For my research project I hope to create an online community in which the members will assist in making a film using mainly internet related technology and low tech equipment such as webcams and mobile phones.
I have created an online discussion forum for anyone who wants to get involved with the project.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Fiction Based Project
As my client project is a documentary, I am keen to create a film out of my academic studies this year that is fiction based. This area is where I like to work the most, so I have decided that I cannot go six months without creating a fiction film!!! I have been thinking about developing a script based on a story that Jools wrote last year called "Holding Pattern". As almost everyone made this film in year two, I thought it would be interesting to see how different I can make the film based on the original story. I would like to create a real tear-jerker, as I have not yet made a serious drama film. Most of the fiction films that I have made or been a part of have had some sort of comedic twist, so I am keen to venture new ground both as a director and writer.
Friday, December 14, 2007
PRP Submitted
My personal research project is complete! I am proud of the work that I have done, and enjoyed the rush of learning. At first it seemed like a daunting task, however when I got into it I found the whole experience rewarding.
Title: How could recent changes in social software and Internet interaction help develop new approaches in the way that film is created?
You can read the completed document here.
I am now looking forward to taking my research forward in the new year and experimenting in the area of social participation within the creation of film.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Christmas Film
I have written a Christmas film! It is very, very cheesy and aimed at kids really. Although, I think people of all ages will be able to enjoy it. I am hoping to shoot it after the PRP document hand in- I am too busy to do it now!!! Hopefully it will be edited before Christmas.
It is about a guy who works in a Christmas grotto as Santa, but has lost the spirit of Christmas (I told you it was cheesy!). I now just need to tweak the script a little, and then sort out pre-production stuff... locations etc. I am going to advertise for professional actors too.
I hope that I can go ahead with this, as it will be the first short film that I have made in the third year.
Will keep you posted ;)
It is about a guy who works in a Christmas grotto as Santa, but has lost the spirit of Christmas (I told you it was cheesy!). I now just need to tweak the script a little, and then sort out pre-production stuff... locations etc. I am going to advertise for professional actors too.
I hope that I can go ahead with this, as it will be the first short film that I have made in the third year.
Will keep you posted ;)
PRP: Coming Along!
My PRP document is coming along (i think) nicely! I have so far written about 1600 words, and should get another 1500-2000 done tomorrow so that I can get a draft in. This should then give me enough time to rectify any problems with the document before hand in next Friday. Today, I have written up about the history of interaction within art, and have moved into the section about pieces/experiments that have happened in the past that have developed the field of relational art and film. I still have to do a little more research into online distribution and the technical aspects of it, which shouldn't be too much of a problem. I noticed that the first ever iTunes only movie release happened this week. It is called Purple Violets, and it's success will be a good indication of whether distributing feature length films online is working.
Simulated Client Project
Well, I have finished my simulated client project! It is a thirty second advert for insect repellant. The idea was to have the viewer as the insect, which in the eventual case was a fly. The insect is watching as a man is trying to kill kill it. It escalates from him using a bit of paper, to a magazine, a frying pan, a baseball bat, a flame thrower and then a chain saw! Eventually he uses the Raid can... "The Kinder Killer"!!!
I had to shoot this commercial twice. The first attempt was not good enough to make the final ad. The story was not really very consistent, and I wasn't 100% happy with the way that the shots had turned out. I am glad that I shot it early, as there was a learning curve that I had to go through to get to the final product. I had time to re-plan the commercial, and of course re-shoot.
This was also my first time working with apple Color. This is a great new piece of software included in final cut studio 2. It pretty much allows you to do anything with the colour in your projects. I wanted to make the ad look quite dark and grungy, and make it look more like it was shot on film than on HD.
You can watch the ad HERE.
Monday, November 05, 2007
Swarm of Angels
Found a project that is very relevant to my research project. A swarm of Angels is a social filmmaking project in where anyone can contribute to the production.We are gathering 50,000 people in a giant new media experiment to be part of an exclusive community which funds and helps make this film. We want people to freely download, share and remix the feature film and all original media made for this project and have embraced the flexible digital-age copyright of Creative Commons toward this end.
A Swarm of Angels, 2007
http://aswarmofangels.com/
Monday, October 22, 2007
Client Project Idea
For my client project, I have been working on a script for a short film. I hope to get professional actors and a crew of students who all have a specific role that they can use for their client project. This way, we can focus all of our attention on one project and make it exceptional.
The problem with individual projects comes when everyone needs to do their own thing, and because everybody is busy with seperate things there is no one to help!
The film will seem like a regular boy meets girl story, but it isn't! Thats all I can give away at the minute!
I am aiming for a running time of 45mins to an hour. I think that this is achievable as pre-production can be hopefully be completed by Christmas. Then there will be a good three months to get the film shot and edited.
I am wanting to enter this film into a festival. If anyone has any ideas on a good place to enter it to give me a shout!
The problem with individual projects comes when everyone needs to do their own thing, and because everybody is busy with seperate things there is no one to help!
The film will seem like a regular boy meets girl story, but it isn't! Thats all I can give away at the minute!
I am aiming for a running time of 45mins to an hour. I think that this is achievable as pre-production can be hopefully be completed by Christmas. Then there will be a good three months to get the film shot and edited.
I am wanting to enter this film into a festival. If anyone has any ideas on a good place to enter it to give me a shout!
Personal Research Project Idea
For my personal research project, I have to create a 3000 to 4000 word academic document researching an area of Multimedia. I have chose the topic of film, and by researching into new approaches of film making I will hopefully gain enough knowledge to product six artifacts/experiments developing the field after Christmas.
I intend to look at how social networking sites such as facebook, blogger, myspace and even google earch could change the way people approach making films. How could recent changes in social software and Internet interaction help develop new approaches in the way that film is created? The document will discuss people’s changing attitudes towards film/art, for example the shift from mastery and authorship towards social participation.
Is it possible to create a global community film using the leverage of online technology? If so, what problems would directors encounter when trying to achieve a balance between their vision and where the participants want to take the project?
It will include research into new ways of film distribution and promotion online, and the problems that filmmakers face with these new technological fronts.
In the new year, I hope to create an online community of actors and film makers in an attempt to experiment with this new approach.
I intend to look at how social networking sites such as facebook, blogger, myspace and even google earch could change the way people approach making films. How could recent changes in social software and Internet interaction help develop new approaches in the way that film is created? The document will discuss people’s changing attitudes towards film/art, for example the shift from mastery and authorship towards social participation.
Is it possible to create a global community film using the leverage of online technology? If so, what problems would directors encounter when trying to achieve a balance between their vision and where the participants want to take the project?
It will include research into new ways of film distribution and promotion online, and the problems that filmmakers face with these new technological fronts.
In the new year, I hope to create an online community of actors and film makers in an attempt to experiment with this new approach.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Ghost Hunters on Fourdocs!
Finally Ghost Hunters, our four minute documentary is on Fourdocs!
Anyone who is reading this please go to :
http://www.channel4.com/fourdocs/film/film-detail.jsp?id=51505
...and rate our documentary 5*!!!
Anyone who is reading this please go to :
http://www.channel4.com/fourdocs/film/film-detail.jsp?id=51505
...and rate our documentary 5*!!!
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Complex Shots
This video is a result of an AV seminar where we concentrated on getting more complex shots. We used tracks for this particular one. It was shot in the studio. We used three lights, one vx2000 and the tracks. Sorry about the bad acting!
Monday, February 05, 2007
Depict Films
On having a look on the depict short film competition site, I found some really interesting narratives.
"A Picture Can Say A Thousand Words"
I really liked the way that this one was shot. The detail of the typewriter and the fast pace worked really well with the music, which was a drum loop made out of typewriter sounds. The music was modern and worked well next to the old school typewriter. I think that the idea itself however was not really a narrative made for 90 seconds, and it did seam to drag a bit, especially as you knew what was going to happen.
"Monsieur Ballon"
This film really made me smile at the end. A man in a coffee shop tries to make things a little interesting with the help of a balloon. He goes of into his own little world, and then gets smacked back down to reality when he has finished making his tune. The reaction shots are priceless. The deflation of the balloon at the end works well as it shows that his attempts were a flop.
"Screen Kiss"
Brilliently shot. Set in the style of a documentary much like "The Office". The acting was almost flawless, you actually beleived that these characters are real. It was like watching "Airport" in a way. Well edited, goes to and from each person's point of view to show the animosity between the characters. I also like the part where the director lies to the girl about her being the first choice for the part, then straight away telling someone else that she wasn't. This gives us more of an understanding of what it is like to be working on this film. Just from this 90 seconds, you get a good overview of what each character is like. My favourite!
"A Picture Can Say A Thousand Words"
I really liked the way that this one was shot. The detail of the typewriter and the fast pace worked really well with the music, which was a drum loop made out of typewriter sounds. The music was modern and worked well next to the old school typewriter. I think that the idea itself however was not really a narrative made for 90 seconds, and it did seam to drag a bit, especially as you knew what was going to happen.
"Monsieur Ballon"
This film really made me smile at the end. A man in a coffee shop tries to make things a little interesting with the help of a balloon. He goes of into his own little world, and then gets smacked back down to reality when he has finished making his tune. The reaction shots are priceless. The deflation of the balloon at the end works well as it shows that his attempts were a flop.
"Screen Kiss"
Brilliently shot. Set in the style of a documentary much like "The Office". The acting was almost flawless, you actually beleived that these characters are real. It was like watching "Airport" in a way. Well edited, goes to and from each person's point of view to show the animosity between the characters. I also like the part where the director lies to the girl about her being the first choice for the part, then straight away telling someone else that she wasn't. This gives us more of an understanding of what it is like to be working on this film. Just from this 90 seconds, you get a good overview of what each character is like. My favourite!
Monday, January 22, 2007
Direction Seminar: My notes on everyone's film
So here are my notes after watching everyone's photo seminar exersise.
Henry
I found the film quite dark and sinister. CCTV like. There seemed to be a shift in perspective when the camera moved to the top of the building. Sound wise, the music was good and mirrored the style.
Todd
I found this film very surreal and symbolic. I liked the effect of light on dark, mirroring the contrast of life and death. The sound effect of the dong was effective, and I thought that this helped show the shock of death well. The composition was almost like you have been looking at something and then you have just shut your eyes.
Blaise
Clear narrative in this film. Good composition in places, I especially liked the breakfast table shot. Well put together. Audio wise, the music reminded me of a lullaby, which worked well with the main theme of tiredness in the film.
Atif
One of my favourite films. The fact pace worked very well with the music to create suspense on something that is usually just a menial thing. You felt as though he was in a race against time to get to the toilet before..well, you know what happens. The composition was good. I especially like the fact that the shots seemed like they had lots of energy. I also liked the shot of the feet under the toilet door as it implies what is happening without being too explicit.
Bindni
Clear narrative to this film. Nice music that worked well. Maybe a shift in the tone of the music would have worked to build anticipation a little more. Nice composition especially in the final shot showing a happy ending.
Jyoti
Nice pace, especially the morning shot of panic! Music nice, and the screech sound effect worked well, almost cutting through the music and implying death.
Andy
I liked the music and how it came in, like a car had driven past with the radio on and it stayed with us to be non-digetic. Happy upbeat music cuts to silence/dissapointment. Pathetic fallacy with the weather turning from snowy and grey to sunny when we are at home. The sound effects match this.
Ed
Fast paced. Good sound effect at end, distortion on photographs worked well, and the transition to blackness was good and showed that the person fell asleep.
Acip trip
Good compostion, especially liked the reflection shot taken in the mirror, and the bird head, switching points of view. Steady pace.
Jimmy
Good sound effects especially the knife, opera music worked well- dream like. Cliche music when sandwich is complete worked well showing that the character loves it.
Chris
The pace reminded me of a conversation with pictures. The audio level of the vocals was drowned out by the music, but it didn't matter because you only needed to pick up the odd word as the pictures told the story well enough.
Henry
I found the film quite dark and sinister. CCTV like. There seemed to be a shift in perspective when the camera moved to the top of the building. Sound wise, the music was good and mirrored the style.
Todd
I found this film very surreal and symbolic. I liked the effect of light on dark, mirroring the contrast of life and death. The sound effect of the dong was effective, and I thought that this helped show the shock of death well. The composition was almost like you have been looking at something and then you have just shut your eyes.
Blaise
Clear narrative in this film. Good composition in places, I especially liked the breakfast table shot. Well put together. Audio wise, the music reminded me of a lullaby, which worked well with the main theme of tiredness in the film.
Atif
One of my favourite films. The fact pace worked very well with the music to create suspense on something that is usually just a menial thing. You felt as though he was in a race against time to get to the toilet before..well, you know what happens. The composition was good. I especially like the fact that the shots seemed like they had lots of energy. I also liked the shot of the feet under the toilet door as it implies what is happening without being too explicit.
Bindni
Clear narrative to this film. Nice music that worked well. Maybe a shift in the tone of the music would have worked to build anticipation a little more. Nice composition especially in the final shot showing a happy ending.
Jyoti
Nice pace, especially the morning shot of panic! Music nice, and the screech sound effect worked well, almost cutting through the music and implying death.
Andy
I liked the music and how it came in, like a car had driven past with the radio on and it stayed with us to be non-digetic. Happy upbeat music cuts to silence/dissapointment. Pathetic fallacy with the weather turning from snowy and grey to sunny when we are at home. The sound effects match this.
Ed
Fast paced. Good sound effect at end, distortion on photographs worked well, and the transition to blackness was good and showed that the person fell asleep.
Acip trip
Good compostion, especially liked the reflection shot taken in the mirror, and the bird head, switching points of view. Steady pace.
Jimmy
Good sound effects especially the knife, opera music worked well- dream like. Cliche music when sandwich is complete worked well showing that the character loves it.
Chris
The pace reminded me of a conversation with pictures. The audio level of the vocals was drowned out by the music, but it didn't matter because you only needed to pick up the odd word as the pictures told the story well enough.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Photo Plan
So, here is a plan of the photos that I will take for the Direction seminar project.
Basically, the character is bored and decides to watch a DVD. Once he has chosen he watches it and loses track of time. He then realises he has a seminar, and has to run our of the house.*
*this is in no way a true story!
1. Shot of character looking bored (mid)
2. Shot of character getting an idea (closer in on face)
3. Shot of character deciding which DVD to watch (close up)
4. Shot of TV being switched on (sfx)
5. Shot of character watching TV with remote (mid)
6. Shot of TV with image on
7. Shot of character laughing (mid)
8. Shot of popup on laptop, reminder of seminar
9. Shot of character's eyes, shocked (close up)
10. Shot of clock
11. Shot of shocked face
12. Shot of putting on shoe (close up)
13. Shot of leaving the door (w/sfx)
Basically, the character is bored and decides to watch a DVD. Once he has chosen he watches it and loses track of time. He then realises he has a seminar, and has to run our of the house.*
*this is in no way a true story!
1. Shot of character looking bored (mid)
2. Shot of character getting an idea (closer in on face)
3. Shot of character deciding which DVD to watch (close up)
4. Shot of TV being switched on (sfx)
5. Shot of character watching TV with remote (mid)
6. Shot of TV with image on
7. Shot of character laughing (mid)
8. Shot of popup on laptop, reminder of seminar
9. Shot of character's eyes, shocked (close up)
10. Shot of clock
11. Shot of shocked face
12. Shot of putting on shoe (close up)
13. Shot of leaving the door (w/sfx)
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