Blog Update

Today Mr. Andrews went over some of the first steps to properly editing using final cut. It is mainly a process of drag and drop. However I know that it will be harder to do when it comes to the actual scene.

After school today I did a bit of editing in the library and just focusing on trying to cut down the run time of the film.

Blog update

I think that our group need to work as quickly as possible to get the filming done because I have relised that we do not have much time at all.

Blog Update

Today we watched the films and had popcorn! But in all properness, we had a good depicting of all the films (appart from one) and I got a better idea of my own. In contrast to what I wrote in my reflection, our film in not entirely bad, there are shots that can be easily cut to make it appear better and maybe even a few shots that can be easily redone. These include the handcuff/chain shots and maybe a few in which the camera is not following the 4 walls idea. Mr andrews also suggested to put a man's voice over Alice's voice to make it better and we need to do a lot of sound editing so I am thinking that we should start soon.

Pre-Production/Production reflection/evaluation:

Respond to each of the following points (using complete sentences or paragraphs). You should include as much detail as possible in your responses.

1.    Describe any problems or difficulties your group encountered during the planning. These may include; organizational problems, group related issues, etc.
We did not have many problems in the planning process, everyone had down their treatment and storyboards to an acceptable standard and we completed as a group and props, shot and production times list. However we did have minor problems with people attending the first after school meeting in which two of our members did not turn up. Also some of the shot lists were not through, and the director of that scene did not really know what she was doing.
2.    Clarify any time-management issues your group encountered during the planning process and describe the steps you implemented to improve in this area;
We did not know it would take so long to film (especially the lab scene) so we did run into a few problems in not getting that scene done in the time that we assessed to it. To fix this however, and with the new information on how long it takes to film, we re-evaluated the production timeline and made necessary changes.
3.    Discuss whether your group made effective use of the provided templates to assist the film-making process;
We used all the templates as we thought that it would cover what we needed, so it seemed like a good idea to use them. In the side of effective use, as said above, some members did not fill out their shot list to a necessary level and we had to re-do a lot of the lists because they did not imitate the scene filmed.
4.    Explain whether the planning process helped your group during filming. In particular, discuss whether the use of devices such as storyboards, shot-lists, and rough edits assisted throughout the filming process;
We used mainly the shot lists and just used the story boards in some scenes to try and get the scene looking like it was planned. However, problems occurred in filming (background issues) in which we had to adjust a few shots in order for them to look authentic.
5.    Describe any problems or difficulties your group encountered during the filming process. These may include; organization problems, unreliable cast members, group related issues, equipment problems, etc. 
As said above, organization problems resulted in people not turning up. We also had problems in which the camera once died in battery when filming a scene so we had to waste about 15min while we waited for it to charge up to an acceptable level.
6.    After reviewing your footage and completing the rough cut of your film, describe any aspects of your film, which need to be addressed. i.e does your group need to reshoot any scenes; are any additional shots required; are there any scenes which worked better than expected.
We need to re-shoot the very first scene as it is on the wrong focus and some of the shots as because they were filmed at different times and we did not bring lighting, the shots go from extremely dark to bright. In the individual editing there needs to be a few cropping of some shots because the film in 4min over time, but these shots can be cut to the editors preference.
7.    List any skills, techniques or tricks you have discovered during the project.
We learned how to use a lighting camera successfully and some good, effective shots. We also learned how to cut shots in order to make them look like they are just flowing from one to another. Also, we used a screen with lighting to change the brightness or contrast of the shots.
8.    Discuss whether you undertook adequate and detailed reflection to throughout your project. Have you provided enough evidence to support your work? (Look back at your blogs/journals and think about whether it looks like 6 weeks worth of work).
Yes, I had posted a blog every lesson (after being informed we were supposed to take blogs) and it covered all I needed to achieve a good reflection of the filming period.

Discuss your feelings about the production task:
9.    Are you satisfied with your groups final result?
Not really, it is boring, unclear of what the story line is, and has a lots of holes in which you need to improve. It think that in order for myself to be more happy with the finished product, we will need to refilm certain scenes and re-record the sound over the top.
10.    Would like to change any aspects of your film?
Yes, I think that we should do the film from one of the characters point of view (Skylar) and have her narrate over it, this will give the viewer a better understanding of the storyline before the film begins.
11.    If you could start the project again what would you do differently?
I would re-think the plot and try to make it so that the audience will be able to understand more of the elements in without the need for too much explanation before. I may even think to make the film more of a suspence so that the audience isn't even supposed to know what is happening till the end and this will help cut down on time used explaining who the characters are. I probably would have liked to have done an activity before it where we wouldhave been given a sample scene that we had to film and edit for i think that that would give everone a better idea of what they needed to do. 

TASK 3 2012: PLANNING.UPDATED TREATMENT

Plot:

The title appears on a black background and slowly fades. On a wooden door two metal plaques have the names engraved, “K.Samuels” and “S.Grey”. The faint sound of multiple heels clipping against the floor can be heard. Detective Grey turns the knob and enters the office followed by detective Samuels. The door slams shut and the blinds rattle. Detective Grey picks up their next case from the pigeon shoot and they both walk to their desks.” What have you got there?” Detective Samuels asks. “Our next case”, replies Detective Grey. Detective Samuels grabs the file and flips through it. Inside are statements from witnesses and photos of the diamond, an image of Victor Irving and an image of Ella Treasime. “Well, you ready then?” says detective Grey. “Sure am” says detective Samuels. They both walk out of their office.

Katie and Skylar walk through to the front of the chapel passing a man in a suit praying at one of the pews. As they walk past he looks up at them but says nothing. Katie suggests to Skylar that she should go and talk to the priest to see what he knows. Katie walks up to the front where the diamond was and she sees a hair on the cushion, so she takes out her magnifying glass to get a better look and using her gloves she picks it up and puts it in a zip lock bag which she then tucks in her pocket. She turns to leave and signals to Skylar that it is time to go. They start walking off and the priest nods to the man in the suit. As Katie and Skylar walk past him he nods to the priest and gets up following them out of the church.

Skyler is seen sitting at a desk peering at the evidence through a large microscope. She is focused on the evidence and not her surroundings. Katie arrives at the door and with a quick glance she looks in the direction of skyler. Upon seeing skyler, the camera follows katie as she works her way over to the desk. Katie attempts to spark a conversation but skyler looks up with a mean stare and gives katie a shove. Katie then decides to take a seat whilst waiting for skyler to finish up. She drums her fingers becoming quite impatient. Finally, skyler looks up at katie and says without a beat 'the chemicals calcium and magnesium chloride were found in the evidence and there is only one lab that contains these chemicals.' Katie fluently replies with '320 Richmond Avenue!' Skyler nods and they look at eachother with pleased looks. They then walk over to where all of the lab coats are located and Katie pulls on her blazer and emma starts to take off her coat.

Katie and Skylar hop out of their car walking past many orange roofed houses, they stop outside the door of one. Slowly they make their way towards the door finding it slightly ajar. Katie, who is in front, shoots a glance towards Skylar who nods and grips her gun. With a deep breath, Katie pushes open the door and both girls quickly make their way in, bringing their guns to eyelevel. After a quick scan of the room Skylar nods to Katie and goes off in a different direction.

 Creak! The door to Victors section of the lab opens and Katie is looking directly at Victor holding Ella in captive. Katie glances around the room and holds her gun up at Victor. She informs Victor that he will now be arrested but Victor laughs and says to Katie 'No No No! You arrest that thing!' whilst pointing to Ella who is on the ground next to Victor. Katie nods knowingly and points her gun straight at Victor. Without a flinch he says in a voice dripping with sarcasm and humour 'Are you sure you know how to shoot that darling?' Katie becomes irritated and shoots but narrowly misses Victor, instead hitting a chair. 

Crash! The seat falls over and crashes to the ground and the camera follows it as it falls down and shows the bullet hole. Victor just laughs and says 'Places to be, diamonds to deliver.' Victor starts to back out of the lab towards the door but little does he know that Skyler is awaiting at the door behind him. He stalls once feeling the gun against the back of his head and slowly looks around. He sighs, knowing hes out of luck. Skyler walks around to the table to put her gun on the table and pick up the handcuffs. Once she is back to Victor she ties each handcuff over each hand. Katie puts down her gun, then shows her hand to Victor signalling to him that she wants the diamond to be handed over. He looks saddened but hands over the diamond. Katie smiles and puts it in her pocket.

Skyler then leads Victor over to a chair which is where he is chained to for the remaining of the time. Skyler then walks over to Katie where they discuss what is going to happen to Victor as he waits on the chair. Skyler informs that someone will be picking him up in five minutes. Ella, who has been quite this whole time pipes up and says 'too bad ill be gone before then.' She takes hold of Katies gun and walks towards her whilst pointing it straight at her. She moves out her hand, asking for the diamond without actually speaking. Katie reluctantly hands it over. Ella says 'Thanks for that!' and then walks straight out the back door, leaving it slightly ajar.' The camera then follows Skyler as she walks over to grab her gun and then follows Katie out of the door. Skyler is the last out the door so she closes it with a certain degree of force. The credits then appear on screen.

Update

Yesterday we exchanged all the files. I tried putting some into my computer but it took to long to do it.

We also made a list of all the shots that's need to be redone

Blog update

Today I came in late because I had a maths test. When I got there my group was working on their blogs. We put the film onto the computer and watched it through.
It. Is. Terrible.
You can even tell the plot it just has such an unconnected plot and it is just horrible to watch. Like nails on a black board.
It looked slightly better in black and white and I can see a few shots that need to be cleaned up.
It's nearly 10min long not included the title and finish credits so some shots need to be cropped out

TASK 3 2012: PLANNING.SCRIPT

It is not a highly sprint driven film so all of our sprit in included in the shot list so we could know exactally when and where is was being said and to make sure it was in the right shot.

TASK 3 2012: PLANNING.PROPS LIST

Production Title: Blue Butterfly Props Master:		Scene 1  to  8 . Directors: Alice, Amanda, Emma, Laura
Scene # Name	Characters Required	Props/Costumes Required
1# Opening Credits +(End of Detectives Office)	Skylar Katie	·       Skylar’s Costume: Black 2cm heels,    -black pencil skirt. White singlet, White blouse (school). ·       Katies Costume: Black heels, Long black pants, White singlet, White blouse (school), blazer ·
2# Detectives Office	Skylar Katie	Skylar’s Costume: Black 2cm heels, black pencil skirt. White singlet, White blouse (school). Katies Costume: Black heels, Long black pants, White singlet, White blouse (school), blazer ·       X2 rectangle wooden desks ·       File cabinet ·       Boxes of stuff ·       Profile file ·       Notepads
3# Crime Scene	Skylar Katie Person praying Priest	Skylar’s Costume: Black 2cm heels, black pencil skirt. White singlet, White blouse (school). Katies Costume: Black heels, Long black pants, White singlet, White blouse (school), blazer Person Praying: dress pants and shirt, a dark patterned tie, dress blazer with white triangle sticking out of pocket, dress shoes and a scar of the left cheek.  [remove all St Hilda’s related objects from the chapel] Priest’s costume: black pants, white shirt, tie put on backwards 1 pair of black gloves for Katie Lit candles ·       Cushion with a sag in the middle ·       Spiral note pads with pen ·       Fully clear snap lock bag
4# Laboratory	Skylar Katie	Skylar’s Costume: Black 2cm heels, black pencil skirt. White singlet, White blouse (school). Katies Costume: Black heels, Long black pants, White singlet, White blouse (school), blazer Standard labaroty microscope Sample with hair in it x1 spinning chair
6# Inside the lair (first room)	Skylar Katie	Skylar’s Costume: Black 2cm heels, black pencil skirt. White singlet, White blouse (school). Katies Costume: Black heels, Long black pants, White singlet, White blouse (school), blazer ·       Small guns for both skylar and Katie ·       Dust on the floor and blood stains ·       Desks lined on the side of the room ·       Drugs (baby-powder)
7# Find Victor	Skylar Katie Victor Ella	Skylar’s Costume: Black 2cm heels, black pencil skirt. White singlet, White blouse (school). Katies Costume: Black heels, Long black pants, White singlet, White blouse (school), blazer Victors Costume: Black suit lace shoes, Dress pants, Shirt, Trench coat, fedora, facial hair, fat stuffing (possibly multiple layers), cane. Ella’s Costume: 1920’s dress, pearl necklace, heavy smoky makeup which has been leaking, dark lipstick, strappy heels, headband, blood nose. ·       Diamond ·       Gun for both Katie and Skylar ·       One big long desk with sturdy chair ·       Pinboard
8# Ella’s Escapes	Skylar Katie Victor Ella	Skylar’s Costume: Black 2cm heels, black pencil skirt. White singlet, White blouse (school). Katies Costume: Black heels, Long black pants, White singlet, White blouse (school), blazer Victors Costume: Black suit lace shoes, Dress pants, Shirt, Trench coat, fedora, facial hair, fat stuffing (possibly multiple layers), cane. Ella’s Costume: 1920’s dress, pearl necklace, heavy smoky makeup which has been leaking, dark lipstick, strappy heels, headband, blood nose. ·       Diamond ·       Gun for both Katie and Skylar ·       One big long desk with sturdy chair ·       Pinboard

TASK 3 2012: STORYBOARDS

Because of our highly organized planning in term 2, our storyboard did not need to be altered. Though there were subtle changes, none of them were as major as to change the story boards, i.e a shot was from a slight different angle. But we believe that our storyboards reflect our canned film to a format where one can easily use them to either, film our scene or be able to recognize that they are the same.


The file of our scanned storyboards that we used when filming is too large to attach to the file. But the storyboards are the same as they were when handed in.

TASK 3 2012: PLANING.PERMISSION FOR LOCATIONS

All our sets were inside the school grounds, the rooms that we had to get special permission for were;

Molfy Basement: because there was an art exhibition involved and Mr. Andrews granted us permission for the use of that room, on condition that he was to unlock it and that we were to ensure that it was locked when we came out

Science Lab: because of basic safety regulations. Mrs. Tiplady granted us that permission on condition that a teacher was always in the lab and there always was.

Hi Surf apartment: because it was a reasonably public place. The manager of the apartments gave us verbal permission (both before we filmed and when we got there in confirmation) to film on the 20th floor (which is technically the 19th floor because there is no level 13) and the elevator.

TASK 3 2012: PLANNING.PRODUCTION SCHEDULE

Blog update

Today we finished the filming. It was successful as we got everything done within the time and with about 10 minutes to spare! I know now that I will never ever be an actress. Never ever ever. Bit in filming we tried to use the light to the best of our abilities and the camera to use rules and I did use the golden ratio in a shot.
I left my sharpie locked in there, so if I find the time I better go in and get it.

But highly successful tonight and following I will upload all my updated shot lists, storyboards and treatment.

Update

Today we filmed in the lair scene. It went well and what we did get done was done really well. We also got Kerys in to play Ella and she was brilliant - probably the best actress! Well I don't know about the others, but I leaned some really good lighting techniques, but they heat up really fast. We did not get what we needed to get done, done so we are going to film in lunch times and afterschool on Monday cause no one is free in the weekend. We will probably have to also finish editing in lunch times and make the film as we go.
It is really stressful, and we have spent so many lessons more than the other groups and yet we are still struggling for the time so I am really scared.

Blog Update

Today we learned how to use final cut and it is surprisingly pretty straight forward to get the information into the program. We even started putting parts of the film together and I am glad it isn't taking too long. Tomorrow (thursday) we will be filming in the Molfy basement and Mr Andrews will hopefully be watching in. I know we haven't asked him to yet but most of our filming has been in school and the one good day for him to come in - well we just forgot.
So hopefully it won't be too late for him to give us some advice on everything and we can get this thing done because it is much better to be editing it than racing around and filming and acting, which i'm not really liking all too much.

props list

Production Title: Blue Butterfly Props Master:		Scene 1  to  8 . Directors: Alice, Amanda, Emma, Laura
Scene # Name	Characters Required	Props/Costumes Required
1# Opening Credits +(End of Detectives Office)	Skylar (? – is she already in the office) Katie	·       Skylar’s Costume: Black 2cm heels,    -black pencil skirt. White singlet, White blouse (school). ·       Katies Costume: Black heels, Long black pants, White singlet, White blouse (school), blazer ·       Pot plant. ·       Table with potplant
2# Detectives Office	Skylar Katie	Skylar’s Costume: Black 2cm heels, black pencil skirt. White singlet, White blouse (school). Katies Costume: Black heels, Long black pants, White singlet, White blouse (school), blazer ·       X2 rectangle wooden desks ·       File cabinet ·       Boxes of stuff ·       Coffee plunger with coffee in it(Amanda) ·       Chucky wooden chairs (alice) ·       Profile file ·       Notepads ·       Fountain pens ·       Coffee cups on desk
3# Part 1 Walk to the crime scene	Skylar Katie Priest	Priest’s costume: Father Andrews white thing a ribbon Skylar’s Costume: Black 2cm heels, black pencil skirt. White singlet, White blouse (school). Katies Costume: Black heels, Long black pants, White singlet, White blouse (school), blazer ·       Leaves/sticks on the pavement leading up to it ·       Remove all non nobus solum ·       Car (as old/rusty looking as possible)
3# Part 2 Crime Scene	Skylar Katie Organ player (?) Person praying (?)	Skylar’s Costume: Black 2cm heels, black pencil skirt. White singlet, White blouse (school). Katies Costume: Black heels, Long black pants, White singlet, White blouse (school), blazer Organ players costume: Black pants and shiny shoes, Black blazer, hair pulled back in a low ponytail Person Praying: dress pants and shirt, a dark patterned tie, dress blazer with white triangle sticking out of pocket, dress shoes and a scar of the left cheek.  [remove all St Hilda’s related objects from the chapel] Camera 1 pair of black gloves for Katie Lit candles ·       Holy water bowl ·       Cushion with a sag in the middle ·       Spiral note pads with pen ·       Fully clear snap lock bag with case number on it
4# Laboratory	Skylar Katie	Skylar’s Costume: Black 2cm heels, black pencil skirt. White singlet, White blouse (school). Katies Costume: Black heels, Long black pants, White singlet, White blouse (school), blazer Standard labaroty microscope Sample with hair in it x1 spinning chair odd laboratory tubes filled with  `different chemicals, some steaming
5# Outside Victors Lair	Skylar Katie	Skylar’s Costume: Black 2cm heels, black pencil skirt. White singlet, White blouse (school). Katies Costume: Black heels, Long black pants, White singlet, White blouse (school), blazer ·       Random leaves and twigs on the ground ·       [remove ALL PLASTIC from road] ·       Same car as they were linked to before ·       Flying WANTED posters
6# Inside the lair (first room)	Skylar Katie	Skylar’s Costume: Black 2cm heels, black pencil skirt. White singlet, White blouse (school). Katies Costume: Black heels, Long black pants, White singlet, White blouse (school), blazer ·       Bumbed out cigaretts ·       Small guns for both skylar and Katie ·       Cabinets fill of alcohol ·       Dust on the floor and blood stains ·       Desks lined on the side of the room
7# Find Victor	Skylar Katie Victor Ella	Skylar’s Costume: Black 2cm heels, black pencil skirt. White singlet, White blouse (school). Katies Costume: Black heels, Long black pants, White singlet, White blouse (school), blazer Victors Costume: Black suit lace shoes, Dress pants, Shirt, Trench coat, fedora, facial hair, fat stuffing (possibly multiple layers), cane. Ella’s Costume: 1920’s dress, pearl necklace, heavy smoky makeup which has been leaking, dark lipstick, strappy heels, headband, blood nose. ·       Diamond ·       Cigar ·       Gun for both Katie and Skylar ·       One big long desk with sturdy chair ·       Desk light ·       Half empty glass of scotch looking alcohol ·       Pinboard with maps with lines circles x’s and pictures of people suck to locations with some with X’s or ?
8# Ella’s Escapes	Skylar Katie Victor Ella	Skylar’s Costume: Black 2cm heels, black pencil skirt. White singlet, White blouse (school). Katies Costume: Black heels, Long black pants, White singlet, White blouse (school), blazer Victors Costume: Black suit lace shoes, Dress pants, Shirt, Trench coat, fedora, facial hair, fat stuffing (possibly multiple layers), cane. Ella’s Costume: 1920’s dress, pearl necklace, heavy smoky makeup which has been leaking, dark lipstick, strappy heels, headband, blood nose. ·       Diamond ·       Cigar ·       Gun for both Katie and Skylar ·       One big long desk with sturdy chair ·       Desk light ·       Half empty glass of scotch looking alcohol ·       Pinboard with maps with lines circles x’s and pictures of people suck to locations with some with X’s or ?