When given the responsibility to go out and film for a media product, there are always health and safety issues that need to be planned, and seen through. In our opening, the main female character is suicidal and jumps of a cliff wall. Of course, I wasn't going to actually jump off a cliff face, so we needed to find a wall with a small drop, that we could edit to look as if i were jumping a high distance. Whilst jumping off the small wall, i landed in the wrong way, and was in agony with my foot. I needed to stop standing on it instantly and sit down, which prevented us from filming it again like we needed in order to get better shots, from different angles e.c.t. I went to the hospital to get it looked at not long afterwards and was told i had fractured a bone in my foot. I then had to wear a special boot for two weeks in order to let it heal. This taught me to make sure i know in advance exactly how i am meant to land, before just going ahead and doing it.
In regards to the technological side of it, we had a college camera to keep safe whilst going out and filming. We made sure that the straps were kept securely around our hands at all times, as we needed to get shots from over the cliff face. Over all, i believe we managed to keep ourselves safe, but should definitely weigh up certain situations if we ever shot for a media project again.
Monday, 26 March 2012
BBFC research - Sabrina Bell
Before deciding which age certificate to give our film, i needed to do some research into the BBFC, to see which age rating would be best suitable for our genre of film. i researched what age certificates films of a similar genre had been given, and the reasons behind this.
Fish Tank: 15
Angus thongs and Perfect Snogging: PG
This is England: 18
Submarine: 15
The Lovely bones: 12a
As I could see, all the British, coming of age films that i had researched were all 12a or above, and because our film is exploring similar themes and story lines, i know that we need to give ourselves a similar rating. These films explore frequent sexual references, and drugs are especially present in fish Tank. The reason why our film will not be 'suitable for all' is due to the fact we explore suicide/depression, which is quite a taboo subject amongst the younger generation, and we wouldn't want to be seen 'glamourising' suicide to a younger, vulnerable audience.
Distinguishing between the age classifications
This age certificate stands for ' universal', and is commonly found on children's movies, such as Disney movies. The meaning behind this age certificate is to symbolise the content within the movie is suitable for all ages, and won't harm or upset a child that might be watching. In order for a film to be classified with this age rating needs to follow a strict criteria. U films should be set up with a positive moral frame work and should offer counterbalances to any horror/ conflict. Themes such as sex, drugs, horror, violence, language and nudity need to be very mild, and should be reasonably educational and morally correct for the younger audience.
To be rated an 18, a film may have many different taboo themes as it is seen to be an adult film. Sexual relations may be shown to the full, as long as there is a sense of morality, and safe sex/ health issues aren't ignored. Violence may be graphic, and the use of drungs may be frequent, but not in a way that glamourises it, but may act as a warning.
This age certificate stands for ' restricted 18', and is the highest rating a film can be given. These films may only be shown to adults in restricted viewing times, and video works may only be given to people in licensed sex shops. Strong physical and verbal abuse is allowed, and themes with stronger danger such as paedophilia may be explored.
In conclusion, our film shall be given a 12a rating, as it is aimed at a young teenage audience, and if we gave it a 15 certificate, then it would narrow our potential custom. Also, the themes and story lines we explore are relatable to the lives of students from the age of 12 and up, and we do not dwell on taboo subjects that would be given a 15 age rating.
Fish Tank: 15
Angus thongs and Perfect Snogging: PG
This is England: 18
Submarine: 15
The Lovely bones: 12a
As I could see, all the British, coming of age films that i had researched were all 12a or above, and because our film is exploring similar themes and story lines, i know that we need to give ourselves a similar rating. These films explore frequent sexual references, and drugs are especially present in fish Tank. The reason why our film will not be 'suitable for all' is due to the fact we explore suicide/depression, which is quite a taboo subject amongst the younger generation, and we wouldn't want to be seen 'glamourising' suicide to a younger, vulnerable audience.
Distinguishing between the age classifications
This age certificate stands for ' parental guidance' which means that it is down to the individual parent to decide whether they believe it to be suitable for their child to view the film. The BBFC industry is aware that some viewers are more vulnerable and sensitive when it comes to viewing some themes, but PG films should not disturb a child over the age of 8 generally. In the same way as Universal films, PG films also need to be restricting on the amount of taboo themes and ideas they explore.
This age classification only exists in films that are being played in the cinema. No child under the age of 12 may view this film unless accompanied by an adult. The difference between a 12a film, and a 12 rated film are that the 12 category only exists for video works, whilst the 12a rating is purely cinema based. The factors that make a 12a film a 12a, are that taboo subjects such as violence, sex, suicide e.c.t may be allowed, but need to be discreet and infrequent. In relation to our movie opening, we show a teenage girl displaying the suicidal act of jumping off a cliff. The BBFC board states that 'suicide and self harming should not dwell on detail which could be copied, or appear pain or harm free'. In our opening, you see the girl jumping off the cliff, but you do not see the landing or witness any pain/suffering. Further more, attention is taken away from the suicide, as instantly the male character jumps up and begins his story. The fact that as the film progresses, the male character stops the female character from jumping off the cliff also diverts attention away from the taboo theme.
This age certificate means that no one under the age of 15 may view the content, or buy 15 rated video work. The differences between a 12a film, and a 15 film are considerably high, and is a big jump in regards to what is acceptable. For example, violence and horror may be strong, and language of the most severe kind can be used, but must be justifiable in the context. Nudity is allowed, and strong references to sexual behaviour are likely to occur. We wouldn't intend to include frequent bad language, or any violence to a high degree throughout our movie, but remain the same level that our opening displays.
This age classification only exists in films that are being played in the cinema. No child under the age of 12 may view this film unless accompanied by an adult. The difference between a 12a film, and a 12 rated film are that the 12 category only exists for video works, whilst the 12a rating is purely cinema based. The factors that make a 12a film a 12a, are that taboo subjects such as violence, sex, suicide e.c.t may be allowed, but need to be discreet and infrequent. In relation to our movie opening, we show a teenage girl displaying the suicidal act of jumping off a cliff. The BBFC board states that 'suicide and self harming should not dwell on detail which could be copied, or appear pain or harm free'. In our opening, you see the girl jumping off the cliff, but you do not see the landing or witness any pain/suffering. Further more, attention is taken away from the suicide, as instantly the male character jumps up and begins his story. The fact that as the film progresses, the male character stops the female character from jumping off the cliff also diverts attention away from the taboo theme.
In conclusion, our film shall be given a 12a rating, as it is aimed at a young teenage audience, and if we gave it a 15 certificate, then it would narrow our potential custom. Also, the themes and story lines we explore are relatable to the lives of students from the age of 12 and up, and we do not dwell on taboo subjects that would be given a 15 age rating.
Diary Entry For Filming - Alex Smith
DAY THREE
Bright and early! Me and Sabrina met in town to film the bench shots, this proved somewhat difficult. We couldn't use a tripod, as it would draw too much attention to the general public being some of the shot. We also needed to film long enough so that when the film was sped up there was enough material, this meant waiting around for a long time when filming hoping we were filming some good quality shots!
We tried balancing the camera in a handbag, but ended up shooting the floor and in the end resulted in Sabrina holding the camera by her side and filming without the use of the digital viewfinder. In the end we just had to go with what we had filmed and edit accordingly and as professionally as possible.
Today we also requested the help of our fellow peers, who we used to act some extra characters. After college we headed to an alleyway close by and filmed:
Bright and early! Me and Sabrina met in town to film the bench shots, this proved somewhat difficult. We couldn't use a tripod, as it would draw too much attention to the general public being some of the shot. We also needed to film long enough so that when the film was sped up there was enough material, this meant waiting around for a long time when filming hoping we were filming some good quality shots!
We tried balancing the camera in a handbag, but ended up shooting the floor and in the end resulted in Sabrina holding the camera by her side and filming without the use of the digital viewfinder. In the end we just had to go with what we had filmed and edit accordingly and as professionally as possible.
Today we also requested the help of our fellow peers, who we used to act some extra characters. After college we headed to an alleyway close by and filmed:
1) Mid Shot – Bullies ‘high fiving’.
2) Mid Shot – Bullies tormenting Female character.
3) Close Up – Female character’s emotions.
5) Wide Shot – Male character walking past alleyway.
6) Mid Shot – Bullies tormenting Female character.
8) Mid Shot – Female character leaving alleyway.
Hardly any problems when filming just difficult providing a clear flow of what is going on, although Laura and Emily's laughing did slow the process of filming.
Diary Entry For Filming - Alex Smith
DAY TWO
Today we got on the bus to the town centre and walked to a remote seaside location. Due to the fact it was getting increasingly dark, again speed was of the essence. Shots required were:
Today we got on the bus to the town centre and walked to a remote seaside location. Due to the fact it was getting increasingly dark, again speed was of the essence. Shots required were:
1) Wide Shot – Female Character Walking to suicide location. Provides a sense of texture and context.
2) Mid Shot – Female character approaching sea wall stairs.
3) Very Wide Shot – Female character walking up to the sea wall.
5) POV Shot – Female looking over sea wall edge.
6) Over-the-shoulder-shot – Looking over the female characters shoulder at the landscape.
8) Low Angle Mid Close Up – Female character’s emotion.
9) Wide Shot – Female character climbs up onto the sea wall. And jumps off.
11) Mid Shot – Male character climbs down from sea wall.
12) POV Shot – Male looking over sea wall edge. (To be reversed)
14) Mid Shot – Male character approaching sea wall stairs. (To be reversed)Wide Shot – Male Character Walking to suicide location. Provides a sense of texture and context. (To be reversed)
In the best interest of the technology and its value we made a make shift, neck strap for the camera so when filming the over the edge shots we didn't drop it! We managed to film all of the shots required and it took us about an hour and a half, Sabrina when filming for a shot, fell awkwardly on her ankle and she may have to go to A&E to get it checked out, but all in all a successful trip.
Diary Entry For Filming - Alex Smith
DAY ONE
Today we ventured out from college, got on the bus and travelled to a local housing estate. Here we had pre arranged the use of a relative's house to film some of the shots for our opening. Due to not wanting to outstay our welcome we had to be efficient in filming the necessary shots needed for our film these were:
Today we ventured out from college, got on the bus and travelled to a local housing estate. Here we had pre arranged the use of a relative's house to film some of the shots for our opening. Due to not wanting to outstay our welcome we had to be efficient in filming the necessary shots needed for our film these were:
1) Establishing Shot – Housing Estate.
2) Close Up – Match on action for Male character carrying bin and reaction shot to thinking about girl.
3) Low Angle Shot - Male character carrying bin.
4) Mid Shot – Female character walking out of the house and slamming door. (To be reversed)
Laura did most of the filming for the shots I was in and we all took the role of directing each other. Due to unfamiliarity with the location it took a while to get some of the angles for filming just right.
Later on in the afternoon we set about filming the college corridor scenes, requesting the help of our peers for extra characters. The shots included:
Later on in the afternoon we set about filming the college corridor scenes, requesting the help of our peers for extra characters. The shots included:
1) Mid Shot – College corridor, Female character gets up from the floor crying.
2) Close Up – Male character reaction shot.
3) Mid Shot – Bully character trips up Female character.
4) Close Up – Bully character’s emotion/reaction.
5) Mid Shot – Approach of Female character.
6) Mid Shot – College conversation between Bully and Male character.
Hardly any technical hitches or problems , all in all a good day.
Thursday, 22 March 2012
Rough Cut - Small Voice
Here is our rough cut opening, which we aim to improve by recieving and acting upon consumer feedback.
“I think the silence at the beginning lasts too long and the start of the music seems random. Otherwise I thoroughly enjoyed watching your film opening”
“The sound needs to be muted in the scene where you are in the alley way as you can hear the wind and someone shouting”
“Sometimes the voice over and music overpowers one another so it’s difficult to hear what is being said, but the editing was very effective and had a great storyline too”
“I really like your opening, it looks very professional. Now all you need is to add titles and an ident”
" I can tell you have put in a lot of effort. The only improvement I can think of is that you could start the music at the beginning of the sequence"
“I think the silence at the beginning lasts too long and the start of the music seems random. Otherwise I thoroughly enjoyed watching your film opening”
" I can tell you have put in a lot of effort. The only improvement I can think of is that you could start the music at the beginning of the sequence"
Tuesday, 6 March 2012
Monday, 5 March 2012
Thursday, 9 February 2012
Shot List - Alex Smith
1) Wide Shot – Female Character Walking to suicide location. Provides a sense of texture and context.
2) Mid Shot – Female character approaching sea wall stairs.
3) Very Wide Shot – Female character walking up to the sea wall.
4) Mid Shot – Female Character looking over sea wall.
5) POV Shot – Female looking over sea wall edge.
6) Over-the-shoulder-shot – Looking over the female characters shoulder at the landscape.
7) POV Shot – Female character acknowledging the landscape.
8) Low Angle Mid Close Up – Female character’s emotion.
9) Wide Shot – Female character climbs up onto the sea wall. And jumps off.
10) Wide Shot – Male character climbs up onto the wall (To be reversed)
11) Mid Shot – Male character climbs down from sea wall.
12) POV Shot – Male looking over sea wall edge. (To be reversed)
13) Very Wide Shot – Male character walking up to the sea wall. (To be reversed)
14) Mid Shot – Male character approaching sea wall stairs. (To be reversed)
15) Wide Shot – Male Character Walking to suicide location. Provides a sense of texture and context. (To be reversed)
16) Wide Shot – Male character sat on a bench in the town center, watching the world pass by.
17) Mid Shot – Bullies ‘high fiving’.
18) Mid Shot – Bullies tormenting Female character.
19) Close Up – Female character’s emotions.
20) POV/Establishing Shot – Alleyway, where bullying is taking place.
21) Wide Shot – Male character walking past alleyway.
22) Mid Shot – Bullies tormenting Female character.
23) Over-the-shoulder-shot – Shows relapse of time in alleyway.
24) Mid Shot – Female character leaving alleyway.
25) Mid Shot – College corridor, Female character gets up from the floor crying.
26) Close Up – Male character reaction shot.
27) Mid Shot – Bully character trips up Female character.
28) Close Up – Bully character’s emotion/reaction.
29) Mid Shot – Approach of Female character.
30) Mid Shot – College conversation between Bully and Male character.
31) Establishing Shot – Housing Estate.
32) Close Up – Match on action for Male character carrying bin and reaction shot to thinking about girl.
33) Low Angle Shot - Male character carrying bin.
34) Mid Shot – Female character walking out of the house and slamming door. (To be reversed)
35) Close Up – Alarm clock ringing/flashing.
36) Mid Shot – Male character wakes up and looks at alarm clock, realizes what may unfold through the day.
Company Ident Evaluation - By Laura Bebber
When deciding upon a design for my ident, I thought carefully about what would specifically relate to our desired genre. I used a fairground as my inspiration as this exciting environment is suitable and enjoyable for all ages. Therefore, our target audience was broadened and we were able to create an opening of any age certificate. I imported sounds of children screaming and laughing in order to reinforce the setting and captivate emotion. I also incorporated evolving music as the title appears to add tension and ensure that our company stands out. I specifically chose to use the colour red as this connotes fire, excitement and passion; something our audience would be experiencing when watching our film. I ensured that the typography remained white so that it would stand out against the fiery background. White represents the absence of colour and so could have a series of connotations for the audience to reflect upon. The font is collaborated of a series of balloons in which once again reflects our company label. This feature improves the realism of our product and reinforces the fun aspect we were aiming to achieve. I decided to put an ‘earthquake’ effect upon the text as it instantly made it more exciting and looked effective in front of the backing image. During the animation, I used a ‘bloom’ effect in order to create a vivid illusion. I feel that this also polished the ident and increased further professionalism. 
If I were to create a different ident in the future, I would trial and error various other effects on Final Cut Pro. This is because I feel that the animation makes our company name somewhat hard to read. I would also sharpen the image of the ferris wheel as it appears to be a little blurred. Monday, 6 February 2012
Shooting Locations - Laura Bebber
Here is a list of locations in which we plan to incorporate into our opening:
Weston-Super-Mare seafront - Establishing shots behind the main character who is walking to her death.
Sea Wall - Act of suicide takes place here. Has much significance to the remainder of the storyline.
Park bench - Male character reflects upon the sitation. Stop motion editing of individuals walking past showing the progression of time.
Alleyway - Character is tormented by bullies.
Shots inside Weston College - Further clips of bullying and harrassment towards central protagonist.
Main character walking into her council estate home.
Male character awakes in his bedroom - Time is altered from reverse back to normal.
Weston-Super-Mare seafront - Establishing shots behind the main character who is walking to her death.
Sea Wall - Act of suicide takes place here. Has much significance to the remainder of the storyline.
Park bench - Male character reflects upon the sitation. Stop motion editing of individuals walking past showing the progression of time.
Alleyway - Character is tormented by bullies.
Shots inside Weston College - Further clips of bullying and harrassment towards central protagonist.
Main character walking into her council estate home.
Male character awakes in his bedroom - Time is altered from reverse back to normal.
Marketing Plan - Laura Bebber
In order to attract our target audience I had to think carefully about specific advertisements. Advertising is one of the most important aspects of distributing a film and so I came up with a series of locations in which we could possibly place posters, trailers or induce various other methods.
Television adverts appearing on channels such as ITV, BBC, E4 and Film 4. I feel this would be effective as many teenagers spend considerable amounts of time watching television on a daily basis.
Advertising on social networking sites such as Facebook would ensure success as they are extemely popular within the teenage category.
As the vast majority of teenagers can not drive, they may use a lot of public transport. Importing posters at bus stops and in train stations could be effective as they would be noticed by a large amount of individuals. (College students especially who use buses frequently)
Cinemas are considered very popular for the teenage generation. Advertising our film on the 'big screen' would attract the attention of our desired target audience as they would probably be viewing a film of a similar genre.
Television adverts appearing on channels such as ITV, BBC, E4 and Film 4. I feel this would be effective as many teenagers spend considerable amounts of time watching television on a daily basis.
Advertising on social networking sites such as Facebook would ensure success as they are extemely popular within the teenage category.
As the vast majority of teenagers can not drive, they may use a lot of public transport. Importing posters at bus stops and in train stations could be effective as they would be noticed by a large amount of individuals. (College students especially who use buses frequently)
Cinemas are considered very popular for the teenage generation. Advertising our film on the 'big screen' would attract the attention of our desired target audience as they would probably be viewing a film of a similar genre.
Planning Mise-En-Scene - Laura Bebber
Props
- Character's bag in which the 'bullies' will throw and torment her with in the alleyway.
- Various textbooks for character to drop when tripped over in college.
- Alarm clock in male character's bedroom.
We have decided not to make use of too many props as our main focus is to magnify the character's emotion through specific action and editing.
Costume
Female main character: Casual student clothing such as black leggings, jumper, gilet and boots.
Male character: Jeans, hoodie, trainers, college bag.
Other characters (Bullies): Casual clothing e.g. jeans, jacket, trainers etc.
We decided to ensure that our costumes will be as realistic as possible. We will portray the typical image of teenagers in which will ultimately attract our target audience and allow them to connect with the characters.
Actors
Female main character - Sabrina Bell
Male character - Alex Smith
Extras - Laura Bebber, Emily Saunders, Joe Lockstone, Josh Armitage
We gained the consent of Emily, Joe and Josh to be in our film as extras and we hope that there will be no problems with this on the day of shooting. This should be fairly easy as the scenes in which they will be involved in will be filmed in college.
Lighting
We aim to use natural lighting when filming our opening as it will reinforce the realism we hope to achieve. We feel that shadowing and artificial lighting is not necessary for our desired genre as it would create a more 'thrilling' atmosphere.
Set Design
We will not be constructing specfic sets for our project, we plan to merely use enviroments as they are naturally. This will help to increase authenticity and allow us to express emotion through actions and not the design.
- Character's bag in which the 'bullies' will throw and torment her with in the alleyway.
- Various textbooks for character to drop when tripped over in college.
- Alarm clock in male character's bedroom.
We have decided not to make use of too many props as our main focus is to magnify the character's emotion through specific action and editing.
Costume
Female main character: Casual student clothing such as black leggings, jumper, gilet and boots.
Male character: Jeans, hoodie, trainers, college bag.
Other characters (Bullies): Casual clothing e.g. jeans, jacket, trainers etc.
We decided to ensure that our costumes will be as realistic as possible. We will portray the typical image of teenagers in which will ultimately attract our target audience and allow them to connect with the characters.
Actors
Female main character - Sabrina Bell
Male character - Alex Smith
Extras - Laura Bebber, Emily Saunders, Joe Lockstone, Josh Armitage
We gained the consent of Emily, Joe and Josh to be in our film as extras and we hope that there will be no problems with this on the day of shooting. This should be fairly easy as the scenes in which they will be involved in will be filmed in college.
Lighting
We aim to use natural lighting when filming our opening as it will reinforce the realism we hope to achieve. We feel that shadowing and artificial lighting is not necessary for our desired genre as it would create a more 'thrilling' atmosphere.
Set Design
We will not be constructing specfic sets for our project, we plan to merely use enviroments as they are naturally. This will help to increase authenticity and allow us to express emotion through actions and not the design.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)