Research & Planning: Films Linked To Amnesia

Research & Planning: Improving The Film Idea

After getting some positive criticism on our film idea from our class, we decided that our film opening has too much going on for the opening scene. As a result, we decided to think through our idea and make it more simplistic. However, I think we should scrap this idea and choose a new one where we can build up the character in more depth so the story has a strong plot which can make our film opening more efficient and easier to understand. The idea that our group are currently thinking about is a film which is based on 'Amnesia'.

Research & Planning: Conventions Of A Thriller Film

A thriller is a genre that uses suspense and tension as it's main elements, creating enigma for the audience. The basic conventions of a thriller movie include:

• Low key lighting
• Quick cuts
• Shadows
• Tension music
• Changes in the angles shots
• Diegetic/ambient sounds
• Composition of characters 
• Discrete & isolated locations

Research & Planning: British Film Production Companies

I researched into some of the most well known British film production companies to get an idea of how their name and logo is presented at the beginning of a film opening. They are very basic and simple, but have an element of professionalism within them. They are easy to remember due to the simplistic format and design of the layout, for our film production name, i want to choose a term which is easy to remember and sounds very formal and British. The typeface used is very bold, standing out clearly to the audience.

Research & Planning: Film Opening Analysis: The Bourne Legacy

I decided to do some film opening research on movies which link to our idea and genre of thriller. This will help me and my group improve our general aspects that we are considering to include in our film opening e.g. the sound/ music in the background, certain shots which are used, how each scene is approached including the mise en scene. In particular, I chose to analyse the film opening to 'The Bourne Legacy' as it had a range of elements which tie in well with our idea and theme.

Title Sequence: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PJgQrug7JA

The opening scene portrays the character deep under water in a still position. The deep blue colour connotes a negative tone to the scene and creates enigma as the audience is already confused by the composition of the shots. Following on, the character swims towards an object which is shown through a close up shot, signifying the importance to this item or object. However, it is not very clear and visible due to the colours enhanced in the scene which could create mystery and confusion to the audience. I like this idea where a deep colour under the water has been used to set the scene and mood for the film. Next, an establishing shot is used to show the surrounding area with additional text which is shown on the screen to state the location. The next shot is a close-up shot of the water which shows the character rising up from the water with the object in his hand. I think this links well with our film opening, where an object is used to create confusion and importance, it portrays a sense of power. As the character comes out of the water, a long shot is used showing him throwing it to the ground and leaving it there. Moreover, a close-up shot is used to show the characters facial expressions, displaying a confused emotion. From here, the camera zooms out at a fast pace, portraying the landscape/setting shot, followed by a black screen. The titles are then shown appearing as a scrabbles code form to the bold title stating "The Bourne Legacy." Throughout the scene, the music in the background creates a lot of suspense as it starts off very low in pitch and as the scene carries on, it builds up creating a higher dynamics, in particular when the camera is zooming out the diegetic music is at its climax creating tension and enigma.

Research & Planning: Test Shooting & Location Shots

Alleyway Location

On the weekend, as a group we visited the locations spots for our film opening so we could get a clearer insight towards the specific shots which we will consider using. Additionally, we used the iPad to start test shooting the scenes which we have to shoot for our film opening. I think it went really well as we now have a better idea of how we are going to shoot certain aspects e.g. the shots and also considering the mise en scene of each frame shown. We also took lighting into consideration as we needed it to be bright but also adding a hint of darkness as we wanted to add enigma to the scene. 

Bridge Location

The first photo shows the location of the alleyway scene, which is surrounded by colourful leaves which haves fallen to the ground, creating a good mise en scene; this location portrays the characters journey to the bridge. The second photo displays the bridge location, where the delivery scene will take place. We discussed having a range of shots that take place here as we wanted to use the location in various ways e.g. a close up on the bridge of the box and a long shot from a distance showing the character on the bridge.

Research & Planning: Film Synopsis

A character who is packing her suitcase, leaves her house discreetly to deliver a box to an unknown character at the bridge. The unknown character, also known as the 'collector' later comes to the bridge and collects the gift box. The character who is delivering the box is known as the 'deliverer'. 

Certain deliveries are made for a murder, on each delivery box, there is a code which is shown on the edge. This code unlocks a high tech database showing all of the victims who have been killed and the 10 remaining victims who need to be killed. These people are targeted to be killed because they are apart of a secret agent group organisation and know exclusive information. The deliverer (main character) had packed her suitcase because she was originally apart of this organisation, but turned against them as she was blackmailed by the murderers on a different agent organisation. Throughout the film, there is a team of murderers who will receive different deliveries which contain certain murder tools to kill the secret agents. The code on the box signifies each victims identity to be accessed through the database and shows who needs to be killed. The first delivery box contains a necklace which is a combination of deathly chemical poisons which will be used to kill a certain victim. By the end of the film, nine deliveries would have been made, however one delivery is left but the agents cant track this person down...

Research & Planning: General Ideas

I created this mind map, stating the basic ideas regarding our film idea. In the lesson, as a group we broke down each scene into a few sections to give us a brief overview of how many scenes there will be altogether. In addition, we estimated how long each cut will take to cover the 2 minutes required.

Research & Planning: Final Idea

Film opening notes

Throughout the process of thinking about various film opening ideas we covered a range of ideas, in the beginning we were complicating it too much which meant that it was near to impossible meeting the basic conventions of a film opening in general. On the other hand, in the end we came up with a unique and effective idea which conveyed elements of enigma which will entertain the audience, portraying the genre as a thriller. We wrote down all of our ideas expanding on each part briefly and further due will elaborate on each aspect e.g. the specific camera shots used in each scene.

Research & Planning: Initial Ideas

Today in class, as a group we contributed a range of individual ideas that we had and thought of what type of film we wanted to create and later elaborated and combined them. Our initial genres were either thriller or romance, further on after brainstorming our ideas, we decided to go ahead with the romance genre as the idea was stronger and more efficient. This isn't the final decision as we all agreed to think of ways to improve it as a group, so it's a solid idea for us to start working with. We also discussed briefly some of the essential parts of organising and building up the film opening e.g. the actors who will take part and locations which are interesting and not too basic. Additionally, we decided to keep the idea relatively simple but have various shots which create enigma for the audience. 

Research & Planning: Music Used In Films

In most films, there is a music score which is original music written specifically to accompany a film. I researched into films which had interesting soundtrack music which is played in the background during the duration of the film to get familiar with how it is adapted to fit in with the film itself. This type of music is often used to give the film a smooth flow from start to end, i want to include music in my film opening which suits its purpose in terms of the genre and how the story unfolds.

"Inception" theme music

The music score for this movie links with it's story line and adds suspense to each scene as it plays in the background during most of the movie.This type of music is known as non-diegetic, as it is created by the imaginary world of film, specifically for this film. The 'Inception' theme music has a very slow pace and beat to it, connoting a form and tone of sadness which drives the movie on throughout. As it's instrumental, you can hear the effect of the instruments which adds additional suspense with the music building up to a climax. I like how this type of music fits in well with it's stroy as it shows that there's purpose for everything that's happening and justifies each scene. For our film opening, i want to have music in the background which plays along well with the theme of our genre and story itself.

Research & Planning: Genres

Wide range of genres

Film genres give the audience an insight of what the movie and plot line may consist of. I researched into all of the categorized film genres that are in the film world to give me ideas on what kind of genre I want my film to follow.









http://www.imdb.com/genre/
The imbd website lists and consists of all the possible categorized film genres which come under each particular theme. For an example, there can be a comedy themed movie which is romance based, which is also known as a rom com; an example of a rom com: "The Proposal." I like the concept of how various genres can be combined to give a final outcome, when making my film opening I will consider combining two contrasting genres that could work well together e.g. thriller and crime.

http://www.bfi.org.uk/news-opinion/bfi-news/genres-where-draw-line
From this website, it described each genre briefly and gave several examples of movies which fit into that specific genre.

Research & Planning: Film Opening Analysis: Quantum of Solace

 "Quantum of Solace"

 In terms of sound, there is non-diegetic music playing in the background, which sets the scene of the movie from the start. It creates suspense as it's quite slow and generates enigma. The establishing shot of the ocean at the beginning sets the scene with the suspension of the music in the background. 







Throughout the opening scene, a lot of snappy cuts are used, which shows time passing in a fast form and can create confusion. Close up shots of the car are portrayed from different angles, showing the audience all perspectives to build up the scene. I like how it breaks into the title sequence with a different tone and dynamic connoting a more action themed mood to it. I like the fonts used in the titles because they look elegant and efficient making the movie look more professional, i will consider using this concept in my film opening.

Research & Planning: Film Certification

Film Certifications

To research into certification of films, i visited the bbfc website which stands for British Board of Film Certification.Website: www.bbfc.co.uk - This website gave me an insight of the various boundaries of each age group and the range of aspects that each category consists of. Additionally, researching into certification gave me thoughts on who my target audience may be for my film and which rating would be applied appropriately. 

At U there is very mild language, with very brief intimacy and violence. At 12, there may be strong language which is infrequent, sexual scenes are briefly shown and moderate violence which does'nt dwell into too much detail. At 15, each aspect is at a stronger level, portraying elements in stronger detail, also the horror genre falls in this category commonly. At R18, themes are so graphic and explicit that only licensed adult users are allowed to view the films. 



On the other hand, regarding our film/opening, we decided to give it a rating of 12A as it may contain elements in the story which are too bewildering and confusing for a child to see and the story plot is quite advanced in terms of a young child understanding. A parent may need to be with a young child while viewing this movie as it contains some emotional upsetting scenes.

Main Task Brief & Thoughts

Main task: the titles and opening of a new fiction film, to last a maximum of two minutes.

My initial thoughts on the main task were that it was going to be fun to produce, however it will require a lot of work to get it to the highest standard possible. I decided to start research and planning right at the start to get a clear insight of what the existing film openings look like from a range of genres. Any instant ideas that come to thought, i will make note of and expand on them as i continue research and planning. I am really excited to start working on the task because i have many idea's for the film including the genre, camera shots, mise en scene and sound. 

Research & Planning: Film Opening Analysis: Various Genres

"Se7en"

An establishing shot (wide) is used showing the bedroom, setting the scene. In terms of mise en scene, its quite a dark atmosphere which can create a enigmatic feel to it, additionally,the lighting is low key creating shadows. This dark lighting could foreshadow a negative element which is soon to approach later in the movie. A low shot has been used which could suppose that someone is watching and the way the shot has been composed with the door open, could suggest someone is intruding into his privacy.The character in this shot is reading and his bedroom consists of old fashioned furniture e.g. the book shelf, which suggests that the man is intelligent and sophisticated, this can represent and reflect his age. Off screen diegetic sound is used, you can hear noise outside e.g. police sirens this could suggest that he lives in the city, which connotes crime. On screen non diegetic sound of the metronome (ticking), this can create suspense as it could suggest that the man is waiting for something to happen. The main theme music (which is non diegetic) clearly indicates that the movie comes under the horror/thriller genre as it has a eerie feel to it. In terms of the titling used, the font is very sharp and edgy which can make the audience feel unsettled and scared. Throughout the clip, a series of extreme close up shots are used which are snappy creating mystery and tension for the audience. At the end of the opening credits another establishing shot is used of the city to set the tone for the next scene.

"Twilight"
Many establishing shots are used to set the scene and show the audience the journey that the character follows. At the start, a long shot of a car driving along the road is shown followed by a mid-shot of the character in the car with the setting in the background through the window. I like how non-diegetic music and diegetic music are combined for the film opening, for example, you can hear the car/aeroplane (ambient sounds) as well as the soundtrack playing in the background. I like how all of it ties in together and how the sound is positioned in the correct areas, as it adds a more realistic feel to it. The distributor name fades out and the camerea begins to tilt upwards over the rocks, i like how this has been edited. When the title "Twilight" is faded in onto the screen, an establishing shot of a forest is in the background setting the scene from the constasting warm orange colour that had been portrayed before the titles. A voice over is used which makes elements of the story and character clear to the audience. The tone of voice suggests a sad tone to the story additionally with the cold colours presented. In terms of mise en scene, the colours used in the opening are very contrasting, the colours towards the beginning are warm and bright as it shows a sunny setting and location, however, the film in general has a cold tinted blue colour to it, which could connote a negative mood. In the car, a mid-shot (two-shot) is used to show the characters and a panning shot is used when each person talks. When the character leaves the car, she is holding a cactus which is very contrasting to the setting she is in. At the end of the clip, a panning shot is used to show an overview of her bedroom from the eye line match of the girl.

In terms of credits, the opening sequence of Breaking Dawn Part 2 are quite interesting as the font is covered over by a smooth font, which i find really effective and the non-diegetic music creates mystery as it's quite a slow pace and slowly builds up, generating suspense: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=1-Aw2yZWaEU

"Easy A"
In the mise en scene, the scene opens with bright colours that are portrayed which connotes a happy tone and mood. A long shot is used to show the people walking in a high school atmosphere, I like way the opening credits are displayed along the ground throughout the scene, as it's very controversial supposed to a horror genre. The non-diegetic music playing in the background is very upbeat and creates a positive mood, suggesting that the movie may be a comedy. The speed of the person talking in the voice over is very fast and up to the point, with a relatively sarcastic tone which engages the audience. I like the tracking shot used which follows on from each person who is captured in the shot because it gives the opening scene a smooth flow. I like how the main actor is shown at the end of the clip as supposed to being displayed at the beginning as it sets the scene for the rest of the movie. 

Analysing The Lion King

In today's theory lesson, we watched The Lion King and analysed the various camera shots/angles, movements, the editing, sound and mise en scene. Here is a example of each section and what I interpreted from it while watching the film:

Camera shots: There was a birds eye view of the location/setting at the beginning, this was an establishing shot which sets the scene. One other interesting shot I learnt was the 360 degrees panorama shot which was shown when Simba and Scar were circling each other, this creates confusion and tension for the audience.
Editing: At one part, there were several transitions of the background changing as the characters walked through the jungle, this portrayed that time had passed; this type of edit is called shrinking time.
Sound: Non-diegetic music was used in the opening of the film, which means we can hear it but not the characters in the film, this created a positive mood to the start of the movie as it was very upbeat and had a catchy rhythm to it.
Mise En Scene: I think colour played a major role in the movie, as there is a strong theme of nature which expresses bright colours such as green, connoting a happy tone, in the beginning there is also a constant tone of orange/yellow which connotes positive feelings and the vegetation (trees and grass) connote life.

Preliminary Task: Evaluation

When given the brief of the task, I learnt about the 3 particular types of shots that we had to use: match on action (which means the shots are continuous and flow), shot/reverse shot (this shot is usually used during a conversation between 2 people) and the 180-degree rule (where you have to keep on one side to film the scene and not cross at 180 degrees). I think our group could have been more organised in terms of planning everything out. However, we did start brainstorming our ideas down to paper and linking them together to picture it more efficiently. In addition, we did start to draw out a storyboard, but it was never finished to an extend that we followed off of it; we finally had it done in the last week before filming. When we had a clear visual idea of what our theme/genre would be, we started making a script for the 2 people who will have dialogue in the scene.

Our storyboard was not of any help to us when filming for the first time, as it was uncompleted and didn't have any note of what kind of shot would be used in the frame. However, when it was completed we made sure we noted down all the details next to the illustrations such as the type of shot (long shot) to make it clearer to us as a group; as we had to re-film some scenes, i think it helped us effectively. In addition, in our group, we were very keen on how to use the camera and we also tried using the tripod to give us a more stable shots. 

Personally, I learnt how to attach the microphone onto the camera and also how you add the gorilla tripod with the camera, enabling us to shoot in a vary of angles from above or below. For a given example, when we filmed a character walking up the stairs, we used a low angle shot using the gorilla stand to make the shot steady. On the other hand, on some days, some members of the group were absent so we had to reschedule when we needed to film or plan any additional changes. However, we could have used time more effectively when a problem came our way instead of stalling and dragging time away.We also faced the problem of not having the storyboard completed, as we needed it to guide us when filming the scenes. I think to overcome this problem in the future task, I will make a copy of my own storyboard for me to refer to, rather then relying on a member. Initially, I think as a group it took us time to get to grips with using the apple macs and the software on there. Our only concern was converting the movie files into Apple Pro Res files, but in the end we overcome this problem and knew how to do it. I learnt how to use the tools on Final Cut Pro to cut and delete footage using the razor tool and add transitions if needed. Additionally, I learnt that the editing process, takes a long period of time to make it right and perfect to an extent.

Overall, I am happy with the finished product and I give it a rating of 8 on a scale out of 10. In particular, I think the shot that was most effective was the shot/reverse shot, where we had the dialogue between the two characters because it shows both perspectives from each character clearly and we didn't cross the 180 degree in the final cut. If we had the opportunity to do this task again, I would want to do a different theme, where we could include transitions for suspense; however this was only the preliminary task and we had to keep it simple. I would also think of getting to grips with using the tripod so I can ensure the shots are steady and effective; which makes it look more professional. Moreover, I think our group worked well together, except for when we had absent people which often delayed us in terms of moving forward with the task. In the team, I shared the role of filming the task with another member and we brought out our ideas of what type of shots to use e.g. a low angle shot when the person walks up the stairs and how we would position the characters when they share dialogue. 

Preliminary Task: Final Cut

This is our final cut video of our preliminary task. 

Continuity Editing

Establishing Shot - City Skyline

These are the common features of continuity editing:

Establishing Shot: Typically used at the beginning of a film or sequence to ensure that the audience knows where and when the action takes place. Examples - buildings, landscape or a city skyline.  

Shot Reverse Shot: Commonly used during conversation, it makes sure that we the audience can see how both people in the conversation respond and deliver specific pieces of information. We use this particular shot in our preliminary task.

180 Degree Rule Diagram

180 Degree Rule: Ensures that the audience can understand the scene in terms of  where things are within filmic space. Example: 2 characters should always have the same left/right relationship to each other. However, if you cross the line, the new shot from the opposite side is knows as a reverse angle. If the editor chooses to break this rule by choice, it is to create confusion and disorientation.

Preliminary Task: Editing

Editing our footage & playing back

Today, as a group we started to edit the footage that we had for the preliminary task, (after re-shooting it). Firstly, we used Final Cut Pro on the macs to convert our files into Apple Pro Res files. Next, we put the footage in order of play on Final Cut Pro and started to edit areas where it needed to flow smoother and show clear continuity. I learnt how to use the razor tool which enabled me to cut footage and delete it where appropriate.


Using the razor tool to delete footage

Noting down the filming time

For example, in one shot the two characters start laughing towards the end and we decided to cut this out. To make sure we cut the right footage accurately, we made note of the filming time. Moreover, we started to put some transitions into our short video and agreed to keep it simple, as this is just the preliminary task.


On the other hand, as we started to edit the footage, i realised that it isn't so easy editing a film even if it's a small amount of time e.g. 1 minute or even in seconds. I discovered that continuity is a vital part of film making as it ensures that the film runs smoothly and links on from each cut that is made. It requires a lot of time to think of all aspects and how you would apply your knowledge to where a cut would be needed and where a transition would be used.

Aspects Of Editing

Today, we learnt about editing and the specific features that come under it. Editing in a film involves selecting and combining shots together, creating footage to watch; the process helps create a filmic world. It is important to take several shots and create enough footage for when the editor has to choose from them, giving him a variety of footage to use. I used my knowledge from this lesson and applied it to the editing of my preliminary task and used it to its effect, as it linked in very well and gave me a clearer vision of how editing is a vital part of film making.

Editor's Task

• To select & reject footage filmed by the director.

• To organize the various shots filmed by the director into a coherent whole.

• To co-ordinate one shot with the following shot in order to produce the desired effect, on the audience & keep a narrative meaning. 

Cut
When the editor is choosing a shot - there is a choice from various different positions or angles. Film editors can connect scenes, the most common transitions you will see are: [The transitions aalso ffect the pace and mood of a film.]

• Straight Cut
• Fade Out
• Dissolve
• Wipe Cut
• Jump Cut

Building Blocks

• Editor looks at various individual shots available to create a particular scene.
• Using the script as a guide - decides how to construct the scene with the shots.
• An entire scene can have 1 shot - long take. 
• Editor adds one scene to another to form a sequence.
• Editing all the sequences together will portray a finished film.

Space, Time, Rhythm
When the editor works on a scene, he thinks about:

• The quality of the shot
• Cinematic Scene
• Cinematic Time 

Preliminary Task: Filming

Tripod

We re-filmed our shots for the preliminary task, as we were not satisfied with the footage we had taken; there was not clear continuity in certain sections and the 180 degree rule had been broken in one shot. Additionally, the mic had not been attached while we were filming the footage which meant our sound quality was not very clear. While re-filming we decided to address the various problems we had as a group and prevented them from happening again. Moreover, we also took lighting into consideration, as we needed quite a bright atmosphere being created in the room.We also re-drew our storyboard making it clear to us as a group of how we were going to plan our filming and to prevent us from making the same mistakes. We noted what type of shot we wanted in each scene, so it didn't waste time when we came to it. We tried using the tripod to make the shots more stable and produce a more professional look. After we had shot our scenes we used the macs to convert the files into Apple Pro Res files, which enabled us to start editing with our clips on Final Cut Pro.

Mise En Scene

The elements to consider in Mise En Scene are:

• setting + props
• costume, hair + makeup
• facial expressions + body language 
• lighting + colour
• positioning of characters + objects within a frame 

Image that we interpreted 

In the lesson, we were given an image of a war scene from the film 'saving private ryan' and interpreted it.

• Men dressed in army uniform - setting of a war scene
• The man in the centre appears to be the captain, as he is upfront and the other men are surrounding him in the background.
• He is wearing a helmet, this could signify control and being in charge.
• I think a low-angle shot was used, which gives the image and the people power over the audience.
• The body language perhaps suggests that they have accomplished a mission and are walking away.
• The guns in the image connote a negative theme such as violence; however it could be a form of protection. 
• The ground appeared demolished as the area was full of rubble.
• The time period appears to be old fashioned, due to the shape of the houses in the background.

Setting:

In films, we often see shots of places without any action taking place. Filmmakers can choose to build a setting using the bare walls and floor of a studio set; alternatively a great deal of time and effort is put in by the location manager in the initial stages of making a film to find a setting which already exists. personally, sometimes you can tell when a fake set has been used e.g. when a car is driving and outside the windows you can't really see any image as the footage is usually repeated to look like your moving in motion. However, nowadays the technology is much more advanced and a setting has been created can look very realistic.

Props:

• Props can signify the time period e.g. a typewriter would display a old fashioned time period.
• Status of the character e.g. cars, jewels, expresses the character's wealth.

Incongruous: Something that does not fit in with the scene.

Preliminary Task: Test Filming

iPad footage

To use time productively, we spent the lesson using an iPad to film some test shots, this enabled us to practice how we would take the specific shots that are required. Next, we used 'iMovie' to join all the clips together, giving us a clear preview of what our real film will look like when we use the camera. I think this was a useful process for our group because when we use the camera, we won't waste any time thinking about 'how' it may be shot; as we have already practiced this on the iPad. Additionally, as a group we played around with the simple transitions available on iMovie to see weather is was necessary using fades or just straight cuts for this task. Finally, we also learned from our mistakes, as our teacher pointed out at one point, that we had crossed/broken the 180 degrees rule while filming.

Presenting Genre's Through Iconography

First Composition

Today, we learned how different genre's can be presented using iconography. Firstly, we were given a scene to analyse, where we then interpreted what genre it would be. The idea's I came up with were that it would mostly be under the crime/thriller genre due to the gun and alcohol which connotes a negative tone referencing words such as 'death'. Personally, I also had the idea of it being attached to the 'romance' genre because of the typewriter which is very old-fashioned and is linked with 'love letters' and the alcohol could portray the person being sickly in love.



Our Composition

Next, we got into groups and created our own scenario's using the props available. We used the objects and items to create a particular genre, in our case, we chose re-enact a 'romance' scenario. We positioned the objects specifically to create a romance based theme; as shown we placed the plates and cutlery opposite each other, with two wine glasses and acting as the centre of attention was the silver ring on the table. The ring was  used to portray a proposal occurring between two people. We also learnt that the way we compose the objects will have a dramatic effect on what is interpreted; for example if the wine class was full and was standing upwards, it connotes the elegant romance theme. However, if the wine glass was tipped over on it's side, it would connote a negative mood and tone e.g. a fight has taken place. Additionally, i thought it was effective how we positioned the light because it added to the romantic atmosphere, as if a candle was lit at night.

Destructing Images

Today, we discussed as a class, how we would destruct an image into various categories e.g. colour, lighting, body movement, scenery, tone/mood, characters, clothing, objects and camera/angle shots. 


Next, we were shown an image which portrayed a man walking to a house during the late hours at night under a lamp post, we then discussed our idea's in partners of all the alternatives of what each part of the photo could represent and created a mind map with our interpretations.

Camera Movement: Seven Types

Definitions 

• Pan (short for panorama)
• Tilt
• Cant
• Dolly
• Crane
• Handheld
• Zoom (telephoto)

We also learnt about these 2 terms: 

Deconstruct: this term means to take something apart and to analyse it's individual parts.

Elements: an important individual part of something.

Preliminary Exercise: Brief

We were given the original task exercise and found out that we had to include particular shots when filming such as 1. match on action: which means making sure it has continuity, 2. shot/reverse shot: which is when it will film one character point of view and then show the character's opposite and 3. 180-degree rule: which means keeping within that distance when filming and not crossing it. We also started to create a script so we have everything planned out before hand and we also decided to make a new storyboard to make the process clearer and guide us. Additionally, we booked the equipment as a group and made a plan of when we will use after school hours to start filming in our diaries. Our teacher gave us a deadline for research, planning and filming to be done by the 27th September, so we made our schedule working up towards this date.

Process Of Film Making

Here is what we created as a team,
contributing all of our ideas together.

As a class, we discussed the important stages of making a film. Each individual process leads to making the film efficient and successful. Making a film starts off with a director and includes choosing a genre, planning & timing, a script, creating a storyboard, setting (scenery & location), the cast, a title, special effects e.g. sound & lighting, camera/angle shots, clothing etc. This is a very important process because it guides the filmmaker onto making the film successful.

Camera Shots

Establishing Shot - Friends  

Today, we learned the 8 different camera shots and where they would be used in a film and why they are effective:

• Long Shot (Establishing Shot)
• Close-Up
• Point-of-view Shot
• Mid Shot
• Low Angle point-of-view (mid-shot)
• High Angle point-of-view (mid-shot)
• Extreme Close-Up
• Black Frame 

Extreme Close Up - Charlie St. Cloud



Close Up - CSI



Mid Shot - Twilight



Black Frame

Scenario

Today, we were given a scenario stating: "A character opens a door, crosses a  room and sits down in a chair opposite another character, with whom she/he exchanges a couple of lines of dialogue". In my group we discussed ideas of how it will be shot, the location/setting and started working on a storyboard to plan out what we were going to do. We also looked at you tube videos for inspiration, giving us more idea's to expand on. Initially, we contributed all of our idea's as a group and wrote them down; giving us a clearer vision of how we can create this scenario in the most effective way.

Key Concept

In the first lesson, we learned about the key concept of media studies. I also did some extra research to find out what some of the specific terms meant, to understand them better.

• Media Languages - camera, sound, mise en scene (colour, lighting, facial expressions, body gestures, setting, everything in the frame shot), editing - cut in film creates meaning/suspense
• Institutions - A formal organisation that creates and distributes media texts. 
• Genre - (categorized - form, style and context) type of film e.g. romance.
• Representation - The way in which the media 're-presents' the world around us in the form of sign and codes for audiences to read. 
• Audience - The people who are intended to read, watch, play and listen.
• Ideology - Set of ideas or beliefs e.g. text being described as feminist, meaning it promotes the idea that women and men are equal.
• Narrative - The way a story is explained.
  

I also learned these new terms:

• A Voyeur (ism) - this is when your watching someone and they don't know they are being watched.
• Exhibitionist (ism) - this is when they know your watching e.g. a music video.