Evaluation Question 7

Whist creating the opening of the film I implemented different knowledge and techniques I had learnt since shooting my preliminary task.  There are certain key elements that I feel like I have gained strength and improved from before shooting the opening. These are things like the addition of music and different camera shots and editing styles to communicate with the audience/viewers.

 Camera

My preliminary task was shot with a Sony HD camera and the stability of a tripod. This gave the essentials to film our footage. The camera work within the preliminary task was fairly smooth, we really did have the most control of the camera, even the tripod did not move as it was stationary so we had to give out the illusion of movement during our tracking shots. This then taught me to have more control when shooting even when hand holding a camera, one thing when shooting that we could not entirely control was the lighting, the natural lighting that came through the windows, the lighting was penetrating the shots and blocked the visuals. Therefore, the way we avoided this was by shooting in the opposite direction we had intended to do so and we used different angles to try and avoid the brightness. This was also amended during the editing stage also. When creating our opening scene, we had a tripod and the same Sony model camera. This meant I learnt how to smoothly pan and tilt whilst recording. Looking back at my preliminary task in comparison to the opening scene I we created, you can see the change in quality from the preliminary task to our final opening credits. This is because we had learned to use the cameras to our advantage and when we came to doing this, we had the ability to control and bend the lighting to our own advantage. At this stage as a group we had become more familiar and comfortable with iMovie and how to actually use it and this is clearly shown.

Continuity Editing

 As it is shown in my preliminary task, we had a change in location in order to show the continuity. This shows fluidity within the clip. The shots were shot separately, however when edited it shows a continues motion that was intended. Because we changed locations during filming, the lighting also changed. However, this was not particular visible or significant after editing. Since finishing the preliminary task and creating our final project I have learnt that with planning, you can ensure you will gain a continuous style throughout; by creating a call sheet we ensured that our actors and crew would be on site when needed and through hours that provided us with the same amount of available light. We also organised ourselves so that we were sure we to be able to gain access to the site, unlike when filming our preliminary task as we were removed from two locations. Having minimal knowledge of our editing program Final Cut Pro when compiling our footage of the preliminary task together, the standard of editing is poor. You can see this as we have not cut some clips short enough and some cuts are untidy. Since doing this, I have learnt how to successfully edit on Final Cut Pro and ensure the finished cut has as much as professional look as is possible. I also have learnt how to show a relation between two characters through placing cuts together. This was especially important within our chase scene as we needed to show to the viewer that the antagonist is chasing the protagonist. We omitted use of transitions and used quick cuts between the clips as we felt this increased pace. With transitions, the speed of the chase was lessened.
Mise en scene

 In our preliminary task it is clear that we have not considered everything within the scene. The location does not suit the situation and the costumes change due to lack of good continuity editing. Since creating the preliminary task, my knowledge of how to create a successful mise en scene has grown. Within 'The Syndrome' opening sequence, you can see we have clearly thought about the location, the costumes, the shot types, the lighting and appearance of the characters. This was not portrayed within our preliminary project. In our final project we ensured that the costumes worn by our two characters represented their roles; the victim dressed in red to signify her as a fated protagonist in danger and the antagonist dressed in dull colours to emphasize his stealth persona. The location increases the idea of 'no escape' within the chase scene and the shot types heighten pace and allow the viewer to identify with different characters. Comparing the preliminary task with our final opening credits, it is easy to see the impact of which mise en scene can have on a clip.

Soundtrack

 Producing our preliminary task was the first time we had used Soundtrack Pro. Being beginners we included a lot of gaudy sound effects that added comedy to the video. Despite this being suited to what we intended, it only added to the amateur feel of the production. The sound quality of the dialect is also poor. I know now that if I am to record dialect I should use a recording attachment to the camera, or record it separately to the footage. When creating our final opening sequence, we decided that to gain the utmost sound quality available for our ambient noises, we should record these separately to the footage. We did so using a microphone and a recording software. We also researched into soundtracks to ensure ours suited the genre of our film opening well and then created this, ensuring it fitted timings well and enhanced a feel of tension.

Evaluation Question 6

Evaluation Question 4+5

Evaluation Question 4

Evaluation Question 2

Evaluation Question 1 - ADDITIONAL

Evaluation Question 1

GIGGLES Evaluation Question One - CUT 1 DRAFT

Giggles in the film industry

‘Giggles’ in the film industry  

For this particular film idea, I have decided to place this idea in the niche film industry. Giggles the horror film stars what the audience thinks is a ‘self-made’ clown but the concept is that the ‘costume’ is his actual skin and flesh. The clown (Cylone) is mentally detached from reality and society. He lives in a forest and does not conform to every stereotype of a clown however, he’s clown features are mutated and deformed e.g. his nose and mouth. I personally chose for my film to be part of the niche film industry because it is considered as an art piece. Giggles focuses on the mental side of reality and how it is shown through the eyes of a ‘beast.’

 PRODUCTION:

 In order to execute my vision of how and what I want the film to actually be like, a satisfactory amount of money would be needed. The money would be used of the special effects makeup, costume and location. This then makes the film more and directly art-house based as we are only using one location and not a lot of props are used. The film will be art house based because it mainly focuses on serious creativity and it is really not for the obvious market. The project is experimental and not designed for mass appeal from a large mainstream audience. It is made for audiences that appreciate cinematic art and visual art appreciation. Giggles the movie is primarily based for aesthetic reasons than commercial profit. The production company would also be saving money, as there is not a huge cast. This is because the film only consists of one main character and that is Cylone the clown and his serial killing journey out of joy and envy.

MARKETING + DISTRIBUTION:

Without a marketing budget to reach a global audience for the film, I have to focus on finding my own individual niche audience. One of the first places to find this particular could even be from something minimal like a local newsstand. If there are print magazines devoted to my movie subject, then those subscribers are part of your target audience. In addition to print, I want to explore the Internet for online publications. Open up a spreadsheet and add these publications to my list. My goal is to then create a database of the top fifty publications geared towards my niche audience. Taking time to understand my audience directly will enable me to create an image of my ideal audience member. This information will then be exploited when I create and process my marketing message. I could even directly appeal to a niche audience in America if I market the film correctly. This could be done by online appeal and marketing as the film will only be released digitally and not in a cinema. As technology is a global platform; within the reach of anyone, the marketing of Giggles is then globally reachable to the niche audience. I will market the film on blogs and art pages. The film can also have it its own exhibition in an art museum and feature on niche magazines like 032c.

EXHIBITION:

 The film will be live streamed. It will be a live released and we will collaborate with film 4 as they are known as an independent platform that supports a niche audience. Therefore collaborating with film 4 then allows Giggles to be aired and released within their channel and programming. I will place my film on film sites like Mubi. Mubi is a niche; subscription based curated online cinema that focuses on providing a cult, classic, independent and award winning movies. However, mubi’s service is available on a variety of media devices and therefore, this then greatly widens the range of audiences that can use their service. As well as giving it probability for example, younger audiences will be more likely to use the website if it is available on their game consoles. Giggles would be made directly for demographic B and be for escapists as it harder to interpret and understand.

Music and Audio Research (GIGGLES)

Plot Summary (GIGGLES)

Location shots 2 (GIGGLES)

Location shots 1 (GIGGLES)