Post 10 - Cinematography creating a storyboard from The Gold Rush

For this task we were given a scene from the silent film The Gold Rush that we were to recreate. This was the final cut:

I think that overall the task and final cut went well. We did have to redo a few of the scenes due to problems with the camera. In some scenes there is still evidence of some characters being cut off from the camera, although the viewer may still be able to work out the plot from the footage we have.

Post 9 - Indiana Jones Mise en Scene

Characters are towards the left of the screen.

The sources of light are the characters torches, these are shining downwards.

The light is focused on the characters, the background is mainly dark.

Set in a cave which indicates they are somewhere dangerous. Also indicates that there is danger as they are looking downwards.

Post 8 - Mise en Scene making an original still image task

Post 7 - Evaluation

Our group consisted of  Thomas O'Neill (Myself) Ben Wilkinson Bethany Ethridge, Sam Carnie and , Raygen Saunders-Johnson. The members of this group worked very well as a team, getting all of the job roles allocated easily so that more time can be spent on filming, editing and evaluating. Raygen was the producer, Ben was the co-producer, Bethany was the director, Sam Carnie and myself were the editors. Admittedly, the group did not manage time efficiently and effectively - but that is something that can be improved over time as we practise and elaborate the skills further. The overall teamwork aspect of the project was very well handled and the productivity showed this. Despite this, the project outcome was not the best we could have performed. This is because the final cut was our first attempt at the editing process. Because of this, the group plans to watch many videos and tutorials on Youtube.com to assist the editing process next time. However, the group met the deadlines efficiently and effectively despite the minor drawbacks that hindered the group. As well as this, communication between the group could have been improved, but we did not have experience in this field so this was bound to happen - this is something to improve on for the next project. As for the characters being reliable, the group then realised how difficult it was to work around different factors (e.g. timetables, illnesses etc.) Any hindrance will be evaluated before the next project and will be considered so that this does not happen again - or on the large scale as this project.

Post 6 - Final cut

Post 5 - Editing process

Post.4 - Production Company Logo

Initial Logo Ideas

As a collective, the team all decided to draw a logo each on a piece of paper. The logos were so contrasting that the collective could not decide on a specific logo that had been suggested by one of the members. In that case, it was taken upon the editor to combine all of the ideas into 3 different logos that could then be analysed and evaluated. The 3 different logos that have been shortlisted have been explained and critically analysed in order to form a justified result.

Logo 1:

One positive aspect of this logo was that it was easy to create and anything that was difficult to do, could be resolved by online help guides – all of the images/text could be inserted and edited simply. This is a positive aspect because it was not rushed and not a lot of time was spent creating it. This meant that more time could be focussed on filming/editing etc. Also, the logo also includes all of the relevant information needed in a logo. This is useful to other companies because they are not mislead by any information that has been given by the logo. It is also appropriate for the target audience (film lovers) as they will not get mixed messages about what the company does – also it does not specify a certain film genre so the company is not focussing on one specific genre. This is a positive aspect because the company does not have to worry about straying out of the subjective genre that was identified in the logo. Another positive aspect of this logo is that it gives off the impression, by featuring the image of the earth, that it produces successful films that go worldwide. This is a positive aspect of the logo as it will attract high-rated actors/actresses to star in the productions. From this, the company will then significantly increase the profits and the company then gains a higher budget for the next production.  

Although, one consequence of this logo was that it is simplistic – meaning that the Photoshop skills were not challenged and pushed to the full potential. However, this can be resolved in the future by creating a more complex image and using help guides for assistance if necessary. Another consequence of this logo was that the conversion from still image to movement will not be easy. This is because the orange film overlapping feature has been created using two separate images combined. Despite this, it can be resolved by watching help guides and using peer advice if necessary. Additionally, another consequence of this logo is that it took such little time. This means that the logo is at risk of not looking professional. Because of this, the logo may not reach its full potential and will certainly risk the company investments from large scale businesses and agencies. However, this can be overcame by making any necessary improvements after the film-making and editing process has been conducted – so that no more time is spent on adjustments than is absolutely necessary. Also, the name connotes that films are produce and this limits what the company produces. This can be amended by altering the name.


Logo 2:
One positive aspect of this logo is that the subject audience (large scale film makers and TV audiences) would not be misled in any way in dispute about what the company does. This is a positive aspect because the audience would not be “put off” by any irrelevant information. This would improve the succession of the company – by boosting profits and income as the logo is included in more productions and broadcasted more. Another positive point of the logo is that the logo did not take long to produce. This is because the logo specification was kept simple. This was done purposely because the logo can always be manipulated after the bulk of the work is out of the way. This then allows more time to be focussed on the task – so that it is completed to the highest standard possible. After this, the editing team can re-evaluate the logo and make any necessary amendments. Additionally, another positive aspect of this logo is that it is a clear representation of what the company does. For example, the film strip boarder connotes that the company is film production orientated. This is a very positive aspect of the logo because the investor needs to acknowledge beforehand what the company is based around. 

Despite this, the consequences of this logo is that the colour scheme is very basic. This is a largely impacting consequence because the company is then giving off the impression of being very creatively limited. As a result of this, the large scale businesses would be deterred from the company – when looking for new roles for their most successful actors to feature. Another high consequence of this logo is that the film strip boarder has connotations of being strictly focussed on film. This is a very high consequence to make because the investor could be mislead by this – thinking that the company only concentrates on filming the actors (no marketing etc.) However, this can be resolved by changing the name to an alternative that does not eliminate the possibilities of the company.  In similarity, another consequence (that is quite pressing) is that the logo does not show off the editing skills of the team members. This would then deter the large scale businesses from investment because the company logo gives of an amateur 'vibe.' However, this can be resolved by using help guides and other online guides to assist the editors with the imagery and media.

Logo 3:

One positive aspect of this logo is that it was not difficult to figure out how to animate it. This then meant that more time was spent animating the logo as opposed to trying to agree on how the image was to be animated. This is a positive aspect because it then meant that the group was not at a dispute of how the logo was to be animated. This improved teamwork skills and significantly improved time management. Because of this, the work is then able to be distributed evenly and the members are able to select tasks that suit their strengths. Even if a task is already taken up, that team member is then able to improve their ability of a certain task, or even assist the other team members if there is no tasks left. Another positive to this logo is that it was not time consuming to create. This positive then meant that more time could be spent analysing the logos and evaluating the positives and negatives. This time constraint then meant that the project was then pushed to get done on time – along with the overall project. Additionally, another positive attribution of this logo is that the images that were used all correlate to the subject audience – being large scale production businesses and the TV audience. This is a positive aspect as the audience/business will not get “thrown-off” with the logo as it connotes the purpose of the company in the images used. In addition to the last point made, the logo does not strictly outline the genres of film that the company will produce. This allows the company to boost income and publicity as they can experiment with the genres that they use. Also, high scale agencies will be attracted to the company as they are more “risky” and experimental with their film casting.

Although, the main consequences of this logo is that the colour scheme is very basic. This is a consequence because the team-members in control of the editing cannot be as creative with the animation as the colour scheme is very dull. However, this can be resolved by recreating the logo with more creative colours. Another consequence of this logo is that the large scale film companies will be put off investing and working with the company because the logo sets the impression that they lack creativity. This is a largely impacting consequence as the film makers cannot become successful and “well known” if no headlining stars are featured in the production. Additionally, another consequence of this logo is that the logo was not a feature of the project that had a lot of time spent on it. This is a large consequence because it always carries the risk of being rushed or incomplete. If this was the case, large scale film producers would not likely invest in the production as the logo gives off an amateur approach to film making. This would mean that the company would not become as successful as possible, as the production would not contain any “headlining stars.” Also, the name connotes that films are produce and this limits what the company produces. This can be amended by altering the name.

Chosen Logo

Logo 1 has been selected because it was easy to create and anything that was difficult to do, could be resolved by online help guides – all of the images/text could be inserted and edited simply. This is a positive aspect because it was not rushed and not a lot of time was spent creating it. This meant that more time can then be focussed on filming/editing etc. Also, the logo also includes all of the relevant information needed in a logo. This is then useful to other companies because they are not mislead by any information that has been given by the logo. It is also appropriate for the target audience (film lovers) as they will not get mixed messages about what the company does – also it does not specify a certain film genre so the company is not focussing on one specific genre. This is a positive aspect because the company does not have to worry about straying out of the subjective genre that was identified in the logo. Another reason this logo was chosen is because it gives off the impression, by featuring the image of the earth, that it produces successful films that go worldwide. This is a positive aspect of the logo as it will attract high-rated actors/actresses to star in the productions. From this, the company will then significantly increase the profits and the company then gains a higher budget for the next production. In conclusion, for the reasons summarised above, this is why the logo specificed was chosen to represent our company. 

Post 3 - Opening task planning continued

Justification

Characters:

Katie

Caitlin

Katie Billham and Caitlin Richards have been chosen to represent the two characters in the story because they have free periods when the group requires the two characters to film the project. They were also selected because the strong female characters represent that a role of a man does not require a man to cast - vice versa for a female. The two characters were also post GCSE drama students and free when the filming process takes place.

A large selection of background characters have also been included in this production. This is in the best interest of the audience so that the scene looks authentic and realistic. This would also set an appropriate atmosphere on the scene as the typical library is quiet, controlled and calm.

Settings:

Library

Library (Angle A

Library (Angle B)

The library was chosen as a setting because it was an ideal filming setting. This is because it has a large amount of space, convenient to film during the day and it is easily accessible. As well as this, all of the filming can be conducted in this room - as it has a table, umbrellas and most importantly, salt. This is the only place that our group will be using to film our project. Although, this limits the amount of risks that our group can take (e.g. the fourth wall) so it will be noted that producer will need to experiment with scenery more in the next project that is set. This will then test the flexibility of all roles in the film.

However, the lower school use this space during break and lunchtimes - so this was a hindrance to the filming process. But this can be easily resolved by writing up the other posts during this time.

Post 2 - Opening task planning

"Are superstitions real?"

Left to right: Ben Tom, Raygen, Bethany.

Roles within the group:

• Tom - Background Character/Co-Editor
• Ben - Producer/Camera Man
• Raygen - Editor
• Bethany - Director

Reasons for Plot Choice and Brief Plot/Narrative:

• The audience can relate
• No derogatory or degrading terms are at risk of being used - family friendly
• Can be set anywhere - within reason. This makes the filming process easier and more manageable.
• There are a large range of superstitions. 
• Because of the prompt - the group is not limited to one specific subject/setting/scenario.
• The large range of opportunity does not limit creativity. 
• The prompt sets a boundary - but does not limit creativity
• Caitlin is superstitious and wants to spread awareness. So in order to do this, Caitlin sits Katie down and tries to convince Caitlin that superstitions are real. Katie denies the whole theory. After this, bad things start happening to Katie as a result of her bigotry. "I told you so!"

Post 1 - Opening task introduced

What prompt was given?
The question that our group was given was, "Are superstitions real?" The initial thought was the difficulty of contrasting from one superstition to another - smooth and effectively. However, with much planning and thought, it can be put together so that it runs smoothly and develops slowly but also maintains a constant pace.

Top 2?

The top two questions were "What is it actually like to be transgender?" and "Are superstitions real?" The group came to this top two - as a result of the combination of two groups first choice. The group then mutually agreed that the question involving superstitions would be more ideal - as then the LGBT+ focussed motive can then be reserved for coursework. This is so that more time can be focussed on filming as opposed to finding actors and actresses that are comfortable to play an ally or a member of the community - as well as the bully.

What purpose does the film have?

The film's purpose is for entertainment. This is because the film does not provide any scientific evidence towards whether the superstitions do exist or not. The film is also aiming to promote thoughtful thinking - in such a way that the audience begins to question whether they do exist. This could then possibly extend to whether larger scale questions have a definite answer - or are up for debate. However, the film is not disputing whether superstitions are false/true as no scientific evidence has been conducted on the matter in hand. 


Plot Ideas? 

The initial ideas for the plot is that two people are sat facing each other - talking about superstitions. Then one character declares the whole theorem to be nonsense. Then from there, the character that denied the theology starts getting bad things happen to them as they start doing things that they remembered the other character told them would cause bad things to happen to them if they did it.

Setting Ideas?

The initial ideas for setting is that it ranges from a seated room, to a forest, then to a building with a tall ladder and then to the average high street pavement. This is to create a sense of awareness as the viewer then begins to realise how often they experience the different situations and atmospheric setups. The initial ideas for character is to have a male and a female to portray that the superstition is possible to happen to either or both genders as bad things start happening to both character roles - and the character that is initially explaining the theory has an anecdote for the situation to persuade the other character that the theory exists. 


Character Ideas?
The initial idea for casting is to have Caitlin Richards as the main character and Katie Billham play the character that does not believe in superstitions. They have been chosen to represent the two characters in the story because they have free periods when the group requires the two characters to film the project.

They were also selected because the strong female characters represent that a role of a man does not require a man to cast - vice versa for a female. The two characters were also post GCSE drama students and do not require the company to invest in training for acting during the filming. This would all greatly contribute towards the filming process. 

Welcome

welcome