Research & Planning

FAIRYTALES

A fairy tale is a fictional story that may feature folkloric characters such as fairies, goblins, elves, trolls, giants, gnomes, and talking animals, and a lot of the time enchantments, often involving a farfetched series of events. In modern-day manner of speaking, the term is also describes something blessed with princesses, as in "fairy tale ending" (a happy ending) or "fairy tale romance". In the informal use of the everyday terms "fairy tale" or "fairy story" can also be interpreted as any far-fetched story, meaning it could be something very dreamy and imaginative and in the realistic world something unrealistic. Fairy tales usually draw young children since they easily understand the typical characters in the story.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Story_of_Tam_and_Cam
Vietnamese story

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ugly_Duckling
Danish story

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinderella
Greek story

These are a few fairytales, some are unusual and some contain teachings from it. For example tam and cam are two sisters, tam is a good and nice girl, cam however is not, she is jealous and mean, the story ends in the bad person (cam) loosing out, and the good one (tam) winning, cam is rid of, and tam has a happy ever after. It teaches if you’re bad you won’t get far and if you are good you will have a happy ever after.

An example of an Arabic fairytale story

This is a good example of a fairytale as it contains such common factors of a fairytale like a hero and villain and a king, queen, prince, and a princess.



This is another fairytale called tortoise and hare
It’s a very good example of a story with moral behind it, so it offers teachings.
For example the moral of this story is that even if it seems that you are not the quickest or best a particular task, which may not be the case. Do you best from the beginning to end and you will know where you stand. It may prove that someone who seems more skilled at something may not be and another moral could be to not ‘judge a book by its cover’

Opening Sequences

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xv9Hxuq7W5I

this is the opening of the film 'the fast and the furious', it can not be uploaded on the blog as there is no embeding code available for it.

In this opening sequence I can relate it straight away to cars. This is what the film is about. The shiny and flashy metal font of the title of the film is shown at the start which I can relate to cars, big metal machines, we mostly see men in the very early stages of the opening sequence making it very manly which relates to cars too. So in all it fits in the genre of the film. The soundtrack at the beginning is a very cool and fast tempo; it makes me get in the mood for something ‘wild and exciting. In the early stages of the opening sequence there is hardly any talking, but there is always something to look at, and this is so effective in engaging the audience that a voiceover or someone to talk us through this is not needed, however, though it engages me into the film, I feel confused or left in a state to wonder what is actually happening, I can sense a crime happening but I feel confusion in why it is happening and how it relates to cars, and how the whole situation is linking together, but in my opinion, by leaving me in suspense means it is successful as it has drawn me to the film and actually got me thinking about it and to think about ‘what happens next?’.

Workshop 1

In my previous media lesson, we (me and my group) was issued with a task with the objective to make a very short clip of ‘someone getting caught’, we had 10 minutes to come up with ideas for a storyboard with the maximum of 10 shots, and our production time to film in 20 minutes, we were instructed to get into groups and follow through the pre production and production process, very similar to our prelim task. Our first instruction was to get into a group of three, and it has to be with different people, not the same people we worked with in the prelim task. Personally I am very happy about working with different people, as this time, I found that we all specialized in different yet similar qualities and thoughts that related to media, and as a group it helped us put ideas and recommendations for what we should do, and how its done etc. i.e. Edward is very talented in art, and he drew the storyboard at a fast pace, yet in detail and in a way we could understand what is happening in the shot, this was a big advantage as it saved time, and told the story we was to film, which made it easier for me to read when setting up the shots in the production process. Rebbecca and I shared similar qualities like knowing how to set up a camera and tripod, we were very understanding and agreed on what type of shots to use, like long shots and close ups. I found out that as a group we all worked and got on with the task very well and we all contributed to the task. However, there was a few issues that we as a whole group ran into, one of which was timing, the time given to us was very limited which caused us to think and work in a rush, we did not complete our storyboard fully but had to start filming as we was working under a very short time period set, again this was an issue because it caused us to rush in every aspect of the whole pre production and production process, when it came to storyboarding and filming. Another problem we encountered was the issue of location, when being set a small time to complete the production process, we thought the nearer the location we use, the better and more quicker it will be to get to and fro, however, although the idea seemed smart, about two other groups in our class had the same idea, and chose exactly the same location, as everyone was in a rush to film, all three of the groups (including us) refused to relocate. Now this caused an even more complex issue as when it came to filming, we would have someone’s camera in the background, or some other group filming, shouting shot 1, take 1, action! Which spoiled our shots, props were being moved around, so one group wouldn’t have the other groups prop in there shots which caused problems for the group with the prop as they would have to reconstruct the prop as it was in the previous shots, and to follow the rule of ‘continuity’. Also, we and the other two groups were featuring a small clip in the same location, we all ended up having to take turns in filming our shots, this meant every time one group was filming a shot, and doing its takes, we had to stand and watch, and wait, so every time a group filmed, two other groups loose out in terms of time, and caused us to waste time and delay. However, I did feel that this task was in somewhat way easier then the prelim task, in terms of knowing what to expect, being able to set up a tripod and camera and knowing the process to go through in filming. We was familiar with storyboarding and working as a group, we was also familiar with the basic jobs of using the clapper board, allowing 3 second intervals to let the camera get back into focus, and re-doing every take at least twice, the process of pre production and production did seem more normal to me and followed what I knew to expect in the task, whereas, in the prelim task it felt more alien to me in the sense that I was not familiar with what I was doing, with the filming process and using the clapper board, knowing when to say action after leaving a small interval to let the camera focus etc, everything did seem like a load to me in the prelim task, whereas in this task I think from my experience, and the experience my other members of my group went through, we all learnt how to share out the task and lay it out in a more easier way that made the task flow.

Prelim Task Evaluation

In the preliminary task I worked with Esther, Matthew and Noriane. Me and Esther was in partners and we undertook the first task of pre-production, this including many aspects such as the training of camera/filming equipment as well as sound equipment, deciding on what the film is about, storyboarding, the script, how many shots will there be, the type of angles and camera movement techniques we will use, e.g., high angle shot, close-up shot and panning. I and Esther managed out tasks in a very organized and equal way, when deciding on what our film would be about, we discussed the shots we would like to include, the techniques we would like to use, i.e. I thought the use of close-ups would be useful in our film as it would create an effective impact by allowing the viewers to see the facial expressions of our cast, giving our viewers a chance to understand what our actor and actress are going through in the film. Also, Esther discussed with me what camera movement technique she felt would be most appropriate for specific shots, i.e. one shot we discussed about using was one where Matthew is walking through a corridor into a room; she thought an appropriate camera movement technique to use would be panning. Esther and I also managed our tasks in other ways; we discussed about ideas and decided on one, we then began to develop on the storyboard, which helped us to understand how we are going to shoot our film, and how we will portray the message of our film in a way that will let our audience understand. We also discussed the script, what should be in the script etc. the homework of the storyboard and script was done over the weekend by Esther although, through the weekend me and Esther still worked together on it, by exchanging numbers we could communicate over the phone and so we discussed the amount of lines to be put into the scripts, what should be said, we also discussed the actions and reactions of the cast. I.e. in a few shots, Matthew and Norianne are arguing, we agreed on using an action reaction shot for this, so we can see the facial expressions and emphasize on the importance of this argument in the film. On the following Monday, I decided to proof read the script and directly apply my feedback to it, by editing it to make it better, basically making a few improvements and adjustments, I included stage directions, I also included directions for the cast, e.g. the high or low level of tone of voice, the sarcasm, tension, or sadness etc in dialogue speech. We also when being face to face, went over the storyboard again to make sure it made sense, we made a few adjustments to it too. Those are examples of how me and my partner organised time. Although, few mild issues did come up with our time management; when we began to do the shooting of our scene, we went straight into it, with little rehearsal, we went straight into shooting. The problem we encountered with this method was that because we did not rehearse enough, when we had problems with the shots we were filming we had to deal with it on the spot, improvise on the issue and resolve it as soon as possible so we wouldn’t loose time, however, we did loose a bit of management and control of timing, instead, before filming we should have, made estimate timings for each shot, so it would enable us to work out how long it will take for each shot and the timing of each take within the hour given, and the pace we should be working at in that 1 hour we were given. Instead our lack of control of time management caused us to take double the time, which in reality would not be acceptable in a filmmaking industry. By experiencing this, it has helped me learn what we did wrong and how I can learn from the mistake by choosing a different method of managing time then I did before, so next time, differently to what I done before, I will rehearse more of my shots and I will manage all timings for my shots and takes within the time period of filming given in order to keep things flowing and to avoid issues like taking too long, giving too much time to filming a shot then having to rush the other shot, which makes the filming look messy. I think a good strength of mine was in pre production, when it came to discussing the script and proof reading it, I felt quite comfortable and confident in doing that task, along with going over the storyboard, matching it up with the script and seeing if it goes well with the script, other aspects of pre production like deciding on types of shots, angles and camera movements, I felt confident in deciding which ones to use in the filming, as I feel familiar with the effects of these types of shots and how, where and when to use them in filming, i.e. a close up used to show the Noriannes angry facial expression and a panning camera movement to show Matthew walking from down a corridor and through a door. In addition, another strength of mine is in post production, in the editing process. We used adobe premiere pro, and it was quite easy and swift to use, it was easy to drag and drop, capture and cut shots. Digitalizing was easy doing, which was basically capturing all the best shots we would like to use in our prelim task.

In my task I used cannon XHA1, DV (digital video) camcorder. This camera is mostly directed to independent filmmakers, broadcasters, documentary filmmakers and journalists etc. at first we was given basic training of how to use the camera, we were taught how to set the camera and tripod up, i.e. when setting up the tripod it is important to adjust the level of your neck, so when placing the camcorder on top, the camcorder will be leveled to your eye, therefore making it comfortable for the cameraman to use the camera. I then learnt how to set up the camcorder on the tripod, when setting up the camera on the tripod I learnt how to lock it into position on the tripod so it is securely placed, for the safety of the camera basic checks to ensure it was on the tripod correctly was simply by holding the camera from the top and to gently push it in a few directions to make sure it wont move or fall off. To make sure the camera is leveled, we had to adjust the spirit level, this is important when using the camera because if you fail to check or adjust the spirit level, then when filming everything in the frame won’t be leveled in the shot, but tilted and uneven. We also learnt other basic things like inserting the battery into the camcorder and inserting a tape in the camcorder. Also, I learnt other interesting things in using the actual camera, i.e. for effects of zooming in and out, you can also make adjustments to the speed of the zoom and control how fast or slow it is in your filming. I felt using a digital camera was very convenient. It made things quite simple and straightforward rather then complex. With film, it becomes more fidgety and time consuming when you have to convert the film onto a tape and go through numerous processes, whereas digital is pretty much straight, you film it, it goes on tape, you upload it, edit it through your computer, and your done. Filming on the other hand extends the process.

I had to consider many factors when planning the scene, I had make sure that the ideas for what our scene will be about and that what we came up with wouldn’t be too complex as if it was, it might cause confusion for us and then consequently the audience. Especially because our scene had to be very short (2-3 minutes), and filmed within half an hour. For example, if I was to come up with an idea, that involved countless props and action parts like fights etc, then it would be very unrealistic to produce within an hour. So I had to make sure that the idea we were to come up with would be convenient, suitable and realistic to the time set for us. When planning, I made a shooting schedule. Arranging all the shots in order, I arranged them by setting/location. So which ever shots were featured in the same room, I shot them all together, this saved time, because if I done it in a way that one shot was in a classroom, and the next shot was outside, then the next shot is back in a classroom, and done it in that order of the story board, then this would consume more time, by having to move around continuously and set up again causes loss of time, which could also interrupt the management of time. Another factor I had to consider was when filming, two takes is needed for every shot. Sometimes we found it hard to get the shot right and some shots had numerous takes, so a factor we had to then consider was just before filming each shot, to practice it and briefly rehearse it. In editing we had to consider some factors too

From the prelim tasks I have learnt for myself through this experience about what filmmaking is the difference between film and digital and how digital has developed in the technology world by making it so easy to use for even people like me, a young student, to use and produce a film with. From completing my task I have learnt from the ways I ordered my task, what I done wrong, i.e. not thoroughly rehearsing the shots before filming it, yet I have learnt from the things I done right in my task, like constantly communicating with my partner about the pre production work, the script, storyboard and schedule and discussing about it to her. Although we did not manage our time well, as we should have made time limits for each shots in order to get everything done on time, we also physically learnt from the experience, and by actually going through it, we can actually see what went wrong, why it went wrong and how we can solve it, how we can manage our time in a better and more professional way next time. I think a strength I had was when using the clapperboard when filming, I was familiar to how I can communicate to the cameraman and the actors, when to begin there roles, my role was to indicate at every take, the shot that is being filmed, and the take number, I had to allow few seconds after clapping the board before saying action and beginning the shot. My job was important as it helps the shot to flow the way it is supposed to and I think I done a fair enough job of it.

I learnt many things about the editing process, I have learnt how to capture images onto the computer, and digitalize them. I have basically learnt the order to go through to edit shots and arrange it into a film/clip. I learnt how to go over shots and cut off excess filming parts and keep the necessary parts to make our clip. After cutting clips I learnt how to drag it into the timeline and place the shots in the right places so It makes the clip flow. I covered how to add on effects which was simply dragging an effect onto a shot. Making decisions in editing sometimes came easy and sometimes not. As I was editing with my partner Esther, it meant we both had to agree on how these shots were edited, and in truth, we did disagree on a lot of things, like, where to place a certain shot on the timeline, what take we preferred, for instance I might have preferred ‘shot 1 take 1’ whereas ester might have preferred ‘shot 1 take 2’ instead, this meant we somehow had to come to some agreement which shot to use. Other issues in making decisions was also in little things like how long the shot should last for etc. although there were disagreements we did agree on many things too, like some shots we agreed to use and where to place it on the timeline, we also agreed on the effect we wanted to use and on what shot to place it in. in honest truth we actually did not plan our time to complete the task, as this was the first time we have done editing, we had to experience the ‘do’s and not to do’s’ in the task first hand in order to actually know what to do in the task to save time etc. we basically got straight into editing and done as much as possible in the time given. Problems we faced in editing was simple faults like when accessing the software, after setting up the camera and connecting it to the computer etc, when we had to capture the shots onto the pc sometimes it said it could not connect to the pc, and as many times as we restarted the software, camera, switched things on and off, it did not work and this wasted our time, so the best alternative is to simply just change pc.

Indie filmaking

How is it possible anyone today can become a filmmaker?
Independent filmmakers in comparrison to mainstream filmmakers.
Advantages and disadvantages of film and digital technology?

What is filmmaking? (Definition)
Filmmaking is the process of making a film, from an initial story idea or commission, through scriptwriting, shooting, editing and distribution to an audience. Typically, it involves a large number of people, and takes from a few months to several years to complete. Filmmaking takes place all over the world in a huge range of economic, social, and political contexts, and using a variety of technologies and techniques.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF INDEPENDENT FILMMAKING?



It’s the 21st century and already we have embraced an uncountable amount of events that have changed our lives, made improvements, discoveries, developments etc in different aspects of our daily lives. As we all grow up we are constantly introduced to new things that make our life better and easier and convenient. Technology in the 21st century is rapidly improving and developing and growing, and this I can link to the sector of media with filmmaking/makers. Basically, today’s world has so much technology especially in media, cameras and it’s technology has grown so much and still is developing more and more, we are actually past the stage where film cameras were first introduced and made, we are now at the stage where there are so many cameras available, that anyone can easily walk into a shop and purchase a camcorder, they are easily accessible to anyone and there is quite a variety. This gives anyone the chance to self-invite themselves into the media scene and be a part of the filmmaking experience. Most filmmakers start of as independent filmmaker which is also known as ‘indie filmmaker’. Firstly it is actually quite easy to become a filmmaker and learn to become one, without having to become involved in the mainstream filmmaking industries, as an independent filmmaker, you have access to DV (digital video) technology since that production has become democratized, which means everyone is literally given the right/freedom or accessibility to produce their own film. Most independent filmmakers don’t have the money to invest into there films or aspects to making a film, e.g. when it comes to the marketing and distribution of the film, This means, how will they promote there movie, how will they get there film to as many people as they can? Today, there are numerous and very successful ways to get a indie filmmakers film into the scene, without the need of money even. YouTube, MySpace, Facebook and even sites especially made for indie filmmakers are available and FREE to the public, which are very effective and useful ways of promoting the film, this is how it has been made so easy for ordinary normal people witht the drive to involve themself into the media scene to actuall do it, without any obstacles, and is why it is possible today for anyone to become a filmmaker.

Heres an example of websites available especially for independent filmmakers:
https://shootingpeople.org/account/auth.php
http://www.indiewire.com/

Most independent filmmakers count on film festivals to get their films seen, noticed and sold for distribution, filmmakers have a chance to get there films seen by mass audiences. However, the Internet has allowed for relatively inexpensive distribution of independent films; many filmmakers post their films online for analysis, review, feedback and recognition. Although you’re most likely to not profit in this, a filmmaker can still gain exposure through the web.

http://www.releasing.net/
An example of a independent film distribution network.



This clip shows the argument of the advantages and disadvantages of both film and digital technology





This is a very informative clip as it explains the impact of digital technology and how the involvement of the interenet.