Sunday, April 10, 2016
Editing
Over the course of a couple of days, editing took over most of my time and thoughts...
With almost 20 minutes of footage, it was extremely difficult choosing which parts and scenes to cut out.
I used iMovie in order to bring my idea to life.
So after uploading all of my clips onto the app and putting everything in what seemed to be the right order and spot, while snipping out extra parts of the scene, I came down to 2 minutes and 16 seconds..
BUT MY LIMIT IS TWO MINUTES!
So, with constant clicking of the "help" button I figured out some tricks to reduce my movie time and increase its' quality.
The tools I used the most were definitely 'stabilization', to keep the camera steady and less shaky, as well as 'speed' in order to fast-forward a couple of the shots.
I learned a lot more about iMovie then I ever would have...
And I then got my opening scene down to a minute 59 seconds!
After hard work over the past couple of weeks, I am very pleased with the end result.
With almost 20 minutes of footage, it was extremely difficult choosing which parts and scenes to cut out.
I used iMovie in order to bring my idea to life.
So after uploading all of my clips onto the app and putting everything in what seemed to be the right order and spot, while snipping out extra parts of the scene, I came down to 2 minutes and 16 seconds..
BUT MY LIMIT IS TWO MINUTES!
So, with constant clicking of the "help" button I figured out some tricks to reduce my movie time and increase its' quality.
The tools I used the most were definitely 'stabilization', to keep the camera steady and less shaky, as well as 'speed' in order to fast-forward a couple of the shots.
I learned a lot more about iMovie then I ever would have...
And I then got my opening scene down to a minute 59 seconds!
After hard work over the past couple of weeks, I am very pleased with the end result.
Sound
Instead of going through the trouble of finding and getting permission to use a song...
I came across an awesome website full of non copyright tunes that I can use for school projects!
There were two things I was certain of:
1) I wanted an upbeat song that would make the scene and everyone in it seem very much alive, motivated, happy and professional..
2) I wanted a song that would bring upon nervousness, fear, and chaos...
And so the hunt began!!!!!!
Mirrorball, under the DANCE category, became the upbeat background music played through out my opening scene.
The description under the title of the song couldn't have been more perfect... "Useful for fashion, makeovers, and all things groovy."
Last Stand, under the DRAMA category, was used for the tense ending of the opening scene when Vivi's dead body is found.
When the scene first opens, a stylist and a model are about to enter a doorway and there's very little sound, but as they open the door and I follow behind them, the upbeat song grows louder along with the background chatter from the various other actors. Then, as the camera moves closer to the DJ's set, the music is played even louder while the voices are barely heard. As the camera turns the corner to another section of the scene, where the models are getting ready, the beat drops corresponding to the change of scenery.
Through out the scene, there's always background noise of people's voice talking among each other.
Then, there are also other elements emphasized, for example, the blow dryer.
When, the models are all lined up and ready to go, the music becomes dark and sudden, because one of them is missing. The layering of the tense music with people's screams and loud voices in the back creates suspense.
Then, the dropping off the check board/binder onto the floor is emphasized with the shock that comes with finding a dead body.
All of these minor and major sounds were very important in creating the opening film!
Works Cited
I came across an awesome website full of non copyright tunes that I can use for school projects!
There were two things I was certain of:
1) I wanted an upbeat song that would make the scene and everyone in it seem very much alive, motivated, happy and professional..
2) I wanted a song that would bring upon nervousness, fear, and chaos...
And so the hunt began!!!!!!
Mirrorball, under the DANCE category, became the upbeat background music played through out my opening scene.
The description under the title of the song couldn't have been more perfect... "Useful for fashion, makeovers, and all things groovy."
Last Stand, under the DRAMA category, was used for the tense ending of the opening scene when Vivi's dead body is found.
When the scene first opens, a stylist and a model are about to enter a doorway and there's very little sound, but as they open the door and I follow behind them, the upbeat song grows louder along with the background chatter from the various other actors. Then, as the camera moves closer to the DJ's set, the music is played even louder while the voices are barely heard. As the camera turns the corner to another section of the scene, where the models are getting ready, the beat drops corresponding to the change of scenery.
Through out the scene, there's always background noise of people's voice talking among each other.
Then, there are also other elements emphasized, for example, the blow dryer.
When, the models are all lined up and ready to go, the music becomes dark and sudden, because one of them is missing. The layering of the tense music with people's screams and loud voices in the back creates suspense.
Then, the dropping off the check board/binder onto the floor is emphasized with the shock that comes with finding a dead body.
All of these minor and major sounds were very important in creating the opening film!
Works Cited
"Purple Planet Royalty Free Music." Purple Planet Royalty Free Music. Web. Apr. 2016. <http://www.purple-planet.com/>.
Thursday, April 7, 2016
Chiaro scuro
The lighting in my opening film is very particular.
The scene begins with a red tint creating a sort of mystery and curiousty, because as the audience follows the two people in the beginning, the viewers aren't quite sure where they are or what they're getting into ("DO NOT ENTER" sign).
The scene continues by going into a darker and low lighting section of the room, where the DJ is playing music; however, the contrast of the bright laptop screens with the dark lighting and the increased volume of the upbeat music releases an inviting mood and tone. Then, as the camera quickly turns the corner, everything is white and bright as the long shot establishes the energetic scene and close-ups of the beautiful models are shown.
Also, the repreated bright flash from the photographer's/paparazzis's camera was used to portray the scenario as a lively yet safe environment because there were camera's and recording devices showing that everything was being watched, photograped and taped.
But, as the opening continues and the actors realize one of the models is missing, things begin to get dark again. And soon after, you see two of the stylists walking towards that red tinted light shown in the beginning near the end of the hallway, where the ominous mood returns, and a dead body is found.
*Red papers were placed over the ceiling lights for the tinted effect, while no lights were on (except for the flash from my camera phone) during the DJ scene, and all white ceiling lights were on while the models were applying the finsihing touches to their outfits.
Although not initially mentioned in my storyboard, I decided to use red lighting because I came across Martin Scorsese
Works Cited
Salovaara, Sarah. "Watch: Red Lighting in the Films of Martin Scorsese | Filmmaker Magazine." Filmmaker Magazine. 2 Sept. 2015. Web. Apr. 2016. <http://filmmakermagazine.com/95481-watch-red-lighting-in-the-films-of-martin-scorsese/#.VwcnF5T3arV>.
"Mood Lighting - TV Tropes." TV Tropes. Web. Apr. 2016. <http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/MoodLighting>.
"Film Lighting, Light and Colour Part 2." Film Lighting, Light and Colour Part 2. Web. Apr. 2016. <https://www.slideshare.net/mobile/andywallis/film-lighting-light-and-colour-part-2>.
The scene begins with a red tint creating a sort of mystery and curiousty, because as the audience follows the two people in the beginning, the viewers aren't quite sure where they are or what they're getting into ("DO NOT ENTER" sign).
The scene continues by going into a darker and low lighting section of the room, where the DJ is playing music; however, the contrast of the bright laptop screens with the dark lighting and the increased volume of the upbeat music releases an inviting mood and tone. Then, as the camera quickly turns the corner, everything is white and bright as the long shot establishes the energetic scene and close-ups of the beautiful models are shown.
Also, the repreated bright flash from the photographer's/paparazzis's camera was used to portray the scenario as a lively yet safe environment because there were camera's and recording devices showing that everything was being watched, photograped and taped.
But, as the opening continues and the actors realize one of the models is missing, things begin to get dark again. And soon after, you see two of the stylists walking towards that red tinted light shown in the beginning near the end of the hallway, where the ominous mood returns, and a dead body is found.
*Red papers were placed over the ceiling lights for the tinted effect, while no lights were on (except for the flash from my camera phone) during the DJ scene, and all white ceiling lights were on while the models were applying the finsihing touches to their outfits.
Although not initially mentioned in my storyboard, I decided to use red lighting because I came across Martin Scorsese
Works Cited
Salovaara, Sarah. "Watch: Red Lighting in the Films of Martin Scorsese | Filmmaker Magazine." Filmmaker Magazine. 2 Sept. 2015. Web. Apr. 2016. <http://filmmakermagazine.com/95481-watch-red-lighting-in-the-films-of-martin-scorsese/#.VwcnF5T3arV>.
"Mood Lighting - TV Tropes." TV Tropes. Web. Apr. 2016. <http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/MoodLighting>.
"Film Lighting, Light and Colour Part 2." Film Lighting, Light and Colour Part 2. Web. Apr. 2016. <https://www.slideshare.net/mobile/andywallis/film-lighting-light-and-colour-part-2>.
Shooting
Lights, camera, action!
Tuesday after school I hurried my way down to the hallway where my opening scene took place.
I brought about 5 bags full of props- from makeup kits, to hair sprays and brushes, to laptops and extra clothes on hangers.
Unfortunately, a few of my actors bailed on me last minute, but luckily I was able to substitute them with others that were willing to help.
I quickly began the setup- laying out the make up kits, the clothes, and the chairs.
There was this huge flat board with wheels that I used to my advantage as a prepping stage for the models to stand on before the show began.
There was also a whole DJ display with buttons and switches for the music and sounds to play from, which I laid the laptops on top and used as a prop.
I then dressed all of the model actors from head to toe with winter fashion and told the other stylists before hand to dress in all black.
Everything was finally in its place and we began.
I first recorded entering from one of the side doors, (that was right in the middle of the hallway) so, I had to move the camera from the left then to the right view in order to capture the entire hallway. Not only was it shaky, but it also looked choppy, awkward and too much of the blank wall was shown in between the transition. I recorded this same scene a couple of times, but decided it was just no good.
So, I moved on to the actual beginning entry door of the hallway and went for a long shot of me following a stylist pulling one of the models by the arm into the dressing area.
Since it was a double door, our first challenge was deciding which side would be best to enter from. We filmed it from the left side at first, but, I kept tripping over and bumping into this big black staircase that came immediately after you stepped into the hallway. So of course, we tried the right side of the double door and it was much better because there were no obstacles in my way.
BUT, each time the two actors infront of me would open the door to enter the hallway, the door would close and lock me out before I even stepped inside! I then decided that instead of getting a full and long shot of their entire bodies opening and entering into the dressing room area, I would have to stick to a midshot while someone else sat by the bottom of the door and held it open for me while I followed the two actors inside. It worked!
I held my phone camera steady on a tripod as I moved through the hall with one continuous long shot. I had to do this several times because I was so scared that it kept coming out too shaky. Luckily, I was surrounded by wonderful and patient people who didn't mind recreating the same scene over and over and over again.
Although most of my shots were long and continous, I also displayed close-ups of models faces, mid shots of their clothing, low ground shots of everyone's fast-paced feet in panic, and a high angle shot of Vivi's dead body.
Overall, shooting was definitely a challenge and many problems I hadn't anticipated occured in the moment but I was able to overcome them. In the end, I had about 15 minutes worth of footage and 35 different clips!
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Murder she wrote...
HOW TO QUICKLY AND EASILY MAKE FAKE BLOOD
-ketchup
-water
-maple syrup
-mixing cup to stir together
*Add red food coloring if not red/bloody enough
HOW TO MAKE SOMEONE LOOK BEAT UP/HAVE A BLACK EYE
-black eyeshadow
-purple eyeshadow
-red eyeshadow
-small brushes
The ingredients and tools listed above are simple but essential mise en scene techniques I used in order to bring my film to life (irony). Although these steps all seem relatively easy, I was actually incredibly nervous because I am no make up or special affects artist! So, I really wanted the application of the supplies to produce something thrilling and terryifying.
I applied and layered the eyeshadow colors boldly around Vivi's entire right eye. Then, I used the eyeshadow colors to create a large outline of a circle on her forehead. Afterwards, I dripped the blood mixture inside the space making the injury appear as a huge bloody gash in the middle of her head.
I thought it came out pretty well after following some of the instructions from research and by just experimenting and having fun.
Works cited
-ketchup
-water
-maple syrup
-mixing cup to stir together
*Add red food coloring if not red/bloody enough
HOW TO MAKE SOMEONE LOOK BEAT UP/HAVE A BLACK EYE
-black eyeshadow
-purple eyeshadow
-red eyeshadow
-small brushes
The ingredients and tools listed above are simple but essential mise en scene techniques I used in order to bring my film to life (irony). Although these steps all seem relatively easy, I was actually incredibly nervous because I am no make up or special affects artist! So, I really wanted the application of the supplies to produce something thrilling and terryifying.
I applied and layered the eyeshadow colors boldly around Vivi's entire right eye. Then, I used the eyeshadow colors to create a large outline of a circle on her forehead. Afterwards, I dripped the blood mixture inside the space making the injury appear as a huge bloody gash in the middle of her head.
I thought it came out pretty well after following some of the instructions from research and by just experimenting and having fun.
Works cited
Priddy, Brenda. "How to Make Fake Blood with Ketchup? | EHow UK." EHow UK. Web. 05 Apr. 2016. <http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_8264824_make-fake-blood-ketchup.html>.
EHow Arts & Entertainment Editor. "How to Make Someone Look Beat Up." EHow. Demand Media. Web. Apr. 2016. <http://www.ehow.com/how_2270864_make-someone-look-beat-up.html>.
"How to Make a Black Eye with Makeup." : 7 Steps. Web. Apr. 2016. <http://m.wikihow.com/Make-a-Black-Eye-with-Makeup>.
EHow Arts & Entertainment Editor. "How to Make Someone Look Beat Up." EHow. Demand Media. Web. Apr. 2016. <http://www.ehow.com/how_2270864_make-someone-look-beat-up.html>.
"How to Make a Black Eye with Makeup." : 7 Steps. Web. Apr. 2016. <http://m.wikihow.com/Make-a-Black-Eye-with-Makeup>.
Saturday, April 2, 2016
Actors
After asking for their permission the following people have agreed to participate and help me out as actors in my film (yay!):
I also began listing what clothing items I imagine would look best on them.
Female models:
Sofia - yellow
Abby -light pink fur jacket, ripped pants, heels
Beatriz (Vivi) -black coat
Ivana -white
Male models:
Chris -leather jaket or purple
Luis -fur vest, black pants and shoes
Johnny - dark red
Issac -leather jacket
Stylists: black pants, black shirt, black shoes
Camila
Amanda G
Camille
I also began listing what clothing items I imagine would look best on them.
Female models:
Sofia - yellow
Abby -light pink fur jacket, ripped pants, heels
Beatriz (Vivi) -black coat
Ivana -white
Male models:
Chris -leather jaket or purple
Luis -fur vest, black pants and shoes
Johnny - dark red
Issac -leather jacket
Stylists: black pants, black shirt, black shoes
Camila
Amanda G
Camille
Location
Scouting for the perfect location.
When I first imagined the setting for my opening scene, I envisioned white walls, bright white lights, and a clean, modern look. So, I spent time thinking of white walled places or rooms where I could easily go to fill up with props and actors.
- I asked for permission to film at my photographer friend's studio apartment in Miami, however, when I got into contact with him he told me he had sold it and no longer owns it. So, there went that idea...
-Then, I called my old dance studio nearby and explained my project and asked if I could film in one of their rooms. They told me they have classes all day and there's only one interval that's an hour long between two classes. But, I knew I wouldn't be able to get all of my set up and filming done within just an hour, so I canceled out that option, too.
-Plan C: This dressing and bathroom area is in part of a bedroom and all of the walls and doors are painted white. I decided that I could manipulate the space with props and people to make it look bigger and like a legitimate backstage scene.
Here are some images of what it looks like naturally:
But when I brought up the idea to my peers, they kept telling me they thought of a darker room, with black walls and curtains.
Then, one day when I was walking to my art class in school, I passed by the backstage hallway entrance of the auditorium. The scene grabbed my attention through the tiny window and I opened the door to go look around. I thought the set up was pretty neat through out; the walls were a dirty white color with black details and low lighting from the ceiling giving off that backstage vibe.
So, when I got back home I compared the bathroom setting to the one at school and decided that the actual auditorium setting would be best to film in.
I'm going to begin filming next week but first I need to ask permission from the drama teacher to see what day/time I can do so.
When I first imagined the setting for my opening scene, I envisioned white walls, bright white lights, and a clean, modern look. So, I spent time thinking of white walled places or rooms where I could easily go to fill up with props and actors.
- I asked for permission to film at my photographer friend's studio apartment in Miami, however, when I got into contact with him he told me he had sold it and no longer owns it. So, there went that idea...
-Then, I called my old dance studio nearby and explained my project and asked if I could film in one of their rooms. They told me they have classes all day and there's only one interval that's an hour long between two classes. But, I knew I wouldn't be able to get all of my set up and filming done within just an hour, so I canceled out that option, too.
-Plan C: This dressing and bathroom area is in part of a bedroom and all of the walls and doors are painted white. I decided that I could manipulate the space with props and people to make it look bigger and like a legitimate backstage scene.
Here are some images of what it looks like naturally:
But when I brought up the idea to my peers, they kept telling me they thought of a darker room, with black walls and curtains.
Then, one day when I was walking to my art class in school, I passed by the backstage hallway entrance of the auditorium. The scene grabbed my attention through the tiny window and I opened the door to go look around. I thought the set up was pretty neat through out; the walls were a dirty white color with black details and low lighting from the ceiling giving off that backstage vibe.
So, when I got back home I compared the bathroom setting to the one at school and decided that the actual auditorium setting would be best to film in.
I'm going to begin filming next week but first I need to ask permission from the drama teacher to see what day/time I can do so.
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Breakdown
Opening of a door with the sign “backstage”
|
Long steady shot passing through backstage scene
|
Lights, mirrors, makeup sets, brushes, hair dryers, hair spray laid out
|
Stylists standing and models sitting
|
Close up of models eyes/face
|
Upbeat music playing
|
Sounds of hair dryers, people talking and laughing
|
Continuous long shot to stylists prepping models in clothes
|
Stylists adding quick finishing touches to models
|
Models begin gathering and forming a line
|
Close up of feet/shoes shuffling into a straight line
|
Stylists counting and pointing
|
Loud murmurs and confused facial expressions
|
T minus two minutes is yelled across the room
|
"where's Vivian?" someone finally says
|
Sounds intensify. Cries for Vivian, upbeat music, scattering feet, running stylists
|
One of the stylists go get something from a closet door
|
The music quiets down and she exists the main chaotic scene
|
As stylists open doors, Vivian is found laying dead on the floor
|
Blood stained floors and clothes
|
quick close up onto dead body
|
cutaway to a black screen
|
title of movie enlarges
|
VIVI
|
Saturday, March 26, 2016
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Mise en scene
Actors, lighting, props and costumes are all important elements to consider in my opening shots.
Since I plan on recreating a backstage scene at a fashion show, a lot of the costuming on the actors must be chosen wisely in order to clearly reflect their characters and positions.
Therefore, for the make-up artists, hairstylists, and others working around, they will wear simple all-black attire. Black shoes, black pants, a black collared shirt or black t-shirt, with hair tied back in a pony tail for the females, and perhaps name-tags, too.
The models on the other hand, will be decked out in much more intricate clothing pieces and make-up. I haven't fully decided if I want the colors to be bright and vivid with patterns, or go for darker fall and winter tones with fur and heavy jackets. I will just have to see what I can bring out of my closet and what my actors can contribute since this will be a close to no budget film opening.
This image (aside from it being black and white) is a good representation of the type of style of make-up and close up camera shots I am aiming for.
I also would like to incorporate low-key lighting into my film because it is often found within the genres of horror and suspense. It has both bright and dark areas in the frame creating high contrast. This lighting would be good to use on the close-ups of faces adding final touches of hair/makeup minutes before the show is about to begin or faces that having panicking glares when they realize Vivian is gone.
Either or, the incorporation of low-key light is good for a dramatic feel.
Works Cited:
Since I plan on recreating a backstage scene at a fashion show, a lot of the costuming on the actors must be chosen wisely in order to clearly reflect their characters and positions.
Therefore, for the make-up artists, hairstylists, and others working around, they will wear simple all-black attire. Black shoes, black pants, a black collared shirt or black t-shirt, with hair tied back in a pony tail for the females, and perhaps name-tags, too.
The models on the other hand, will be decked out in much more intricate clothing pieces and make-up. I haven't fully decided if I want the colors to be bright and vivid with patterns, or go for darker fall and winter tones with fur and heavy jackets. I will just have to see what I can bring out of my closet and what my actors can contribute since this will be a close to no budget film opening.
This image (aside from it being black and white) is a good representation of the type of style of make-up and close up camera shots I am aiming for.
I also would like to incorporate low-key lighting into my film because it is often found within the genres of horror and suspense. It has both bright and dark areas in the frame creating high contrast. This lighting would be good to use on the close-ups of faces adding final touches of hair/makeup minutes before the show is about to begin or faces that having panicking glares when they realize Vivian is gone.
Either or, the incorporation of low-key light is good for a dramatic feel.
Works Cited:
"Elements of Cinema." Elements of Cinema. Gabe Moura, 1 July 2014. Web. Mar. 2016. <http://www.elementsofcinema.com/directing/mise-en-scene-in-films/>.
Sammi. "How To Make Eyes Sparkle for Under $1." How To Make Eyes Sparkle for Under $1. 6 Jan. 2015. Web. Mar. 2016. <http://www.thebeautygirl.com/celebrity/how-make-eyes-sparkle-under-1-24404>.
Ward, Caleb. "How Low-Key Lighting Can Instantly Make Your Film Dramatic." The Beat A Blog by PremiumBeat. 07 July 2015. Web. Mar. 2016. <http://www.premiumbeat.com/blog/how-low-key-lighting-can-instantly-make-your-film-dramatic/>.
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Inspo
I came across the TV show Orphan Black, directed by John Fawcett and especially loved the opening scene.
The part after the woman throws herself infront of the moving subway, dying instantly, fascinated me because of the layering of both diegetic and nondiegetic sounds within the chaos. All of these sounds, whether from the subway's tires screeching or people yelling or the background music, all came together in order to create tension.
This is something I intend on using within my film to get the anxious and suspenseful tone across to my audience.
The part after the woman throws herself infront of the moving subway, dying instantly, fascinated me because of the layering of both diegetic and nondiegetic sounds within the chaos. All of these sounds, whether from the subway's tires screeching or people yelling or the background music, all came together in order to create tension.
This is something I intend on using within my film to get the anxious and suspenseful tone across to my audience.
Reflection
After working in groups and having the opportunity to discuss and share ideas with others, I have been able to come up with an opening scene within my original genre of suspense and mystery.
At first, I presented three possible story lines to my group. Afterwards, they all voted for and approved the following one as their favorite:
- Setting: backstage at a fashion show
- Make-up artists, hair and fashion stylists prepping models with exotic make up and clothing
- Up beat music
- Flashy lights
- T minus 2 minutes before the runway show is about to begin
- Models begin lining up in order, however, one of them is missing
- Everyone begins stressing out looking and calling out for her "Where's Vivian?!"
- Suddenly, someone opens a closet door and there she is lying dead on the floor
- Title of film enlarges on screen "VIVI"
Now that I have officially settled on an idea, I am excited to see it grow into an opening scene!
At first, I presented three possible story lines to my group. Afterwards, they all voted for and approved the following one as their favorite:
- Setting: backstage at a fashion show
- Make-up artists, hair and fashion stylists prepping models with exotic make up and clothing
- Up beat music
- Flashy lights
- T minus 2 minutes before the runway show is about to begin
- Models begin lining up in order, however, one of them is missing
- Everyone begins stressing out looking and calling out for her "Where's Vivian?!"
- Suddenly, someone opens a closet door and there she is lying dead on the floor
- Title of film enlarges on screen "VIVI"
Now that I have officially settled on an idea, I am excited to see it grow into an opening scene!
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Today is the beginning of a long, but exciting process in creating and directing a short film opening by myself.
I will be updating this blog weekly, guiding viewers step by step as to where I get my information and inspiration in order to produce something entirely new.
So far, I have been interested in the film genres of suspense and mystery.
I hope to leave my audience with feelings of anticipation, excitement and surprise after viewing the opening scene.
I will be updating this blog weekly, guiding viewers step by step as to where I get my information and inspiration in order to produce something entirely new.
So far, I have been interested in the film genres of suspense and mystery.
I hope to leave my audience with feelings of anticipation, excitement and surprise after viewing the opening scene.
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