I have decided to upload the two scripts I created for "The Meeting" to this blog by uploading them to the Scribd.com.
First Draft Script for "The Meeting" by Mark Cooper.
Final Script for "The Meeting" by Mark Cooper.
By reading these two very different scripts, you can get a very good picture about how exactly my story development and character development changed as I progressed with my script-writing.
Monday, 25 November 2013
Sunday, 24 November 2013
Story-Telling Unit: Creating the Trailer
I have just finished creating my final trailer for my "The Meeting" short film project. I originally entered the editing process with only a vague idea of what I wanted trailer to look like, but I found that as I began to order my clips on the video timeline, and discovered what they looked like once uploaded to Final Cut Pro, I immediately developed a wealth of ideas.
The first, and probably most obvious edit I have made to the clips I have inserted into Final Cut Pro is the desaturation of the images. Since my film is about a very serious and bleak subject (suicide and depression) I found it appropriate to make the actual picture quality look the same. I achieved this by first using Final Cut's desaturation tools and then using the exposure tools to create very dark, gritty videos, which I believe reflect the films subject perfectly.
The music I chose for my trailer was an instrumental, which I chose for a very particular reason. I did experiment with several different soundtracks, some of which contained lyrics, but due to technical issues such as the song lyrics overpowering the actual words the trailer's characters were saying I decided to instead use an instrumental.
As for the song itself, I chose to use a version of the band Placebo's song; "Running Up That Hill." The piece of music has a very haunting melody, and contains a piano which plays throughout. It actually gives off quite a cold, unsettling feeling when listening to it, and so it seemed perfect for my trailer, where I wanted to make my viewers feel as uncomfortable and unsettled for the main character as possible.
In the future, I would like to be able to spend more time investigating more suitable pieces of music for my work however, as although Running Up That Hill is a brilliant piece of music, and I am very happy with it being in my trailer, It was the first song that came to my mind when creating said trailer, and so I cannot help but think there may in fact be a much better music alternative that I just haven't thought of using yet.
All in all, I am very happy with the way my trailer has turned out, and I look forward to hearing critique and suggestions!
(The trailer itself will be posted here once it has finished uploading to Youtube.)
The first, and probably most obvious edit I have made to the clips I have inserted into Final Cut Pro is the desaturation of the images. Since my film is about a very serious and bleak subject (suicide and depression) I found it appropriate to make the actual picture quality look the same. I achieved this by first using Final Cut's desaturation tools and then using the exposure tools to create very dark, gritty videos, which I believe reflect the films subject perfectly.
The music I chose for my trailer was an instrumental, which I chose for a very particular reason. I did experiment with several different soundtracks, some of which contained lyrics, but due to technical issues such as the song lyrics overpowering the actual words the trailer's characters were saying I decided to instead use an instrumental.
As for the song itself, I chose to use a version of the band Placebo's song; "Running Up That Hill." The piece of music has a very haunting melody, and contains a piano which plays throughout. It actually gives off quite a cold, unsettling feeling when listening to it, and so it seemed perfect for my trailer, where I wanted to make my viewers feel as uncomfortable and unsettled for the main character as possible.
In the future, I would like to be able to spend more time investigating more suitable pieces of music for my work however, as although Running Up That Hill is a brilliant piece of music, and I am very happy with it being in my trailer, It was the first song that came to my mind when creating said trailer, and so I cannot help but think there may in fact be a much better music alternative that I just haven't thought of using yet.
All in all, I am very happy with the way my trailer has turned out, and I look forward to hearing critique and suggestions!
(The trailer itself will be posted here once it has finished uploading to Youtube.)
Friday, 22 November 2013
Story-Telling Unit: (Filming Day 3)
Today was the final day that I filmed material for my short film entitled; "The Meeting."
I have decided that the best course of action for me to take would have been for me to film a 2 minute trailer, as opposed to the first 2 minutes of my film.
Something that I found helped the filming process was creating a set of storyboards for myself, which I would follow completely when coming up with certain camera angles and techniques out in my filming location.
I will attach photographs of these storyboards here.
My storyboards, although very basic in the way they are presented with simple "stickman-esque" characters and primitive descriptions of cast movements and dialogue, were very useful when I was out on location filming.
One feature I added to my storyboard was a series of check boxes next to each panel, that I would check off as I filmed each scene and voiceover. This allowed me to film scenes in order of convenience, rather than filming them in the order they appear. This saved me a lot of time and energy.
Another factor that affected the way my filming was handled was my previous decision to film "The Meeting" at the student accommodation at Doust Way as opposed to the pier that I wanted to film at previously. Because of the fact I had to retake a few scenes last minutes because of things I hadn't noticed while filming (gun-mic in shot, extras in shot that shouldn't have been, poor sound quality etc) filming so close to home was a very useful thing to do, as I could return to the shoot-location at short notice.
My next step will be to edit my film.
I have decided that the best course of action for me to take would have been for me to film a 2 minute trailer, as opposed to the first 2 minutes of my film.
Something that I found helped the filming process was creating a set of storyboards for myself, which I would follow completely when coming up with certain camera angles and techniques out in my filming location.
I will attach photographs of these storyboards here.
My storyboards, although very basic in the way they are presented with simple "stickman-esque" characters and primitive descriptions of cast movements and dialogue, were very useful when I was out on location filming.
One feature I added to my storyboard was a series of check boxes next to each panel, that I would check off as I filmed each scene and voiceover. This allowed me to film scenes in order of convenience, rather than filming them in the order they appear. This saved me a lot of time and energy.
Another factor that affected the way my filming was handled was my previous decision to film "The Meeting" at the student accommodation at Doust Way as opposed to the pier that I wanted to film at previously. Because of the fact I had to retake a few scenes last minutes because of things I hadn't noticed while filming (gun-mic in shot, extras in shot that shouldn't have been, poor sound quality etc) filming so close to home was a very useful thing to do, as I could return to the shoot-location at short notice.
My next step will be to edit my film.
Wednesday, 20 November 2013
Story-Telling Unit: Last Minute Script Revision (Film Day 2 Morning)
Today is the second day of filming my short film. Unfortunately, the weather has changed since yesterdays shoot, and in the interest of keeping continuity in my short film, I have decided to change one of my scripted scenes from an outside shoot to an indoor shoot.
This shouldn't affect my film in any way aside from the change of scenery, and should in fact benefit my film for this reason:
In my original script, two scenes takes place at the pier at different times of day, but right after each other. The problem with this is that it would have been quite confusing for the viewer, since they would assume it was simply a continuity error, as the same characters would be involved, speaking about the same subject, but at a different time of day, and it also may have become boring to see the same scenery repeated over the space of several minutes.
I think the benefits of this change to the script I have made is that I can now film this particular scene at any time of day due to it taking place indoors, and also it should be more interesting for the viewer to see 2 shorter scenes that take place in different areas, as opposed to having to watch one long continuous scene in one area.
This shouldn't affect my film in any way aside from the change of scenery, and should in fact benefit my film for this reason:
In my original script, two scenes takes place at the pier at different times of day, but right after each other. The problem with this is that it would have been quite confusing for the viewer, since they would assume it was simply a continuity error, as the same characters would be involved, speaking about the same subject, but at a different time of day, and it also may have become boring to see the same scenery repeated over the space of several minutes.
I think the benefits of this change to the script I have made is that I can now film this particular scene at any time of day due to it taking place indoors, and also it should be more interesting for the viewer to see 2 shorter scenes that take place in different areas, as opposed to having to watch one long continuous scene in one area.
Tuesday, 19 November 2013
Story-Telling Unit: Filming my Short Film (Day 1)
Today was the first day I filmed material for my short film. I decided to film my beginning scenes at the exterior of the student flats where I live, which is situated next to a large body of water.
The Actors I chose for my short film were my flat-mates Vittorio and Ruby. There were several reasons for this;
The Actors I chose for my short film were my flat-mates Vittorio and Ruby. There were several reasons for this;
- The convenience of living with my actors and being able to film at any time of the day due to their being no restrictions with travel distance or time.
- The fact that Ruby and Vittorio have excellent work ethics and have known each other for quite a while, and are therefore much more comfortable with performing in front of the camera together, and also more comfortable in following instructions from me.
In the interest of health and safety, I had to be extra cautious for one of my scenes. In one of my shots, Vittorio had to stand on the opposite side of a set of railings, which are situated directly next to a drop into a river (which is subsequently where his character Lucas attempts to commit suicide.)
Since this was a very risky scene to film, I was sure to have the proper equipment around in case something went round. Situated around the river are several life-hoops buoys, and so I made sure to always film with one of those in reach, I also made sure to always have a phone with me to call emergency services with in case something bad happened.
Tomorrow I will begin the process of filming the indoor scenes and finishing up some of the outdoor scenes.
Story-Telling Unit: Experience in front of the Camera
Recently as part of this Broadcast Media Course, I have been asked to assist a lot of my class-mates with their work by appearing in their short films. At first, I was quite apprehensive due to the fact that it has been a couple of years since I have appeared and acted in front of a camera. After some thought however, I decided it would be a valuable experience for me to actually be put into the shoes of an actor, as well as the shoes of the director, script, writer and other production team members etc.
As of now, I have appeared in around 6 films in a week playing various characters, from a business-man to a comedian's manager to a bitter homeless man. I found the whole experience to not only be fun, but it also allowed me to understand what kind of position I will be putting my actors into for my own film. I think I will be able to better understand any grievances they have with certain aspects of filming now, and I will be able to act accordingly and hopefully be able to produce a much better film because of it.
Here is an example of one of the films I have appeared in:
"The Meeting" by Andy Cox
As you can probably tell, my acting isn't particularly fantastic, but I am more happy with the fact that I have been allowed to experienced being able to work in front in behind the camera.
As of now, I have appeared in around 6 films in a week playing various characters, from a business-man to a comedian's manager to a bitter homeless man. I found the whole experience to not only be fun, but it also allowed me to understand what kind of position I will be putting my actors into for my own film. I think I will be able to better understand any grievances they have with certain aspects of filming now, and I will be able to act accordingly and hopefully be able to produce a much better film because of it.
Here is an example of one of the films I have appeared in:
"The Meeting" by Andy Cox
As you can probably tell, my acting isn't particularly fantastic, but I am more happy with the fact that I have been allowed to experienced being able to work in front in behind the camera.
Sunday, 17 November 2013
Story-telling Unit: Script Revision and Film Preparation
The time for me to begin filming is fast approaching, and in preparation, I have decided to do some last minute editing for my script, as well as finalise the location I want to film at. I have also begun to gather assets for my editing, such as royalty-free music, graphics- and I have also been watching several video editing and filming tutorials through Youtube and the Lynda.com services.
In regards to the editing I have been undertaking for my script, I have mostly been trying to develop a way in which I can foreshadow Jess' eventually death early in the film. I already had the idea to have her cause of death be an asthma attack, but I have also recently been suggested that I have Jess and Lucas initial meeting be because of an asthma attack. If Luke was about to commit suicide, but was distracted by the sound of Jess having an asthma attack, and rather than killing himself- decided to help her, I think that would add a lot to his character, as well as foreshadow her eventual death later in the film.
I have had another idea for the filming location, which is not ideal, but would make a perfect substitute should anything go wrong with my previous location idea. The student accommodation where I live is situated next to the same river the pier from my previous entry was, and also features an area that although looks nothing like a bridge or pier- would be believable as an area where somebody could jump into the water to kill themselves.
The benefits of filming here would be that I would not have to have the expensive camera equipment in public areas where they could potentially become stolen or damaged, and there is also the fact that I am close to home, which means if I suddenly need to improvise a prop or collect something from home, this would not be a problem.
The negative aspect of this however is that a lot of students use this area as a smoking area, and so I would have to choose my time to film very carefully.
I collect my camera equipment tomorrow, and will have Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to film, with Thursday and Friday left for editing.
In regards to the editing I have been undertaking for my script, I have mostly been trying to develop a way in which I can foreshadow Jess' eventually death early in the film. I already had the idea to have her cause of death be an asthma attack, but I have also recently been suggested that I have Jess and Lucas initial meeting be because of an asthma attack. If Luke was about to commit suicide, but was distracted by the sound of Jess having an asthma attack, and rather than killing himself- decided to help her, I think that would add a lot to his character, as well as foreshadow her eventual death later in the film.
I have had another idea for the filming location, which is not ideal, but would make a perfect substitute should anything go wrong with my previous location idea. The student accommodation where I live is situated next to the same river the pier from my previous entry was, and also features an area that although looks nothing like a bridge or pier- would be believable as an area where somebody could jump into the water to kill themselves.
The benefits of filming here would be that I would not have to have the expensive camera equipment in public areas where they could potentially become stolen or damaged, and there is also the fact that I am close to home, which means if I suddenly need to improvise a prop or collect something from home, this would not be a problem.
The negative aspect of this however is that a lot of students use this area as a smoking area, and so I would have to choose my time to film very carefully.
I collect my camera equipment tomorrow, and will have Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to film, with Thursday and Friday left for editing.
Sunday, 10 November 2013
Story-Telling Unit: Scouting for locations and Script Revision.
I have recently begun the more physical side of my short film project. I handed my finished script in to my course leader, and have since received feedback on this and have begun editing my script in such a way to accommodate the changes that have been suggested.
I have also found it to be very useful to show my flat-mates and fellow students my script, gathering as much feedback and recommendations as possible.
In reference to beginning the "physical" side of my project, I have recently been scouting out shoot locations which would be effective for my short film. Luckily my student accommodation is located close to a river, and as such, there are several piers and waterfront features which would be ideal for me to film at.
I have attached a couple of photographs with this blog entry which show one of the piers I am particularly interested in filming at:
I have also found it to be very useful to show my flat-mates and fellow students my script, gathering as much feedback and recommendations as possible.
In reference to beginning the "physical" side of my project, I have recently been scouting out shoot locations which would be effective for my short film. Luckily my student accommodation is located close to a river, and as such, there are several piers and waterfront features which would be ideal for me to film at.
I have attached a couple of photographs with this blog entry which show one of the piers I am particularly interested in filming at:
In terms of being a shooting location, the pier is ideal for my film. The area itself is actually very scenic, and I believe it would translate nicely to film, especially with some editing. (Unfortunately, the above photographs do not fully capture the way the pier truly looks, as all I had to photograph with at the time was a BlackBerry mobile phone,)
Story-Telling Unit: Practice creating a trailer.
In preparation for the creation of my 2 minute trailer/ opening 2 minutes for my short film, I have been experimenting with the video editing software; Final Cut Pro X. Since I currently do not have any of my own footage to work with, I have been working on creating a trailer for another short film, which I have been watching and analysing extensively in the duration of this course called; "Soft" which was created by Simon Ellis.
As you can see from the trailer, the idea I had in mind with the trailer was to add a sense of danger and tension, without giving too much of the films plot twists away. For example, in the actual film "Soft", the father is revealed to be very submissive, and prefers to stay away from confrontation- and the son is the one who eventually stands up against the antagonists.
In the trailer however, I edited it in such a way that this fact isn't so clear.
I have not yet decided whether or not I want to create a 2 minute trailer or the first 2 minutes of my film, but I feel like the practice I have had creating this trailer will provide valuable experiences which will come in handy when it comes to storyboarding and editing my final project piece for this unit.
As you can see from the trailer, the idea I had in mind with the trailer was to add a sense of danger and tension, without giving too much of the films plot twists away. For example, in the actual film "Soft", the father is revealed to be very submissive, and prefers to stay away from confrontation- and the son is the one who eventually stands up against the antagonists.
In the trailer however, I edited it in such a way that this fact isn't so clear.
I have not yet decided whether or not I want to create a 2 minute trailer or the first 2 minutes of my film, but I feel like the practice I have had creating this trailer will provide valuable experiences which will come in handy when it comes to storyboarding and editing my final project piece for this unit.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)