How we used
We used the camera to actually film what we had to do, this allowed us to actually film what we thought we could, although a very simple attribute to the camera, we would not be able to film without this function.
We used the a Cannon Legria HF200 with a Fotoman tripod, this allowed the filming process to be very relaxed, we were able to set up and then get into the frame, we used a friend to film Me and Matt when we were a long way away from the camera or needed movement. I directed him so we could capture what we wanted for the shot.
Creative angles
Framing the shots, this was something which me and Matt had not done before, this framing action allowed us to test how we could work within the camera in ways in which we did not know.
Using the rule of thirds within the slap scene, this was something again which we had not used in film before, we thought it would show power, which we needed to introduce to the characters and the audience.
The escalator shot was interesting to shoot, we had both characters moving one way, then the then camera moving down, we had never done this before, but the escalator's where open to us for using, so we went for it.
Strengths
Throughout the production we were able to capture some shots which we had not done before, this allowed us to change our own thought processes and try to relate to the buddy comedy style which we had seen throughout, Road trip and American pie, the shots would allow the two characters too mix friendly and show the audience there friendship in a light tone.
Through the opening shots we were able to show the sunshine which was outside, while the ‘Nerd’ was inside, we feel although we could not change it, added to film it allowed the lifestyle of a nerd, the camera captured this well because the light tones were bright and the camera was able to pick it up.
Through the introduction of the opening (first 2 minutes) I filmed my bedroom through panning shots, this allows the user to see specific mise-en-scene which I had placed within the shot, extensive book collection, collar shirts, 2 computers, spongebob and a gameboy colour, this shot sequence allowed us to show the specific parts, which would influence the audience to the type of person who is appearing in the film, which would allow them to know about the film characters before they are introduction.
Within the conversation of the two characters the power was kept on Matt’s character, the angle of the camera was down facing Joel, then up facing Matt, this showed the overall power which the character had. Allowing us to show the user subtly that he was going to be more powerful and helpful throughout the film.
The escalator shot this acted as a tracking shot which we had not used, but it always allowed us to experiment with the technology of shopping centers.
We used 2 different shots with a frame, these shots were; 2 mugs to frame Matt’s face and the last shot with clothes at the bottom of the frame.
The mug shot was purely spontaneous as we were sat thinking of shots which we could do at a café when I thought to aim the camera through the mugs. We had a shot of myself, but I hit the table a few times which made the camera shake, so we had to edit it out, but Matt’s shot worked well to use a different type of shot within our film.
The last shot with the clothes at the bottom of the shot we placed the clothes, this shot was changed from having the clothes in the background to them in the frame, we originally wanted to show them in the background to symbolise them not being wanted or needed as the main character has gone through a change. The frame allowed us to pick up the framed shot aspect which the mugs did not provide as the mug shot may not suit the film as much as the clothes.
Using the thought of the rule of thirds within the shot of Matt Slapping me, we used me and his arm to spread out the shot, I was kept in the corner then his hand moved across the other thirds allowing him to become more predominant in the shot. This was a strength because we needed Matt’s character to have more power which this rule provided.
Having the names of the 'creative team' within the frame of the shots allowed us to use some creative blossom in thinking about different ways we could display the names of who created the film. The names allowed us to save time through editing as I did not have to create the names as titles and place them in.
Weaknesses
Through the opening 2 minutes, I had to film alone, as I could get no one to help, this made the quality of the film less because I was not able to use such an extensive range of angles as I could if we had done I had some help.
The shot which was used when we ‘clinked’ our glasses for the ice cold joke, I(Joel) was not looking at the camera, this was a major weakness because it is very amaturistic because I am not looking at the camera, which is a main feature and would add to the joke because we as characters would want to engage with the audience.
The biggest weakness within our camera angles was the shot of matt speaking within my room, he is in the same sentence, but the camera changed direction and jumps. The poorest thing from the film in my perspective. The camera was moved within the first take, after putting it back in what we thought was the same position, turned out wrong, we finished then only found it in the editing process, when it was too late to re film as the lighting had gone. This was a complete mess up, which will give our film a huge amatueristic angle, something which we would have liked to change, but it became too late in the shooting schedule and time of day.
How we would change if we did it again
Through the use of the camera I would suggest to myself that I would need actors so I would not have to do both, this would allow me to have full control over what was shown on the camera because I would be able to see firsthand what would be happening, not just watching it back.
Setting a good amount of time to fully sort out what shots we would be doing within the time provided for us to film, this means getting a fully working shot order and timing together so we would know what to do and how long to spend on it.
Editing
Adobe After Effects CS4
Adobe Premiere Pro CS4
How we used
I used the editing software; Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe After Effects.
Premiere Pro was used to place the clips together and add some items and music while After Effects was used to create the main title shots as it is a more comprehensive software for editing animations and general effects.
These software packages meant that I had a huge learning curve to effectively edit the films because I had never used the packages before so I needed to test the film compositions and sizes, then export options, this was to get the best results from the film.
Creative editing
Throughout the introduction, I had put the clips on different sides of the same frame, this was so 2 clips would be playing at once, this allowed me to show skill through the film, but also have 2 different clips show, this would allow me to shorten down the full film because they would be running at the same time not after each other.
I was able to show some aspect of the film at the same time, when my character was getting ready for the final time I showed Matt doing the “A little more” hand sign, this allows the audience to know what was happening all the time.
Strengths
Using the software packages itself was a strength because I got to learn about industry standard editing packages which allowed me to gain some knowledge for other projects which I would be working on.
The package allowed me to cut the files very easily, which allowed me to cut exactly where I wanted, in some editing software packages you are only allowed to cut in places where the software can focus. The zoom slider also allowed me to focus on individual frames which would need to be cut out, this would allow me to be more precise in editing and placing the shots together.
After Effects allowed me to create the title sequences, following tutorials and looking through adobes preset effects booklet I was able to create the titles which would make the film look more professional allowing the film to access the higher marks. These title sequences allowed the film to follow common conventions of films which allowed us to know what we would be doing.
Using music within our film allowed us to follow the conventions of films, placing the tracks within the film was easy to do, which allowed us to access the film conventions and edit the tracks within the film.
Adding effects to the shots which we had was effect and easy for the film, this would save the names just appear on the film and it being boring to look at. The blur effect was added through the software to make the names appear in a fun way which would appeal to the audience which would make our film a little more successful for them to access the film.
When editing first of all I found that the output files from my camera was “.mts” this is a Blu-Ray Hi-Definition file, some of the editing softwares do not support this file format because it is not openly used, although Premiere Pro support this file type and made the editing process a lot smoother and easy because it could read the format and run it smoothly through playback.
The ending was slowed down, this was due to a slow motion effect which I added through Premiere pro, the effected allowed me to speed the clip up or down, for our case we wanted to fit a cheesy american ending, so slow motion worked well as it looked good and fitted the plan which Mike(Matt) stated in the voice over.
Weaknesses
The software was very hard for me to first learn about, this meant the editing process for the film took a slight delay as I did not fully know how to edit the sound and add and edit effects. I did know how to place the film shots within the software then cut it down, but nothing of a high standard.
When editing the title sequences, I did not know exactly what to do this meant that I needed to learn about how I could create the sequences which would be placed within the film.
After Effects crashed a few times because the package could not handle what was being done, this meant that I needed to start over again so could finish the title sequences, changing some settings within the software allowed me to get past this problem but changing the auto close functions.
How we would change if we did it again
Doing this again, I would change the effects put onto the writing and add some on the clips, this would allow me to show more understanding of the features of the software and would allow me to gain higher marks, and entertain the audience more this would be because they would enjoy watching effects which can be placed on the text and clips.
- Joel Hall
I will post a video shortly, it is currently being rendered. :)
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