A couple of weeks ago, I worked together in a group with Daisy, Meadow, Matthew and Olly to shoot our own dialogue sequence. We came up with a short sequence of dialogue which was performed by Meadow, playing a woman who had employed a cleaner, and Olly as the cleaner. Daisy, Matthew and I worked as camera operators. I was absent from school with Covid when the camera workshops took place. This meant that I wasn't aware of the different tips and rules that the rest of the class had learnt. However, Matthew and Daisy were able to fill me in on what they had learnt, meaning that soon I was able to have a go at using the cameras. They taught me several different rules which must be used on a film set. These included the 180 degree rule which we made sure to practice throughout. Furthermore, I was shown how to assemble the camera, including where to install the battery. Additionally, we made sure to follow on-set protocol. This included making the actors aware of when the camera was rolling so that they were ready to act out the sequence and not watching any footage back. We also made sure to film everything in wide, then mid, before moving onto other shots of our chose such as close-ups. One problem we encountered was the battery running out. However, this issue was quickly resolved as we found another battery in the studio that we were able to use. Although we focussed on achieving many different shots including various shot types, I feel that we should have focussed on taking fewer shots and really focussed on the composition of our shots. Therefore, next time I would take more time and care setting up each shot.
Today, Daisy and I worked as a pair editing our sequence. We arranged a variety of different clips that we had taken from different angles, starting with a wide shot. We began by watching through all the footage we had recorded, which we remembered could be found in the rushes section. I refreshed my knowledge from the previous workshop which included the uses of the four different sections of the screen. The top left is where you can play the clips from the rushes and bins. The top right section is where you watch the product and the bottom right is where you edit the clips. I also refreshed my knowledge of the cutting tool which is used to cut down a clip to your chosen duration. Another key thing we had to remember is that when you place footage in the timeline, you must ensure footage doesn't overlap.
Whilst editing our footage we realised that the composition of our shots was not exactly how we would've liked. Next time, we will take more time to set up the shot, instead of worrying about the quantity of footage we have recorded. We followed the 180 degree rule and made sure to maintain continuity by not altering the set throughout the footage.
The time we had to edit the sequence was a little limited and so as a result we did make some errors. After editing our sequence once, we were instructed to edit the sequence once again, however this time focussing on one particularly character, a technique used to give the audience the impression that they should be rooting for this character. We began editing with the hope of focussing on Meadow through the use of some of the close-ups we recorded. Unfortunately, we ran short of time which meant we were unable to do this. Additionally, although most of the scene was edited pretty seamlessly, there is an error in which Olly says "this" twice. By re-watching our edited footage several times we likely could've avoided this error.
Below is a video clip of our edited footage:
When approaching the actual sequence, I think it will be important for our group to really focus on the composition of our shots, making sure that they are executed well before rushing to take more footage. Additionally, given that our opening is an opening sequence, meaning that it is less narrative based than an opening scene, we will have to record lots of close-ups of and extra close ups of the range of props that we have selected to ensure that the audience are engaged. When paired with a soundtrack, we hope to create tension before revealing the man's evil intentions at the end of the sequence. When it comes to editing, we need to watch through the edited product several times in order to identify any errors. Additionally, we must set aside enough time to edit the footage to the best of our ability.
Foley sound is named Jack Foley, an artist who specialised in sound effects.who became a well-known name in the 1920s for Foley sound is the term used to refer to sound created and added in post-production which involves the use of various everyday objects and actions to embellish the existing sound. These sounds include anything from footsteps to breaking glass. Foley sound is also sometimes used to disguise any unwanted sounds captured on the day of filming. Filmmakers favour this technique as they believe that foley sound adds an element of realism to their films.
Foley sound is usually made professionally in a studio as it can be quite difficult to create sounds that sound realistic on set. There are three types of foley sound. These are feet, moves and specifics. There are a number of tricks that are commonly used to create foley sound. For example the sound of rain is often created through frying bacon and the creaking of wood is frequently formed by using an old chair or piano bench.
Here is a video clip below of my own foley sound that I created at home. I recorded fingernails tapping on the table to replicate the sound of rain on a roof:
I then had a go at creating my own foley sound for a section of this clip from jurassic park (0:06 to 0:32).
I used the sound of my own footsteps on my kitchen floor whilst wearing trainers to create the sound of the characters running at the beginning.
I then used the sound of my bin closing to recreate the sound of the characters crashing against the metal workbench.
Then to create the sound of the dinosaur growling and grunting, I recorded my cat purring.
For the dinosaur's loud sneeze and loud noise at the end of the section of the clip, I recorded my vacuum cleaner:
I recorded these sounds on my phone and then edited them together using iMovie:
On Friday, as a group we had a discussion about the roles we had assigned to each other and decided to make some changes. From this discussion we decided that whilst I will still do some camera work, my primary role will be director. This stemmed from the fact that we feel I have had less experience behind the camera than Meadow, who will now become camera operator. Meadow would also really like to take on the role so she can gain some experience being behind the camera. Therefore, Matthew will take on the role of editor, a hobby that he already enjoys doing regularly.
After being told by the Chemistry department that we would be unable to borrow some of the necessary equipment for our opening sequence, we were forced to adapt. We decided that since we would no longer be able to focus on the distillation set up, we would have to add more props to our set that would help to build the character of the man, through close ups for example. Because of this, we will have to create a new narrative sequence so that we are aware of what we are aiming to achieve.
I contacted Kate, one of our class members who is in Beatrice Webb House, to ask if she might be able to send us some pictures of the garden room. We had to wait a couple of days for the the photos since she had to be accompanied by a teacher to unlock the room. However, once we received the photos they helped our group to confirm that we were interested in using the room for our opening sequence. Below is a screenshot of her response:
For the woman's costume, I ordered the red ballet pumps and slim-fit white t-shirt. Meadow emailed asking Susannah what sizes she wore so that I could ensure that I ordered items that would fit her properly. She then fed back the information to me on our group chat:
I ordered the items needed for the costume off Amazon:
My mum already has a grey cardigan at home which we will use for the costume and Susannah will wear her own jeans. I will bring in the grey cardigan on Sunday night.
Our group created a schedule for the shoot day. This includes timings for each part of our shoot, including dropping off our equipment at the location. This will help us to stick to a clear plan on the day. Below are some screenshots of the schedule:
As a group, we created a shot list to plan out each shot that we would like to create on the day of our shoot. This will help us to be organised and time efficient on the day. Below are some screenshots of our shot list:
We created a call sheet which lists all members of our cast and crew, as well as the hours that they are available and their email so that we can contact them if needed. This will help us to be organised on the day of the shoot. Screenshots of the call sheet can be seen below:
For our opening sequence, we needed a record player. I offered to provide my sister's, from her room at home. I took it to school on Tuesday night and I am storing it in my room until our shoot next week. Below is a picture of the record player:
Here is our group discussion, in which we arranged for me to provide the record player:
Working on a media production involves dividing up various roles and collaborating. These roles include director, camera operator, editor, art director, and producer. As a group, we have tried our best to divide up these roles according to who we believe has the most fitting skills for the role. This needs to be done so that we as a group can ensure we capture the best shots possible which will adhere to the conventions of the thriller genre. When our group film our opening sequence next Wednesday, I will be taking on the role of camera operator, Meadow will be the editor and Matthew will be the director. The role of the editor includes assembling all the footage. The director oversees all the creative elements of the film production. The role of the art director is to organise all props, costumes, hair and makeup and to maintain continuity throughout the film. The role of the producer is to manage all aspects of the film production. This includes ensuring all members of the production are fulfilling their role and that the finished product is executed properly.
The role of the camera operator entails handling all the camera equipment in order to capture all the action. I will be taking on the role as I believe that my observational skills will aid me well in capturing the best possible shots. I also believe that my concentration span and patience will help to remain focussed on the shots throughout the shoot. Before the shoot I need to ensure that I have a good knowledge of the shot list and have looked through the storyboard so that I have an idea of the composition of the shots I will be aiming to capture. I will take both the shot list and storyboard with me so that I can refer to them throughout the day, and of course the camera equipment too. My role as camera operator is vital to our opening sequence so that we can ensure that our sequence appears as we would like it to be visually. It might be challenging being on my feet for the whole shoot so I will bring snacks and take short breaks to ensure I can maintain my energy.
We are filming our opening sequence in the Beatrice Webb garden room. We believe that this room will be the best choice for us as it resembles a greenhouse and we will be able to use the abundance of natural lighting to create interesting lighting effects. the Pictures of the room can be seen below:
The room contains a desk which we are hoping to cover with a cloth which all of the man's scientific equipment can be placed on. Meadow has sourced several books from a charity shop which we will put in the room to decorate it and help to build on the character.
