Risk Assesment and Equipment Proof

When completing our shoot for our piece we soon discovered one of our risks would have to be overcome. This problem was the rain. We were aware that water damage could occur to the camera if the necessary precautions were not taken. To ensure this risk was demolished we covered the camera with a plastic bag whilst keeping the lens un-covered, and having someone hold an umbrella over the cameraman whilst he was filming to give double protection. Below is an image showing how we assessed the risk, and overcome it.

To take full advantage of equipment so we could gain a range of A grade shots, our group rented out the track and dolly to create a smooth effect of the camera moving along a certain focal point. Below is an image showing us using the track and dolly with a torch to create light on the focal point during the dark lighting.

Shooting Feedback

We filmed on Wednesday night at my house. We used a DSLR camera that was loaned to us from another student within the class. We then used a tripod, and a track and dolly within the production of our film. When we got to my house we aimed to modify the house as much as possible within reason in order to create the desired set. We did this through props such as dust sheets and photo frames, along with the darkening of the rooms. Once the location was appropriate to film we started to shoot.

By this point the actors were in costume and ready to film. Before the actors were needed, the shots used in the montage were filmed. For these we used the tripod in all of them along with a tracking shot of the front door. We then invited the actors (Alex Rogers, Fin Carroll and Ciara Mulcahy) to join us and we filmed the rest of the sequence. The actors all performed to a very high standard and we were very happy with their performance.

By using a DSLR, the lighting issues we originally faced were easily overcome. We hope that the shots will all come out nicely and that we have achieved some A grade shots. Moreover through careful editing, we hope to achieve a tense atmosphere, presenting a decrepit, desolate house. We aim to position the audience with the house and the hauntings within it. Instead of the focus being on a selection of characters, or one in particular, we want the house to be the main focus of the story. Thus our montage shots will show the isolated house in order to position the audience with the house.

Audience Research Analysis

WB "Walking Dead" Tiltles Anaylsis

This title sequence is very effective and uses many establishing shots in order to create the feel for the series. The opening two series used this title sequence. Personally I find it very effective how the images are only shown for a few seconds at a time. It is showing us how decrepit the world around them has become.

The titles shown within this title sequence are done very effective. All of them are presented in a very plain font and integrated within the images shown. At first they fade out along with the images but go on to cut out when the pictures on the screen do the same. As the image moves so do the titles. This makes it feel as if the titles are part of the image on the screen. I especially like this and would definitely try to emulate something of a similar nature.

Problem Solving

We have managed to borrow a DSLR camera so that will help massively with our shots that are in the dark. We are aiming to make the house as decrepit as possible by using dust sheets and placing leaves within the house. We are trying to show how this house has been abandoned for the past four or five years and is beginning to become quite decrepit. We also want to put some picture frames up that we can crack and place on the wall. We hope that this will add realism and add to the effect of the horror. Due to wanting to shoot in dark, we aim to use torches to in order to only see parts of the action. Thus this will cause the audience to feel on edge as they are unaware to see everything clearly.

Feedback 2 - Mrs Fernandez

Dan, Ross, Will
Well done on your planning work so far; you have shown real commitment to the filming project and have some very creative ideas, informed by your research.  At the moment, aspects of your planning are at high L3/  low L4, with Dan more consistent in the quality of research posted, however you are working well collaboratively and your practice tasks demonstrate a high level of technical skill and effective team work.  In order to work towards a level 4 grade you need to carefully consider / amend the following:

1. audience research needs to be posted - sample questionnaire and results analysis
2. Technical analysis posts (all 3) need to have a reflection at the bottom; what did you learn from the process that has informed your concept development?
3. Blog posts need to be smarted up - key words highlighted, subheadings in colour / underlined, images where possible
4. There has been quite a bit of discussion about the issues with set design for the inside of the house and the outside 'neatness' - in terms of establishing shots.  This discussion with your ideas in response need to be documented on blog with images, ideas for props / set dressing etc
5. The fact that your animatic is only 1.18 is of concern - this shows how useful the process of an animatic is in order to highlight issues with storyboarding.  You need to plan further shots BEFORE going filming this week and re-edit your animatic.  Always shoot more than you think you need.  Better to cut that be caught out with not enough footage.
6. Your animatic shoudl have titles in it
Ross / Will - make sure you are commenting and posting yourselves to show your individual contributions to aspects of production.

Titles and Credits

Recently I've been looking at titles and credits from established films to get ideas for our opening sequence.

 

One idea we liked as a group, is explaining how the events of the film are based on a true story. We think this adds a sense of realism to our story, and will complement the use of first-person shots.

 

 

Screenshot from The Strangers (Bertino, 2008)

We liked the idea of starting with this sort of thing, then fading into establishing shots of the house, showing the desolate, dusty rooms, with credits fading in, in an eerie font. This would set up our storyline of the abandoned house