So after the blood sweat and tears (ok, maybe not the blood...) we finally have our rough cut of our 5 minute short. So sit back relax and enjoy the first version of...THE ILLUSION OF EXISTENCE.
Next up, its the turn of the critics to see what they think of it *gulp*. Then I'll be giving you my evaluation and ways we're going to improve our short to make it a Quentin Tarantino spectacular (wishful thinking...I know!)
Wednesday, 28 January 2015
Editing
Now we have collected all the footage we need its time to start editing the film together ready for our first rough cut showing.
So as stated when we were practising editing, we used Final Cut Pro X to edit our film in. This software enables us to adjust audio, music, enhance and add effects to frames within our film so basically the power was in our hands. All we had to do was know how to use it well and effectively.
Before we even began to edit, we needed to sort the footage out into scenes so that it was easy to sort through the footage, finding the not so good footage and then separating the scenes out.
So these are the folders that were used to separate each of the scenes and shots in order to make it more efficient when looking for clips and sound as we would soon discover!
Editing Session 1:
Well in the first session we started to build the scenes together starting with the scene where Mallory started to get ready for her day at work, shortening the clips each time to make them snappy and short to show her morning routine. We then watched this scene with all the clips together and began to shorten the clips to make them the right length to show a flowing routine of Mallory getting ready and leaving for work. Once this scene was roughly in we did the same with the meeting between Mallory and Peter, adding in the match on action shots. So basically in this session we began to add at the shots in and editing them together.
This session was rather successful, we completed majority of the scenes that we had hope including the three meeting scenes and the final scene of the film whereby Mallory meets Alex.We didn't really have much trouble with the editing due to us already having practise on adding and editing the shots we had, it was just keeping to time that we needed to remember which we did and so we managed to complete a lot within this session.
Editing Session 2-
So of course we needed to finish off adding in the clips to build up the scenes for our film which we were hoping to finish by the end of this lesson, however we notices that some of the scenes jumped due to them being filmed at a similar angle and so we realised we were going to have to have cut away shots within the scene or re film. So we worked our way around it adding in the footage that we had and could work with. We later remembered we had filmed a 'fireplace scene' and so placed it between the two clips. We had a shot to show where Mallory was as well as joining the clips together. So once all the clips were in we then briefly moved on to adding in some of the sound effects including the kettle, toaster and the door closing and locking.
With all the clips in place and the foley sounds beginning to be entered, good progress was made within this editing session. We did have a few issues with the matching of the clips but with a few intricate edits and cuts, they fit together smoothly and flowed between shots, telling the story as we planned. Next up it was time to carry on with the sound.
Editing Session 3-
As said in the last session, we were focusing on the sound this time round with the choice of music and the foley sound. So we had music in our animatic but the music sounded a bit cliche and common so we decided to opt for some different styles of music to show the different moods in which Mallory has when she meets the 1st male and then the second. So we searched on some royalty free sites such as ben sound where we got both the soundtracks for our film. So once the sounds were downloaded we just needed to add and edit them into final cut.
We needed music that represented the feelings of her miserable life before and then the way in which it changes when she find out the male doesn't exist. We then went on to sort out the levels of the sound but once this was done we could begin to add in the audio that had been recorded separately on a location recording kit. So we added in each of the audio sections for the actor which took a little longer due as we needed to match the audio exactly with the actors speaking on screen. We managed to complete a few scenes but this would be the main aim of the next editing session. We also completed most of the foley sounds for the kitchen scene and the scene with Mallory typing.
Editing Session 4-
So in the last session we added in all the audio of the actors that we had recorded separately as the sound from the camera isn't the greatest quality which especially when it is windy! This, as said last time, took a while due to having to match all the clips to the sound. However, in some cases it was detected and so we didn't really have to do much with it thankfully!
So as stated when we were practising editing, we used Final Cut Pro X to edit our film in. This software enables us to adjust audio, music, enhance and add effects to frames within our film so basically the power was in our hands. All we had to do was know how to use it well and effectively.
Before we even began to edit, we needed to sort the footage out into scenes so that it was easy to sort through the footage, finding the not so good footage and then separating the scenes out.
Editing Session 1:
Well in the first session we started to build the scenes together starting with the scene where Mallory started to get ready for her day at work, shortening the clips each time to make them snappy and short to show her morning routine. We then watched this scene with all the clips together and began to shorten the clips to make them the right length to show a flowing routine of Mallory getting ready and leaving for work. Once this scene was roughly in we did the same with the meeting between Mallory and Peter, adding in the match on action shots. So basically in this session we began to add at the shots in and editing them together.
 |
| The addition of the ident and footage for our film. |
This session was rather successful, we completed majority of the scenes that we had hope including the three meeting scenes and the final scene of the film whereby Mallory meets Alex.We didn't really have much trouble with the editing due to us already having practise on adding and editing the shots we had, it was just keeping to time that we needed to remember which we did and so we managed to complete a lot within this session.
Editing Session 2-
So of course we needed to finish off adding in the clips to build up the scenes for our film which we were hoping to finish by the end of this lesson, however we notices that some of the scenes jumped due to them being filmed at a similar angle and so we realised we were going to have to have cut away shots within the scene or re film. So we worked our way around it adding in the footage that we had and could work with. We later remembered we had filmed a 'fireplace scene' and so placed it between the two clips. We had a shot to show where Mallory was as well as joining the clips together. So once all the clips were in we then briefly moved on to adding in some of the sound effects including the kettle, toaster and the door closing and locking.
 |
| Editing of the bedroom footage for when Mallory first wakes up. |
With all the clips in place and the foley sounds beginning to be entered, good progress was made within this editing session. We did have a few issues with the matching of the clips but with a few intricate edits and cuts, they fit together smoothly and flowed between shots, telling the story as we planned. Next up it was time to carry on with the sound.
Editing Session 3-
As said in the last session, we were focusing on the sound this time round with the choice of music and the foley sound. So we had music in our animatic but the music sounded a bit cliche and common so we decided to opt for some different styles of music to show the different moods in which Mallory has when she meets the 1st male and then the second. So we searched on some royalty free sites such as ben sound where we got both the soundtracks for our film. So once the sounds were downloaded we just needed to add and edit them into final cut.
We needed music that represented the feelings of her miserable life before and then the way in which it changes when she find out the male doesn't exist. We then went on to sort out the levels of the sound but once this was done we could begin to add in the audio that had been recorded separately on a location recording kit. So we added in each of the audio sections for the actor which took a little longer due as we needed to match the audio exactly with the actors speaking on screen. We managed to complete a few scenes but this would be the main aim of the next editing session. We also completed most of the foley sounds for the kitchen scene and the scene with Mallory typing.
Editing Session 4-
So in the last session we added in all the audio of the actors that we had recorded separately as the sound from the camera isn't the greatest quality which especially when it is windy! This, as said last time, took a while due to having to match all the clips to the sound. However, in some cases it was detected and so we didn't really have to do much with it thankfully!
 |
| The green bars show the audio and sound that was added to the film on top of the clips on the timeline. |
Once all the sounds were in, just in time, it left us some spare time to touch up some of the sounds as well as add in the titles for the actors etc. Some of the sounds were a little louder than others and so the levels needed adjusting and a few replacements of the foley sounds and our rough cut was ready!
Evaluation of overall editing:
The editing sessions were generally a success. We completed the rough cut in the time given meaning we stuck to the time frame given which was a positive. The actual adding in and editing the clips also went well, we didn't have any problems with adding in clips or even finding them due to sorting out each of the scene clips into folders. This was we could just edit the footage in each of the scenes and find additional clips in the folders we created.
Also matching of the clips and sound, although it was time consuming it wasn't too difficult to do as majority of the clips perfectly matched the action on screen, it was just cutting a few of them down that took the time.
The music wasn't too difficult to find either to fit the mood as there was a lot of music that was royalty free for us to use. The website we really used was 'Ben Sound' due to the music available being slow and fitting for the emotions in the on screen action. All we had to do really was blend the tracks into each other and show the change in emotions through the music which we hope that's what it does.
Some of the things that did become a problem was the finding of the foley sounds. There were so many sounds to choose from and difficult to find which ones matched. For example we needed a key locking noise and a door shutting sound to go together as if it was one routine. We search a variety of websites and found one but I think the foley sounds were the more difficult sounds to find that were appropriate for our film.Another sound that was difficult to find was the turning off of an alarm. None of the sounds sounded realistic for turning off a clock. We did find one eventually but it was difficult finding one to match well.
So thats it for the editing for now, its time to face the music...our demon critics await. Is it going to be a 5 star rating or a 1 and no BAFTA coming our way just yet? Time to find out!
Monday, 26 January 2015
Shooting on Location- 19th December 2014
On the 13th December we filmed scene 3 which was the scene where Mallory meets Peter in the park. Overall the filming went well, however there were one or two minor problems as there always is when filming. I will detail these later in the post.
The rest of the filming went well. We managed to record some really good footage, as well as clear sound from the location recording kit. Despite it being the middle of winter and quite a windy day, no one suffered to badly and fortunately the wind was not picked up on the location recording kit. After a few attempts, we managed to film a good tracking shot with Peter (Kris) and Mallory walking towards the camera whilst the camera moved back with them. The second minor problem was when we were showing Peter walking away into the distance. For the sake of continuity, we had to wait for the path to empty so that we didn't have a passer by in one shot but then not the other. Therefore we had to wait a while before we could shoot that particular shot. Once we had got that out the way we packed up and headed back to drop off the equipment.
Overall I think the filming went really well. There were only two slight problems that were quickly overcome and we got all the shots we planned to film without difficulty. The location wasn't too difficult to get to or from and since there wasn't that much equipment to take, we did not struggle to carry all of it. Also the weather stayed consistent throughout the day so the lighting in our shots was not affected.
After meeting at Charlotte's house, (which was closest to the location and therefore an ideal meeting point) between the crew and the cast we managed to carry all the equipment to our location. Upon arriving we set up the camera and tripod and adjusted the framing and focus for the park bench shot. We then recapped with the cast their lines and actions as well as crew and equipment movements. Just before we were ready to shoot we realised that Mallory, played by Ryma was missing her hair bobble. This was the first of two minor problems we stumbled upon however it was an easy mistake to make and nobodies fault as we had checked and doubled checked everything else. Whilst Charlotte had the task of running back for the bobble, myself and Tom set up the tracking kit ready for the later shots as this would take some time to construct the track. Lucy shot some B-roll footage, and then we finished up by having another run through with the cast. By which time Charlotte had returned so we made use of the time we had.
The rest of the filming went well. We managed to record some really good footage, as well as clear sound from the location recording kit. Despite it being the middle of winter and quite a windy day, no one suffered to badly and fortunately the wind was not picked up on the location recording kit. After a few attempts, we managed to film a good tracking shot with Peter (Kris) and Mallory walking towards the camera whilst the camera moved back with them. The second minor problem was when we were showing Peter walking away into the distance. For the sake of continuity, we had to wait for the path to empty so that we didn't have a passer by in one shot but then not the other. Therefore we had to wait a while before we could shoot that particular shot. Once we had got that out the way we packed up and headed back to drop off the equipment.
Overall I think the filming went really well. There were only two slight problems that were quickly overcome and we got all the shots we planned to film without difficulty. The location wasn't too difficult to get to or from and since there wasn't that much equipment to take, we did not struggle to carry all of it. Also the weather stayed consistent throughout the day so the lighting in our shots was not affected.
Shooting on Location- 13th December 2014
Location: Strawberry Lane (1st Meeting & New Beginning)
Once each of the actors had been briefed on what was going on in the scene, and where they would be going within this scene, we began to follow the storyboard shot types and began filming. We were going to need the on location recording kit too as there was a lot of dialogue that needed to be heard within this scene due to sound being picked up from the camera not being too good in certain weather conditions as I will mention later on.
So once everything was in place and all set, filming began. Some of the scenes were filmed all from one perspective and then switched to give us more footage to choose from, as well as it looking as if they were having a smooth flowing conversation but with change in angle and shot type. We shot scene 2 first as this would be the first meeting between the two followed by the new arrival of the second male she meets that seems to be 'the one' for her. Shots were re filmed and tried again due to sun light and moving traffic along the busy road.
However we did finish and get all the shots in time just before the sun started to go down as the final scene of the male disappearing was shot.
Evaluation
Overall the day was successful in that we managed to complete two of the scenes within the film that were both in the same location. The actors were helpful in that they were coherent even though it was cold and not in the most convenient place to be filming. Also each of us had turn on the camera and the sound recording kit, enabling us all to have equal turn on the equipment. It was also successful as we didn't just settle for shots, even if we filmed the same shot 5 times. We wanted it to be right as well as the angle and actors to look and follow the story the way in which it was intended. Another success of the day was some of the shot types in which we captured within the day. Some of the close up shots were clear, crisp and showed great detail to the facial expression of the female. We checked all the footage after to ensure it was clear and the type of shot we wanted, capturing the emotion and style in which we planned within the storyboard, script and animatic (deep I know).
However there were some down sides. We were unable to transport the equipment to the location which meant we had to walk to the location which wasn't the nearest. We had no choice but to walk as we needed this location so this too a bit of time out of our schedule. This meant that we wouldn't have time to film the 3rd scene we were hoping to film that day due to the short day light with it being filmed in the winter. When we got to the location, one of the props had been forgotten meaning filming was postponed until the prop arrived to prevent continuity errors. This was solved easily as help was called in to collect the folders and bring them to us. As said earlier, it was difficult due to it being in the winter and the nights being shorter meaning we had less time to film than we planned due to drastic change in daylight.
So all in all I think it was a successful days work. We got the footage from the two scenes we wanted. The thirds scene was their if we had time but has been planned for another day to ensure we don't rush the shots. After all this it was time for a cuppa and a warm by the fire because it was like being in a freeze out there! So we'll keep you informed about our next jolly...I mean filming session when we complete it. Until then!
Scenes: 2, 7
Actor/s: Ryma Picken, Kris Turner & Alex Thurston
Ext/Int: Ext.
So today we filmed the two scenes of Mallory's first meeting with Peter and then the new meeting with Mallory and Alex.
We began with the first meeting scene as we needed Ryma to be in her first outfit she wore when leaving the house ready for work. Before each of the shots, we ran through each of the moves and motions that each of the actors were going through. They had already been given the scripts and so had chance to learn their lines. However we did have scripts on hand incase there were a few slip ups or forgetting of lines as there always is.
Once each of the actors had been briefed on what was going on in the scene, and where they would be going within this scene, we began to follow the storyboard shot types and began filming. We were going to need the on location recording kit too as there was a lot of dialogue that needed to be heard within this scene due to sound being picked up from the camera not being too good in certain weather conditions as I will mention later on.
So once everything was in place and all set, filming began. Some of the scenes were filmed all from one perspective and then switched to give us more footage to choose from, as well as it looking as if they were having a smooth flowing conversation but with change in angle and shot type. We shot scene 2 first as this would be the first meeting between the two followed by the new arrival of the second male she meets that seems to be 'the one' for her. Shots were re filmed and tried again due to sun light and moving traffic along the busy road.
However we did finish and get all the shots in time just before the sun started to go down as the final scene of the male disappearing was shot.
Evaluation
Overall the day was successful in that we managed to complete two of the scenes within the film that were both in the same location. The actors were helpful in that they were coherent even though it was cold and not in the most convenient place to be filming. Also each of us had turn on the camera and the sound recording kit, enabling us all to have equal turn on the equipment. It was also successful as we didn't just settle for shots, even if we filmed the same shot 5 times. We wanted it to be right as well as the angle and actors to look and follow the story the way in which it was intended. Another success of the day was some of the shot types in which we captured within the day. Some of the close up shots were clear, crisp and showed great detail to the facial expression of the female. We checked all the footage after to ensure it was clear and the type of shot we wanted, capturing the emotion and style in which we planned within the storyboard, script and animatic (deep I know).
However there were some down sides. We were unable to transport the equipment to the location which meant we had to walk to the location which wasn't the nearest. We had no choice but to walk as we needed this location so this too a bit of time out of our schedule. This meant that we wouldn't have time to film the 3rd scene we were hoping to film that day due to the short day light with it being filmed in the winter. When we got to the location, one of the props had been forgotten meaning filming was postponed until the prop arrived to prevent continuity errors. This was solved easily as help was called in to collect the folders and bring them to us. As said earlier, it was difficult due to it being in the winter and the nights being shorter meaning we had less time to film than we planned due to drastic change in daylight.
So all in all I think it was a successful days work. We got the footage from the two scenes we wanted. The thirds scene was their if we had time but has been planned for another day to ensure we don't rush the shots. After all this it was time for a cuppa and a warm by the fire because it was like being in a freeze out there! So we'll keep you informed about our next jolly...I mean filming session when we complete it. Until then!
Sunday, 25 January 2015
Shooting on Location- 6th December 2014
Location: Train station
Scene/s:4
Actor/s: Ryma Picken, Kris Turner.
Ext/Int: Ext.
Right, so on this day we filmed at the train station which is the scene in which Mallory and Peter meet for the last time before she finds out he's dead (bit depressing but what can you do). This is the scene where both the audience and Mallory find out the name and nothing more of Peter Redrum.
Scene/s:4
Actor/s: Ryma Picken, Kris Turner.
Ext/Int: Ext.
Right, so on this day we filmed at the train station which is the scene in which Mallory and Peter meet for the last time before she finds out he's dead (bit depressing but what can you do). This is the scene where both the audience and Mallory find out the name and nothing more of Peter Redrum.
So first we went and set up at the train station in Landywood. The first part we were filming was actually on the platform where Mallory enters checking the train times when suddenly Peter appears again.
Like the previous day, we ran through the shots, gave the actors the chance to run over the scripts as well as the film crew checking the shot types and deciding on an order in which to shoot them. Once all the prep was out the way (as well as Ryma finishing her baguette) it was time for us to start filming.
We started out with the shots of Mallory on her own at the train station while it wasn't so busy. We needed to platform to be completely empty to get the full effect of Peter appearing on the station out of no where. So we then started to film the shots as well as using the location recording kit to allow us to capture the background noise. We got the same shots from different angles to later match on action the shots.
Once this was complete we then moved on to filming the pinnacle moment we find out Peter's name (The film is starting to sound like a twilight spoof but I promise you, its not!) Anyway, so with gaps between filming (will explain why later) we started to shoot the focus pull shot of Mallory and Peter meeting again. We wanted it to switch focus between Mallory and Peter when each of them spoke. This took a couple of attempts but was well worth it when we got the final shot.
Last of all once all the shots on the platform were done we filmed the establishing shots and set for when Peter disappears for the last time. Again we needed an empty station platform which was another problem we encountered but more about that later. So we got Mallory walking up to the platform to catch the train after the empty platform shot.
And so I think that concluded our day besides the warm drinks and the Pringles (other brands of crisps are available) which were well deserved after!
Evaluation:
So the filming today went pretty well as we completed all the footage that we wished to collect. I think it went well in the fact that we gathered a variety of shot types that worked well in capturing the emotions that needed to be seen within the film as well as concealing things about Peter etc. Another thing that went well was the focus of the shots, when we checked the footage at the end, all of the shots were in focus as well as capturing selective footage. Due to us getting used to the camera, we were able to use the cameras more effectively and each took it in turns tog et experience with the cameras and to collect the sound to match the footage. The actors were also cooperative meaning we could get on with the filming and willing even if it was freezing cold! They threw their all into it meaning we only needed to worry about the footage and sound we captured which was a big help!
One of our major problems about filming at the train station was the fact that every hour we had people appear on the platform. It didn't help it was German in Birmingham and so there were A LOT of people coming to catch the train to go shopping (alright for some...) and so it took us longer to film this scene that we thought. We needed to platform to be empty however there were many people who were arriving to catch the train every hour and so it became difficult to film shots where the platform was supposed to be empty which added to our time filming. Another problem was the fact that the sun kept going in and coming out and so it meant we were constantly changing the settings but I suppose thats just what happens when you are filming on an exterior location and so was soon solved and wasn't a major issue.
Well all in all I think our production team did a good job today. We stuck to the plan and got all the footage we needed. Apart from the train travellers who wanted to be in our film but sadly we had to decline, our time was evenly spread and collected some great footage for our film. Lets hope it carries on this way!
Like the previous day, we ran through the shots, gave the actors the chance to run over the scripts as well as the film crew checking the shot types and deciding on an order in which to shoot them. Once all the prep was out the way (as well as Ryma finishing her baguette) it was time for us to start filming.
We started out with the shots of Mallory on her own at the train station while it wasn't so busy. We needed to platform to be completely empty to get the full effect of Peter appearing on the station out of no where. So we then started to film the shots as well as using the location recording kit to allow us to capture the background noise. We got the same shots from different angles to later match on action the shots.
Once this was complete we then moved on to filming the pinnacle moment we find out Peter's name (The film is starting to sound like a twilight spoof but I promise you, its not!) Anyway, so with gaps between filming (will explain why later) we started to shoot the focus pull shot of Mallory and Peter meeting again. We wanted it to switch focus between Mallory and Peter when each of them spoke. This took a couple of attempts but was well worth it when we got the final shot.
Last of all once all the shots on the platform were done we filmed the establishing shots and set for when Peter disappears for the last time. Again we needed an empty station platform which was another problem we encountered but more about that later. So we got Mallory walking up to the platform to catch the train after the empty platform shot.
And so I think that concluded our day besides the warm drinks and the Pringles (other brands of crisps are available) which were well deserved after!
Evaluation:
So the filming today went pretty well as we completed all the footage that we wished to collect. I think it went well in the fact that we gathered a variety of shot types that worked well in capturing the emotions that needed to be seen within the film as well as concealing things about Peter etc. Another thing that went well was the focus of the shots, when we checked the footage at the end, all of the shots were in focus as well as capturing selective footage. Due to us getting used to the camera, we were able to use the cameras more effectively and each took it in turns tog et experience with the cameras and to collect the sound to match the footage. The actors were also cooperative meaning we could get on with the filming and willing even if it was freezing cold! They threw their all into it meaning we only needed to worry about the footage and sound we captured which was a big help!
One of our major problems about filming at the train station was the fact that every hour we had people appear on the platform. It didn't help it was German in Birmingham and so there were A LOT of people coming to catch the train to go shopping (alright for some...) and so it took us longer to film this scene that we thought. We needed to platform to be empty however there were many people who were arriving to catch the train every hour and so it became difficult to film shots where the platform was supposed to be empty which added to our time filming. Another problem was the fact that the sun kept going in and coming out and so it meant we were constantly changing the settings but I suppose thats just what happens when you are filming on an exterior location and so was soon solved and wasn't a major issue.
Well all in all I think our production team did a good job today. We stuck to the plan and got all the footage we needed. Apart from the train travellers who wanted to be in our film but sadly we had to decline, our time was evenly spread and collected some great footage for our film. Lets hope it carries on this way!
Saturday, 24 January 2015
Shooting on Location- 5th December 2014
So we finally started filming. For our first session we decided to film our inside location due to the weather being rather damn and too dull for filming. So, we began filming scenes 1, 5 and 6 which are all set in the different rooms of Mallory's house.
We started wot some of the easier shots like Ryma (Mallory) putting the kettle on, pouring Tea and making her toast. We then made our way through the house basically and filmed scene 5 where she finds out that Peter is actually dead and doesn't exist (spoiler!) We ran through the script and movements with Ryma before we filmed her performing. `It was checked that the shots were going to be in focus and used the location recording kit to record the dialogue as the sound feed from the camera itself isn't the best quality.
We then moved upstairs to film the two versions of Mallory's morning routine. We will re-use some of the shots in both scene 1 and 6 like her waking up and opening the cupboard etc. The only things that really need to be changed are the shots where you see what she is wearing, the Maroon or the Blue dress and when she is styling her hair. We practice the moments Ryma was going to do, directing her on how we wanted her to look throughout the sequence and then began to film it and repeated several times from different angles. This allowed us to see what angles would look best. We all think that the footage looked really good quality and well framed and focused so fingers crossed it's good enough to edit.
Evaluation:
Overall the session went great and we got everything we needed to film done to what we believed was a high good quality standard with accurate framing of the shots with only a few continuity errors. Ryma filled her role really we and brought out the characters emotions and attitudes to life perfectly. The range of shots was limiting within the room as it wasn't designed to fit 4 crew members an actress and a lot of camera equipment but we made good use of the space we had with varied angles and shot types.
When we checked the footage closely we did have a few continuity errors such as the camera crews image appearing in the mirrored wardrobes when Ryma opened them so something would need to be corrected about this. There were a few artificial lighting issues but this was soon solved by turning all lights on in the room and if necessary we could correct the light within editing.
Hopefully the rest of the filming days go as smoothly as it one did and the footage is all good and ready for editing. But we really need to get cracking with the rest of our planned filming days. GO GO GO!
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