Pitch

Before we could start filming, our groups had to present a 'pitch' to our teachers and the rest of the class demonstrating our ideas and plans about our film opening. Our pitch had to include very detailed information as we had to clarify exactly what we planned to do to make our title In addition, once we had put our views on the sequence itself we then had to clearly specify our planned locations and location shots with this we included the mise en scene, props and costumes we were considering to use. We unfortunately wernt able to produce an animatic including titles but we were able to present a full story board which illustrated the shot types we wanted to use and the individual clips of every scene. In terms of sound, we decided we would be using a ambient soundtrack. Moreover, we had to state the dates when we were due to film and where we would be filming at specific times and when we would book equipment etc. With the use of the equiptment we were required to include risk assesment, analysing the health and safety measires needed when we use equiptment. In our pitch also, we had to talk about how we were going to use the skills we learnt using the programs livetype and final cut pro, and imply it to our title sequence. Institutional detail is also shown in our pitch as you will see and finally the details asequence one in which was good. In our pitch we included the title of out sequence, the brief outline of the film itself and the type of thriller subgenre it would be. bout the target audiece and what aspects in our title sequence that will apply to them.

After showing our pitch we recieved constructive feedback from our teachers amd answered any questions asked by both our teachers and the rest of our class. After this, we then went back to review our plans, considered the feedback and adjust them so we could successfully use the plan and film our title sequence.

These are the pictures we presented after our pitch which demonstrated to the class, our story board. We have here both our written story board explaing the plot and our drawn story board emphasizing the shots and camera angles.

Filming and editing preliminary match cut exercise

After planning our match cut sequence, using a storyboard plan, we then acted and filmed it. All members in our group used efficient teamwork to help each other do our roles effectively. Every person in the group had their own allocated role but still helped other members when it was needed. We used a combination of camera shots and angles and pieced together a range of shots. I had to act out the role of the young woman who was working for the authority figure and I had to act out a series of shots using a vary of facial expression body language. As well as this myself and other group members came across some implications when filming but effectively dealt with them by using our own views, ideas and improvisation. Specifically we used wide shots, medium close ups, point of view shots, long shots and extreme close ups. We managed to do a match cut in our sequence we also were able to do a tilted shot as we were told in the brief. We did not however achieve a shot reverse shot because of the lack of time. After filming, we then went to the editing suite where we used ‘Final Cut Pro’ to review our filming, and selected scenes in which we wanted to put in our final cut. Though we did experience implications during editing, this was the fact that our filmed sequence had no sound, this was a downfall as we included, as were instructed to, dialogue in our sequence, and so the dialogue and sound included in our sequence could not be heard. In the end we carefully placed each scene into where we thought it was suitable in order to create a match cut sequence with smooth editing. Moreover, while using ‘Final Cut Pro’, I have developed skills from the first time I had used it. I have learnt how to import and copy material from the video drive to ‘Final Cut Pro’ to be edited and also I have learnt how to convert the completed video to QuickTime format in order for it to be uploaded onto blogger.com. Overall, we completed the task using our group effort and using each others input to actually film and effectively edit our sequence.

Planning preliminary match cut exercise including storyboard

We were given a task to film a match cut sequence of a person walking through a door and having a short exchange of dialogue with another person. Firstly we had to plan our ideas. In our group we had a combination of ideas on what types of camera shots, angles etc we should use and the scenario in which our sequence would be based on. We had an idea of a young lady in business secretly with Italian government but however she is working for British government also and she is risking her life in order to have business with Italian government. In terms of camera work we had to effectively choose the scenes in which we were going to include match cuts, close up shots, long shots, tracking and whip pan shots. Finally we chose to have this similar scenario of someone who is inferior working with someone who is a figure of authority secretly, taking the risk of being caught. We decided to film using a combination if camera shots and angles.

Art of the title sequence: Serenity

This title sequence appeals to me because of various reasons. Firstly the style of the title is very intriguing the writing of the actual title of the film is quite narrow and simplistic but somehow creates attention to itself. The title says ‘SERENTIY’ which means peace and calmness. This title raises concern for the audience as it does not portray its meaning in fact it could be said to portray the total opposite. The actual writing itself looks old fashioned and quite mysterious it looks almost as if the word ‘SERENITY’ is not supposed to be written in this font and that these words were placed there and were not originally there from before. In the background of the title sequence a very dark fiery coloured looking image featuring Asian like symbols, creating further mystery and curiosity for the audience as they are likely to want to know what exactly the symbols represent. The fiery coloured background also is unusual for the same reason that the actual word serenity means peace, and it demonstrates violence and hostility.

From the screen shot we see there is a significant combination of camera shots and angles. Mainly there are quite close up shots showing tension and suspense and the contrast of the long shots involved also is quite interesting because it makes the audience want to make sense of these still shots. There is plenty of darkness as well, the total opposite to the feeling of serenity. This particular title sequence appealed to me because it features such diverse camera shots angles mise en scene etc. I found this title sequence makes the audience actually think about the forthcoming story because the title sequence itself gives clues of the story being one on which is unpredictable.

Thriller Title Sequence Rough Cut

Pitch

My group and I had to pitch our idea for our independent movie. Our pitch had to include, what our film was about, the locations, props, health and safety, sound analysis etc. We all assigned different categories to talk about. I spoke about the sound and what ideas I had when it came to making the soundtrack for the 2 minute title sequence.

Our pitch was presented in front of our AS Media class and three media teachers.

Our pitch was successful as we were ale to talk about everything that was required of us and we were given permission to go ahead with the filming.

On top of this we were also given some constructive criticism from the teachers and our AS Media group.

pit

Pitch

Throughout the process of us making our thriller opening we had to very carefully plan and pitch our ideas to our fellow peers and teachers/technicians, who were then going to make the decision on if our ideas could be put to reality. We displayed our ideas for the movie through Microsoft Powerpoint where we included our thoughts for the title of the movie and the background story of our film. We displayed to the class the props that we would be using and the different locations we would need to complete our soon to be terrific thriller opening. On top of this we gave information such as to what type of thriller it would be and we as a group decided on making it an action thriller. We also included key essential information such as our production schedule for example the different days we would film and when we expect to be editing by, along with this we also talked about our thoughts on sound, institutional details and risks. The group assigned eachother to talking about different aspects of the film for example 'Tshala' spoke about the topic of sound. After we pitched our ideas we then listened and took on board all the feedback and suggestions that should definately in my opinion help us to making a successful opening sequence.

preliminary match cut film

During the process of our filming of the match cut film we had produced we attempted to display all the shots that we had planned. However we were unable to produce a shot reverse shot. we included a few match cuts featuring a member of the group 'Annika'. This was a shot of her looking through the glass window of the door. We then went inside and got a shot of her from inside the location she was looking at. In editing we pieced all of our shots together to make an essential, solid secure group of match cuts.

Pitch

During the process of planning our pitch we had to plan carefully how we were going to perform it. For example, we need to clearly and effective get across our idea to the teachers and technicians who listen to us perform it. We also had to do a Power Point presentation our our title sequence so we in the group all assign our self different aspects of the pitch to plan. I was responsible for: The title of the movie, the treatment(overview of the film) and the sub genre. When we finished our individual parts we then brought it all together on the same power point. Just before the day of the pitch we had a quick run through then it was time. Once the pitch was finished i feel that the audience could relate closely to our idea as they began to give us feedback and even suggestions for our title sequence. We also listened to the feedback from the teachers and have taken their suggestions and corrections on board. I now can say i believe that me and the rest of the group are ready for the filming and we feel it has the makings to be a very successful title sequence.

Filming and editing preliminary match cut exercise

During the filming and editing process of our preliminary film we were required to do several things in order to make it effective. For instance, we made a story board first consisting of the shots we were going to use, and the detail required through each scene. Once we had these intangible factors secured, we then were required to tick off a check list of all the equipment we would be needing for recording. We required the camcorder, Dolly, Microphone and a tripod. Once we were ready we began to make to film. Once we had finished the following lesson we took our extracts of film in to the editing suite were we then worked together to create several successful match cuts. One in which group member Annika was entering a room so we had a initial tilted shot of her about to enter, then we went inside and had a follow through shot of her entering but from the inside using a wide shot. After we had finished our rough cut of the film we than began to include razor cuts to further reflect the match cutting. Once we had finished our teacher viewed the film and gave us feedback of what we did effectively and what was not effective. On a whole i believe me and my fellow group members learnt a lot about film making and obtained a lot of experience of what we should include and don't include for our title sequence.

planning match cut

When we were planning our match cuts we took into consideration the brief we were given.

After writing our ideas down, we drew it out onto a story board and then planned what shots we were going to do.

After successfully doing that, we wrote out what equipment we needed and then got our teacher to sign it off.

Then we were ready to film our match cut film.

Match Cut

Throughout the filming of our match cut film, our group tried to portray all the shots we originally planned. the only thing unsuccessful about this was that we did not apply a shot reverse shot into our film.

We included a few of match cuts and when it came to editing we pieced together our shots.

We did not successfully record the sound but there was supposed to be sound.

Overall our task was quite successful.

Group 15 pitch