For this task, we were given the opening sequence of the tv drama 'Dexter' without sound or titles are were asked to add titles in the way that we thought would be similar to the original piece.
1. Summarise the conventions of title sequences that were most important to this task:
-It was important that the titles were more or less the same throughout
-We had to have the titles easily legible, making sure the colours stand out from the backgrounds
2. How did your group plan to edit the title sequence?
-We decided we had to create titles to match the genre of TV Crime Drama, and we therefore decided to have the titltes in a red colour.
-We decided upon several names to add into the project at timed intervals
-We planned to add more titles in the end but ran out of time before we could add them in
3. Explain the creative decisions made by your group
-We chose the titles to be a red colour as it connotes themes of blood, anger and danger, which are relevant to the genre
-In our group we decided to try to add titles to match the visuals on screen, for example we added in a title for the time that blood was dripping into the sink, which was very symbolic and stood out well on the white background
-We chose to have the titles with effects, making them fade in and out, as well as a growth effect at the end
4. How does your re-edit compare to the original?
-Our edit was similar to the original and i think it is therefore successful
-We had similar fonts and colours, as well as sizes and placement of the titles
-We saw that the dexter titles were better placed in time, as it was edited to both aural and visual aspects of the sequence
-Some of our titles were extremely similar to the original, such us the title in the sink as the blood drips down
-Although we had the right style of title, the original had many more titles than ours, and we did not credit most of the people related to the project that are legally required to credit, such as the author of the 'Dexter' book
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Prelim Task: Continuity Sequence Evaluation
For our continuity sequence we decided to create a short clip from the action/thriller genre named 'Wrodland Mars' after the main character. The brief was to create a clip of a character walking into a room, sitting down and exchanging a few lines of conversation with another person, while adhering to the rules of continuity editing
-In our group, i was with Sam, Yadash and Jack
-We divided the tasks fairly equally. On some tasks we worked all together with each of us putting in our own input. This was especially important during the creative tasks as we all had good ideas to work with. For other tasks we decided to get them completed quicker by deviding them amoung us, with nobody having a harder or more time consuming job than anyone else.
-In general we chose tasks to do which we were most suited to do through our experiences, for example Jack drew the storyboard as he is artistic whereas Yadash and I imported the scanned files as we are quick with computers.
-In order to develop an idea for our sequence, we decided to discuss it verbally as we all had a good idea of what to do
-As our idea developed and we had an idea, we started to add more details and came up with a list of events which would occur
-Our next task after creating the narrative was to create the script and shot-list which we managed to do fairly quickly after brainstorming some ideas
-Once we had finished creating the script and shot-list, we found we couldn't continue without deciding our setting and shoot location. Although we had an idea of a few viable locations, it was almost impossible to complete our planning using our target location from our memory, and we therefore went to the location in order to survey the area
-After doing that, we converted them into a storyboard, and also made a shoot schedule with a floor plan showing where the camera would be placed and in which order we would shoot in order to save time whilst shooting.
-While making our narrative, we tried to incorporate ideas which would make it more interesting and engaging for the audience. Having picked thriller as our genre, we decided that enigma was key in our sequence.
-When planning we carefully chose our framing in order to adhere to the rules of continuity editing and achieve a logical end result
- For our planning stages we used almost no technology, and we found this to be the most time efficient and managed to get the planning done to a good standard
-When filming, we used a HD Camcorder with a wide angle lens and a tripod
-In order to edit our clip, we used Adobe Premier Pro for Windows, which allowed us to create the video in a non linear fashion using what was available to us in the form of effects and other digital media.
-Of course, timing was always something that needed to be considered. We had in total four 40 minute sessions in which we had to plan, shoot and edit the whole video. In order to meet this deadline, as aforementioned, we planned our narrative verbally and quickly came to an idea, managing to complete our planning relatively fast.
-While shooting we also had to take time into account. As we didn't have long with the camera, it was imperative that we completed every shot in our shot list and did so without having to take to many takes of each scene, which meant we had to have full concentration during the shooting process
-Once again while editing we were slightly pressed for time, but nonetheless managed to create a good quality video
-Aside from timing, we had to make conscious decisions when shooting and planning in order to keep the continuity of the clip. Instead of taking specific lines of speech from each angle, we instead ran the whole conversation from each angle, meaning we had complete freedom when editing.
-This was interesting, as we were editing in groups of 2, although we had the same storyboard and the same clips to work with, the final products we created were very different.
-Furthermore, clothing proved to be an issue. We realised to create a convincing 'secret agent' style clip, our actors had to be wearing suits, and this had to be organised beforehand to avoid any problems on the day
-Personally, i believe our sequence was very coherent and logical, fulfilling the brief of the project. We hit all the targets, managing to include several key parts of continuity editing, such as match on actions, the 180 degree rule and reverse shots
-If we were to redo our sequence, I would try to find a more suitable location to film, as our setting has computers and other items around the room which deviated audience attention from the actual narrative and was something unconventional for a thriller genre film. Furthermore, if we had access to lighting we could have used it to create more effects
-This project made us fully understand the efficiency of different camera setups. By filming the whole piece from one setup, we were able to have more accurate framing between shots and also save lots of crucial time
-Previously, continuity wasn't something i considered important in film. After doing this exercise i was able to see that continuity editing was something vital in making a film coherent and logical, and i will most definitely use these ideas when creating other films
-Learning about film techniques such as reverse shots and match on actions allow us to create a much more interesting and exciting film, and paying close attention to removing jump cuts was also something that i have learnt to do through this exercise
1. Who did you work with and how did you manage the task between you?
-In our group, i was with Sam, Yadash and Jack
-We divided the tasks fairly equally. On some tasks we worked all together with each of us putting in our own input. This was especially important during the creative tasks as we all had good ideas to work with. For other tasks we decided to get them completed quicker by deviding them amoung us, with nobody having a harder or more time consuming job than anyone else.
-In general we chose tasks to do which we were most suited to do through our experiences, for example Jack drew the storyboard as he is artistic whereas Yadash and I imported the scanned files as we are quick with computers.
2. How did you plan your sequence?
-In order to develop an idea for our sequence, we decided to discuss it verbally as we all had a good idea of what to do
-As our idea developed and we had an idea, we started to add more details and came up with a list of events which would occur
-Our next task after creating the narrative was to create the script and shot-list which we managed to do fairly quickly after brainstorming some ideas-Once we had finished creating the script and shot-list, we found we couldn't continue without deciding our setting and shoot location. Although we had an idea of a few viable locations, it was almost impossible to complete our planning using our target location from our memory, and we therefore went to the location in order to survey the area
-After doing that, we converted them into a storyboard, and also made a shoot schedule with a floor plan showing where the camera would be placed and in which order we would shoot in order to save time whilst shooting.
-While making our narrative, we tried to incorporate ideas which would make it more interesting and engaging for the audience. Having picked thriller as our genre, we decided that enigma was key in our sequence.-When planning we carefully chose our framing in order to adhere to the rules of continuity editing and achieve a logical end result
3. What technology did you use to complete the task?
- For our planning stages we used almost no technology, and we found this to be the most time efficient and managed to get the planning done to a good standard
-When filming, we used a HD Camcorder with a wide angle lens and a tripod
-In order to edit our clip, we used Adobe Premier Pro for Windows, which allowed us to create the video in a non linear fashion using what was available to us in the form of effects and other digital media.
4. What factors did you have to take into account when planning, shooting and editing?
-Of course, timing was always something that needed to be considered. We had in total four 40 minute sessions in which we had to plan, shoot and edit the whole video. In order to meet this deadline, as aforementioned, we planned our narrative verbally and quickly came to an idea, managing to complete our planning relatively fast.
-While shooting we also had to take time into account. As we didn't have long with the camera, it was imperative that we completed every shot in our shot list and did so without having to take to many takes of each scene, which meant we had to have full concentration during the shooting process
-Once again while editing we were slightly pressed for time, but nonetheless managed to create a good quality video
-Aside from timing, we had to make conscious decisions when shooting and planning in order to keep the continuity of the clip. Instead of taking specific lines of speech from each angle, we instead ran the whole conversation from each angle, meaning we had complete freedom when editing.
-This was interesting, as we were editing in groups of 2, although we had the same storyboard and the same clips to work with, the final products we created were very different.
-Furthermore, clothing proved to be an issue. We realised to create a convincing 'secret agent' style clip, our actors had to be wearing suits, and this had to be organised beforehand to avoid any problems on the day
5. How successful was your sequence?
-Personally, i believe our sequence was very coherent and logical, fulfilling the brief of the project. We hit all the targets, managing to include several key parts of continuity editing, such as match on actions, the 180 degree rule and reverse shots
-If we were to redo our sequence, I would try to find a more suitable location to film, as our setting has computers and other items around the room which deviated audience attention from the actual narrative and was something unconventional for a thriller genre film. Furthermore, if we had access to lighting we could have used it to create more effects6.What have you learnt from completing the task and how will this knowledge be significant during the rest of your foundation course?
-This project made us fully understand the efficiency of different camera setups. By filming the whole piece from one setup, we were able to have more accurate framing between shots and also save lots of crucial time
-Previously, continuity wasn't something i considered important in film. After doing this exercise i was able to see that continuity editing was something vital in making a film coherent and logical, and i will most definitely use these ideas when creating other films-Learning about film techniques such as reverse shots and match on actions allow us to create a much more interesting and exciting film, and paying close attention to removing jump cuts was also something that i have learnt to do through this exercise
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Project 6: Opening Sequence Sound Analysis - DYM HW4
I, Robot- 2004 - Opening Sequence
Sound analysis:
-The clip starts with sounds of movement in water and bubbles rising in water, which matches the pictures shown on screen. along with the swishing sounds this helps the clip connote futuristic themes
-As the title come on screen, music starts to play which greatly increases the impact of the title and gives the film a more epic atmosphere
-The music progresses to become more suspenseful as the 'laws of robotics' enters the screen, making the audience uneasy in regards to the laws
-As we see the characters underwater in the car and hear them hitting on the glass, the music becomes more tense and the narrative progresses
-As the window breaks a loud shattering noise is heard, contrasting to the other drowned out sounds and shocks the audience
-The alarm clock sound is very intrusive and interrupts the flashback
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Project 5: Continuity Editing Analysis - BLK HW4
For my continuity editing analysis task, I chose a clip from the film 'Troy' released in May 2004.
Continuity Editing Analysis:
180 Degree rule:
- To keep the fight fast paced, the editing was made to be fast and choppy. When cutting between shots though, the 2 shots were always in 180 degrees of each other, allowing it to make more sense to the audience and making them follow the characters and not get confused which is which
30 Degree rule:
-Although the shots are always within 180 degrees of each other, they are all at least a 30 degree angle away from each other, allowing the clip to flow more smoothly and adhere to continuity editing, as the possibility of jump cuts was removed
Match on Action:
-This technique was used throughout the clip. With the various sword strikes and parries being cut from one shot to another during the same action, a match on action is created, which allows us to see two different perspectives of the one action while the cutting still makes sense and is chronologically accurate
Use of Sound:
-The use of sound is constant and unchanged, as if it was all filmed in one shot. Although various cuts are made, the fact that the sound remains continuous throughout makes the audience believe that the story is progressing uniformly despite the fact that the camera is constantly cutting from angle to angle.
Cutbacks:
-Cutbacks are used in this clip to show reactions of certain characters. the camera jumps to one characters face to show a particular emotion, then jumps back to the action. By creating a cutback the characters' emotions can be shown without slowing down the action of the scene.
Establishing/Master Shot:
-The director uses a cutback with a master shot halfway through the scene in order to anchor the events to a geographical location, showing the location of the two fighters in relation to the other characters on the wall, giving us an understanding of the proxemics within the scene and keeping the audience from becoming confused or disorientated
Reverse Shots:
-Reverse shots are also used in this clip in a variety of ways. Some limited use of reverse shots are included during the fight, and then once one of the fighters is victorious, reverse shots are used to switch between the two characters and show what each of them are doing as time progresses.
Continuity Editing Analysis:
180 Degree rule:
- To keep the fight fast paced, the editing was made to be fast and choppy. When cutting between shots though, the 2 shots were always in 180 degrees of each other, allowing it to make more sense to the audience and making them follow the characters and not get confused which is which
30 Degree rule:
-Although the shots are always within 180 degrees of each other, they are all at least a 30 degree angle away from each other, allowing the clip to flow more smoothly and adhere to continuity editing, as the possibility of jump cuts was removed
Match on Action:
-This technique was used throughout the clip. With the various sword strikes and parries being cut from one shot to another during the same action, a match on action is created, which allows us to see two different perspectives of the one action while the cutting still makes sense and is chronologically accurate
Use of Sound:
-The use of sound is constant and unchanged, as if it was all filmed in one shot. Although various cuts are made, the fact that the sound remains continuous throughout makes the audience believe that the story is progressing uniformly despite the fact that the camera is constantly cutting from angle to angle.
Cutbacks:
-Cutbacks are used in this clip to show reactions of certain characters. the camera jumps to one characters face to show a particular emotion, then jumps back to the action. By creating a cutback the characters' emotions can be shown without slowing down the action of the scene.
Establishing/Master Shot:
-The director uses a cutback with a master shot halfway through the scene in order to anchor the events to a geographical location, showing the location of the two fighters in relation to the other characters on the wall, giving us an understanding of the proxemics within the scene and keeping the audience from becoming confused or disorientated
Reverse Shots:
-Reverse shots are also used in this clip in a variety of ways. Some limited use of reverse shots are included during the fight, and then once one of the fighters is victorious, reverse shots are used to switch between the two characters and show what each of them are doing as time progresses.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Project 4: Continuity Clip - BLK HW 3
The Task:
We were instructed to film a continuity video with only 6 shots, using only the pause function on the camera, meaning we had to carefully plan what shots and framing we would use.
Our Accident:
We attempted to film a video of a girl tripping and falling onto a bench next to a boy.
What worked:
-Overall the continuity worked well and the narrative could be conveyed through the 6 shots
-Large variety of shot framing keeps the audience interested and gives many perspectives
-Master shot gives the audience an overview of proximity
-We managed to create a match on action
-180 degrees rule was kept to
-Camera angles were varied
-Camera techniques such as panning worked well
What didn't work:
-Clips needed to be cut at either end
-5th shot would need to be omitted to prevent a jumpback
-Last shot is too static and too long compared to other shots
-many shots were too similar
Monday, October 1, 2012
Project 4: Barthes Theory - DYM 2
Enigma code:
-At the beginning you can't tell what is happening. The voice over and background are hard to understand and the desert gives us a feeling of desertion and solitude
-We don't know exactly why the man is being arrested, even though the voice over gives some insight into it.
-The officer mentions that he was holding an 'oxygen canister', and we don't know the relevance of this item yet, even though we see it confiscated in the back of the police car
-We don't know what the killer will do now that he is free
Action code:
-The killer is being arrested. we can assume he has commited a serious crime
-As the killer walks up behind the officer and we know he is going to try to kill him
-When the officer dies we amuse that the killer will go and kill more people
Semiotic code:
-The killer represents unrepentant evil, as he continues to kill
-The police officer represents good and innocence, as he is trying to arrest the killer and is unknowing when he is being attacked
-One side of the law is being opposed to the other
Cultural code:
-The killer is wearing black, which is a colour closely associated with death
-The police officer is uniformed, so we can see that he is an upholder of the law
-In the beginning when the sky is dark and the day is dawning we assume that an event is about to happen
Symbolic code:
-Good vs evil
-Law vs crime
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