Big Boy - Final Production

Editor and Sound Journal

Shot List

Shot List

Final Production on Facebook and Twitter

 

Our final production 'Big Boy' uploaded on Facebook.

 

Our final production 'Big Boy' uploaded on Twitter.

 

 



We chose to upload our final production to two different social network sites, Facebook and Twitter for our audience to see. The main reason for choosing these websites is because the majority of our target audience are users of these social network sites. Also, due to the invention of web 2.0 it is much easier for smaller independent companies, such as our company, SAS Productions to distribute our production to a wider audience.

By using social networking websites, such as Facebook and Twitter we are also able to receive feedback from our target audience. This is because they are able to reply and leave comments on the post's we have created and 'like' or 'favourite' them showing they have enjoyed our production.

Sound Journal

Sound Journal – Shania Sukhu

The role of sound in a film

Sound plays a very significant part in a film and is crucial to reflect and emphasise the events and action taking part in the scenes and create verisimilitude where the sound creates a believable world to the audience. For example, in our short film we included a fast paced soundtrack when our protagonist, Suki D is rushing around his bedroom preparing for the escort, Lady Candy’s arrival. The fast paced sound emphasises the idea that Suki D is against time and is under pressure to get ready.

What did the role of sound involve?

As I took on the role of sound within our production I had to look for a range of different soundtracks and sound effects to include in the background of the film. I began by looking at similar comedy film to our production, ‘Big Boy’ soundtracks, such as American Pie, Sex Tape and The To Do List to develop my ideas about what sounds are typically included. I then began searching for different sounds using Google and Youtube. I also had to look for sound effects, such as sexual sounds and the typing of a keyboard that could be synchronised with the actions when shown on screen. This required a lot of patience and team work as I had to search through a variety of different sounds before finding the perfect ones and I also had to ensure the director was also content with the sounds that I had found to incorporate into our short film. After being satisfied with the sounds I had found I then had to convert them into mp3 files using online convertor websites so that I could transfer them to the editor who could then import and sync them into our production. After, the director and I decided we wanted in incorporate voiceover into our production to make it more interesting and humorous. Therefore, I had to then create a script and record the voiceover which I could then give to the editor to edit into our film.

Were any problems encountered?

Thankfully I did not encounter many problems whilst taking on this role; however, I did encounter one main problem which was finding sounds that synchronised well with the action shown on screen. For example, it was very difficult to find a typing keyboard sound that synchronised well with the speed at which Suki D pressed the keys. However, to resolve this problem I realised I had to search more specifically, for example ‘slow keyboard typing’ to find sound that would sync with the actions on screen.

What has taking on the role of sound person taught me?

Taking on the role of sound has extended my knowledge and understanding of how important and fundamental sound is in order to create a successful film. I was previously unaware of this as I have mainly taken on roles as the director and cameraperson in the past and have therefore not been able to focus heavily on the importance of sound. I learnt that it is incredibly important to make sure the correct and suitable sounds are chosen as this can really emphasise the actions shown on screen and make the overall film much more enjoyable to the audience. 

Editors Updates/Journal

Weekly Update 15

Camera Person's Journal

Directors Journal

Directors Journal

Why is the director valued greatly within the production?

During the making of any production, it is required that one individual has the prime role as the director. Directors are important as they are practically the leader of the production, guiding group members towards the right path as well as ensuring that the group manages to produce a successful media product for their target audience. The director is often in charge of things such as; gathering actors and actresses, planning costume materials and props, preparing and authorizing location and actor release forms. However, most importantly, the director is there to assign members of the groups with their job roles and the work they need to complete as well as making sure that everybody is up to date and that camera equipment is booked and sorted, alongside arranging shooting dates with the cast.

What makes you suitable for the role?

During previous coursework productions, I have constantly had the role of the editor as that is my strongest skill when it comes to creating short films. However, in this case, I decided that I would take over the role of being a director as I am a fairly dominant character that likes to be organised and has constant motivation and commitment towards any task challenged to carry out. I often like to be in charge, making sure that everything I do is planned ahead, having a successful outcome. I have great leadership skills, which means that I am able to manage a team, working together with numerous people as well as being able to work independently when necessary. Therefore, I believe I have the potential to fulfill this role as well as being an editor too. As I am also an editor for this production, I thought being a director too would allow me to plan my shoot dates whilst calculating the time I would need to edit too. Therefore, being a director would give me the opportunity to be more organised, making sure that everything is completed on time, giving me a simpler role when editing.

From the start of the production, I was assigned as the editor whilst another member of the group had the role of a director. However, after changing production ideas and groups, he left which then led to me being the dominant character, planning shoot dates, finding our actors and being the leader of the group. Therefore, I decided that I would assign the role of the director, as things began to fall in to place once I had taken over this role and did my job correctly. I assigned the camera person with their job and explained to them what they needed to do during the making of our short film.

What did the role consist of?

I made sure that all equipment was booked out in a week advance to make sure that shoot dates would be productive for the cast. I did my research on different potential characters for the film, managing to gather two back up characters too, in order to maintain on track. I then went over the script and adjusted it numerous times to make sure that every shot and location was relevant for our film. However, as a director, it is important that you are not too dominant and overtaking, so that your group members also feel a part of the group and that they have a significant role too. I made sure that I ran my decisions through the camera person before carrying them out to make sure that she was comfortable and satisfied with my choices.

I was able to help myself through editing as I had the role of a director too, making sure my work was always progressing and that adjustments were always being made to receive the best outcome possible. I planned my editing sessions in advance and also booked out the mac book pro in order to be able to edit more at home, rather than relying on school hours.

Were any problems encountered?

Being a director does have its cons at times. This is because, everyone is trying to strive to be the best they can be, making communication within the group hard at times due to disagreements and misunderstandings. As well as this, the director is responsible for partially ¾ of decisions made, so, if something is forgotten at the shooting sessions or something is filmed wrong, it is the directors’ fault. Other than this, I enjoyed having the role as a director as it allowed me to develop my leadership skills as well as making sure my organisation skills were consistent, as a team player and whilst working independently. 

Post Questionnaire Graphs

Post Questionnaire Graphs

Weekly Update 14

Post Questionnaire

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Weekly Update 13

Camera Angles and Techniques

Camera Angles and Techniques

During the production of media products (films,videos etc) inparticular, without an incorporation of effective cinematography, one of the four major microelements, it is clear that the creativity of the film will be poor, due to lacking creativity. There is a great chance that it is able to ruin your film as it will provide a less professional view to the audience as well as having an impact on the narrative too. How do camera angles make a film appealing?

- Managing to obtain the audience's attention through the use of effective shots and angles.

- Can reflect on character emotion, location and the atmosphere conditions.

- Emphasizes on the suspense for the viewers

- Allows audiences to follow the narrative, having a clear idea of where the characters are

By watching the video above, this will elaborate on the points made so you get more of an understanding of the use of camera techniques and the importance of incorporating cinematography within any production.

Weekly Update 12

Weekly Update 11

Rationale Behind Our Chosen Equipment

Rationale Behind Our Chosen Equipment

Actor Release Form - Anoop Anilkumar

Actor Release Form - Samantha Green

Weekly Update 10

Location Release Form - Signed by Serife Suleyman

Call Sheet

Weekly Update 9

Shooting Script

Shooting Script

Big Boy Script - Final

Big Boy Finished Script

Weekly Update 8

Score Notes

Score Notes

Gleaming Medium - Obtained from: Final Cut Pro - At the very beginning of the short film this sound is used as it sounds very enticing and seductive. We also chose to incorporate this sound into our production as we believed it corresponded well with the actions of Suki D watching explicit content and masturbating well.

Sexual Sound Effects – Obtained from: Final Cut Pro – In the beginning scene where Suki D is watching explicit content and masturbating we chose to include background sound effects consisting of sexual noises, such as groans and heavy breathing. We chose to do this as we thought it made the scene much more comical and also made the audience clearly aware that Suki D is watching explicit content.

Roberto's Grooves – Obtained from: Final Cut Pro – The next soundtrack was used when Suki D is rushing around his bedroom cleaning up in order to prepare for the escort, Lady Candy’s arrival. We chose this soundtrack as it is very upbeat and therefore emphasises the rush Suki D is in to get ready.

Ambient Sounds – Rain, Typing and Doorbell – Obtained from: Final Cut Pro/Youtube – For the scene where Lady Candy arrives at the house I included ambient sound to link with the action on screen. This helps create verisimilitude within the film and also ensures the audience are not confused, for example, without the sound of the doorbell they would question how Suki D knew someone was at the door.

Marvin Gaye – Lets get it on - Obtained from: Soundcloud – When Suki D locks the bedroom door leaving him and Lady Candy alone in the room this soundtrack is then introduced. We chose to include this song due to it being sensual which linked to the sensual connection between the characters that we were trying to portray.

Nitin Jadva - Bhangra Beat Desi instrumental - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8OK8cyGrOk – Obtained from: Internet/Youtube – For the Indian cultural scene where Suki D is dreaming of Lady Candy we chose to use this soundtrack which we found on Youtube. We chose this as we thought it was upbeat and clearly presented the Indian culture which corresponds well with the events on screen where Lady Candy is wearing an Indian outfit and a bindi.

Anomaly - Calling your name - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=er8IudRyDS8 – Obtained from: Internet/Youtube – We chose to include this soundtrack as we found this was used in a similar scene of ‘American Pie’. We found it very comical and the retro feel made it much more humorous as this is not music individuals would expect a teenager to listen to.

Weekly Update 7

Location Notes

Prop Notes

Cast Notes

Weekly Update 6

How effective was time management

Time Management

Uses and Gratification Theory

Uses And Gratification Theory

Read more publications at Calaméo

Pre Questionnaire Graphs

Pre Questionnaire Graphs

Reece Pictures

Budget

SAS Productions Budget List

Synopsis

Synopsis for Big Boy

Equipment List/ Hardware and Software

Equipment

Weekly Update 5

Story Board

Script 1st Draft

Big Boy Script

Weekly Update 4

Target Audience

BBFC

BBFC

Read more publications at Calaméo

Score Notes

As a group, we have decided to incorporate three various instrumentals during the middle of our short film. As Lady Candy provides Joseph  with a leaflet, asking him what services he would like, he then has an instant moment of  mesmerizing over Lady Candy in 3 particular cultural costumes. These consist of - Australian, Asian and Caribbean. Therefore, we came to a conclusion that if we incorporate 3 different instrumentals whilst Lady Candy demonstrating each of the cultural actions, it will be more appealing and a form of entertainment for the audience.The rhythm in each song reflects on each culture clearly, bringing a sense of enthusiasm to the audience. 
The Asian Culture are known for their Bhangra instrument, making it easier for the viewers to identify the purposes of the song. 
The Caribbean is known for their reggae music and artists such as Bob Marley. Therefore, using a reggae instrumental once again, will enable the audience to identify the relations with the Caribbean hat.
Finally, the Australian instrumental incorporates a number of sounds that symbolise the Australian theme, such as the sound of animals, the desert and the sound of a kangaroo bouncing around in particular, reflecting on the Australian hat prop.

Analysis of Credits

Weekly Update 3

Codes and Conventions of the Comedy Genre

Codes and Conventions of the Comedy Genre

Codes

Codes are a system of signs which create meaning. They can be divided into three categories: technical, symbolic and audio. Technical codes are the ways in which equipment is used to tell the story within a media text, such as the cinematography (shots and angles) within a film. Symbolic codes show the deeper meaning of what the audience see. For example, a character's attitudes and actions portray the characters feelings. Finally, audio codes are elements, such as music.

Conventions

Conventions are the generally recognised and accepted way of doing something. There are two types of conventions: technical and genre. Technical conventions are conventions within a technical area. These conventions apply to media, such as music videos, for example, the video should be the same length as the song and the artist is presented singing along to the song being played in the background. Genre conventions are conventions that are associated with a particular genre, for example within the horror film genre dark lighting would be used to create suspense and fear within the audience.

Codes and Conventions within the Comedy Genre:

We have chosen to create a comedy film and to develop our understanding of the genre I have researched the different codes and conventions associated with this particular genre. These are:

• Films/ programmes within the comedy genre are usually set in bright locations as this connotes happiness and positivity and also creates a realistic scene.
• The camerawork used for most comedies is very naturalistic. A wide range of shots are commonly used in comedy films, such as medium close up’s, extreme close up’s and two shots to portray the characters emotions and feelings.
• Majority of the characters are presented as sharing the same social status, with no character looking more superior and dominant than others.
• The clothing and colours are usually bright, for example in The Simpsons, the characters skins are yellow which is unusual and would be seen as being comical to the audience. Also, the colour suggests the programme should not be taken too seriously and is simply there to provide entertainment.
• Socially awkward, clumsy/accident prone and sarcastic characters are usually associated with the comedy genre as they are able to embarrass themselves, which is humorous to the audience.
• Non-diegetic sound is often incorporated to emphasise comical scenes and evoke laughter within the audience.
• Happy endings – The disruption is usually resolved and the film has a happy ending.

Inspiration

Genre Research

Genre Research

Weekly Update 2

Weekly Update 1

Creating The Production Logo

Production Logo

Group Logo

Our production logo is very simple yet appropriate for our production at is fairly appealing. SAS stands for Serife And Shania, which is relevant to our production as it is our first names put together, emphasizing on our team effort as a team. Both red and black compliment each other, which is why we thought we would use these colours in particular as they stand out when applied to one another.

Health&Safety Risk Assessment

Health and Safety Risk Assessment

Research on 180 Degree Rule, Match on Action and Shot Reverse Shot

Research on 180 Degree Rule, Match on Action and Shot Reverse Shot

Narrative Theory

Script draft

Final Script

Pitch

SAS Productions Facebook Page

This is our Facebook group which has been created for people who are interested in watching our final 5 minute short film. By having a Facebook group we are able to interact with our audience by posting statuses. In addition to this, we can also use the group page as another platform to post our final film onto. By doing this viewers will be able to comment and like the post allowing us to receive their feedback on our final product and how we could improve it.

Similarly to Twitter, we chose to create a Facebook group as we knew that a wide range of our target audience of 15-35 year old's also used Facebook and would therefore be able to like the page and keep up to date with the progress of our short film.

SAS Productions Twitter Page

This is our Twitter account which has been created for people who are interested in watching our final 5 minute short film. The account allows us to interact with them as we are able to post statuses and keep them updated with the progress of our product.

We also chose to create a Twitter account as we knew that a wide range of our target audience of 15-35 year old's also used Twitter and would therefore be able to use this platform to easily keep up to date with our progress.

Finally, by having a Twitter account we will be able to post our final product onto it so that we can receive feedback from our audience to see how we could have improved our film.

Group Members

Group Members 

Before beginning the production stage of Big Boy, it was required that individuals were to get in to pairs/groups of 3 maximum in order to complete a successful production. 

Director&Editor: Serife Suleyman

I decided to take on the role of being the director as well as the editor. This is because, I am a very confident individual who is able to work effectively as a team player as well as independently. I work very well when provided with the opportunity to illustrate my leadership skills. As I am in a group with Camera Woman (Shania), it is important that I am constantly maintaining my role as a director as well as producing the final production with editing skills that manages to satisfy the audience. 

I have a large passion in editing as I have always held the role of an editor ever since gcse productions. I hold a natural talent when it comes down to editing. I am able to work under pressure within tight schedules as well as simply being able to adapt to any type of editing software used at school.

Overall, I am a very easy going character that holds pride and dominance which is important when having the role of a director, as it is my job to ensure that my group produces successful work. 

Camera Woman: Shania Sukhu

Shania decided to volunteer as the camera woman of our group as she is experienced with using different cameras in different productions. She is able to produce a variety of shots, providing us with an opportunity of incorporating all micro elements in to our production, making it more interesting for our audience. Although Shania is able of delivering a dominant persona at times, she listens very carefully, making it highly easy for us to work together as a pair. Shania tends to specialize on camera quality and focus as well as the positioning of shots when filming as well as constantly taking her time to ensure that we have footage that is at a very high standard, not rushing. 

Shania is a very motivated and committed character towards her media work. As a director, I find it very satisfying when another individual is as passionate about a subject the way I am, making our group very successful and manageable. 

Overall, the differences and similarities within our characteristics, has given us a more stronger bond, helping us work really well together as we are constantly supportive towards one another.

Short Film Analysis

Assignment Brief

Assignment Brief

A short film in its entirety, lasting approximately five minutes, which may be live action or animated or a combination of both, together with two of the following three options:

1. A poster 
2. A radio trailer for the film
3. A film magazine review page featuring the film

Roles within our group

Director - Serife Suleyman

Camerawoman - Shania Sukhu

Editor - Serife Suleyman

Sound - Shania Sukhu

Pre Questionnaire

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Planning Brief

Treatment - Extended

238435154-Treat

Treatment

238426766-Treatment-2

What is a Short Film?

What is a Short Film?

A short film is any film that is not long enough to be considered a feature film (a full-length film). Short films can be made for four reasons: to promote, to communicate a message, to experiment and to reach out to a particular audience.

Firstly, in terms of using a short film to promote it is the promotion of the director rather than the actual film itself. For example, upcoming directors usually create a short film which they then enter into competitions and upload them onto YouTube in order to self promote themselves and their productions.

Secondly, short films are also made to communicate a message to the audience to either educate or inform them about a particular topic. An example of this is 'Dear Dad', a short drama film about a thirteen year old boy named Tim. The film aims to portray a message about anti-bullying and raise awareness on the topic.



Thirdly, individuals may create a short film to experiment and test out an idea which they have created on a small scale first. Due to the relatively cheap production costs, film makers are able to attempt new cinematic techniques and display their talents in a short amount of time.

Finally, short films are also created to reach out to a particular audience. These films are usually distributed on websites, such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, compared to in a cinema. This allows individuals to distribute and promote their short films to a particular audience on a small scale.

References:

• http://gunnersburya2mediagroup3e.blogspot.co.uk/2011/01/what-is-purpose-of-short-film.html

Production Company Brainstorm

Brainstorm

Production Schedule

Production Schedule Final