For this project our group decided to choose the genre Thriller/Drama. We chose this because most of us were very familiar with the genre as we've already seen films such as: "Brick", "Run Lola Run" and "Get Carter" in class. By now our group had a good understanding of the genre and the general conventions that apply to Thriller/Drama films. With the chosen genre in mind our group wanted to do something realistic and engaging to the audience. We came up the idea to film something related drugs and gangs in relation to teenagers, which they are seen more realistically associated with and inflenced by in modern day films.
During the planning stage our group didn't find much problems in choosing props, location, pre-production and story boarding for the genre. This was because we wanted the film to look realistic and in films such as "kidulthood" gave us ideas on costumes. The cast's clothing in "Kidulthood" was mainly Hoodies and Jeans which is effective because it is made more realistic for the target audience which is teenagers. We also wanted to add the technique of shaky cam which gives the film sequence an ad-hoc feel. It suggests unrehearsed filming of reality in a situation where stable image techniques cannot be applied.
We tried to plan it out as carefully as we can beforehand, in order that we wouldn't have to make too many adjustments. Unfortunately some things weren't working out as expected so some very minor things had to be altered slightly, for example the drug dropping. It was originally going to be several separate bags and one of them would be left behind. But due to short notice, not all the props were available together. Instead of that, we used one smaller prop. However, except for that, it was planned out well, so that we didn't have to change many things.
My role in the group was the cinematographer. During the process of making a shot list, I wanted to use a lot of close ups during scenes with dialogue to show the actors expressions and emotions, which can create suspense and tension. Both of these are very important in genres like Drama and Thrillers. I also wanted to use the shot pan-ou For example the low angle close up of Vincent showed his facial expressions thus helping the audience to understand his emotions. We used a lot of low angle shots in the scenes with the killers because we wanted them to seem more superior. During the actual filming we didn't use all the shots originally planned, because one of the reasons were that we felt the shaky cam technique would be more appropriate for creating realism in some of the scenes rather then just close ups or low angle shots. We were also careful not to over use the shaky cam technique because it can distract the audience.
But the main drawbacks we had, was our group being unorganized and members of our group were unable to attend during the filming day we meant we had to cast another actor. Also our group wasn't well prepared which resulted in us having less time to shot a variety of different shots. We then came across the problem of the camera having low battery because it was left on while traveling to our shooting location. Therefore we didn't shot all the shots we would of liked, thus giving us less footage to use in the editing stage. We then also encoutered an problem, during the second half of filming it started to snow which ment we had to tolerate the circumstances as it was the last day of filming.
Overall I think our film could have been better in many ways. Our group had many concerns for being unorganized and inattentive with commitment. The pre-production stage early had gone well but post-production could have been much better had if all our members turned up for filming and lessons to finish editing. But I was still pleased with the overall outcome in relation to the varity of shots we had and a positive feedback. In the feedback, some of the things that were acknowledged we weren't so sure about, such as the camerwork, on which we received good comments. Also we were complimented on how the mise-en-scene worked well with the shots. I was very pleased with my cinematography skills used in the overall project.
We received feedback from the class noting what was good, bad and what could have been improved.
The Good: Relevant use of Black and White filter for flashbacks Slow Motion to add for dangerous approach Nice Artificial Gunshot SFX Lucid, clear dialogue Effective costumes Guns considered tangible and perceptive
The Bad: Lack of soundtrack No tension due to no music Slightly confusing shots at some points Unclear why the main characters were innocent
Improvement: Better story flow (so its easier to comprehend) Pace could be a touch quicker Some music would make it look interesting
We have uploaded the footage and split the scenes up into chronological order, and started editing. Vince will be testing out different soundtracks for the footage we filmed, due to our main editor Josh being unwell we'll have to edit what we can until he is well again. We have also decided that we're going to consider using our footage from the rough cut due to the lack of footage. This was due to some technical difficulties involving the camera running out battery and the weather conditions making it unsuitable to film. For the sound effects such as the gun shots, Vince will bring effects recorded from his computer so we can include to our death scene.
As for the footage itself, we've used a variety of effect filters to enhance the visuals. Examples of this that we used for the majority were Gaussian blur and de-saturation. The de saturation came in handy for changing our clip from color to black & white, especially during flashbacks. Gaussian blur was useful for distorting the view to the audience in order to build up tension and mysterious.
Other effective filters included Bloom and Dazzle. These two were useful for darkening and lighting certain parts of canvas allowing the film to seem patchy. This is also made several parts of the character's body seem insignificant. One example is the close up shot of the drug trade where the part of the drug shaved in dark while the hands are lightened with white to show color contrast. This color contrast is used specifically to make the drug falling seem less obvious while the viewers will focus upon who the protagonist was trading with. The speed of this clip was slowed so it could change the paste of the transition from the present time to the flashback. This slow motion effect helps to ensure that the viewer gets to see what exactly happens before the protagonist is shot.
The best filter that worked out for us was the earthquake. This effect allowed us to make the camera work look shaky during the hand held view of the gun shot. It aided in creating that disorientating experience.
Due to transport issues with a few our members, we couldn't film the exact footage for the drug trade and the death scene on Saturday. Instead, we decided to just film a few establishment and POV shots because these didn't require anyone to be in the scene.
The shooting was re-scheduled for Sunday afternoon at 4pm as this time was appropriate for everyone to come. As for the cast, we've decided to ask for a few friends who are currently free to fill in the missing spots as Josh couldn't make it due to there being no transport on Sundays.
We've prepared a list of Props and Costumes that will be needed:
- Handful of drugs (Squashed tinfoil) - Trench/Leather coat or Urban looking jackets (for actors) - Hoodie (To conceal the faces for actors) - Air soft guns (for actors)
Because there's going to be minimum dialogue in the scene, we've thought that it may be best just to improvise and keep it rather subtle. This is because the focus of our scene will be based from the shaky cam as this will be used to invoke tension and suspense through out the whole footage.
Today we edited the rough cut together by using Final Cut. The product turned out very well as our editor was able to find the desired effects. We first filmed the drug trade scene as this required the tripod which would require more technical camera shots. Also we took into consideration the continuity error that would occur with the camera equipment suddenly appearing. Despite it being a quick rough cut. we decided to re-shoot a couple of specific shots such as the gap with the drug falling down to the floor. Our desire effect was to emphasize the importance of this incident and help foreshadow the following scenes to come.
For the digital grading, we used color tint, Gaussian blur, gloom blur. We wanted the flash back's scene to look dark and mysterious. This would grab the viewers attention so that the trader would be unknown to the audience's presence. The moment the drug fell we used a cross dissolve and a slow motion effect to make us feel that sense of despair for the protagonist.
Our next task was to make a soundtrack. To do this we first exported our raw copy of the rough cut footage and then imported it onto Garage band. As stated previously, the sound engineer had found a variety of FX that could be useful for the flash back scene. The one we incorporated was the sc-fi texture as it had that extremely slow drone pitch that we wanted.
As for the main soundtrack. We used Synthetic Design, Fusion and Electric Piano. The combination of these tunes helped give this scene the overall sense of tension and suspense. We decided to keep the the soundtrack going on while the scene finished off screen as this would leave questions for viewers to ask.
After having a discussion on how to fix our shooting schedule. Our teacher decided to let us miss the rough cut deadline and get everything fully complete for the final deadline next thursday on 5th of February.
In the meantime, we decided to try and film a rough cut version of our film scene just as a primary draft for the first deadline. This was so that it can compensate for our final product incase things were to go wrong again. This would also give us the opportunity to receive feedback when it came to the editing stage for the final product which we would film during this weekend.
Upon the final shooting we decided that it would be best to film somewhere that isn't so abandoned and private as this would be difficult to find. In the end we believed that it would be best so shoot somewhere local around in Cambridge as there is plenty of urban/industrial terrain for us shoot as thriller is part of our genre.
Stage/Script Direction
- Drug trade proceeds, with both characters walking from opposite ends - A handshake will finish the scene off (as the audience we're not aware of the gap that drops) - Scene cuts to the messenger awating the protagonist from the drug trade, he sits next to him - Messenger demands what happened in the in the event"What happened" "So how did it go?" etc - Protagonist replies timidly "Everything went alright", "Nothing ugly", "Just went according to plan" - Scene switches to the traders loading their guns to take them down - Scene switches back to conversation with the messenger starting to get serious "What do you mean it was alright?!", "What exactly happened?" - Flashback occurs with the protagonist and trader shaking hands (incident is yet to be revealed) - Scene shows the two perpetrators (one at the trade) who prepare their arms to assasinate them - Messenger gets up looking fed up and standing blankly in the open - Scene switches back to the perspective of traders following the path to kill the them. - Shot cuts to the area where the messenger/protagonist stand with the perpetrators firing the guns, killing the messenger - Protagonist drifts back looking bewildered before he get's shot - Scene cuts to a flashback where the gap is revealed during the trade - Cuts back to present time with both protagonist and messenger laying lifeless on the floor.
As stated previously, one of the effects for our soundtrack was to use drones to bring that thriller like feel.
So far I have been experimenting with Garage band to find any suitable FX or beats that may fit to our thriller category. One FX that stood out was the Sci-Fi texture which despite not matching our genre description, it still had that edgy subtle tone for a thriller. Another good example was the pulse sweeping effect which I think would be good for rising tension as our scene will involve alot of hostility between the characters. The star drive rumble is also another possibility as it is has the low pitch and suspense tone that suits the genre.
Our scene will consist of two events happening, the past (flashback) and the present time. I've decided that both events should consist of their own soundtrack as this will make the situation look easier to comprehend. The music from the flashback will sound less endangered and enigmatic while the present time will be the exact opposite to cause huge attention where the flashback fits the puzzle and sets the finale.
Because our scene will include interludes of cuts (flashbacks). I think that it will be best to include a Sound FX for while the scene cuts inbetween present and past. A nice example I found was the shuttle landing effect which despite not matching our genre, it still manages to bring that brief moment for an interlude.
I (Vincent) had collected the camera on Friday after college. But due to unfortunate events, we didn't manage to meet up during the weekend because we were unable to contact each other and find a suitable time for our shooting. This was due to scheduling conflicts between each member having to be busy with other business and thus we couldn't bring ourselves together to film.
For now, we'll have to resolve this problem by either starting a simple new project by making istopmotion/animation or by pleading to the film department by booking the camera for another set period and complete it by Thursday.
In the meantime, the main task for us is to write our script and focus on composing a soundtrack. Part of our script is on our storyboard, so we will be requiring that so it can facilitate the scripts production for when we finally shoot when we get the chance.
Our first idea's for the soundtrack was to include some low pitched drones to get that dark thriller feel. We also have the original soundtrack for our mood board so we can use its selection of sound to create a more suitable soundtrack for our film.
Another key component is the costume our characters are going to wear. The genre for our film is Drama/Thriller so we ideally want the characters to look trendy but scruffy at the same time.
We've searched up so pictures for some inspiration from a few example movies such as "Adulthood" and "Pineapple Express".
We've booked camera for the weekend however we still need to find suitable location for shooting. The ideal place we wanted was abandoned area with a warehouse or an abandoned house. This was so that we could shoot the film promptly without any distractions.
We've searched on google maps just to find available locations overhead, we decided to also take screen shots just to bear these locations in mind. As well as that, we captioned each picture with a brief description of its location so that we'll remember where to go when it comes to the final decision.
Location: Near Grantchester, Near M11, Parallel to Hauxton Road
Location: Around Grantchester, Road is perpendicular to Hauxton Road
In the opening of 'Run Lola Run' the guy has lost the drugs, he is on the phone and he is worried which is the sort of the kind of opening we are gonna have. With the nervous guy and the person (his mate) trying to figure out whats gone on.
The use of music is really good in the opening to this film, so we will take this into consideration and try and use the same technique to create the tension that 'Run Lola Run' seems to do so seamlessly.
The Rough cut deadline is 'Thursday 29th of January'
The FINAL Cut deadline is the following Thursday; The 5th of February
The earliest time we'll be able to start filming will be on Thursday the 22nd. So the ideal time to start booking for camera's should be a few days in advance before the actual inception. The best time in this case would be to book the camera's for the weekend as our group and the actors will have more free time to work on the project with us.
We've confirmed that we're going to book the camera for the weekend from 24th to 25th of January (i.e sat and sun) just to give the time to prepare and have a back up day just in case anything goes wrong.
Location scouting - The ideal place for our scene should be somewhere private where there's not much of public in sight. We want the first scene of the character dealing drugs in a private zone so we can make this film a hybrid genre between drama and thriller. One of the obvious choices for our setting would be the college site however we believe that it would be better to film off site in order to achieve that urban and private terrain notion. For now, we'll keep the locations bared in mind as we need to plan our storyboard as well as find available actors to help out.
Mood Board - The first task to pre-production was for us to gather images and create a mood board (short sequence). The purpose for this was to help us visualize our filming by giving us idea's on where to find the suitable locations. During the editing process, we decided to include different camera angle effects by using Final Cut. This would help us when planning our storyboard. As well as that, we needed to create a draft soundtrack to help set the mood for the sequence and hopefully come up with new ideas for the later soundtrack. The sources of our chosen pictures were located from flickr.com, Google and photobucket.
Soundtrack - Along with the mood board, as sound engineer (Vincent), I needed to make a suitable soundtrack to match our mood board. Initial ideas for the soundtrack were to include dark slow pitch tunes and some soothing pulses. This would be ideal for our film's genre as we want to invoke a sense of endangerment to our scene. Obviously this wouldn't be the soundtrack for our final footage as the pace of soundtrack may sound inappropriate for the scene.
Storyboard - We decided to make a storyboard in preparation for the filming. The latter task would be to create a shot list to give us an accurate schedule of what shots to shoot so that we can edit it in chronological order. Overall, the storyboard will be conveying the last the scene of our film where the protagonist ends up getting killed. There will also be a parallel event occurring that will help tie up the loose ends for a sudden dilemma.
Basically, the plot will revolve around this one guy who is supposed to carry on some drugs as part of a big trade. He drops some but is blamed for stealing it which results in his death.
The first scene/shot is his mate saying "what happened" because all of the guys are after him. It then shows a flashback of him having the stuff, he then hands it over and there is a gap. He smirks as he walks away, so we assume that he has stolen it.
Then it's back to him and his mate and the dealer burst in with his boys and beats up both of them and kills the main guy.
Next, it fades to black where there is a voice over. It shows the original flash back again but it turns out that he never stole anything. It's revealed that a partial amount of the drugs just fell out before the trade. He still smirks but only because he is happy that he has done his part and he is gonna get paid. This bit will have some banging donk on it so it's all good, fade to credits.
Sound - I'll be responsible for creating the soundtrack for our chosen scene. I'll need to work closely to the directors/editor in order to for them to visualize how the music will turn out for our chose scene. To do this, I'll be using Garage band to compose our own soundtrack. Sound effects may also be compulsory.
Editing - Basically, i am gonna be fitting the story together. Like i will split up the clips and organize the continuity. I will work with the sound lad to get it all up to scratch and that. Also i will try and correct and compromise the footage till it is at an acceptable standard. Also i have properly mastered the likes of 'Final Cut' so that's all good ;)
Camerawork - I will be in charge of all the camerawork. My aim is to take a variety of different shots therefore we have more option to choose from in the editing stage. Its important for me to work closely with the director and editor so we don't just take random shot but instead shots that we think will be necessary for the type of film we're making.
Director - As our entire group have chosen to be directors. This will mean that each of our individual ideas and decisions will need to be confirmed so all of us are aware of what our target is. Other than that, our primary concern will be to find some actors who are willing to make this scene and give as much direction and support possible.
