WELCOME, MODERATOR

Welcome moderator!  I am Agatha Parry 1150 

I worked with, Amber Saville 1158, Constance Dwan 1188, Georgina Self 1160

I hope you enjoy looking at my blog, which contains my work on the G324 Advanced Portfolio. We chose brief 1-, a short film which I named "Checkout" as well as my two ancillary products, a film poster and a radio trailer.

The research, planning and final ancillary products are in  individual 'pages' above. My four evaluation questions are also above. 

OUR SHORT FILM: CHECKOUT

TO WATCH THE VIDEO WITH ANNOTATIONS PLEASE SELECT ANNOTATIONS ON

TO TURN THEM OFF PLEASE SELECT ANNOTATIONS OFF

CONSTRUCTION: RADIO TRAILER

 (PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR RADIO TRAILER)

We have constructed a final radio trailer for our short film. After receiving feedback on our original radio trailer we have decided to look closely at the sound in our radio trailer. We recorded aspects of it again so that Georgina as the narrator could sounded clear and so that the intonation used complimented the trailer. We also made sure to ask people of the same age group as a our target audience if they felt the sound was clear so that we were sure we could be happy with the end product.

 We have made sure to include a main narrator; Georgina took responsibility for the majority of the narration so that we could construct our radio trailer like a story. This was in keeping with our theme of books and stories throughout our short film. It also focused on the library as the words "shh, quiet in the library" are heard as the story is told. This, again, compliments our theme and will allow the audience an insight into what our film is about. Including tag lines such as "I see you got my sticky notes" was also important and was a key feature used in radio trailers that I have researched previously.

As well as this I suggested using the line "a modern fairytale". This line describes our film and gives the audience more information about the genre of our film. Using this line also compliments the idea that Propp has where a film has key features and characters in it such as a hero and false hero - two character roles that are clearly seen within our short film.

CONSTRUCTION: POSTER

I started out by having a photoshoot as a group. This enabled me to take various pictures at different angles. From here I was able to select a background image. I wanted to merge the photograph with an image of me following a trail. To create this I took another image in which I was crouching holding some post it notes. I then edited this in photoshop removing the background. 

After this I filled the image with a colour. When i placed it on the main background I felt it looked too strong and so I altered the opacity so it wasnt as harsh. I then added some shapes that could look like post it notes and arranged them in various positions. In the first draft I was creating they were yellow so as to make it clearer however I didnt like this as much as it it blended in with the title too much.

In this version I also experimented with heart shapes and with font for coming soon. I also put the title in the centre of the image where the image faded into the white base. I stated to consider that I would prefer to have the image more zoomed in and I wanted to make the opaque image more central so that the photo faded into the post it trail.

 

In the final draft shown above I have moved the title to the top of the poster to make it bold and very obvious. I also managed to get the effect I wanted with the post it trail and the photograph. It made the poster more interesting to look at and it creates some interest with the audience as they may be intrigued by what it happening. 

I have created my own text at the bottom of the poster so that it has features of a real film poster. Here, there is small print explaining roles in the film including producers, directors and actors.  

I decided I wanted to make the date for the film a lot clearer and so in the final draft I have made it bold and also included the month it will be released rather than stating that it will be out in the "summer". I have also included featres that involve and engage an audience such as a website "www.checkoutshortfilm.co.uk" and also symbols to show that the film is on social media sites. 

PLANNING: RADIO TRAILER

Today we spent time planning our radio trailer. Below is the script we have created for our radio trailer:

Narrator: Once upon a time... 

Librarian: (interrupting angrily) Shh quiet in the library 

Narrator: There lived a girl who was young and looking for love

Audio from our film: "Why can't real guys be like the men in my stories?" 

Narrator: When one day love found her.... 

Audio from our film: "I see you got my sticky notes"

Narrator: But not all is as it appears to be 

Audio from our film: "I love romance stories" "Ours is a better love story though, right."

Narrator: The ultimate feel good film,  a modern fairy tale. CHECKOUT. coming July 2015 

We have chosen to use a narrator who will tell the story to the audience. There is then an interruption from a librarian. The theme of the library, books and stories is key within our film and therefore we felt this theme would be useful in our radio trailer. This technique allows the audience insight into what our film is about and works well in portraying the story and information to interest our audience. We felt this was also a differnet way to portray the information and would make our trailer stand out. Using quotes (audio) from our film is a way to interest the audience and hint at the plot of our film. We used key quotes whilst making sure to keep the storyline hidden so that the audience is intrigued. We have also planned out how we will include institutional information such as the date of the film and the name. 

CONSTRUCTION: CREDITS FOR OUR SHORT FILM

As a group we wished to create credits for our film that were visually interesting and eye-catching.
The title of our film appears at the the end as a series of post it notes



We also wanted to create a heart shape out of post it notes in which we could have various credits added to it. At first this was created out of paper however I created a digital version using photoshop which we felt looked more professional.

I did this by using stickies from the mac. I took a screenshot ofthe sticky note which I took into photoshop. On opening the sticky note I had to remove the background from the sticky note. I used the magic wand tool to do this and then refined the edges of the sticky note.


In order to make the shape of a heart I had to make copies of the sticky note and create an outline. I then added more sticky note gradually. I also changed the angles of each sticky note gradually to make it visually interesting and to enhance the shape of the heart.

CONSTRUCTION: FILMING THE FINAL SCENE

Today we filmed the final ending scene for our short film. We used various angles for the scene so that it would be more visually appealing and interesting.

We also experimented with the sticky notes and eventually decided to stick one of the notes onto a book that the 'nice' male drops when he and the female character bump into one another. 

We decided audio was necessary and to make a distinction between the two male personalities we wanted to make sure the nice male sounded less confident. It had to match the shy personality created by the way he is too shy to reveal himself to the female character. 

When filming we decided that it was important to put emphasis on the books as they dropped and the note attached to one of them. The book with the note attached reading "I see you got my sticky notes" was placed in focus on the camera. Whilst this book was emphasised the other books and the audio of both characters apologising to one another could be heard and seen in the background. 

The scene following from this involved a two person mid shot. The female character has seen the note attached to the book and realised who has really been trying to attract her attention. In this scene we wanted the audio to trail off to create tension. The characters exchange glances and smile at one another which creates the romance.

To enhance the clip and make it more romantic we decided to use artificial lighting. The light was soft and warm setting a romantic tone. We felt it was far too dark before and the expression of both characters was a lo clearer. Using the lights was also important in order to keep our filming consistent we we used artificial lighting in previous scenes shot at the library. We also tried to minimise shadows as much as possible by placing the lights in specific positions. It was difficult to avoid this in the image seen above. However we made sure that in close ups of the books, there were as few shadows from the lights as possible.

CONSTRUCTION: CO COMPANY IDENT

Today I worked on creating a co company ident. I worked on the project alone using iStopMotion and I used work that I had made in iStopMotion previously. I then took more shots using the same monkey that was the subject of my ident before until I was happy that I had enough shots of it to work with and that it could flow well.

I used the clips and animations I had created and edited the footage in iMovie creating the ident so that it was an appropriate length and so that it looked succinct effective and visually appealing. I have altered and experimented with fonts, lighting, exposure and colour schemes. 

These images demonstrate the editing process taking place and the way in which the monkey is seen to move around on the screen. The small amount of footage is interesting and eye catching due to the movement created. 

Here I have altered brightness and colours of the clips to experiment with alternative looks to the ident. I have considered other fonts as well and iMovie allows me to experiment with various colours. I can also alter the timing for when the company name is seen. I can also experiment with audio to accompany the clip. 

CONSTRUCTION: RE-FILMING THE DATE SCENE

Today I found a new presentational tool called PowToon that allowed me to make either a video or slideshow with animations. I found you can insert text, sound, videos, images and use effects on slides and images. You can also use graphics and cartoons provided that are animated. I've been bale to produce a slightly different presentation that is visually interesting and appealing.

CONSTRUCTION: RE-FILMING PREPARATION FOR DATE SCENE

We decided it was best to re-film some of our footage on monday due to audio and dialogue issues. I discovered there might be issues with consistency in our shots so we solved this by changing the costume so that the main character would wear a dressing gown. When we uploaded the footage we spent time re-filming on monday we realised it appeared grainy on the screen. There was an issue with the settings on the camera that altered the size and quality of our image. After fixing this we also reflected on the lighting within the shots as it was particularly dark and the dressing gown did not work as well in the shots. It created more darkness and it was less aesthetically interesting or appealing to our audience as the shirt I wore previously. The shirt suited the "girly" and delicate personality of our main character far better than a dark grey dressing gown. We decided it was best to re-film once more to get the perfect footage. We filmed again on thursday making sure to fix the lighting and the camera setting. This provided us with better footage and there was more consistency with clothing than previously. 

Casey Neistat is an American film director and producer. He has a YouTube channel depicting his "Vlogs" and his videos/short films. This week I have decided to take inspiration from his Vlogs which he films using an app called Snapchat. I use this technology a lot so I have decided to use Snapchat stories like Neistat does to document how I got on with my group when constructing. It was an interactive way to work as images or videos captured can be personalised with captions, filters and drawings. For Casey Neistat snap-chat is not a professional thought out piece of work but the chance to view videos or "stories" in life as they happen. I thought this was an interesting concept and another way to show how we have constructed our short film. 

This "Snap" shows the way in which the mise-en-scene helps to create a relaxing and romantic atmosphere. The lighting is soft and it creates a delicate mood representing the way the girl is delicate and is in a relaxing environment as she gets ready for her date. 

This Snap demonstrates how we used height with out tripod when filming. Experimenting with the camera angle helped us to get a good view of the set. The mise-en-scene again can be seen to help with the shot as it includes props such as makeup which would show the personality of the character.  

EDITING: LIBRARY SCENE

PLANNING: RISK ASSESMENT

Today I have considered what risks are involved when we are filming scenes for our short film. There are various risks we have to consider and prepare for so that people are safe when we film. The following are risks I have identified and that we need to be cautious about:

1. Burning skin due to the hot arteficial lights 
2. Tripping over wires from the arteficial lights 
3. Broken glass - we used glass items such as wine glasses and had to be aware that caution must be taken as broken glass is a hazard
4. Allergies  - we must check if people are allergic to anything before we film at a students house
5. Heavy equipment could injure people if it falls or isn't carried properly
6. Electric shocks from water being around electrical 
7. Driving to the locations must be done with care 
8. Electrical equipment around water

CONSTRUCTION: FEEDBACK

PLANNING: THEORIES OF NARRATIVE

CONSTRUCTION: RE-FILMING GIRL'S BEDROOM SCENE

When filming the scene in the girl's bedroom we wanted to use a variety of camera angles to show experimentation and make the footage interesting for viewers.

To begin the scene, we started with a close up shot and used a camera pan to represent and construct the setting; the camera showed a variety of makeup and the reflection of the female character in the mirror. As the main character in the scene. I had to move my hand across the makeup to show my thought process about getting ready for a date.

The camera techniques used in the first scene included a close up and an over the shoulder shot which showed my reflection in the mirror whilst applying makeup. This also helped to involve the audience on a personal level and made for a more interesting shot.

We used a crane shot was then used to show me reading a book. This set the scene and enabled the audience to get a feel for my character's emotions as I appear relaxed. I had to speak on the phone to a friend in this scene as this will allow the audience to follow the story line. By speaking to my friend the audience is then able to have an insight into my thoughts and emotions about the male character.

The camera techniques used in the following scene included a mid shot where my upper body can be seen up to my shoulders. In this shot my hair is the center of focus as it is long and I am seen to flick it and mess with it whilst in my outfit for the date. The audience is able to follow what has happened as when on the phone I am heard saying i have to "get ready". An over the shoulder shot which showed my reflection in the mirror whilst brushing down my dress and making sure I am ready to leave. This also helped to involve the audience on a personal level and made for a more interesting shot.

CONSTRUCTION: FILMING LIBRARY SCENE

I have used the presentational tool Visme here to show the process of the filming within the library.

PLANNING: CALL SHEETS

Below are screen shots of call sheets I have created. We had to use call sheets in our group as a basis for planning our shoots and it worked well as it helped us to keep organised. By using call sheets we've been able to plan out props and shoot dates as well as making sure that people knew what they needed to bring or where they should be. 

RESEARCH: ANALYSING RADIO ADVERTS - DOCTOR WHO

Having looked at and analysed example of radio adverts from the 1970s, I'e decided to also analyse more modern day radio adverts. I wish to be able to find out the key information that should be displayed in these types of adverts and what has changed  between older and more modern radio adverts so that I can include information that is necessary and effective.

In the radio advert for doctor who it has followed a very similar pattern to those of the 1970s. It used voice overs, sound effects and music to advertise the genre of the film. The beginning consisted of the use of a recognisable sound effect which represented the "Tardis". This immediately helped the audience to associated the sound with doctor who and can help to grab people's attention. The voice over used was from one of the main characters who narrates the advert offering he insight into her own character and the relationship between herself and the doctor. She does not however explain the storyline in detail in the way that some of the 1970s adverts did.  "The doctor" is repeated and mentioned as well as the name of the female characters narrating "I'm clara Oswald" however the official title of the television drama isn't introduced until later in the advert where a different narrator is used. This change in voice has enabled the first narrator to stay in character and create drama and excitement however the second voice displays clear information about the programme  such as: "on BBC 1" and "Saturday at 7. 

Genre is established through music which creates dramatic tense feel as well as the speech and the sci-fi sound effects used. As well as this, the theme tune for the television series accompanies the second narrator and there are bites of audio from the television series being included within the advert to add depth to the story. The audio creates excitement and tension as shouts can be heard. 

RESEARCH: ANALYSING RADIO ADVERTS - SUPERMAN

I have listened to the radio advert for the film Superman (1978). I have been able to identify common features found in radio adverts.

The narrator used helps to grab the attention of the audience. A relationship is built with the audience through synthetic personalisation. The narrator states "nothing you have ever seen heard or imagined could ever  prepare you for this reality", the use of the personal pronoun "you" helps to build this personal relationship with the audience. There is a strong and over dramatic description of the film such as "brought to you by the awesome technology of modern film and "the man and the story are as real as you are". Not only does this grab the attention of the audience but it helps to establish the tone and key genre of the film as it appears dramatic and action packed. The music assists in creating this sense of action and adventure as it is dramatic and in places and is a type of music that is very stereotypically used with action or hero movies. Super is now the movie - here there is an assumption that superman is known by the audience suggesting that the audience is viewed as being very broad.

As well as this, the advert features a tag line "you'll believe a man can fly" which allows consumers to make a connection between the poster and the film tying together all promotional aspects of the film. The title of the film "Superman" is repeated at various points in the advert to reinforce this to the audience. There is also, again following the pattern of radio adverts, information on when and where to see the film, "now at selected west end and suburban cinemas", and the rating "certificate A".

RESEARCH: ANALYSING RADIO TRAILERS - APOCALYPSE NOW

I have also looked at the radio trailer for the film "Apocalypse Now". The speech at the beginning is not accompanied by music. The music is eased in gradually as it is loud and bold. It is introduced after the first part of dialogue where the film title is stated. This emphasises the release of the film and the name of the film. The music used is key to demonstrating the genre of the film as the bold audio has an adventurous or thrilling tone to it. The dialogue at the begging of the radio advert appears to be audio from the film which helps to portray the film in an appealing way for an audience and to demonstrate the themes of the film. The mention of key actors names draws in audience and may also signal what genre the video is likely to be. 

The voice over at the end of the radio advert features key information such as the classification of the film, "certificate X", and where the film can be seen and when such as the dialogue "all over London from Sunday". There is also a voice over used at the end which works as a conclusion to the advert. It features a line that may be considered a tag line: experience apocalypse now and you will never need to go to war. There is also use of audio which gives insight agin into the genre of the film and is likely to have been taken from the film itself: "the horror" These words are repeated at the end and fade out to create drama and emphasis about the horror and thriller styled genre.