AS Evaluation Questions 1-7

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6KOu8XpUhEPaklLVEgxNUtEeDA/view?usp=sharing

AS media evaluation question 5

Question 5

AS media evaluation question 7

7 Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?

For our preliminary exercise we did a continuity task involving filming and editing a character opening a door, crossing a room and sitting down in a chair opposite another character, with whom she/he then exchanges a couple of lines of dialogue. We were to demonstrate match on action of the door handle opening, shot/reverse/shot of the characters speaking and the 180-degree rule. In our film we used a match on the bedroom door as Adam leaves it to go down stairs. Also we used a shot/reverse/shot when Adam is confronted by the silhouette of the alien, as Adam slowly reaches out to the alien the camera jumps from his face to the silhouette. We also kept to the 180 degree rule throughout the recording, as we did more recording we got used to using these techniques and rules. Other methods we used were things like long takes, establishing shots etc.

AS media evaluation question 6

question 6

AS media evaluation question 4

Question 4
(questionnaire results/couldn't put images on it so i put them here)

AS media evaluation question 3

3. What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?

We decided to use a small independent film distribution company called ‘Left Film Distribution’ who after a bit of research found that they have distributed a small variety of low budget new independent movies to the UK through cinemas, DVD's, and digital downloads. Many of 'Left Film Distribution' movies are in the horror, sci-fi and action offer new work for the new generation of film makers which are similar to ours. They also offer a fresh approach to independent film distribution, with audience engagement and social media marketing. 

Our film may have turned out differently if we had chosen a larger and more well-known distributor such as Warner Bro’s as they have links to a huge conglomerate which owns a broadcasting network as well as multiple popular magazines which means we would have a larger budget to work with. Therefore our film could’ve received more attention if we had a more popular distributor with better funds.

This is an example of a sci-fi film that was released by 'Left Film Distribution' this film is similar to our idea but less violence and a lower certificate. These are 8 examples of movies that 'Left Film Distribution' have distributed. This distribution company helps getting low budget films to get noticed, for low budget films these actually did surprisingly well averaging around 5 on iMDB

AS media evaluation question 2

question 2

AS media evaluation question 1

question 1

questionnaire responses

These are our final questionnaire responses that we got from our questionnaire. People aged between 15 and 18 have answer the most. Mostly students have spent time to answer the questions suggesting that they are the ones that are the most interested in the film industry. 

Summary

Name

Haley, Prakash , James , Simon , Megan , Leah, Morgan, Alex 

Where do you think the opening scene should be?

In a big, abandon warehouse House in the middle of nowhere UFO sighting Creepy mansion farmhouse in the middle of nowhere a normal looking house to make it naturalistic middle of nowhere office at UFO sightings

What type of music would be suitable for our film?

Jumpy spooky upbeat to make the audience feel on edge sinter and frightening sci fi music  loud slow music frightening  sinister

What age group do you think would be appropriate for our film?

12A    5

15+    2

18+   1

AS Evaluation Question 7

AS Evaluation Question 6

Question 6

AS Evaluation Question 5

AS Evaluation Question 4

Question 4

AS Evaluation Question 3

AS Evaluation Question 2

Question 2

AS Evaluation Question 1

Question 1

Evaluation Q7

Evaluation Q6

Evaluation Q6

Evaluation Q5

Question 5 from niloobaziyar

Evaluation Q4

Presentation4 from niloobaziyar

Evaluation Q2

Presentation2 from niloobaziyar

Evaluation Q1

Evaluation Q3

Evaluation Q3

Feedback for our film

So far we have received some feedback from various website forums.

On Reddit.com/r/film we got this feedback from user: TheeGreenHawk99.

On a roosterteeth.com forum from user: MistilWriter.

Some more feedback from roosterteeth.com from user: Poetoflsil.

Silhouette Final Film

Audience Questionnaire video

Preliminary Exercise

Day 7 Review

Tuesday 3rd of March was Day 7 of filming.

This was our last day of filming, we only needed to redo the silhouette scene and the scenes that continued after that. The problem we came across from the silhouette scene the first time was that the shower curtain wasn't big enough to cover the whole area of the window, to fix this I bought another shower curtain to cover the areas we couldn't before.

The problem we had this time while filming was that the LED lantern ran out of power and we couldn't find the spare batteries I bought for the lantern if it ever did run out of power so we resorted to using lamps and our phones as light sources during filming on that day.

We still managed to film the silhouette scene and the scenes after that but because of this problem the footage is rather dark. We having now completed the filming for our opening.

Overall the quality of the footage we filmed is less than what I wanted. This is due to us filming inside at night with the AS cameras. But to combat the quality issues we will adjust the brightness and contrast of some shots then when we export the finished product the 1080p resolution should display the film at a better quality to view the film.

180 degrees rule, reverse angle and match on action

The 180 degree rule,a reverse angle and match on action

The 180 degree rule

The 180 degree rule is a rule that states the camera must be somewhere within the 180 degrees on a particular side the invisible line of shot.,containing two people in the sequence.If the camera crosses the invisible line it will cause a disturbance in the audiences viewing as it will seem as if the actors/characters are in different places.The rule is clearly illustrated above.

Reverse angle

So if said line crosses the line or better known axis this creates a complete new angle (a reverse angle),not to be confused with the 180 degree rule.

Match on action

Match on a action is a term used to identify the technique used in film productions.It consists of 2 shots together in which a character finishes of an action in the second shot that was started in the first one for example;a character walks through a door in which he opens the door being filmed from behind then the clip cuts to him walking through from the other one. 

Rule of Thirds and shot reverse shot 

Shot Reverse shot

The technique commonly known as shot reverse shot is a shot used to show the expressions  of one character in shot then show another character in a different shot  then reverting back to the same character once again.This shot is most prominently used over a person shoulder a shown above.The shot above is great example of how the shot can be used at its best.  

 

http://samuelaherne.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/samuel-ahernes-as-media-studies.html?view=flipcard(26/02/15)
http://www.slideshare.net/Citycollegemedia/180-degree-line-of-action-activities(26/02/15)
https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=shot+reverse+shot(26/02/15)

Foley artists and sounds

1. Foley is the reproduction of everyday sound effects that are added to film, video, and other media in post-production to enhance audio quality. These reproduced sounds can be anything from the swishing of clothing and footsteps to squeaky doors and breaking glass. A foley artist uses a variety of props to create or replace sounds that they could not properly capture on set.

   

                                       A variety of props are used to create sound effects that can't properly be captured on set. Watch two foley artists bring an action sequence to life with perfectly synchronized sound effects.

   This video is quite old and dated but is good to see how it used to be done. Over time they have found easier ways to record but the method of recording is still the same, just not done live but after the film has been recorded so the foley artist can simply pause the film, record the sounds for that scene, then resume the film. . 
   

Bloodlust - Thriller Title Sequence

This thriller title gave me an idea about how our final sequence piece for our film, even though our film is a different genre ( sci fi) I still think some of the ideas may fit into our  Sci fi film.

Day 6 Review

Thursday 19th of February was Day 6 of filming.

The it was raining during this day of filming which it wasn't the previous two day we were supposed to film. So I had to think of a way to make sure the work lights wouldn't get wet while outside by taping an umbrella to a crash stand so we didn't have to hold it, I also used plastic to cover the cable wheel so it wouldn't get wet.

We had finished the bedroom scene and now had to do the next scenes which were Brandon walking to the living room, the realization of someone breaking in, the rush to the utility room and the reveal of the silhouette.

We started filming at 6 and finished at 8 we filmed the living room scene and the front door scene without a problem. For the kitchen scene we just had to decide where the placements of the lights should be and everything else in the scene was complete.

The silhouette scene had a major problem which was that the shower curtain wasn't large enough to cover all of the window. This was a problem as it limited our shot types that I wanted to use to make the reveal more dramatic but couldn't making the footage lack luster.

All we need to do is redo the silhouette scenes.

Day 5 Review

Wednesday 18th was our fifth day of filming.
Our fifth day of shooting was to redo the bedroom scenes that work on par with the rest of the clips. We step up lighting the exact same way as the previous shoots. the shoot didn't take long but was quite pointless in the amount of filming we were supposed to be doing originally.

Shots to retake

Shots to retake

• The draw shaking
• Brandon sighing and getting out of bed
• Brandon grabbing torch out of draw
• Brandon walking around the bed
• Niloo sitting up in bed
• Brandons POV of front door
• Brandon walking into kitchen

Shots to do

• Kitchen scene(s)
• Stairs to utility room
• Brandon making his way into the room
• All the scenes in the room
• Run back to the bedroom
• Outside scenes

Sound and Post production - Effects

Sound Effects in chronological order
The first sound effect was used in the establishing shot where my character was snoring to convey that both characters were sleeping. Next the second effect was the ticking of the clock which conveys time passing through the night. 

• snoring
• ticking clock
• room shaking
• clock hitting floor
• Adam waking up
• light switch
• opening the draw
• picking up torch
• closing draw
• standing up
• me walking to door
• me opening the door

Day 4 Review

Wednesday 4th February was the 4th day of filming for our opening.

We already had all the equipment at Brandon's house from the previous day of filming so there was no extra items or equipment to bring. We started filming at 5:00pm when it started getting darker. We filmed the downstairs scene (still corridor on shot list) then redid the upstairs landing scene so both scenes wouldn't look different. We then began filming the next few shots before the LED lantern ran out of power so we weren't able to film more after this point.

The next day we reviewed the footage this time we were pleased with the results. The lighting was good, the shots worked, the acting was good. We still need to redo some shots that were too dark to see as well as some shots that didn't match up for match on action breaking continuity. Overall I am happy with this outcome we have.

Day 3 Review

Tuesday 3rd February was the 3rd day of filming our opening.

This was our second time filming at Brandon's house and second time filming the bedroom scene but from the footage from the previous day of filming helped us so we wouldn't make the same mistakes twice. We began filming at around 1:30pm.

We used the AS Panasonic camera again because it was much easier to use previously on set to film in close spaces. We set the lights on top of the wardrobes at the side of the room to cover the whole room, this had it's advantages and disadvantages. The lighting stayed n one place so shots wouldn't look completely different like last time but we did have to watch out for our positioning since the lights would cast shadows if you were in front of them but we worked round this with the cast and crew.

We filmed the bedroom scene and the upstairs landing scene (corridor scene on shot list). We were much more prepared with each day of filming learning from our mistakes and what we did well.

Day 2 Review

Wednesday 28th of January was the second day of filming.

We got the AS Panasonic cameras to film with this time which was much easier to use so there was no worries when it came to using the camera. We changed our set location to Brandon's house which is much more convenient for us since we were filming at the house of one of our group members and arrived at the location around 2:00pm.

We started setting up the equipment as soon as we arrived and began filming from the beginning of our shot list. We decided to just film the bedroom scene so we could review that scene alone looking out for the problems with shot types, camera angles and lighting positions.

The shots we use were pretty much simple to do and since we aren't graded on acting we didn't have to worry about the performances the actors just had to deliver the lines. One shot we find difficult was a shot where we had to make it look like an earthquake as happening by shaking the draws and making the alarm clock fall of the edge. This shot took by my guess around 20 minutes.

Once we finished filming the bedroom scene we called it a day. The day after we reviewed the footage for the current problems and how we could improve the shot. Overall the lighting was the biggest problem as it was inconsistent, we moved the LED lantern round to make the shot bright enough so you could clearly see them but each shot looked different and was definitely unusable footage. The sound of the footage was clear so we had that at least. We decided that we would redo the scene and this time have a set place for the lighting sources to light the whole room so we wouldn't have inconsistent lighting.

Filming Pack Day 2

Wednesday 28th January
Estimated filming time: 4-30pm

Once the equipment is at the location it will be marked off the list for the next shooting day.

Primary camera
BTS camera
Tripod
External zoom recorder

Day 1 Review

So Monday January 19th was Day 1 of shooting and this will be my overall review.

We were mistakenly given the A2 camera instead of the panoramic AS camera and decided to try to film these key these with it after being given a tutorial on how to use the camera from our Media teacher. The instructions were simple enough to understand and follow.

We got to the location at 5:00pm (estimate) and began setting up our equipment for our key shots that were the most important to do first. We decided to do these shots first because since they were the most important in our sequence to convey our sci fi we would need to film multiple takes in the short amount of filming time we have and if we could only use the A2 camera once these shots would be the initial shot to have at a higher quality.

Once we at the location and set up the key shots we ran across a problem which was the area of space needed for this camera. The A2 camera was too big for the environment we were in which made it complicated to use the shot types I had imagined on using. After finding a suitable distance for the first shot I ran into another problem which was the tripod. The tripod stance left the camera on a tilt so I had the adjust it which took up more time than I had hoped.

This was also the first time we were using all the other equipment for this shoot which could have been bad but after setting the equipment up the silhouette worked, the distance between the work lights, Dylan and the window were perfect. I think to improve the set up I would have lowered the lighting stance to level with Dylan which I couldn't because I forgot to put the safety handles on the lighting equipment.

We ran out of time to film the shots in the end but it was a good experience for us to learn from this and improve on the next shooting day.

Our Lighting Equipment (Planning)

Since we were indoors it is expected that the camera quality won't be as good as it won't if we filmed outside during the day. We had to use different lights throughout our sequence to keep the set well lit and be able to convey a sci-fi looks with filters in front of those lights.


The first light we will use is a 1000watt twin halogen worklight. This is our main light source to make our silhouette. We wouldn't be able to make the silhouette look as sharp as possible without this light, the power of this light is also supposed to resemble the light source from something like a spaceship so it will need to be powerful to be able to denote one.

The next light we will use is an LED light. This little but powerful light is great for placing it anywhere in a scene unnoticed as it is portable but also can you change it brightness to get the lighting you want.








The next light we will use is a standard table lamp. We did adjust this light  by attaching blue shades with duct tape. we did this to make the scene look more blue to add  a sci-fi theme to the scene.

The next light we will use is a clamp light. Finding a place to position the light where they would be is difficult but if the lamp can clamp onto object it makes it much easier. We also adjusted the light similarly to the table lamp by adding blue shades to this light as well.

 

The last light we used was a torch which was also a prop. We used this light for the character to interact with and as the character moved around the setting would sometimes point it at the camera to make this lens flare.

Our Sound Set up 1

Sound during film: Audio recording

Sound set up during filming, we will be using a Lavalier microphone for an external audio recording. Also we will be using a dynamic mic which will plug into the video camera so we can have clear audio and limit white noise.


A dynamic microphone takes advantage of electromagnet effects. When a magnet moves past a wire (or coil of wire), the magnet induces current to flow in the wire. In a dynamic microphone, the diaphragm moves either a magnet or a coil when sound waves hit the diaphragm, and the movement creates a small current.

A Lavelier is a small electret or dynamic microphone used for television, theatre, and public speaking applications, in order to allow hands-free operation. They are most commonly provided with small clips for attaching to collars, ties, or other clothing.

Production Research - Set Design, Props, Costume and Makeup 1

Settings and Props

• Bedroom
• Corridor
• Living room
• Kitchen
• Utility room

For the bedroom we'll try to keep it simple. There's not much we need to change with the bedroom other than moving the bed to the middle and the draws on both sides, we will keep everything else the same. There are a few props that the characters will interact with. The first being the alarm clock. this prop will be used to convey the passing of time in our scene. The second prop in the scene is the photo frame of Brandon and Niloo at area 51. The photo will be used to support the sci fi theme of our story. The next prop that Brandon will interact is the lamp he tries to switch on. The next props will be the draw and the torch, Brandon will open the draw to get the torch. The torch is going to be used throughout most of the opening up until the silhouette scene.

The next 3 areas: corridor, living room and kitchen won't be changed that much as these areas are the least important in the film though we are going to change the area near the front door by tidying it up and place lighting equipment that would be hidden from the cameras view. the prop at the front door we will be using are a golf club. We decided that Brandon's character would need to use a weapon to defend himself if the case was actually a robbery and the golf club was the only weapon we had.

The utility room is the main room which we need to focus the most on since this was where we would use the silhouette technique. We want to use a range of shot types so by clearing the room it will give us more space for a long shot for the reveal of the alien's silhouette. The props we are using are still the torch and golf club which Brandon's character will leave behind in a panic to get to Karen.

Costume and Make Up
The costume we are using are pretty average as the characters are only going wear pajamas. No specific make up will be used either as it won't play an important part in our opening.
The costume we are using for Dylan who will play the alien is an alien mask the create the silhouette and thin clothing to make the alien look as skinny as possible to fit a typical stereotype of an alien look.

Filming Pack Day 1

This will include all the equipment we could possibly be using during filming. We are taking more than we need but I'd rather have something I don't need than need something I don't have.

Monday 19th January
Estimated filming time: 4-30pm

Once the equipment is at the location it will be marked off the list for the next shooting day.
Filming
Script x2
Shot list
Primary camera
Tripod x2
Secondary camera
Directors clapboard
External microphone
Lavalier mic
Ladder
Umbrella ella ella ay ay ay

Lighting
LED lantern
Twin 500w work lights
500w light bulbs x7
Lamp
Flashlight (also prop)
Cassette cable wheel
Shower curtain
Light bounce board
Sunglasses

Costume and Props
Pajamas x2
Alien mask
Alarm clock
Photo frame
Prop lamp
Flashlight (also lighting)

Extra Stuff
Assortment of tapes.
Scissors
Box cutter
Pen, pencil, rubber and measuring tape.

Production Research - Sound 1

Before our group begins the production process we need to prepare and research. Since I am the director I need to research into filming, lighting, sound, production design and editing so I can work with everyone else in the group and their roles.

Sound Recording
I found a webpage that gives good tips and tricks for recording sound when making short films.

http://www.adobe.com/inspire/2013/10/tips-high-quality-audio.html

This webpage by adobe give great tips and tricks: the first being get closer don't turn the volume up. This means for the close ups in the scene we will use the lapel mic so we can just record the subjects audio and not audio from the whole room and during the scene where that are a medium long shot or further we use the external mic connected to our camera.

Audio Editing
After Dylan has edited our opening Brandon and myself we unlink the audio from the video and run it through audacity to remove all the white noise that has been a reoccurring theme that I have noticed from watching some of the previous groups openings. Then after removing the white noise if needed we will enhance the audio of the actors speaking to make it more clear to hear when viewing the opening.

Music and Sound Effects
making the vocals more clear Brandon and I will go back through the video making our sound effects and selecting music and other sound effects for Dylan to edit into the film.
We will use websites like:
Freesound.org
Freemusicarchive.org
Proudmusiclibrary.com
Incompetech.com
Freeplaymusic.com
These website contain thousands of royalty free music tracks and sound effects that we would be able to use if we are unable to make our own.

Shot List Draft 2

Tick shot no. box when shot is complete. Highlighted Shot Types = same action different shot. * = give or take a second. LOOK OUT FOR CONTINUITY ERRORS.

Shot	Location	Shot Type	Angle	Movement	Length	Action	Characters
1	Bedroom	LS (EST)	Low Level	Still	00:03s	Camera facing foot of bed. Adam and Karen are asleep.	Adam, Karen.
2		MCU	Mid-Level	Still	00:03s	Alarm clock on left-side drawer 2:52am	None.
3a		CU	Mid-Level	Still	00:04s	Jump cut as minute changes 2:53am then changes to 2:54am	None.
3b		CU	Mid-Level	Still	00:03s	Focus pull to see the minute pass to 2:54am	None.
4		MCU	Mid-Level	Still	00:04s	Tracking forward to photo frame on right-side drawer.	None.
5		CU	Mid-Level	Still	00:05s	Focus pull to show couple standing outside area 51.	None.
6		LS	Ariel	Tilting up	00:04s	Tilt up from foot of the bed to head of the bed.	Adam, Karen.
7		CU	Mid-Level	Still	00:06s	Draw shakes and alarm moves towards edge of draw.	None.
8		CU	Low Level	Still	00:02s	Alarm hits the floor.	None.
9		CU	Mid-Level	Still	00:02s	Adam wakes up from the sound of the alarm hitting the ground and smashing.	Adam.
10		MS	Mid-Level	Still	00:05s	Adam quickly sits up from the bed to survey the room.	Adam, Karen.
11		CU	Mid-Level	Still	00:04s	Adam tries turn the lamp on but the powers been cut.	Adam.
12		CU	High	Still	00:05s*	Adam grabs a flashlight out of the bottom drawer.	Adam.
13		LS	EL	Still	00:06s*	Adam walks around the bed making his way towards the door. While Karen begins to sit up.	Adam, Karen.
14		MS	EL	Still	00:05s	Karen is sat up and asks “what’s going on?” as Adam walks passed the camera..	Karen.
15		MS (2S)	Low Angle	Still	00:08s	Adam turns to Karen and says “nothing the powers been cut, I’m just going to check it out”. Adam leaves the bedroom.	Adam.
16	Corridor	MS	EL	Still	00:06s*	Adam closes the bedroom door and begins to shivers from the coldness of the rest of the house.	Adam.
17		MCU	EL	Still	00:05s	Adam breathes into his hands with his cold breath.	Adam.
18		LS	EL	Panning left	00:05s	Adam turns to his right to see the front door open.	Adam.
19a		MLS	EL	Tracking back	00:07s*	Adam turns back to the corridor and begins to slowly walk with flashlight in hand.	Adam.
19b		MS
20	Kitchen	MS	EL	Still	00:02s	Adam walks into the kitchen, looks left and right then proceeds to window.	Adam.
21		LS	EL	Still	00:04s	Adam walks to the window to see if anyone is outside.	Adam.
22		CU (POV)	EL	Still	00:05s	Adams POV but he can’t see anything but darkness.	Adam.
23		CU (POV)	EL	Still	00:01s	A bright light suddenly emerges from the darkness.	Adam.
24		LS	Low Angle	Still	00:04s*	Adam takes a step back from the power of the light source and begins to cover his eyes.	Adam.
25		CU (POV)	EL	Still	00:03s	Adams hand covers his eyes from the brightness but something starts to appear from the brightness.	Adam.
26		MS (OS)	EL	Tracking left	00:04s	A Mysterious silhouette has appeared.	Adam, Sil.
27		MCU	EL	Still	00:04s	Adam looks at the silhouette and is shocked, the only thing he can think to say is “you’re real?”.	Adam, Sil.
28		MS (OS)	EL	Still	00:05s*	Silhouette turns its head to focus on Adam.	Adam, Sil.
29		MCU	EL	Still	00:02s*	Adam silently gasps.	Adam.
30		CU	EL	Still	00:02s	Flashlight hitting floor.	Adam.
31		MS (OS)	EL	Still	00:03s	Silhouette moves closer to the window.	Adam, Sil.
29		MCU	EL	Still	00:03s	Adam begins to reach out to the silhouette but is interrupted by a loud bang and the sound of screaming.	Adam.
30		MLS	EL	Still	00:04s	Adam begins to run back the bedroom while calling Karen’s name.	Adam.
31	Corridor	LS	EL	Still	00:05s	Adam is about to enter the bedroom and we see the front door is closed.	Adam.
32		LS (POV)	High	Still	00:04s	The bedroom is empty, Karen is gone. Adam runs back out of the bedroom.	Adam.
33a		LS	EL	Still	00:03s	Adam runs to the front door and pushes it open to get outside.	Adam.
33bi		LS	EL	Still	00:02s	Adam runs to the front door to push it open.	Adam.
33bii		MLS	High	Still	00:05s	Adam bounces off the front door due to some force field. But he gets up and tries again this time the door opens easily.	Adam.
34	Driveway	MLS	EL	Still	00:03s	Adam quickly looks left and right.	Adam
35		LS	EL – High	Tracking back	00:10s	Adam runs to the back garden then realizes Karen has disappeared and begins to walk down the drive and gets louder as he says her name while the camera moves higher above him until he’s shouting her name at the sky.	Adam