What: Today I outlined the shots that we did in comparison to the shot list.
Why: I wanted to validate that we did all of the shots needed. Accomplish: In order for me to edit correctly, I need to have all the shots to make a story from the shots. From what I found, we did complete all of the scenes necessary. However, I would like a couple more environmental shots and/ or close ups. Reflection: In editing, I want to emphasize urgency and confusion. By having more shots, I can make the pace of the night scenes more dramatic with the use of montage.
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We filmed the night scenes today. We had a friend play the role of an escaping victim and we had our main actor there as well. We wanted to do the night scene first because it was quicker to do and the location would always be available. Our house location is a bit difficult to reserve for a day. We were trying to finish all of the night scenes. We did accomplish this, except we did not get as much B-roll as we need to make the editor, me, happy. But we do have plans to stage a similar location to get some extra shots. I want the extra shots so I am able to manipulate the film better. At the time of filming, there was rain. Not just a light sprinkle that will roll over at any second. No, it was a constant drizzle/ down pour for the entire duration of the filming. To overcome this obstacle, we covered the camera with a trash bag, cut a small hole for the lens and used hair ties to fashion the plastic bag around the lens tightly. At that point, our cinematographer had her head in a bag for the next 3 hours. We also had someone holding an umbrella above her at all times. As for the lighting equipment, we covered them in plastic bags and tied them off. Recording audio at that time seemed risky so we decided against it. Its Florida, we don't need to worry about recording the sound of rain. None of the equipment is broken so that was accomplished. As far as the quality of the work, I think all of the footage is good, but I would have preferred the panning shot to keep our escapee on the right third a bit better. We purposely are trying to mess with the continuity in the escape scenes in order to convey disorientation due to the paralytic drug and the fear and confusion of the actor.
Since we finished the 3 shot assignment, I started experimenting with the effect controls. I've been meaning to play with the effects so that I would be able to add an extra element to the film if need be. We may use the effects to create more of a grainy appearance or pristine. I found and implemented the solarize function to create eerie video, which could definitely be useful in a thriller movie. I was able to explore much of the effects and gain a new understanding of how I could use the effects in the future. Having Meghan with me is also good so that she is aware of what I could do with the footage so that we could include the new possibilities with our creative ideas. It was a busy and productive class period for editing. As a group, we looked at title sequences in a variety of films in order to get ideas about how to present the title sequence in an artistic way. I really enjoyed Se7en and the one our sound person did for their EE. Personally, I got some ideas about how to use effects in post production to jar the shot or make strobe effects. As a team we will need to figure out whether we are using the night scene as our title sequence or if we are beginning the film introduction with the title sequence. Its a mere time issue and I think that if we have B-roll I can make up a title sequence scene if we need more time.
We begin editing! In order to get comfortable with the equipment, our lovely film teacher provided us with the chance to use our practice footage from previous days to practice editing. We made slates for three shots and altered the length of the shots slightly so that the footage handles are no longer there. It was important for me to begin navigating adobe so that I could refresh my memory on how to import, edit, and make special effects. I was very pleased to see that I had very little difficulty with the editing tasks. Overall, I am happy with comfort on adobe and I am excited to begin editing. One thing that I would like to do next class is to use the effect controls to determine which ones could be useful in making the film more realistic and interesting.
Today we practiced shooting in the dark. Since our film flashes back and forth between night and day shots, this activity was very helpful. We practiced a closeup on hands struggling in rope and a follow shot of a running scene. Through this activity we were able to figure out the amount of light needed to make it look good in the camera. Also we messed with the lighting to make it look like natural moonlighting. We figured out that carrying lighting equipment might be difficult so we might need to prop up lighting equipment with clamps or use our interns. I am very happy with our progress. Our team was able to problem-solve with ease and success.
Unfortunately, we were not able to shoot due to scheduling issues. This has us set back by a week, but all is not lost. Since we weren't able to shoot, we all decided to meet up to finalize some decisions on plot, locations, and props. It was brought up, over the last week, the idea to begin the film with a running victim scene so we could jump into the action. Although, it was an interesting idea, we predicted that the film would surpass the time allowances for IB. If we have extra time available then I will use some B-roll in post production and create the beginning scene. This upcoming weekend, we will be doing the night scenes so we require very little props. Our plan is to borrow a car with the correct style trunk, but we can plan around it if necessary. Other than the car, we will need rope and maybe duct tape.
Our Cinematographer is in the process of finding us a house. It seems that we may be able to use a model house, a blank canvas for our film. This would greatly help with controlling continuity and making my job easier. There are many props we will need for the house scene, but we can get that straightened out next week. Auditions went great! Our main actor fits our character extremely well, both in his appearance and his personality type. Plus, the director and myself have spoken with him over the past couple years so the ability to communicate on set and work together should be easier. We are still trying to figure out extras, but they are not a major concern right now
I watched the American film, "Oculus, " today and came across a few shooting techniques that sounded amazing.
Camera turned sideways with the subject's face and turns with the subject as they sit up-- This could be used in the death of the victim (as MAN is bent over the body) or when MAN injects himself and tilts his head up. Aerial shot-- Really this could go anywhere; maybe after the victim dies to give the scene a more sterile vibe. Series of 8 or so small lights by the ground making an aisle (its at the riverwalk but we can make our own)-- During the initial running scene and the escape scene. Vertigo Shot--maybe when MAN is dying. If we can pull it off it would be beautiful Finding a place to shoot is not always the easiest thing to do. Convenience and availability tend to be the issue. Having said that, no one seems to be willing to let us borrow a house and there are too many issues with using an abandoned house. However, it seems that my house may work. The rooms that we are using in the film usually don't change much (except for the kitchen) so continuity probably won't be too evil for us. Still we will need to take pictures and notes to make sure there won't be difficulties when post production rolls around. We have the syringe, a big clock, a couch, a dining room table, and all the kitchen supplies at my house. Even better, all the rooms are right next to each other. Plus, the living room and the dining room have paralleled decoration to emphasize the "normal" home and to give it an uptight suspenseful feel. Did I not mention that we have wonderful lights below the cabinets that may prove useful and a chandelier that has adjustable light intensity. I just told the Director about it. We shall see.
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