Thursday 28 November 2013
Development Update: Location, Cast and Props
In this video, we discuss what locations, props and cast we are going to use, however some of them are still under question.
Wednesday 27 November 2013
Camera Angles & Editing in Short Films
In short films, a variety of strong, storytelling camera angles are key. They use a shorter amount of time to tell the story compared to dialogue and in some cases can have more emphasis on points such as enigma.
Editing is part of the post-production, it is key in short films to signify when one scene has ended and another one begins.
30 Second Analysis
AVARICE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87B1tz3KdOg)
In the this short, we are given an establishing long shot. It sets us up with a bedroom and a mystery girl reading a book - title is unknown at this point. We then cut to a close up of the book, which gives the impression that it is significant to the film. A 45degree pan is then used to swing and show the audience the female lead reading the book 'Macbeth' and responds to look at her phone. We then cut to a close up of her phone which has a cracked screen, it is unknown if this has a significant mean. The shot reverses back a close up of her face staring at her phone and then cuts to a long shot of her changing position so she is sitting on the end of the bed staring out the window mournfully. We are then cut to side close up of her face so we can see she is debating what to do next.
In summary, we are poistioned with a young girl, presumably studying the play Macbeth and is in question as to what to do next or perhaps she is lonely and wondering why no one has contacted her. All of this is unknown. As the film goes on we see that she has a 'magic pot' which duplicates anything she puts in there, for example money, so very quickly she becomes quite rich and spends it all. However this all comes to an end and symolises what happens when you get greedy.
Tick Tock ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w14v4vGUDdg)
We are first situated with an establishing medium shot of a ticking clock, which then pans to a young girl sitting on her bed enthusiatically. Thye camera pans again and we see a young male walk into the room from the corridor. The camera then sinks to the floor and blurs so that we only see bottom half of the couple. From their body movements we presume they are kissing, however the young male is then pulled out by a unknown spirit almost because do not see what pulled him out of the room. The entire first scene is in one take, so no editing has taken place. The speed of movement, obviously sped up signifies rapid changes in time.
Editing is part of the post-production, it is key in short films to signify when one scene has ended and another one begins.
30 Second Analysis
AVARICE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87B1tz3KdOg)
In the this short, we are given an establishing long shot. It sets us up with a bedroom and a mystery girl reading a book - title is unknown at this point. We then cut to a close up of the book, which gives the impression that it is significant to the film. A 45degree pan is then used to swing and show the audience the female lead reading the book 'Macbeth' and responds to look at her phone. We then cut to a close up of her phone which has a cracked screen, it is unknown if this has a significant mean. The shot reverses back a close up of her face staring at her phone and then cuts to a long shot of her changing position so she is sitting on the end of the bed staring out the window mournfully. We are then cut to side close up of her face so we can see she is debating what to do next.
In summary, we are poistioned with a young girl, presumably studying the play Macbeth and is in question as to what to do next or perhaps she is lonely and wondering why no one has contacted her. All of this is unknown. As the film goes on we see that she has a 'magic pot' which duplicates anything she puts in there, for example money, so very quickly she becomes quite rich and spends it all. However this all comes to an end and symolises what happens when you get greedy.
Tick Tock ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w14v4vGUDdg)
We are first situated with an establishing medium shot of a ticking clock, which then pans to a young girl sitting on her bed enthusiatically. Thye camera pans again and we see a young male walk into the room from the corridor. The camera then sinks to the floor and blurs so that we only see bottom half of the couple. From their body movements we presume they are kissing, however the young male is then pulled out by a unknown spirit almost because do not see what pulled him out of the room. The entire first scene is in one take, so no editing has taken place. The speed of movement, obviously sped up signifies rapid changes in time.
Use of Sound in Short Films
Types of Sound:
Diegetic: Sound whose source is visible on screen or implied by an action.
- Character Dialogue
- Object noise (e.g. Phone ringing or kettle boiling)
- Music coming from on screen (e.g. Stereo)
Non-Diegetic: Sound whose source is neither on screen or implied by a reaction.
- Narrator Commentry
- Sound effects used for dramatic effect.
- Soundtrack music/ mood music
Use of Sound:
In short films, non-diegetic sound is used for atmostpheric purposes, for example in action films there is usually pulse racing mood music to emphasise the drama and Life & Death situations.
For Example:
Loop (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVGzK5M967Q)
In this short, the majority of sound is diegetic because the sound is constantly implied by the female lead, whether it is her dialogue or her sounds associated with the scene e.g. Gun shots. Non-diegetic sound is used during the opening titles. The music is tense and enigmatic which is the theme of the short film.
Connection (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87B1tz3KdOg)
Yet again in this short, the majority of sound is diegetic because it is implied; the sound is associated with airports and aviation. The Diegesis (narrative) of the film are crucial because in this case it tells the story of a lost foreigner and busy actor who plays himself. It tells the story that one another is lost within translation. There is some soundtrack music (non-diegetic) which fills in silences between the characters to keep the audience interested.
Many short films work the same way as these two examples. It is uncommon for them to break 4th Wall narration, which is the thin line that exists between story and reality (it is often the character telling the story to the audience in a way that they know they are the character, in simpler terms they talk directly to the audience). This was a popular technique used in 80s and 90s programmes such as Malcolm in the Middle - we see Malcolm talk to the camera/audience expressing his embarrassment about his life and family. The use of this narration is not largely used in short films because it would waste time and is quicker to use specific camera angles, sound and quick snippets of dialogue that would give the same amount of narration.
Diegetic: Sound whose source is visible on screen or implied by an action.
- Character Dialogue
- Object noise (e.g. Phone ringing or kettle boiling)
- Music coming from on screen (e.g. Stereo)
Non-Diegetic: Sound whose source is neither on screen or implied by a reaction.
- Narrator Commentry
- Sound effects used for dramatic effect.
- Soundtrack music/ mood music
Use of Sound:
In short films, non-diegetic sound is used for atmostpheric purposes, for example in action films there is usually pulse racing mood music to emphasise the drama and Life & Death situations.
For Example:
Loop (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVGzK5M967Q)
In this short, the majority of sound is diegetic because the sound is constantly implied by the female lead, whether it is her dialogue or her sounds associated with the scene e.g. Gun shots. Non-diegetic sound is used during the opening titles. The music is tense and enigmatic which is the theme of the short film.
Connection (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87B1tz3KdOg)
Yet again in this short, the majority of sound is diegetic because it is implied; the sound is associated with airports and aviation. The Diegesis (narrative) of the film are crucial because in this case it tells the story of a lost foreigner and busy actor who plays himself. It tells the story that one another is lost within translation. There is some soundtrack music (non-diegetic) which fills in silences between the characters to keep the audience interested.
Many short films work the same way as these two examples. It is uncommon for them to break 4th Wall narration, which is the thin line that exists between story and reality (it is often the character telling the story to the audience in a way that they know they are the character, in simpler terms they talk directly to the audience). This was a popular technique used in 80s and 90s programmes such as Malcolm in the Middle - we see Malcolm talk to the camera/audience expressing his embarrassment about his life and family. The use of this narration is not largely used in short films because it would waste time and is quicker to use specific camera angles, sound and quick snippets of dialogue that would give the same amount of narration.
Character Profiling for 'Confessions of a Sock-a-holic'
Name: Paul Smith (Pseudonym)
Age: 20
Marital Status: Single
Occupation: Works part-time at a book and stationary store (able to get free stationary to plot his adventures)
Residency: Lives with his Dad who believes that his son would be incapable of looking after himself without guidance.
Family Life: Mother died when he was 10 and was mainly brought up by his father and grandparents. He has a younger sister, but they are like strangers due to Paul's self-exclusion from the family.
Close Friends: He believes his own company is more than enough and doesn't enjoy the company of too many people because he finds them interfering.
Age: 20
Marital Status: Single
Occupation: Works part-time at a book and stationary store (able to get free stationary to plot his adventures)
Residency: Lives with his Dad who believes that his son would be incapable of looking after himself without guidance.
Family Life: Mother died when he was 10 and was mainly brought up by his father and grandparents. He has a younger sister, but they are like strangers due to Paul's self-exclusion from the family.
Close Friends: He believes his own company is more than enough and doesn't enjoy the company of too many people because he finds them interfering.
Friday 22 November 2013
Brief Synopsis
Paul Smith, is a young Schizoprenic, who has suffered from delusions and hallucinations about the 'Sockmonster' ever since his father told him the scarce fable to cover up the truth over his mother's death. As the documnetary crew follow Paul, it is explained that he has an obsession with re-paring lonesome socks stolen by the sockmonster and with finding this theif once and for all. Paul's dad is keen to tell his side of the story. From his interview we discover that the 'Sockmonster' was a one off story to stop Paul from taking the blame for his mother's death, as it was him who left a sock which she slipped on and died.
Use of Narration
What is a narrative?
Julian McDougall believes that "Narrative is the art of storytelling, something we all do everyday. It is an important part of our lives and something we view highly, if you consider the amount of time we all spend in front of the television and cinema screens recieving narratives."
The English Dictionary defines narrative as "any account of connected events, presented to a reader or listener in a sequence of written or spoken words, or in a sequence of (moving) pictures".
Use of narratives in short films:
Loop
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVGzK5M967Q
In this short film, there is no use of dialogue so entire narrative is through emotions portrayed through the main character (only character in this case). We see her expressing fear, anxiety and confusion.
THE APOCALYPSE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdtDU8Ww7mA (warning: shows animation of people blowing up)
In this short film, which is professionally made, dialogue of the characters is what carries the story, especially as we are unaware of when a character is going to blow up, there are no hints as to who it will be or when just a build up of tension when there is silence.
Alone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CT2tdplhKAY
In this short film, the narration is told through the little dialogue of the little girl and through mise-en-scene; for example the littered newspaper. The plot itself is also told through camera angles and editing. We see the next night the little girl presumably dying and clever editing and use of sunlight to demonstrate the stereotype of Heaven.
Use in My Short Film:
In our short film, we have chosen to have a traditional narrative, where the story expands in order as the film goes on. There will be verbal flashbacks, for example the main character's dad explaining why his son has an obsession with the sockmonster.
Julian McDougall believes that "Narrative is the art of storytelling, something we all do everyday. It is an important part of our lives and something we view highly, if you consider the amount of time we all spend in front of the television and cinema screens recieving narratives."
The English Dictionary defines narrative as "any account of connected events, presented to a reader or listener in a sequence of written or spoken words, or in a sequence of (moving) pictures".
Use of narratives in short films:
Loop
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVGzK5M967Q
In this short film, there is no use of dialogue so entire narrative is through emotions portrayed through the main character (only character in this case). We see her expressing fear, anxiety and confusion.
THE APOCALYPSE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdtDU8Ww7mA (warning: shows animation of people blowing up)
In this short film, which is professionally made, dialogue of the characters is what carries the story, especially as we are unaware of when a character is going to blow up, there are no hints as to who it will be or when just a build up of tension when there is silence.
Alone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CT2tdplhKAY
In this short film, the narration is told through the little dialogue of the little girl and through mise-en-scene; for example the littered newspaper. The plot itself is also told through camera angles and editing. We see the next night the little girl presumably dying and clever editing and use of sunlight to demonstrate the stereotype of Heaven.
Use in My Short Film:
In our short film, we have chosen to have a traditional narrative, where the story expands in order as the film goes on. There will be verbal flashbacks, for example the main character's dad explaining why his son has an obsession with the sockmonster.
Thursday 21 November 2013
Conventions of a Mockumentary
For our short film, we decided on a Mockumentary because it will allow us to cover a somewhat serious situtation within a playful and humourous topic.
Conventions of a Mockumentary:
In our film we will use interviews as the main pieces of dialogue. There will be questioning and the odd piece outside of the interview, but it is the interview which will hold the main segments of information. They will also serve as voice overs during some scenes - this may add to the tension of a particular scene or just to make sure the audience does not loose focus during times of silence and pure movement.
Though a convention of mockumentaries, there is no voice over by narrator. We felt as though the plot was self-explanatory and that voice over should be done by the characters to add an 'evolving story' feel.
We decided to limit the use of on-screen text because it can often crowd the screen. We are only going to use it during the interviews to introduce the characters.
In our film, we will use natural light, even though some filming will be done during the evening. There will be little dubbing or foley work, except for when a little boy yells, because it is near impossible to get the noise loud enough for the camera to pick it up.
Conventions of a Mockumentary:
- Interviews with Characters
In our film we will use interviews as the main pieces of dialogue. There will be questioning and the odd piece outside of the interview, but it is the interview which will hold the main segments of information. They will also serve as voice overs during some scenes - this may add to the tension of a particular scene or just to make sure the audience does not loose focus during times of silence and pure movement.
- Voice Over
Though a convention of mockumentaries, there is no voice over by narrator. We felt as though the plot was self-explanatory and that voice over should be done by the characters to add an 'evolving story' feel.
- On-Screen Text
We decided to limit the use of on-screen text because it can often crowd the screen. We are only going to use it during the interviews to introduce the characters.
- Realism
In our film, we will use natural light, even though some filming will be done during the evening. There will be little dubbing or foley work, except for when a little boy yells, because it is near impossible to get the noise loud enough for the camera to pick it up.
Wednesday 20 November 2013
In my opinion, this poster, though a mock, gives good denotation to our short film. It is simple, but sums up our film, hopefully in an intriguing way to attract an audience.
There is still room for improvement; for example instead of our names being placed at the top of the poster, we should place our production company name and cast name. A date and new broadcasting company will also be changed to fit in with conventions, which for poster's is vital.
Poster created by Jacob Lucas
Audience Research Video
On our research video we interviewed a mixture of ages to see if people watched short films; we then wanted to know if people understoof the genre of Mockumentary and if they liked it.
Media Pitch
Recently, we have been told to create a pitch including a 90 Second Synopsis, 90 Second speech on Distribution and our mock poster. Here is a written format of pitch:
Synopsis
From young, Paul Smith (currently no name has been decided), was the under the illusion that the Sockmonster had left an odd sock on the top of the stairs, which his mother tripped over, fell and died. In reality, the Sockmonster was a fable created by Paul Smith's father to hide and reconstuct his memeory as to how she really died, which was by Paul Smith leaving his odd sock accidentally.
The short film follows Paul Smith on his mission to catch this Sockmonster. We are situated not only with Paul Smith's of obsession with finding the Sockmonster, but also his compassion reunite lonesome socks with their missing partner - He believes this will not only benefit the owner, but everyone because it will prevent others from plunging to their own death. Paul Smith's legacy leads him to great deal of legal trouble and his back story gains him little sympathy from the police, but they let him go under strict orders to find the truth about this so called Sockmonster. His father also plays a key role in telling the story. He explains to the documentary crew, that his fabrication of the Sockmonster got 'out-of-hand' as Paul Smith got older. His father thought that he had forgotten about the Sockmonster as Paul Smith grew up, when truthfully Paul Smith had created a delusion based upon hallucinations he suffered as an older child and teenagers - symptoms of Schizophrenia.
Distribution
I believe the distribution of our film would fit successfully within the mainstream market. Just like the synergy used in the feature length film 'TED' ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fbo_pQvU7M) of merchandise E.G. the bear TED, and the film; I see out short film using a similar technique - the synergy of the short film and of merchandise such as socks and it could be seasonal for example at Christmas, stockings could be apart of the franchise. It could be argued that the short film would be a success on the independant market because it covers issues of a sensitive nature, however, I think the way the mental health issue (Schizophrenia) is covered is in a mainstream way as it glamourises the disorder by not displaying the harsh reality of living with the disorder.
I also believe the short film would gain the largest attention if it were to be uploaded on the internet where it will gain an audience seeking such material and with the rise of Web 2.0 it is easier than it ever has been to access and share short films. It allows for it to be spread virally through Social Network (Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr), which could be argued as the most important way to share information and art.
Synopsis
From young, Paul Smith (currently no name has been decided), was the under the illusion that the Sockmonster had left an odd sock on the top of the stairs, which his mother tripped over, fell and died. In reality, the Sockmonster was a fable created by Paul Smith's father to hide and reconstuct his memeory as to how she really died, which was by Paul Smith leaving his odd sock accidentally.
The short film follows Paul Smith on his mission to catch this Sockmonster. We are situated not only with Paul Smith's of obsession with finding the Sockmonster, but also his compassion reunite lonesome socks with their missing partner - He believes this will not only benefit the owner, but everyone because it will prevent others from plunging to their own death. Paul Smith's legacy leads him to great deal of legal trouble and his back story gains him little sympathy from the police, but they let him go under strict orders to find the truth about this so called Sockmonster. His father also plays a key role in telling the story. He explains to the documentary crew, that his fabrication of the Sockmonster got 'out-of-hand' as Paul Smith got older. His father thought that he had forgotten about the Sockmonster as Paul Smith grew up, when truthfully Paul Smith had created a delusion based upon hallucinations he suffered as an older child and teenagers - symptoms of Schizophrenia.
Distribution
I believe the distribution of our film would fit successfully within the mainstream market. Just like the synergy used in the feature length film 'TED' ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fbo_pQvU7M) of merchandise E.G. the bear TED, and the film; I see out short film using a similar technique - the synergy of the short film and of merchandise such as socks and it could be seasonal for example at Christmas, stockings could be apart of the franchise. It could be argued that the short film would be a success on the independant market because it covers issues of a sensitive nature, however, I think the way the mental health issue (Schizophrenia) is covered is in a mainstream way as it glamourises the disorder by not displaying the harsh reality of living with the disorder.
I also believe the short film would gain the largest attention if it were to be uploaded on the internet where it will gain an audience seeking such material and with the rise of Web 2.0 it is easier than it ever has been to access and share short films. It allows for it to be spread virally through Social Network (Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr), which could be argued as the most important way to share information and art.
Tuesday 12 November 2013
Idea Research Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksuYZPgPADo
On this video you can see our group discussing our current ideas and problems we had with our first idea e.g lack of innovation.
On this video you can see our group discussing our current ideas and problems we had with our first idea e.g lack of innovation.
Elaboration on Idea 1
Since our group video, we have had several more ideas elaborating upon the idea of mental health and we have since been to a convention set up purposely for OCR A-Level Media and Film students at the BFI in London.
The convention taught us the importance of distribution and marketing, in particular marketing a film according to whether it is aimed at a Mainstream (attitudes and activities shared by the majority and is seen as the norm) or Independant film (a film produced outside of the major studio system) audience. I believe our short film will thrive being aimed at a mainstream audience because it will cover mental health problems which are open in society, for example Schizophrenia and OCD. Some would argue this would also suit an Independant market because it covers ordeals that can be difficult for others to talk about and express, however I still believe it would suit Mainstream rather than Independant because it does not show the reality, dark or not, of living with such disorders, infact the style of a mockumentary would almost 'glamourise' the disorders.
There has been a change with the mental disorder to which our main character has because we felt an emphasis on delusions and hallucinations-symptoms of schizophrenia- would tie the story together and would create a better equilibrium, which is what we are aiming for.
The convention taught us the importance of distribution and marketing, in particular marketing a film according to whether it is aimed at a Mainstream (attitudes and activities shared by the majority and is seen as the norm) or Independant film (a film produced outside of the major studio system) audience. I believe our short film will thrive being aimed at a mainstream audience because it will cover mental health problems which are open in society, for example Schizophrenia and OCD. Some would argue this would also suit an Independant market because it covers ordeals that can be difficult for others to talk about and express, however I still believe it would suit Mainstream rather than Independant because it does not show the reality, dark or not, of living with such disorders, infact the style of a mockumentary would almost 'glamourise' the disorders.
There has been a change with the mental disorder to which our main character has because we felt an emphasis on delusions and hallucinations-symptoms of schizophrenia- would tie the story together and would create a better equilibrium, which is what we are aiming for.
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