Updated storyboard - task 36

In our updated storyboard, we have included more shots in order to have an interesting variety.  However the storyline itself hasn't changed. We wanted to add more close-ups to make sure the characters are established and the audience are aware of whose present in the scene. In the beginning it shows the stages of the scenery then we would introduce the main character and the close up and medium close up would make the audience understand he is the main character. There are a lot of over the shoulder shots too so that the audience can take on the perspective of the characters, not only their own viewpoint but with the characters therefore creating an empathetic response.

First day of filming - Wednesday 28th January - 42/43

Filming for Beginners

In todays lesson we have  decided to split into pairs with Ahsan and Mel filming, despite the weather, and myself and China updating our blog and time toast. This enabled things to go quicker and we would have more time to spend on the filming even though we would of wanted the whole group to go out filming it was worth it. Today Ahsan and Mel will be focusing on filming the estate which is the first setting that is introduced within the opening sequence. The location of this setting is 'silver street'. We have chosen this location because it represents a popular area where young people in the community share similar interests as to our storyline.

We decided to only film the scenery to get our film started. It was a hassle at first trying to get the right shots and right angles but the many shots we took the more choice we had to decide which one is the best one. We weren't really because of the weather but it started brightening up therefore we became motivated and got some work done. We took several establishing shots of tunnels and pathways and estates. We chose establishing shot so that the audience would be aware of the setting and location. We wanted to make sure it was clear and a good angle. Ahsan and myself took turns in the filming process in taking shots so both of them had a feel of what it was like to film we already call ourselves pro-filmers.
It was also nice to see people of the public wanting to be in our footage as much as we love them we couldn't put them all. Me and Ahsan really started to get the hang of it and explored the different angles that we knew. The filming lasted for about 2 hours and it was starting to get really cold so we called it a day and we were really proud of our shots when we reviewed them. I guess what we weren't happy about was when the sun shined brightly out of nowhere therefore making the brightness of the footage too bright as oppose to the quite dull, dark light we kind of wanted for our film. I'm sure we can fix this through the editing.

Blogging health check 1

10 posts at health check 1.  You are likely to be a bit disappointed with this initial grade Shanaz, but it's very easy for you to up your grade if you follow the guidance below.  Your blog at the moment is lacking in some detail and doesn't use visual methods of presentation very often - i.e. your blogs tend to be text-based when you could bring in screen shots from title sequences you are referring to or embedded videos of the films you are referring to.  To improve:  make sure that you are keeping up to date.  make sure that you are spending care and time over your blogs - they are appearing to be a little bit rushed (they are quite brief in places).  make sure that every blog post includes something 'visual' (see the 'ICT in blogging' handout for guidance on this).  Go back over each of the posts and think about how best to illustrate your understanding.   Ensure that each posts is titles either 'planning' or 'research' before the main title of the blog to help the moderator navigate through your work.  As we move into the planning stages of the production make sure that you are blogging around 2-3 times a week - using lunchtime workshop once a week is an easy way to make sure that you keep up to date.  You can easily improve this grade by following this guidance.

Blogging health check 1

Feedback from my teacher

"Hi China, you have a solid blog at the moment with some strong posts though I felt a few could do with more detail. Post 14 on the analysis of technical elements currently only includes one example and it'd be useful for you to list more when you analyse texts. Similarly your write up of "Ideas for our sequence" - listing the specific elements of MES would make this idea much more concrete. I like the idea by the way but the only problem I can foresee is finding actors who "look the part". 
I'd also add please don't be shy of using other methods of ICT - emzae, Slideshare, Prezi etc - when it comes to presenting information. It's essential, and it will give you extra marks when we grade and make your blog look more interesting and attractive". 

Brand your blog visually - 37

The design of the blog has been chosen in this way because it highlight the concept of our youth drama - The black filler suggesting the darkness and cruel life of gang culture. The mountains in the background depicting us the struggle of being a gang and also the struggle of chasing your dreams. If you want to reach the top you have to keep striving and that is what our Youth drama is about.

Revisions to pitch and final decisions in light of feedback - 40

The Pitch:Revision

Our pitch gained some feedback which consisted of both positive and negative. We are glad that the feedback was given so we could reevaluate what we need to improve and for us to make sure that everything is precise and clarified so that we are aware of what we are doing and there will be no need to keep double-checking or to keep changing. From the feedback we realised and consolidated that we need to revise our pitch and make amends.

What really went well?

Well what was commonly said about our pitch which really went well was the title credits. Our title credits were really a strong part of our pitch. The detail in the typeface and fonts we used was present and showing what we have already commenced on was really impressive. Our soundtrack was also liked as it was said that is suited our Youth drama and the whole concept of the film.

Our mise en scene - props and costumes etc. was really good also as it was clear what the characters were going to be wearing.

Would be better if?

There was few feedbacks on what we should improve. It was really good constructive criticism as it will enable us to go over where we are lacking or where we went wrong

Our storyline was good but had to more clarified because it gave a sense that there was no story when that is not the case. Also our storyboard to be updated as there are a few changes and what was said to be a good idea was to make an animatic of our storyboard so that we have a clear understanding of what comes next in sequence and how we are going to do each shot.

Because we were not really quite sure where the location was going to be therefore we need to add a location and be precise so that we are on board with the filming. We clear what the setting would look like which was really good but just need to be s=certain on the location.

There was a feedback where we need to understand the social groups being represented. We included that there was going to be working-class and gangs however we forgot to include what ethnicity the characters were.

Overall

Overall it was said that our pitch was really good and our little extract of our title sequence is top notch and it was a film to be looking forward to.

Practical Remake Activity - Evaluate your sequence - 17

How easy or difficult was it to create the title credits?

It was not difficult. Once we got to understand the basics and the usage off the software it became really easy to create the title credits such as the colour; font; size etc.

What decisions did you make when deciding on the font, typeface and size of titles?

Because it was a remake of 'The Breakfast Club' it was quite simple. All we had to do was just to try find which font and typeface matched the one in the actual film.... LONG!
We were in luck because the title credits in 'The Breakfast Club' was not complicated and so creative it was simple and did its purpose. So we found the font and edited on the size and colour.

How successful is your choice of font? Does it suit the tone of the film?

I believe our font was successful not only because it matched the actual video but also because it was suitable for the high school drama. It suited the tone of the film and was not animated in some sort of way because it would suit the tone of the film. I think we id a good job on doing the remake and the typeface and font really did well.

If you were to complete this task again, what would you do differently?

If we were to complete the task again we would make sure our tripod does not have a default because at some points in the film some of the still shots were shaky and that is not what we wanted to capture. I think we would try to use more of the high angle shot as it shows in the actual film but overall we are really proud of our remake and we really enjoyed doing so.