Week 5 H/W - SCT Report

In my webisode, my team ad I used several single camera techniques to deliver an interesting video. 

My team and I didn’t shoot a master shot for our first webisode, which is disappointing, however we will set a scene for one in the next production we create as; in single camera productions this is usually very important to do first hand as a production will need a foundation for the other (camera coverage) shots.

For my single camera production my team and I didn’t follow the 180 degree rule as a majority of the scenes were shot with only one subject in it. However, the next time I produce a production I will make sure to include this rule.

My team and I shot each scene individually, we categorised the close-ups on the expressions of a subjects face and body parts. This was to show their reaction to a situation or slowly reveal something mysterious to the plot of the production.

 We also did not follow the rule of thirds which could have benefited us as it can set a great composition for subjects in a scene. In contrast, a scene or two do look they’ve been composed followed by the rule of thirds as we used a depth of field’s effect to the scene – this was helpful as it allowed the camera to enlighten the importance of the subject.

For our webisode, my team and I did not include a conversational scene as it was not necessary to the thrilling plot. However, it could be beneficial for our next attempt to film as it may allow the production seem easier to understand. This reveals that we didn’t intend to use a reverse shot.

We did not use a low angle in the right form for my production, this is because, in my production a subject recovered from a painful nap and begins to awaken and lift himself up from the bed. We took

 this from a low angle which is incorrect as we should have taken it from high angle to show he’s weak and powerless. Instead we made him look powerful which is the opposite of what he was feeling and showing in the scene. Single camera productions are helpful for planning out scenes for a better visual scene – most of our scenes weren’t well thought out as we did not use all the correct techniques in the correct sequences. On the other side, I believe the plot of the webisode was quite easy to follow as we had well-thought out camera movements to deliver a message to our audience. If we had used a multiple set-up camera production I believe the expressions and realism of the plot would not have been grasped by the audience as a single camera production focuses directly on a scene or subject.

When taking the shot of the young lady leaving her house late at night, we used the movement ‘pan’ to show she was going on a journey – perhaps far from her house. This creates an idea for the audience that something will take place on the young lady’s journey.  

We used electrical lighting from built in ceiling lights and street lights to shoot for our production. This was key to use so that subjects can be seen clearly in the footage. Furthermore, the street lights weren’t so bright which delivered a creepy and mysterious effect to the production.

Most of our shots were coverage shots we hadn’t made a master shot. Shots such as close-ups and track shots. Doing this made my team and I having to carefully edit the sequences of shots so it didn’t look like things (props, subjects, etc.) was magically appearing and disappearing. I gave flashbacks a black and white filter so that the audience didn’t get mixed up with the present and past of the webisode. This reveals that we used a non-linear narrative to show snippets of what the plot will unfold into. 

In conclusion to this report, I believe my team and I used shot-moment techniques to give a clear depiction of the plot. However, we still need to use different single camera techniques in a single camera production correctly to make a great quality webisode. We can and will improve on this in the next production.

Fractured - My Linear Edit

The Following - My Edit

Week 4 H/W

- Rule of 3rds

The rule of thirds is the digital, and visual guideline for film, photography and painting to be divided into nine equal squares.

- 180 deg rule
This rule takes place when two actors begin to talk or interact with each other while shooting. The camera is set-up to be placed in between both of them. They have  to maintain eye-contact with each other so that it isn't broken.





- Framing (Head room, Lead Room)
Head room is the space between a subjects (actors) head and the top frame of filming.
lead room is the space where dramatic energy is directed. This is to show a subjects enthusiasm or interest in something usually for a close-up.


- Master Shot
A master shot is used to shoot footage of a whole dramatic scene from beginning to end, with all actors in the view.It is often used for a long or establishing shot. When recording for a film or television programme, it is usually shot first for the foundation of the camera coverage.


- Movement (pan, tilt, track, dolly, zoom, contrazoom)
Panning a camera on a axis or tripod  is used to show something horizontally, Whereas tilting is used to move the camera vertically. Both can be used as an element of surprise to reveal.
The dolly movement is used to move the camera, closer or further to a subject over time, this is mostly used to view expressions on a subjects face. The truck movement is used by allow the camera to move, side to side, this can be used to follow a character in a film or reveal the foreground of scene.

Week 3 H/W

Requirements for a production

I will be producing a web-serial production. The genre for this will be a teen thriller/drama because my target audience is aimed at teenagers. This production is a serial as the plot of the serial continues with each episode picking up where it was left off. I will be using a single camera as it will help me to focus more on detail which is beneficial as I will have a good amount of time to edit. Furthermore, I have time to plan out the best shots and camera angles in advance to shooting.

Source of finance

My sixth form will provide me with the essential equipment needed to complete my production; such as a camera, tripod, electrical lighting and headphones. Actors for my production will perform in my serial for free as they have chosen to study Drama. Moreover, the cost for travel will be free as cast and crew have a free travel oyster card. Having a large amount of support from a sixth form/college is very relaxing as oppose to making a professional film. Some film producers use their own savings to invest (fund) their own film, this is because they know their film will make a great profit for them in the long-term. On the other side, other producers receive financial support through investors, private finance, the BFI or the National Lottery. Whereas, some need a kick starter(s), in which regular people will donate money for the film to be produced. In a film production, things such as: equipment, transport, talent (cast and actors), crew (production team), props and facility hire will all need to be paid for. However, as I have support from my sixth form – it will not cost me a thing. Although, I may need to feed my cast and crew which could cost £10+.

Time

It is very important to keep to the deadlines of productions in Media. This is for the reason that; if you make a deal (sign a contract) with an investor to produce a production before a certain date and it isn’t done – they may have authority to sue you. It is helpful to set a date for shooting of production and inform all who will be involved so that there are no complications before the deadline. I will have filmed and edited my first web-serial before the deadline which is Friday 9^th at 5pm. This is so that I get a grade for my work.

I will shoot my web-serial on Thursday - after sixth form l which is when all of my team members will be available. I will then edit my production on the afternoon of Friday. Most of my team members (cast and crew) are available after sixth form, as well as I.

Locations (& permissions)

When scouting for a location to shoot a production – it may be quite tricky to find the exact place that fits the scenery you would like. This is why it is helpful to call a location management company or Media centre. Giving them a clear description of what you would like will then set them off to search areas that are suitable for your production. Moreover, using Google Maps could also be helpful to find the place you are looking for.

The BFS (Boroughs Film Services) are able to let you know if it is acceptable to shoot in public locations and advise you if you may need to contact the local police for the shooting of the production. If notification is not given to the authority of a certain location, you could be fined from £25 - £100.

I have used Google Maps to find the location where I will be filming. It is local - near Eltham High Street. This is convenient as it is only a few bus stops away from where our sixth form is. 

Camera Shots

http://prezi.com/djuv8zry1fbb/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share

Week 2 H/W

Format & Narrative Report Script

TV shows are sectioned into three different formats, these are: serial, series and a single drama. Shows such as The Big Bang Theory and Little Britain are classified as a series as each episode concludes without the plot having to be picked up in the next episode. This is oppose to shows such as The Walking Dead and Empire as both shows conclude with a plot which is picked up and followed through the next episode. Moreover, the plot of a serial continues through a ‘series’ of episodes - unlike a series in which the plot will end in the single episode premiering. A single drama is usually set out for one-off shows or a short film. A single drama will follow a single character through an important limited showing.

There is several different forms of narratives that can take place in a TV or film production. Firstly, a linear structure production allows the plot to tell the story from start to middle to end (a three act structure) – which is easy for the audience to follow. This is oppose to a non-linear production, this is of a plot which includes visual effects to tell a story showing the past or future. In other words, it includes flashback and flash-forwards. A great example for the use of a non-linear production is Kill Bill, this film includes numerous flashbacks of the main characters past which sets her motive for the story.

An episodic narrative is the story un-telling through a series of episodes which usually occurs in a serial such as Breaking Bad. It not only allows the show to thrive with more excitement as the show premiers but allows cliff hangovers to end the episode – leaving audience wanting to know more.

An open structured narrative is a seemingly endless plot which is unforeseeable as to how the episode is going to end – similar to soap operas. Whereas, close narratives most definitely occur in films in which the audience know that the production has to (or may) have an end that you could foresee.

Realist narratives are productions that have a realistic plot or are based of a true story. When films, state that a film ‘is based on a true story’ this creates a dramatic effect as it allows you to believe that the plot could happen to you or someone you know. Or it could allow you to have sympathy for the subject(s) (feel emotional) if the true story is unfortunate. Anti-Realist narrative are production’s which have plots that are most probably untrue or false happenings of the real world.

Multi-stranded is the structure of a production which focuses not only on a singular-character but a different character in the each continuing serial or series.  This is similar to The Walking Dead as it does not always stick to one character. furthermore, multi-stranded plots may be more interesting as an audience could get bored of the same singular character.