Friday 3 May 2013
Friday 26 April 2013
Rough Cut 2
In this cut we have some titles added but we don't have the font that we wish to use yet. We plan to add the rest of the titles and our logo. We plan on re-ordering the clip so that the Ouija board is closer to the beginning so we can have a conventional title sequence.
We also plan on cutting some of the dialoge where our actors speak to fast and is hard for the audience to understand.
Wednesday 24 April 2013
Kate's Filming Day Diary
We filmed our opening on the 18th March 2013. All of our group turned up at my (Kate's) house at 6pm, including our 5 actors. Unfortunately, one of our actors could not make it, so we had to divide up their characters lines amongst the other 5 that turned up, which was an annoyance as it used up time in which we could have been filming.
Before our actors arrived, we'd set up all props and made sure we were organised so that when the actors arrived we could dive straight into filming.
All of our actors learnt their lines before hand so they were all prepared and organised. Before filming we ran through it a few times to make sure we were ready to film without any mishaps or difficulties.
The first shot we filmed was the outside shot of the garden, but we re-did this several times throughout 2 hours meaning we could get a day, dusk and night shot. We did this so that we could choose which lighting worked best for the genre of film. We eventually chose the "Dusk" shot as it worked perfectly with the theme.
I was in charge of lighting, location and partly filming, as we all filmed equal amounts of the opening. With lighting, my lounge had a dimmer switch, meaning we could adjust the lighting with ease to match the feel of the genre we chose. Also, before the other group members arrived, I set up my lounge so that it was suitable to film in, such as moving some furniture so that we had a decent amount of space to move around.
We managed to film our entire piece in just under 3 hours. We had some difficulties such as the absence of an actor, but we managed to overcome this problem and carry of filming. If we were to film again I would be more organised with our actors and make sure we filmed in a shorter and more precise amount of time.
By Kate Farrell
Before our actors arrived, we'd set up all props and made sure we were organised so that when the actors arrived we could dive straight into filming.All of our actors learnt their lines before hand so they were all prepared and organised. Before filming we ran through it a few times to make sure we were ready to film without any mishaps or difficulties.
The first shot we filmed was the outside shot of the garden, but we re-did this several times throughout 2 hours meaning we could get a day, dusk and night shot. We did this so that we could choose which lighting worked best for the genre of film. We eventually chose the "Dusk" shot as it worked perfectly with the theme.
We managed to film our entire piece in just under 3 hours. We had some difficulties such as the absence of an actor, but we managed to overcome this problem and carry of filming. If we were to film again I would be more organised with our actors and make sure we filmed in a shorter and more precise amount of time.
Abbey's Filming Day Diary
18th March 2013
Before the actors arrived at Kate's house at 6pm, her and Becca set up the equipment and filmed the exterior shots before we lost too much light.
Once me and Amy arrived we were able to set up the table with the cloth and ouija board and also put the different props around the room. We were also able to test the magnets that we used to move the cursor on the ouija board. The two magnets that we were originally going to use were too strong and ran the risk of scratching or breaking the glass panels in the table that the ouija board was placed on. We were able to find a weaker magnet which we were also able to cut to the perfect shape and size to fit the cursor, which gave us a much better effect with the movement of it.
One of our actors could no longer make it so we had to cut one of the characters and divide the lines between the four actors so that it would still make sense to the audience and they wouldn't be able to tell that we were missing an actor. This made preparation take longer than expected as the remaining actors had to learn the extra lines. We had a few run throughs before we started filming to ensure that the actors knew their lines, were comfortable with how the scenes would run and could ask any questions about the scenes if they needed to.
We all took part in the filming process to ensure that we all had a clear idea of how the equipment worked and so that we could all show the footage how we had individually invisioned it. We filmed each of the shots three times so that we would have plenty of footage to work from when it came to editing.
By Abbey Tredget
Before the actors arrived at Kate's house at 6pm, her and Becca set up the equipment and filmed the exterior shots before we lost too much light.
Once me and Amy arrived we were able to set up the table with the cloth and ouija board and also put the different props around the room. We were also able to test the magnets that we used to move the cursor on the ouija board. The two magnets that we were originally going to use were too strong and ran the risk of scratching or breaking the glass panels in the table that the ouija board was placed on. We were able to find a weaker magnet which we were also able to cut to the perfect shape and size to fit the cursor, which gave us a much better effect with the movement of it.
One of our actors could no longer make it so we had to cut one of the characters and divide the lines between the four actors so that it would still make sense to the audience and they wouldn't be able to tell that we were missing an actor. This made preparation take longer than expected as the remaining actors had to learn the extra lines. We had a few run throughs before we started filming to ensure that the actors knew their lines, were comfortable with how the scenes would run and could ask any questions about the scenes if they needed to.
We all took part in the filming process to ensure that we all had a clear idea of how the equipment worked and so that we could all show the footage how we had individually invisioned it. We filmed each of the shots three times so that we would have plenty of footage to work from when it came to editing.
By Abbey Tredget
Rebecca's Filming Day Dairy
Before our actors arrived, at 6pm, me and Kate set up all the camaras and props so that we could get into filming straight away.
Also before our actors arrived i did a quick film of the begining our opening, outside in kates garden. This was incase i got to dark to film later and to see how smooth the camara would be handheld.
One of our actors didnt arrive which mant that we had to split the script between our actors and try to make the script make sence. This was time consuming and ment we where later filming then we wanted. Luckly all actors came prepared with their lines learnt which ment we only needed to do 2 run throughs to make sure spacing and lighting worked.
Throughout the evening we did 2 more outside shots, duck and night, so that we could have a choice of which one fit the genre better.
We split the filming between us all so that we all had a chance to get our view on the scene. i was incharge of the close up shots of the actors as they spoke. this was awkward due to the table being in the middle. This ment that i had to have the camara handheld and lean over the table.
We filmed the whole piece in about 3 hours. This included our problem with actors and shotting everything atleast 3 times. Overall i feel we worked well and productivly. To improve next time i would me more organised with actors and have backup scrips incase of a absence.
By Rebecca Murden
Also before our actors arrived i did a quick film of the begining our opening, outside in kates garden. This was incase i got to dark to film later and to see how smooth the camara would be handheld.
One of our actors didnt arrive which mant that we had to split the script between our actors and try to make the script make sence. This was time consuming and ment we where later filming then we wanted. Luckly all actors came prepared with their lines learnt which ment we only needed to do 2 run throughs to make sure spacing and lighting worked.
Throughout the evening we did 2 more outside shots, duck and night, so that we could have a choice of which one fit the genre better.
We split the filming between us all so that we all had a chance to get our view on the scene. i was incharge of the close up shots of the actors as they spoke. this was awkward due to the table being in the middle. This ment that i had to have the camara handheld and lean over the table.
We filmed the whole piece in about 3 hours. This included our problem with actors and shotting everything atleast 3 times. Overall i feel we worked well and productivly. To improve next time i would me more organised with actors and have backup scrips incase of a absence.
By Rebecca Murden
Amy's Filming day Diary
During the 18th of March, we set the date for our filming. We organised our five actors to meet us the our filming location at 6pm and unfortunately one of our actors did not turn up, to sort out this situation, we divided the lines to the other actors to make the script still work, we spent an hour setting up and rehearsing the words with our actors, so they were totally clear on what they needed to say, especially with the extra lines given.
[insert picture]
During our preliminary task, we struggled with our editing as we had a very small amount of footage to use, so to prevent this, we decided to film everything at least three times and in various shots for example close-ups and mid shots so that if we decided that one shot didn’t work, we would have lots of footage to work with rather than just being stuck with the limited shots we had.
It took a few hours to film everything we needed and we ended up with half an hours’ worth of footage for a two minute opening. We made sure that we could do as much as we could in the time we had. For the beginning of our opening we wanted to have an establishing shot where we track through the house with the girls chatting behind them, however we didn’t anticipate one of our actors being missing so we ended up filming the scene later than we wanted and had issues with the lighting and we have to work through editing to move an existing shot which is had better lighting but with no actors in it and mix it with a darker shot but only use the inside where the actors are seen.
The evening went well and I felt that if we were more organised previously to the build-up to filming, we would have been even more efficient than we already were.
By Amy Coster
Health and Safety
Considering health and saftey regarding filming, we had to take a few regulations to make sure all actors were safe and the location we shot at was suitable. Since we used candles and a match to light them, we had to make sure the materials (and actors) around the flame were not flammable or a hazard to make sure nothing set on fire or got burned. We also made sure beforehand that the candles were safe and didn't drip hot wax on the props or table and we didn't leave them alight whilst unattended, ensuring nothing was caught alight.
Another issue we had was to make sure the table underneath the candles was steady and had a cloth covering it (as the table was made of wood) to make sure everything was safe and covered up.
Another issue we had was to make sure the table underneath the candles was steady and had a cloth covering it (as the table was made of wood) to make sure everything was safe and covered up.
By Kate Farrell
Tuesday 23 April 2013
Monday 22 April 2013
Final Decisions and Location
The final decision for our location was Kate's living room and garden. We chose to use this location as it fit in perfectly with our genre and the setting our film was.
We shot our first scene at dusk in the garden as it was the perfect time of day to set our opening in as it was mysterious and enigmatic, creating a suspenseful theme. We also chose to use Kate's garden as it was in the middle of the countryside and relatively small with a larger field in the background, meaning it was secluded and connotes danger.
One problem that we had was the script, as one of our actors didn't show up, meaning we had to allocate their lines amongst the other characters, causing a slight delay of filming.
Another problem we had was the 180 degree rule as it was hard to make sure we could see the actors clearly, but we managed to arise above the problem and successfully film the shots. Also, some shots had mirrors and glass in them, meaning we had a slight problem with reflections and were unable to use these shots, but luckily we retook them all at least 4 times.
We shot our first scene at dusk in the garden as it was the perfect time of day to set our opening in as it was mysterious and enigmatic, creating a suspenseful theme. We also chose to use Kate's garden as it was in the middle of the countryside and relatively small with a larger field in the background, meaning it was secluded and connotes danger.
We chose to use Kate's living room as it was an appropriate size and would be the perfect setting for a girly sleepover. The lighting was also effective as the middle light had a dimmer switch meaning we could adjust the brightness and mood of the lighting with ease.
One problem that we had was the script, as one of our actors didn't show up, meaning we had to allocate their lines amongst the other characters, causing a slight delay of filming.
Another problem we had was the 180 degree rule as it was hard to make sure we could see the actors clearly, but we managed to arise above the problem and successfully film the shots. Also, some shots had mirrors and glass in them, meaning we had a slight problem with reflections and were unable to use these shots, but luckily we retook them all at least 4 times.
By Kate Farrell
How we will organise props and costumes
Our props and costumes need to be specific to help connote meanings using mise en scene, for example we need a red sheet specifically in that colour to connote danger, so to go through all our specific props we will first check our own belongings for any items or clothing that we can use for props and costumes.
I have many different styles of pjamas which could be used for our opening so I will bring them in and everyone else will also see what they have that we could use.
We also asked our actors if they had any costumes that we could use and fortunately they all had pjamas which helped connote their characters that they are playing.
We also needed candles for our opening so Abbey had some candles and matches which were tested out first to see if they were safe and didn't leak wax anywhere so that they were safe to film with.
Various food packaging and snacks for thethe characters to eat during the scene will be provided by everyone involved. Everyone shall bring at least one food item to be used for the opening.
Here is our basic prop list which gave us a basic starting point on organising and obtaining our props.
I have many different styles of pjamas which could be used for our opening so I will bring them in and everyone else will also see what they have that we could use.
We also asked our actors if they had any costumes that we could use and fortunately they all had pjamas which helped connote their characters that they are playing.
We also needed candles for our opening so Abbey had some candles and matches which were tested out first to see if they were safe and didn't leak wax anywhere so that they were safe to film with.
Various food packaging and snacks for thethe characters to eat during the scene will be provided by everyone involved. Everyone shall bring at least one food item to be used for the opening.
Here is our basic prop list which gave us a basic starting point on organising and obtaining our props.
By Amy Coster
Saturday 20 April 2013
Final Sound
When we were trying to find a piece of music to be played in the background of our film clip, we wanted something creepy, simple and mainly instrumental. We came across a few pieces of music that we thought would be suitable, but nothing that really grabbed our attention.
The two pieces of music that we were eventually chosing between are these two:
-insert sound-
But we still felt that they were a little too generic and cheesy.
My friend then sent me an e-mail with his bands EP and after listening to the song 'Things ARN'T What They Seem' I felt that the piano intro and outro would be perfect for our film. After showing the sound clip to the rest of the group, we decided that this is the piece of music that we wanted to use. I asked the bands permission to use the track and they said yes if we could credit them in the titles. They also mentioned that once the film was completed that they would put it on their website. This would be both good marketing for our film and for their music.
Due to the fact that they had already fully edited the song, we had to cut the middle section out of the clip. We did this using audacity as it made it much easier to make sure the two sections that we were using fit together smoothly. We also faded in the clip at the beginning so that it would flow nicely into the clip. We also split the clip so that it would also fade into a vocal part in the song that we though would fit well with the themes of the film.
The two pieces of music that we were eventually chosing between are these two:
-insert sound-
But we still felt that they were a little too generic and cheesy.
My friend then sent me an e-mail with his bands EP and after listening to the song 'Things ARN'T What They Seem' I felt that the piano intro and outro would be perfect for our film. After showing the sound clip to the rest of the group, we decided that this is the piece of music that we wanted to use. I asked the bands permission to use the track and they said yes if we could credit them in the titles. They also mentioned that once the film was completed that they would put it on their website. This would be both good marketing for our film and for their music.
Due to the fact that they had already fully edited the song, we had to cut the middle section out of the clip. We did this using audacity as it made it much easier to make sure the two sections that we were using fit together smoothly. We also faded in the clip at the beginning so that it would flow nicely into the clip. We also split the clip so that it would also fade into a vocal part in the song that we though would fit well with the themes of the film.
Final Props
For our film we wont use many props for our opening we will mostly use simple props that you would see at a sleepover.
Stuff like:
The only specific prop we would need is the Ouija board and pointer. This will be done by printing off a Ouija board picture off on A3 paper. We did try and find a real one but we couldn't due to the fact that a lot of people are scared of them and what they do. The pointer would be made of card.
Stuff like:
- Pillows
- Blankets
- Sweets
- Crisps
- Alcohol (due to there age)
By Rebecca Murden
Costume
The costumes for our film opening sequence are nightwear. We chose to use this for costume as it helps to convey the setting and story-line of out film.We wanted each individual characters nightwear to portray their personality. For example, two of the girls are wearing button up pyjamas with colourful prints. One has pandas which would give the impression that she is the most fun, whilst the other has leopard print which is more grown up, showing that she is the more sensible of the girls. The other girl in the main group is wearing a bright tank top with polka dot bottoms, she is the more shy, girly character and her simple clothing connotes the fact that she isn't very outgoing which is shown when she doesn't want to take part in the ouija board.
The final young girl who plays the little sister in the opening sequence is wearing an animal onesie to show that she is young, naive and innocent.
By Abbey Tredget
The final young girl who plays the little sister in the opening sequence is wearing an animal onesie to show that she is young, naive and innocent.
By Abbey Tredget
Audition script
Script
Sam – Bit nerdish
Sarah – Girly, hosting the sleepover, bit of a bully
Robin – another girl at the sleepover (characterisation is up to interpretation)
Cassy – scared easily but gets involved in the supernatural. Quirky
Jess – Sarah’s sister
Basic setting for scene: Cassy is locked in a cupboard by Sarah and robin, Sam thinks they are being mean...
Sam
C’mon you guys, this is idiotic, look, let’s just go get some snacks and put a film on eh? You know how Cassy gets with this stuff. Just drop it yeah?
Sarah
Oh shut it Sam, we were just mucking around. Loosen up! Or you may as well be playing Magic! The gathering, whatever that is...
Robin
Lighten up Sam, we are just having a laugh
Cassy
Stop it guys! You are freaking me out. I think theres actually something in here!
Robin
I am not getting involved in this
(cupboard unlocks and cassy gets out)
Cassy
What the hell guys! Sarah, is your problem?
Robin
We were only mucking about Cassy, no need to get angry, nothing will happen to you we promise
Cassy
Just... leave it yeah?
~Jess Audition script~
(Jess comes in)
Jess
Sarah! Mum said you should be in bed so if you don’t be quiet I’m telling!
Cassy
We’ll be quiet Jess. Sorry
Sarah
Don’t apologise to her, she’s an idiot. (to jess) You won’t tell, you’re too chicken. Just like little miss ‘everything’s a bad idea’ over here
By Amy Coster
Rough Cut 1
Rough Cut 1
Feedback
- "I really liked the pan of the photo's at the start, it was really spooky and worked well".
- "Although some of it worked well, I think there were too many shots of faces".
- " I think the established shot at the start worked well as it shows where the film is set and maybe hints on what we could expect".
- "Some of the shots were a bit too dark to see the actors faces".
Thoughts
Looking at the feedback we got, I believe that we need to maybe add in some other shots to replace some of the close ups of the faces to make the opening slightly more interesting and very the shots more. I also believe we may have to fix lighting in some shots as some of them were a tad too dark, making it it hard to see the actors faces clearly.
Feedback
- "I really liked the pan of the photo's at the start, it was really spooky and worked well".
- "Although some of it worked well, I think there were too many shots of faces".
- " I think the established shot at the start worked well as it shows where the film is set and maybe hints on what we could expect".
- "Some of the shots were a bit too dark to see the actors faces".
Thoughts
Looking at the feedback we got, I believe that we need to maybe add in some other shots to replace some of the close ups of the faces to make the opening slightly more interesting and very the shots more. I also believe we may have to fix lighting in some shots as some of them were a tad too dark, making it it hard to see the actors faces clearly.
Created by whole group, "Thoughts" written by Kate Farrell.
Friday 19 April 2013
Opening first draft script
Script for opening
All but Sarah
Night
Sarah
(sarcastic) Night Mum… Ugh finally. Now we can get back to business
(Sarah pulls out the Ouija board and candles from a sleeping bag)
Sam
Sarah, its not even a real ouija board, its not gonna work.
Robin
Oh C’mon its just a bit of fun
Cassy
Stop it, it could be dangerous
Sam
Guys, this is idiotic look lets just go get some snacks and put a film on eh? You know how Cassy get with this stuff, just drop it yeah?
Sarah
Oh shut it Sam, were just mucking around. Loosen up or you may as well be at home playing with those cards you love so much.
Robin
Lighten up Sam we’re just having a laugh. Cassy you’ll be fine.
Cassy
Well I don’t believe you…
(Sarah Lights a match and lights the candles. Ouija sequence)
Jess
Mum said you should be in bed so if you don’t be quiet, im telling
Robin
we’ll be quiet Jess. Sorry
Sarah
Don’t apologise to her, she’s an idiot, she won’t tell; she’s too chicken, just like, little miss’ this-is-a-bad-idea’ over here (referring to Cassy)
Jess
Humph, just be quiet yeah? or you'll give me nightmares
(door slams)
(cut to black)
By Amy Coster
Celebrity Actors In Our Opening
We decided that we wanted our main female actor to look quite innocent, but not necessarily your typical girly girl. Isabelle Fuhrman would be a good actor to play the role of Cassy as she is slightly myseterious whilst still being girly.
The main male that would come in later in the film would need to look very mysterious and older than the girls. We thought that Ville Valo would be good in this role as he looks very dark and mysterious.
.jpg)
For one of the girls friends, Robin, we thought that Corsica Wilson would work well as she looks very innocent and girly. We wanted somebody who just looked like a typical teenage girl.
For the nerdy girl, Sam, we thought that Evanna Lynch would be perfect to play her as she is fairly well known but has been involved in many independant projects.
For the popular girl, Sarah, we thought we would need a girl who seemed quite vain and pretentious, and who would look older than the others with make up. Astrid Bergès-Frisbey would be good to play this part.
For the little sister of the main girl, we needed somebody who looked cute but like she could be an annoying little sister who would tell tales on her big sister. Alexia Osborne would suit this role perfectly.
By Abbey Tredget
.jpg)
By Abbey Tredget
Friday 12 April 2013
Mise en scene consideration
Mise en scene is a major part of film as it gives the audience messages and hidden meaning towards the film from the begening, this can also be enjoyable to audience members who have seen the film once before and pick up new meanings to the film.
Tis is a list of our mise en scene for our film opening:
By Amy Coster
Tis is a list of our mise en scene for our film opening:
- For the lighting of our opening, we are planning to use artificial lighting to create a brighter setting in the living room to connote the characters being blinded from the supernatural events that will eventually happen.
- The costumes are all to fit each character. The little sister will be in clothing which is appropriate but baggy to highlight that it was passed down from her older sister, helping to carry the theme of generations. The costumes also are going to help portray stereotypical characters in a subtle way.
- The cloth that the home made Ouija board will be sitting on will be red to connote the danger that the Ouija board will bring.
- The homemade Ouija board will connote the innocence of the girls as they don't know what they are doing, highlighting the incompetence of the girls, making them the stereotypical victims of the horror genre.
- The lighting will portray dusk, this will connote that the danger is just beginning as dusk is the beginning of the night.
- One of the sleeping bags in shot was red to connote the blood that will be spilt.
- The nusic played will be a mix of suspenceful music and a rock song which will be a juxtaposition towards the girls as they are steriotypically shows as girls who wouldnt listen to the music being played, highlighting how they are involved in dangerous themes.
- The shots of the family photos connote the themes of generations and tell the audience that they will have more meaning later on in the film.
By Amy Coster
Wednesday 27 March 2013
Location Scouting Part 3
Abbey's Bedroom
I don't think that my room would be appropriate for our film opening location as it isn't very girly and the layout would be very easy to film in. It is also a bit too small to fit all of our casting members and cameras into.
Abbey's Living Room
Abbey's Living Room
My living room is a good size to film in and fit all of our cast, also the lighting would be good as the lights dim. But as we need a small table for the actors to be sat around, we decided that this location would be too difficult to get a table into easily for filming.
Location Scouting Part 2
Kate's Bedroom
The first place I considered to look at was my bedroom, as our opening is set at a sleepover. I have chosen not to use my room as our location as it's blue and not very girly. Plus, the lighting would not look correct for a supernatural film. Another reason would be that the colours are also not very girly, as if we used a bedroom it would have to be pink or purple preferably.
Kate's Living Room
The second place I looked was my living room. The lighting works well as we could easily close the curtains, but still have a side lamp on. Also, the spacing is good to use as all of our actors could gather around the table so that we could place the camera in the middle of the coffee table and get some good shots.
By Kate Farrell
Filming day photos
By Abbey Tredget
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)