Sunday, 19 October 2014
Thursday, 16 October 2014
Little Update Ideas - Location
Our short film doesn't heavily feature many location shots. Referring back to the pitch, it states thats it mainly features in a bedroom/or a house setting that looks homely. There will also be flashbacks and they will either be in a forest setting that looks beautiful and enchanted and then there will be other flashbacks that get darker and develop more meaning to the story.
Ideas for the house/bedroom:
George is playing the main character in the short film. He is a Sgt/Major at the ACF Kingston Park detachment. He lives on the TA base and this gives us great access to film the army vechicles...etc. Also means we don't have to travel around in order to get a lot of footage covered. I hope that his house looks homely and what i have in my mind. I am going to have pictures put up that are ideal and represent what i want for my short film. We will try and find things that are closest to these ideas.
We may use some back field that is next to Pelaw metro for the flash back scene with my young nephew Alfie who will be playing the younger version of George.
Place we could go:
- filler scenes - TA centre at Kingston park
- Pathways/ the forest
PROBLEM WITH FILMING OUTSIDE AT THE MOMENT:
It is really cold and this could affect things. Make it look misty and not very warm, and also we are working with a 3 year old which could be challenging because it'll be really cold.
Ideas for the house/bedroom:
George is playing the main character in the short film. He is a Sgt/Major at the ACF Kingston Park detachment. He lives on the TA base and this gives us great access to film the army vechicles...etc. Also means we don't have to travel around in order to get a lot of footage covered. I hope that his house looks homely and what i have in my mind. I am going to have pictures put up that are ideal and represent what i want for my short film. We will try and find things that are closest to these ideas.
We may use some back field that is next to Pelaw metro for the flash back scene with my young nephew Alfie who will be playing the younger version of George.
Place we could go:
- filler scenes - TA centre at Kingston park
- Pathways/ the forest
PROBLEM WITH FILMING OUTSIDE AT THE MOMENT:
It is really cold and this could affect things. Make it look misty and not very warm, and also we are working with a 3 year old which could be challenging because it'll be really cold.
Tuesday, 7 October 2014
Nicolas Cage film: 'Joe'
Somewhere in July (Would like to the say the 28th of July, but I could be wrong), Me, Callum (I past student who was on the media course) and Daniel (a student at this school), went to see Joe the film. I liked how the film didn't have lots of locations and it was centred around a small town. It showed a lot of history and character that moulded the character into what he is now. E.g, his upbringing, the people he knows in the town, the relationship he ahs with them, his work destroying trees...etc.
Website for review:
http://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/jul/27/joe-review-nicolas-cage-return-to-form-deep-south-drama
Website for review:
http://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/jul/27/joe-review-nicolas-cage-return-to-form-deep-south-drama
Tuesday, 30 September 2014
Open questionnaire
I created this questionnaire in order to find out more about my target audience and what their opinion was on short films.
Here is an example taken from a selection of 15 questionnaires.
looking back over these questionnaires I forgot to include the gender and age of the people I asked. This is a little note to state that when I do upload my pie charts presenting my findings, I will have gender and age on them, I just asked them after the questionnaires were given out.
Here is an example taken from a selection of 15 questionnaires.
looking back over these questionnaires I forgot to include the gender and age of the people I asked. This is a little note to state that when I do upload my pie charts presenting my findings, I will have gender and age on them, I just asked them after the questionnaires were given out.
Tuesday, 16 September 2014
Short film pitch
Pitch
I am aiming to create a short film with Alex. We have decided on the storyline of the short film however our genre is rather flexible. We will be using a mix of conventions that are carried out in different genres and different short or ordinary films that we have seen to fit without story.
The time period fluctuates as we use flashbacks from the man’s life. The short film is about a man who has a un- said illness that affects him in a severe mental way. Throughout the film, (which is mainly set at his home, and then the memories are in varies other places) he reminisces with old memories by looking at old photos, war medals...etc. He is overcome by emotion and basically has an episode. The episode is hearing his deceased wife talk to him and when he turns around he isn’t in his lovely home but in a sterile looking white hospital room, where a nurse talks him down in a very condescending tone.
The setting appears to be unclear but from what you can gather from his small movements to where he mainly sits in the film (at a desk/mirror+desk area), it is in a sitting room/ warm and comfy looking bedroom. The flashbacks will be set in various places like a forest or a grassy area. We will be using a lot of open areas but places that wouldn’t give away the time we are filming in which is obviously 2014. It wouldn’t look very convincing if we had the metrocentre in shot when we were trying to resemble the 1930s/40s.
In our film there won’t necessarily be a lot of dialogue but there will be some towards the end which drive the story to a climax where you discover his illness.
We thought of having old war music in the background and then when he becomes anxious and starts getting emotional, the music will start to distort, which drives the shots. They get faster and faster and then music stops. The short and quiet dialogue comes in till the end of the film.
I am aiming to create a short film with Alex. We have decided on the storyline of the short film however our genre is rather flexible. We will be using a mix of conventions that are carried out in different genres and different short or ordinary films that we have seen to fit without story.
The time period fluctuates as we use flashbacks from the man’s life. The short film is about a man who has a un- said illness that affects him in a severe mental way. Throughout the film, (which is mainly set at his home, and then the memories are in varies other places) he reminisces with old memories by looking at old photos, war medals...etc. He is overcome by emotion and basically has an episode. The episode is hearing his deceased wife talk to him and when he turns around he isn’t in his lovely home but in a sterile looking white hospital room, where a nurse talks him down in a very condescending tone.
The setting appears to be unclear but from what you can gather from his small movements to where he mainly sits in the film (at a desk/mirror+desk area), it is in a sitting room/ warm and comfy looking bedroom. The flashbacks will be set in various places like a forest or a grassy area. We will be using a lot of open areas but places that wouldn’t give away the time we are filming in which is obviously 2014. It wouldn’t look very convincing if we had the metrocentre in shot when we were trying to resemble the 1930s/40s.
In our film there won’t necessarily be a lot of dialogue but there will be some towards the end which drive the story to a climax where you discover his illness.
We thought of having old war music in the background and then when he becomes anxious and starts getting emotional, the music will start to distort, which drives the shots. They get faster and faster and then music stops. The short and quiet dialogue comes in till the end of the film.
Monday, 15 September 2014
Tuesday, 9 September 2014
Short film investigation: The Camera
From what I've gathered this short film is about a young girl who is aware of this camera that possess the ability to show things that aren't there. I believe this because she goes willingly to the camera and this shows she knows or at least has a hunch of what it can do. There is a relationship between this girl and the boy that appears in the Polaroid picture. There's a crescendo of events as she frantically starts taking pictures searching for this boy. As I stated before, she must know him because looks out onto the beach and then uses the camera to see him walking towards the beach. This suggests that she knows where he's going or where he would be going. When she takes a picture of herself, she either enters the 'realm' or 'heaven' he's in (I'm not quite sure what this other place is. It must be down to the audience's own interpretation).
Short film investigation: Casualties of war
This short film features a young woman's story of how she lost the love of her life due to war. It shows you here preparing for some sort of ceremony and my first guess was a wedding. It doesn't state he has died, it just shows lips of shots which start off unfocussed and zooms in to the photographs of herself, her child and her fiancée/boyfriend. The story unravels and shows that she is arriving at a graveyard and it's evident she is in emotional pain. All though it isn't clearly evident, it looks as if she has lost him before their wedding day. She's living out the wedding day they didn't get to spend together.
Thursday, 3 July 2014
Short film investigation: My Mom's Motorcycle.
I started annotating and looking at short films before we were set the task to complete four in depth researches into some short films. This short film 'My Mom's motorcycle; My rode reel' is by Douglas Gautraud. I admire the angles and shots, and I love the running commentary (audio) on top of the film. It was very humorous and each shot was very snappy and the transitions were just right, none of them lagged. Also the story had a real meaning behind it about how generations of his family achieved something worthy of appraisal and now, even though there are opportunities out there, not a lot of people take risks and aim high for something they love.
I like how the music and shots and the mise en sene is like a driving force pushing and driving the short film. There is a build up of historic appreciation as he loves/adores his grandfathers showing what they have accomplished in their lives. Then its as if a new chapter has started and it isn't as amazing and enthralling as his grandfathers stories. I like how this development relates to the development of the world we live in now.
A lot of the shots look hand held. Steady, but hand held as you can see a slight sway in his static shots. Hand helds shots are ideal in some situations and I believe this works particularly well as it looks like its from his point of view and some of the angles could have only been achieved hand held.
Mine and Alex's short film isn't like this. However, I would love for us to incorporate some of the angles and ideas used in this film.
I enjoyed the running commentary and how that even though he was in the scene he wasn't talking and it was just his voice speaking all the way though. I like his idea however I doubt it would go particularly well with mine and Alex's short film. There isn't much dialogue in our short film (well... from what we have gathered so far). There may be a child's laughter or cry in some of the flash back scenes and heavy breathing as the main character becomes more upset ...etc. We also had the idea of starting with the main character playing some old fashion music which would be playing throughout the film. This could then be altered/distorted when necessary to create an atmosphere. E.g. suspense, fear, happiness... and so on.
I like how the music and shots and the mise en sene is like a driving force pushing and driving the short film. There is a build up of historic appreciation as he loves/adores his grandfathers showing what they have accomplished in their lives. Then its as if a new chapter has started and it isn't as amazing and enthralling as his grandfathers stories. I like how this development relates to the development of the world we live in now.
A lot of the shots look hand held. Steady, but hand held as you can see a slight sway in his static shots. Hand helds shots are ideal in some situations and I believe this works particularly well as it looks like its from his point of view and some of the angles could have only been achieved hand held.
Mine and Alex's short film isn't like this. However, I would love for us to incorporate some of the angles and ideas used in this film.
I enjoyed the running commentary and how that even though he was in the scene he wasn't talking and it was just his voice speaking all the way though. I like his idea however I doubt it would go particularly well with mine and Alex's short film. There isn't much dialogue in our short film (well... from what we have gathered so far). There may be a child's laughter or cry in some of the flash back scenes and heavy breathing as the main character becomes more upset ...etc. We also had the idea of starting with the main character playing some old fashion music which would be playing throughout the film. This could then be altered/distorted when necessary to create an atmosphere. E.g. suspense, fear, happiness... and so on.
Short film investigation: The Desk
During our media class, we were introduced to a new short film, 'The desk'. I liked how it started, it seemed like a lone teenager who didn't fit in with people, who didn't make a lot of friends and then by some miracle this haunting apparition of text appeared on the desk in response to his 'Hello'. The atmosphere still appears light and interesting throughout the whole film. I am slightly disappointed that it didn't turn into a horror short film as it could have easily been shaped into that genre as it had the foundations already. E.g. suspense, confusion ... etc. The ending wasn't really a surprise as I could have guessed that she would appear in some shape or form and they'd be friends, however it ended with that idea in mind, with no contribution to how they were able to communicate on the desk at the same time without being physically there at the same time. - This was a shame.
Notes:
- The music fits well with the lonely wondering boy who's trying to make sense of fitting in at school.
- He looks like a new kid
- Alone
- Scared
- Intrigued?
- Trying to figure out his feelings
- Long angles peering up at him look like they are coming from the desk or floor. Look nice, could use in short film if the main actor is sat at a table.
- Surprise and shock when he realises someone has replied to the message he left on the desk.
Personally, I believe the story needs to be more developed. When I first watched it, it seemed like a thrilling supernatural short film because how one earth could someone be writing and replying to his messages if the other person wasn't there and they were appearing instantly?
The repetition of him getting up with the alarm is good. I like the medium close up of his face and alarm. Also, they don't seem to take to long - rather snappy.
It seems like one of those fated star-crossed lovers near the end. Always seems to be gazing off at some popular girl who wouldn't give him a second look let alone and chance and he bumps into a girl who drops her books. Im not so sure on the ending. I like how he actually gets to meet the girl 'Julie', however its not explained how she was able to interact with him. Maybe that's the whole point, and that the audience shouldn't be spoon fed the plot but I would have liked to have seen this short film go down a more gothic/dark and thriller type path. This is just my personal opinion though.
When doing our short film, we will have to consider everything. We will need to ensure we aren't spoon feeding the audience the whole story and need to give them room to think and maybe come up with their own assumptions. We cant over complicate the idea though. We need to make this short film doable because if its so hard we wont be able to pull off a decent film. We need to simplify each scene and make everything look professional and work hard on the mise-en-scene, cinematography, edit...etc.
Notes:
- The music fits well with the lonely wondering boy who's trying to make sense of fitting in at school.
- He looks like a new kid
- Alone
- Scared
- Intrigued?
- Trying to figure out his feelings
- Long angles peering up at him look like they are coming from the desk or floor. Look nice, could use in short film if the main actor is sat at a table.
- Surprise and shock when he realises someone has replied to the message he left on the desk.
Personally, I believe the story needs to be more developed. When I first watched it, it seemed like a thrilling supernatural short film because how one earth could someone be writing and replying to his messages if the other person wasn't there and they were appearing instantly?
The repetition of him getting up with the alarm is good. I like the medium close up of his face and alarm. Also, they don't seem to take to long - rather snappy.
It seems like one of those fated star-crossed lovers near the end. Always seems to be gazing off at some popular girl who wouldn't give him a second look let alone and chance and he bumps into a girl who drops her books. Im not so sure on the ending. I like how he actually gets to meet the girl 'Julie', however its not explained how she was able to interact with him. Maybe that's the whole point, and that the audience shouldn't be spoon fed the plot but I would have liked to have seen this short film go down a more gothic/dark and thriller type path. This is just my personal opinion though.
When doing our short film, we will have to consider everything. We will need to ensure we aren't spoon feeding the audience the whole story and need to give them room to think and maybe come up with their own assumptions. We cant over complicate the idea though. We need to make this short film doable because if its so hard we wont be able to pull off a decent film. We need to simplify each scene and make everything look professional and work hard on the mise-en-scene, cinematography, edit...etc.
Camera experience
A lot of the audio was affected by the wind and other environmental factors however you can get attachments for the camera which enables the audio to have minimal interference. This was our first time working together on the cameras and it was all unplanned so it wasn't perfect and the editing isn't either, it was so we had some film to work with and allowed us to discuss ideas and express how we would move on and develop our ideas.
Wednesday, 2 July 2014
Podcast
http://picosong.com/9bpQ/
(To play you must highlight this link and post it into a search engine, thank you)
Tuesday, 1 July 2014
Locke
It is a card that allows youth to visit the cinema and experience amazing films for a small amount of money. A lot of these films are independent and aren't normally what you'd expect to see in a multiplex cinema but they are so worth the time to go and try out this experience, you never know ... you might enjoy it. I believe the age range for this card is 15-19, however the age limit may be increasing to 21. This card enables you to see films everyday of the week for £4 no matter the time and it also includes you in offers they have. For example: 2-4-1 offers ... etc.
This is my Tyneside cinema card, they are free and all I needed to do in order to apply for one was bring ID to the cinema with me (in the form of a bus card) and it no more than 5 minutes to get it up and running before I went to see the film.
What do they look like?:
This is my card - I had to scribble out the ID code or whatever it is ... just looked important. It's like a normal card, nothing flash, pale grey, not shiny, its rather simplistic but I like it.
How much are the cards?:
These cards are free to apply for, all you pay for is the film. There is this scheme however at the cinema where the cinemas ask for a 20p donation per ticket (When I mean ask, they don't force it upon you, it's your decision). This scheme collects all the 20p's and amounts to a grand total which the cinema can spend on funding the actual cinema and can help to renovate and improve the cinema facilities.
How do I get one?:
I'm sure you can apply for them online but the easiest and quickest way I found was going to the cinema prior to actually buying a ticket for the film and it takes roughly 5 minutes to fill out the form. You MUST bring ID.
Why are they good?:
Tyneside Cinema cards are absolutely amazing! Not only does it give young people a chance to see a film any time of week for £4 but on Fridays they do 2-4-1 deals. So if you attend the cinema with someone else it's only £2 per ticket if you decide to go halfers like what I do with my friends. I do enjoy a good film that is out of the ordinary and it is nice to be in such a comforting and relaxing environment like they Tyneside cinema. It has such character and always reminds me of a classic cinema that indulges in showing old and new films. This experience differs from any normal multiplex cinemas like the 'Vue' or 'Cineworld'...etc as it seems to retain the old/retro feel a cinema should have that is filled with heritage.
Website:
https://www.tynesidecinema.co.uk/young-tyneside-archive/competitions/young-tyneside-discount-card
Review/ What I thought:
Last night myself, Eden and Callum (Media student/ ex student) went to the Tyneside cinema to see an independent film called 'Locke'. Tom Hardy stars as the main protagonist - Ivan Locke. He is a welsh, middle aged man who appears to have conflicting emotions as he proceeds on his car journey to this unknown destination. He is a working man and it is evident from later scenes within the film that he is hard working and his current behaviour is out of the ordinary. He seems calm and collected in the beginning where is phone calls start however his façade is broken when the stress gets the better of him. He has many decisions to make and from the moment he gets in his car his life begins to turn in a new direction.
"Tom Hardy is brilliant in Locke, a film that manages to turn the logistics of pouring concrete into one of the most nail-biting thrillers of the year." - Robbie Collin, Chief Film Critic (Telegraph)
Here is the trailer:
Published review:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/10771751/Locke-film-review.html
(4/5 stars)
This is a nail-biting thriller and I agree completely with this review. It isn't like the generic thriller where there are guns and flame throwers to the left and right of you, it is all centralised on a very ordinary story. At first I thought, (sarcastically) "Wow! one actor on screen throughout the full film? This is going to be fun!". I love independent films and always give a film a chance, this was so worth attending. I think because it was such an ordinary story it was easy to relate to the problems and stress he is facing. Not necessarily the same situation but isn't so unrealistic that it couldn't happen in real life, where as the idea of being held up at gun point and featuring in some wild life threatening chase potentially wouldn't happen everyday.
Monday, 30 June 2014
Sunday, 29 June 2014
Monday, 23 June 2014
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