot either on a Tuesday week A or Friday week B. It will depend on the arrival of the camera we will be using which will be available after the weekend has past. We will decide as a team which day we do do our test shoot on and take more shots with potential improvements.

Timing for Grid Test Shoot

Timing for Test Shoot

We plan to meet up for our second test shoot with the shot list (as shown). We plan to meet up at the location at 3:50pm and prepare the location ready for a shoot at 4:00pm. we have had to shcedule the shots in mind of the darkness, light needed and the time needed for each shot. we have layed out what props we will need and will tick them off when we arrive at the location.

Test Shoot for Grid

Timings

Arrival: 3:45 pm

Setup: 3:55 pm

Test Shots: 4:00pm-5:15pm

Experimental shots: 5:15pm-5:55pm

For Grid we decided we wanted to the test the lighting, zooms and other ideas we had brainstormed in class. One of the ideas we evolved on is the mirror reflection (Which is not pictured here) That gave a essence of drama to the sequence. We went through our foundation shots first that we knew we wanted in our short film and then experimented with different shots as time progressed.

This was the setup we placed in for the opening shot. We decided to get the image right before shooting. We had already placed the track down and where able to set up the angles of the shot before our actor came onto set.

This is the intensity of the light around 4:00pm. We where not planning to shoot in this bright light until the day darkened but planned the shot for later and to keep on track with our time. We aimed to keep the light in the centre of the shot to keep the shot parallel and in frame.

This displays how far we had the light away from the door and how we light the scene. The light was bright enough to capture the mood and by leaving the door open we could keep an eye on the light to ensure it wouldn't fall over or be stolen. After experimenting we decided that keeping the door open was a better idea (As described above) as well as lighting it from the outside giving the hallway a eerie look.

This is a BTS shot taken of how the layout looked for the hallway sequence. At first we placed the light outside the front door and shut it in order for it to catch the effect left on the window pane. However after determining that this had no effect on the shot we decided to leave the front door open (As seen below) so we could easily change the intensity if needed and give the actor more space to move past the camera when walking out of shot.

This displays the look that we achieved on the test shoot of Grid. There was enough light hitting the room in order to create shadow but not enough to cause problems for the actor walking towards it. The actor said he was happy with the intensity of the light and found it easy to walk to it without squinting or having to cover his eyes.

This was a shot I took from upstairs. It was not planned to be filmed but the effect given off by the light is striking and had to be photographed. The light was placed in the kitchen opposite and shone directly onto the banister, creating a suspenseful effect on the stairs. If we have another date for test shooting I would like to experiment with this shot more and have our actor walk past the light in order to see what effect it has on the sequence and see if it will create suspense for our genre of drama.

This is an overall shot of what our setup looks like. In this shot is the Nikon camera, Our tripod, Tracking equipment and the Light that we placed outside the window. We placed the dolly in different positions throughout the shoot in order to experiment with the different shots we can use in Grid.

This conveys the contrast of the characters emotions as he decides whether he will venture outside or he will stay indoors. There is nothing good left for him here but all the comfort and the security he thought he had has vanished. The orange is meant to be a source of comfort however it signifies danger with the use of the colour orange. The blue, on the other hand, warns of the danger the world has been left in with no electricity. The gel also ties in within the Sci-Fi genre and gives an essence of danger to our character.

We placed the light outside, however when we where trying to shoot the candle shots the light was not bright enough in order to see our actor. Instead we opened up the curtains more to allow more light the enter through the window and we opened the blinds to create a diffuse between the window and the light. This created an effect on the wall that is not completely visible on the test shot but gives atmosphere to the room. the lines of the wall give the blinds a sinister look to the man-made object, conveying that what was once useful to us is now useless in this unpowered world.

This shot allows the room to seem cold and dark, yet when the candle is lit it lights up the picture only enough to see the characters face. The coldness is still around him yet it gives the mood a edge as we expect our protagonist to decide what he will do next. The blue gel was behind in the shot and the only other light source was the candle (As seen in this shot). This shot worked well as it pans up onto the face of our protagonist, conveying his angst of the situation.

Location for Test Shots and Shoot

Location of Test Shoots and Shoot

The dining room table table will be the main area in which the character will sit at the beginning of our sequence for Grid. In order to get enough light into the room we will also place a blue gel over a keylight outside the window to get an eerie blue light to cast onto the character when the lights fade out. If it begins to rain outside we will have to place the lighting equipment inside but we hope to naturally diffuse the light by using the window pane and spreading the atmosphere across the room.

Use of Mirrors in Test Shoot

Use of Mirrors in Test Shoot

For our test shoot we plan to experiment the shot of mirrors in order to include elements of the drama genre into our sequence. For example I had my brother enter the hallway which we will be using in our final short film to give an example of the effect the shadows have on the character. Mirrors can be seen as revealing the truth of a persons action or quality, and I believe we will be able to show the protagonist facing up to his fear by walking outside and trying to figure out why all the electricity has vanished. We hope to use a blue gel on the light and have lights inside the hallway so the audience can analyse the protagonist's face and understand how fearful he is of the outside world yet he is determined to solve his problem out.

Grid Fonts

GRID Fonts

As a group we have been experimenting with fonts and have been finalizing our final title with the help of Picmonkey.com. We wanted to have a drama/sci fi effect with our film and evolved our ideas from using a shadow or give it a more gritter look with the typewriter, which relates to the use of the internet and how humans will have to revert back to basics.

The first one we decided to experiment with a less serious style. Although we ended up not using this font we did like the mood it gave off with the shadow, however we could not recreate this style after this and decided to go for a more serious approach instead.

Our second font was a more intense outline and had scrapes to look beaten up. However this feels more to do with a war or epic genre which does not tie into our aims and contexts nor does it apply to our Sci/Fi genre. On the contrary we decided to try and keep the jagged edges and search for a parallel lined font that is seen in films like 'Cowboys VS Aliens' and 'Oblivion'.

Third choice was more to the desired effect with less grit but more outline. This worked better for us as we can define each letter and separate them if we wanted to in our opening.

Fourth font delves into more Sci-Fi than drama but does have some attitude to the wording. You know the words are on the screen and it becomes apparent this is the main title and not a sub font for actors/Talent or crew.

Finally Our last font we tried to combine the two once more but we feel this did not work to the standard we wanted. We decided not to use Picmonkey for our credit sequences and instead decided to use Adobe After Effects as it would have interesting transitions and professional looking fonts.

Feedback

Do draft filming shot by shot for saturday


Audience Feedback
Appropate name and suits the diagesis
Likes how the titles merge with the opening sequence
Is interested in how the use of blue with work with the darkness

Font Ideas For Opening Sequence

Font Ideas for Opening Sequence

As a group we decided to experiment in fonts and decided to turn the fonts into a poster. We like the look of this font becuase it branches into the Sci-Fi genre but we feel we would like to experiment more in order to extend our possibility and add an atmosphere to the main titles.

Synopsis of Short Film

The protagonist (Teenager) is sitting at home, absorbed on his computer and interested only on what is on the screen. As we see him become more and more engrossed we see the change in light as the power cuts off. As he panics we realise that everything that uses electricity has stopped working and the boy is on his own.


Themes                                                Reasoning
Mundane                                            The protagonist knows nothing else than
                                                            Playing on his computer games. This can
                                                            Be conveyed through the monotonous playing on
                                                            A computer or gaming device, the boy is obsessed
                                                            And cannot escape his addiction. It is only when the
                                                            De-equilibrium happen can he begin to recover.


Sanity                                                 The boy constantly plays violent games on his device.
                                                            This allows the audience to question the  protagonists
                                                            Motive to play the game and how his actions are not of
                                                            a positive nature (sitting doing nothing, staring at a screen)

Analysis of Fonts for Opening Sequence

Analysis of Fonts for Our Opening Sequence

With these title sequences The Terminator allows the font to add a sense of seriousness and drama to the sci fi film. The font is bold and contrasts with the blackness to the background, allowing a stark contrast to be visible within the opening shot. James Cameron’s name is also important as it can attract.

At 16 seconds the shot fades in to display a baron wasteland with the words Los Angeles 2029. The use of framing in this shot allows the words to be clearly notified in the bottom of the shot. As part of our short film I would like to incorporate this idea by using a white or grey font that will contrast with the blue lighting and orange candle light to bring attention to the actors and the crew.

At 57 seconds a paragraph of text appears containing information relevant to the narrative. The text is then placed in the centre of the frame allowing use to understand the importance of what the director is trying to put across. The native is told within this paragraph so it becomes the main focus of attention, whereas the previous shot did not retain this idea. The director has also decided to allow the shot in the background to continue its movement to add excitement and suspense to the audience while hey read the text.

The main actor is introduced as the title ‘Terminator’ is passed in the background this adds depth and intrigue to the opening sequence because we are now having to focus on the names as well as the narrative. The use of blue also ties into the Sci-Fi realm which we wish to incorporate into our film.

Actors such as Micheal Biehn and Linda Hamilton then proceed Schwarzenegger as the letters’R’ and ‘E’ cross the background. They are framed inside the letters to allow them to represent the coherent to the films storyline and allow Schwarzenegger to has more prevalence in the opening title sequence. All of the opening titles retain in the shot fro four seconds before disappearing into the side of the frame.

We also understand the sequence is coming to an end as we finish on the most important part of the film; the director and Cinematographer. The order of these shots allows the talent to be the key interest at first and slowly move onto the main crew members. When we work together to create our opening sequence we plan to use this as an influence as to when the names of each crew/talent member come up.

The main title appears in front of us in the main reveal. Brass and horns from an orchestra peak at the revealed as a glint crosses the words allowing the audience to recognise that the words are made of a metal and symbolise power and control. Cameron then allows the font to drive backwards at speed, allowing us to realise that previous events have occurred and that we are about to begin a new chapter in the film. The blue is more striking in this shot and becomes more relevant in this shot, bringing into detail the light that is hitting the top of the font and giving it an ominous glow.

Overall I have learnt that the blue is striking with the black background. This is positive news for us because we were intrigued into the concept of blue lighting and now feel more confident in the production process.

Potential Production/Distributors

Potential Production/Distributors 

Universal are a worldwide credited industry who have made a name for themselves with Hollywood blockbusters. Below is a list of films which I find to be suitable for the category such as Schindler's List (Drama), Oblivion (Sci-Fi Drama) and Cowboys Vs. Aliens (Western, Sci-Fi). These films are created for a mainstream market and we feel our films narrative would be interesting enough to be placed in this category, without is being a quick money maker and more of an interesting narrative we wish to bring to the big screen. We wish to treat the audience as smart individuals and allow them to work out what is happening to a world where electricity has gone down without it being too gory or cheap looking. As universal are the distributors we feel they would take a harder approach to the film. It would appear around the autumn time after the blockbusters in the summer in order to attract a teenage audience who wish to be challenged by the subject.

Lighting Techniques

Lighting Techniques

As part of our lighting technique I decided to look further into the sci-fi genre of lighting decided to take influence from Dr Who because of the mood of the lighting. Although this is a TV show it has a good quality lighting scheme that we hope to match in our sequence. I took the screen shots off the BBC iPlayer from two episodes (The first four screenshots being from 'Listen' and the last shot from the episode 'Kill the Moon') where the atmosphere becomes increasingly tense because we as an audience are foreign to the blue colours and darkness, therefore making us feel more uncomfortable. We get the feeling something bad is about to happen and that we cannot control it, however since we are connected to the protagonist we are encouraged to continue to watch the narrative. The blue can also intrigue an audience as well as help achieve a cinematic looking shot. Below I have analysed each shot separately to define what makes them useful for our shoot:

For this shot I feel that the use of the mist highlighting Oswald's position as she hides from a potential threat is a creative use of lighting. It gives the bed a dark mood to it and that she is visibly frightened by the experience she is going through. 

This shot is a good example of how we may light our protagonist when we are building up to suspense. We can hint at the events that are about to happen (Such as when the lights first turn off) and allow the audience to notice the change of mood without using dialogue, however it will not overshadow the narrative as our protagonist stumbles around for a natural light source.

This is my favourite shot of all. This was created by using a fog machine and a blue keylight from outside the location. The fog gives the scene a definite look and allows mystery to be allocated to the shot. This also gives Oswald a silhouette that highlights only her figure where we can only figure out she is staring at something that is not in our view. There is a great depth of field in this shot by the use of the bars and the ladder up to the bed which gives the shot an interesting look.

This shot uses the blue in a cooler effect as if the moment has intensified greatly or is calming the audience down. By doing this the director will lure the audience into a false sense of security even though we are still unhinged by the physical look of the shot. We become further aware of what Oswald is looking at and become intrigued as to what she is finding so interesting.

The reason I wanted to include this shot is the use of the torch in this shot. Even though we are not setting our sequence in space the use of the torches allow the blue to further shine through in the shot. This gives a supernatural element to it and allows a lens flare to be added when shone straight at the camera. For our sequence we plan to use a candle, on the other hand if we find the candle is not suitable enough of we want to intensify the mood. We can include this as a secondary prop or have the torch flicker on and off before our protagonist chooses the candle instead, referring back to the plot line that all electricity has gone down.

Test Shots for short film Grid

Test Shots for Short Film GRID

With our lighting we decided to use the light of a candle to add suspense as to what is outside. I like the first, second and fourth shot as I think the lighting adds a film of claustrophobia to the film which is a key part of drama because protagonists are forced into situations they cannot control. The use of the clothing as well worked well because they sink into the background and allow the idea of a tried and boring world to be visualized without the use of background information.

We think that the suspense can be done through this light however we will need to do a test shoot to see the results on video. We have arranged to meet up once a fortnight on a friday as our group cannot met up anytime else.

Feedback for Media As 10/1/14

• Rough draft of storyboard needs to be developed into further versions that will be viewed in premier

• Test shots with keyboards and electronic equipment to make sure they work on the day of production

• As a group we must go onto premier and upload our pictures. However the storyboard must be of a better quality and readable for our narrative to flow better. We must further investigate our soundtrack in order to create a mood in which we wish to tell our narrative.

Storyboard for Grid

Storyboard for GRID

Our storyboard shows how we want to create atmosphere in our sequence by including the use of a candle and the blue lightning. We all took it in turns to draw however we all came up with ideas through a mind map (shown previously). We have agreed that although this is no our best piece of work we wanted to get our narrative down on paper and get across our pivotal shots of the sequence.
As a group we plan to also add more detail into the storyboard and hope to incorporate the lighting into the shots (such as what light will hit the subject or foreground etc)

We have also decided that we need to change the ending of the narrative. Instead of the boy travelling to a window we thought he would walk to the front door were a blue light surroundings him creating a silhouette. This will create enigma that will continue through onto the main title.

Opening Ideas

Opening Ideas

Soundtrack

Soundtrack

For our plot we decided to change the narrative slightly. We have decided to rewrite the main protagonist as a teenage boy. We are going to cast Luce's Brother in the main role. We go through with him with the script and ensure that he is happy to portray the character on screen.
We have been deciding on what feel we want for our soundtrack. Although we are not entirely happy with what we found. We felt it gave us a good insight into how we wish to portray the naive characters shock and wonder of the outside world as the lights go out. It will be as if he has never paid attention to the world and has finally rearlsied how different it looks in the coldness we shall portray it in. Below is a list of music we feel will make it to our final score.

Satiate-Only stings

http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?collection=040&Search=Search

Codes and Conventions of Sci-Fi and Drama

Codes and Conventions of Sci-Fi and Drama

Sci-Fi

• Cold Lightning
• Phenomena not fully expected accepted in mainstream science
• Political or social issues (Trust, family,morals etc)
• Use of technology
• Strange occourances (predicting our future such as natural disasters or the death of the human race)

Drama

•  Depth development on rearlisitc characters dealing with emotional themes.
• Themes include alcoholism, Moral dilemmas, sexuality, poverty, corruption and natural phenomena.
• complex characters
• Audience can relate to the on screen event
• Resolve a tragic crisis (Death of a family member or divorce etc)

this will focus in on our audience closer and attract them to watch the film. Lucie and I plan to research soundtracks for our film and create hte right tempo for the film.

Tori joined our group from another group after complications with her story. She has taken on the role of sound and will now be focusing on creating enigma through the soundtrack. We will give her feedback on her findings and will reasearch with her to find the right sound we want.

Blackout

Blackout

Blackout is  a Channel 4 series that ran on the channel in 2012. The programe was about the lives of British people after the power Grid goes out. This was a very good series connoting trust, family and survival. This is all done in found footage style filming which I find intriguing as it is not a style of filming I normally find myself viewing. Overall this series has a similar narrative plot and deals with the issues we wish to tackle in our film.
This film links to the britishness that we are aiming for as it was created in partnership with Channel4, who produce birtish films at a high productive scale