REVIEW OF FINAL MAJOR PROJECT (FMP)
Student Name: Harry Thomas Pathway: Media Productiom- Film
Final Major Project Title: The Beggar
You will need to submit this evaluation with your full project hand in
Thursday, 25 May 2017
Wednesday, 24 May 2017
Editing continues
Putting off my sound problems for a while I've began cutting down my film I found that I had a very MySpace to it and our cruise very clear. I began screaming at two groups of fellow students and tutors in order to get their feedback and understand how I could improve, it I still had lots of leftover footage and possible ideas of how the film could change and this gave me a lot of possibilities that I can achieve. Most of the feedback was very positive; people understood and enjoyed the Ark and complex fights that takes place in it. Most of the advice and feedback was simply to cut down some shots that lasted too long or cut them so they became action shots rather than static shots. This is very good feedback as it made my film a lot more streamlined and there was no wasted seconds on screen what started off as a two and a half minute short became a much faster, well paced and concise 1 minute and 40 seconds Film through the help of the feedback.
I also figured out my sound problems. For the scenes with clear conversations I was able to quite easily find the correct recording, but for one liner scene etc it was much harder, however I sorted This by finding the "audio gain" option and turning up the DB for all my scenes before I mastered it, this isn't just much easier for me but also far quicker, once this was done I had more time to experiment before deciding on my final cut.
Enjoy some screenshots from the final piece:
I also figured out my sound problems. For the scenes with clear conversations I was able to quite easily find the correct recording, but for one liner scene etc it was much harder, however I sorted This by finding the "audio gain" option and turning up the DB for all my scenes before I mastered it, this isn't just much easier for me but also far quicker, once this was done I had more time to experiment before deciding on my final cut.
Enjoy some screenshots from the final piece:
Beginning editing
The beginning of editing was easy enough gathering together all of my good usable footage as well as possible Alternative cuts was simple enough. I simply had to give them a rough piecing together in premiere pro to see the general outline of my film before I began to cut the shops down to get a feel of the pace and timing of the film.
My first problems came when I realise much of the film recorded on the road microphone was not loud enough, I would have to require the boom recordings I have no experience in syncing up film that has been independently recorded from another device and so this became very complicated as we had over 90 sound recordings and 70 pieces of footage. This is something I would have to consult with Matt about as he has some knowledge of this.
My first problems came when I realise much of the film recorded on the road microphone was not loud enough, I would have to require the boom recordings I have no experience in syncing up film that has been independently recorded from another device and so this became very complicated as we had over 90 sound recordings and 70 pieces of footage. This is something I would have to consult with Matt about as he has some knowledge of this.
The shoot
As the day of the shoot arrived and I have decided to use a boom sound recording set up which should be operated by Michaela Donegan and recruited Matt Hawkins as my DOP, who shot the majority on a shoulder rig. I have recruited four actors, my brother Rory Thomas to play thug one Sukh to play thug 2, Charlie Briggs to play The beggar and Adam acus to play John.
None of these people are actors and so I decided to dedicate a good six hours before heading to the shoot to rehearse. we only had 2 1/2 hours to film after the sun goes down and so I had to make sure that all actors knew their lines beforehand and would be able to perform on Q as quickly as possible when we got to location . The Rehearsal process gave me the opportunity to go through all lines with actors and make sure They understood them, understand the characters motivation and also how to deliver the Line. This turned out to be extremely effective as my professional actors delivered extremely professional performances on set the vast majority is of the lines were performed with them even need needing to see the script because they were so well versed in the story and understood what was going to happen next. As a result this saves a huge amount of time on set meaning that all of my phone could be shot in one day and everyone can get home at a reasonable time which is always a risk doing a night shift .
As well as this rehearsal of the actors I also sat down Matt several times in order to talk him through the process of the film so he also understood what I was trying to create. I sent him a copy of every shop list draft and explain to him all of the changes so that I can hear his feedback of understand how he would shoot the film under my direction.
As well as talking through it theoretically, as part of practical preparation I made all actors and crew arrive at the scene two hours before sunset meaning we had two hours to practice rehearse and a set up shots to ensure that things will go as quickly as possible. All of this had a massive positive impact on my film and the time it took to shoot. I feel the biggest part of being a director goes into all of the time before the camera starts rolling making sure that everyone you're with understands your vision so that you can execute perfectly.
The only real struggle was sound. none of us were experience sound recordists and so setting up sound recording cues and having it recorded in unison with the video proves to be difficult not just on set but also with the edit. Next time I will also take the time to practice with the boom pole and make sure that the sound recorders understands all of the lines, cues and direction so they can move with the filing.
In the end we finish 10 minutes earlier than predicted all of the food I need a shop as well as extra coverage I consider this an extremely successful shoot .
None of these people are actors and so I decided to dedicate a good six hours before heading to the shoot to rehearse. we only had 2 1/2 hours to film after the sun goes down and so I had to make sure that all actors knew their lines beforehand and would be able to perform on Q as quickly as possible when we got to location . The Rehearsal process gave me the opportunity to go through all lines with actors and make sure They understood them, understand the characters motivation and also how to deliver the Line. This turned out to be extremely effective as my professional actors delivered extremely professional performances on set the vast majority is of the lines were performed with them even need needing to see the script because they were so well versed in the story and understood what was going to happen next. As a result this saves a huge amount of time on set meaning that all of my phone could be shot in one day and everyone can get home at a reasonable time which is always a risk doing a night shift .
As well as this rehearsal of the actors I also sat down Matt several times in order to talk him through the process of the film so he also understood what I was trying to create. I sent him a copy of every shop list draft and explain to him all of the changes so that I can hear his feedback of understand how he would shoot the film under my direction.
As well as talking through it theoretically, as part of practical preparation I made all actors and crew arrive at the scene two hours before sunset meaning we had two hours to practice rehearse and a set up shots to ensure that things will go as quickly as possible. All of this had a massive positive impact on my film and the time it took to shoot. I feel the biggest part of being a director goes into all of the time before the camera starts rolling making sure that everyone you're with understands your vision so that you can execute perfectly.
The only real struggle was sound. none of us were experience sound recordists and so setting up sound recording cues and having it recorded in unison with the video proves to be difficult not just on set but also with the edit. Next time I will also take the time to practice with the boom pole and make sure that the sound recorders understands all of the lines, cues and direction so they can move with the filing.
In the end we finish 10 minutes earlier than predicted all of the food I need a shop as well as extra coverage I consider this an extremely successful shoot .
Tuesday, 23 May 2017
location scouting
As well as shooting on the train I also went down to scout the side streets of Elm
Park station to make sure this would also not be an issue, the area is usually not very used however it was possible that cars could be pulling in and out and this could ruin my
Continuity.
While scouting this public car park I found that just beyond the wall was a private car park and dark alleyway that was reserved for people living in the nearby flats, and this meant it was far less used than the public car park I had in mind. It also hard harsher, white artificial lighting that was originally what I wanted and this would Make my colour grade and post production far easier, so this was a massive boost for me. I may have to shift my script around slightly to make it work but this should not be a problem for such a beneficial location.
Park station to make sure this would also not be an issue, the area is usually not very used however it was possible that cars could be pulling in and out and this could ruin my
Continuity.
Test shoots
After going through and refining my script until i was happy, i decided to head to the locations I had in mind to test shoot and make sure it would work for my film, was private enough and wouldn't give me any continuity issues.
Attempting to film on the northern line was extremely difficult and proved to me why test shoots are so important. Passengers would get off and on which would create obvious continuity issues, some would even sit right next to me and my actor on an empty carriage which was very frustrating.
Once all was shot and taken to editing I noticed that often cuts to shots would show the train moving at different Speeds which rendered the work unusable.
The test shoots are a good thing as it gave me the opportunity to plan ahead and solve these problems. I did some research into different types of stations and timetables and found that the Stratford over ground trains often sit at a stand still for roughly 20-30 minutes. This would work brilliantly for me as it cuts all the issues I would have had shooting on a train that was moving, the only problem that remained was that I may catch my reflection in the large windows but this is easily manageable as long as I really pay attention to how I frame my shots and don't take the risk of being caught out.
Attempting to film on the northern line was extremely difficult and proved to me why test shoots are so important. Passengers would get off and on which would create obvious continuity issues, some would even sit right next to me and my actor on an empty carriage which was very frustrating.Once all was shot and taken to editing I noticed that often cuts to shots would show the train moving at different Speeds which rendered the work unusable.
The test shoots are a good thing as it gave me the opportunity to plan ahead and solve these problems. I did some research into different types of stations and timetables and found that the Stratford over ground trains often sit at a stand still for roughly 20-30 minutes. This would work brilliantly for me as it cuts all the issues I would have had shooting on a train that was moving, the only problem that remained was that I may catch my reflection in the large windows but this is easily manageable as long as I really pay attention to how I frame my shots and don't take the risk of being caught out.
Friday, 19 May 2017
Script development
I am taking from my original idea I have added this intro seeing an ending seen the post take place on the train the two scenes feature almost unrelated to the centrepoint of the plot which involve the homeless person saving the rich man's life, however they are there to summarise how the main character begins the film and then the ending scene summarises his experience and how that has changed him as a person and I will upload the script and to show this.
Script and Structure
After reviewing my sketchbook and and visiting the screenplay section of the pathway and exploratory stage I looked back on much of the techniques and potential ideas so I decided not to go with when doing the project. Many of these seemed interesting ideas that could be adapted to fit the revolutionary focus of my FMP. The standout was a plan I had written for a script about the interactions between a wealthy man and a homeless man, the latter coming to save the formers life. From this I added parts that showed the wealthy man would learn from this and use it to become a better person mainly through the way the heat see use people and give them a chance rather than judging them. Right now I am drafting a script in order to structure my story and I am doing brief chunks of dialogue to fill out, however much of this will probably be a changed as I have fellow classmates and tutors look over it and show me how to improve. This is very important for writing dialogue, because you have to only include what is necessary rather than having the characters quasi-look into the camera and tell the audience what they're thinking, you have to show them this rather than express it through dialogue.
Thursday, 11 May 2017
The First Crit
The first Crit gave me some very pratical and forward thinking ways to complete my research. My tutor believed that I should include myself more in my research, that i should be more reflective and try to hold a personal revolution within my own life, possibly at work or within my school or simply in the way i go about my day to day life.I fell this was a good point and by doing so would help me get into the mind of my characters more and understand how it feels to make the changes they are making. However, im not sure how i could do this, attempting a revolt at work is likely to get me fired, my manager really doesnt like me that much and despite being aggressively marxist, i like getting paid.
I was also told that a good stepping stone now would be to draft my first script or tender of a story, a narrative that shows the message i want to put out there and that i can roll and experiement with. In Order to do this im going to look through my sketch book and blog, paying attention especially to the sections of notes on screenwriting technique and moral premise in order to help me, as this is always much easier and more inspiring then attempting to conceptualise and structure a story from scratch.
I was also told that a good stepping stone now would be to draft my first script or tender of a story, a narrative that shows the message i want to put out there and that i can roll and experiement with. In Order to do this im going to look through my sketch book and blog, paying attention especially to the sections of notes on screenwriting technique and moral premise in order to help me, as this is always much easier and more inspiring then attempting to conceptualise and structure a story from scratch.
Monday, 8 May 2017
Practical Preparation- Sound
As I would soon be working on my project i decided to take a class to brush up on my sound recording skills as i believe sound often makes or breaks a student film. Also, due to time restraints of the FMP, i would like to be able to record as much sound on the day as possible without having to re-dub much of it the day after.
From this seminar i learned that, despite it being more complex, a double system gives you better quality sound and should probably recorded at 48 kHz, which is ideal for digital video.
Its also not tethered to the camera and so allows more freedom of movement in order to get closer to the subject.
Try and keep and 18 DB difference between ambient noise and the desired dialogue.
For my film my best option would be to use a Lav mic and a Boom
From this seminar i learned that, despite it being more complex, a double system gives you better quality sound and should probably recorded at 48 kHz, which is ideal for digital video.
Its also not tethered to the camera and so allows more freedom of movement in order to get closer to the subject.
Try and keep and 18 DB difference between ambient noise and the desired dialogue.
For my film my best option would be to use a Lav mic and a Boom
Secondary Contextual research- Protests
Occupy Wall Street
in 2011, thousand of americans from different political backgrounds took up camp in Wall Street to protest the economic landscape of america and unethical capitalism. For me this was a good example of the modern day revolution and how it is still relevant in todays society. Corporations have such strong links to every branch of government that standing up to them is now the same as revolting against the branches that represent them.
though it failed to change much, the unity and persistence of the group is something i can take from for my own film, financial inequality is a catch all issue that effects everyone and so i feel my story could reflect this.
The Women's March on Washington
The day after Donald Trump's inauguration was a huge protest organised by women's rights activists that attracted approx. 250,000 men and women against Trump and The GOP's attitudes towards women, pay disparity, reproductive rights and sexual assault. This was a signifier of the massive political polarisation for women in America as 53% of female voters were actually pro-Trump rather then Hillary Clinton. This again is something i can take to my film as during revolution opinions and ideas are often extremely polarised and the revolution comes from the split down the middle that is caused by this.
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