Shot List: Planning

The following shots arenas that will be used at various points within the film.
Mid shot
Close up
Dolly zoom
Long shot (establishing shot)
High angle
Low angle
Extreme close up
Upside-down shot

Characters and Castings: Planning

All castings will be conducted on the same day to ensure that they are completed within the time scales given. We will have to organise the actors, provide lines and record their auditions within the 7 hours allocated time. In preparation for the casting/auditions, we will have to print scripts to hand out to the actors. These will be handed out before the the auditions to give the actors time to learn their lines and create an understanding of the directions. Each will be recorded for us to watch back and analyse.

Characterisation Changes: Planning

After the first day of filming, we realised that a lot of the footage that we had shot needed to be redone. We organised to re-film on a later date to add additional lighting and props to strengthen the narrative. Both actors were unavailable on the dates that we proposed and, in order to utalise our time effectively, we decided to re-cast the actors to suit the days that we needed to film on. As a result, we re-cast the female protagonist as Emily Sommerfeld, as well as the male antagonist to Harry Beck. 

Once we'd conducted a short audition with screen test using these two actors, we begun to reconfigure. The actors were slightly different from the specifications that we'd previouly set but we concluded that such details weren't important. The male actor had had previous experience working on a set and therefore, was expectant of what we asked of him. His co-oporation made it easy to film the appropriate shots of him in an efficient manner. 

Then, the female actor didn't have previous experience in acting but matched a lot of the criteria that we had previously proposed. She was very feminine which emphasised the features of the character we were trying to create in Martha. In particular, her appearance contributed to her overall aesthetic. She is quite petite; making her appear less powerful when compared to Harry. In addition, her hair made her appear both innocent and also younger as it isn't dyed. This helps to subvert the stereotype that teenage girls dye their hair different colours. Moreover, this also made her appear innocent and vunerable because the audience could make a comparison between this feature and a younger persons. 

Characterisation: Planning

The actor that we have cast for the role of Martha, is a female aged 16. Her appearance matches the specifications that we had previously set. Her nose ring characterises her separation from the other characters and helps to emphasise her rebellious nature. Martha (the actor) is an A level drama student, and therefore she is equip to play the role of a complex character. Her previous experience working in a filming environment means that she will be able to adhere easily to our direction. In addition, her on-screen presence is believable and adapts well to the other characters.

The character of Noah will be played by Ollie. After holding auditions and performing screen tests, we decided that his appearance and screen presence best fitted to the requirements that we had previously set for the character of Noah. In addition to this, we noted that himself and Martha have a chemistry between them that makes their acting seem believable. They presented a jokey, yet caring persona that we found desirable for their roles. Ollie also has the ability to change his expression to make him seem menacing.

His appearance further supported our decision to cast him as Noah. His lighter coloured hair promotes the idea that he is a positive character at the surface, given the association between lighter colours connoting positivity. This then creates contrast when the audience are shown a more sinister side to his character. Then, his height characterises his significance as he will stand out amongst a group of people. This could be used as a visual to foreshadow his later role in the film. When put next to Martha, it's difficult not to assume that he could have power over her given that he is taller and more muscular than she is.

Filming days: Production

For our main film, we filmed over a two day period. The first filming day consisted of us filming our initial plot with the original script, props and actors. We covered all the scenes and shots we wanted to include. However when watching the clips back, we thought it was difficult to make sense of the plot/narrative. In addition, the filming that we did was too lenthy to all be included in the film. We found that a lot of the lines and directioins that we had initially planned, were too and therefore we filmed again. We also found that in the first set of clips, the lighting was very dark and it was difficult to work with. Therefore when filming again, we changed the lighting. The three pictures on the left are shots from the first filming day and the two on the right are from the second day. As you can see the shots are very different. They are clearer and have a lot better lighting.

Originally, our actors in the film were Oliver Poole and Martha Holley-Moore.  However after our first filming day we didn't think they worked well together and therefore we swapped Martha Holley Moore for Emily Sommerfeld and Ollie Poole for Harry Beck.  We thought that this worked better on screen and also it was a lot easier to work with as if there was any additional shots we needed to do. It was simpler getting everyone in one place.  

Peer Feedback: Post Production

Video to be uploaded.

Filming Days: Production

Filming days - Megan Ferry from Megan Ferry

Choosing an idea: Planning

We decided that our opening will follow two characters, the victim and the antagonist through their involvement in the accident. The antagonist will be a male but to make sure his identity is not fully revealed until later on in the opening. We decided that this character would be a male as males stereotypically have traits such as strength, agility and intelligence which would be needed to plan and carry out a criminal act. In addition, males are often portrayed as antagonists for these reasons. When compared to a female, we concluded that the male would appear more powerful. To subvert this stereotype slightly, we decided to cast a male as the victim. However, the character would be older and therefore present the stereotypes of an individual who is vulnerable and slightly naive; dusk making them seem like a likely victim of crime.

One side of the narrative would be mainly in the point of view of the female protagonist apart from some over the shoulder shots to establish her costume and the location. Most of this proportion of the narrative will be located in a dark, low- key lighted room in which she will appear to the audience to be vulnerable and in turmoil. The low-key lighting helps to connote darker themes within the narrative. This room will feature props such as a sofa and a picture of two people on their wedding day to develop the idea of a family setting. The contrast between this setting and her turmoil should spark confusion and intrigue from the audience.

Another prop we were thinking of using would be an investigation board. This will signify obsession and mystery as well as to build up suspense to the time of the crash. We decided to use a chip board and attach images of multiple male characters, as well as maps and letters to build a stronger narrative. This can then be used to establish a broader narrative without having to explain so much of the narrative in the other shots. Close ups and extreme close ups of this prop with reveal more to the audience within the opening scenes and throughout.

Camera Angles: Research

Camera Angles

The term 'camera angle' refers to the way that a shot is composed. Some people may refer to a camera angle as though it includes all camera shot types; whereas others use it to specifically refer to the angle between the camera and the subject. The latter may be clearer to think of when analysing the angle of the camera relative to the subject.

Eye-Level

This is the most commonly used angle in media considering that it is the most real-world angle. It shows subjects as we would expect to see them in real life and so, easily helps build rapport with the audience. It is a fairly neutral shot, used more than most other angles. Often the character(s) will make eye contact with the camera during this shot.

High Angle

A high angle shot shows the subject from above, The camera will be tilted down towards the subject, emphasising the size of the subject in comparison to the other objects/people in frame. This can have the effect of diminishing the subject, possibly making them appear less powerful or less significant or even submissive.

Low Angle

A low angled shot shows the subject from below. This can give the impression that the character in frame is more powerful or dominant. This could be in comparison to another character or as a representation of their character growing stronger.

Bird's Eye

A birds eye angle shows the subject from directly above. This is a completely different and somewhat unnatural point of view, which can be used for dramatic effect or for showing a different proxemics. The audience can make visual comparison between the different subjects included in the shot. In drama, this shot can be used to show the positions and motions of different characters and objects. This enables the viewer to see things that the characters can't.

Slanted

A slanted angle is also known as a dutch tilt. This is where the camera is purposely tilted to either side so that the subject is placed on the horizontal. This creates an interesting and dramatic effect, unlike any other camera angle. This type of angle is used to create the feeling of unease or confusion in the audience, as well as perhaps generating interest. Because of the unusual angle, the viewer would likely have to pay more attention to the shot in order to process and understand it. Therefore, this shot is successful in making for a interesting shot.

Preliminary Film

Theories: Research

Theories in Media 

There are multiple different theories that can be considered when analysing film. These theories offer explanations as to why: different props have been used; characters have been included and various structures followed. Combined, these are what make up the content of the film and can have detrimental impacts on the way that the film is perceived.

There are four main theories.

Propp's character roles

The first is Propp's character roles. This theory suggests that all characters within film fit into a category. These are used so that the portrayal of individuals can be categorised to decide their role in progressing the film. For example, a character such as Spider man would be categorised as a hero, whose purpose is to contribute a positive motive. Whereas a character like Cruella Deville is a Villain. The purpose of a villain to be to fight against the actions of the hero/heroin. Every character in every film, according to Propp, can be filtered into one of the following roles:

• Hero
• Villain
• Donor (somebody who gives something)
• Dispatcher
• False hero (the one who is thought to be a hero but it later found to not be)
• Helper 
• Princess
• Father figure

It's important to note that a character can fit into multiple roles, and are not confined to just one description.

Levi-Strauss's Binary Oppositions

A second media theory is that of Levi- Strauss's. His theory of Binary Oppositions, suggests that there must be contrast within film. A binary opposition is a pair of related items or concepts, that are opposite in their meanings. For example: rich/poor, black/white, up/down, slow/fast, young/old and gay/straight - along with many more. Including these in film increases the complexity and therefore the interest generated of a piece of media by developing a more interesting narrative.

Thodorov's Narrative Theory

Thodorov's Narrative Theory encourages the idea that all narratives follow the same three part structure. They begin with equilibrium. This is the part of the story where everything is balanced and controlled. Then, this progresses as something comes along to disturb the equilibrium. This could be a disaster or fight which must be amended by one or more of the characters. Finally, the film will reach a resolution. This is when the equilibrium is restored.