Storyboard & this weeks planning.

For my storyboard i am going to draw it out in rough by hand then try and make it on frameforge.

For planning this week as i have to keep organised of the group i have took the groups work and put it on my blog to keep it all together, and easy for the rest of the group to find. On Thursday we will check if we have all done our tasks and what other tasks need to be done and be assigned to people. We also need to make a shooting schedule for next week as we are starting to record on the Wednesday. :)!

Sound and production design: thanks to Alyssa.

Over the past two weeks I have researched sound design and thought about what techniques we could use within our film called 'Ticket'. Our film is about a girl (Lisa) who seems to sit at a bus stop/bench for a long period of time day after day. Then one day a boy (Sam) starts talking to her and she seems to know a lot about this boy. So, overall we have decided that Lisa's character is quite shy, quirky but intelligent and Sam's character is quite popular and out going. The main ambience we want to create for the audience is romance, however we want to make sure it keeps the viewers interested throughout. An idea I have for this is flash-backs of her or his past which shows why they have opposite personalities or even flash-backs to how Lisa knows so much about Sam.

As I am the sound designer, I have been looking into what sounds would suit the type of mood we want to create. Sound is ideal, as it is an important factor to create the atmosphere. Since romance is our focus point, I have looked at music from other films used to set the mood.


I would also like to create synchronous sound effects such as, the sound of opening a fizzy drink I.E. recorded the sound separately and overlay onto the film. Another idea is, Lisa or Sam might have earphones in their ears listening to music. Therefore the music could be edited onto the film so the audience can hear what he or she is listening to. It could then possibly flip to the other person talking, which means you would hear the music only slightly and hear the other person speaking. These are all synchronous effects. Asynchronous sound effects could be used when Lisa is sat on the bench I.E. traffic noises, as though it would be coming from where the camera is filming.

I have been assigned to write a sound treatment for my role as the sound designer. I have many ideas for the sound, however when we plan the scenes out clearly I will be able to write a description on the sound techniques scene by scene, as it depends on the location. In our group discussion on Friday (21stJan), we will plan out a detailed plan of each scene and give every member of the group a copy, which then means I can get started on practicing recording sounds and using the equipment.

 

I have researched my role as a sound designer for our short film. I used filmsound.org to research and learn my own understanding of sound. They are mainly broken down into three main areas these are:

sound effects, music and dialog.   

Sounds Effects

Synchronous and asynchronous sounds are used within sound effects.

Synchronous means sounds are synchronized to what is happening within the film. Its basically a combination of visual and sound working together on screen. For example, sounds might be recorded separately for parts of a scene and then edited to increase or decrease the pitch of the sound. I.E. door creak, to create the mood of the film and keep the audience interested. A door creak may make the audience feel anxious and fearful to what might happen next.

Asynchronous means more or less the opposite to synchronous. Sound effects would be used that do not match what is on screen. It makes the audience visualise what might be happening in the background of the film (which is not on screen). For example, a couple might be talking in a kitchen in the house and throughout, sound might be used such as an ambience sound that is coming from outside on the street, but the focus is on the characters reaction in the 'kitchen'.

So, I think synchronous and asynchronous would work nicely within our work and I will look further into them both before filming. They would work well braking down the awkward parts during the film, as we have planned to make the connection between the two characters quite uncomfortable. Camera techniques could also be used to grab the audiences attention.  

Music

Music is used to set the mood of the scene to keep the audience interested, link to different scenes and to make the audience feel emotional.

Certain short sounds and music can be recognised that relates to a certain action or film. For example, when we here 'durdum durdum' (If you get the gist) we automatically think of sharks swimming in the water I.E. The film, Jaws. Another example would be Randy Newman who sings 'You've got a friend in me', everyone who here's this song would most likely think of the animated film Toy Story, as it is the theme song. This is also popular in the public eye, which makes the music familiar.

This is something to think about when making sound for our film. Even little effects like the 'durdum durdum' makes the audience feel the mood you are trying to create because they can relate to the sounds.

Dialog

Voices can be heard throughout a a film using many different techniques.

One technique is called voice over, usually abbreviated VO in scripts. Voice over is a narrative commentary or concept used over visuals in a film or advert. This means you cannot see the person speaking, you can only hear them. A good example of this is commercials

I.E.   http://www.e4.com/video/W3fec1rCXEERjWqtZ9U3eg/play.e4 

(Peter Dickson - Voice Over for channel E4 adverts)

Dialog is not always used whilst filming on set. Some dialog is recorded off location and put onto the film when editing. When film making, they sometimes shoot silent, MOS (Motion Omit Sound) which means the crew can film without being perfectly quite. It might also be used in case of background noises on location. Therefore the dialog would be recorded in a studio/booth. Although a highly directional microphone can be used to control the sound on location.

Sometimes when dialog editing, it is common that the editor might use a word in the dialog to complete another, if it was distorted in anyway. 

Dialog in film is important to make sure it is clear throughout any film. I think this will be the most difficult part of sound and I will need to practice with the equipment before filming. Yet, it is recommended to record dialog when filming on a external location. 

 

Character Profiles: thanks to Steph.

Ticket (short film) character description

From looking at the script and reading it intently I have managed to draw up a series of similarities and differences for the characters which have help me draw up an accurate description of them:

  Character one: Lisa
1. Is a young girl who is aged between 17 to 19 years ol
2. Comes across quite independent and strong minded
3. Wants to be considered as mature adult rather than a young one
4. Seems to have a quirky personality
5.Is quite fourth coming with her opinions and isn't afraid to be heard
6. Appears to know quite a lot about another character known as Sam
7. Could have obsessive tendencies
8. Can be quite provoking with what she is saying and body language
9.Appears to have a keen interest in Sam

Character Two: Sam
1. Is a young man in his early 20s
2. Is very confident within himself
3.Can come across as cocky and a bit of a know it all
4. Also is quite fourth coming a quality that Lisa has too
5.Seems to have a keen interest in Lisa
6. Is currently in a relationship
7.Has a job but not specified whether it is full-time or part-time
8.Could be seen as a typical young man in his 20s and can come across as somewhat carefree

Camera and lighting: thanks to steph.

Camera Techniques and terminologies

Here are some lighting and camera techniques which I have researched for my assigned role as camera & lighting:

Camera Techniques for research

Spin look:

The camera spins around an actor to get a glimpse of what he or she is looking at. The camera may also begin by viewing the object then spin back around to view the character.

Also the spin look is an alternative to the popular technique of “ Cutting away” when a character looks off-screen.

Track through solid:

A film maker can use track through solid to give the appearance of tracking through a solid object.

Jump cut sequence:

A jump cut sequence is a specific type of montage sequence in which jump cuts are used to show similar actions occurring over a short period of time.

Multi-taker:

A multi-taker refers to a single action that is repeated several times, from different angles and differences. The audience sees the same actions occur, usually about two to three times. This adds dramatic impact to the scene.

Cut zoom in:

Cut zoom in is a technique that adds emphasis to another wise static shot. This technique usually has three stages, a very wide shot, a wide shot and finally medium shot.

Dolly:

Dolly is a very natural technique the camera simply moves horizontally through space. The energy of this technique is similar to a personal walking or riding on a moving platform a wheelchair for example. To conceptualise a Dolly, turn your head towards what you are interested in.

This information was taken from the book “Setting up your shots” (Great camera moves every filmmaker should know) by Jeremy Vineyard 

 Lighting terminology/techniques

Obie

Is a small spotlight that was created by cinematographer Lucien Ballard in 1908-1988 for the film The Lodger which was shot in 1944, it was designed to help to conceal actress Merle Oberon facial scars.

Fill light

Is a light placed to the side of the subject to help fill the shadows and balance the key light.

Tungsten

 Tungsten can be a light from an ordinary light bulb which contains a thin coiled tungsten wire that has become incandescent when an electric current has been passed along it. Tungsten colour temperature is around 2800k to 3400k.

Key light:

This type of light focuses on the subject in question and provides the most illumination along with contrast.

Reflective light

Is a light that can be seen after having bounced off a surface.

The information on lighting terms and techniques is from the website www.mediacollege.com

Treatment: thanks to alex.

Treatment for Ticket......

Treatment for Short Film
Title of Short Film: Ticket


Outline of Ideas: A short film with two characters exploring relationships/interaction/communication. Aim to make the camera work/editing of a high skill exploring a variety of techniques. So the group can reflect skills with camera work. To carry out the same high skill with sound editing and creative ideas. Idea to incorporate the public into the film to give it a sense of VERISIMILITUDE. We will be filming outside Victoria bus station maybe on a bench. Also may change script slightly. Because the film will be around three minutes we are aiming to carry out a professional outcome.


Resource list: Camera woman 1 and 2, lighting woman, director, producer, sound engineer, two characters, video camera. A set time without being in a rush. No real props needed apart from bus ticket.

Justification of ideas in relation to chosen genre and existing texts
To reflect how time passes away in the film, we will fast-forward some of the footage whilst people are walking past in the mise-en-scene whilst keeping the main character perfectly still. The character Sam wil be quite a cool, loud good looking guy. Lisa is more fragile and shy. She acts as though she has a secret. Sam likes this and seems very interested. We will be using detail on how people interact with one another without using so much dialogue, paying special attention to eye contact and pace of movement in the film.

Strengths: Knowing the characters, location is local having the correct amount of time. Not needing so many props using natural settings. We can visit there before and make notes on more ideas.

Weaknesses: Not knowing if the people in our group have been provided the correct roles and so we all have to work together on this one. The weather could also be an issue since we will be filming outside so will be more of an inconvenience if it rains/snows or is very cold.

Conclusion: I think our film will work well making sure we are organized and have researched adequately in preparation to film.

a video i think works well between a boy and girl which i think could influence our short film.

 The relationship is told in the story and the storyline is played really well. A bit flirtyish but more quirky like i think ours would be.

Timetable.

Things that need to be done	Who’s going to do it	By..(date)	Done?
Film Production Roles	The group	Week 1
Treatment	Alex	Week 2
Images of Location	Alex	Week 2
Description of characters	Stephanie	Week 2
Images of costumes and props	Lauren	Week 2
Sound treatment	Alyssa	Week 2
Examples of Visual type	Sam	Week 2
Timetable	Charis	Week 2
Storyboard	Charis	Week 2
Presentation	The group	Week 2
Risk assessment	Charis	Week 3
Check permissions	Charis	Week 3
Risk assessment check by tutor	Sam	Week 3
Summary of presentation	The group	Week 2
Plan filming	The group	Week 2

Our Pitch

I have just currently assigned roles to my group as i am producer.
Alex has done the treatment and is now doing location.
Lauren is doing Images of costumes and props.
Steph is doing a description of characters.
Alyssa is doing the sound treatmeant.
I am going to be doing a timetable of what needs to be done by when etc and also doing the safety review.
I think we are keeping quite organised. 

Group Roles etc.

Producer: is me :)! i am going to be the producer as this is what i want to do when i am older. I find it quite easy to organise post production and get everything ready. Im used to doing this on my own so having a group is nice :).

Alex is the director, Alyssa is doing sound and production design, Sam is going to be doing the editing, Steph is on the camera and our new edition Lauren will be doing lighting and camera assistant.

Todays and yesterdays session have gone quite well, last night each one of us wrote down ideas and discussed them today. We have a lot of strong ideas and are quite certain as a group on what we want. For thursdays presentation I am going to be storyboarding the idea and locations.  We just need to see if we can film on a bus/tram! So right now im going to get on with my storyboard :)!

short films.

i was looking on youtube for short films and found this one simple yet interesting. The concept means it doesnt have to be a really long film and it leaves you not knowing til the end.

Threshold Concepts: eXistenz.

Well i'm trying to keep organised this year so thought id do my blog asap while the films still in my brain etc (:
I found the film quite interesting however it does leave you in a bit of a daze. The narrative is chronological which makes it easy to follow. There's alot of scenes that are linked by telling them what they need to do etc. This all makes it easier to follow except when it finishes andit all clicks in you start questioning the whole film.
I think the film is quite interactive as all the way through it is teaching you more and more, until the end when you know everything you need to know and understand the gaming concept.
The game and real life converge blurring what you have learnt as fact and fiction leading you to question all of what you have learnt to be fact and fiction. The film was futuristic and at times a bit gory with the pods being blood and guts and ripped apart, wierd animals being killed and holes being put in your spine, not very good if your squeamish but i found it rather interesting.