Preliminary Task - Video and Evaluation

Preliminary Task - Character Profiles

Hanna is the first character that will be shown in the production. She is smartly dressed with the intent to find out the missing pieces of the puzzle. Her character is aggressive and meaningful and has the purpose of finding out who killed her friend and her colleague; Karen. Hanna is stubborn and also persistent, her personality shows through with her blunt body language and ‘straight to the point’ words. She has one thing on her mind and nothing will get in the way from her finding out.

Elizabeth is the second character that is seen in the production. Again the same as Hanna, she is smartly dressed and has a nervous edge about her. Her defensive tone suggests she is unsure about the situation as she is caught between Hanna’s mind and the truth. Elizabeth is also a stubborn character and is willing to fight her cause especially when lies have covered up what is rightfully correct.

Karen is the last and final character to be seen in the production. She is dressed in casual clothes and appears to be ‘normal’ compared to the other two characters. Her timid mindset and actions emphasize that she is in her own world and is oblivious to the people around her. This was caused by a freak accident in Nikosia which has now impacted her life as she isn’t 100% right in her head. Karen is suspected dead but is revealed at the end leaving the production on a cliff hanger.

Preliminary Task - Poster

This is the poster for our film; the picture was taking after filming but on the same day.

Preliminary Task - Filming

During the Preliminary Task, many set-backs and problems occrued throughout. Some of these issues included actress' pulling out due to a clash of dates, illness or because they just didn't have the time to do so. Even when it came to filming, one actress pulled out and a replacement had to be quickly found. Another problem such as location also denied us the chance to film our production which in turn,s et the filming date back further than expected.

Our roles when filming were as follows;

• Myself, Ryan Denney, as the camera man
• Alexander Mulley as the editor and producer
• Beatrice Brown as the director

As a whole, I feel the filming when very well. Although only a few minor set backs occured, which will be explained in this post shortly, I feel as though filming ran quite smoothly. Within our roles, each of us in my opinion filled their purpose nicely. Beatrice directed the actresses well to make them perform how she had planned to fit the storyboard. Alexander aided me when it came to the conversation in which both cameras needed to be operated. I was directed by Beatrice on what the camera shot and angle should be looking like and used my media skills to get the shots the directed needed. Also, when it came to filming, all three of us helped in deciding how the next shot should be formed to follow the storyboard and shot list, with director's concent of course. Another positive from filming would be that we moved through the shots quickly so that we didn't go over the time we had asked from the library. Only a few shots I asked to be taken again as I wasn't happy with the way that it was portrayed and filmed, this meant that shots could be filmed quickly and effieicently leaving us with time to spare to pack away and leave the library before closing time.
The set backs that did persist during filming was the public getting in the way and not wanting to move. Due to the fact we can't film the front of people's faces meant that we had to change some of the shots because of the library being quite busy at peak times. Although there were many people, we managed to do our best and improvise on how we would film the sequence without getting the public's faces in the shots. Another problem that occured was the background noises of people talking (despite being in a library). To combat this, we filmed the dialogue when there was little or no background noises to minimise any disturbances in the audio. One other problem was that the supervisor of the library kept trying us to stay away from people in the library. This was hard to avoid since the library did start to fill up rapidly because it was a Saturday morning. We did our best to film away from people in the library but it did appear to become quite hard. To evade being told to move on due to disturbing users of the library, we decided to film the squences quickly so that we could film the upstairs part during the peak time. The last problem that occured was the actress' learning their lines on the day. It took them a while to get to grips with the concept of the story but once they got into characters and had practised a bit, the acting was fairly good since they hadn't had any acting classes before.

As a whole, I think that filming went very well since we stuck to our roles, helped each other when needed, filmed quickly and effieciently whilst getting the shots we needed and communicated well within the team.

Preliminary Task - Diary Entry - Update on the task

The original idea of filming at the Peterborough Central Library had to be changed due to building works being made on the location where we were going to film. Also, one of our actresses became ill therefore making filming near enough impossible due to the implication. This then resulted in our group deciding to change filming location to the library in Yaxley. We rang up for permission, which was given, and then we were able to repeat the pre-production stages again e.g. shot list, storyboard etc.

I feel that during this process, the team as whole have worked well together. We all designated roles within the pre-prouction and contributed when forming the production schedule. Also, the whole group finished the final storyboard as team.

When uploading the work to the blog, I use the website Scribd. This gives my blog a more interactive feel so that doucments can be viewed by using some advanced technology rather than viewing it in a plain format which isn;t very interesting.

Preliminary Task - Recce Checklist

Also when on the recce, a checklist was filled out to ensure that all details were covered during the viewing of the new location.

Recce List Completed

Preliminary Task - Recce Photos

When viewing the new location our director, Beatrice Brown, took some photos of the location. Here they are:

Recce Photos Final

Preliminary Task - Final Storyboard

The location was changed, therefore so was the shot list. This then impacted onto the storyboard meaning that new shots would have to been added, changed or even removed. This is the final storyboard ready for filming.

Preliminary Task - Final Shot List

This is the final shot list, it had to be changed due to a change in location. Although still a library, the layout of the new location was different to the original thus meaning the shot list, and storyboard (which will be updated) needed to be changed.

Shot_List_v_4 2

Preliminary Task - Original Shot List

This is the original shot list. Due to the location having to be changed, the shot list also had to be changed so that we could film the parts we wanted in the new location.

Shot List

Preliminary Task - The Script Final Draft

This is the final draft of the script. The changes have been made so that the script now matches the new location. The script has been edited and changed by the group as we have gone through the possible applicable changes.

MILies Draft 6 2

Preliminary Task - Production Schedule

The production schedule was formed by the group in a session during pre-production.

Production Schedule Final 2

Preliminary Task - Storyboard

The following images are the shots that will be used in our preliminary task. We may add in or take out some of these shots when we do in fact film, but this is the main basis of the camera shots that we are going to be filming.

Preliminary Task - Update

A quick update on the task; we have now completed the final script and have delegated the roles sufficiently. The storyboard has been completed, further pre production elements still need to be completed before we can start filming. We are all contributing to the storyboard so it will be finished in time. The production schedule and other such documents will be completed in the following days in preparation for the filming process.

Preliminary Task - Script Draft 5

MILies Draft 5

Here is the 5th draft of the script for MILies.

Preliminary Task - Script Draft 4

MILies Draft 4

Here is the 4th draft of the script for MILies.

Preliminary Task - Script Draft 3

MILies Draft 3

Here is the 3rd draft of the script for MILies.

Preliminary Task - Script Draft 2

MILies Draft 2

Here is the 2nd draft of the script for MILies

Preliminary Task - Camera Skills

The benefits of using a tripod

• the camera is kept on steady if positioned correctly.
• camera shot aspects such as pans and tilts can be performed by using the device at the top which allows you to do so.
• the pole on the top of the tripod where the camera is placed lets you do pans and tilts.
• the tripod also allows the user to extend the device allowing them to have different high angle or low angle shots.

Here is an image of a tripod:

Here is a video of a tripod being used:



The benefits of using the 180 degree rule

• by using the rule it doesn't disorientate the viewer
• the technique saves time when filming the scene as usually one take is needed and gives two shots of this scene which, when editing, can change between the shots for a more interesting aspect of the scene.
• also, for continuity filming, this method of filming a scene is helpful because rather than filming different shots at different times, which may alter things like clothing or hair; the shot is filmed in one take meaning the likelihood of a continuity fault is reduced.

This video explains how the 180 degree rule is used and the effects is causes.

In the preliminary task we will ensure the use of both the tripod and the 180 degree for clearer pans, tilts and also to not disorientate the audience when watching the film.

Preliminary Task - Our Idea

The criteria for the the task contained the following;

• two character must walk through a door
• sit down on a chair
• have a conversation

Also, there is an 180 degree rule in which only one side of the character must be filmed. This would mean that careful shot planning would have to be carried out.

Our initial idea was to have two assassins or secret agents that have a confrentation in a room. The idea was to have one innocent agent with the other accusing them of something that they haven't done. We then thought that another character could be involved, for example, the agent accusing the other could say that they killed that new character when in actual fact, they didn't.
We had now got our base for the storyline and could then develop this idea into further detail.

For the setting, we discussed about where we may film the scene. The school wouldn't be very adventurous propect for filming a scene like this so we then thought about doing at Ferry Meadows which is a small nature reserve that has routes for dog walking, children play area and small cafés. Our first thought was to film it at one of the cafés on the waterfront. This would mean we would have to ask for permission to film there and fill out a large risk assessment form.

For our actors, Alexander is part of a drama group and had contacted two of the girls in the group to act for us. They had agreed to do so which only left one more actor to find. Beatrice also knows a drama student that would be suitable for the part and she also agreed to act in our task. We then decided who would be who so that they had an idea of what they should have to do when filming started. The actors had been found and a short draft of the script was sent to them so that they could start learning the dialogue.

Further discussion led to the thought of being filmed in a library since the café seemed an unlikely to have permission due to the amount of people that would be there and for our actors to be able to get there to film. The library gave the additional aspect of the actors having to whisper their lines to give the film a tense feel to it. We thought this idea was brilliant so we went about incorporating this element into the pre-production.

Preliminary Task - What we have been asked to do

What we have been asked to do?
For our prelimary task, we have been first asked to make a short one or two minute long clip which involves the following; two characters that walk through a door, sit down on a chair then have a conversation. These are the only guidlines for the scene, the rest of the other attributes are decided by the group. Things such as the theme, costumes, dialogue and setting are all decided for the scene to give it origniality and to develop ideas and skills. The conversation in the scene can be about anything, therefore, we have decided to make it interesting which keeps the audience drawn into scene.
The next part for the task is making an A3 movie poster for necessary advertisement. The program we will most likely use is Adobe Photoshop due to the unique features the application has for the necessary standards of an A3 movie poster.
The final part of the preliminary task is to make a podcast and evaluate how the whole procedure went; pre production, filming, post preduction etc. Evaluative skills such as talking about the audience's feelings and reactions to the clip.


Deadlines:
Pre Production - 8th November - November 18th
Production Window - 19th November - 26th November
Post Production - 27th November - 12th December
Presentation Day -  15th December


What I wish to develop?
When doing the preliminary task, I hope to improve and develop my camera skills. Being able to use the camera to maximum effectiveness so it intices the audience to continue watching. I'd like to also develop my editing skills during the following lessons to assit our editor if he needs the necessary help. Also, when improving my camera skills, I wish to learn how to use a tripod but an in depth explanation to get the higher level shots as I have already been taught the tripod and camera basics. By doing this task I wish to improve all of the skills above and also, to develop my evaluative skills when it comes to the podcast.


The Production team
Alexander Mulley - Editor
Beatrice Brown - Director
Ryan Denney - Camera


Our roles were decided and based around our skills that we already have. Alexander has very good editing skills as shown on the last task, Beatrice, who worked along side Alexander used her directing skills to make their production and since I've had some camera experience and wanted to learn more, then we decided that I should operate the camera.

Recce Checklist

A recce is short for a 'reconoitre'. This is a principle of going to the location and surverying it before filming. When going on a reece there are several things that must be assessed when viewing and searching through a location.

Recce Checklist
Are there any toilet facilities that are easily accessible?
Do you have to have a permit to film here?
Is there suitable parking around the filming location?
Are there any noticeable sound implications such as busy road, aeroplanes, birds etc.
Is the surrounding area 'filming friendly'?
Would electrical outlets be easily accessible when it comes to connecting lights or cameras?
Are there any health risks around the location?
For the location, would there be any time restrictions for filming?
Is the location easily accessible?

Probably the most important part of a recce would be taking lots and lots of pictures. Pictures show the producer and directors the main features of the location and gives them direct knowledge of the appearance of the location. Hundreds, perhaps even thousands of pictures are taken when a recce goes to locations. It gives an in depth photographic and visual view of the location to help the director and producer decide on where they willl shoot a scene. If they plan to film a really long sequence then making the right decision on the right location is vital.

Media Job Roles

Producer - A film producer oversees and delivers a film project to all relevant parties while preserving the key concepts of the film & marketing and distribution processes, and the budget holder.

Director - A film director is a person who directs the actors and film crew in filmmaking. They control a film's artistic and dramatic aspects, while guiding the team, responsible for everything you see and hear.

Director of photography - A cinematographer is one photographing with a motion picture camera the title is generally equivalent to director of photography, supervises the camera men.

Film Editor - Film editing is part of the creative post-production process of filmmaking. It involves the selection and combining of shots into sequences, and ultimately creating a finished motion picture. The editor basically takes all the raw footage and makes the necessary changes to the shots to make it into a full length film.

Production manager - The Production Manager supervises the physical aspects of the production (not the creative aspects) including personnel, technology, budget, and scheduling.

First Assistant Director - The First Assistant Director assists the Production Manager and Director. The ultimate aim of any 1st assisstant director is to ensure the film comes in on schedule while maintaining a working environment in which the Director, actors and crew can be focused on their work.

Sound operator – Operate and maintain technical equipment to amplify and enhance, record, mix or reproduce sound for the film.

Lighting director – The lighting director picks the best places for the lgihts to be set up when filming. They choose the position that would be best for each shot and makes sure everywhere is lit up but still seems to be natural light.

Writer – The writer has to be imaginative, fluent on how he portrays his ideas, and also has to be entertaining in the way they write.

Research: Editor (Production Role)

EditorIf I could choose a role to be in for the next production then it would have to be an editor. I'd want to be an editor because I like the idea of being able to bring the film together and to make the end product as prefect as could be. I also like the idea of scrolling through all of the shots to make the perfect sequence, for example, a chase scene.

Definition - a film editor is the person in a film crew who pulls together all of the filmed shots and assembles them together to make the full production. Usually, the director helps to provide support to the editor so his/her mental vision can be portrayed on film.

When an editor is editing the film he/she usually has a few other assisstants helping them when in the process. They discuss, with the director, what shot should be edited into the sequence to capture the best possible perspective. However, the editor's job isn't just putting a film together, blending in the scenes or editing the dialogues. They must work creatively with many layers of images, dialogue, music and even how to capture the actors' performances to incorporate their emotions into the film. They can do this by piecing together many or little shots cut together to make their emotions show through.

Editors usually go through step-by-step, shot-by-shot, which is a painfully slow process but concentration must be kept throughout the whole post-production sequence. If not, then

substantial mistakes could be made and if found, could set back the editing process many hours if not days.

Main tasks of an editor could be;

• preparing all un-cut, raw footage for editing.
• cutting the raw footage at the right times.
• forming the scenes together so they run smoothly together and are all in time making it seem as though the scene was filmed all at once.
• inserting sounds, graphics and effects.
• creating a rough cut of the film to show how the film might look like and how further adjustments could be made.
re-ordering and tweaking the content to ensure the logical sequencing and smooth running of the film/video.

"The Chase" - Year 12

How well we worked as a team

Initially, only one of our members of the team had done Media Studies at GCSE level. The other three, including myself, had not done anything media based before and were inticed to do the subject due to influences and inspirations. This was the first time we'd done anything to do with media and were thrown in straight away to film a chase scene.

Even though we had these drawbacks, I feel as though our team worked very well for our first times. We moved through the scene fast and precisely and only generally we achieved the shot first time. Other shots did take two to three attempts but the time was made up when the fast paced shots were filmed.

When going through the scenes we all discussed how the shot should be filmed. An example of this would be when Jamie, an actor, is chasing Luke, the second actor, through a corridor. We had a choice of about three different shots ranging from a low angle shot to even a mid to high angle shot. We quickly discussed what effect each would have and decided that a low angle shot would be best to show the effect of the chase being exrtemely fast paced.

Although there were some arguments in what shots should be used, each of us expressed our views but then the director, which was myself, had the final decision in what shot should be used.

Directing Role

As it was my first time doing anything media based, I decided to watch a couple of chase scenes from well known movies. An example would be the chase scene from James Bond - Casino Royale. I looked at the camera shots used for a chase scene and what shots we could use in ours.
When filming, the aspects of my role included;

• organising camera set-up
• directing actors into positions
• picking camera shots
• starting and cutting the filming

Each of our roles fitted in well with the filming procedures. We added in extra shots due to the amount of time left from the whole hour. This made our short film longer than expected.
To conclude, I feel the production ran very smoothly and we managed to film all of the different aspects that we wanted to capture.

Here is the final production: