Individual Blog Links

Thursday, 18 December 2014

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.

Wednesday, 17 December 2014

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


Monday, 15 December 2014

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. 

Sunday, 7 December 2014

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