My Media Portfolio
P1: Develop your script further, and generate additional
pre-production materials for an original short film
a) Treatment
b) Script
c) Storyboard
d) Set Designs
e) Recce
f) Risk Assessments
g) Daily Shooting Schedule
h) Crew and actor call sheets
TASK 2 - P2, M1, D1 - Produce Production Materials for use in an Original Short Film
Production Logs
a) Setting up appropriate equipment
b) Following Script/Storyboard
Friday 12th May
Today I went to Fitzwarren House to film the majority of the scenes that occur in the present day. Mavis was ready when I got there and we set up fairly quickly as only used basic equipment. I used the main light in the bedroom but also made sure the curtains were fully open to let as much natural daylight in as possible. I set up the camera so that Mavis and Mia (carer) were mid shot- I used the bed frame as a main guide on positioning, as the end frames were at each side of the shot. I made sure that Mavis wasn’t too low or too high in the shot as there was slight height difference between Mavis and Mia. I set the ISO appropriately and used the manual focus to focus on Mavis and Mia specifically. I filmed all of the scenes that included this same two-shot simultaneously so that the camera positioning was the same and so that the lighting didn’t vary very much. I didn’t set the white balance myself and wish that I had, however I am extremely happy with my shots. Some of them are slightly grainy; however most of them are okay so I won’t be re-shooting. Most shots were on the tripod- I made sure this was secure from the start, and that the camera wasn’t at an awkward angle and was level (using the tiny spirit level on the side of the tripod)
Monday 15th May
I changed the ISO settings, as ISO 400 was too dark, therefore left it on Auto so that shots weren’t different. My white balance had previously been on a specific setting, so I changed this to auto. I had planned to set it manually however once on the train didn’t have time. First of all I completed a few handheld shots but knew that this wouldn’t be as good quality as if using the tripod as the train is not very steady. I used the tripod stood on the table to get a steadier shot and then got different angles- I used a table opposite and the arm rests to keep the tripod steady and extended the tripod to the floor when completing an over the shoulder shot. Although slightly difficult when on a moving train, I shot some panning shots to make them more interesting, and a range of shot types to set the scene and imply the tie in history.
Tuesday 16th May
I only used a tripod in this shot and equipment and shots were very basic and simple. I used auto white balance and ISO as 400 was too dark (it wasn't that bright in general)
Wednesday 17th May
I simply held the camera on my lap as the video footage wasn’t needed and thought it was unnecessary to use a tripod as a result of this. Unfortunately there were no mics available as students hadn’t returned them on time, therefore I had to rely on my camera sound. My spare battery hadn’t charged correctly, therefore this was an issue as my battery was low throughout but luckily I managed to get everything that I needed. As this was simply a sound recording, I didn’t need to worry about any camera settings etc.
This shot follows my storyboard throughout as in the present day scenes I wanted to mainly use medium two shots and I successfully did that.
This shot again follows my storyboard, except on the day I felt as if it would be better to use an OTS shot to give it more perspective and emotion. The most important thing was the photo and I changed the scene slightly so that Mavis was pointing to the photo, to allow me to connect it with a face on shot of this scene.
The above two shots follow my script as I wanted to get these specific shots. For example, I wanted to get Daisy loping out the window to show the progression of time but also touching her locket as it is a prop that is significant for the time that it was representing. The watch is also a representation of the passing of time as it line with the dialogue that her train journey took "forever".
This shot accurately follows my storyboard and again it is showing the time period in which the flashback was set, as the coins aren't coins that are used today.
c) Following Safe Working Practises
d) Following Production Processes
Friday 12th May
With regards practices, me and Mia both signed in/out of the visitors book so that the staff knew we were on the premises, and on the way to the room the hospitality manager briefed us on the nearest exits and fire policies etc. We were shown the meeting points just in case of a fire alarm and showed us the buttons to press for help if there were any issues with Mavis/other residents. Luckily there were no wires or cables present whilst on set, as I only used my camera and tripod, however I did make sure that my tripod wasn’t left unattended as Mavis has trouble with her eyesight, therefore this could have been dangerous. Mavis had a jug of water by her bedside, so I moved this firmly out of the way to avoid any spillages
Monday 15th May
Similarly to filming at Fitzwarren House, I didn’t use any lighting therefore didn’t have any cables to worry about. There were electricity plugs beside the table, so we kept drinks etc in my bag so that there were no risks with regards to fire. Obviously the safety instructions are presented on the train via signage so we ensured that we read through that just in case of any emergencies. again I only used natural lighting as a result of limited electricity supply therefore didn’t have to worry about cables causing trip hazards. Obviously the sand creates an uneven surface, so I made sure that Daisy was aware of this and that she took extra care when not looking where she was walking to limit injury or trips and falls.
Tuesday 16th May
As I needed no characters/actors in these scenes I didn’t have to worry too much about safe working practises, however did make sure that my tripod was secure and safe on ground that was as flat as possible. I asked permission from the church caretaker before filming however he did not have an issue with this. Again because I was only using natural lighting I didn’t have to worry about electricity or any fire hazards etc.
Wednesday 17th May
I sat opposite Mavis so that the sound was as clear as possible and kept the lens pointing away from her to make her feel more comfortable when talking. As I used no specific equipment or lighting I didn’t have to worry too much about safe working practices, and had already had permission to film with Mavis and on the premises as a result of my previous visit. As I had already filmed in the building I knew the safe working practises for example the fire procedures and fire exits so didn’t have to worry about that.
Friday 12th May
The lighting is mainly natural in the scenes I shot today, however if I feel it necessary will adjust this in post-production to contrast with the flashback scenes.
Monday 15th May
Luckily the natural lighting was bright throughout these scenes, as the train is fairly well lit for passenger safety reasons, however did darken when entering Cardiff Central station. Depending on how I choose to edit the footage, this may not matter a huge amount. As these are flashback scenes with a present day voiceover, the sound quality didn’t matter. In some of the shots you can see my reflection in the window of the train, so in post-production I will just choose the best scenes or moments where you can’t see me very clearly. As this was filmed on a train, there were other members of the public on the carriage. There was a man sat behind Daisy between Newport and Cardiff therefore I didn’t get many shots during this time just in case he was in the shots. I completed head on shots and close ups in this time so that he wasn’t involved, as I hadn’t asked his permission etc. We arrived at Bridgend station and I filmed Daisy getting off of the train- these were all handheld shots as obviously we didn’t have time to repeat the shots or use a tripod. I then filmed Daisy as if she were getting off the train and walking along the platform; again this was all handheld as I was unsure whether the staff would question my filming. There were other members of the public on the platform however they were not in shot, and when looking back over the footage I can easily cut before they are noticed. The beach was fairly empty, therefore I didn’t have to worry about getting other members of the public in the shot
Tuesday 16th May
No sound check needed as it wasn't appropriate, simply focussed the lens etc.
Wednesday 17th May
Again because I was only using the sound, I didn’t have to worry about focussing the lens etc, however did review the sound to ensure there was no background noise or heavy sounds in the background that would’ve interfered with my work.
Reviewing footage with the actress
RUSHES: SEE DVD
TASK 3 - P3, M2, D2 - Edit Production Materials for use in an Original Short Film
a) Logging Rushes and making an Edit Decision List
Edit Decision List
b) Producing and Reviewing an Offline Edit
Offline Edit Review
My offline edit did follow my script and storyboard, however because of the circumstances of filming, there were scenes that were changed or adapted to the conditions of the filming. For example, as mentioned in my production logs, there was an activity that Mavis had to attend that I was unaware of, so I didn't manage to get my opening scene. I changed this slightly so that it set the location, but didn't follow my script. At the beach I used a log on the beach instead of a bench as this still gave the beach setting and we thought this would be appropriate. I knew that my audio would be tricky to match with ambient noise as naturally, Mavis was quite quiet, however in some scenes she sloe fairly loudly. I made sure that there was an adequate amount of flashback scenes, as even though it was good to see the present day scenes, I felt that it was more important to show the time in her life where she felt "found" rather than "lost".
c) Applying appropriate visual effects and transitions
In post-production I mainly used cuts however did use some more developed transitions such as cross dissolves. As planned in my script, I used a cross dissolve from the present day scenes to the flashback scenes. The point in which I have screen shotted clearly shows the point in which the two scenes cross over, which clearly demonstrates the mix of scenes/events that are in the mind of someone with a condition such as dementia.When returning to present day scenes, I thought it would be more appropriate to simply use cuts, as the change in emotion and thought that a dementia sufferer experiences, isn't smooth but rather choppy and quite confused.
On the very first shot of the flashback, I added an adjustment layer to enable me to add different effects to the shot without ruining the original shot. Not only did I have a boac and white effect on the shot, but I also added Noise and some Dust and scratches to give the footage an older look and feel. The shot was purposely out of focus, to show the blurred memory that Mavis sees at first however these effects really brought of the flashback.
This is an example of me changing the brightness and contrast of some of my shots. This is only of one scene, however I applied this effect to several shots to enhance the colour. For example, in the opening scene I adjusted the contrast significantly so that it looked lie a more appealing care home, as generally the colours are plain and dull with regards to furniture. Adjusting the contrast alongside colour grading allowed my shots to also look more professional.
Here is an example of the colour balancing I completed to make my shots look more professional. I applied an adjustment layer to the first scene shot in the care home and applied this adjustment layer to each of the scenes so that it was a consistent look. I changed the contrast again slightly to enhance the colours in the room, however also used the Color Balance feature to add a slightly blue tint to the care home shots.This allowed the shots to look slightly cold and lonely, which represents the times where Jean (main character) feels lost in the care home as a result of her dementia. I raised the mid tone blue balance to 24 which was an appropriate level in my opinion as it didn't make the shots too blue but definitely gave that duller feeling. I also used fast colour corrector (featured below with the Color wheel) to enhance the blue effect.
d) Linking audio to visuals and adding audio effects
To the left is an example of where i have adjusted the audio to suit the visuals; during the flashback scenes, I decided that it was important to have the soundtrack at a fairly high volume to add to the atmosphere of the story, however thought that when we were in the present day scenes, that it was overpowering and would be more suitable if the soundtrack was quieter to demonstrate the fact that a memory like this is always quietly at the bad of the mind, but isn't always the most prominent thought. I used the automation line (yellow line) and the pen tool to place 2 markers where I thought it was appropriate for the song to diminuendo to a quieter level.
To the right is also an example of where I have linked the audio to the visuals, and where I have added sound effects. I used a pre-recorded sound effect of an old fashioned train under some of the scenes where younger Jean is on the train s it added atmosphere and allows the audience to connect with the story. I didn't use the sound effect throughout all of the train scenes as I thought this would become overpowering and too tiring to the ears, especially as I had a voiceover over some of the scenes. Where the audio was too short I used the cut tool to add extra cut sections of the audio.
Here I have done similar to the example above by adding a sound effect of the sea waves and sea breeze- I thought this was appropriate as the wide shot shows the background as the sea and it is natural to be able to hear the sea/waves. It also allows the audience to connect more with the scene as they feel involved and as if they are at the beach at the time. Again, I had to use the automation to ensure the sound track was balanced with the sound effect and also any dialogue that was being delivered in the scene
Again, here I have done similar things by adding sound effects. I used a country air ambience noise when showing the British church and gravestone and birds chirping as this conveyed peace, and demonstrated that her husband Arthur died. I used a soon sound effect when younger Jean is counting her money and had to match it to when she touched the coins et. Obviously this is slightly difficult when the sound is pre-recorded however I did it the best I could to enable the message/idea to get across to the audience. The far screenshot shows the effects that i used alongside the soundtrack, and as the automation lines show, I had to balance these sounds so that nothing was too loud or too quiet.
I used there mixer to ensure that the audio tracks weren't going too high into the red and that in general all the audio tracks were at a suitable level. I didn't use any effects such as EQ or Reverb as it wasn't appropriate for my film. The genre is mainly drama, and therefore I didn't feel like it was appropriate to add too many technical effects to the sound, as it also wouldn't have suited the time in which the film is set (flashbacks). I did use Premiere Audio effects to compress the sound so that the dialogue didn't fluctuate in volume, however still had to balance the volume levels between the soundtrack and added sound effects.
Final Major Project 'Lost and Found' Final Edit
TASK 4 - P4, P5 - Produce a Certification for an Original Short Film based on Feedback gained from a Focus Group
Focus Group
Certification Slide Show (Key Images from Film that will impact Certification)
