Group: Abducted final cut

Group: Abducted final cut



•      The strengths of this are that the post production techniques we used were really effective and turned out better than we thought. We aimed for hue saturation and colour grading to be similar to Suckerpunch, and this turned out really well. Another thing I think we did well was the soundtrack - we  used a goood mix of a constant soundtrack and sound fx overlayed to build up a steady atmosphere. This also helped the audience to clearly understand the plot which we struggled with in the preliminary task.
•      Weaknesses include that the titles were not in order: the directir should have gone last and other names were randomly slotted in. Other than that the group is really pleased with the final production and the only thing we would seek to improve if we did it again would be the spacing and order of the titles.

Group: Questionnaire for Final Screening

Group: Questionnaire for Final Screening:

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JH: Results for audience questionnaire (Final Screening)

JH: Results for audience questionnaire (Final Screening):
 

•      For the first question we wanted the general impression of understanding regarding the plot of our film opening. The results above proved beneficial to us as it shows the majority of our respondents found the text easy to understand at 62%. The rest however, did not find it confusing but 38% found it relatively easy which overall gave us an impression that through the techniques used we conveyed our once though confusing plot well on screen.

•      In the second question we wanted to test what we found one of the most important aspects of our film against the target audience, the soundtrack. The results as shown above display all of our sample believed the soundtrack used and created matched the mood of the film. We found this pleasing as the soundtrack was one area we wanted to focus on perfecting the sound for our production.

•      For the third question we left it open asking the respondents favourite moment in the film, the most popular reply happened to be the climax at the end joint with the stabbing of the pen as they both created high tension for the audience.
•      The fourth question we asked, concerned the most effective aspects of the film openign out of a selection of key areas including the plot and soundtrack. The results showed to our surprise that the most effective aspect was our costume used with a 3.5 rating as well as the dark colours used which gained a rating of roughly 3.   

 

•      For question 5, we wanted to find out how effective our film opening was in conveying the genre of the film. From the results above 100% of our sample agreed that, yes the film opening conveyed the genre well. This result was pleasing as it highlighted how our techniques used were effective and conventional to the genre.
  
  
  
•      For the sixth question we specififcally wanted to find out wether or not our choice of antagonist was effective in order to create a mood. The results shown show that 100% of people find our antagonist very effective, we found this result pleasing as it shows that through following the preferences of our target audience we were able to create effective moods through character exposition.
   
  
  

•      The seventh question regarded how our target audience found the use of 3D titles, the results show that 100% of our sample believed that the titles used were effective. This was pleasing for us as we spent the bulk of editing on creating the title in adobe after effects.
  
  
  
 
 
•      The eight question investigated how effective the climax at the end of our production in the perspective of the target audience. The results shown like the other question show that 100% of our sample believed the climax was effective, this was pleasing for us as the climax at the end of our production made the film opening more effective.
  
•  For question 9 we wanted to find out whether our overall efforts into the aspecst of our film was enough to make the audience continue watching. Fortunately all 8 of our respondents agreed that they would continue to watch the film which showed how we had achieved an effective horror opening.
• For question 10 we left an open question asking any changes they would make to the film, thankfully the answer of all our respondents was nothing which proved how effective our efforts had really been.
• In conclusion the audience research proves ultimately positive and highlights how we have achieved the goal of an effective 2 minute horror opening. We value the audience research greatluy as in the end it is our target audience that we have set out to appeal to.
 

 

 



GC: Final title screen development

GC: Final title screen development

• The final title screen is vital because not only does it set up the rest of the film, but it breaks the tension created by the opening sequence. The group was definitely decided on keeping it relitivley simple, (text on a plain background), to draw the attention of the audience towards the actual text rather than any fancy images. With this in mind, all the research that I have conducted is based around this idea of simplicity: 

• All of the title screens shown incorporate a dark-coloured background with text overlayed on the top.  Also another theme noted from these is that the text is generally written with a simple font but then is distorted in some way (using smoke or blurring). This gives a sense of a blurred or distorted storyline for the rest of the film which suits our genre of horror/thriller. All of this would be simple to replicate in after effects using a set animation for the smoke or simply blurring an image.
• The smoke/blurring used in Titanic, House, and Haunted is lighter behind the text which draws the view of the audince to read the text immediately. This would be a good technique to replicate for our own production as we do not want to show the title screen for too long. On top of this, the slight twist on the 'H' gives iconic branding to the film which is something we could easily edit in. Either that or an iconic image, (also displayed in House) could have the same effect. This same example of iconic branding is seen on the 'N' in Haunted.

The contrast of red on black used for Nightmare on Elm street makes the text stand out less which we want to try and avoid. However, it does add to the idea of distortion relating to the storyline, but the ability to read the text clearly takes priority over the distortion idea because otherwise the audiece may not be able to read it. On the plus side, the text is kept in a simple font but is slightly blurred which is both easy to read and looks more like an iconic horror/thriller film which the group aims to achieve.

GC: Blog update

GC: Blog update

• Today I have performed some general housework on the blog as the footage is not availible to me. This involved looking through the blog correcting any spelling errors and highlighting key media terms. Also responding to feedback by teachers' or fellow peers' comments on our work such as adding images to the costume/props post.
• Also we need to scan in the storyboard and an example of a risk assessment sheet and upload them to the blog. Once this is done we should be fully up to date and ready to upload the finished opening scene for Wednesday.
• In terms of ideas for the film opening, further research into title screens for the final frame has been conducted as this would be one of the easier aspects to chage bearing in mind the Wednesday deadline. This will be shown in greater depth in a later post.

GC: Editing post

GC: Editing post

• To futher develop our footage, we cut down even more clips to ensure a high cutting rate. Because of the amount of cutting we did, the overall opening sequence got reduced by a drastic 30 seconds. This meant we had to drag and drop more footage such as filler shots of the surrounding scene and different angles of the two characters on to the timeline in order to make up this time.
• Once this high cutting rate was achieved, we downloaded the soundtrack from videopilot schoolsound CD. After that, we imported it to Premiere and simply dragged it on to the timeline. First, we got the right mix of sound levels: we used the yellow mixing bar located on the timeline to raise the sound level of the backing soundtrack so the original audio would be barely audiable. We wanted to keep the original sound because we felt a good mix of the two would work best. Once this was done, we were ready to add the sound fx.
• We now needed found fx which we downloaded for free from copyright free website Freesound.org. The effects we chose included: white noise, classic screechy horror build up, electronic distortion, and subtle thud. Once these were saved to the hard drive, we imported them to Premiere elements 9.0.
• From there, we used the Audio 2 level on the timeline to add the sound effects over the top of our existing soundtrack. We played around more with the audio mixing bar to get the right balance.
  

JH: Editing Post

JH: Editing Post:

• Following the rough cut screening, we first decided to rearrange and cut down the middle bulk of the footage in the timeline in Adobe Premier Elements 9. After altering this we then sorted out which titles would be suited for different shots which included the timing which we agreed on 7-10 seconds. We also finalised 'Riot' from Dafont as the font to use as it would comply with the ideas of 3D title.
• Next we went about creating the 3D titles in the selected clips. An example 3D title we made was the 'Produced by Jamie Hitch'. We did this title using Adobe After Effects CS6. First of all we tracked the camera using the 3D camera tracking tool, this then gave us a number of points to anchor the title to.
• Next I then added in a text box and selected the 'Riot' font before adding in the words. After this we then played it through to check whether the tracking was smooth and correct.
• Finally we then altered the perspective of the text to make the 3D effect beievable, as well as editing the brightness and glow of our white title.
• We the repeated this for each of the titles and then exported each title clip as an mpeg before importing them back into preimier elements and placing them into the required sequence.



 

 

 

JH: Film Openings Further Research:

JH: Film Openings Further Research:

• Film Language: Se7en (1995)

• The mise-en scene used in this film opening helps to create a mood and reflect the genre through the meanings conveyed. Generally, example of mise-en scene in this clip such as the dark tones and the manipulation of tools etc. suggests that the following plot is likely to being sinister conforming to the horror/thriller genre.
• The camera shot size in this opening are generally all in close ups and consist of tracking as well as a 'jitter' which is added in post production. These techniques focus the audiences attention on what's happening to a lot of detail which adds meaning on how crucial the shots are as to establishing a plot.
• The soundtrack used is a dark slow paced and almost Sci-Fi texture which is accompanied by sounds of thunder when introducing some of the shots in order to reflect the genre and capture the audience.
• The director uses cut to black frames with titles on, these titles are animated to accompany the 'jitter' of the camera and match the sound thus reinforcing the genre and style of the sequence.
• Media Audiences: This is England (2006)

• The target audience for this film is likely to be 18-40 year old English people.
• This opening scene consists of different extracts from English Media in 1983, the use of these extracts as well as the 1980's song establishes the film as based in patriotic England. And hence the audience may infer that the the film will have typical English themes and scenarios.
• I evaluate this text as an overview of major events which happened in England 1983 and allows the audience to understand the following plot with regards to themes including the consideration of politics, racism and gangs throughout that time period.
• My view of this text is fairly influenced by my British background as I can understand the themes and history of England represented a lot more easier.
• Institutional Context: Monsters (2010)

• Scoot McNairy has been used in this film, this is significant as he is not a big star which reinforces how this film is an independent smaller budget film.
• Vertigo films produced this film, it is a vertically integrated independent film company.
• Not much marketing was done, however on the release date using a partnership with Vue cinemas, 'infected locations' were set up which allowed people access to exclusive Monsters content and a chance to win prizes. People were invited to these events through social networking site Foursquare. 

Group: Feedback On Rough Cut

Group: Feedback on Rough Cut:

• After screening our Rough Cut of the opening to our target audience, we received many positive remarks regarding the footage. This included:
• The variety of shots were good
• The camera movements were effective
• The pull focus and slow motion shots were good
• The concept was good
• We also received constructive feedback from the target audience regarding areas of which could be improved. This included:
• Could have improved the sharpness of the shots
• Could include a faster cutting rate in order to create tension and a build up for a climax.
• Could include closer shots of writing
• In response to this feedback the sharpness of shots was mainly targeted at the slow motion which cannot be edited, however regarding a higher cutting rate as our rough cut only incorporated a minimal amount of our total footage, we can then include more shots to reinforce the plot and to increase the cutting rate for tension.
• Furthermore, we could also use extra footage or the crop tool in order to add closer shots to improve the variety. In addition to this title shots must also be added in at a later stage as well as a fitting soundtrack.

JH: Development Post

JH: Development Post:

• As we had finished filming our footage, we then had to begin editing in Adobe Premiere Elements 9.
• We first arranged the footage in a rough order then from the start of the opening commenced to cut each clip to form a slower cutting rate at the start.
• The slow cutting rate at the beginning helps reinforce a tension nearer the end as we intend the cutting rate to increase.
• In the plot once the shots of the antagonist gaining a 'psychic hold' over the victim, we then edited it to a relatively high cutting rate consisting of cross-cutting between the antagonist pen movements and the victim walking under a trance.
• We have planned to have regular intervals for titles which will overlay the footage forming part of the mise-en scene through Adobe After Effects.
• We have also reserved a shot to overlay withpen movement shots which will have the opacity turned down for effect.
• Roughly our shots have now been cut down ready for the rough cut.
• The shots which have been edited which are currently effective to establish our opening is the pull focus at the start.
• We now need to plan out the soundtrack in comparison to the shots in order to match the mood and tension.
• In addition to this I plan to create the 3D titles in Adobe After Effects as a key factor to make our opening effective.



Group: 2nd Shoot Reflection

Group: 2nd Shoot Reflection:

• On the second shoot, as we had filmed half of our footage we now needed to film the second line of action in the abandoned house.
• This shoot would prove alot more difficult as we required alot more props and planning for the mise-en scene.
• The props required for the antagonist including tools, a mask, a coat and a voodoo doll.
• We did not have many problems with this shoot however many factors had to be taken into account whilst filming, including capturing the right pen actions to fit the two lines of action.
• One environmental factor which we did encounter slightly was the weather, half way through filming it began to snow, however in most shots it is invisible as we were filming inside a house. Another environmental factor was the light intensity which could impact the continuity of the footage, although to combat this during post-production we are planning to add a colour grade to reflect the darkness of the genre.
• One shot which we found particularly effective from the day was a tracking shot of the vicitim through two windows of the house which we plan to add a title to.

GC: Title content

GC: Title content:

• In relation to our title development, we have decided on the following content for our titles, (not necissarily in this order). After reviewing many different opening sequences, we took most inspiration from the girl with the dragon tatoo as it included a range of title content we could pick and choose from. We have decided to spread out the titles at as even intervals as we can, however this may not be possible because only certian shots have the room to edit in 3D titles using after effects. This is something we must consider during the second shoot because after reviewing footage from the first shoot we discovered that all our title shots were bunched near the middle of the storyline, meaning that the titles cannot be spread out at even intervals. 

• Focus features presents
• In association with TWGSB media
• An Ightham woods production
• Based on a true story
• Harry Robinson
• Jamie Hitch
• Directed by George Chambers
• Screenplay by Jamie Hitch
• Music by Foster the people
• Abducted (final title screen)

JH: Animatic

JH: Animatic:

• We filmed our storyboard shots in different clips then edited them into a smooth continuos clip as well as adding in animations for the camera movements and directions.



GC: Costume and props needed for filming

GC: Costume and props needed for filming:

• After carefully looking through our storyboard and some of our key shots, the group decided on a list of props needed for filming. After taking on board feedback from the rest of the class in regards to our pitch we threw in one or two extra props to help clarify the storyline:

• String
• Voodoo doll
• Plain wood pencil
• Tea stained paper/notebook
• Mask of some sort
• Candles
• Tools (Scissors, hammers, screwdrivers etc.)
• Knife
• Sickle
• Ipod
• Headphones
• Table or desk
• Chair
• Saw
• With regards to costume we only had two characters, one of which which was just an ordinary teenager so costume was not a huge problem for this character. However, the antagonist had to be easily distinguishable from Desmond so picking a costume for this role was vital to the plot. Also we wanted the antagonist to be in darker clothing so the mask stood out more and he blended in more with the shadows or darker spots within the house to convey a sinister presence. Eventually we decided on the following for each character:

• Desmond (casual cothing)
• Grey hoodie
• Light black jeans
• White t-shirt
• Black shoes
• Antagonist (sinister cothing)
• Leather jacket/overcoat
• Dark black trousers
• Black shoes
• Dark hoodie
• Mask

Feedback - 1 month later...

The content and presentation of this blog is exemplary Jamie and George, well done. So far I see not reason to deduct any marks for planning. Progress in terms of filming seems to be going well. You have some tasks to complete yet: storyboards and animatic needs to be uploaded, 1 example of call sheet and risk assessment, costume and props, script for dialogue and secondary research into influential openings and titles should be ongoing as should regular posts on progress and targets for meeting the deadline in three weeks time.

GC: Wilderness woods review

GC: Wilderness woods review
The group went to Wilderness woods to try and replicate some of the techniques we planned to use for our film introduction.

• We replicated the same cutting style between two different lines of action. At places this involved a high cutting rate which we thought worked well to build tension. Although in this video it may seem slightly confusing when the camera cuts to the other line of action, we think the storyline will be clearer in the real thing.
• We filmed the all the footage by one character followed by filming all the footage for the second character. We plan to use this for the actual clip as it would save time. Also using this technique meant we had lots of footage for each character to fill up the two minutes. After reviewing the shots we simply chose the best shots for each and put them in order. We made sure there was roughly equal screen time for each character before cutting away to the other line of action.
• The above technique worked really well as it ensured we had enough footager to cover the two minutes. On top of this it meant that we could pick and mix the shots we thought were the best instead of having to use bad shots because they were essential to the storyline. The group also agree that the two lines of action technique is ideal for horror because it builds tension and the audience is usure as to what is about to appen which we feel is an essential element when filming our own.
• The only thing we feel did not work so well was that the cuts between the two lines of action portrayed confusion about the storyline to the audience. To avoid this happening in our actual coursework we intend to add in a phone call from the main character to say what he's doing. Also the change in lighting, scenery, and music would easily distinguish both lines of action from eachother.

 

 

 

 

JH: Film Noir Conventions

JH: Film Noir Conventions:

• These films emphasize moral ambiguity and sexual motivation
• Film Noir is often described as essentially pessimistic
• Film Noir is associated with the American social landscape of the era
• Film Noir tends to use low-key lighting schemes producing stark light contrasts and shadowing patterns.
• Film Noir is also known for its use of Dutch angles, low-angle shots and wide angle lenses.
• Disorientation of the footage is popular, for example, shots through frosted glass etc.
• Incorporates unusually convoluted story lines, frequently involving flashbacks and flash-forwards.
• 'The femme fatale, or spider woman is noted for her changeability and treachery.  She is filmed for her sexuality, introductory shots catch the hero’s gaze, frequently place her at an angle above the onlooker, costume emphasizing sexuality.  She is often presented as empowered, however rarely ‘survives’ at the end of the film.  Visual motifs associated with the femme fatale include cigarettes with wispy trails of smoke – cues for dark and immoral sensuality and guns – ‘unnatural phallic power'.'
  
  
  
  
  

JH: Concept Development Post

JH: Concept Development Post:

• Since the pitch our idea of a psycho leading a boy (Desmond) into the woods via voodoo and dark magic has remained roughly the same however, we have decided to take an approach more like 'Se7en' and 'Damnation' as it adds emphasis on the genre, being horror; and is considered by our group as more effective than other horror film openings.
• In addition to this we have decided to include more 'voodoo pen movements' which fade over the top of other shots to reinforce the 'Se7en' style of the sequence.
• One thing which we have still struggled to decide upon is the ending of the titles. We both agreed that for a climax it would have to be a jump scene, however I think we should investigate the idea that the protagonist, Desmond is lead to death by his own hands in suicide.
• One example of an effective ending for the titles would be a high cutting rate finish such as that used in the horror film 'Se7en'



JH: 1st Shoot Post

JH: 1st Shoot Post:

• On our first shoot we made down to the location with the equipment and crew. After setting up the equipment we began our shoot following a storyboard.
• As our plot incorporated two lines of action which would be represented as cross cutting between two locations in the sequence, we decided to film everything of one location in the first shoot.
• As a result the first shoot mainly incorporated the shots of our actor Harry Robinson playing 'Desmond' walking through the woods on his way home before being drawn into the abandoned house.
• The first few shots incorporated the use of a tripod, manual focus and hand-held camera to add variety to the footage. These shots were simple to complete as it required little acting and preparation, however one difficulty was the terrain and tripod adjustments had to be made to suit the uneven ground of the woods.
• After the first simple shots one shot which proved difficult was the incorporation of the slow motion shot of the i-pod drop. Tracking was too difficult when working in slow motion, so instead we used a static shot of the i-pod dropping into the frame in an effective close up.
• From here on in most of the shots were completed swiftly and carried the same cautions of the location whilst filming, although one thing that needed consideration whilst filming the 'Voodoo controlled turns' was the direction and length of the shots, however these could be reviewed and edited for effect.
• The final shot which required many re-takes was the key scene of the 'Sucker punch' style eye close up which in the end we would decided would be easier to do two simple shots and then edit it into visual pairing rather than doing one quick zoom.
• Overall, the filming on this shoot collated roughly a half of the footage we need and we feel a second shoot is needed to finish the two lines of action and possibly capture even more shots to embellish the first shoots footage. On top of this the footage recorded was effective and usable for post-production.