23/09/13
Today I started to look at creating a soundtrack for the film. In my mind, as soon as the door slams in Mark's face, a piece of music should start playing - this will be played at a lower volume under the voice-over. However, when I started to come up with ideas to construct a piece of music, I found it very hard to create a piece that felt as if it were going into a slightly more comic film - rather than a serious one. I plan to play the piece on piano and/or guitar.
While experimenting, I stumbled upon a good piece for a horror film - simply holding down the 15th fret on the high E string and finger tapping the 16th soft at first, but getting harder (the guitar will need to be overdriven). This causes some of the other strings to vibrate meaning that the resulting sound is a gradual increase in volume of a high note and a low rumbling that also increases. This could be used to create tension to make the audience uncomfortable before something happens (say, a character opening a door).
I also stumbled upon a nice piece for the right hand on Piano for a drama film. It is all based from an F key and I was simply walking out some notes that sounded nice (these were probably chords in their own right, but I only know the very basics of piano). I was using the F, A, A#, B, D, D# and F keys and walking out a number of unknown chords to me - however, I could see them easily being used in a drama film after something major to the story happens (maybe a baby has stood upon its own for the first time and the parents are very emotional).
I will continue looking at this over the next few weeks, record a few ideas, then finally try putting some into the film and having a look to see what it looks like. I may even decide that the film doesn't need music after editing it together.
But this is in preparation for post production of course, so is not really a priority at the moment.
14/10/13
I have decided to cover the opening a song by the Foo Fighters called 'Walk'. This is due to the fact that I think the feel of the song really relates to this part of the film. This is because there is a sort of unrelenting sound from a palm muted power chord being strummed constantly, but there is also a number of higher notes being picked out on top of this. All of this results in a feeling that makes you think something big is about to happen that will change your life - however, it's not a bad thing... It's really good.
I'm not sure how I will end the piece, as it goes into a heavier verse at the end of the section I want to record (with more drums and the power chord being strummed without the palm mute effect). I may start playing the next bit, but then slide down the neck of the guitar to end it, or even just jump straight into the outro of the song. I will try lots of different ways out and eventually play them with the film and see which is best, then record a final version to put into the film.
I plan to not only play the guitar parts, but also the bass and drum parts (borrowing the instruments from friends). This is because there is a nice, steady kick drum that is added towards the end of the intro and both the bass and drums for this section don't sound too hard to play (I have experimented a little with these instruments before). However, I may end up just recording the guitar, as I know I can do that...
I will add more to this blog update when I have experimented a little more and possibly finished one or two recordings.
Monday, 23 September 2013
Friday, 20 September 2013
Planning - Storyboard
11/09/2013 - 13:22
I do not like the way storyboards work, as I like to experiment a lot with filming and find it hard to visualise my film from a storyboard. So in it's place I have created a short video storyboard where I have explained each shot that I will have and why I have them.
I plan to go out and take pictures of a short animatic to get an even better idea of how my film will look.
Link to video storyboard: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jD4fSLf_fEo
I do not like the way storyboards work, as I like to experiment a lot with filming and find it hard to visualise my film from a storyboard. So in it's place I have created a short video storyboard where I have explained each shot that I will have and why I have them.
I plan to go out and take pictures of a short animatic to get an even better idea of how my film will look.
Link to video storyboard: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jD4fSLf_fEo
Video - Preliminary Task (Breakdown)
20/08/2013 - 08:48
After creating the Preliminary Task, I thought it may be easier for me to see all the techniques I had used, if I put labels on them in the video - so I quickly did this and uploaded it too. I think it makes me notice the techniques much easier and I can keep an eye out for them when I next film.
After creating the Preliminary Task, I thought it may be easier for me to see all the techniques I had used, if I put labels on them in the video - so I quickly did this and uploaded it too. I think it makes me notice the techniques much easier and I can keep an eye out for them when I next film.
Video - Preliminary Task
20/08/2013 - 08:48
Yesterday Adam Fowler, Jacob Waghorne and I met up to film the Preliminary Task.
Yesterday Adam Fowler, Jacob Waghorne and I met up to film the Preliminary Task.
Adam filmed it, whilst Jacob and I acted in it. It went very smoothly and we filmed the entire task in about two hours - which I was very happy with. We all had a good say in the filming process and we changed a few ideas every now and then to get the best footage possible.
I took all the footage home and edited it all together quite quickly. I have tried to make the video run as smoothly as possible, often carrying sound from one shot into the next. I found this task extremely useful to edit more effectively and film things in a way that makes it easy for the audience to follow.
Tuesday, 17 September 2013
Feedback - Preliminary Task
When showing the class my preliminary task, they all seemed to enjoy the short video I had put together. We went around the class and they all said positive things about the video such as:
- The match-on-actions are well edited.
- The enigma of who the man is, when he enters the room is shot well (due to not showing his face until he sits down).
- The final shot between the two characters is very intense due to the camera being close to the action.
- The shot-reverse-shots are well edited together and work well with the script.
- The intense atmosphere at the beginning of the dialogue is created well, due to the silence previously.
There were no bad points about the task presented to me from the class. However, there are always little things I wished I had done better. For example:
- I wish I had spent more time on the script, as I feel some parts weren't as believable.
- I would have done a different shot following Jacob's feet as he crosses the room (I feel the shot I used was a little too far away from the action for my liking).
- I would have also cut the shot sooner (as soon as he sat down), to then capture him adjusting himself in another shot.
- I also don't like my performance at times. However, I think no matter how many times I did it, I still would have been unhappy with myself as I don't like watching myself act.
For the main task, I will spend more time developing the script and send a copy to all of the actors/actresses involved so that they can learn the lines (rather than just give them the script on the day). I will also spend more time planning each shot before going out to film (creating a shot list and a detailed storyboard).
Monday, 16 September 2013
Evaluation - Preliminary Task
· Does your film use continuity editing so that the sequence of events are clear and easily understood by the viewer?
Yes - every shot follows on from the previous and there is no point in the task where a flashback or flashforward is used. It is quite a basic video.
· Have you followed the directions in the brief? (A character opens a door, crosses a room and sits down in a chair opposite another character. An exchange of dialogue occurs.)
Essentially, yes... But I have tried to branch off of it as much as possible to allow for more experimentation.
· Have you used match-on-action?
When John flips the table over, it continues into the next shot.
· Can you explain what a match-on action involves?
When an action that starts in one shot matches the action that continues in the next shot. It helps the audience believe that what they are watching is continuous and there are no cuts between different shots.
· Have you used shot/reverse shot?
Yes - during the dialogue between Mac and John.
· Can you explain what shot/reverse shot involves?
When a sequence keeps switching between two camera angles (usually used during dialogue).
· Did you observe the 180-degree rule?
Throughout the sequence I observed this rule.
· Can you explain the 180-degree rule?
When two characters are exchanging dialogue, you should not cross the imaginary line between the characters when cutting between shots.
I.e. In the picture, you should only film from the green side.
This helps the audience keep track of where the characters are in the scene - otherwise it becomes very confusing to watch the film.
· What have you learned from the process of making your preliminary film?
I have experimented with the different ways of film making and have familiarised myself even more with the different rules and techniques when completing these tasks.
Research - Camerawork
Camera shot types:
Extreme Wide Shot (EWS) - this is where the subject of the shot is even visible because the camera is so far away. This is usually used as an establishing shot.
Very Wide Shot (VWS) - this is where the subject is just about visible, but the main emphasis is on the environment around them. This is also usually used as an establishing shot.
Wide Shot (WS) - where the entire subject is visible, but the camera is still far away. Usually used to give the audience a good look at the entire subject but also have a look at the environment they are in.
Long Shot - this shot contains the whole of the subject in it, but not much else (for example, the entirety of a character's body). This may be used to shift the audience's focus to the character, rather than the environment.
Medium Long Shot - this shot is the same as a long shot, but slightly closer (for example, a character is 'cut off' at the knees, but the rest of their body is in shot). This may be used to draw attention to what a character is doing, rather than their environment.
Mid Shot (MS) - where most of the subject is visible, but not all (for example, the camera shot 'cuts off' a character's legs but keeps the torso and head in shot). This is used to show more predominant features of a subject, while still giving an impression of the whole thing.
Medium Close Up (MCU) - this shot is slightly closer than a mid shot and is usually used to focus the audience's attention on one character.
Close Up (CU) - a certain part of the subject takes up the whole frame, this may be used to draw attention to one part of the subject (for example, just a character's head).
Big Close Up (BCU) - the same as a close up, but slightly closer so that some of the section of the subject is 'cut off'.
Extreme Close Up (ECU) - a certain part of the subject takes up the whole frame, and more, to draw attention to minute details on the subject (for example: just a character's eyes).
Cut-In - this shows another part of the subject in detail, this may be used to show other details the previous shot couldn't show (for example, cutting from an extreme close up of a character's eyes, to a close up of their hands as they reach for an object).
Cut Away (CA) - this is the same principal of a cut-in, however, the second shot will be of something else (not the subject). This may be used to show something the character is looking at (for example, cut from an extreme close up of the eyes, to a wide shot of another character).
Two-Shot (TS) - this involves two subjects in one shot and may be used for a range of things, but usually it is used for when two characters are having a conversation (the camera is usually about as far away as a MS).
Over-the-Shoulder Shot (OSS) - this is similar to a TS, but it involves the camera looking over one character's shoulder at the subject. This is usually used while these two characters are having a conversation.
Point-of-View Shot (POV) - this shot shows things from the subject's perspective.
Weather Shot - the subject is the weather, so focusses on the sky (sometimes this is sped up to show time passing).
Camera Angles:
High Angle - where the camera is situated higher than the subject and is usually used to show a weaker character (the camera is tilted so it is facing down).
Low Angle - where the camera is situated lower than the subject and usually shows a more dominant character (the camera is tilted so it is looking up).
Eyeline - the camera is at the same level as the subject, this is usually used while dialogue is being said.
Birdseye - the camera is directly above the subject and is usually created by using a crane.
Wormseye - the camera is directly below the subject.
Canted - the camera is slightly tilted to the side and is usually used to create a sense of unease in the audience or show something is 'not right' in the plot.
Camera Movements:
Tracking - where the camera moves sideways to keep the subject in frame (tracking comes from the idea of the camera being on a dolly, on a track, moving sideways).
Follow - where the camera follows the subject at a more or less constant distance.
Pan - the camera swivels to the left or right.
Tilt - the camera changes its angle (up or down).
Zoom - the camera changes the lens focal length to give the illusion that the camera is moving closer or further away.
Push in/Pull out - where the camera physically moves closer or further away than the subject.
Dolly Zoom - where the camera pushes in and zooms out at the same time, or the other way around. This is usually used to create a sense of unease with the audience (for example, in Jaws (1995) when the main character [Brody] sees the shark at the beach for the first time).
Extreme Wide Shot (EWS) - this is where the subject of the shot is even visible because the camera is so far away. This is usually used as an establishing shot.
Very Wide Shot (VWS) - this is where the subject is just about visible, but the main emphasis is on the environment around them. This is also usually used as an establishing shot.
Wide Shot (WS) - where the entire subject is visible, but the camera is still far away. Usually used to give the audience a good look at the entire subject but also have a look at the environment they are in.
Long Shot - this shot contains the whole of the subject in it, but not much else (for example, the entirety of a character's body). This may be used to shift the audience's focus to the character, rather than the environment.
Medium Long Shot - this shot is the same as a long shot, but slightly closer (for example, a character is 'cut off' at the knees, but the rest of their body is in shot). This may be used to draw attention to what a character is doing, rather than their environment.
Mid Shot (MS) - where most of the subject is visible, but not all (for example, the camera shot 'cuts off' a character's legs but keeps the torso and head in shot). This is used to show more predominant features of a subject, while still giving an impression of the whole thing.
Medium Close Up (MCU) - this shot is slightly closer than a mid shot and is usually used to focus the audience's attention on one character.
Close Up (CU) - a certain part of the subject takes up the whole frame, this may be used to draw attention to one part of the subject (for example, just a character's head).
Big Close Up (BCU) - the same as a close up, but slightly closer so that some of the section of the subject is 'cut off'.
Extreme Close Up (ECU) - a certain part of the subject takes up the whole frame, and more, to draw attention to minute details on the subject (for example: just a character's eyes).
Cut-In - this shows another part of the subject in detail, this may be used to show other details the previous shot couldn't show (for example, cutting from an extreme close up of a character's eyes, to a close up of their hands as they reach for an object).
Cut Away (CA) - this is the same principal of a cut-in, however, the second shot will be of something else (not the subject). This may be used to show something the character is looking at (for example, cut from an extreme close up of the eyes, to a wide shot of another character).
Two-Shot (TS) - this involves two subjects in one shot and may be used for a range of things, but usually it is used for when two characters are having a conversation (the camera is usually about as far away as a MS).
Over-the-Shoulder Shot (OSS) - this is similar to a TS, but it involves the camera looking over one character's shoulder at the subject. This is usually used while these two characters are having a conversation.
Point-of-View Shot (POV) - this shot shows things from the subject's perspective.
Weather Shot - the subject is the weather, so focusses on the sky (sometimes this is sped up to show time passing).
Camera Angles:
High Angle - where the camera is situated higher than the subject and is usually used to show a weaker character (the camera is tilted so it is facing down).
Low Angle - where the camera is situated lower than the subject and usually shows a more dominant character (the camera is tilted so it is looking up).
Eyeline - the camera is at the same level as the subject, this is usually used while dialogue is being said.
Birdseye - the camera is directly above the subject and is usually created by using a crane.
Wormseye - the camera is directly below the subject.
Canted - the camera is slightly tilted to the side and is usually used to create a sense of unease in the audience or show something is 'not right' in the plot.
Camera Movements:
Tracking - where the camera moves sideways to keep the subject in frame (tracking comes from the idea of the camera being on a dolly, on a track, moving sideways).
Follow - where the camera follows the subject at a more or less constant distance.
Pan - the camera swivels to the left or right.
Tilt - the camera changes its angle (up or down).
Zoom - the camera changes the lens focal length to give the illusion that the camera is moving closer or further away.
Push in/Pull out - where the camera physically moves closer or further away than the subject.
Dolly Zoom - where the camera pushes in and zooms out at the same time, or the other way around. This is usually used to create a sense of unease with the audience (for example, in Jaws (1995) when the main character [Brody] sees the shark at the beach for the first time).
Wednesday, 4 September 2013
Planning - Costume and Make-up
10/03/14
Costumes
|
Mark
|
|
|
Work
|
Black suit, white shirt, red tie, smart shoes
and a briefcase.
|
|
At the bar
|
Coloured polo shirt, jeans, trainers.
|
|
In the living room
|
Coloured polo shirt, jeans, trainers.
|
|
In bed
|
Pyjamas
|
Homeowners
In various states of dress, some in pyjamas, others in
casual clothes, others about to go out. I will leave this up to the actors
involved.
Carol
In pyjamas in bed.
Friends
Similar to Mark: polo shirts, jeans, trainers – casual.
04/09/13
Costumes
Mark
|
|
Work
|
Black suit, white shirt, red tie, smart shoes (and a briefcase if we can get a cheap one - due to low budget).
|
At the bar
|
Coloured button shirt and jeans, smart shoes.
|
At home
|
Coloured polo shirt, jeans, trainers.
|
Homeowners
In various states of dress, some in pyjamas, others in
casual clothes, others about to go out. I will leave this up to the actors
involved.
Carol
Wearing a nice dress, she is on a date with Mark.
Cameron, Adam and Dan
Similar to Mark at home, polo shirts, jeans, trainers –
casual.
Research - Influential Films
Due to the project being in the early planning stages, I will be doing continuous research for a while on similar films so that I can shoot in an informed way. This means that this post will be updated quite a few times until we start filming.
It's Kind of a Funny Story (2010)
This romantic comedy is about a boy that finds love after he is admitted to an adult psychiatric ward (to receive treatment for depression). I love the way it is filmed due to the voiceover that the main character has throughout the film. The action freezes and he explains what is happening in his mind (or what is about to happen in front of him) and I like the way the audience get an insight into what the character is actually feeling at this moment in time. I also like the fact that the cinematographer hasn't steadied the camera in any of the shots used in the film (maybe using a handheld camera, rather than a steady-cam), I think this keeps a sense of unease throughout the film as the audience is never allowed to 'settle into' the shot.
Fight Club (1999)
In Fight Club, there is also a voiceover that runs throughout the film. I like this for the same reasons as before - it give the audience a clear insight into what the character is thinking/feeling, and puts the spectator in the character's shoes.
Voiceover
I will have a voiceover in my film, however, the action will not freeze like in 'It's Kind of a Funny Story'... But it will not continue as normal like in 'Fight Club'. Instead, I will slow the action slightly to allow time for the audience to take in more details about what is happening onscreen, as well as in the voiceover. Sort of like the fight sequences in Sherlock Holmes (2009), but instead of it being super-slow motion, it will be just a slight slow of the footage as our cameras won't be good enough to film at that frame rate, and I think it is unnecessary for the nature of the film.
Shooting Style
I really like the sense of unease that the camera makes in 'It's Kind of a Funny Story', so I will film it with a handheld camera without a tripod, to help get this feeling across to the audience. I think Mark in my film will be affected by depression a little, which is why I want to create this sense of unease - to try and put the spectator in his shoes.
Openings for Similar Films
In many different similar films to mine, the opening sequences feature similar techniques - this is why I have incorporated them in my idea. For example the voiceover technique is featured in the opening to Silver Linings Playbook (2012) where the film starts with a black screen and the main character, Pat, then opens with the lines "What, are you kidding me? Sundays? I love Sundays..."
Adventureland (2009) starts with a comical scene at a party to introduce the main character, then a scene to introduce the main plot of the film. I have used this layout when planning my film, as my film starts with a comical introduction to Mark, then a montage of shots elaborating on Mark's character (containing the titles), then finally a scene with his friends where the main body of the plot starts to develop.
To back this idea up, the film She's Out of My League (2010) starts with the main character performing a speech to his friends about trying to get back together with his ex-girlfriend. This speech is also quite comical and gives us an insight into his character, before the main body of the plot is revealed in the following scenes.
I will refrain from using a tripod as much as possible when filming, this is because the tripod will steady the shot, whereas I want the spectator to be slightly on edge throughout the viewing experience. This is due to the fact that Mark's character is slightly on edge in his everyday life and so I hope this contributes to putting the audience in his shoes a little.
It's Kind of a Funny Story (2010)
This romantic comedy is about a boy that finds love after he is admitted to an adult psychiatric ward (to receive treatment for depression). I love the way it is filmed due to the voiceover that the main character has throughout the film. The action freezes and he explains what is happening in his mind (or what is about to happen in front of him) and I like the way the audience get an insight into what the character is actually feeling at this moment in time. I also like the fact that the cinematographer hasn't steadied the camera in any of the shots used in the film (maybe using a handheld camera, rather than a steady-cam), I think this keeps a sense of unease throughout the film as the audience is never allowed to 'settle into' the shot.
Fight Club (1999)
In Fight Club, there is also a voiceover that runs throughout the film. I like this for the same reasons as before - it give the audience a clear insight into what the character is thinking/feeling, and puts the spectator in the character's shoes.
Voiceover
I will have a voiceover in my film, however, the action will not freeze like in 'It's Kind of a Funny Story'... But it will not continue as normal like in 'Fight Club'. Instead, I will slow the action slightly to allow time for the audience to take in more details about what is happening onscreen, as well as in the voiceover. Sort of like the fight sequences in Sherlock Holmes (2009), but instead of it being super-slow motion, it will be just a slight slow of the footage as our cameras won't be good enough to film at that frame rate, and I think it is unnecessary for the nature of the film.
Shooting Style
I really like the sense of unease that the camera makes in 'It's Kind of a Funny Story', so I will film it with a handheld camera without a tripod, to help get this feeling across to the audience. I think Mark in my film will be affected by depression a little, which is why I want to create this sense of unease - to try and put the spectator in his shoes.
Openings for Similar Films
In many different similar films to mine, the opening sequences feature similar techniques - this is why I have incorporated them in my idea. For example the voiceover technique is featured in the opening to Silver Linings Playbook (2012) where the film starts with a black screen and the main character, Pat, then opens with the lines "What, are you kidding me? Sundays? I love Sundays..."
Adventureland (2009) starts with a comical scene at a party to introduce the main character, then a scene to introduce the main plot of the film. I have used this layout when planning my film, as my film starts with a comical introduction to Mark, then a montage of shots elaborating on Mark's character (containing the titles), then finally a scene with his friends where the main body of the plot starts to develop.
To back this idea up, the film She's Out of My League (2010) starts with the main character performing a speech to his friends about trying to get back together with his ex-girlfriend. This speech is also quite comical and gives us an insight into his character, before the main body of the plot is revealed in the following scenes.
I will refrain from using a tripod as much as possible when filming, this is because the tripod will steady the shot, whereas I want the spectator to be slightly on edge throughout the viewing experience. This is due to the fact that Mark's character is slightly on edge in his everyday life and so I hope this contributes to putting the audience in his shoes a little.
Planning - Pitch
Film title: Salesman Blues
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Form: Opening to a feature length film
Location: Outside people’s houses, in a converted garage (known to
the boys in the film as the ‘Man Cave’), at a bar.
Time: Present day.
Time: Present day.
Plot outline: I have only planned the beginning to the film, but a
feature length film can easily be created from this beginning. But Mark works
as a door-to-door salesman and is not very good when talking to the opposite
sex (he has been single for a number of months), therefore, he is constantly
faced with rejection from people at work and girls outside of work. The film
could then go on to him meeting a certain girl that will give him a chance and
they will undoubtedly fall in love, while he makes all the correct decisions in
moving his life forward (maybe going to university to help him get the job he
wants).
Very basically, this is a typical romantic comedy about a hopeless
guy meeting an amazing girl. However, it will also get the audience to see
things from a salesman’s perspective (always getting told to go away by
homeowners).
Characters: Mark
Jefferson – Main character.
Adam
Cameron (Mark’s best friends)
Dan
Mark's previous girlfriend, Carol is mentioned in the opening of the film and is seen in a scene with him.
Aim: is to evoke a feeling of sympathy from the audience. I want
some of them to identify with Mark and his problems in the film, while others
pity him. However, all of this should happen in a slightly comical way. I would
also hope that it makes the audience feel a little bit more sympathy when they
open the door/answer the phone to a salesman next time, because they are only
doing their job and they receive a lot of hate for it.
Target Audience: 12+
Audience Appeal: The main character is a nice person, so (stereotypically) women will feel sympathy for him, while some men will identify with him.
Unique Selling Point (USP): It involves a new view on door to door salesmen and will hopefully let the audience think about how they treat people that try to sell them things for their job.
Audience Appeal: The main character is a nice person, so (stereotypically) women will feel sympathy for him, while some men will identify with him.
Unique Selling Point (USP): It involves a new view on door to door salesmen and will hopefully let the audience think about how they treat people that try to sell them things for their job.
Why the title?
I have chosen the title 'Salesman Blues' because Mark works as a salesman and has quite a depressing lifestyle due to the amount of hate he gets from people in his job. Depression (in terms of it being a 'mood') is described on Wikipedia as a "state of low mood" and is sometimes called 'the blues'.
Hence the title: 'Salesman Blues'.
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