Creating The Sound Collage

Creating The Sound Collage

From looking at the feedback from my class members and teacher me and Ellie decided to ditch the second song and add a sound collage, layered with different sounds, this will give a sense of normality and give the location the sense of danger that it requires. Hopefully the sound collage will also give the scene the urban feel that it currently lacks. We have used a number of different sound layers such as car alarms, dog barking, baby crying and police sirens. Each individual sound symbolizes the life of our main character, they also symbolizes the stereotypical neighbourhood she lives in. All the different sounds are ambientmsounds taken inspiration by "Fish Tank". I edited the layers of sound on MixPad. As my role of editing sound I had to find these different sound effects from copyright free websites to ensure our work was royalty free. Below is an image of the editing process for creating the final mp3 layer that will be added to Premiere and into our film opening. Most of the sounds we have used are ambient a sound found in one of the films we responding to. 

Because we wanted the sound collage to appear it was coming from outside I had to manipulate the sound levels and equalize some of the sound effects. After playing around with each individual sound layer I was able to put them into place at the right volume levels, ready to be converted to an mp3 file and added to Premiere. This is an image of the sound collage in place, in premiere where it will be throughout the film opening.

Sound Collage - ambient sound

Sound Collage-Ambient Sound

From looking at the feedback from our class mates and teacher we have decided to create a sound collage. We will include background noise to represent and symbolize different aspects of our main characters life. We will use a dog barking sound effect; this will show the ever constant shouting and abuse received by her father. A police siren to represent the rough and violent neighborhood that she lives in. a car siren to represent the violence received from school and the need for attention that she lacks. We will also use minor sound effects that we will just record from outside to give a real natural feel to our work.

New Ideas

New Ideas

Feedback + Criticism

Feedback + Criticism

After showing our class the film opening we gain feedback from our teacher and other class members. We were marked against; sound, camerawork, mise en scene and editing. Overall we received very strong feedback; there were many complements but also much constructive criticism. For sound we were told that we should not include the second scene but create a sound collage of different symbolic noises that can represent the life and class of our main character. For camerawork we were told that our shots were steady and the use of symbolisation in our shots was clear and understandable. Many shots were filmed brilliantly and gave many symbolic scenes to represent the status, class and personality of the main character. Our mise en scene was seen and ok, many people thought it was good and showed much about the character and location but others believed we should include some extra shots to show more about the storyline as opposed to just the character. We have planned to film some extra shots that will indicate where the story will go and what the themes of the film will be. We was also told that our editing was great, the use of colour correction and adjustment of brightness was visually attractive and symbolic to the theme of the film. Our film opening also showed continuity.

Favourite Shots

Favorite shots

Below are some images of my favorite shots. I like these shots as they are visually attractive and symbolize Alisha's character in different ways.These images represent her as a person, something beautiful covered and surrounded by everything else, she as a character and person is waiting to blossom, and the other shots represented her status and class, this shot was filmed out of focus to symbolize the fact she doesn't matter, she is an ordinary person in the background and shouldn't be of any importance. I also like the title we have put in our film opening as it looks appealing and stands out.

 

First Cut

First Cut

Today we have continued to edit our film opening. we have placed all the camera shots that we have filmed and added all our titles. We have also included our own production company logo and  the logo of 4. we decided to not include Entertainment One or Warpfilms as we believed it would have taken to much time and we would have much time to include our primary sources. during the editing stages we have also begun to edit the way it looks, applying different colour corrections where necessary and adjusting the colour/brightness. below is our first cut.

Opening Titles

Opening Titles

Today I have watched films of a similar genre and distributors, in these films I viewed the opening credits and was able to see what credits we should include in ours, below is a list in chronological order of the roles that will be included:

Actors

Casting direct

Costume

Music supervisor

Composer

Production designer

Editor

Directed of photography

Co Producer

Screen play

Producer

Director


These are the list of the credits that we can choose from. Because we only have 2 minutes to show ours we cant have all the titles so we will therefore choose the appropriate ones when we put the titles in. The highlighted credits are the titles we included in our film opening.

Below are some images of the credits we have included:

 

Filming

Filming

Today we have filmed with Alisha in a council estate, the shots we filmed today will be used to help show the location of the scene and set the feel of the film. The location is very important in our film opening as it tells the audience what type of place it is set in and allows the audience to think what themes may occur during the film. Today we have taken a majority of close ups, this was deliberate to allow the audience to see certain aspects of the setting and character. The use of close ups also allow the audience to see fine details of the scene. Below is are images of us filming outside and inside

Filming Restrictions

Filming Restrictions

Due to location distances we have decided to film somewhere else, as opposed to travelling all the way to ponders end we have decided we shall film somewhere much nearer and accessible by doing this it will make it easier to film there again if we are required to re shoot. Originally we were going to film at the estate over at Ponders End. This was because we believed the iconic block of flats at Ponders end would help show the location and status of our main character. We have decided to shoot over at the council estate at Harlow this much more accessible and still provides similar flats and areas that can help signify and represent the status and class of our main character.

.

These two images show the difference in distance from where we live and where we could film. the first image is the distance from Ware and Ponders End, the second image shows the distance from Ware and Harlow. After choosing  to film in Harlow as opposed to Ponders end we have collected some new images of the location.

Editing

 Editing

We have began to edit our film opening, so far we only have a few shots but have started to add titles and credits, we have also added production company logos and our own production company logo, we have added the non copyright music as well to build emotion and create sympathy for the main character. Here is an image of our video production in premiere as we are editing

Filming

Filming

So far we have started to film only parts of our film opening, this is due to weather and people we asked to film were unable to, therefore we have re arranged a different date where we can shoot and film the rest of the film opening, there is a high chance that we will be shooting on different days, this can cause a problem as weather can change causing a noticeable difference in shots. After discussing this we have decided we can use saturation levels and colour correction to make the tones and lighting of the shots equal.

Distributers

Distributers

We decided that our film distributer will be film4. This is a British company and often funds films to be made and distributes them. This fits that conventions of our film as ours would a British film set in north/east London. Our film is also targeted at a niche audience and Channel 4 (who owns Film4) fund and show programmes and films with a niche target audience. Previously we looked at Warp Films and Entertainment One but other discussion with our teacher and researching film distributers we decided against it and have opted to use Film4.



Comparing Film Production Companies

Comparing Film Production Companies

These are two completely different movie companies that both have different target audiences but have similar logos, this is because after discussing with my partner we chose to be an indie film production company that creates films with a wide audience potential. This is why we have taken inspiration from Universal. The types of films that would be created by our movie company would target niche audience but would focus on popular themes and interesting story lines that could be interesting for a wide audience range.

Animatic

Animatic

This is an animatic of the storyboard for our film opening. We have included music but not sound effects, sequence due to technical reasons. This is only a guide line once we are actually on the loaction in which we shall film we may take more close ups, this is due to the lack of knowing what is where we are going. we also plan to use and take more close up shots as we can create representation this will help our mise en scene and help the audience understand what type of charcter she is and what themes might occur during the film.

Company Logo

Company Logo

This is our company logo.

  This is a short clip that we will use as our production company title sequence. This was created by us using a software that isn't provided by the school, therefore we would not have to require copyright. Below is the animated version of our company logo.

Possible Film production companies

Possible Film production companies.

As we have decided our film genre is indie, we have researched different film production companies that publish films that we have taken inspiration form. Warp Films is the film production company that published Submarine which is one of the films that we have taken. Another film distrubuter that we have looked at are Entertainment One, Entertainment One are responsible for publishing The Perks Of Being A Wallflower this is one of the films we have been looking at for inspiration.

Storyboard

Storyboard

This a photo of our storyboard for 'The Days of December'

Diegetic & Non-Diegetic Sound

Diegetic & Non-Diegetic Sound

In the film opening we plan to use a mix of diegetic and non-diegetic sound. From the very beginning we plan to have a song played as non-diegetic, background music setting the mood for Alisha. This music is then turned to diegetic as we see Alisha pull her ear phone out of her ears, we will then see the music fade as hear it through the ear phones with the rough/poor quality. When she puts her ear phones back in the music will change to non-diegetic again. We will also use hyper-realism to make some sound effects of the background louder, things like traffic and people shouting will be added to set the scene, giving the scene the rough feel it will need.

Film Title

Film Title

We have decided to name our film The Days of December. This is because the stroy follows our main character in December. This also enables our film to be open to our audience and make our audience feel as though they can relate to the stroylines much easier.

Below is an image of our film as it would appear in the film opening

This possible title sequence symbolizes the main character and main themes that will be common throughout the film. In the shot, there is a block of grimy flats which represents where she comes from contrasted with a healthy tree growing in this horrible area. The tree is suppose to represent Alisha being amongst people who treat her horribly, the use of proxemics between the tree and block of flats also represent the distance between her and the rest of society. The shot is a p.o.v/low angle shot, this symbolizes Alisha looking to the sky and dreaming high, ambition is one of the key themes found in the film.

Setting/location/props

Setting/location/props

When we film for the opening scene we will be using a number of different locations. Our first couple of shots will be outside in ponders end following Alisha’s walk home and the fist communication that she ever shares with Sam. We will then follow Alisha back to her home. The outside shot will be different to the shots inside. For inside we will be strategically placing items to symbolize a broken family and a rough up bringing that she has had, these items will include things like empty bottle, overflowing bin bags, broken certain rail, rubbish Christmas decorations, broken picture frame of home. Each prop will be purposely placed to help show and represent a part of Alisha’s personality, home life and the main themes that will be present in the film. we will be using a council house to show the class of the characters, a broken curtain rail and an overflowing bin to symbolize the neglect felt by Alisha, the cans of Stella will represent the alcoholic father, and the rubbish Christmas decorations will symbolize the lack of effort and care from Alisha's father. neglect and lack of effort will also be symbolized with the use of a dead plant sitting on a window sill.

My Group & Assigned Jobs

My Group & Assigned Jobs

This is my group; it consists of Me and Ellie. We have each been assigned different jobs to increase the time we have to film and edit our production. My job is to talk about setting/location/props and the use of non-diegetic and diegetic sound. Ellie’s job is to look at the types of colour correction and editing techniques that we will be using, she will also be looking at costumes for Alisha (who will be acting).

 

Music Choices

  Music Choices

These are some of the songs we might use in our film opening

Kate McGill - Cursed

 

Jaymee Dee - Rules

Mind Map

Mind Map 

This is our mind map which includes all our ideas.

Location

Location


Here are some images of the locations in which we will shoot for our film opening

Film Treatment

Film Treatment

My group: Me & Ellie. M

Set in one of London’s poorest boroughs the story follows an ambitious but socially inadequate young teenage girl. Secluded from society at school and bullied by an abusive alcoholic father, this young girl feels trapped and lonely until she soon finds someone just like her. The story follows their relationship and the struggles the two teenagers face. So far we have come to three possible titles “Winds of Desire” “Days of December” and “Fates Tricky Methods”. The location in which we shall shoot for this will possibly be on a council estate, in Tottenham, Seven Sisters, and Hackney Downs or if this proves a difficulty a council estate closer to home and more accessible. We haven’t yet chosen what music we wish to use but it will possibly be a contrast in rock/indie and urban/hip-hop to show a contrast in the character and the society of her home. Films we have been inspired by are; Submarine, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Adulthood, Kidulthood and Fish Tank. Each of these films shares common themes that are presented in our film. To convey these themes in our film opening we should include similar locations, music and types of acting. There are not many props that we require for the film opening. The actress in this should dress contrastingly to the majority of people in the location (i.e. Chavs,) this will give the audience the sense that she doesn’t belong here and wants to differ herself from the community

 

Film Opening Sequence Analysis Using the style of Art of the Title

Film Opening Sequence Analysis Using the style of Art of the Title

six feet under




The use of shots in the title sequence of Six Feet under is specifically chosen to represent what the film is about. This gives the audience an understanding of what is to come but without giving away too much. The title ‘Six Feet Under’ suggest the story is about death, the 9 screen shots match this theme and show different aspects of death. Each shot doesn’t reflect main characters or storylines but shows the most common theme that appears throughout the film. In every shot there is also a lot of space between the foreground and background, this makes the title sequence not too hard to watch but quite gentle and easing as opposed to high contrasting, flashing bright busy images. The title sequence uses iconography to portray the themes of the film giving a clear yet uncertain idea of what to expect from the film.

FIRST SHOT:

The first shot is a low angle shot looking at the sky this doesn’t immediately tell the audience what the film is about but it does however give a sense of solitude and loneliness ad there is only one bird in flight as opposed to a flock. It appears that the bird is actually a crow which is a symbolic image that represents death staying to the theme of the film. In this shot it also includes the name of the lead actor/actress.

SECOND SHOT:

The second shot is more symbolic of life and death and the distances between people that death brings. It shows a hand grasping for another hand, (symbolising perhaps someone grasping for life) in between the ands is a tree. This isn’t significant at the moment but will soon become a clear logo of the film in future shots. The use of colour in this shot also highlights depression and darkness that is brought with death. In this shot it also includes the name of the lead actor/actress.

THIRD SHOT:

In the third shot the representation of death is more clearly shown compared to previous shots. It is the foot of a dead body with a tag; the location is a morgue which is another symbol of death. This shot tells the audience more clearly that the most common theme throughout the film will be death. In this shot it also includes the name of the lead actor/actress.

FOURTH SHOT:

The forth shot in the sequence is of the wheels of a hospital bed, this is another shot that can be clearly identified as being a symbol of death/illness giving a clear representation of the films main theme. The shot doesn’t include any major story lines or anything about the characters; it does however include a name of an actor from the film. 

FIFTH SHOT

In the fifth shot of the title sequence, like the previous shots it focuses on different aspects of death and illness. This time it is of an actual dead body in a morgue and gives an even clearer idea of what the film is about. By having a shot of the dead body as the middle shot it allows the audience to understand what the theme through the film is, if they hadn’t figured it out yet. The body in the shot isn’t centre but is lower in the screen making the focus of the shot the credits which are contrasted against a pale background. 

SIXTH SHOT

In the sixth shot, it also stays to theme of showing different aspects of death. This shot is a hand clasping another hand perhaps at a funeral. This is showing the pain and emotion that is felt when losing someone you love. This shot focuses on a different aspect of death compared to the other shots, showing that the film will also be dealing with the emotion and pain felt by family members and friends of the diseased. In this shot it also includes the credits of producer as opposed to previous shots which included names of actors/actresses. 

SEVENTH SHOT

The seventh shot in the title sequences is darker compared to the other shots. It shows a dark creature climbing onto someone’s bed; this could represent ‘Death’ taking his victim. This can be seen as the creature is hidden from behind its hair. This could also show the darkness and evil that is thought when a loved one is taken. The title sequence is starting to show darker aspects to death as compared to the shots before which was more emotional and showed lighter aspects. In the shot it also includes credits to the crew members.

EIGHTH SHOT

In the eight shot of the title sequence it shows a gravestone in a cemetery with no name, however on the grave stone there is the name of the director, this indicates it is one of the last shots of the sequence as the director always ends the credit list. The grave stone is one of the most symbolic and iconic use of representation to portray death. This is why it is the last shot in the sequence. The shot is also in sepia compared to previous shots which are in colour with low saturation, all these factors show the emotion and depression that is caused by death

NINETH SHOT

In the very last shot of the title sequence is the name of the film, with the tree seen at the beginning of the title sequence. Below the tree is where the title is located almost like a coffin under the ground, this is also showing the audience what the theme of the film is. The ninth shot is edited in low saturation, high contrast but still in full colour.

Preliminary Exercise Evaluation

Preliminary Exercise Evaluation

For this task is was in a group of three; Me, Beth Grey and Dan Greenall. We created a short scene using; Hollywood editing, shot reverse shot, count down to filming, hyperealism, rule of thirds and match on match action. all of which are vital to creating a piece of work that flows and doesn't look unprofessional. 

Overall I believe we did a good job of our preliminary exercise even though we made a few mistakes we were able to recognise these and change them when we film our film opening. We correctly used all the necessary techniques, however one of the rules we had forgot to apply was the 180 degree rule, which means you are not allowed to film over the 180 degree line, we did this, it wasn't that noticable but we will remember not to do it in future as it did make our work look a little strange for some of the shots. we used hyperrealism when the door was closed as we moved onto a different shot which didn't include the door slamming so we edited in. this made our work flow, this is also match on match action with sound as it carried on through the shots.Apart from them all the other shots were steady, and used appropriate camera angles. The editing worked well and the whole piece ran through smoothly. The scene ran for exactly 30 seconds which it was the required time, we cut each shot precisely so that the the entire piece would run over no more that 30 seconds and no less. One shot that I believe we did well during editing was when one of the characters was walking through the door we filmed them walking, and then them opening the door and then them coming through the door and another shot of them walking across the room. this was all edited well as the shots were time correctly and we used match on match action to ensure the shots flowed smoothly. most of the sound according to plan there was some loud background noise and and some extra noised caused by chairs and footsteps that were not wanted however it wasn't noticeable and made the piece look realistic. we used bridging to overlap the sound from one scene to another to make them flow. If we had more time for this exercise we would have shot the shots with unwanted sound again.there was also silence in some shot where we used slow motion however the absence of sound worked as it builds tension before Dan spills the dirt and crumbles. 
Overall i believe our preliminary exercise was good as we used most of the required techniques and showed a clear understanding of editing..

Preliminary Exercise final cut

Preliminary Exercise final cut

This is our final cut...

Shooting for our Prelimary Exercise!

Shooting for our Prelimary Exercise!

My Group: Me, Bethan Gray and Dan Greenall



Beth filming for our preliminary exercise with Dan (left) and me acting (right).

Hey fellow bloggers!!Today we filmed for our prelimary exam, we filmed a short scene soon to be edited. Our short scen envolves a girl wo has discovered her boyfriend has cheated on her, we tried to build tension with the use of shots and close ups. When it comes to editing our short scene we will use hollywood editing and hyperrealism. This will make our scene look professional as they some of the many techniques used in the film industry. Some of the other skills and technique swe have used far are:

1. Shot reverse shot
2. Hollywood editing
3. Count down to filming
4. 180 degree rule
5. Hyperealism
6. Rule of thirds
7. Match on match action

The name of the different shots we user are:

1. Point of View Shot
2. Over the shoulder shot
3. low angle shot
4. high angle shot
5. tracking shot
6. extreme close up shot
7. close up shot

The software we will be using to edit our short scene will be Adobe Premiere Software, we will be using to shote we filmed yesterday and add the extra sound effects and change speed/duration. If we wish to we may also had some music to the scene to give the scene a polished finsih.