Wednesday, 25 February 2009
Wednesday, 11 February 2009
TWO DAYS TILL DEADLINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, really its like a day and a half D;
ALMOST FINISHED! But I keep worrying and thinking I've forgotten about something.
Today I edited everything in Final Cut Pro. It's looking alot better.
The plan for the next two days are as follows:
Tomorrow
- add in titles
- find people/teachers, get opinions
- add music
Friday
- get voiceover
- edit edit edit everything
- BLOG THIS!
If all goes to plan, I should be done on time :)
As tomorrow I am looking at titles, I started to think about where I want them, how long I want them for. It was really difficult to judge without watching a title sequence! I was quite suprised at how hard it is to make these decisions.
So here are some title sequences!
Le, Fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain (The Fabulous Destiny of 'Amélie Poulain)
Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet.
Released in 2001.
This is an AMAZING piece of film.
I posted the title sequence here as I like how the titles are WITH the footage. If you look back at my rough edit (http://videokid-media.blogspot.com/2009/02/title-sequence-rough-cut.html), it features a few titles, but they are over black and I don't want this.
I love how the titles do not remain in the same place.
Depending where the subject is, for example:
The chin here is justified more to the right, hence the text to be placed on the left side.
Here is the opposite, which is still nice. Throughout the title sequence it does this. It features a nice variety of footage, as some of my footage is purposely justified I wish to do this.
I'm a Cyborg, But That's Okay
Directed by Park Chan-wook.
Released in 2007 or 08?
A film Jake influenced me to watch.
NOTE: The video above is the part 1 of the film, not just the title sequence.
I really liked the title sequence!
Of course it lived up to the expectations of the amazing Chan-wook.
I loved the random choice of positioning with the text. I think it's really effective and different.
A Scanner Darkly
Directed by Richard Linklater.
Released in 2006.
Another film that places text at different places.
I really like this technique!
I think this is something I will play around with tomorrow !
ALMOST FINISHED! But I keep worrying and thinking I've forgotten about something.
Today I edited everything in Final Cut Pro. It's looking alot better.
The plan for the next two days are as follows:
Tomorrow
- add in titles
- find people/teachers, get opinions
- add music
Friday
- get voiceover
- edit edit edit everything
- BLOG THIS!
If all goes to plan, I should be done on time :)
As tomorrow I am looking at titles, I started to think about where I want them, how long I want them for. It was really difficult to judge without watching a title sequence! I was quite suprised at how hard it is to make these decisions.
So here are some title sequences!
Le, Fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain (The Fabulous Destiny of 'Amélie Poulain)
Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet.
Released in 2001.
This is an AMAZING piece of film.
I posted the title sequence here as I like how the titles are WITH the footage. If you look back at my rough edit (http://videokid-media.blogspot.com/2009/02/title-sequence-rough-cut.html), it features a few titles, but they are over black and I don't want this.
I love how the titles do not remain in the same place.
Depending where the subject is, for example:
The chin here is justified more to the right, hence the text to be placed on the left side.
I'm a Cyborg, But That's Okay
Directed by Park Chan-wook.
Released in 2007 or 08?
A film Jake influenced me to watch.
NOTE: The video above is the part 1 of the film, not just the title sequence.
I really liked the title sequence!
Of course it lived up to the expectations of the amazing Chan-wook.
I loved the random choice of positioning with the text. I think it's really effective and different.
A Scanner Darkly
Directed by Richard Linklater.
Released in 2006.
Another film that places text at different places.
I really like this technique!
I think this is something I will play around with tomorrow !
Monday, 9 February 2009
London Continued
Yesterday I posted a short blog on my day, today I plan to continue with this :)--------------------
It took ages to get to London yesterday so the moment we got there, we ate! After we ate we visted China Town briefly then got to work. My first idea I posted yesterday in the blog below. I wanted to capture buildings from a distance and Jake suggested to do so by the thames. So from Oxford Street we walked to Waterloo East in the rain! The initial idea was to get somewhere high and shoot. I wanted to stand on the balcony in the photograph (far left) but it was Royal Festival Hall (best place for a gig ever), and I couldn't get up there =[
So instead I tried the same shot from many different angles. Here is a still of the next angle I tried. I liked the view and the dull clouds. When I took this I was just below the building in the image above. I think this shot is okay. I like the trees in shot (again, credit to Mr Saunders). I think the trees go with the tone of my film. There was just something about the trees, they had no leaves! I really liked this idea.
My next idea was to end my title sequence with a train driving by. I really like the sound, and this was just something I wanted to try. I guess this isn't really relevant, but I thought it was a nice idea.
Next I returned to the tree idea :)
But this time I got footage of random people walking by, I thought this could also work. Like a cut to a noisy, busy scene considering how calm the first few scenes are.
Also, I filmed people walking past me on the bridge. Again, just another spur of the moment idea. I like collecting random footage that could work. I have definately got more than enough footage, and tomorrow I will be working on it.
Sunday, 8 February 2009
THE LAST SHOT!
Both my teachers suggested a nice shot to end the title sequence and to start a new scene. Something outside. I really wanted to get a shot of a building so today I went to London with Jake, took some photographs and filmed some buildings and landscape shots. Jake was really helpful today and had lots of good suggestions. We did so much walking today! But it was worth it as I got some good footage.It was a really cold day today, and very windy. I had no tripod, but I managed to get a decent shot. Here is a rough idea of what I plan to do with my footage. Make it black and white, perhaps not this dark. I shot during the day, it was fairly bright out so I will alter the contrast to make the footage darker. I will also letterbox it, like so.
Friday, 6 February 2009
I want a million different voices speaking in tongues..
I have done my rough cut of my opening, I am now starting to think about voiceovers as I am now editing in Final Cut.
Voiceovers.
I LOVE VOICEOVERS.
They are so powerful, and I really can't wait to use one.
There are many directions I can take this in. I could use a voiceover as a character device, a creative device, or as an educational or descriptive device. I think I am warming to a creative device more than anything. I think these are usually the most effective as they are more obvious way to establish the narrative. I really like the idea of a character narrating, telling the story.
In films voice-overs are often used to create the effect of storytelling by a character/omniscient narrator. For example, in The Usual Suspects, the character of Verbal Kint has voice-over segments as he is recounting details of a crime. This film is just amazing, not JUST because Kevin Spacey is in it, it also has a really good plot twist and ending. I love everything about it. The use of voiceover throughout this film is just incredible. I strongly recommend it as a film you MUST watch before die.
Sadly, I could not find a scene on youtube which featured the powerful voiceover. But here is one of my favourite scenes from the film, the famous lineup.
This scene is just so iconic, for me. This is the scene that the director thought of first of all. I love how this scene created the concept for the whole film. It is also a very funny scene aswel, apparently when they were filming this they could not stopped laughing.
Next..this scene from Moulin Rouge!
Again, another film you MUST see before you die. It is very, very good and features a nice mix of covers. The soundtrack is awesome.
I love this scene for many reasons.
- A very good cover of a very good song
- The cinematography is AMAZING
- The editing is fantastic
And also, I remember watching this right at the start of the year in one of my media lessons.
The use of voiceover is really nice in this film. Again, it is used throughout. I think its a very strong way of establishing the narrative and allowing it stay present, if you like.
Other examples of storytelling voice overs can be heard in Gattaca, Blade Runner, The Shawshank Redemption, Big Fish and Goodfellas.
VOICEOVERS FOR THE WIN.
Voiceovers.
I LOVE VOICEOVERS.
They are so powerful, and I really can't wait to use one.
There are many directions I can take this in. I could use a voiceover as a character device, a creative device, or as an educational or descriptive device. I think I am warming to a creative device more than anything. I think these are usually the most effective as they are more obvious way to establish the narrative. I really like the idea of a character narrating, telling the story.
In films voice-overs are often used to create the effect of storytelling by a character/omniscient narrator. For example, in The Usual Suspects, the character of Verbal Kint has voice-over segments as he is recounting details of a crime. This film is just amazing, not JUST because Kevin Spacey is in it, it also has a really good plot twist and ending. I love everything about it. The use of voiceover throughout this film is just incredible. I strongly recommend it as a film you MUST watch before die.
Sadly, I could not find a scene on youtube which featured the powerful voiceover. But here is one of my favourite scenes from the film, the famous lineup.
This scene is just so iconic, for me. This is the scene that the director thought of first of all. I love how this scene created the concept for the whole film. It is also a very funny scene aswel, apparently when they were filming this they could not stopped laughing.
Next..this scene from Moulin Rouge!
Again, another film you MUST see before you die. It is very, very good and features a nice mix of covers. The soundtrack is awesome.
I love this scene for many reasons.
- A very good cover of a very good song
- The cinematography is AMAZING
- The editing is fantastic
And also, I remember watching this right at the start of the year in one of my media lessons.
The use of voiceover is really nice in this film. Again, it is used throughout. I think its a very strong way of establishing the narrative and allowing it stay present, if you like.
Other examples of storytelling voice overs can be heard in Gattaca, Blade Runner, The Shawshank Redemption, Big Fish and Goodfellas.
VOICEOVERS FOR THE WIN.
Stills from Sin City
As I am now at the stage where I am about to pay homage to Sin City's visual style, it makes sense to take a look at some stills from the film. This way I have some idea at what I'm aiming for. Plus these are what I am inspired by..
These images are edited massively, and yes I won't to create something as amazing as this but I am using these as a guideline, if you like. Everything about them are just spot-on. The dramatic chiaroscuro lighting is just amazing. I plan to letterbox my footage and alter the contrast so it's very dark.
Thursday, 5 February 2009
Title Sequence, Rough Cut!
Okay, here is my first rough edit!
It's not very good, but I think it is a good starting point.
I'm glad I did this as everything is now coming together!
I decided to create a genre piece for Dimension Films to distribute. As I am going for a Sin City style, I thought this would be a good idea. This could change, I think I'll get opinions before finalising this.
At the moment it is looking really boring, I think. Of course it is going to look loads more better once I edit in Final Cut and add in music and a voice-over. The opening shot is the character Henry, played by Alan Fairnie. The audience see a quick shot of him at a desk, it's dark and there is only one source of light. Here I was trying to create the illusion of this character staying at work after hours, establishing that he is working on something important.
It then cuts to a title credit and a quick glimpse of Claudia, played by Leanne Whittacker. I really like this teaser shot of Leanne's eye, as it does not give away too much and this is exactly what I was aiming for.
After this, we then see Alan's credit and a close-up of him running his fingers around his mouth. This here was a gag improvised by Alan. A nice film reference too. A tribute to Humphrey Bogart.
The title then appears.
At the moment it looks really unprofessional. When I edit this properly, I am going to use a better font, and also have the font appearing over the footage. My footage will be in black and white and will feature elements of red. I also plan to letterbox my footage, massively to create a real claustrophobic feeling.
Once the title fades, this is the point where the voice-over begins. We see Henry working at his desk, as it slowly zooms in Alan will begin to reveal his thoughts to us. I think this clip is either too fast or too short. I can slow this down or use another piece of footage.
He will begin to talk about Claudia and how he could use her as distraction in order to get the money. As he does this we begin to see teaser shots of Claudia. At this point we see her applying lipstick. I am very happy with this shot. It is nice and close, and just works really nicely I think.
We then return to Henry working, but this time at a different angle. He looks slightly frustrated and looks around. At this point I am going to get Alan to talk about how he could get Claudia. He then gets up and exits the frame.
Again, another cut showing even more of Claudia. I like this shot also, but not as much. I think it fits in nicely though.
Henry is now standing up, he walks over to the window and looks out. I really am happy with this shot. I love the lighting in it and the framing is wonderful.
As he is looking out of the window, Claudia walks by. In this shot you can see wires in the background as I used a fog machine. When I edit, I plan to alter the contrast and make the footage darker allowing the wires to become hidden.
He then turns away, and Claudia sparks up. As she does this, he returns to his seat. I think this is a really nice shot that is going to work well with a voiceover as he looks like he is in deep thought. I just need to ace the script and make it sound good. She then exhales.
He taps his feet. This shot represents anxiety, again this will work so much better with a voice over.
She flicks her hair, and Claudia has now been revealed!
The sequence ends with the same opening shot, but this time..panning out.
I know this is not very good but I am really happy I have done this. I can now write a better script as I have a rough idea of how my sequence is going to look. I may not stick to this order, and I may use different footage. The majority of it needs to be slower also, I think. We'll see.
I need a few more ideas on what other credits to include and what fonts to use. This is what I am going to focus on next, before editing in Final Cut Pro.
It's not very good, but I think it is a good starting point.
I'm glad I did this as everything is now coming together!
I decided to create a genre piece for Dimension Films to distribute. As I am going for a Sin City style, I thought this would be a good idea. This could change, I think I'll get opinions before finalising this.
At the moment it is looking really boring, I think. Of course it is going to look loads more better once I edit in Final Cut and add in music and a voice-over. The opening shot is the character Henry, played by Alan Fairnie. The audience see a quick shot of him at a desk, it's dark and there is only one source of light. Here I was trying to create the illusion of this character staying at work after hours, establishing that he is working on something important.
It then cuts to a title credit and a quick glimpse of Claudia, played by Leanne Whittacker. I really like this teaser shot of Leanne's eye, as it does not give away too much and this is exactly what I was aiming for.
After this, we then see Alan's credit and a close-up of him running his fingers around his mouth. This here was a gag improvised by Alan. A nice film reference too. A tribute to Humphrey Bogart.
The title then appears.
------------------------------------------------------------------
At the moment it looks really unprofessional. When I edit this properly, I am going to use a better font, and also have the font appearing over the footage. My footage will be in black and white and will feature elements of red. I also plan to letterbox my footage, massively to create a real claustrophobic feeling.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Once the title fades, this is the point where the voice-over begins. We see Henry working at his desk, as it slowly zooms in Alan will begin to reveal his thoughts to us. I think this clip is either too fast or too short. I can slow this down or use another piece of footage.
He will begin to talk about Claudia and how he could use her as distraction in order to get the money. As he does this we begin to see teaser shots of Claudia. At this point we see her applying lipstick. I am very happy with this shot. It is nice and close, and just works really nicely I think.
We then return to Henry working, but this time at a different angle. He looks slightly frustrated and looks around. At this point I am going to get Alan to talk about how he could get Claudia. He then gets up and exits the frame.
Again, another cut showing even more of Claudia. I like this shot also, but not as much. I think it fits in nicely though.
Henry is now standing up, he walks over to the window and looks out. I really am happy with this shot. I love the lighting in it and the framing is wonderful.
As he is looking out of the window, Claudia walks by. In this shot you can see wires in the background as I used a fog machine. When I edit, I plan to alter the contrast and make the footage darker allowing the wires to become hidden.
He then turns away, and Claudia sparks up. As she does this, he returns to his seat. I think this is a really nice shot that is going to work well with a voiceover as he looks like he is in deep thought. I just need to ace the script and make it sound good. She then exhales.
He taps his feet. This shot represents anxiety, again this will work so much better with a voice over.
She flicks her hair, and Claudia has now been revealed!
The sequence ends with the same opening shot, but this time..panning out.
I know this is not very good but I am really happy I have done this. I can now write a better script as I have a rough idea of how my sequence is going to look. I may not stick to this order, and I may use different footage. The majority of it needs to be slower also, I think. We'll see.
I need a few more ideas on what other credits to include and what fonts to use. This is what I am going to focus on next, before editing in Final Cut Pro.
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