Please find below a direct link to my evaluation website
Showing posts with label Production log. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Production log. Show all posts
Tuesday, 12 April 2016
Monday, 11 April 2016
Sunday, 10 April 2016
Wednesday, 16 March 2016
Post Alternation Poster Feedback
After essentially rebuilding my poster from the beginning, creating each element again at a much higher resolution, I printed out the product A4 and A3 for my peers to reevaluate. The major difference other than the resolution was the billing block at the bottom of the page. I had rewritten the credits and included my production studios as well. Below is a presentation with each persons feedback on the poster:
Post Exhibition Evaluation
After showing my short film in assembly I saw my product in a different light. With the oppotunity to see my film on a bigger display and to hear the audio at a much higher quality, I was able to spot any errors I have made. Below is a photo just before the exhibition.
One of the main issues I spotted or rather heard were the audio levels. Compared to the sound effects the narration was too quiet and came across as muffled and poor quality. As the voice over is critical to the way my narrative is presented this issue must be addressed. Despite this being relatively easy task it will take time to go through the entirety of the film concerning the sound.
My next step will be to collect the responses from my questionnaire and, based upon the feedback, react.
One of the main issues I spotted or rather heard were the audio levels. Compared to the sound effects the narration was too quiet and came across as muffled and poor quality. As the voice over is critical to the way my narrative is presented this issue must be addressed. Despite this being relatively easy task it will take time to go through the entirety of the film concerning the sound.
My next step will be to collect the responses from my questionnaire and, based upon the feedback, react.
Monday, 14 March 2016
Preparing for Large Scale Exhibition
As the deadline for all three products is nearing I have decided to exhibit my film to a larger audience. I feel that the draft I will be presenting is virtually complete and therefore my audience will be exposed to a virtually completed product. This way the comments which will be made will be relevant to my film as a whole rather than just a section of it. In order to receive my comments I have created a survey. Below is a screenshot of myself working upon such:
I feel that this exercise will be incredibly useful as I will gather valid results from a very large sample of people. However as the age range will not vary largely another exhibition may be required if I see fit.
Knowing the people I presenting to vaguely I decided to deliver my questionnaire in the form of a QR code. I plan to place sheets of paper around the room with a code to scan and a direct URL address. This was those who do not have access to a scanner can simply copy the address across.
Below is the finished sheet I plan to give:
Link to Survey
Tuesday, 8 March 2016
A Problem with Resolution
After giving out the draft of my poster design I realised that when printed the resolution was incorrect. This resulted in blurred text and uneven edges. Below is a photo of the credit box on the printed edition of the poster.
As this reduces the quality of the product dramatically I had to address this issue. I was shown how to adjust the resolution by a peer and this enabled me to rectify the problem to an extent. The colours of the larger elements became more saturated however the edges remained poor quality. This is due to the method I used to create the image of the poster originally. I used a lower resolution image to create the spaceship shape and therefore when it increased in size after I changed the resolution the edges became blurry and undefined. The same applies to the billing box at the bottom which can be seen above. To rectify the problem completely I am going to redesign the majority of the elements ensuring I maintain the level of quality throughout. Below is a screenshot of myself halfway through this process:
As this reduces the quality of the product dramatically I had to address this issue. I was shown how to adjust the resolution by a peer and this enabled me to rectify the problem to an extent. The colours of the larger elements became more saturated however the edges remained poor quality. This is due to the method I used to create the image of the poster originally. I used a lower resolution image to create the spaceship shape and therefore when it increased in size after I changed the resolution the edges became blurry and undefined. The same applies to the billing box at the bottom which can be seen above. To rectify the problem completely I am going to redesign the majority of the elements ensuring I maintain the level of quality throughout. Below is a screenshot of myself halfway through this process:
Friday, 4 March 2016
Importing and Editing the Flashbacks
With all of my images ready to be used within my film, I imported the photos and replaced the filler images I used previous to represent the flashbacks. To ensure I edited correctly I re-watched my film a few times, to remove any doubt about the placement of my flashbacks. I came to the conclusion that the 2nd one, approximately half way through the film was obsolete. The narration going into enough detail about the events revolving around the survivors history with firearms and therefore rendering any additional scene on the subject obsolete. Despite breaking the conventions of flashbacks. which usually come in triplets throughout a film, I feel that the removal of such is beneficial and increases the flow of my product. Also, as the entire film is a reflection on the past the rule may not apply.
I used a variety of effects on the photos once I had edited them into my film in the correct place. Compared to the rest of the film, the images were very bright and looked very out of place. Unlike my film which has a blue tint over the majority of the footage, the flashback scenes are high in contrast and did not conform well with the rest. I addressed this through the use of Final Cut’s bank of effects. Using the filter ‘noir’ I altered the colour ratio of the images resulting in a very different aesthetic. The edges of the silhouettes were blurred and the previously bright white background was tinged yellow. Below is an example of the effect applied to one of the photographs:
In addition to the filters I placed, I also added some animated effects overlaid on the images. In one of the flashbacks the scenes are taking place whilst a thunder storm is happening. To reinforce the pathetic fallacy I timed the lightning strikes in the audio with an effect called flash. Whenever the audio played certain elements of the image would light up creating the illusion of a lighting strike. Below is a short video with one of the completed flashback scenes:
I used a variety of effects on the photos once I had edited them into my film in the correct place. Compared to the rest of the film, the images were very bright and looked very out of place. Unlike my film which has a blue tint over the majority of the footage, the flashback scenes are high in contrast and did not conform well with the rest. I addressed this through the use of Final Cut’s bank of effects. Using the filter ‘noir’ I altered the colour ratio of the images resulting in a very different aesthetic. The edges of the silhouettes were blurred and the previously bright white background was tinged yellow. Below is an example of the effect applied to one of the photographs:
In addition to the filters I placed, I also added some animated effects overlaid on the images. In one of the flashbacks the scenes are taking place whilst a thunder storm is happening. To reinforce the pathetic fallacy I timed the lightning strikes in the audio with an effect called flash. Whenever the audio played certain elements of the image would light up creating the illusion of a lighting strike. Below is a short video with one of the completed flashback scenes:
Wednesday, 2 March 2016
Ancillary Product Feedback Part 2: Poster
As well as the Film review, I recieved feedback on my poster as well within the same session. Below are the comments I received and evidence of myself processing them:
Poster
Lily Potter's Feedback
- "Very minimal, positive"
- "Keep fonts the same style throughout both products- continuity"
- "Experiment with more effects, same filter as in film?"
Conclusion: In the researching stage of my poster I looked at a variety of different posters ranging from theattrical to teaser. I chose the latter for my product. The codes of the type outline how the teaser poster has to invoke an auidnece has creae enigma. By keeping my poster minimalistic, which the comment highlights, it ensures only a fraction of the film's content is actually revealed while establishing the genre and tone of the film.
Despite me trying to replicate the font across all of my products I have found it partuclarly difficult. Working on both WIndows and Mac OS X, the bank of fonts differ. To ensure I do keep contunity I will be trying to import the same font I used within my film onto my PC in order to use it within my anciliary products.
When I was creating the poster I trialed a variety of effects on the photo I used. This ranged from pixalating to greyscaling the entire image. Within my film I used a bloom like filter whenever the narrative cut to the alien and the comment introduces the idea of using this same filter in my poster. I am confident that this would not work as the nature of the filter makes the image or film appear very bright and would distort faces.
Harley Golder Feedback
When I was creating the poster I trialed a variety of effects on the photo I used. This ranged from pixalating to greyscaling the entire image. Within my film I used a bloom like filter whenever the narrative cut to the alien and the comment introduces the idea of using this same filter in my poster. I am confident that this would not work as the nature of the filter makes the image or film appear very bright and would distort faces.
Harley Golder Feedback
- "Text pixilated"
- "Good layout, sticks to conventions
- "Film Website"
Conclusion: I am now fully aware that the resolution of my poster is far too small and therefore when the product was enlarged to the size of A3, text became pixalated. As the bill box is a critical element of my poster and it cannot be read the problem must be addressed.
As with my film review, I am pleased that my poster has been recogniced as conventional. Beforehand I felt that, as I decided on creating a teaser trailer, people may find that it breaks conventions and appears empty. But, as this comment suggests, my product fits the codes of the media text.
Despite my poster being minimal, the idea of including a website on a larger scale is tempting. Obviously as the bill box credits were the wrong resolution and were hense unreadable, my assessors would not have known that I had included a wesite. A larger URL and perhaps some social network link could make my product more authentic and conventional.
Tuesday, 1 March 2016
Ancillary Product Feedback Part 1: Magazine Feedback
After finishing the first ,and in the case of my poster, second draft of my ancillary products I was ready to expose them to my peer group for assessment. As many of them had not seen the work before they were a very suitable group to use. I printed out both the poster and film review page on A3, allowing my assessors to see each of element of each fully and easily. Once I gave out my products I asked for feedback on anything they thought could be improved or things I had not used which are particularly conventional of that media text. Below is the feedback I received typed up from the post it notes:
Aidan Rawlonson’s Feedback
Magazine article
Aidan Rawlonson’s Feedback
- "Photo of camera is out of place”
- “Speech Bubbles don’t match tone.”
Conclusion: When I made the decision to include a picture of the camera I did so using the knowledge I collected from reading and researching film review magazines. Often I found an ‘exclusive’ photo from the production of the film. However in its current state I feel that without a article to support each photo it is overtly obvious that the picture of the camera is the odd one out and therefore I understand why such a conclusion was made.
I knew placing the speech bubbles was a gamble however I still feel that they do have relevance. As my assessors don’t have a full understanding of my products brand identity or what kind of audience my magazine has I can see why the speech bubbles may look out of place. I will be trying to ensure the page layout supports the comic book style bubbles.
Lily Potter’s Feedback
- “Needs page numbers to fit conventions”
- “Good Layout”
- “Not sure on red background”
- "Change the shape of the speech bubbles, looks cartoonish”
- “Good font for the film title”
- “Change thickness of font”
Conclusion: The first comment highlights something I forgot to include within the draft. Page numbers are will be vital for ensuring that my product remains as conventional as possible. I have looked at my draft and currently finding a suitable place to put the feature.
Despite the vagueness of this comment I feel that it is still useful. As the layout of a film review is critical in attracting readers and keeping them engaged the fact that this particualr feature has been highlighted is definitly positive.
When evaluating this comment I have found it difficult to interpret however in terms of the use of red on my page, I feel that the colour is too saturated and could perhaps be recoloured. The bold red banners work well but the red outline of the various elements is far too bold and needs to be changed as it averts the readers attention.
The speech bubbles have been highlighted again in terms of their style. Similarly in how I reacted to the previous comment, I feel that I have not outlined the target audience suffiently enough for my assessors to judge correctly. However, this comment suggests that the bubbles work but nee changing. I will have to experiment with line weight and other elements to generate a better effect.
When I chose the font for the 'Invaded' title I tried to replicate the style I used within the film itself. I chose a metalic, delicate font with twice the amount of spacing between the letters. The letters are placed on black which highlight the word and fit with the 'space' sci-fi theme.
As I said before I gave the posters to my assessors, they knew that the writing within the columns was filler writing, used to pad the page out while I construct the film review. Due to his I presume that the final comment about the font is refering to such used elsewhere. After seeing the page printed off I can see that the text used on the scroll of quotes is far too compacted and thin for the reader. I will be experimenting with font, size and space formatting to improve the element.
Despite the vagueness of this comment I feel that it is still useful. As the layout of a film review is critical in attracting readers and keeping them engaged the fact that this particualr feature has been highlighted is definitly positive.
When evaluating this comment I have found it difficult to interpret however in terms of the use of red on my page, I feel that the colour is too saturated and could perhaps be recoloured. The bold red banners work well but the red outline of the various elements is far too bold and needs to be changed as it averts the readers attention.
The speech bubbles have been highlighted again in terms of their style. Similarly in how I reacted to the previous comment, I feel that I have not outlined the target audience suffiently enough for my assessors to judge correctly. However, this comment suggests that the bubbles work but nee changing. I will have to experiment with line weight and other elements to generate a better effect.
When I chose the font for the 'Invaded' title I tried to replicate the style I used within the film itself. I chose a metalic, delicate font with twice the amount of spacing between the letters. The letters are placed on black which highlight the word and fit with the 'space' sci-fi theme.
As I said before I gave the posters to my assessors, they knew that the writing within the columns was filler writing, used to pad the page out while I construct the film review. Due to his I presume that the final comment about the font is refering to such used elsewhere. After seeing the page printed off I can see that the text used on the scroll of quotes is far too compacted and thin for the reader. I will be experimenting with font, size and space formatting to improve the element.
Sunday, 28 February 2016
Flashback Scene Processing
Once I had imported the photos I realised that some of them were too blurred and similar to others and began cutting down the collection. This was completed swiftly and I then began the task of correcting the photos which I took vertically. As I have learnt from my previous experience with Photoshop, transforming images drastically ruins the quality. This meant that I had to find alternate ways of optimising the use I could get out of some of the images. I researched online how to create a gradient around the edges of a picture so I could simply place the image on a black background and it would blend in. Below is a screenshot of the method I used:
I found this method very useful and it enabled me to make use of the photos I took fully. This has saved me rearranging with my actors which would have delayed the editing process of my film further. Below is a picture of one of the raw files before and after it underwent the above outlined process:
Friday, 26 February 2016
Flashback Capture Session
After a series of cancellations and complications I directed the capturing of the flashback photographs. As I needed an actor to play the wife of my survivor I called upon another person I know to help. She has had a considerable amount of experience and has played a number of varied roles, making her a perfect candidate for the position. With both of my actors secured my next move was to arrange for some people to help hold up the fabric screen for me to take photos. Through my media tutor I was able to gather two willing helpers. Below is a picture of us testing the high key lighting within the photography studio:
Referring to the storyboard I had created previously I directed and took the photos. Similarly to how the practice session went, the process went well. I ran into minimal problems while taking the photos and my actors cooperated well, giving me their own input and advice. Below is a presentation of all of the photos I took, in their raw state:
Conclusively the shoot went very well however in hindsight I feel that the photos which were taken vertically should have been taken like the rest, horizontally. Despite the problem being small and easily manageable with a programme like Photoshop it will delay the editing process of my primary product. My next step will be to process the photos and insert them within my film.
Conclusively the shoot went very well however in hindsight I feel that the photos which were taken vertically should have been taken like the rest, horizontally. Despite the problem being small and easily manageable with a programme like Photoshop it will delay the editing process of my primary product. My next step will be to process the photos and insert them within my film.
Tuesday, 23 February 2016
Magazine Dimension and Column Structure
As I begin digitalising my layout plan for one of the ancillary products, I need a full understanding of the technical side of a magazine film review page. To begin this process I researched the dimensions of a typical published text and found out that it is slightly larger than two pieces of A4 hinged together. Below is a screenshot of myself midway through the research:
After this I needed to ensure the spacing of the various elements of my planned page were proportionally correct and therefore sought out the advice of my Media Studies Tutor. She suggested the idea of measuring the page with the width of a typical column and divide up the page accordingly. Using said measurements, (4.6cm in width) I split my page apart and adjusted the various sections to collaborate with my new set of ruling. Conclusively this activity has been largely useful as it has developed my understanding of an area of media I am only partially familiar with which has aided the project in terms of my ancillary products. This research ensures that the review is as authentic as possible.
After this I needed to ensure the spacing of the various elements of my planned page were proportionally correct and therefore sought out the advice of my Media Studies Tutor. She suggested the idea of measuring the page with the width of a typical column and divide up the page accordingly. Using said measurements, (4.6cm in width) I split my page apart and adjusted the various sections to collaborate with my new set of ruling. Conclusively this activity has been largely useful as it has developed my understanding of an area of media I am only partially familiar with which has aided the project in terms of my ancillary products. This research ensures that the review is as authentic as possible.
Editing Update 2: Lighting
At this point through the editing process the majority of the editing process is complete however, after being subject to others work which share a similar genre it is necessary to alter the lighting in most of the film. I found that a darker appearance for the horror or suspense genre particularly effective at setting the tone of the text and therefore I experimented with varying levels of light within my own product. After cycling and comparing multiple levels of light I eventually became content. Below is a before and after caption of one scene which underwent changes:
Monday, 22 February 2016
The Planning and Creation of my Article
After researching the way film reviews are produced and what literary techniques are required to construct them effectively, I have began writing. Keeping a light-hearted tone in mind, I planned the basic structure of my article. Below is a photo of such plan:
Once this plan was constructed I found the writing process retentively simple. Bringing in my skills from my other subject, Creative Writing, I have a considerably large proportion of the article finished and I plan to complete the writing as soon as possible.
Once this plan was constructed I found the writing process retentively simple. Bringing in my skills from my other subject, Creative Writing, I have a considerably large proportion of the article finished and I plan to complete the writing as soon as possible.
Sunday, 21 February 2016
Film Review LiteraryTechniques
Despite studying Creative Writing I wanted to familiarize myself with the technical side of writing a film review. To begin with I began to think over who my audience is for review. As I want to cater for those interested in short film I need to ensure my tone is appropriate. As readers may have never seen the products getting reviewed I feel that it is critical that I adopt a comical tone to engage readers. Once I had established this, I began researching exactly what the purpose of a review is. Below is a screenshot of a website detailing such:
I feel that these points are extremely relevant to my own review. Even more so as the product my review is evaluating is unknown. I've got to inform my audience effectively of my product and be engaging at the same time.
As my film is only five minutes long I feel that the second point 'to describe' will be difficult. I will need to summarise the plot and establish the genre without giving away any crucial details which will spoil the effectiveness of the product.
Naturally I am going to be inclined to rate my own film positively however in order to ensure my product is as professional as possible I am considering on commenting on the negative aspects of my film. Despite this I am going to write with the intention of recommending the film to the reader. Using persuasive language I will be ensuring that a reader will want to engage with my campaign.
I feel that these points are extremely relevant to my own review. Even more so as the product my review is evaluating is unknown. I've got to inform my audience effectively of my product and be engaging at the same time.
As my film is only five minutes long I feel that the second point 'to describe' will be difficult. I will need to summarise the plot and establish the genre without giving away any crucial details which will spoil the effectiveness of the product.
Naturally I am going to be inclined to rate my own film positively however in order to ensure my product is as professional as possible I am considering on commenting on the negative aspects of my film. Despite this I am going to write with the intention of recommending the film to the reader. Using persuasive language I will be ensuring that a reader will want to engage with my campaign.
Friday, 19 February 2016
Formatting of Review Page
As I have researched a variety of film review websites and magazines I have discovered that the layout and formatting of their reviews vary considerably. Below is a selection of reviews I looked at and a picture I used as reference to understand some of the elements of the page spread which outlines the various layers of a review:
After completing this activity I began relating the task to my own product. As all of the featured films within the magazines I looked upon are blockbuster, large budget films, I needed to decide if the formats I researched are suitable for my own product. I have come to the conclusion that, despite the obvious difference in production value, the format of a film review page is simply used to attract readers and therefore I will be basing my own format upon those I have researched. Naturally the next step was to create my own layout and I did this with pencil and paper, allowing me to modify and change my ideas as they developed. Below is a photograph of myself halfway through my work:
After referring to my research material and reworking my ideas I was left with my desired format. Below is a picture of what I concluded with:
My next step will be to digitalize my layout and begin filling in the gaps and preparing to write my article.
Tuesday, 16 February 2016
Additional Poster Development
To ensure that my ancillary products are developing at a good rate I have continued with my poster. As I have previously created a draft for my poster I used this as a starting point for my work. I knew exactly what I liked about my draft, mainly the childish style of the space ship, and what needs altering. I opened my previous work in Photoshop and began adjusting the layout and filter on my protagonist's face. Below is a selection of screenshots of me working upon the next draft of my poster:
After doing this activity I concluded the session once I had added the titling. Personally I am very happy with the final product however in order to ensure the best quality poster, the product will be reviewed by a focus group shortly. A copy of the poster in its current state is below:
Thursday, 11 February 2016
Sound Folleying: Gunshot
As I plan to have a mixture of gunshots within the opening of my film, I decided to attempt to folley some impact/gunshot sounds to add to the soundtrack. Using a ruler I experimented on a mixture of materials ranging from soft material to wood. I found that this factor had a large influence on the sound. Below are two of the sounds I recorded. One on wood the other on a soft material:
As expected the sound recorded by hitting wood sounded much more realistic and therefore I decided to take that recording further. Despite sounding better, it did not sound as effective as the one I had in place already so I began editing the audio in Audacity. By adjusting the compression levels and inverting the audio I was able to create a realistic gunshot effect. Below is a screenshot of myself editing the audio:
Please find below the final edited audio file:
Conclusively, I believe that the sound I have created is realistic and I will potentially use it within the opening of my film. However, despite altering the recording and trying to add a echo effect, it still remains tinny and compressed. I may be able to alter the bass levels to confront this problem however I am limited.
Against Wood
Against soft fabric material
As expected the sound recorded by hitting wood sounded much more realistic and therefore I decided to take that recording further. Despite sounding better, it did not sound as effective as the one I had in place already so I began editing the audio in Audacity. By adjusting the compression levels and inverting the audio I was able to create a realistic gunshot effect. Below is a screenshot of myself editing the audio:
Please find below the final edited audio file:
Conclusively, I believe that the sound I have created is realistic and I will potentially use it within the opening of my film. However, despite altering the recording and trying to add a echo effect, it still remains tinny and compressed. I may be able to alter the bass levels to confront this problem however I am limited.
Wednesday, 10 February 2016
Researching typical credit hierarchy and Application
Before researching, despite managing the same task in older projects, I had forgotten the difference between opening credit requirements and closing credits. After a brief period of time I found a forum discussing the issue of order. At first I was unsure if the source was reliable enough however as I began investigating I realised that many people had agreed with the source, claiming it was correct. Below is a screenshot of the website presenting the title hierarchy:
Even though this source was extremely useful it does have its limitations. The budget nor the size of the film is revealed and therefore I have to consider the roles within my own film and compare them to those within the source. As my film was a small budget project with only a few people involved, some of the titles featured are not relevant. Baring this in mind I began creating the end credits to my film, deciding against a full opening credit sequence. Below is the first draft of such:
Even though this source was extremely useful it does have its limitations. The budget nor the size of the film is revealed and therefore I have to consider the roles within my own film and compare them to those within the source. As my film was a small budget project with only a few people involved, some of the titles featured are not relevant. Baring this in mind I began creating the end credits to my film, deciding against a full opening credit sequence. Below is the first draft of such:
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