As a group we have decided to change stylistic features of our film, as we have decided to use stop motion photographs of the character between the silhouette sequences. We want to create a surreal, dream like effect so we are planning to experiment with colour on the photos, making them unrealistic using red tints etc to depict the uncertainty and unpredictabilty of her life. We also hope to experiment with different camera angles, often using canted to portray her lack of stability.
We plan to be more adventerous and visually interesting throughout our short film and create something different to what we have previously. I feel that this idea change will greatly benefit our group in developing new skills, as its unlike anything we have attempted before.
Wednesday, 23 March 2011
Issues raised whilst filming
Whilst filming we have had a number of issues arrise that have affected the progression of our short film. I have decided to write about the difficulties and ways in which I will avoid them next time and prevent them from occuring again.
Loosing our fotage -
The first time we shot fotage, it was then recorded over with sound meaning a complete re-shoot of our entire film. To prevent this next time we will ensure that when we begin recording sound, it is a new point of the tape and not overwritting previous fotage. We could also use a seperate tape, one for fotage and one for sound to ensure nothing is lost.
Filming fotage that is not of high enough quality -
We filmed fotage that on the camera appeared to be satisfactory, yet when uploaded and able to view it larger we could see the fotage was not our best work, and was usable. Next time we could try uploading the fotage to the computer on location, to check its quality and thoroughly watch what we have filmed carefully. Then we can simply delete it and start again whilst being on location, which will save valuable time.
Fotage was not compatible with editing software -
After filming and trying to upload our fotage, we discovered it was not compatible with the editing software, and would not convert dispite numerous attempts. One thing we could do to prevent this from happening again is to ensure we check that the camera/tape we are using will upload, possibly by shooting some mock fotage and testing it. We could also check with the appropriate people that our fotage will definately upload before shooting.
Location unavailable -
We scheduled a date for filming but unfortunately were unable to due to the location being used (as its set in a house). I will ensure that we plan in advance our scheduled filming times, with back-up dates so that should this problem arrise again we have the next suitable date ready.
Illness within group -
The circumstance was the same as before, and the resolution will be much the same in that planning in advance with back-up dates will ensure that our filming is not massively delayed.
Loosing our fotage -
The first time we shot fotage, it was then recorded over with sound meaning a complete re-shoot of our entire film. To prevent this next time we will ensure that when we begin recording sound, it is a new point of the tape and not overwritting previous fotage. We could also use a seperate tape, one for fotage and one for sound to ensure nothing is lost.
Filming fotage that is not of high enough quality -
We filmed fotage that on the camera appeared to be satisfactory, yet when uploaded and able to view it larger we could see the fotage was not our best work, and was usable. Next time we could try uploading the fotage to the computer on location, to check its quality and thoroughly watch what we have filmed carefully. Then we can simply delete it and start again whilst being on location, which will save valuable time.
Fotage was not compatible with editing software -
After filming and trying to upload our fotage, we discovered it was not compatible with the editing software, and would not convert dispite numerous attempts. One thing we could do to prevent this from happening again is to ensure we check that the camera/tape we are using will upload, possibly by shooting some mock fotage and testing it. We could also check with the appropriate people that our fotage will definately upload before shooting.
Location unavailable -
We scheduled a date for filming but unfortunately were unable to due to the location being used (as its set in a house). I will ensure that we plan in advance our scheduled filming times, with back-up dates so that should this problem arrise again we have the next suitable date ready.
Illness within group -
The circumstance was the same as before, and the resolution will be much the same in that planning in advance with back-up dates will ensure that our filming is not massively delayed.
Silhouette idea
As a group we have thought of a completely new idea, to instead of listen to the character through the webcam the audience sees her through silhouettes we will project, keeping her identity hidden. I feel this is a much more effective approach, as through maintaining confidentiality of the character it creates a sense of deep secrecy and shame. The fact that the characters indentity remains anonymous not only allows the audience to focus on her tale, but also could depict the fact that despite what her family have done to her, she wishes no harm to them.
Originally we were going to project our silhouette onto the brown bedroom wall, but after finding the camera had difficulties focusing we decided instead to use our school cinema screen, which projects a much crisper, striking silhouette.
As you can see from the images using the blue cinema background allows the audience to see certain features of the character, which works emotionally because it reminds them that this is a fragile young girl. We want the audience to be able to see delicate details of the character, such as her eyelashes through the silhouette, as this emphasises and represents her femininity and therefore creates a sense of vulnerability and helplessness.
Originally we were going to project our silhouette onto the brown bedroom wall, but after finding the camera had difficulties focusing we decided instead to use our school cinema screen, which projects a much crisper, striking silhouette.
As you can see from the images using the blue cinema background allows the audience to see certain features of the character, which works emotionally because it reminds them that this is a fragile young girl. We want the audience to be able to see delicate details of the character, such as her eyelashes through the silhouette, as this emphasises and represents her femininity and therefore creates a sense of vulnerability and helplessness.
Possible film names
When choosing a film name we wanted something that would reflect the emotions and actions of the film, but not in an incredibly obvious way. As a group we discussed several ideas which I have then put into a spider diagram.
We are planning to seek extra opinions and ask which name they prefer and why, the results of which I will post later.
We are planning to seek extra opinions and ask which name they prefer and why, the results of which I will post later.
Idea change
Originally we were planning to use a male lead in our film, however due to being unable to make arrangements and find a suitable male to play the part, we have decided one of us will. Using one of our group as the main actor will be beneficial, as we understand our concept most and will know how we want the character to be portrayed.
To decide in the fairest, most effective way we decided to all audition, recording and reciting the same scene which we would then watch back and each vote independently on who we thought did the best. The final decision was made by someone outside our group because we all voted for each other for various reasons and ended up receiving one vote each. The decision was based on who appeared most natural and believable in front of the camera, and who we felt could portray the role best. Below are the audition videos that we made our decision upon:
AUDITION VIDEOS HERE
Using a female instead of a male won't effect our film, and I believe could have its strengths, although females are stereotypically weak and I wanted to oppose that, we could play up to it as females also tend to be more relatable and approachable, therefore we can create a greater sense of sympathy for our character. The character is vulnerable though not mentally weak as many females are stereotypically shown to be, she does deal with her problems in her own way, although not necessarily the accepted way, and shes strong willed in that she will achieve what she set out to do.
To decide in the fairest, most effective way we decided to all audition, recording and reciting the same scene which we would then watch back and each vote independently on who we thought did the best. The final decision was made by someone outside our group because we all voted for each other for various reasons and ended up receiving one vote each. The decision was based on who appeared most natural and believable in front of the camera, and who we felt could portray the role best. Below are the audition videos that we made our decision upon:
AUDITION VIDEOS HERE
Using a female instead of a male won't effect our film, and I believe could have its strengths, although females are stereotypically weak and I wanted to oppose that, we could play up to it as females also tend to be more relatable and approachable, therefore we can create a greater sense of sympathy for our character. The character is vulnerable though not mentally weak as many females are stereotypically shown to be, she does deal with her problems in her own way, although not necessarily the accepted way, and shes strong willed in that she will achieve what she set out to do.
Location shots
These images are of our chosen location, a member of our groups house. We chose a house as our location in order to make our film much more believable and realistic, as well as making our character much more relatable to our same age audience.
Kitchen area, will be used for fridge scenes and party scenes.
Another shot of the kitchen, a room that is often described as the heart of the home and represents the relationship between our character and their family, particularly the mother.
The living room where the some of party scenes will take place.
Again the living area, a place where family will spend time together but in this case it reflects the isolation our character faces.
The most important location of all, the bedroom that our character uses as a sanctuary against the outside world. Its the only place they truly express themselves.
Kitchen area, will be used for fridge scenes and party scenes.
Another shot of the kitchen, a room that is often described as the heart of the home and represents the relationship between our character and their family, particularly the mother.
The living room where the some of party scenes will take place.
Again the living area, a place where family will spend time together but in this case it reflects the isolation our character faces.
The most important location of all, the bedroom that our character uses as a sanctuary against the outside world. Its the only place they truly express themselves.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)