First pitch

This was our groups first pitch for our filming opening, we had mostly positive responses from the rest of the class, which gave us the 'green light' to begin filming.

Importing keynote

The next step to using keynote was moving the text into iMovie. In order to transfer the text we had to make sure the background colour green was the specific colour to match the green screen. Once the title was ready for us to export we used Quicktime player to import to iMovie. Once back in iMovie all we had to do was choose our title and drag it in over the video than afterwards selected the green screen button and was complete.

Using keynote

For our title sequence we had to use the software keynote to enable us to access the typewriting effect which we required. The software was fairly basic meaning all we had to do was change the background colour to green, choose the font and effect which we wanted, select the position which we wanted it to be in, then basically done! We also had to make sure that the position we selected the text to be in was suited for the particular background of the scene we was using, otherwise we would have to repeat the whole process again.

POV shot

We used a POV shot in our opening as the main character fell over after being hit over the head. We had a very quick tranisition from the character running to when we see her POV of falling. This contrast of shots creates a more intense atmosphere as is more quick and snappy than the rest of the other scenes. Being able to see what is happening through the characters eyes allows the audience to fall with the character.

Establishing shots

For our establishing shots we decided that we wanted it to be of the setting which was surrounding us. As we were filming October/November time we did have a few issues with the weather including have to cancel filming days when it was raining. It had to be fairly dry and sunny for us to film on a particular day to suit the continuity. As well as would of been quite noticeable of weather changes considering we were filming in a park.

We decided to film in certain positions where we knew we could fit in title space, so that it would blend in with the particular shot. We did this with all our other establishing shots as well, so it took some time to input all of the titles.

Intercutting scenes

This is my other group member Sophie discussing why we decided to inter-cut our scenes during editing the project, we felt as though the scenes worked better when they were inter-cut as helped bring out the tension more and give a better visual to the audience. 

Keeping the same continuity

As I have previously mentioned we had to re-film quite a few of the shots numerous times. This meant that we had to return back to our exact same location and path that we were using, to keep the continuity of the film. Sometimes it would be difficult to tell apart where we had last filmed considering our location mostly consisted of fields which looked quite similar. One scene which was quite hard to film was when I was getting knocked out. As I had to make sure beforehand I was in the exact same position that I was last in.

Final Opening

We have finally uploaded our final opening project to youtube. The whole group are extremely pleased with the overall outcome and can't wait to hear the responses from everyone else as well.

The Shawshank Redemption

A couple of weeks ago during our media lesson, We watched the movie classic 'The Shawshank Redemption' for the first time ever! I thought the film was an absolute masterpiece and that it deserved its own review on my blog. So here goes:

• UK release date: February 17, 1995
• Director: Frank Darabont
• Distributed by: Columbia Pictures
• Budget: $25,000,000

"Adapted from the Stephen King novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, the film tells the story of Andy Dufresne, a banker who is sentenced to life in Shawshank State Penitentiary for the murder of his wife and her lover, despite his claims of innocence. During his time at the prison, he befriends a fellow inmate, Ellis Boyd "Red" Redding, and finds himself protected by the guards after the warden begins using him in his money-laundering operation."

My review:

The movie was born to be a classic from beginning to end. The opening intrigued audiences into knowing the truth about the mysterious Andy Dufresne, and throughout made audiences feel sympathetic for the character as he has to adjust to the imprisonment lifestyle. At times the film may of appealed as quite simple but towards the ending you will find that the main character had much more up his sleeve than entailed. With other characters being introduced along the way you watch as a simple man journeys his life through prison experiencing at times torture and others sadness, but in some ways shines that a light can be found at the end of the tunnel, and such thing as hope is possible (within the movie anyways). I loved every second of it and am sure I will watch it multiple times again in the future.

Class feedback

This was our class response to our first time presenting our film opening. We had mostly positive responses however realised we still required some additional editing. For example we spelt one of our production companies incorrectly, as well as credited the same person in the opening twice. Unfortunately I could only upload this footage in the lowest quality available due to being unable to pass on through the Mac, meaning I had to upload it through my phone instead.

Downloading image

We decided to use these particular downloading bar images during the scene whilst the main character pulls out her phone. We picked them due to there simplicity and basic nature, we didn't want anything to extravagant or overdramatic however still wanted it to look realistic. Even though we found it particularly difficult to find what we were looking for considering we required a specific bar once at one percent to then another image showing one hundred percent, as well as having to follow the copyright laws. In the end we had the best result, with what we had and ended up fitting perfectly with the opening.

Our Experience

Me and my fellow group member Izabell decided to make a vlog talking about our experience whilst filming the opening, and the problems that we had to overcome.

Problem with the titles

Unfortunately we noticed a slight flicker on the letter 'd' during the production of the title sequence. For some reason this blip was unfix able, as much as we tried to solve the problem. However it can only be noticed for a slight second. We also had various different issues with the typewriting effect we used for the credits, as the quality of the font kept being changed without our control. However many times we tried to solve the problem from starting from scratch the problem still remained the same. In the end we found out a way to stop the credits from glitching, even though it took some time to do so.

Saturation changed

We decided to bring the saturation down on the scenes we shot during editing due to the colours being quite bright which was not as intended. This is as we wanted to impose a more sinister atmosphere and represent that the character was in danger to the audience. This helped capture the grim surroundings of the setting it was in, and therefore gives a glimpse at the mood for the rest of the film itself.

Storyboard animation for opening

This was my group's first storyboard animation draft for our opening. It is clear to see now how many changes have been made during the actual production especially having to do with the music, as well as some of the shots we initially planned on doing.

The making of the opening

This video shows myself and my group working on the opening for our film project.