BLK Reservoir Dogs Remake Project

This is our group's edit of the Reservoir Dogs opening credits remake project that we produced and filmed as a class. We had to consider continuity and timing, and I think we managed to re-create the credit sequence quite successfully.

Dexter Title Sequence Re-Edit: Evaluation

Summarise the conventions of title sequences that were most important to this task.

• One of the main conventions of title sequences that we had to consider was the consistency in style. 
• Another important convention is using a clear and legible font, which we tried to consider when completing this task.
• Title sequences often reflect the mood and theme of the show. 

How did your group plan to edit the title sequence? 

• We planned to edit the title sequence by experimenting with different fonts and effects, to try and come up with an effective theme that we could use. 
• We discussed different ideas, and tried to agree on a visual style for the text.

Explain the creative decisions made by your group.

• As a group we had to decide on the effects, font and the placement of the credits.
• As we wanted our credits to reflect the theme of Dexter, we looked for effects which would reflect Dexter's crazy and bloodthirsty character.
• We tried to create some variety in the placement of the credits.

How does your re-edit compare to the original?

• Our re-edit uses rather extreme effects and bright colours, whereas the original uses a dark red, clear font. 
• The original also has a limited use of effects, whereas we used effects on most of our text.
• Our re-edit, like the original, had the credits in different positions each time, to prevent it from being repetitive. 

Preliminary Exercise Evaluation

Our task for the Preliminary Exercise was to create a continuity sequence of a person walking into a room, sitting down and having a short conversation with someone else. 



 
1. Who did you work with and how did you manage the task between you?

I worked with Alex E, Olivia and Zenia for the preliminary exercise. We all brainstormed ideas; Alex E was mainly in charge of drawing the storyboard although we all contributed. Olivia came up with the final idea for our clip and I noted down actions which were to be used in the script and storyboard while we acted out the sequence. Zenia wrote the shot list, referring to the storyboard and script. Me and Alex E took turns editing our version of the final clip.


2. How did you plan your sequence? What processes did you use? What theories did you try to take into account?

We planned our sequence firstly by coming up with an idea for our continuity clip. We discussed different possible narratives and created a brainstorm. After brainstorming, we decided on a Romantic Comedy genre and also agreed on the key events in our narrative. Our next step was to decide who the characters would be in the clip, what was going to happen visually from the audience's perspective and the dialogue for each character. Using our ideas we wrote up a script. From there we planned the shots individually and drew a storyboard, taking into consideration framing and camera movement. Next we created a shot list including the technical codes for each shot. Finally we came up with a shooting schedule, sorting them into four 'set ups' to save time in the shooting stage.

We tried to take into account several theories when shooting. The '180 degree rule' was important to keeping the audience oriented throughout the conversation between our two main characters. We also tried to incorporate a 'shot reverse shot' during the conversation. During both the filming and shooting stages we also had to take into account the 'match on action' to ensure we had continuity in our clip. For example, a shot of Olivia opening a door is followed by another shot from inside the room, with the action continuing from the same position.

3. What technology did you us to complete the task, and how did you use it?

During our shoot we used a camcorder with a mic and tripod assigned to our group. The tripod was important for holding our camcorder steady, and in order to create a tilt for one of our shots. To edit our clip we used the computers in the Edit Suite, with the 'Adobe Premiere Pro' software. Having some experience with the software already, we found it quite easy to use. We also briefly used a camera to take a few pictures of us editing. The lighting was natural for all of our shots, so we didn't need to use any other tools for lighting.

4. What factors did you have to take into account when planning, shooting and editing?

We had to take into account several factors. During planning we had to consider the location where we would be shooting, who would act for each character and what sort of dialogue and actions our script would include. After deciding on our shots, we also had to agree on a logical way to group them into set-ups for shooting.

When shooting, we had to get the continuity techniques, framing and camera movement how we wanted, which proved difficult at times. Time management was also important, so we decided to focus on getting all of our shots taken at least once before doing any extra takes. Due to our effective planning of our set-ups we didn't run into any problems, however.

Our aim when editing was to make the clip look smooth and continuous. In order to achieve this we often had to experiment with timing. We also had to ensure that the narrative was clear and easy to interpret, and that the overall atmosphere of the clip was created how we intended. Again, we had limited time to finish our edit, so we had to work quickly.

5. How successful was your sequence? Please identify what worked well, and with hindsight, what would you improve/do differently?

Overall our sequence was quite successful. We achieved the continuity effect that we wanted, both by following the techniques correctly when shooting and also through our editing. Although we did run into some continuity problems during the editing stage I think we managed to resolve them well. Our final clip flows smoothly and the shots seem to work well together. The awkward atmosphere that we wanted to create between the characters also worked very effectively; the reactions and facial expressions of the characters also gave the clip some comedy value.

We could have improved the clip by framing more carefully while shooting, and by filming a few more takes of each shot so we had more footage to work with during editing. If we were to re-shoot, I think we definitely would have focused more on cinematography and maybe make the acting more believable - but there were no major problems.

6. What have you learnt from completing this task? Looking ahead, how will this learning be significant when completing the rest of your foundation coursework, do you think?

From completing this task I have learnt how to film a clip by considering continuity techniques such as the 180 degree rule and the 'shot reverse shot'. I've also developed my skills in shot framing, editing and filming under timed conditions. I've also learnt how to plan shoots according to set-ups rather than focusing on taking individual shots, which is more time efficient and a more conventional way to film in the media industry, as it minimises the time that the actors are on set.

I think this will all help me when completing the rest of my foundation coursework, as I'll be able to manage time more efficiently and plan, shoot and edit to a higher standard. It has also prepared me for the coursework as I'll know what to expect and will be able to apply the same processes that I have used in the preliminary exercise.

DYM Homework 3 - Title Sequence Sound Analysis

 For my sound analysis, I looked at the title sequence of:

Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004)

http://www.artofthetitle.com/title/lemony-snickets-a-series-of-unfortunate-events/

Music

The music fades in slowly, and is very choppy and staccato. It has a mysterious and creepy feel to it which creates enigma. It builds up as some percussion instruments come in as well as a bass line. At one point the music slows down and fades away, but restarts again to create suspense.

Sound effects

There are a few sound effects in the opening sequence such as a creaking sound and wind blowing. These add to the mysterious and 'haunted' atmosphere that the music creates. We get a sense of danger - even nature is not on their side.

Video

At the start of the sequence we see the protagonists on a small boat in the ocean. Together with the music this creates a feeling of isolation. Later we see the characters flying away in a hot air balloon, and as this is happening the music subtly increases in pitch. As it fades and becomes quiet about half way through the sequence, we see a high contrast black and white clip which does not fit with the dark and washed-out look of the rest of the sequence, creating a short 'break' in both the video and audio. Overall the artistic style of the video fits very well with the eerie music.

BLK Homework 4: Film Clip Continuity

For this task I have chosen to analyse a clip from the Sci-Fi Action film Looper, which has just recently hit the cinemas.

• The clip begins mid-conversation between two characters. The transition between the 1st and 2nd shot creates a match on action - just as Bruce Willis turns to reach for his drink, it cuts to the next shot and we can now see his hand reaching for the mug. Shot 2 also acts as an Establishing Shot as the framing is wider which lets us see more of the setting. In the first shot it isn't clear where the conversation is taking place yet, but as the camera zooms out we can notice various objects such as the mugs on the table, the ketchup bottle and salt container in the background which suggest to us that they are in a diner. 

• The 180 Degree Rule is also followed throughout the clip so as to not disorientate the audience. The camera flips back and forth between the characters, but never crosses to the other side of the table. During the conversation we get a sense of space, and although we cannot always see both characters in the frame we can mentally 'place' them in the scene. Another feature that can be seen is the Shot Reverse Shot, which lets us see how the two characters are communicating during the conversation. 

• The clip uses straight cuts, which is effective as they set the pace of the scene. During the conversation the cuts are quite slow and rhythmic. On the other hand, as soon as Joe reaches for his gun near the end of the clip, the cut to the next shot comes very quickly to emphasise Willis' fast kick reaction and speed up the pace. Overall the clip uses continuity techniques effectively to create a smooth flow of actions between shots and make it easy for the audience to understand what's going on. 

BLK Homework 3: Continuity Clips

Our task was to film an 'accident' as part of our continuity project. Here is the clip that our group (1B) created:




What worked?

Overall, our idea was established quite well in this clip. We get a sense of urgency as Arianna begins to run, and that was the effect we were trying to create. Despite our original first shot being cut off, the opening shot is still good because we get a sense of what is about to happen from the start. Shot 2 is particularly effective due to the pan as she is running. The tilt at the end acts as a slow reveal which I think was also done very successfully.

What didn't work?

There are several continuity errors, for example there is a Jump Cut from shot 1 to shot 2 and her actions don't seem to flow. Between shot 2 and 3 there is no match on action again, as she changes position. We also broke the '30 degree rule' - the camera should generally be at least 30 degrees from its position in a previous shot. Finally shot 4 could be made more effective by having her run into the frame rather than filming her already there.


Overall our clip could be improved, however from this project we did learn that it is best to film the actor in one continuous motion rather than going back and forth for individual shots.

DYM Homework 2: Film Opening Analysis

I've chosen to analyse the opening scene of The Dark Knight (2008).





Enigma Code:

• 1:24 - Why does he have a mask, and what does it mean?
• 1:58 - Who is 'The Joker' ?
• 2:16 - Are they going to succeed in robbing the bank?
• 2:53 - Who is the man sitting in the chair? 
• 3:00 - How are they going to open such a secure vault ?
• 3:42 - How are they going to escape?

Action Code:

• 1:18 - We expect that there will be a heist when he fires the grappling hook. 
• 1:32 - As the car drives up we assume that his partners are inside, or it could be a set up.
• 1:48 - He loads his gun, so we know he is preparing for a gunfight. 
• 2:04 - They look around before entering the bank. The police could be on to them already, or they could enter the bank without anyone seeing them.
• 2:15 - The firing of the first gun starts the action - we don't know if the criminals are going to get shot, or take control of the bank.
• 2:43 - As he points his gun at his partner's back, we assume that he will shoot him, but the partner might disarm him and fight back.

Semiotic Code:

• 0:54 - The tall skyscrapers suggest an urban setting such as New York. 
• 1:21 - He has the same mask as the two men shown previously, which tells us that they are working together. 
• 2:54 - The man's calmness tells us that he is an important and powerful character.
• 2:09 - The robbers are running which suggests that they have very little time. 

Cultural Code:

• 1:47 - We know that the three men are criminals due to their clothing, masks and guns. 
• 2:14 - Other than the location, the shots fired in the air and the screaming tells us that it is a bank robbery. 
• 3:45 - We assume that he is a businessman because he is wearing a suit and tie. 

Symbolic Code:

• Evil - Guns, violence, robbery
• The Joker - The robbers only know rumours about him which suggests that he is a mysterious character. Their masks also represent him.
• Betrayal - There are several examples in the clip where a criminal is shot by another. 

BLK Homework 2: Film Clip Analysis

This is a clip from the 2008 action thriller Wanted, featuring James McAvoy, Angelina Jolie and Morgan Freeman.

Film-Making Conventions

• Sound effects are used to create suspense and build up to the action scene. At 0:07, the walking man's footsteps blend into the sound of Wesley's heartbeat. At this point the audience know something is about to happen. Loud metallic gun shots and clicks also emphasise the action.
• The framing in this clip is very effective - as the gunfight begins, a POV  'shaky camera' effect is used to create a sense of chaos and panic as people run out of the grocery store screaming. The clip rapidly cuts between this and close ups of the characters to show their expressions. There is also a shot of a bullet travelling down the aisle in slow motion, cutting through shelves of food. This suggests that the store very quickly turns into a battle field.
• Several visual effects are also used, such as a blurred POV shot of an advert to show that Wesley's thoughts are distorted and he cannot focus. There is also a close up of the screen of the woman's high-tech weapon at 1:46, showing that she is in control and has been trained to kill. Finally at the end of the clip there is an explosion - a typical element of an action film. 

Cultural Codes

• The domestic and casual look of the grocery store is familiar to the audience, making everything seem normal at first. The mise en scene juxtaposes with the action that follows - there are adverts, posters and other branded props around the store that the camera occasionally focuses on. 
• The characters are dressed formally - Both Wesley wearing a shirt and tie and the woman protecting him in the white dress look as if they have just come from work. Again this creates a sense of normality, but the audience can guess that Wesley is unprepared for the shootout - whereas she is probably trying to maintain a low profile. This creates a contrast between the two characters. 
• People can be seen buying groceries and going about their everyday lives in the background, which the audience can relate to. However soon the gunfight starts and the calmness of the store is disrupted.  For example, the woman shoots out the corner mirrors and a bullet goes through the head of a man's image on a cereal box.

DYM Homework 1: Film Still Analysis

This still is from the Sci-Fi Thriller 'Source Code' (2011) . 

I chose to analyse it because:

-On its own, the shot looks very enigmatic. The male character is surrounded by darkness, the only light source being a television screen. It creates a sense of mystery and raises many questions such as why he is there and what's going to happen. 

-His expression, the light reflecting off his eyes and the sweat on his forehead make him appear vulnerable and scared. He is looking up, possibly trying to find a way to escape and not paying attention to the television, which suggests conflict. 

-The framing and lighting is very effective. It is a close-up (CU) which focuses on the character's facial details. The TV screen is out of focus which creates depth of field, but it also adds to the effect that he is distracted by something above him. 

BLK Homework 1: Film Still + Evaluation

This is an image I have selected to write about from a collection of test shots we took with our group. The genre we chose for this shot was Horror. I think the shot represents the genre very well as it follows several horror conventions. The shot is a Medium Close-Up, Over the Shoulder shot (MCU OTS).

In order to create the ‘horror effect’, we thought carefully about the position of the character and how the light would illuminate his face. From studying still shots we knew that lighting, framing and mise-en-scene were important factors in creating a successful horror shot.

Body Language

The actor (me) is hiding behind a tree to create a sense of ‘creepiness’ and mystery. It creates enigma as the audience wonders – “who is he watching”? It is clear that the character is not a victim but a villain due to his expression looking ahead at someone and his body language, with his back to the tree so as to not be seen. To achieve this I was positioned behind the tree looking past the camera, which was placed to the side.

High Contrast Lighting & Use of Shadows

Another convention this shot follows is the use of lighting to induce suspense. In this shot there is high contrast between light and dark tones. Half of the character’s face is in shadow which suggests a ‘second personality’ or that he is hiding something. The lighting effect was much harder to achieve as we had to experiment with different positions and camera angles.

Camera Focus & Position

The camera’s focus is on the tree, which is also partly in shadow and its rough contrasted surface adds to the horror effect. This also helps make the character seem hidden as the tree takes up most of the shot. The position of the camera also creates dramatic irony as we, the audience, know that the villain is hiding there and watching someone, but the victim doesn’t and is likely to be in danger very soon.

Overall I think the shot was successful as it is very creepy and enigmatic. However if we were to retake this shot, I would consider a different location because the white windows in the background are slightly distracting. Despite this I think we have portrayed the theme and our intended effect quite well.