Technical issues and workarounds

Through the course of the preliminary task we ran into a few problems that impeded our progress, below are the list of issues and the workarounds we used to overcome them

-Issue with writing posts in blogger
At the start of the project we experienced an issue with Blogger in that we simply were unable to type when we tried to write a new post, however we started writing posts from home instead and were eventually able to use Blogger from school by using a workaround to get past the restriction of Blogger by RM safety net that only seemed to affect Google Chrome.

-Issue with camtasia and MP4 files
Unfortunately editing was held back due to the fact that the version of Camtasia I had been using to edit the video would render the MP4 clips used as entirely black, there would therefore be several moments  of the footage that would simply be lost. The initial workaround for this was to convert the mp4's to a different file format (.wmv's I believe) however this came at the cost of audio, which was not ideal so I had eventually been able to figure out that by converting the original .mts files into .avi's I could continue to edit via Camtasia, this would of course come at the cost of a lower resolution ( 360p as opposed to 720p which I had initially been aiming for) however I felt that this was a small price to pay in order to actually have something to show for the preliminary task.

More will be added to this list in the future as and when they arise.

Written by: Trent Nash

Self Assesment - Trent Nash

-Does your film use Continuity editing so that the sequence of events are clear and easily understood by the viewer?

I feel that we were able to achieve this to a certain degree, though there're some jump cuts (at 0:09 for example) which throw the continuity off in places, these were due to us failing to get all the shots that were needed for the project.

-Have you followed the directions in the brief? (A character opens a door, crosses a rioom and sits down in the chair opposite another character. An exchange of dialogue occurs)

We have followed this brief and even played with it some what, as opposed to having a character enter a room, the two main characters are already in the room to begin with, however they frequently get up to open the door and upon returning from the door they exchange dialogue.

-Have you used match-on action?

Match-on action can be seen in use at 0:13 where I get up and walk towards the door with the intent of opening it, before we cut to outside the door as I am opening it.

-Can you explain what match-on involves?

Match-on action involves showing an event that is about to, or has started to happen before then showing the event having happened or happening in the next shot.

-Have you used shot/reverse shot?

An example of shot/reverse shot can be seen at 0:43 where I open the door before the camera cuts to James and then returns to me having opened the door.

-Can you explain what shot/reverse shot involves?

Shot/reverse shot involves editing together two scenes so that the shot swaps between one scene, over to another and then swaps back to the first scene.

-Did you observe the 180 degree rule?

Yes we did, for example I stayed on the left of the table when we were shooting dialogue and James remained opposite me.

-Can you explain the 180 degree rule?

Whilst my knowledge of the 180 degree rule is shaky at best, I believe it is where you imagine a line going directly down the screen and try to keep characters on there respective sides, as I said however my knowledge of the 180 degree rule is shaky at best and this may well be entirely false.

-What role(s) did you play in the making of the preliminary task? (e.g. filming, acting, editing, equipment organisation etc.)

During recording of the film I acted, helped set up shots and helped with directing the film I also edited the film together.

-How would you assess your contribution to the group?

If anything I feel that I really didn't do enough to help the group and that I should've put more time into the task, I feel that towards the end of the task there had been an improvement in this respect, however I still feel that there was so much more I could have done during the task that could have sufficiently aided the quality of the final product.

-What have you learned from the process of making your preliminary film?

I have learned that I need improve my time management, organisation and that I need to work to a higher standard than I currently am during the main task.

Media Prelim

I don't consider this finished by any stretch, however I didn't want to risk being marked before the preliminary video was uploaded.

Roles:

Acting:
James as Himself
Trent as Himself
Ollie as 'Killer'

Cinematograher:
Ryan
Assistant Cinematographer:
Trent

Director:
Ollie
Assistant Director:
Trent

Editing:
Trent

Revised Script

We open the scene on two students (TRENT and JAMES) who're staying late to finish off some work they begin a conversation relating to the work.

JAMES: It's really annoying having to work late isn't it TRENT?

TRENT: Yeah, but if it's gotta get done it's gotta get done really, so...

JAMES: I guess you're right, besides we've almost finished this work.

There is a sudden knock at the door.

TRENT: Someone's at the door.

As TRENT says this he gets up to open the door, however upon opening it he sees no sign of any visitor, he sticks his head out and calls out to anybody that may have knocked on the door, there is no response.

TRENT: No one's there.

JAMES: It's probably some lunatic who's broken into the building

TRENT: A lunatic has not broken into the build|ing
                                                                   |JAMES: Well who could it be then?

TRENT: Well it's obviously not a lunatic 'cause that's just ridiculous...

Their dialogue is punctuated by yet another loud knock at the door, TRENT clearly annoyed by this proceeds to investigate. TRENT opens the door yet again and calls out once more, we cut to JAMES

JAMES: Is there anyone there?

TRENT returns after having wandered outside momentarily, TRENT proceeds to shut the door behind him, this time with decidedly more force, it seems obvious from TRENTs attitude that there was once again nobody there.

JAMES: How peculiar.

TRENT: Quite...

JAMES: Oh well, lets just get this work done so we can go home.

The screen fades to black, in the next seen it we can see that the pair are still working another knock occurs.

TRENT: Just leave it.

Another louder, far more aggressive knock occurs.

JAMES: Right!

JAMES rises from his seat, clearly aggravated by whoever it is that is knocking on the door, he proceeds to storm towards the door...

JAMES: There better be someone at the door!

JAMES opens the door and looks around outside

JAMES: Oh for goodness sake, no one there.

JAMES leaves the door open as he returns to his seat, TRENT proceeds to comment on this and closes the door, however unbeknownst to the pair there is someone in the room with them, as TRENT closes the door, the stranger is able to stab JAMES in the shoulder killing him instantly... somehow, we cut to TRENT who is completely unaware to the danger he faces.

TRENT: JAMES, [it's no time for sleeping]
                                Delivered in an accent to emphasise that TRENT has no idea he is in danger.

As TRENTs confusion turns to concern, he tries to shake JAMES awake, however as he does this the killer reaches out to him before a sudden cut to black.


Original Script: James
Revised Script: Trent

Peer Assessment Action Plan

The following is a list of things that need to get done following our peer assessment session:

-Finish editing the preliminary film
-Upload the preliminary film
-Write and upload self assessments
-Upload pitch feedback
-Upload videos for research into camerawork

Written and posted by:Trent

Research Into Camerawork

Extreme Long Shot:
Whilst not used often it is still a very important shot, as it can be used to show a characters relationship in conjunction with their environment. 








Long Shot:
This  is used more often than the extreme long shot and can be used to much the same effect, using this shot the viewers can get a rough idea of details such as the body language and apparel of the character.








Medium Long Shot:
From here you are able to see more detail in terms of body language and apparel.











Mid Shot:
From here it is possible to get a rough idea of the characters facial features, it is also possible to pick out finer points of the characters apparel

 
Medium Close Up:
From this distance it is now possible to pick out the facial features and expression of the character.

Close Up:
Now the body of the character is entirely ignored and only the head is displayed, usually reserved for important characters, the facial expression is now clear emotion is easily conveyed.

Extreme Close Up:
Similarly to the Extreme Long Shot the Extreme close up isn't usually used often throughout the course of a film though it is none the less a useful shot to use as it can easily draw attention to a certain object or facial feature. 

Canted Shot:
Commonly used in horror films, it can be used to a feeling of unease amongst the viewers, due to it's unusual angle, as with many other shots it is effective when used sparingly, however it can easily be overplayed.

Low Shot:
Low Shots are used to make a particular character, object, building etc: look more imposing as it creates the feeling that the audience are looking up at the subject.

Eye Level:
Eye Level shots are essentially any shot at a height between a Low or High Shot.

High Shot:
High Shot's are the polar opposite of a Low Shot, they are used to make a character appear weaker











Roles:

Images: Ryan
Write up: Trent

Preliminary Task - Storyboard

Starting Scene: Establishing shot of Building. Fades to Workers (Trent and James)

1. Camera fades in from black to show Trent.
Trent and James engage in their conversation.
Camera Angle: Over Shoulder/High Shot
Camera Shot: Close-up
Sound: Conversation between the two actors
Shot Length: 10+ Seconds
Mise-en-Scene: Work Equipment (Pencils, Paper), Two Chairs, One Desk, Fake Switchblade.

Pans to over the shoulder shot with James.
Shot Reverse shot whilst Trent and James talk.

2. Camera cuts back from James.
Knock at Door; Trent and James' conversation pauses at door knock.
Camera Angle: High Shot
Camera Shot: Close-up
Sound: Conversation and Door Knock
Shot Length: 6-15 Seconds
Mise-en-Scene: Work Equipment (Pencils, Paper), Two Chairs, One Desk, Fake Switchblade.

180 Degree Turn from Trent to Door.

3. Camera turns (180 Degrees) to door. Tracks/Zooms into Close-up of door handle.
Trent investigates door knock.
Camera Angle: Eye Level
Camera Shot: Medium Close-up
Sound: Door Opening, Trent responding to James.
Shot Length: 15-25 Seconds
Mise-en-Scene: Work Equipment (Pencils, Paper), Two Chairs, One Desk, Fake Switchblade.
Match-on-Action shot: - Door Handle turn, Cuts to outside door, Aimed at other side of door/wall to show no-one is there.

4. Camera pans/follows Trent as he walks back.
Camera Angle: Eye-Level
Camera Shot: Close-up
Sound: Conversation between Trent and James. - Why no one was at the door
Shot Length: 3-5 Seconds
Mise-en-Scene: Work Equipment (Pencils, Paper), Two Chairs, One Desk, Fake Switchblade.

Camera Tracks/Follows Trent, then cuts to James talking to Trent (Shot Reverse Shot),

5. Camera pans to James walking to the door and opening it, but much to his demise no-one was there.
Camera Angle: Eye-Level
Camera Shot: Mid-Shot
Sound: Trent asking if anyone was there again.
Shot Length: 5-15 Seconds
Mise-en-Scene: Work Equipment (Pencils, Paper), Two Chairs, One Desk, Fake Switchblade.
Camera Cuts to close-up of James, Ollie (the murderer) has somewhat appeared behind James from nowhere - Creates tension and ambiguity to whether James will turn around.

6. Cuts to Close-up of James - Ollie (The Murderer) has appeared behind him.
Camera Angle: Eye-Level
Camera Shot: Medium Close-up
Shot Length: 3-10 seconds
Sound: Heavy Breathing and Grunting of Ollie.
Mise-en-Scene: Work Equipment (Pencils, Paper), Two Chairs, One Desk, Fake Switchblade.

Camera Fades out to black, then fades back in to shot of Ollie standing over James' body.

7. Trent rushes over to James' Body - Camera Tracks in on the three actors.
Camera Angle: High shot
Camera Shot: Medium Long-shot
Shot Length: 5-12 Seconds
Sound: Trent dismissing Ollie/mourning James
Mise-en-Scene: Work Equipment (Pencils, Paper), Two Chairs, One Desk, Fake Switchblade.

Camera Fades to black once more to end the scene.



Camera Shooting: Ryan and Trent
Storyboard Editor / Up loader: Ryan
Actors: Ollie, Trent and James.
Description: Ryan and Trent
Script: James
Pitch: Ollie