Feedback On Draft Cut

I have been given feedback from everyone in my class on my draft cut for the opening sequence to my film. This is what they said (:

The actor was convincing, cutting to black constantly for the titles, distracting a bit for the story building edge of things.

Titles are too long, more shots of the small girl needed. Use a variety of shots.

Simple titles are good. Think it could be better if all the titles wern't the same, maybe move them round in a different way.

Needs a little extra work. Good use of font and elongation.

Sharpness of the clips. maybe needs improving. Contrast on the street needs brightening up slightly. Other than that very good.

Dark in places, needs lightening up. Costumes generally look like an average teenager.

Close up shots are effective and music works well with the sequence.

Although some shots are repeated, think they work great. Good transitions between shots and timing was good. Kept me interested.

Music goes very well with the camera shots, very professional.

Way to long titles, with boring effects. Although they are not over the top, could do with more though.

Whilst I Was Filming

I had a few problems whilst i was planning and actually shooting.

My actor became ill and couldn't come, and at such short notice couldn't get together someone else. Although i did get some close facial shots of my actor, which i will be able to drop into the footage.

Timing was crucial, as i had to hit town at rush hour to get the most busiest shots possible, as i got there it was turning dark and there weren't many people around. Should really get a couple more shots of the busy town making sure i get there with time to set up.

My shots didn't really match my planned shots, so i might need to do a couple of the shots that i planned to mingle in with the footage that i shot.

So Far, The Production

So far during the production i have had many up and downs, mostly downs.

Whilst i was out filming i had various problems arise, but the thing i am most happy with is the fact that i went out on my own to film something. I would never do that if it was my own choice, i had a few issues but i just got down to it. my footage was limited due to some problems, but i should be adding more to it.

I still have a few things to do, i think the editing will make me more happy with my work as at the moment it looks quite messy and just plain.

3 Tips To Consider During Shooting Your Film

Before and during filming, you should keep in mind you:

Made sure you've planned everything down to the last minor detail.

Not to be afraid to make adjustments to your planned shots, if you stumble across something that you think may turn out better, shoot that as well as the planned version.

Make sure your time slots are suitable and your not going to run out of light!

Storyboard Animatic

I have created an animated version of my storyboard. It is only a basic storyboard, showing none of the final camera angles, although they are roughly in the are the shot will be.

There are a few pictures in there which may seem to be the same, that's because they are. But they are not intended to be like that, the angles will be all different and have different center points. I am really happy with this basic storyboard and hope to match shot for shot as much as i can whilst filming.

Continuity Task

We have been given some new HD camera's to shoot our film opening sequences with. As of this, we done a test run with them to make sure if we encounter any problems they are able to be sorted out before we come across making the real thing. This film is just a short sequence from a simple storyboard. We done a run with a HD tape and a standard tape, i edited the standard tape so this is what we ended up with.

Film Opening Sequence

For this post I have chosen an opening sequence from the Hurtwood House YouTube channel i liked, and i am going to write about what i think to the techniques they have used.

Here is a video from the Hertwood House youtube channel



I like the way the video has been put together, it's all really pacey and short cuts. The kind of techniques they have used are easy but effective, the close ups of all the most important things that are to be noticed make it powerful to the eye and grips you into the picture.

I really like the way when the titles come up, they freeze the shot behind and change the effect of it so its all blurry and the writing scrolls on.

When the pace slows down, and the movement of the camera slows too, you get the feeling that they've done their drugs and are tripping. The shot always cuts back to the source and the main feature for the sequence in which this case is the cocaine reminding you why the sequence is how it is. You then link in your mind everything around that, and it's helpful the way it does that.

Planning

For my sequence i have a very specific choice of location for where i want to shoot certain parts.
I will not need any major props, maybe a piece of food or drink to imitate the stealing.

Locations -
Newmarket train station, i have noticed this place whilst travelling back and fourth from my friends house, and seems an ideal place to shoot a certain scene. It needs to rain or snow though in order to get the full effect for the sequence.

I need to find a place where there is a food van such as a kebab shop, who will let me shoot a certain part. I don't think this will be a problem.

I also need a location where there are steps and a good croud come past to seem as if its really busy and noone takes any notice to this kid on the streets. I could organize a few friends to come together to do this, this either should not be a problem.


Props -
I need to get a piece of food or drink which will imitate the young kid stealing. I will have to arrange this with someone who owns a food stall.

Actors -
My little sister will be playing the young kid in my opening sequence. She has agreed and permission has been given.

Major Issues

Here are some major issies that could occur whilst filming the opening sequence.

The terrain - If it carries on to be cold and icey, it may be difficult to film certain shots without an accident occurring. I may have to change the location for the shot where there is less ice allowing more grip.

Shotlist - I need to have a shotlist that i'm happy with to shoot from. This will determine whether it will have a good effect on the audience. Spend a good amount of time on it.

Weather conditions - Even though i need the terrain to be safe and suitable for certain shot, i need it to rain or snow in order to be able to get the full effect for a shot of my character taking shelter from the weather.

Potential Nuicances

These are the potential minor things that could arrise during the filming of this opening sequence.

Permission from parents saying i can use my little sister as an actor.
Timings for shooting, make sure get all done.
Finding the right props if needed.