Location Scouting:

Completed by: Me

Nicola, Chloe and I decided to go location scouting, searching for ideas which we will base our film. We all searched different locations, taken pictures of our chosen location and brought them all together and decided which location is suitable to our thriller/fantasy film. I went to Ash ridge and here are the photographs and a video I collected:

                 



Establishing shot of the path way



Long Shot of the path way, in view
is the green, brown, yellow trees with the gloomy
sky within the background 



Shot of the trees with the sky in the background.

This is a shot of another path way, however,
this is a hazard as the floor is muddy

This shot is an open space, we want to portray 'isolation'
which this does not connote

This is a good shot of the scenery and weather as it allows the
audience to see the disturbance that may occur, this also creates
impact




Within this shot the path way leads of into
darkness which poses the enigma code on
the audience



Within this image, the walk way is quite wide, whereas, we
want an enclose area.



Advantages of this location:

·     This location is out of the way from any cars and people; this will show it’s deserted, we want to portray that Snow White is the only person around and seems disconnected from other individuals.

·    There are many trees which is what we to use within our opening which many people associate with thriller/fantasy films, this will allow us to portray the ‘isolated’ affect on Snow White, whereas if we filmed in a open space, this will not be portrayed as well as we hoped.

·    When dark, the area is frightening and daunting which is an important aspect we want the viewers to feel and creates an impact on the audience, as well as it being very quite which is something we want the audience to feel with the character.

·    This location is a huge place, meaning we have several of locations to choose from, giving us more variety of locations.

·    This location is very safe, as there are people and houses around.

·    Looks as if it could fit into our theme of ‘fantasy/thriller’ as it’s mysterious, dull and looking at the photos, the path way leads of into darkness which poses a question on the audience. The codes and conventions of a fantasy film is that a character is going on a quest, taking the long route however, we are going to put our own twist within the plot which we want the audience to question whats happening.

·    As the trees are draping over the walk way this can show that Snow White is trapped.

·    The colours around are very dull and enigmatic, ranging from browns, to dark greens and blacks which can demonstrate a sense of isolation and disturbance is going to happen.

·    The mud and leaves on the ground, create a more realistic atmosphere which is perfect for what we are wanting to communicate to the audience.

Disadvantages of this location:

·    The location is 20 minutes away by car which can be difficult to get to with equipment, cast and crew etc.

·    We have to pick a time when it’s getting dark and there no people around.

·    We will have to be able to have transport for characters and props.

·    People walking dogs may interrupt the filming process.

·    This location can be muddy when wet which can be a health and safety issues of the cast and crew.

Health and Safety:

• Muddy floor - this can cause a trip hazard, causing slippery flooring. We will need to wear comfortable/suitable footwear
• Uneven ground - this can cause a trip hazard. We will need to be aware of the flooring and we will search the area beforehand. However we will practice beforehand.

Things we will need to consider:

• Rubbish - we will need to clean up rubbish and equipment used during filming process
• Individuals - we will need to respect people around as it is a public area, we will also need to make sure other individuals are not in the shots.
• Weather - we are hoping that the weather is going to be over-cast. This is because it will make the scene look more dull and mysterious.
• Transport - we will need to be able to get transport for the cast and crew as well as the equipment.
• Noise - This can be a huge issue as we need to capture the scene which Snow White looks as if she is isolated from others. As cast and crew we will keep noise to the minimal
• Timing - As it is now Autumn, the lighting outside is becoming dark around 4:30-5. So we need to film this around 3 o'clock. In addition, this will allow the atmosphere to be dark, yet still light.
• Equipment - We will need to make saw all electrical equipment, e.g. Tripod, microphone and camera is securely with us at all times and covered in case of bad weather.

After analysing the pros and cons to this location I have chosen, I can reveal that the advantages are higher then the disadvantages after weighing up both sides. This is a huge positive, however, I will now discuss this will my fellow group members and we will conclude with a final location.

Age Rating:

Completed by: Me

Nicola, Chloe and I have chosen to base our film opening at rating 15 certificate. This is because looking at BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) guidelines, we have discovered that our film includes some violence, imitable behaviour and little touch into the genre horror. This means only 15 years or older individuals can view a 15 certificate in the cinema and no one younger is allowed to rent a film, video and game of this certificate. Here is some more information about the guidelines: http://www.bbfc.co.uk/classification/guidelines/15-2/





Target audience:

Completed by: Me, Nicola and Chloe

Here is a slide show Nicola, Chloe and I created presenting who are target audience is going to be for our opening movie and why. This allowed us to gain knowledge of how we can develop our ideas. This has been successful because we now know how to attract the right audience.

Analysis of the institutional logo:

Completed by: Me, Nicola and Chloe

How we came up with the company name - 'On Air Productions'

• We didn't want a simplistic company name e.g. initials of our names
• We was inspired by the company 'Universal' as the name connotes it is appealing to the whole world
• We wanted the company name to appeal to everyone but still stick to our genre - thriller-fantasy
• As a group, we looked up on the Internet searching for key words such as 'camera angles' and 'on air' came up

After we have decided the company name, we decided to create a few logos to test our skills on pixlr.com. The images we have chosen, relate to thriller as they represent power, strength, energy - which are all aspects of our film. Below this, are three logos we have all created and designed together.

First idea:

Draft 1


How did we edit this?

• Searched smoke on Google - http://www.gimpusers.com/system/tutorial_steps/767/23-original.png
• Selected image and saved onto a file
• Opened image onto pixlr.com
• Using the text tool, we typed in our company name - 'ON AIR PRODUCTIONS'
• We then layered the text. Which then we had options on altering the text. E.g. adding shadows, or adding glows etc.
• We then moved around the text to where we wanted to place it.
• Ta-da! We are done!

Denotation: Gray/blue smoke
Connotation: This connotes to the audience that the films our company produces are mystical and alluring. The dark blue connotes to the audience depression, and the gray symbolises security, sadness and maturity.

Denotation: Red, bold and capitalised text
Connotation: The red can symbolise blood to the audience which fits into our genre as it is thriller-fantasy. Additionally, red can symbolise extreme emotion and fire, which can represent life and fertility. This will connote to the audience that the films our company we produce has complex characters. Furthermore, the red illustrates energy.


Evaluation: On one hand, we thought this logo was successful as it represented our film genre well to the audience and signifies strength, power and energy. On the other hand, we thought this logo didn't look 'professional' enough and decided we wanted to create another one which was more vibrant, in addition, the logo above 'draft 1' is very simple and lacks creativity.

Draft 2:

Draft 2

How did we edit this?

• Searched smoke on Google - http://cdnimg.visualizeus.com/thumbs/8a/79/abstract,color,graphic,design,smoke,artistic,awesome-8a795fc9ee6ff186a0186ef867df9d76_h.jpg
• Selected image and saved onto a file
• Opened image onto pixlr.com
• Using the text tool, we typed in our company name - 'ON AIR PRODUCTIONS' but because we wanted the text to be presented horizontally, we had to type one letter at a time.
• We then changed the colour to gray and didn't layer it as we wanted to keep it simple because the rainbow colour was eye catching enough.
• We then moved around the text to where we wanted to place it.
• Ta-da! We are done!

Denotation: The electrifying smoke
Connotation: The colourful colours will connote to the audience the institution is going to be welcoming as the colours are vibrant, and friendly in comparison to draft 1. The smoke is shaped as a head, which could refer to the audience that the films we make are accessible and are aimed for everyone, and that anyone can relate to the films. The colour is generally orange and contrasts against the dark background and the orange communicates to the audience that the film is full of energy, has a steady balance and our company is warm and full of enthusiasm.


Denotation: Gray, capitalised and bold text
Connotation: The text is gray because we wanted the full attention to be on the image as we wanted it to be a trademark and let the audience know straight away that the logo is from our company. In addition, the colour gray portrays security and this connotes to the audience our film company is confident and proud.


Evaluation: In conclusion, we as a group thought the image was very artistic, and unique. However, the logo itself looks too sci-fi which differs from our genre - thriller-fantasy. Moreover, the logo overall looks to crowded and messy, as some text are presented landscape, and some horizontally.

Draft 3:

Draft 3

How did we edit this?

• Searched smoke on Google - http://matchboxsmokeshop.com/images/Smoke.jpg  
• Selected image and saved onto a file
• Opened image onto pixlr.com
• Using the text tool, we typed in our company name - 'ON AIR PRODUCTIONS'
• We then layered the text. Which then we had options on altering the text. E.g. adding shadows, or adding glows etc.
• We then moved around the text to where we wanted to place it.
• Ta-da! We are done!

Denotation: Bright orangey red smoke
Connotation: The colour of the smoke - a mix between red and orange - looks like solar flares, and fire, which both represent danger, energy and power. This could suggest to the audience our films are capable of creating successful films in fitting into our genre.

Denotation: The gray, shadowed, capitalised and bold text
Connotation: The shadow create enigma to the audience, as you wonder what is trying to be hidden. The style of the writing is plain as we wanted a logo that is simple and prove that film companies doesn't necessarily need fancy logos to be appealing.

Evaluation: In conclusion, we feel this design is very successful as it fits into our Prezi brainstorm. Moreover, it looks professional because of the writing, as it fades into the background. Because of the black background, the orange smoke stands out from it, and keeps your eye line within the orange smoke. However, if we had the technology, we would have liked the flares to be animated - to move around on the screen.

Conclusion: Overall, we as a group have chosen to use draft 3 as our institutional logo as it looks professional, the logo is simple yet effective, and is the most successful in communicating to the audience about the type of films the company creates.

Developing our institution ideas:

Completed by: Me, Nicola and Chloe

Why have we done this?
Chloe, Nicola and I have created this Prezi slide show to present the development of how we are going to create our logo institution. This will allow us to develop the ideas we have and adapt on them.

Continuity Excersise Video:

Completed by: Me, Chloe, Emma and Laura

Camera Angles, Movement, Sound and Editing:

Completed by: Me and Chloe King

Today, Chloe King and I began taking photo's of camera angels which we are interested to use within our opening. We used 2 models to show the camera angles. This will help us experiment with new and technical camera angles which we can attempt to use in our opening.
All photos were taken by Me. We will be using Photo Shop C2S to edit photos which will need to be editing during filming process. This blog will also identify the Media terminology.

Camera Angles:




Establishing Shot ES




Long Shot LS




Mid Shot MS




Close Up CU





Over the Shoulder OTS




Point of View POV




Two Shot TS



High Angel HA



Low Angle LA




Birds eye View BEV





Cut away CA

 


ECU

 

 This is four shots of the 30 degree angel:






Camera Movement:

·         Pan – A movement which scans a scene horizontally. This can be used to give the viewer a panoramic view.

·         Dolly Shots - The camera is placed on a moving vehicle and moves alongside the action, generally following a moving figure or object.

·         Track - a shot where the camera follows a subject. The tracking shot can include smooth movements forward, backward, along the side of the subject, or on a curve but cannot include complex movement around a subject.

·         Crane – A crane shot is sometimes used to signify the end of a scene of a film. It will swoop in on action or movie diagonally out of it.

·         Steadicam - Allows a very smooth shot even when the operator is moving quickly over an uneven surface.

·         Tilt - A camera scans a set vertically.

·         Zoom – Using a zoom lens to appear to be moving closer to (zoom in) or further away from (zoom out) an object.

Sound:

·         Diegetic Sound – Sound that can be heard by the characters within a scene.

·         Non-diegetic Sound – sound that the characters cannot hear and is not part of the imaginary world of the story. For example, sound effects which have been edited in or a musical track

·         Score – Music which has been composed for the scene.

·         Sound Effects – Sounds that are added to a film during the post-production stage

Editing:

·         Editing – Sound and images are organised into the overall narrative during the editing process.

·         Continuity Editing – Known as ‘invisible editing’ as this effect does not draw attention to the editing process.

·         Jump Cut – This effect breaks the continuity of time by cutting forward from one part of action to another quickly.

·         Credits – The credits will give detailed of the cast and crew that took part in creating the film. These will be shown at the beginning and end of the film.

·         Cutaways – Quick shots of continuous action by inserting another related action.

·         Freeze Frame – Freezing the characters and scene within a film to focus on one important element of event.

·         Eye-line Match – a type of edit which cuts from one character to what that character has been looking at

·         Flashback – Within a scene the audience is shown an event happened earlier in the film.

·         Graphic Match – an edit effect in which two different objects of the same shape are dissolved from one into the other (e.g. colour, shape)

·         Juxtaposition – the placement of two (often opposed) images on either side of an edit to create an effect

·         Linear Narrative – a style of storytelling in which events happen chronologically.

·         Parallel Editing – a type of editing in which events in two locations are cut together

·         Visual Effects - visual effects are usually used to alter previously-filmed elements by adding, removing or enhancing objects within the scene

·         Match on Action – a cut which splits two different views of the same movement together to get the same movement

·         Superimposition - The exposure of more than one image on the same film strip.

·         Disequilibrium – the period of instability and insecurity in a film’s narrative.

·         Enigma – the question that is posed within a film.

·         Equilibrium – A peace atmosphere which often exists at the beginning of a film

·         Framing –Characters, setting and iconography that appear within a shot.

·         Artificial Light – Light that is not created by natural sources.

Types of Camera angels.

 

Sources: Knowledge gathered by notes taken in class and work sheets. http://classes.yale.edu/film-analysis/htmfiles/editing.htm http://www.alevelmedia.co.uk/  http://www.alevelmedia.co.uk/page_1269723185844.html 

Action Plan - Week 3:

Completed by: Me

Here is my third week action plan which will structure what I will produce within the third week of the set time period.

For week 3, we will complete:



We will do individually:

·          We will each go location scouting for 1 location and take photos or walk in video:

- I will be visiting Ashridge Park and the school's field.

- Chloe will be visiting Gadebridge and the school's field.

- Nicola will be visiting the Nicky Line and  the  school's field.

We will do together:

·         Brainstorm and design an institution logo which will fit into our genre

·         Textual analysis – famous film of the genre (Psycho) and a British film (Sweeney Todd) we will be using ‘voicethread.com’ to analyse these.

·         Developing the target audience for our opening.

Sweeney Todd film cover.



Psycho film cover







Sources: http://www.dvdactive.com/images/news/screenshot/2008/2/sweeneytoddr1art1.jpg 

http://www.moviefodder.com/storage/Psycho_movie_poster_Janet_leigh.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1248588205868 

Textual analysis of a film character - Snow White:



Completed by: Me and Chloe

Snow White's appearance

This is a photo of 'Snow White' which we are going to analyse the characters appearance as we will be using it within our 2 minute opening sequence.


Clothing:

• Long yellow skirt can represent sunshine and all things good, we can change this by making the skirt a complete opposite colour and ripping it up.
• The collar represents an air of royalty and protection. We won't use a collar in our characters appearance as she isn't royal she is a dark character, and will be scruffy and ragged.
• Corset represents that she is confident about herself and that she tries to emphasize her looks. We want to make our character have a baggy top that will be ripped up so it looks like she's been attacked.
• Frilly lining represents that she is innocent and girlish and naive to the dangers in life. We will change that to mud staining her top to show she's been in a struggle.
• Cream bowed court heels represents that she is formal and she takes care of her appearance but we're going to change this so the character is wearing no shoes and her feet will be muddy.
• Her bow hairband represents her innocence. We are going to keep this so that she has some part of her normality.

Make up and hair:

• Natural make up shows that although she is well groomed and cares about her looks, she doesn't try to over emphasize her looks. We will be keeping the natural make up as well.
• Pale face represents that she is innocent and/or worried easily as pale face is associated with nervousness. We will keep this as the character will be going through worrying times.
• Red lips are contrasted against her pale face which makes the character more complex and also shows her femine side. We will keep this also because red will stand out and is also related to the colour of the apple.
• Curly hair represents that she is well groomed which suggests that she is well off, however we are going to make her hair messy by backcombing it.
• Jet black hair is another contrast with the pale face and is dark which could symbolise there is darkness within her.

In conclusion:

We analysed the appearance of the original character "Snow White" so we could decide what features of her appearance we would need or want to change for our film. We have decided to change her appearance with the changes we have stated above because our film genre is thriller and fantasy and these changes will suit that genre more.

We have analysed a character from a fantasy childhood story line to get an understanding of what we want our character to produce. This helped us analyse the key features which we want to keep within the Snow White character and aspects which we want to change. We will create a similar costume to this. After we created a Voki, of how we want Snow White to look like. This allowed us to all get the same understanding of what we want our character to visually look like.