 |
| Backlit |
 |
| High angle |
 |
| Look for interesting angles, shoot behind |
 |
| A bedroom set |
 |
| Interesting frame |
 |
| Subjects are not well-lit |
 |
| Window light from the left, lamp on the right |
 |
| Backlit |
 |
| Window light |
 |
| Interesting framing |
 |
| Silhouettes |
Wednesday, 26 September 2012
Major Project Unit: Research
I recently watched the film Control (dir. Anton Corbijn, cinematography by Martin Ruhe). The film entirely is in black and white. I loved the bleak look of the film and the way it was edited so it would let the shots breathe. I'm researching into how to tell the story through the visual language; looking at lighting techniques and production design. From looking at films such as this and reading about cinematographers, I've learned that it's not about pointing the light in the subjects face all the time so everything is lit, it's about creating a mood. It's also about understanding the way a camera shoots lights, as it differs from the human eye in terms of contrast. I especially like the technique whereby the backlight is stronger than the key. In Control the lighting had a natural feel, coming from windows and lights which were part of the set. We have a window as part of our set which we'll aim to put a studio light outside. However, we're still considering using a room on location if we can find one suitable.
Friday, 21 September 2012
Major Project Unit: Research
I'm very excited to be shooting this film. There's so many possibilities to explore. One option being whether to create high or low key light. Or whether to switch between both for different parts of the film. A lot of videos I like are in black and white entirely or at some point. For now, I'm looking at inspiration on what style of lighting and camerawork to use.
I gather most of my inspiration on my pinterest boards. I've pinned images I like of various poses, lighting set-ups and techniques.
 |
| Low key light |
 |
| Increase red in black & white |
 |
| Purposely out of focus |
 |
| Kaleidoscope effect |
 |
| Light tunnels |
 |
| Motion blur |
 |
| Shadows |
 |
| Framing |
 |
| Overlay shots |
These are stills I took from these two videos:
I gather most of my inspiration on my pinterest boards. I've pinned images I like of various poses, lighting set-ups and techniques.
Major Project Unit: Project Update
Location
Lauren and I visited the campus to look at the studio again. We're now thinking in more detail about what we require from having a set built or using the existing white walls and shooting in a corner.
I have emails back from CATF - as they're just beginning the semester they've had a clear out. But they do have flats we could use. We can borrow the flats as long as they are left in the same condition. They have a window but it's not fixed to a wall. So to give the impression of a window we could use a curtain instead. Then to pick up the flats we'd require a van. They'll be asking students if they'd like to get involved. We could go up at some point to discuss it personally with them and take a look at the flats to see what will be appropriate.
I think its a good idea, if we can get the materials, to create a plain simple room in the studio. The advantage being the use of the high powered studio lights (especially as we're shooting on Canon 7ds which require lots of light). And as we're not after a complicated set, as it's not a realism drama, it's abstract.
However, I will buy an adaptor so I can use my faster nikon lenses and we might be able to borrow the lenses from the campus. It's essential to have some choice of lenses anyway.
Advantages of being on campus is that it has technical support, studio lighting, ability to shoot overhead, it's a good clean space, a canteen, it's free, and we can plan and design the space to what we need.
Disadvantages - if we decide to use flats we'd need a hand building a set, we can't mess up the walls.
To keep our options open we looked at finding other spaces on location. We tried art studios but they charge, and we're on a very low budget. We met with the site manager at the Power Hub and we're able to film there if we cover electricity bills. They're pretty flexible about what we'd need. We looked at a space and it was very industrial. There was another room which was more office-like. The first space was very large like a car-park, so we'd shoot in a corner. The office space would work better, and it has natural window light and plenty of power sockets.
Lauren and I visited the campus to look at the studio again. We're now thinking in more detail about what we require from having a set built or using the existing white walls and shooting in a corner.
I have emails back from CATF - as they're just beginning the semester they've had a clear out. But they do have flats we could use. We can borrow the flats as long as they are left in the same condition. They have a window but it's not fixed to a wall. So to give the impression of a window we could use a curtain instead. Then to pick up the flats we'd require a van. They'll be asking students if they'd like to get involved. We could go up at some point to discuss it personally with them and take a look at the flats to see what will be appropriate.
I think its a good idea, if we can get the materials, to create a plain simple room in the studio. The advantage being the use of the high powered studio lights (especially as we're shooting on Canon 7ds which require lots of light). And as we're not after a complicated set, as it's not a realism drama, it's abstract.
However, I will buy an adaptor so I can use my faster nikon lenses and we might be able to borrow the lenses from the campus. It's essential to have some choice of lenses anyway.
Advantages of being on campus is that it has technical support, studio lighting, ability to shoot overhead, it's a good clean space, a canteen, it's free, and we can plan and design the space to what we need.
Disadvantages - if we decide to use flats we'd need a hand building a set, we can't mess up the walls.
To keep our options open we looked at finding other spaces on location. We tried art studios but they charge, and we're on a very low budget. We met with the site manager at the Power Hub and we're able to film there if we cover electricity bills. They're pretty flexible about what we'd need. We looked at a space and it was very industrial. There was another room which was more office-like. The first space was very large like a car-park, so we'd shoot in a corner. The office space would work better, and it has natural window light and plenty of power sockets.
Work Based Learning: Production
I had my filming day yesterday with Dave, which will form the basis for the video. I'll now arrange the footage and update the script. Luckily the weather held out, it wasn't too sunny so the lighting wasn't harsh.
I arranged another camera to perform a time-lapse whilst I was filming.
There is one shot I would have done differently but as it was the first of the day and I had to deal with sound issues, it was difficult to focus on the camera and the content without stopping Dave mid-flow.
I got some shots of the owner John mowing the land, and a worker chainsawing some of the woodland. These shots should help in showing the management side the land requires.
John was also kind enough to lend me some personal old photographs of the land, which will fit nicely in telling a bit of the history.
Monday, 17 September 2012
Work Based Learning Unit: Post-production
Editing begins in the new Final Cut Pro...
Most of the videos I watch use Ken Burns, where they crop and move the image in editing. So when I shoot I do move the camera to get pans, tilts and focus pulls. But I also shoot completely still shots, as you can do all these movements in editing instead.
Work Based Learning Unit: Research
When I need some inspiration I generally have a flick around vimeo. As I'm doing a wildlife video, I'm always amazed to see ones like this:
NaturaHD · Reel 2012 from NaturaHD on Vimeo.
NaturaHD · Reel 2012 from NaturaHD on Vimeo.
Saturday, 15 September 2012
Work Based Learning Unit: Production
I had my first day filming yesterday at Magpie Bottom.
Beforehand, I had written up the script which I briefly went through with Ed. I also had my shot list for the day ready.
We met up with Dave at the site and started filming, mainly what he would point out as worth filming. Such as, plant species, flowers, some butterflies. I managed to get a lot of bees and I even found a fungi. But butterflies were the main thing I need to film, unfortunately because of the lack of flowers at this time of year and the weather, a lot of them were just resting in the grass, whereas I'd like to catch some in flight.
It was also quite a clouded day, which made for some nice landscape shots in the distance watching the light change over the hills. I've sped that up in editing and it makes for a nice effect. However, I will hold out for better weather still to create my time-lapse and other location wides. With clouded skies, the light is more even, but as the sun keeps coming out from behind the clouds I had to make sure the exposure of each shot was consistent.
We film with Dave next week. Yesterday we chose the best locations to film each section relating to the content of the script and found two perfect spots. They also give Dave the opportunity to interact with the land and the plants around him which will make the whole film come alive. So the plan is to shoot him talking and showing at the same time, then I'll go in and get the close-ups. I'll be taking with me a sound op as Dave will be wearing a radio mic, plus i'd like to record some natural sounds from the location as well as using database sounds.
After filming we went back to Tyland Barn to go over the script with Dave to check the accuracy of the information and making sure I hadn't missed anything important. I reassured him that he wouldn't need to memorise the script, as long as he has the subject areas. I have now rearranged and refined the script, and as with documentary making, I'll continue to change the script during editing.
We'll also be visiting another location at another reserve where you get a higher view of the whole area. This should make for a nice ending and to talk about the Living Landscape project.
Beforehand, I had written up the script which I briefly went through with Ed. I also had my shot list for the day ready.
We met up with Dave at the site and started filming, mainly what he would point out as worth filming. Such as, plant species, flowers, some butterflies. I managed to get a lot of bees and I even found a fungi. But butterflies were the main thing I need to film, unfortunately because of the lack of flowers at this time of year and the weather, a lot of them were just resting in the grass, whereas I'd like to catch some in flight.
It was also quite a clouded day, which made for some nice landscape shots in the distance watching the light change over the hills. I've sped that up in editing and it makes for a nice effect. However, I will hold out for better weather still to create my time-lapse and other location wides. With clouded skies, the light is more even, but as the sun keeps coming out from behind the clouds I had to make sure the exposure of each shot was consistent.
We film with Dave next week. Yesterday we chose the best locations to film each section relating to the content of the script and found two perfect spots. They also give Dave the opportunity to interact with the land and the plants around him which will make the whole film come alive. So the plan is to shoot him talking and showing at the same time, then I'll go in and get the close-ups. I'll be taking with me a sound op as Dave will be wearing a radio mic, plus i'd like to record some natural sounds from the location as well as using database sounds.
After filming we went back to Tyland Barn to go over the script with Dave to check the accuracy of the information and making sure I hadn't missed anything important. I reassured him that he wouldn't need to memorise the script, as long as he has the subject areas. I have now rearranged and refined the script, and as with documentary making, I'll continue to change the script during editing.
We'll also be visiting another location at another reserve where you get a higher view of the whole area. This should make for a nice ending and to talk about the Living Landscape project.
Friday, 14 September 2012
Major Project Unit: Project Update
Location
I met with Fergus and we discussed the studio booking and health & safety at the campus. We have the studio booked for two weeks to allow time for additional filming and clearing the set.
I made sure I covered all the topics, Lauren and I drew up a list of questions to ask beforehand and what we needed to find out.
I'll now be contacting CATF to see if they can assist with the set.
I'll get together some lighting ideas and draw up some floor plans.
I'll also do some studying into what elements go into creating a shot, where the camera will be, how it is positioned, where the light will be, how intense it is. And I'll be looking at what styles we like and how we could recreate them.
I'm building equipment lists and we're going to see Fergus again to see what accessories there are for the Canon 7d and get used to the space and lights in the studio. We are able to use the crane for overhead shots, or we could use a step ladder.
Our filming days would run a lot smoother with a lighting gaffer. Fergus is offering to tutor someone on using the studio lights. So we'll look into getting some crew.
Website/Poster Designs
I did some more initial designs.. Still a working progress.
I met with Fergus and we discussed the studio booking and health & safety at the campus. We have the studio booked for two weeks to allow time for additional filming and clearing the set.
I made sure I covered all the topics, Lauren and I drew up a list of questions to ask beforehand and what we needed to find out.
I'll now be contacting CATF to see if they can assist with the set.
I'll get together some lighting ideas and draw up some floor plans.
I'll also do some studying into what elements go into creating a shot, where the camera will be, how it is positioned, where the light will be, how intense it is. And I'll be looking at what styles we like and how we could recreate them.
I'm building equipment lists and we're going to see Fergus again to see what accessories there are for the Canon 7d and get used to the space and lights in the studio. We are able to use the crane for overhead shots, or we could use a step ladder.
Our filming days would run a lot smoother with a lighting gaffer. Fergus is offering to tutor someone on using the studio lights. So we'll look into getting some crew.
Website/Poster Designs
I did some more initial designs.. Still a working progress.
Wednesday, 12 September 2012
Work Based Learning Unit: Project Update
I had a second meeting with Ed last Friday and we outlined the structure of the content, which will be as follows:
1.
2.
3.
We then talked to Dave (Head of Reserves Officer) to gather some more information for each section, which I took notes and recorded on my Zoom H1 recorder.
I'm now forming these notes into a script and have decided to use text on screen instead of voiceover to make it the facts stand-out and work more effectively. Plus this technique works well with appeal videos.
I'm calling John tomorrow to get some basic background information and find out whether he has any old photographs of the land we could use. I'll also discuss with him the possibility of being filmed talking with Dave. If he doesn't want to talk, I may film them walking together or him alone stood in his field, which I may or may not use in the final thing.
We start filming as soon as possible, whenever the weather holds out. I'll look in advance to see when the best time is to shoot. My priority is to get the time-lapse and location shots in the best light. Then filming with Dave and getting pick-ups. I'll draft out a shooting schedule.
1.
- background information on John B (owner)
- land management
- KWT continuing work
2.
- diversity of insects and plants
3.
- living landscapes, location
- protecting for the future
We then talked to Dave (Head of Reserves Officer) to gather some more information for each section, which I took notes and recorded on my Zoom H1 recorder.
I'm now forming these notes into a script and have decided to use text on screen instead of voiceover to make it the facts stand-out and work more effectively. Plus this technique works well with appeal videos.
I'm calling John tomorrow to get some basic background information and find out whether he has any old photographs of the land we could use. I'll also discuss with him the possibility of being filmed talking with Dave. If he doesn't want to talk, I may film them walking together or him alone stood in his field, which I may or may not use in the final thing.
We start filming as soon as possible, whenever the weather holds out. I'll look in advance to see when the best time is to shoot. My priority is to get the time-lapse and location shots in the best light. Then filming with Dave and getting pick-ups. I'll draft out a shooting schedule.
Major Project Unit: Project Update
Location
I have a meeting with Fergus on Thursday to discuss the studio booking at the campus. I will need to find out what the health and safety requirements are and figure out what the rules are of the studio.
I'm also visiting the central store to see what equipment they have, I will look at lenses and Canon 7d accessories. We have decided to shoot with the Canon as we prefer the look and quality of the footage and the flexibility with settings. We would like to use the crane to get overhead shots. It would be ideal to get an external monitor, but we'll see what our limitations are.
I have also emailed CATF to see if they could offer us advice or even parts to build our room. I'll look for a mattress and bed nearer the shoot date on freecycle sites and possibly advertising. The issue being how we would transport the bed would need to be discussed. We would probably find someone with a van.
We also have some scenes set on location in a field. I will need to scout this location, looking at whether it is public land, what kind of grass we want. We will also need to think about weather and shooting in what time of day. Lauren knows someone who owns farmland so we're looking into that, as we'd have more access to facilities and possibly a hose to create rain.
Website
These are some first designs I did for our logo and website. I'll explore other ideas or develop this one.
Soundtrack Update
I went to a music night in Tunbridge Wells on Sunday and met a young, but very mature, artist called Dylan Brown (soundcloud). It happens to be that his major influence is a band called Sigur Ros, a band that has influenced myself and this project. Lauren and I both love his style of songwriting so after talking to him he seemed very interested in the project and is keen to write us some songs to suit the mood and style of the film. His style is very subtle and emotive which will fit perfectly with our images and telling the story.
I have a meeting with Fergus on Thursday to discuss the studio booking at the campus. I will need to find out what the health and safety requirements are and figure out what the rules are of the studio.
I'm also visiting the central store to see what equipment they have, I will look at lenses and Canon 7d accessories. We have decided to shoot with the Canon as we prefer the look and quality of the footage and the flexibility with settings. We would like to use the crane to get overhead shots. It would be ideal to get an external monitor, but we'll see what our limitations are.
I have also emailed CATF to see if they could offer us advice or even parts to build our room. I'll look for a mattress and bed nearer the shoot date on freecycle sites and possibly advertising. The issue being how we would transport the bed would need to be discussed. We would probably find someone with a van.
We also have some scenes set on location in a field. I will need to scout this location, looking at whether it is public land, what kind of grass we want. We will also need to think about weather and shooting in what time of day. Lauren knows someone who owns farmland so we're looking into that, as we'd have more access to facilities and possibly a hose to create rain.
Website
These are some first designs I did for our logo and website. I'll explore other ideas or develop this one.
Soundtrack Update
I went to a music night in Tunbridge Wells on Sunday and met a young, but very mature, artist called Dylan Brown (soundcloud). It happens to be that his major influence is a band called Sigur Ros, a band that has influenced myself and this project. Lauren and I both love his style of songwriting so after talking to him he seemed very interested in the project and is keen to write us some songs to suit the mood and style of the film. His style is very subtle and emotive which will fit perfectly with our images and telling the story.
Thursday, 6 September 2012
Work Based Learning Unit: Project Brief
I have secured a work placement at the Kent Wildlife Trust. They are a leading conservation organisation covering the whole of Kent and Medway, dedicated to protecting wildlife and wild habitats. Here is their website.
They require a video to raise funds for the maintenance of a section of land in Sevenoaks called Magpie Bottom. The site has been owned by a man named John, who has been maintaining the site for years, with the help of the trust.
I visited the site today and met Dave, the head of reserves officer for West Kent. He is willing to talk about the cause and the land on camera. He may be talking whilst looking at the landscape and showing the viewer what there is to see. If this is the case, I am thinking whether a voice-over would be useful to link the subjects he may talk about.
The site is usually filled with orchids and an active array of wildlife, but as we are now approaching Autumn, there is less filming potential. As a solution, I may have to borrow images from their database of photography and artwork. From seeing the site today and talking to both Dave and Ed, I have a clearer sense as to what the content will most likely be. There is potential to create a time-lapse of the land, to show it more of a creative way.
I have been working with Ed, the head of marketing. After visiting the site we sat and talked about what his requirements are for the video. It is important to note that they don't want something standard and dry, they want something interesting, unique and thought-provoking. There are many ideas, including poetry, use of sounds to create a reminiscent response of the 'countryside experience', and using text on screen.
The video is aimed primarily at 55+ male dominant 'traditional' audience, with an specialised interest in wildlife and protection for the future. The video will be showed within presentations. The message is to show the importance of land management and continuing the work of John, and to promote the diversity of insects and plants, to ultimately gain funding for the project.
They require a video to raise funds for the maintenance of a section of land in Sevenoaks called Magpie Bottom. The site has been owned by a man named John, who has been maintaining the site for years, with the help of the trust.
I visited the site today and met Dave, the head of reserves officer for West Kent. He is willing to talk about the cause and the land on camera. He may be talking whilst looking at the landscape and showing the viewer what there is to see. If this is the case, I am thinking whether a voice-over would be useful to link the subjects he may talk about.
The site is usually filled with orchids and an active array of wildlife, but as we are now approaching Autumn, there is less filming potential. As a solution, I may have to borrow images from their database of photography and artwork. From seeing the site today and talking to both Dave and Ed, I have a clearer sense as to what the content will most likely be. There is potential to create a time-lapse of the land, to show it more of a creative way.
I have been working with Ed, the head of marketing. After visiting the site we sat and talked about what his requirements are for the video. It is important to note that they don't want something standard and dry, they want something interesting, unique and thought-provoking. There are many ideas, including poetry, use of sounds to create a reminiscent response of the 'countryside experience', and using text on screen.
The video is aimed primarily at 55+ male dominant 'traditional' audience, with an specialised interest in wildlife and protection for the future. The video will be showed within presentations. The message is to show the importance of land management and continuing the work of John, and to promote the diversity of insects and plants, to ultimately gain funding for the project.
Major Project Unit: Project Update
At this stage we have outlined what elements are needed in each stage of production and who takes on responsibility for what.
I will be taking on the roles of:
-Location scout
-Storyboard artist & shot list
-Set Design
-Director of Photography
-Website Design
-Soundtrack
Lauren will write the script and take on a producer role and control the content, which involves the casting, call sheets and website content. She will also direct and edit the film.
We have also organised a schedule with deadlines. I am to book the studio at the campus for our planned shooting week and find information on studio rules and regulations and available equipment.
The reasoning behind using a studio is that we plan to change the lighting conditions to suit the mood of the film and we want to build a set of a bedroom for the two characters.
We have agreed on the title 'Poppy'. From Lauren's research, the poppy is used in making the drug heroin, therefore, would make a good metaphor than trying to show the drug itself. It will also be the name of the girl in the film. We have some ideas on how to incorporate the poppy as a symbol in various ways in the script.
I have also designed a preliminary webpage layout. Which I will attach to this post soon. I will continue to work on a brand identity.
We also need to research and think about possible marketing strategies and whether to get any relevant organisations onboard with the project to create interest and possible funding.
I will be taking on the roles of:
-Location scout
-Storyboard artist & shot list
-Set Design
-Director of Photography
-Website Design
-Soundtrack
Lauren will write the script and take on a producer role and control the content, which involves the casting, call sheets and website content. She will also direct and edit the film.
We have also organised a schedule with deadlines. I am to book the studio at the campus for our planned shooting week and find information on studio rules and regulations and available equipment.
The reasoning behind using a studio is that we plan to change the lighting conditions to suit the mood of the film and we want to build a set of a bedroom for the two characters.
We have agreed on the title 'Poppy'. From Lauren's research, the poppy is used in making the drug heroin, therefore, would make a good metaphor than trying to show the drug itself. It will also be the name of the girl in the film. We have some ideas on how to incorporate the poppy as a symbol in various ways in the script.
I have also designed a preliminary webpage layout. Which I will attach to this post soon. I will continue to work on a brand identity.
We also need to research and think about possible marketing strategies and whether to get any relevant organisations onboard with the project to create interest and possible funding.
Wednesday, 5 September 2012
Major Project Unit: Idea Development
The start of a brand new unit, collaborating with Lauren Howard, to combine our skills and ultimately create something we'd both be proud of to include in our portfolios in the future. We began our first meeting brainstorming ideas, and realising what our individual strengths are to define our roles on the project. The requirements of this unit is to collaborate and create a 15-minute production which will be viewable online via a specially created website. Here are the notes from our first meet.
Experimental Drama (3 x 5 minute episodes)
Style:
-art-house
-stylish, expressive
-time-lapse (Rose)
-little or no dialogue
-choreography
-dropping out-of-focus intentionally
-characters breaking the forth wall
-use of metaphors
-reversing footage and changing speed
-subtle changes of colour and light intensity, perhaps verging into black and white
-layering footage
-overhead shots
-jump cuts
-macro
Themes:
-drug abuse
-relationship (represented by the Rose - frailty, beauty, delicate)
-behaviour
-never-ending cycle
-paranoia
-beauty
-confusion
-anger
-frustration
-love
-passion
-losing control
-highs
-withdrawal
-realism
-violence
-loneliness
Story:
-couple, male and female late 20s, early 30s
-empty room, pool? park?
-3 stages - changes, heaven, earth/limbo, hell
Inspiration:
-'Candy'
-'Sigur Ros' Fjor Piano
-'City of God'
-CH4 MDMA Documentary with Keith Allen
-'Waking Life'
-'The Machinist'
-'True Blood'
Music:
-atmospheric
-ambient
-experimental
-drone - bug/siren
-repetitive
-low hums
-old TV static
-glockenspiel
-piano
-underwater voices
Ideas:
-use of a Rose - thorns
-eyes dilating
-skin/vein twitching
-breathing
-train tracks
-tattooed or scarring
-a moment of pitch black with sound panning left and right
-characters film each other
-underwater filming
-nose bleeds
-mirrors
-montage?
-rain (glitter? shower?)
-smog machine
-v/o -thoughts, overlaps, dream-like
-painted walls
-scrubbing
-poppys - symbol for herion
-gangrene - arms, painted
Title Ideas (translated):
-oblivion (Italian - Oblio)
-descent
-cycle (German - Schleife)
-seasons
-neverending (spanish - interminable)
-poppy
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