"SOLO" - Pitch

Our pitch will generate a rough idea of what our final title sequence, "SOLO", will look like. After having started filming, editing and blogging, our ideas have altered and we have either added or taken away minor things. We created our pitch before changing our initial storyboard, therefore, some ideas that our found on our pitch are either old or no longer in use.

Fortunately, there is no drastic difference with our final title sequence.
Below are pictures of our location:

"SOLO" Rough Cut

This is a rough cut edit, a preview, of our title sequence, 'SOLO'.

Skills Audit: Creation Of Soundtrack

We decided that it would make sense if we left sound till last, that way we would be able to create the sound according to our title sequence and how it would occur. Yet, this added more pressure on our group as we were determined to finish sound before the deadline and to finalize editing. Our sound does not vary as much yet there is a great use of instruments which creates tension for the audience. As well as that, we have used non-diegetic sounds to emphasis' on the actions shown on the clip.

Skills Audit: 'On Shoot' Photo's & Filming

Out of a 3-hour session, filming 'Solo' took approximately 2 hours. Our group was very unfortunate as our location had frequently been altered from a residential car park in Kings Cross, to N1 centre car park. After arriving at the N1 centre car park, we had to refer to our storyboard another of times as our ideas had to also be changed due to the change of location. When we finally drew u storyboard, it was decided to start with an outside location, yet as we were limited to an underground location, it would have been practically difficult to change scenes. In the end, we stayed in the same car park, but used different corners.

Though coming up and producing the storyboard is not very challenging, acting and filming it out askes for much more. Difficulties with handling the camera and using different camera shots limited us to how we could explore with our filming. To make the division of filming fair, whilst the actors were not needed to be in the shots, for example in the establishing shot, actors would film.
Over time, filming began to get stressful as we had started from the morning; each shot was repeated more than once and most times, the position of the camera was different from the previous one or, continuity had not been fulfilled.

After thinking we had finished filming on one day, we realised that we had necessary shots missing so another filming day was needed. Also, when we first started filming, we did not have all props at hand, for example the timer. Luckily, the shots that were needed with the alarm clock were able to get edited into our final title sequence. Also, as using 'FinalEdit' can be quiet difficult, we assumed that our clip had not even reached '01:30' when infact, it had exceeded 2 minutes. WE PANICKED! Therefore, we came up with a brainstorm of how we could extend our clips; from longer titles to clips in slow-motion the sequence would still not extend.
Randomly, I clarified with a media technician that I was reading 3 minutes something and now 1 minute, 3 seconds. After realizing what point I was adressing to, he higlighted that our clip was over 3 minutes and that it had to be edited down - of course, another 30 minute was spent on doing this.

The experience of filming with my group was enjoyable; especially as I have not done this before, but to explain in words to an individual who has not done media before is hard; it takes a lot of dedication and team work in order to produce a piece of work that is exceptionally good.

Skills Audit: Screen Grabs Of Editing

Personally, in our 'Final Edit' tutorial, i found this program straight-forward to use, however, learning in depth about the program and having to produce a lengthy clip does require a lot of concentration and over-time to work with. Overtime, I learnt how to use shortcuts and how to edit much faster than a beginner which helped with the speed of how my group worked at. I also learnt to understand what the program is able to do, and what it is unable to do.
To be able to upload our work in different programs and areas, i.e. on blogger or on powerpoint, it required different formats, different technicians also helped us to learn this, which in effect, allowed us to work independantly rather than relying on the technicians.
Initially, I did not think editing would take as long as it did take. Roughly, it covered about 3 sessions and even attending workshops; it required full attention and cooperation of the whole group.
Ideas of how to edit our clip came from all members of our group; however, this did bring conflict in ideas as different individuals had different likes and dislikes to others. Also, many ideas we found appropriate for our title sequence, were considered as unappropriate by teachers; being media teachers, we took their advicce.

Unfortunately, many problems occured whilst using this program including files going missing, not saving or getting placed in a different order on the storyboard (used on the program). Using this program to produce our final title sequence was very demanding as even the small mistake can effect the entire clip.
Towards the end of editing, as we werte very tired of having to come back and back to the same program, we would repeatedly press 'Crtl+S' to ensure our work would get saved. Also, we run through our clips over and over again and discuss brand new ideas to improve the final title sequence.
Editing brings together the whole group and really demonstrates the participation as this task is not easy.

Skills Audit: Screen Grabs Of Title Sequence

As a group, we decided to use serif-fonts to create a serious and suspense atmosphere for the audience as they would engage into our title sequence. Many times, we would create titles, yet we would not record the font name so we would end up wasting 5minutes searching for it, in the end, we would always end up using a different one each session. However, we came to a final decision to use:

- 'Century Schoolbook' for the titles including, directed by... featuring... starring

-'Courier' for the date that got typed across the bottom-right side of the clip

To start with, we chose our font to be in red, yet it did not seem appealing or "serious" so we changed it to white which automatically changed the way viewers saw our clip.

'

Skills Audit: Filming & Editing Preliminary Match Cut Exercise

Skills Audit: filming and editing preliminary match cut exercise

this approximately took about three quarters of our three hour media session. this consisted of the whole group coming up with the idea of a student walking to detention, this was our original idea which we all agreed worked the best.
the location we filmed in was the college corridor this was to create an atmosphere in a genuine setting. we used various different types on camera techniques. firstly we started with a close up shot of Samie's shoes walking up the stair case. we then changed the position of the camera so we can see Samie from a front view. this was quiet difficult to do as we had to place the 'stopped and froze' carefully in the correct place in order to obtain continuity.
we then used point of view shot as Samie got to the top of the stair case and looks outside the window. we then bring the camera back showing samie's face. we then used match-cut sequence when Samie reaches the door handle, opens it and walks through it. this was also very diffucult to film. with different shots to film it made itharder. continuity had to be created yet positions of the actor kept changing. overall we where able to film what we wanted.

The order of the match-cut sequence included:

- A close up shot of samie's hand reaching for the door
- A over the shoulder shot of Samie opening the door
- A view behind the door (infront of Samie) whilst samie still opening the door and walking through it
- A over the shoulder shot is used again as samie approaces Christel on the other side.

there was shot reverse shot used when each person spoke. also a wide shot of both the characters to establish a relationship between both Samie and Christel.

Editing the Preliminary match cut did not consume that much time. allthough when it came to handing the match cut in on the deadline we didnt hav enough time to make a full sound track with different instruments to put into the match cut. however we did just manage to put a single sound track in the clip as samie walks up the stairs. we also decreased the volume of the soundtrack whilst their was talking going on in the clip.

During this excersise we learnt not to spend as much time on filming therefore we can spend time on editing aswell. we learnt that editing is just as important as filming and both are just as equal to create a effective final product/piece.

Planning preliminary Match Cut exercise along side storyboard.

Planning preliminary Match Cut exercise along side storyboard.

props:
- mobile phone
- food packet
- table
-chair
-handbag
-casual clothing

locations:
-classroom
- corridor
-staffroom
-doorway

camera shots:
- over-the-shoulder shot
-wide shot
-close up shot
-extreme close-up
- point of view shot

editing:
-tracking
-panning
-transitions; cross dissolve, fade in and fade out dissolve, fade out

Planning Preliminary Match Cut Exercise Including Storyboard

Location(s):
-Classroom
-Corridor
-Staffroom
Props:
-Mobile Phone
-Food Packet(Consummed From Already)
-Table & Chairs
Camera Shots:
-Over-The-Shoulder shot
-Close-Up & Extreme Close-Up
-Wide Shot
-Point-Of-View
Editing:
-Transitions; cross dissolve, fade in and fade out dissolve, fade out
-Panning
-Tracking

Skills Audit: Filming & Editing Preliminary Match Cut Exercise

Filming our 'Preliminary Match Cut', took about 3/4 of our 3-hour Media session. Coming up with the idea of a student walking into detention was our first and final idea, which personally, worked successfully.
We filmed in the corridor of college to create the atmosphere of an genuine setting: a school building (in this case a college).
We first began the clip with a close-up shot of the back of Sammie's shoes as she walked up the stairs, we then changed the position of the camera to film her from in front of her. Filming this was a problem as we had to make sure she 'stopped-and-froze' in one position in order to obtain continuity.
After Sammie got to the top of the stairs, she looked outside the window and with a point-of-view shot, the camera followed to where she looked then back to face her.
Our first match-cut sequence was of Sammie reaching for the door handle, opening it and then walking through.
This too was difficult to film as, with different shots to film, continuity had to be created yet positions of the actor kept changing. In the end, we were able film what we wanted.
The order of the match-cut sequence included:
-A close-up of Sammie's hand reaching for the door handle
-An over-the-shoulder shot of Sammie opening the door
-A view from behind the door (infront of Sammie) of Sammie still opening the door and then walking through
-An over-the-shoulder shot is used again as Sammie approaches me.
We used shot-reverse-shot as each person spoke, and a wide shot of both characters to establish a relationship between us two.

Editing our 'Preliminary Match Cut' did not take an awful long time, however, by the deadline time to hand in our final match cut, we did not have enough time to produce a soundtrack which varied with different instruments and tunes. Yet, we were able to edit a single soundtrack to play whilst Sammie made her way from the stairs to the detention room, and even to decrease in volume whilst each character spoke.
From this exercise, we have learnt not to spend too much time on filming so more time on editing can be spent. As important as filming is, editing creates the final product therefore, more time is necessary for this.
Though this experience was stressful as many shot were not appropriate for this short match cut exercise, it was an enjoyable one; I would certainly want to re-do this acitvity yet with a more challenging task (topic).

Picture 1: this picture is an overview of the park. the camera moves slowly across (panning) the location then moves into the park area so the viewers can see where the 'news paper thriller' scene is set. the reason being me moved very quick to the park location instead of the outside is because it was time consuming and the viewers might get board.

Picture 2: we used panning to follow Christel from when she walkes into the park all the way up until she sits down on the bench.

Picture 3: in this picture there has been an OSS shot so the viewer can see what Christal is seeing. this puts the viewer in Christal positions. moving to this shot from the second shot we had to edit so that it would run smoothly and keep the audience at ease. we had to cut-play-cut in order for this to happen.

Picture 4: in this picture MS and tracking are being used. Also in this picture Christal is holding the news paper.

Picture 5: in this picture LS is being used to simply show Christal sitting on the bench reading the newspaper. this is meant to build up suspense alongside tension.

Picture 6: this photo is a wide shot from behind the bushes. this shot was quiet difficult, moving from shot 5 to shot 6 we had to edit carefully. however we didn't realise the change of the newspaper and in future we realised this had to be in consideration.

Picture 7: in this photo there is a close up shot of Christel reading the newspaper. to avoid using zoom what we did to move from shot 6 to 7 we replayed a close up shot of Christel that we filmed before, this was so the clip run smoothly. the reason we did the close up shot was so that the viewers could see the expression on Christel's face. she had a concerned and shocked expression. this was done so the audience would feel uneasy.

Picture 8: in this photo extreme close up was used. this was used to focus on the newspaper. it gave me (stalker) an opportunity to come into the next shot without the audience knowing. this was to build up suspense.

Picture 9: in this photo a long shot is used so he audience can see me in the background. however Christel at this point is unaware that i am standing there. this is what builds up the tension for the audience because they know I'm standing there but Christel doesn't.

Picture 10: in this photo an over the shoulder shot is used. its shot over my shoulder so the audience can see what I'm seeing. at this point Christel still doesn't realise I'm there. a few seconds later she spots me looking at her. when Christel spots me she turns around.

Picture 11: Christel run towards the gates so she can get away from who ever is following her. when she gets to the gate she thinks that she is safe. whilst at the gate Christel looks around and then the person following her pops up and she is shocked the it ends there.

Pitch Story Board

This is the storyboard for our pitch called, 'Solo'. Though we altered the storyboard a number of times, we have come to a final decision for it to come out like this.. (Hopefully)

PICTURE 1
A part of Christel's body will be shown at an extreme close-up, for example her foot or hands with car keys, whilst she gets out a car. The purpose of this is, we have decided to hide the identity of the villian which will add tension for the audience.

PICTURE 2

We have decided to use a 'false plateau', of where different shots of Alima (the victim) and Christel (the villian) are on the phone, so the audience assume they are talking to each other...

PICTURE 3
... However, as Alima walks past Christel (at an over-the-shoulder shot), Christel comes off of the phone and watchs Alima which begins to build suspense and breaks the 'false plateau' that they are on the phone to each other, as, unlike Alima who is still on the phone, Christel is no longer.

PICTURE 4
Christel will be shown at an over-the-shoulder shot following Alima and then whilst she places the bin-liner over her head. A close-up of this process will be shown and a slow-pace editing will be used to reveal what is going on. Still to this point, the face of the victim is not being shown.

PICTURE 5
From the previous shot, the next shot will be of pitch darkness, yet non-diegetic sounds of heavy breathing and a tap dripping or a tiemr ticking will be played to create tension for the audience awating for the next shot...

PICTURE 6
The lights will flicker on to reveal the victim at extreme close-up's...

PICTURE 7
This is an extreme close-up of the victim sweating because they are nervous/fightened..
During this, the soundtrack that we would have created will be played whilst heavy breathing will be heard..

PICTURE 8
An extreme close-up of the victim's feet tied to the chair is shown (the victim will attempt to move to try and escape yet they are unsuccessful)

PICTURE 9
The shot will then go to a title sequence reading 'Starring .. Alima' as the main character..
The red or white writing will be on a black canvas and will appear with an effect and zoom in. It may be placed in the corner or in the centre..

PICTURE 10
More extreme close-up's will be shown including the hands shown..
The victim will be trying to move their hands and will make 'struggling' noises to establish how trapped she is...

PICTURE 11
This is a title sequence which reads, 'Co-starring... Christel'; this too will have the same effects as the previous title sequence(s) but will appear in a different corner

PICTURE 12
An extreme close-up of the digital timer will be shown at '00:20', this puts the audience in an uncomfortable postion as they wonder what will happen when the timer reaches '00:10'

PICTURE 13
Another title sequence is shown reading 'Directed By... Christel, Sammie, Dionne & Alima' with the same effects, fonts and colour as previous title sequence(s) but shown in a diffeent corner of the canvas

PICTURE 14
This will be anothe extreme close up of the digital timer, yet in a different position and with a different time to show that time is going... Non-diegetic sounds of the digital timer ticking will be used to emphasis on the timer and the relationship is has with the victim

PICTURE 15
A title sequence of 'Filmed By.. Dionne And Sammie' will then be shown with the same effects and fonts as previous title sequence(s) yet in a different corner of the canvas..

PICTURE 16
Another extremem close-up of the digital timer will be shown at a different angle and reading '00:06'

PICTURE 17
An extreme close-up of the victim's messy hair will be shown.. this shows the audience that they have been through a lot of hassle from when they were walking to now...

PICTURE 18
The camera will zoom -out to reveal the victim in the chair whilst they shake the chair as much as they can in order to try and escape from where they are.. They visciously look around and shake with a concernd or scared facial expression

PICTURE 19
More extreme close-up's of the timer counting down will be shown, but as the time decreases by 1-second, the shot will get closer and closer, whilst the non-diegetic sound of the ticking gets louder and louder...

PICTURE 20
The name of our pitch will suddenly appear just before the timer gets to '00:00' with serif-fonts reading 'SOLO'. A loud effective sound with an echo will be used. The writing will have a shadow to highlight the importance and boldness of the writing and to add more suspence for the audience..

'Pitch' - Props & Settings, Camera Shots & Location(s)

Props & Settings Required For Our Pitch Include:
- Rope
- Chair
- Digital Timer
- Flash light
- Bin liner(s)
- Newspapers
- Car
- Water Spray
- 'Blood'
- Purple Eye Shadow
- Black Clothing / Black Bandana

Camera Shots/Editing We Have Decided To Use Include:
MATCH CUT
- for when the villian is creeping up on the victim, putting the bing liner over their head & then dragging them along.
OVER-THE-SHOULDER SHOT
- for when the victim walks past the villian whilst on the phone, and the victim watches them. (the whole point of this is so the audience are clueless to who the villian is
- for when the villian follows the victim for a few steps before placing the bin liner over their hed
EXTREME CLOSE-UPS
- to show sweating, eye twitching, wrapped hands/feet & messy hair of the victim... though the audience have seen the victim before, with these extreme close-up's, it does not reveal right away who is in the chair
- digital timer counting down
ZOOM OUT
- to reveal the victim strapped to the chair
POINT-OF-VIEW SHOT
- to reveal what the victim is seeing whilst strapped to the chair

LOCATION(S)
- Underloft In College
- Just Outside Of The Underloft

Introduction to camera's alongside health and safety tutorial.

In today's lesson we where given a tutorial on the camera's. this consisted on the health and safety rules applied when using the camera's. this was done before taking the camera's out simply due to the fact of knowing how to use the camera's. we where taught the basic of how to use the camera's. these where things such as... turning the camera on, putting in the memory cards, taking in out the batteries and opening and closing the shutters. alongside the tutorial we had a presentation visually showing us the safety of using the camera's. one was not to use the camera's in bad weather conditions simply because the cameras cost up to 3 thousand pounds it will get damaged and will be costly to repair. we where also shown the tripod, this is what you put the camera on which allows it not to shake and can also be used for panning. we where also shown other techniques such as zooming however we where told not to do this as this is a hard trick to pull but we where still shown just in case. another we where told to o is to watch any footage back, this was less time consuming and it gives us an idea of what exactly we have filmed and if its correct. it also indicates anything that we haven't filmed and we need to do so. this was useful so we didn't loose any footage. this also helped us not shoot in bad lighting areas. overall the tutorial was very clear and we understood the health and safety rules.