Technology

Using a Camera
My film "Someday" was entirely stop motion, So I did not use a video camera. Instead, I used my Canon EOS 400D, a SLR(Single Lens Reflex) Camera. I took (and used) a total of 541 photos to create the 3minutes and 15seconds of film I ended up with. As I am very familiar with my camera, I found it easy to think about so many things in order to take my images. I took all of the photos on the "Manual" Setting on my camera. I set the Shutter speed in reaction to light, for example; When shooting in my bedroom the light was minimal as I needed to keep the curtains closed. I did not want the light of my room on either, as I knew that would change the colour entirely. So, I had to change the Shutter speed to make it slower, It was taking photos at about 1/8th of a second (on average), slow compared to the 1/250th of a second in the case of taking photos outside. If I had the exposure wrong, it would have changed the images entirely. If I had the speeds set at 1/250th of a second for the inside images I would have ended up with black squares as my images, and if I had the outside images set at 1/8th of a second i would have had a series of white squares. I also had to check the white balance and change it too, depending on our location. White balance reacts according to the type of light that is in the photo you are taking. So, inside, I used the "Shade" setting. Although the images were inside there was a fair bit of light coming through the curtains. Whilst being outside I set the white balance to "Cloudy" and this allowed the camera to add warmth to the otherwise rather white day. It took some time to check these small things, But they are definitely important to making my film look the way I wanted to.
Composing Shots
 I had thought about the angles I wanted before I had even organised the day of my shoot. I wanted the high angle shot of my staircase because I knew that it would look quite beautiful and interesting. Mostly though, I wanted it to look like someone was following the character so it was important the angles and shots I composed were quite simple. Whilst she was walking the shots are all very simple long shots, and I think this works well. It shows the setting and entirity of the character.
Editing Images
Before I put my images in to movie maker I needed to put them through Photoshop, to make sure they were of a high quality. Some images I took were not entirely perfect in the way of light, so I used Photoshop to edit 100 of my images. By changing the "Curves" layer it improved the lighting of the images completely, making them lighter and crisper. Because I did the filming in the afternoon yet it was set in the morning Photoshop also allowed me to make small changes I could not have achieved by only using the camera. The curves layer Makes sure your photo has both strong blacks, and strong whites in your image. This is an art technique, as it makes your image look very crisp and beautiful. After changing the "Curves" layer you must Flatten your image, and save the edited image as a JPEG File. This makes sure it is a photo that can be easily used in Windows Movie Maker.
Importing Images and Video Files, Creating the final movie
 Because the images I took are rather large files, about 5MB each, it was rather time consuming moving 541 of these in at once! To avoid the computer freezing, and ultimately losing all of my work I chose to import the images 12 at a time, put them on the time line, size them down to the length I needed, delete them and get the next 12(Image 1). This technique was hugely time consuming and repetitive but became more simple over time. I had not ever used Windows Movie Maker ever before (nor had I used anything similar either) so I slowly taught myself what I needed to do over time. Once I had created about 30seconds of film I saved the file as a movie, and imported it to an entirely different Movie Maker project(Image 2), which eventually became my final film. Once all my pictures and credits were in the final Movie Maker Project I imported the Music file, added it to the time line and cut it down(Image 3).
After saving the file as one Video, I had completed my film.

(Image 1)

 

 

 

(Image 2)

(Image 3)

Reflection/Review

My first idea was a very serious storyline, about an alcoholic who was to wake up in a gutter somewhere, dirty and unhealthy looking. He was then going to walk up the road almost hobble. Perhaps going home, perhaps going to numb himself once again. I wanted it to be very moving, both sad and dark. But when I began filming for this idea it did not work well at all. The lighting was too bright, the setting did not work completely and I didn't know where else would, and I realised that my idea did not have enough depth to be long enough. After looking over my footage on the computer I also realised the music I had previously chosen didn't fit overly well either, and I didn't even know where to begin looking for music that would work well. So, after much thought, freaking out and brainstorming I chose to start completely over.
I am hugely pleased I made this decision. When I had the idea of doing stop motion, it seemed both daunting but I loved it too. I enjoy photography, and in my mind this seemed like an extension of that. After Annamarie agreed to be my one and only character, I knew I could do it. As I chose to look further into the genre of Teen Indie Film I wanted it to look rather choppy and the walking to not make sense 100% of the time, I wanted it to be relaxed and I think this works well. As there is absolutely no dialogue in my film it was important to me what music I chose. I went through many options, staring with soft, completely happy chirpy tunes. But as I began thinking more into the effect I wished to create I realised I wanted to add more depth to my protagonist. My opening is primarily character based and the music was one of the only opportunities I had to give the effect of 'perhaps things aren't what they seem'. I chose the song Suicide Policeman by the band Yuck because although the song sounds acoustic and soft in both Tune and Vocal style the lyrics, if payed attention to, tell a sad story about someone who is on the edge of suicide. "Brother if you're feeling low/ Tell me one thing I should know of your situation/ I could stand out in the hall/ I could be your suicide policeman.". I think this song is perfect for my film opening, as viewers may not catch on to this first watch. It also shows that perhaps this girl has someone looking out for her, someone is her "Suicide Policeman" and, perhaps, that is why she smiles. I also liked the outcome of the stopmotion. Once I edited it all together it did  show movement well. It was just as disjointed as I had imagined, and gave interest to what could have been seen as a mundane storyline.
I think I could have redone some of the shots. Some of the shots in my film are slightly fuzzy or a little bit off, although I like the choppy look in some cases it began to look messy, but I did not have a chance to re-do these things. In some cases too, the lighting changes. It becomes brighter at one stage in my film and it must have been because my camera turned off it would have reset the Shutter Speed, letting more light in, and so making the images for the rest of the film look like a different day. But when this happened I did not notice how big the difference actually was, So I simply carried on taking my photos. This bugs me a little, but once again I was unfortunately unable to change this. During the editing stages I also experienced some problems. As my computer would not let me download Premiere Pro, I chose to create my film on Windows Movie Maker (this was also a result of lack of time, as I chose to completely re-do my film I had to use my time as well as I could manage). This lead to some restrictions in my editing process but I couldn't easily work my way around these issues either, I think I did well with what I had available to me. All of these changes I believe would have made my film look a lot more professional, I believe there are some moments where the quality is low in my film, and I wish I had done this idea first so I would have had more time in all areas!
After showing my film opening to a few people they have told me that they like it, that the music works very well, and the stop-motion looks good too. I am also pleased with my opening, It certainly went better then I had originally thought, I really enjoyed making it and like the depth behind it too.

Pre-Production:

I have decided to completely change my idea. After trying out some things, I have realised it will not work and feel it the best decision to start completely over again. So here is my new and improved idea;

Concept:
I would like to do an opening of an indie Teen Movie of some kind, using stop motion techniques. I want it to seem quite relaxed and have obvious aspects of photography. I will take many photos of someone getting ready in the morning, and heading for the bus (as this character would every morning) and then put the photos together to show movement, I will intentionally make it look rather disjointed. The character appears happy, but seems to hold some secrets and this will be revealed through the use of music.

Research done:
Have organised my actress, Annamarie Moot. She will wear her own pajamas and bring two dresses to put on as well.
Have begun to think about music, but I think this is subject to change. I think I will choose my music whilst editing, so it fits well.
Much of the filming will be set in my own bedroom and house, but it will continue on and end up finishing at the bust stop around the corner from my home; the whole journey will be recorded.

Treatment:
It's early. For the weekend anyway. "Why am I awake at 10?" she thinks to herself as she reluctantly gets out of bed. She opens the curtains, and is content with the outcome of the weather, She doesn't seem entirely happy but as usual, works hard to protect her true feelings. Her lips curl at the ends.
She looks over a few dresses, and tries on a few things before being completely happy with her outfit. She checks her hair and outfit in the mirror for one last time, put her shoes on and heads for the door. She begins to walk faster as she walks up the hall and down the stairs. She daydreams as she walks, taking her time to notice things around her as she always does. The streets are nice, and no people are around. She enjoys the walk.
Finally, she sits at the bus stop and watches for her bus to come around the corner.

Style:
Very relaxed, Choppy stop motion. Disjointed movements, clear it is made of different photos. Close up at beginning (when she is sleeping) and close up as last shot (when she is at the bus stop).

Crew/Talent List:
Annamarie Moot - Main character (only character)
Me - Everything else; Filming, directing etc.

Production Schedule:
I want to begin filming (Taking photos) as soon as I can and believe this will be Thursday/Friday of this coming week (1st/2nd Sept).
Personnel: Annamarie and myself.
Equipment and Props Required: My camera, and that brilliant Continuous Shutter Speed it has! In the case of Props, I will use my own things, from my room. (My bed, Make up, and Annamarie's clothing which she will bring.)
Location:  My own house and bedroom. Because this opening relies mostly on movement it will travel to the bus stop very close to my house. So it will begin in my bedroom, move through my house, and to the street. I won't be needing any permissions for these places.
Time Details: Hopefully, when the weather is sunny. I don't mind filming this in the afternoon, because I want it to appear like a bright warm summers morning. So the time doesn't actually matter to much as it will be heavily implied throughout by the use of shots of clocks etc.
Contingency Plan: Breathe! Keep trying until it works. I can't start over again!
  
Art Department:

• Bed - In my room
• Blankets - In my room
• Alarm Clock - In my room
• Clothes for various outfits (3 outfits incl pjamas)-Annamarie
• Hairbrush/Make up things - Mine
• Handbag - Annamarie
• Clock - Mine
• Glass of water - Mine 

Locations, Permissions:
My own home; Bedroom, Hall, Stairs, Through the lounge and out the door. Also the driveway
The Streets surrounding; From Dunster Street, And around the corner down Whitby Street to the bus stop.

As all of my filming locations are in my own home, and on the public streets I do not need any permissions.

Exam Reflection

I think the exam went pretty well. I used up all the time I had and ended up only having about 5 minutes to look back over my work.
When studying, I focused more on the genre essay. I memorised movie quotes and quotes from directors but I think I need to do a little bit more research to find even more relevant ones (regarding the use of the knife). Admittedly, I could have spent much more time studying and I shall do this for the big final ones! I looked over the notes for representations and also watched the two relevant advertisements online, but again, I think I could have done more.
In the exams, I took about 1hour 30minutes for both, which I was happy with as it was even.

I think next time I shall study more and it will be okay!

Concept/ Treatment Change

I want to stay the same with the storyline, but I think that it would have more of an impact of it opened with him waking outside. This means some change in my Treatment too!

A man lays still in the cold, wet gutter. His hand reaches for a wine bottle. He begins to stir, but does not wake entirely. He rolls over, clearly unhappy and hungover he tries to get back to sleep but disturbed by the surrounding mess, he gives up and decides to slowly attempt at a new day.
He slowly leaves his messy house, and goes for a walk down the road in an attempt to get better, both emotionally and physically. He reaches into his otherwise empty wallet and gets out a photo of someone, sighing showing his regret for his previous actions. He slumps, continuing to walk almost dragging his body up the street, he reaches out a cigarette, but finally decides to give up. He begins to head home.

Pre-Production Tasks

Task 4: Crew and Talent
I plan to do all the crew stuff on my own, I will be directing and filming at the same time. My main character will be my brother, so because he lives with me I don't really need any contact numbers!

Task 5: Production Schedule
I want to do the filming all in one day at some point in the holidays. I am thinking that it will be one day in the second week. Because me and my brother a both pretty relaxed I'm not going to set a date, but I know we will definitely find a day we are both free. So, on what ever day this is:
Personnel: Myself and my brother Lachlan.
Equipment Required: The video camera I borrowed from my father, a tripod. I also may need to create some kind of dolly for my panning shots. As it is ground level I may just use a skateboard and roll it across slowly. Ooh plans!
Props Required: I need a bottle, I'm thinking an empty wine bottle. I also need a wallet and a photo of a girl. I have all these things already so nothing needs to be found. And also because my brother is naughty, he smokes and I will need him to do this in the scene.
Location: I want my location to look like it could be any suburban area, and this furthers the loss of placement for both the character and the viewer. I want to do it on my street, but this may change if I find a different unspecific place.
Time Details:  I would like it to look Dawn/Dusk so I will film at about 5pm... I think.
Contingency Plan: My contingency plan is simple. If anything goes wrong (such as the weather is too sunny or rainy, or it is too dark or bright) I will simply move the day over. This is really my only option as I am filming outside I have to rely on the weather.

Task 6: Art Department
(See Production Schedule)

Task 7: Locations, Permissions
I am filming in front of my house so I don't believe I need any permission etc.

Treatment

Surrounded by what seems like a never ending series of bottles, rubbish and cigarette buts a, man lays. He begins to stir, but does not wake entirely. He rolls over, clearly unhappy and hungover he tries to get back to sleep but disturbed by the surrounding mess, he gives up and decides to slowly attempt at a new day.
He slowly leaves his messy house, and goes for a walk down the road in an attempt to get better, both emotionally and physically. He reaches into his otherwise empty wallet and gets out a photo of someone, sighing showing his regret for his previous actions. He slumps, continuing to walk almost dragging his body up the street, he reaches out a cigarette, but finally decides to give up. He begins to head home.