Second Filming Day!

We had rescheduled to one day to get all of the shots with Sydney on Sunday, because she wasn’t available on Monday. It was raining on and off all day, and we shot during the breaks. We made sure to have an umbrella over the camera just in case. We even shot some takes with the actors having umbrellas, but we probably won’t use those. There was cloud coverage the whole time, so if we want to keep continuity, the takes in the neighborhood will have to be reshot. Sydney’s dog, Lily, did a great job behaving while filming. We tried to use the second floor of Sydney’s house to get an establishing shot, but it was either raining, too many trees in the way, or in the wrong direction.

Once there was a pretty stable break, we did our best to get all of the shots that Sydney is in. When we finished filming the street shots, we took a quick break. We packed water, the reflector, and an umbrella to take with us to the second location: the park/forest. We picked Sydney up from her house(she was dropping off her dog) and headed to the park. My mom drove us there. Once we got there we took a short walk to our previously determined location and started getting a feel for it. We took some practice shots to see what worked and what didn’t. Once we got what we had planned for, we decided to improvise some takes. We have multiple options for our last few shots, and when we edit the best one will be chosen. It might even stray into the horror genre more than what we had originally planned.

I mostly directed what I wanted Madelene to do as the camera operator and Josh as the reflector holder. I also acted in all of the shots taken, and led Sydney on what we would be acting like. Here is a picture from the corner that I took of Madelene, Sydney and her dog Lily:

Day 1 of Filming, Raincheck

Our first day of filming was canceled due to the rain. There wasn’t enough of a break to be able to take our equipment out and film without worry. We immediately made new plans to accommodate this change in schedule. We moved the hours we planned to film to Monday instead of Saturday. Unfortunately, one of our main actors, a neighbor of mine, had conflicting plans that day. We decided we would take all we could on Sunday to make up for this, focusing on the shots she is in. To prepare for the next day, Madelene came over to my house so she could get used to the camera. I taught her some of the settings and how to focus and the like. She would be the main camera-operator. 

When the rain lightened up a little, we ventured out down the street with umbrellas. Of course, we didn’t take the camera with us in case it got wet, but we did take our phones so we could have camera reference. This street is the one that most of our film would take place. We did this so we could understand what angles and the like we both would want. As reality is different than the meager drawings on the storyboard, we quickly aligned our visions for what we would film, where, and how. I, as the director, told her what I envisioned, and she added her own details. Once we returned, we went over more details on the procedure of what we would film.

Once we finished that, I went and chose the costume that I would wear for the filming. I made sure to go over the other costume with the other actor via texting. That was all that we could do that day. Here is a picture of the rain outside, though the camera had a hard time capturing the rain:

Our Story Board!

This is our story board for our project. Each box is 3 seconds long, with 24 total boxes. At first we were going to have 6 seconds per box, but we decided to change it to capture more detail. The titles are in order, according to what we researched previously in title research. When doing the storyboard, we made a checklist of shots to use, as we progressed through we checked them off. In our storyboard, we have three characters, and 2 are featured: Jane and Rose. The two of them are set apart by their hair styles so we can know who is who when filming. The storyboard also describes where they are in relation to the streets we are filming on, so it is very clear. Additionally, camera angles, sound and acting cues are written into the note section for each box, to reference easily. The process of creating the storyboard was simple after doing it three times before this. We already had the scenes planned, so all we had to do was split them into 3 second intervals. First, Jane is shown to be jogging along, starting up her music. Then, passing a corner, she waves at her neighbours: Rose and her parent. The camera follows Jane across the street, but not without showing the neighbours disappearing, and tracks Jane to her house. Inside her house, Jane is then transported to a forest, and Rose is there as well. The two minutes ends with their reaction to the forest. Throughout the whole sequence we will try our best to subtly convey that something is wrong, using the white noise and smoke in the background.

Our plan for Health/Safety and Title Design

Safety was simple with this project. After the music video, we now have experience with these details so planning for possible missteps was easier this time around. Title design was a new one, though. There are many aspects to titles, which makes this process take longer. Sites like Watch the Title and Art of the Title really helped with knowing what to plan, like spacing and font. Currently, we haven't decided where the titles will appear on screen, this will come with the storyboard. Generally, everything we have planned has room to change and grow, but we hope that this is a solid base for our project to at least work off of.

Our Locations, Cast and Schedule Planning

Our first location is the house of one teammate, who has given consent for us to film there. We will be filming some of the streets, but mostly the sidewalk. In order to keep as many cars out of the frame as possible, we will be using specific angles to their best effect. We will also be filming the driveway, and inside the friend’s house. We will be moving the cars in the driveway, and clearing some things from the front door to get a cleaner shot. 

The second location is a nearby park. It is close to our first location, so it will be possible to film everything in one day because the commute is so short. The park is public, so we are allowed to film there, but we still plan on asking permission. We have a specific location at the park we want to film at, but if that space isn’t free then we have scouted out other possible places to film.

Casting was an easy process for this project. We have three characters who need actors, and one actor will be from our group. We kept the cast small because we wanted to keep scheduling conflicts to a minimum. As a backup plan, we have an understudy for Rose. The actor for Rose’s parent isn’t truly determined, but it isn’t the most important because the character isn’t the main focus of the film.

Scheduling was still difficult, even though we tried to keep the people involved with the project to a minimum. The actress for Rose might have to leave early into filming on Saturday, but time for this was built into Sunday just in case that happens. Since the weekend of filming will last 3 days, we might even get to start the editing process right after filming! Getting this project done quickly is important because we won’t be able to edit in class, only watch and take notes on ways to improve.

Shooting Script

This is the shooting script! This is everything that we want to achieve each scene. Each scene is it’s own slide and the same scenes from the sound script. This includes more then just sound. It has lighting, dialogue, and the type of shot. We didn’t want to have a lot of dialogue, but there are a few lines. Most of this will depend on the acting skills of our actors. Editing is also included in this, and while there is some visual editing, most of the effects will be with the music and white noise. We also  will most likely have to change the specific angles and shots themselves, like the ones that require height or movement. We will try our best to stick to the script!

Sound Script

This is the sound script! That means that this will show all of the audio we plan to use. Of course, things might and probably will change. But this will be what we are trying to align to. The sound includes diegetic sound, background music, sound effects, and we will be messing around with white noise. Some examples include neighborhood noises, sizzling, dog barking, foot steps, and at least three different songs. I have contacted one of the artist for a song or two, though they haven’t replied back yet. Otherwise we have a friend that makes songs to fall back to. And royalty free music, though I’m not sure if we can find the right fit. We also have some tracks for the white noise.

Edward Scissor-Hands Titles

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?

There were 25 titles in the opening of this film. Each one had thin, wide spread lettering, titled at different angles and spinning lightly. The opening sequence was three minutes long.

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence? 

There are many things that get a few seconds in the opening, and, to be honest, I think that the main priority was the credits. Otherwise, it would be these little bits of important story items that we get a glimpse of. Some examples include hands, statues covered in cobwebs and cookies(to show the shapes that were made into with cookie cutters, key word made).

What connotations do the images carry?

With the opening shots focused more on the credits, the main shots are meant to complement them. Each shot is filled with referenced from later on in the movie, and so to a first time watcher, it is less important and provides a background for the titles.

How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?

Each image is desaturated and, old looking and mysterious. It starts as if entering an abandoned place with old, almost human looking machines at work. Then there are random flashes of cookies, the contrast putting emphasis on the shape, like how the cookies were created to be like that. Then there are these two, flesh bearing hands, which is most likely a reference to the non-flesh bearing hands that the main character has. Then there is an old mans face, asleep or dead, lying down. The three minutes end with snow falling and an epic castle in the background. All of these shots add to the creepy mood of the movie, and the things pictured in each shot establishes it as fantasy.

How does the film establish an enigma from the outset.

The shots in the film hint at something bigger, but never shows the audience the whole picture. This leads the audience into wanting to know the rest of the story, to understand the meaning of the shots from the opening.

What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?

This movie is most likely aimed at an adult audience. It reaches this particular audience by being simpler, and more barren with its opening credits and shots. Focusing on the titles can further interest older audiences because they would know the actors and producers, so they would most likely become more interested since the director is well known.

How has technology been used effectively? You want to consider camera angles, transitions and editing techniques.

For it’s time, the movie uses fading transitions and close ups to keep the opening’s flow. The music is erie and also connects each shot.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Titles

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?

There are 33 titles in the opening sequence, each fading in and fading out slowly, with a fancy font with gold coloring. The credits lasted 5 minutes.

What images are  prioritized in the opening sequence? 

The creation of the Wonka chocolate bars are the prioritized shots. Their process of creation, the machinery, and the golden tickets are the main parts of the opening.

What connotations do the images carry?

The machines and dramatic lighting create an ominous and foreboding feel. Every movement is calculated and perfect, even the floating plates of chocolate. It all is mysterious and magical.

How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?

Throughout the opening you see some wild, smooth, spinning camera shots, along with efficient, odd looking machines. The music is fantastical, having its ups and downs, getting a little darker and then lighter. It is just different enough to understand it isn’t real but also familiar enough to convince ourselves otherwise. I think this sets up the movie quite well, providing just enough back story about the golden tickets and how they were sent throughout the world.

How does the film establish an enigma from the outset.

This opening is definitely alluring because of its mystery. Why are they mass producing chocolates? What are those golden tickets for? The music adds adventure and fantasy into the mix and the unreal technologies only spike curiosity. The creation of the chocolates leads the audience to wonder where they are headed.

What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?

This films audience is for all ages, more toward kids. The chocolate might interest the majority of them, and the music and constant changing and moving of the machines would keep their attention. For older kids and adults, the darker tones of the music and lighting might have them hooked.

How has technology been used effectively? You want to consider camera angles, transitions and editing techniques.

I cannot tell if these machines were actually made, puppets or CGI. Regardless, the camera angles immersed you as if you were also a chocolate bear going down the line. Nothing would really be seen besides the machines, the background was just black, but it didn’t need anything else. The transitions, though few, were fades. Otherwise, the camera went along with the factory line with smooth twists and turns. This use was effective, as it brought the audience into the world quickly and kept their attention.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Titles

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?

While watching the opening titles, I counted 32 individual titles.

What images are  prioritized in the opening sequence? 

The first image is of a character readying for battle, and the next shot is of them getting into a fight. Overall, all of the openings shots build up for a lot of action.

What connotations do the images carry?

This first shot makes it clear that this movie is an action and fantasy. You can tell this because the actor is screaming, and his makeup is otherworldly. 

How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?

The genre is enforced with almost every aspect of the film. The makeup and CGI make the characters look otherworldly, with one of the characters being a sentient tree and raccoon. The music isn’t modern, which puts makes the film feel loose in a sense. 

How does the film establish an enigma from the outset.

Throughout the opening credits the camera focuses on a main character who is casually walking around while, in the background, the other main cast is fighting a huge beast. The character being focused on is nearly smashed to bits on multiple occasions, which creates suspense as we want to know what happens to the character. 

What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?

The movie is meant for teens and young adults, so the movie keeps its humor relevant without being too current. The movie also used music from the 90’s, which is making a comeback in the younger generations, and high quality CGI, which is becoming increasingly more popular as it gets more advanced.

How has technology been used effectively? You want to consider camera angles, transitions and editing techniques.

With the use of CGI, the movie’s shot can be very long. Infact, while the opening song is playing, there is no discernable transition. This keeps us very connected to the main character, as well as their use of foreground and background, which makes the opening funnier. The character the camera follows is mostly infocus, and when the other characters interact with them, they also become in focus. I feel like their use of CGI, music and camera techniques is engaging and effective at keeping the audience's attention.

Guardians of the Galaxy Titles

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?

34 titles are displayed during the opening sequence of the film.

What images are  prioritized in the opening sequence? 

The first image on screen is the main character’s ship landing on a desolate planet, that is clearly not earth. We then get to see the rest of the planet, which is even more hostile and space-like than the first shot. 

What connotations do the images carry?

The setting sets the scene for a dark serious opening, with the serious music, the harsh blowing wind, and the contrasting erie red glow of the main characters mask. This shows the fantasy theme clearly, and gives us an impression of what the movie is going to be like.

How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?

The genre is reinforced through the Fantasy elements of the alien planet with rats and the planet has constant stormy weather. The main character also uses unexplained technology, and the shots of the character show him in comparison to the environment.

How does the film establish an enigma from the outset.

The film uses a startling change from the foreboding mood they set up in the first minute to the playful 90’s music and dance to catch the audience off guard and gain their attention.

What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?

The film establishes that it’s a comedy from the start with its use of sound and characterization. The type of humor is also very appealing to the movie’s young adult and teen audiences.  

How has technology been used effectively? You want to consider camera angles, transitions and editing techniques.

The technology in the opening scene of the film is used effectively with editing by having Star Lord using his hologram to see where he is going on the planet, and camera angles when he is singing along during the opening sequence to show his emotions and personality. Camera angles are also used to showcase the fantasy planet Morag, which they briefly show the outside of the planet before he lands.

Title Research: Watch the Titles

 

The second website we decided to research was www.watchthetitles.com. Watch the title is where you can find various title screens from movies, tv shows, and video games. We will use this website to find additional fantasy film titles to research. We are using watch the title to find out a good order of titles on the screen that is used in our genre, fantasy. The order of the titles are very important in films. Wether to use the order of importance or a random order. We want our film to look as professional as possible. Also if there are different titles depending on the genre we are watching such as Fantasy. Should the director go first for action, or should the costume designer go first for Fantasy movies. Watch The Title doesn’t contain a lot of options for movies though. Something that Watch The Titles also contains is French Friday. French Friday is French cinema movies from the 1950s to the 1980s. This part of the website doesn’t help our research, though. Watch the Titles also has something called Event Titles, which are title sequences done for festivals. Art of the title, the other website we discovered, has a lot more choices of movie titles to choose from, so we will be using that website for further research.

Title Research: Art of the Title

We chose to research two websites to learn more about movie titles. The first website is called Art of the title, and we plan on watching multiple title openings to gain an understanding of the order and design of titles. Specifically, we will be watching movies of our genre, fantasy. If we cannot find any fantasy movie openings, we will look into other similar genres. Art of the title has a bank of movie openings organized in different ways. There’s an all titles, top 10 openings from 2019, and a classics list for us to shuffle through. By watching some of these movie clips, we intend on learning about the nuances of style for titles. For example, how the titles appear on screen. We want to know if they should follow the movement of the actors, or be more flat and steady. Additionally, we want to know how the titles get on screen. Should they fade in, drop in or just appear, and how does this affect the look of the film. Lastly, we must look at the actual design of the titles. How does the font match the genre, and are they good colors. We need to make sure the colors of the titles stands out against the background. We want to keep our film looking high quality, and so we can’t have the designs of our titles looking like a middle schooler created them.