Filming

The 18/2/16 marked the beginning of filming for our project which displayed the problems that may be encountered when filming a piece of media. However despite the problems the enjoyable outing paired with the sense of comradery made the trip worthwhile and eye opening in regards to how we need to conduct ourselves in order to maximise the potential of our film opening. The use of props plays a large part in our project. we decided to use a large machete in our production which has health and safety issues however we handled the use of it remarkably well with all of the scenes that it features in being meticulously planned in order to make sure that the actors in the production were safe. Different camera angles and heights from which they were taken plays a key role in our project as this gives and surrounding effect with the idea being to close in upon the progression of the film until its ultimatum.
Some of the problems that we have encountered as a production team are finding a time where every person is readily available to film. This has limited the amount of filming time that could be utilised over the period in which we intended to film. Furthermore, when all of the team was available there was a stumbling block in the form of creative disputes in regards to how the film should play out which placed a further limitation on the amount of filming we were able to complete to a standard which we would consider using.

Equipment

We will be using an SLR camera for filming. The group is still undecided on whether or not we will need to use a tripod for the production, but we will be taking one regardless in case it is needed.

The editing software used is a choice of iMovie or Final Cut Pro. I am not in charge of editing within the group but we will be using IMovie as this is the software used to film our preliminary task and it was relatively easy to use.

Since the task is to create the opening credits sequence of a film, iMovie is also advantageous as it has many different tools and effects that can be used to add the credits themselves, as we did with the preliminary task.

Filming Timeline

November 2015- Planning for production begins: Genre, Costume, Location, Lighting + Props

December 2015- Shot List for Production established

December 2015- Survey results published to display that we have taken target audience in to account

December 2015- Sketched storyboard published, original ideas are shown as part of planning

January 2016- Filming begins. Filming will take place over a period of 2 weeks which will allow us to factor in things like weather in case the conditions don't suit our filming needs

January 2016- Filming is completed

February 2016- Editing of film will take place. This is a process which allows for it to be worked on at any time making it more easily completed than the filming

February 2016- Editing is completed

STORYBOARD

This is the sketched storyboard for our project.

Shot List for Production

Long-establishing shot of the woods


Extreme close up-foot walking past frame



Medium-Character 1 walking into a clearing, the shot starts on the ground, then pans up to face



Close up-Character 1's hand, holding a compass



High angle-Character 1 looks up and continues walking



Long-Character 1 walking, the shot is partially obstructed by a tree



Low angle-Gasmask watches from a tree branch, holding a knife



Medium-Character 1 walking [rustling sound]



Low angle-Character 1 looks up into trees



Close up-Character 1 turns around



Over the shoulder-Gasmask stood in front of Character 1. He slashes with a knife, Character 1 ducks



Close up-Character 1throws bag to one side


[Several shots of a fight scene, yet to be established]


Longshot-Gaskmask knocked out, lying on the ground. Character 1 runs to the bag.


Extreme close up-Character 1 grabbing bag


Longshot-Character 1 running away


Medium-Character 1 still running


Medium-Character 1 running past a tree. Character 2 steps out from behind the tree. He his holding a gun and shoots Character 1.


Low angle-Character 2 looking down at Character 1's body.


Close up-Character 2 taking bag


Close up-Character 1's face. Character 2 runs away in the background. Title and opening credits scroll up

Film Location

Film Location Research

Bidston Hill

Pros

Large space to film in, likely to be undisturbed while filming, can used to make a film in a variety of genres (ideally horror action). 

Cons

Public space, looks good at night but lighting would be difficult

Oval Field/Bebington Cemetery

Pros

Good setting for a horror film, wide selection of areas to shoot, 

Cons

May require permission to film on, floodlights may distort image/lighting, 

Final Plan for Production

Genre-Action
Setting/Location- Bidston Hill
Reasoning behind this choice is that the location needs to be eerie and desolate which fits the mould of Bidston Hill along with the natural surroundings and creepiness of the woods at night playing a role in the decision making process.
Costume- Callum=Black leather trench-coat, gas mask. Mike+Luke=Generally dark, regular clothing.
These choices were made to be inconspicuous and allow for generic characterisation to emphasise the importance of the stand-out character
Lighting- Varying levels of light for artistic perspective along with certain censorship e.g darkens if there is stealthy violence, lightens up if it is a fight scene.
Props-Duffel bag, knives, gas mask, gun.
The use of props which are going to be used as weapons shows off the action element of the film and foreshadows the violence to come