Direction Unit: Project Update

The finished piece of the Direction Unit is on YouTube. I'm really pleased with the result and how the soundtrack has worked well. You can find all the videos on our channel "Directors 13" at www.youtube.com/Directors13

 

Media World

Extra for '51 Degress'

So yesterday I was an extra on this big independent film called '51 Degrees'. Its an independent feature film written and directed by Greg Richters and produced by Filmmakers United, Films United and 51 Films. Here is a rough plot outline:

"The story explores the life struggles of German filmmaker Damon Miller who lives and works in London. The movie follows Damon through his daily struggles which become trivial when confronted with the End of the World. He is told by the UK Space Agency (British NASA) that an Asteroid will hit Earth within a few weeks. They have built a Space station to ensure the survival of the human race. In exchange for Damon's services (capturing the End of the World) he is given one ticket to the Space station. He gives it to his girlfriend."

We had to arrive at a meeting point at 5pm and sign a form and agree to the terms and conditions on camera. We then walked to Piccadilly Circus around 6.30pm, trying not to lose anyone. There were about 4 groups of 100-200 people in each. 

They were shooting the final scene, where we were told prior that we had found out that Canada had been wiped out and tsunamis and other disasters have affected other countries, and in London we were heading towards the big screens in Piccadilly circus to watch a news bulletin telling us that asteroids would hit in 2 hours and we'd all be dead. Very dramatic. Some extras were possibly too dramatic. So we had to run/move from the underground towards the screen and watch it until a horn sounded, then we would scream/cry/run until a next horn sounded. We did this 5 times (with a lot of waiting around in-between), each time with different instructions because they had some trouble getting the main actor through the crowd and they wanted more movement. I felt, by that point, I was getting into the acting and really enjoyed being part of it. Filming wrapped up at 9pm.

Screenshot of the crowd looking up at the screen: I was also doing the old hand on mouth "Oh my God!" expression.

I had half-predicted that they would be using DSLR's with steadicams to shoot, as they're becoming a popular choice, especially for independent filmmakers. They're lighter, less bulky, HD,  and you can have lots of them moving through the crowd quite easily. Some had attached lights, screens and mics on them. I talked to a couple of guys, one with a Canon 5d Mark II most likely, and the other had a handy recorder for the sound. They were young, like most of the crew, and recently graduated. It's worth investing in the right kit and getting used to using DSLRs, because that's the reason they get onto doing these sort of projects.

I was thinking about what kind of permissions they needed, knowing Harry Potter had also been shot here, with a very large budget, but, they only had hand-held cameras and they weren't blocking any traffic. At one point the crew was approached by a man from the tube station because they were blocking the underground and not allowing anyone through, which they shouldn't of been doing. From attending the Screen South event at the studios last week, some of the time I was thinking about how the film is financed. And, naturally, I was thinking about how I would direct it myself.

They are relying on social networking and people's word of mouth for the film to get noticed, it's a great example of a viral marketing campaign. Here I am then, spreading the word.

www.51DegreesMovie.com

www.facebook.com/51degreesmovie

http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-696784

Direction Unit: Post-production

Here is a screen grab in Final Cut Pro at the editing stage of 'Dexter". There is an example of how much I have colour corrected the video. I'm currently putting in the finished soundtrack and then I need to mix the sound. I'm also taking the voice-over and editing it in soundtrack pro.

Direction Unit: Post-production

Yesterday I managed to add some atmos sounds. I added a track that runs throughout the whole of Dexter and layered in distant traffic noises, sirens and bells in the opening scenes. When Mike is walking to his car I added a small jingle of his keys, the sound of the car unlocking, and the sound of him opening and closing the car door. I think my approach is to be subtle but hopefully create a mood. 

In terms of composed sound, I have added some piano parts written by a music student. I collaborated with my composer to get the mood I wanted and he would share his ideas. For the opening scene, there is one layer of high piano and a layer of low piano playing the same tune, then a bass line using a synthesised woodwind effect and a cello sound. For the sequence in the car with Mike and Dexter, we created a cluster of high string notes coming together one by one to build tension and then all the notes stop but one is held. I also plan on cross-fading a high pitched note to the lower ominous tone I have added when Dexter drives off with Mike. 

In terms of image, I have been refining my cuts and adjusting a few shot sizes. I have also started colour correcting the whole piece to make the temperatures even throughout and to bring my own style into it. Where I had some quite "yellowy" shots, I have adjusted so they are more "blue" to represent the dark tones of the piece. Overall, I feel progress is going well.

Direction Unit: Post-production

The Edit

All my shooting is complete, I now have the opening scenes of Dexter walking and putting on his gloves. I also captured his voice-over using the mic on camera. Now, I am putting together a rough edit of the shots and making a note on what sounds I need, ie. street noise, cars driving past, distant church bells or sirens, footsteps. Once a rough edit is complete, I'm going to go and build the soundtrack with a music technology student. 

Narrative & Genre Unit: Research

To answer the question set out for the essay, I have chosen Dexter. I will be examining it's use of genre and narrative tools, and then considering how portable media devices affects these tools. 

Dexter is a television series which is currently airing it's 6th season on U.S. Network Showtime. The show debuted in 2006, largely based on a novel Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay, a crime novel. Dexter is a serial killer trained by his adopted father, a police detective. The series is set in Miami, as Dexter is a blood splatter analyst for Miami Metro Homicide.

What makes Dexter unusual compared to other crime dramas, is that we are following the story of a killer, through voice-over narrative. It is conventional in the setting, Miami Metro Police Department, and the multi-stranded narratives involving personal relationships, possible love interests, and the solving of a murder case. But, Dexter is not the stereotypical character in which we would focus on. 

In my research I have found an interesting article written by Nick Lacey (other works include Narrative and Genre: Key Concepts in Media Studies), titled Creativity and Genre in TV Crime Drama. The crime genre has definitely evolved, and I would agree that Dexter has pushed boundaries to be innovative and creative. The driving force behind Dexter is James Manos Jr., in the past he has co-produced the first season of The Sopranos and has been the Consulting Producer on two seasons of another U.S. crime drama, The Shield.

Direction Unit: Production

Here are some stills from what was shot last night. Enjoy.

Direction Unit: Production

I started filming Dexter last night, beginning with all the scenes involving Dexter and Mike Donovand. I have left to film the opening shots of Maidstone and Dexter.

As expected, the locations changed slightly to avoid the public, but I researched the area and did have other locations in mind so we could overcome this problem. I was working with Lauren Howard (my DOP), and communicating to her on what shots we needed and I was happy to have her artistic input, we were able to try different angles and depth of field techniques. I found it really helpful being able to step away from the camera and concentrate on directing my actors, and being able to rely on Lauren to frame up the shots.

I found my cast understood the script and they committed well to each scene. This was helped by making sure they were prepared and given copies of the script beforehand. I blocked out their actions with them and gave them the opportunity to rehearse and re-take if they felt they wanted to. I was really impressed with their performances, as was Lauren.

I was working on sound as well, personally making sure the dialogue is a good clean sound. I also recorded the engine starting, and I may need to record some foley, such as footsteps and the car door opening and closing, and some room tone. Sound is just as important as the image, and shouldn't be ignored.

Whilst directing, I have learned that it involves problem-solving, collaboration with the crew and cast, a good amount of preparation and a shot list and being creative technically and visually. I feel like I have a better understanding of the role and I enjoyed having someone else work the camera to give me more freedom to properly direct.

Now, I am going to start my edit. I will get the rest of the shots filmed Sunday evening.

Direction Unit: Project Update

My filming date is set to be Tuesday, 11 October, meeting at 6:30pm. 

With James, Rob and Lauren (Camera)
 

I aim to film 4 scenes:

• My first location will be the church scene where Mike walks down the steps and Dexter looks on. 

• Secondly, we will film the scene of Mike getting into his car, then inside the car with Dexter behind him.

• Thirdly, we will film in the car travelling to the next location.

• Lastly, will be the scene in the dark car park in Allington, outside the car and dragging Mike into darkness.

The other shots I will need involve just Dexter putting on his gloves and walking in the opening scenes and shots of Maidstone. I'm finding it hard to pick a location for this scene as I want to create the right atmosphere with the right lighting and show the location well, I have a few in mind. I've learned that securing and testing the locations before shooting makes the process a lot easier.

Here is my shooting schedule...

Direction Unit: Project Update

Currently finishing off my shooting script. Just last minute thoughts as to the opening shots of Maidstone and where I should shoot to get the best angles. Here is an image I found which I like the angle of, and gave me an idea to shoot underneath the bridges on the river to put Dexter in an environment away from the city center.

I also plan on shooting a wider landscape of Maidstone to establish the setting with Dexter's voiceover.

Direction Unit: Project Update

Script Breakdown

Cast

James as Dexter Morgan

Rob as Mike Donovand

Crew - TBC

Camera

Sound

Lighting

Locations

Bluebell Hill

Whatman Park (establishing shot & tunnel)

Marsham St. Maidstone (church, tunnel & car park)

Union St. Maidstone (shop front)

Allington car park (near Allington Castle & train bridge)

Props

Leather gloves

A tough piece of thin cord

Mobile Phone

Car (Mike)

Equipment

Sony XDCAM

Microphone

Boom pole

Reflector

Sound
Sync sound - conversation between the two characters (the in-car sequence and the last scene).
Dexter's voice-over
SFX - footsteps, cars, trains, town noises, in-car driving, night wild noises
I have commissioned a music technology student to compose the soundtrack.

Costume

Dexter - Rugged, unkempt, boots, dark jacket, leather gloves, tanned trousers, fitted long-sleeved jumper

Mike - a dark cheap suit, bright tie

Production Design

I will make use of the available light as I will be filming in the dark. I plan on showing Dexter as a "shadowy" character, I have found some interesting light at the locations. I plan on using canted and low angle shots. 

Schedule

Awaiting available dates from cast members, I plan on shooting at 8pm onwards but I will set up and brief the crew beforehand.

Direction Unit: Project Update

Here's my finished script, copies have been given to my two cast members; now I will finish a shot list and schedule then I should be ready to film.