CHRISTMAS!!!

THIS POST IS TO SAY THAT THIS BLOG IS NOW CLOSED FOR TWO WEEKS!!! THE NEXT POST WILL BE IN 2009!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Problems and Solutions

During this week's editing sessions, the group found some problems. As we were filming on different dates, continuity in terms of lighting was a little odd. So naturally, we panicked.
It was proving to be a huge problem and it seemed like we had no choice but to re-shoot. However, in one of my editing slots, i experimented with brightness and contrasting and found that it actually looked pretty good! My changing the brightness and contrast of some footage, it was possible to make the lighting look the same each time. That was a HUGE relief.
Things started to look up even more when Mary added a sound track and Mia added more 'getting ready' shots to our opening sequence. Bhavika managed to add more to the stairs sequence, which added a variety of shots.
I'm really glad that things are starting to take shape now...especially as the deadline draws closer!
I'm going to miss this project! :(

EDITING

I was SO nervous at the start of this project about STAGE 4 - EDITING. I'm new to media and thought of having to edit my own footage scared me!
However, I cannot believe how much i have now come to love it! I'm so happy at how much I have learnt, the techniques i have mastered, and the effects i have discovered as being useful!
My group was great at directing me and teaching me during the first stages, but now, I'm happy to say, i feel completely confident in the editing suite!

Some of the effects that I have used are:
- Ghosting
- Solarising in and out (Flash type effect)
- Brightness and contrast experimenting
- Changing speed and sound on clips

All editing is non-linear, which is great because experimenting in the edit suite is one of the best things about this project!!
:D

FINAL SHOOT - 14th Dec.

Hello again!
Yesterday was our FINAL shoot! :(
It was a tough one, as Bhavika was feeling very unwell and could therefore, not make it. We prepared ourselves for the challenge of juggling sound, admin, lighting and camera work between 2 people - hard work!
However, we focused on our aim to have collected all our necessary footage by the end of that shoot. We word efficiently and without being distracted by the missing quarter of the group.
Luckily, we managed to get all the shots we had planned to, and they looked fantastic!

So...things that i learnt during this shoot:
1. The actor's job is a TOUGH one. I lost count of how many times i walked up the same filght of stairs.
2. Continuity is a BIG issue, especially when it involves costume.
3. Everything in the mise-en-scene is there for a reason and can make ALL the difference.
4. Having a group of four, is a SERIOUS advantage.
5. You can discover more foley ideas in the most random ways!

I'm so excited about editing now! But i'm going to miss shooting sooooo much! :(

I'll update sooon...

Editing!!!

We have just started to become comfortable with editing our final idea. Today's editing session was INCREDIBLE. We worked out a brilliant effect to make the image jitter and flash, and our credits are looking amazing!
This week, the group is taking it in turns to edit in our free time and see what we can come up with to show the rest of the group.
I have some idea's in mind using a ghosting effect and can't wait to get into the edit suite on Wednesday!
Exciting stuff...
I'm also going to work out more interesting sounds to use on our foley, which should be fun!

So to conclude, I'm over the mooon with progress so far :D

Idea Change - The Shoots afterwards

On Wednesday 3rd December, during our group meeting, Bhavika had a sudden brain wave about how to make our original idea even more unnerving and scary! :D
Having look backed at the footage from our first real shoot, the group made a unanimous decision, that actually, it just wasn't scary enough. Queue Bhavika's new idea! Bhavika's vision consisted of several close ups of Mia getting ready, put together, rather than one smooth sequence. The revelation of this vision prompted Mary to suggest we interrupt each short take, with a longer one, making the sequence more pacey and causing the build up of suspense. We decided together, to have the lengthier shots as our credits! However, we decided to stick to our original plot, varying the story board slightly.

The Shoot - Final Idea
The shoot after olur final idea was established went very well! We managed to get all the shots that we needed without any problems. Our lighting was working amazingly, and everything seemed to fit with our vision.
I think what worked particularly well was how we rotated the duties. This meant that everyone got a chance to so various jobs, and so it was never montonous or boring for anyone.
I think that now that we all had a vision in mind, we were able to work more efficiently and productively.

Overall, I'm very pleased with the process so far and group dynamics are better than ever!! :)