Editing and initial Titles

Today's lesson

Today In our two hour media lesson, we managed to make more alterations to our extract and add more audio and titles. Throughout the lesson, me and Emma researched for copyright free audio which would be appropriate for the extract and add to the verisimilitude.

For example, we found audio for the shower scene , which was the water from the shower, a door bell, for when the victim arrives at the front door, and classical and mysterious music which will be played throughout the whole duration of the opening sequence, to add effect and create an tension. Whilst we were doing this, Izzy was transferring the audio onto the editing software and made changes to some of the flashbacks, in which we created last Tuesday. In addition, she deleted the last scene in our extract, which was when the victim and antagonist were sharing dialogue. The reason for this was due to our extract's duration being too long and we thought that this particular scene wasn't necessary due to us having other sound alternatives throughout the extract.

In the second hour, we started to create titles for our opening sequence. After researching giff's of black and white eyes, we were informed that we are more likely to gain more marks if we didn't copy and paste images from the internet. Therefore we went into the studio room next door and decided to take a extreme close up of our friends eye. In addition the titles will appear over the eye and will make the titles look more professional and to a higher standard.  

Opening titles analysis- Se7en

Se7en opening titles analysis 

The image above presents the text 'SE7EN' in white sans-serif font. This particular text stands out against the black background and this is known as reverse block. Therefore this draws the audience's attention to the title and due to the the credits being simplistic this creates an eerie atmosphere. In addition the text is slightly smudged and quickly handwritten, suggesting an urgency which is typical in a thriler movie, due to it being fast pace. 

This image conveys the text 'NEW LINE CINEMA PRESENTS' In bold white sans-serif font. The use of capital letters again draws in  the readers attention. In addition the text is shown up against the background image of a book, and later on in the extract the antagonist is shown highlighting words on certain pages. Therefore this creates tension and causes the audience to question the actions performed in the opening titles. Furthermore I like the chosen font of the  text and has inspired me to use a similiar style in my own extract.

Clip analysed- 

 

First edit- Audience resoponse

Audience Response for initial edit 

I have come up with a questionnaire to find out whether my peers and family member like the first initial edit and whether they are engaged or not. I will take into consideration of the answers and apply the preferences to the extract. 

Q1- How did you feel about the extract being in black and white? 

Person 1- 'I really liked it actually. I thought it made the clip more engaging' 

Person 2- 'Black and white gives the extract abit more of an edge'

Person 3- 'It's makes it is scarier'    

Q2- Did you think the extract was tense?  

Person 1- 'Yes all the way through'

Person 2- 'Yes when the antagonist was stroking the girls' faces'

Person 3- ' Yes, it was really tense'       

Q3- Do you like the font chosen for the titles?

Person 1- 'Yes because they are simple but effective'

Person 2- 'Yes very good' 

Person 3- 'Yes they look good in the extract' 

Q4- The clip is over 5 minutes long, so which parts do you think we should cut out to make it shorter?

Person 1- 'After he leaves his desk as that scene doesn't need to be that long'

Person 2- ' Probably when he walks towards the mirror'

Person 3- 'Maybe when he turns off the record player' 

Q5- would you watch the opening sequence again?     

Person 1- 'Of course'

Person 2- 'Yes, definately'

Person 3-' Yes, I liked it'   

Todays lesson- Editing

Today's lesson 

We continued to add effects and edit our footage in today's lesson. Firstly we separated the sound from the shots and removed the audio from the scenes that didn't require the sound. In addition this ensured that all background noise and dialogue from myself and group members was removed and therefore made the extract more appropriate and intense. As already mentioned, the footage was too long , lasting over 5 minutes , therefore we cut down the extract and deleted irrelevant shots that made the clip a more acceptable duration.  Another point to note is that we started to crop the shots in which the antagonist crosses out his victim's faces and added them over the other footage. This then created a 'flash back' effect due to the footage quickly appearing and then disappearing throughout. We personally believe that a flash back is common within thrillers and adds to the tension, therefore may benefit our extract. 

Towards the end of the lesson we started to look for copyright free classical/sinister music. Even though we already found music and added it to our first initial edit last Thursday, we found that some members disliked the audio we chose and therefore we found another copyright free song which was much preferred and more appropriate. 

 

First Initial edit

First initial edit of our footage 

Editing- Construction

The first edits of our opening sequence

Last Thursday we started to edit our filming footage. We decided that we wanted to at least upload the footage onto the software and organised each individual shot and place them in the correct order, however we completed the target fairly quickly, meaning that we had extra time to edit. Therefore we managed to turn the footage into black and white as we all thought that this makes the extract more sinister and dark. We added 2 title sequences, the production and title feature and downloaded some classical , eery music which we found appropriate for our extract. In addition, the music chosen is fairly common in thriller movies and we thought that this genre of music would particularly be effective. Our first edits were successful and we managed our time well,however we are aware that a lot still needs to be done and removing background voices from the footage and sorting out the other ambient sounds is very time consuming. Another issue is that the duration of the footage is around 5 minutes and this clearly is too long for an opening sequence. Therefore we need to cut down the clips and decide which shots are relevant and which can be deleted to ensure that the extract has an appropriate duration. Furthermore we hope to continue making alterations later on this week. 

Filming day

Day of Filming 

All members of the group and our actor met up at approximately 10:30am at the filming location. We chose this time as we were unsure as to how long it would take to capture our

footage as well as extra shots. Once we arrived myself and Izzy ( a group member) decided to set up our props. We stuck all of our images of victims, newspaper clippings and murder case posters up on the antagonists bedroom wall and set up the bedroom by re-organising the furniture and making the environment look clean and tidy, due to this reflecting the antagonists'  mental illness, OCD. We also removed items out of the bathroom cupboard and placed the pills and medication on the shelves. In addition we ensured that there was no possible hazards, by referring back to our risk assessment sheet and making the environment safe for us to use. Furthermore, whilst me and Izzy were doing this, Emma set up the camera , assembled the tripod and set up the correct lighting in the bathroom, due to this being the first room to film in. In addition Emma made sure that the white balance was appropriate by taking a few test shots. 

However we also faced a few issues whilst recording our extract. For example Evan, our actor didn't own a dark coloured shirt, therefore he wore a striped blue one instead. But this wasn't a major issue as it didn't affect his presentation and still managed to come across as sinister. In addition Evan misplaced his watch and this was important as time plays a fairly large focal point within the narrative, However, luckily Frankie's dad allowed us to use his watch which therefore solved the issue. Another issue was that both of our lights blew whilst recording our first scene, and this was unfortunate as we had to depend on natural lighting and in some scenes, the lighting was fairly dark because of this issue. Although after viewing our footage the lighting isn't really an issue and the editing will again improve the lighting to a higher standard, by altering the exposure and contrast.

Overall, we managed to stick to our filming schedule and finished packing up the equipment around 3:45pm.

 

Pre-filiming preparation

Preparation for Filming 

Last Friday we visited our filming location and took recce shots of the location and inside the household. This then enabled us to decide which rooms we were going to film in, and whether all the equipment could fit in the provided space or not. In addition, one of our group members, Emma went to college in the afternoon and collected our equipment. This included; the camera, case&charger, microphone for the sound, the studio lights and stands, the light reflectors and tripod. Even though we were provided with a presentation from one of the technicians from school on how to use the equipment appropriately and safely, Emma and her father decided to test all of the equipment the following day, just to double check that everything worked and reminded herself how to use the lights etc. 
Another point to note is that I went to the local supermarket the day before filming and purchased a few items from our prop list. For example the medication and bottles. I then stuck labels onto the medication, which ensured that we were organised for the next day (filming). 

Planning Journal- Recce shots of Filming location

Recce shots- Frankie's house 

The above image shows the house in which we are going to film in. In addition at the start of the extract an establish shot will be taken of the location, as this will inform the audience about the environment and setting. 

This image shows the antagonists bedroom, and as you can see, it is presented as minimalistic , tidy and clean, which again will reflect his character and personality.

Again is another shot of the antagonists bedroom. 

This shows the mirrored cabinet, that will store all of the antagonists medication and pills, which is located in the bathroom. 

This image shows where the antagonist and victim will share their dialogue at the end of the extract. 

This audience will view the antagonist walking down the stairs and going to answer the front door.

Planning Journal- Filming Schedule

Sunday's filming schedule

We have come up with a filming schedule which will help us be more organised and save time on the day of filming. Although we don't know how long the filming will actually take, we have just made brief and estimated timings In addition our group is aware that problems could take place during the filming, therefore we might not follow the schedule to the exact timings. 

Time schedule	What is required	People required	Equipment required
10.30	Setting up- Putting all props in place, such as medication in cupboards and putting up the photos on the walls.	Izzy Tammy Emma All required to set up	All props listed on prop sheet.
11.00	Put makeup on our actors. Get them into costumes.	Emma Evan Tammy- doing makeup	Make-up Costume.
11.15	Put up lighting and set up camera. Sort out white balance. Set up sound mic. Connect to camera and set tripod up in the first room.	Emma Tammy Izzy	Lights Camera Sound Mic Tripod
11.30	Check all props and in place. Do a camera test shot to ensure all equipment is working.	Izzy Tammy Emma	Lights Camera Sound Mic Tripod
12.00	Film shots 1-8. This includes the establishing shot and the shower scenes.	Izzy, Tammy, Emma required for filming, sound and lighting. Evan acting.	Lights Camera Sound Mic Tripod
12.30	Film shots 9-16. This requires filming the cupboard, and getting dressed.	Izzy, Tammy, Emma required for filming, sound and lighting. Evan acting.	Lights Camera Sound Mic Tripod Pills and needles.
13.00	LUNCH BREAK	LUNCH BREAK	LUNCH BREAK
13.30	Continue filming shots 17-24. This involves the filming of the wall, the flashbacks and close up shots of the antagonist.	All members including Evan.	Lights Camera Sound Mic Tripod Pills.
14.00	Film shots 25-32. This involves the filming of the wall, the flashbacks and close up shots of the antagonist.	All members including Evan.	Lights Camera Sound Mic Tripod Record Player. Pen. Photos of girls on the wall.
14.30	33-35	All members but Emma is required to act with Evan.	Lights Camera Sound Mic Tripod
15.00	Check all footage is how we want it. Re-film shots if necessary.	Izzy Tammy Emma	Camera and then all equipment if re-filming is necessary.
15.30	Tidy and pack equipment and props away.	Izzy Tammy Emma	N/A