Reflection
Throughout the project, this is the area in which I can write and discuss my thoughts as the project rolls on and enlightens viewers about why I make certain decisions or change things along the way. Not only this, but important milestones or targets should be documented when they come.
18/03
UNIT 8
REFLECTIVE WRITING
18/03/19---24/05/19
Today we were handed the brief for the new project. The same as usual, with one big difference. There is no fixed theme. Any form of media is allowed, from photography to documentaries. In preparation, when I get home, I plan to watch some moving image to decide on the approach I feel. By doing this, I might be able to spark some initial ideas and inspiration that will therefore lay the foundations to have a structured and well-thought as a final piece.
19/03
Brief was explored and important information was either highlighted or marked such as the different examples of how we can reflect. From there, I had the opportunity to create the context page and articulate what different parts of the brief mean to me. This is not light work however. I am yet to finish the full deconstruction as there is different sub-topics to the main. On a side note, I created a to-do list early in the morning in order to gain some routine and haste about the work. I may have 10 weeks but that will fly. I feel the rush of time will benefit me as I will learn how to work better under pressure. Therefore, my future work will be of a better consistency.
Brief completion is about a third of the way. So far, my brain has not a wealth of ideas or thoughts on the approach I make.
If I can get a quick grasp on some ideas and then tie them down, I can go deeper into the messages and events into whatever media I decide to film.
20/03
I was ill for this day but managed to watch some film that triggered some initial concept ideas. I watched some episodes of the Walking Dead and Lost. Perhaps some kind of apocalyptic or dark short film? In the shows there were some settings that seemed familiar to those near me. And since I know some perfect locations for that kind of film I could definitely use that to my advantage. Working with what is familiar to me will ensure I work in situations that are known to me and I feel most comfortable. In return, a piece that appears professional whilst also having the feel of a piece that is almost a manifestation of my thoughts.
21/03
An initial mind-map of my interests was created. Interestingly, most of the sub-topics I thought of linked to the main genres of horror and gore. So far, a narrative film looks likely as I really do not find the idea of creating a documentary very appealing. I'd get bored quite easily and I've never really had a passion for that kind of film. However, Im fairly certain I'd possess strengths in making informative facts while keeping the 'snappy' element. Instead, I favour something with a flowing plot. With a narrative film I would portray my messages through the scenes and maintain consistent quality as I would not lose interest like I would with non-fiction film. By not losing interest, I will be able to fully focus on the creation and actually have a finished project.
22/03
Today I wrote down a list of about 15+ concepts and initial ideas. It's quite a diverse mix of different genres/plots. So far about 5 of them look the most convincing and upon a little further research I should know which one I am taking all of the way through. Still heading for the horror genre so far though. Been finding some makeup for effects which is enticing me to zombies even further. Who knows, it's still early on. Writing down the ideas meant I had a clear mind over what I want for the future.
23/03
After creating the list of final concepts, I decided to make a list of what the research would initially begin with. Reallistically, I should start with some famous film/show that features the apocalyptic theme. Perhaps the Walking dead? For the next few weeks I want to go down a pathway of research that is as close as possible to me. So it happens, The Walking Dead is quite a big interest for me. Honestly, using something like this is the best ion as I know every corner of the show and I can break it down to specific details. From there, I can manipulate these conceepts and potentially place them into my final submission.
I started off with something specific and then gradually widened the research. After a certain point, my secondary research will turn into experimentation.
24/03
I looked online for some tips on creating the 'zombie' look, I found a top-level makeup artist that revealed his secrets on many different articles. This artist is called Greg Nicotero and is on my research section. Having some professional insight on this topic will give me the best possible start to the project as he has an experienced recollection of different materials and costs. Ideally, going with a popular opinion would help optimise the quality of the video as this is classed as research and the best inspiration will lead to the best creation.
25/03
Some products I could potentially buy were looked at and added up in price. I dont believe I will pick up the stockings from my research as I am not willing to spend that kind of money on something I just might not use at all. I included the idea in my research as I thought it could be interesting, however I feel as if I need to be more skilled in the art of FX to execute it at a reallistic level.
27/03
As I've started off my project with research mainly towards the idea of aesthetic, I may delve into planning scenes intricately and creating a schedule for filming when this is complete. 7 weeks ( excluding holiday) remaining. A schedule will help me keep all ideas and plans fresh, if they are written down. This is going to be done on word. As well as this, I am thinking of stretching my research as far as books. I have one in my collection I am going to take some scans of. I find sometimes researching written word is better than using a physical form of film as I take in more information. Thus, the research would be more in depth.
26/03
This is an extract from a piece of fiction I have been reading lately. It also follows the world of a surivor amongst hordes of undead.
Few things I am interested in. The in-depth description from each diary entry gives me an idea on what life would be likes for a sole traveller. There are detailed points I wouldn't have thought to consider after reading this. One being the mention of an emergency broadcast. After reading this, I think I am going to save a space on my research page to explore the book's connotations.
28/03
Drawings of how the first scene will look was created today. Proportions and scale of my set were taken into consideration when creating this. I really believe this can help me to get the perfect angles and shots if I have a documented idea on where the camera will be placed and the character(s). The mentioned images are on my context page so I can keep a nice structured plan on how the scenes will go.
29/03
Experimented with camera placement in the place of filming today. Placed all the work in my practical skills page because then I can look back at important notes when the filming actually begins. Hopefully, the experimentation help build my skills and grow the ability in order to have a high-quality final piece that portrays the messages and themes I envisioned from the beginning of this project. So far, I think my visions are executing as best as possible for a first-year project, and I look forward ot the final project that I will be completed. Hopefully it is ahead of schedule so I can critique the video for my own persoanl development.
One thing is certain so far,however, I am enjoying the production so far and I have taken heavy pride in the aestehtic that is taking to my fotage. Even without the editing, the footage does not contain any irerelevant props or colours. When editing, I aim to implement the firy, warm orange hues I have discussed in the past research.
30/03
Had a problem with the settings of the camera and so I could not experiment as much as I wanted. Some changes to settings to be learned about. I believe the lighting wasn't correct for the settings I applied and so the focus would not change as the object I wanted was not visible to the sensor. Though quite irritating for me, these sort of situations help me learn of solutions during times that wield great pressure and help me prepare better for the next problem I come across in the future.
01/04
As part of research I continue to read some of the apocalypse-related book. In this book the electricity went out after around 5 days. Could I use this time scale for added realism to my plot/context? Definitely. By following research on this topic I will be able to achieve as much realism as possible. More realism means more enjoyment from the audience.
02/04
I've decided against the idea of my protagonist travelling to a public area that is abandoned. With the time left and the difficulty of finding somewhere that is not chartered or locked is making the chance of success slim. Also, I don't want to film something in a manner that the viewer recognises the location. Film is supposed to distract. I am going to have to substitute this scene for something new and possible within the remaining timescale. This is unfortunate but I need to make sure the film is complete on time and it looks realistic to the viewer.
03/04
I have started to watch something called "Fear The Walking Dead". The colour scheme is a consistent uniform of warm orange and golden hues. I am going to experiment with some colour grading to get a similar effect if possible on Photoshop. (practical skills page). The reason something like this interests me is because I want my aesthetic to reflect anger or fury. And as we know, the shades of red and orange have connotations of these terms.
04/04
The setting of my first scene has been examined and I am considering how it will play out. I need to take some of the posters from the wall and move some things around as it does not fit the aesthetic I am aiming for. Overall, it is very positive and I should be able to use it with ease as the door is in a perfect position for the camera and opening scene. Additionally, taking photographs of this is influencial for the advancment of the project as it keeps a reminder of where the camera will go for some of the scenes in this room.
05/04
Though I thought I had decided on my plot, it turns out that I have suddenly thought of how I can add some confusion and mystery to the original plot. I plan to mould the storyline so as to appear it is in fact backwards. I plan to keep the first scene I mentioned and then actually go backwards. The corpse in the body bag is in fact alive at the end of the film. The viewers won't understand this unless they think long and hard. I felt I had to write this down as a good idea such as this would really improve the film and d add a flow to the overall structure. Therefore, the submission would be the best it could possibly be if I wrote them down.
06/04
I watched some videos on the various structures used in film and literature. Through this, I can fully understand the territory I am crossing when making moving image that also happens to follow a narrative. By doing so, I can execute my work perfectly following the research I use. If I just attempted to execute the skills without heavy research and experimenting, the film would look strange or poorly-executed. I want the discussion of the work to be about the plot or the characters. Therefore, every careful measure needs to be taken.
07/04
I attempted to film today. However, the people I need some assistance from are actually busy for this week, I think I can spare this time and wait for them. As long as I am still planning and perhaps completing research, I am prepared to wait. This has a valuable lesson for me in this project as it means I now know all about what it may take to attract the crew to help in proejcts. Notably, one of the things I have learned is that we should offer incentives to them in order to motivate them.
08/04
Today I used the camera to take some short clips in which I experimented with manual focus. This didn't go to plan, but I have learnt more about the features of manual and I will be more prepared for when I film the scenes.
09/04
I have been recording some sounds on my Huwaei device to perhaps feature on the short film. This is an effective way to avoid copyright or legislation based around the owner of the sounds which would be used. My microphone on the phone is high quality so this is useful. Additionally, in hindsight, I can plan to record audio in case of any equipment failing to perform. Therefore, I would be able to have an immediate resolve in emergency and not fall behind.
10/04
New idea for additional scene. I am still figuring out how I could add it. This scene I am considering would perhaps be included to set the scene and introduce the location of the film.
Mid-shot showing empty car with light flashing and door open. Perhaps left behind in a hurry to escape from the danger(Context of film). For me, adding a scene like this is influencial in sending my message across the overall theme for the project as it explains the context of the plot. The idea that there is an abandoned piece of property that is potentially gaining dust over it is featured in some frames would tell the vieiwer that there is immediately something wrong. I want a reaction from the audience and I want them to form an idea of the universe that is inside the movie.
11/04
Some research into the law of copyright today. This is so I am fully aware of the sources I can and cannot use in my work. This could be music or brands on items in set. It would not be very ideal if my submission were to be stripped deu to the use of resources that weren't owned.
12/04
I'm scheduled to film in 2 days time. Additionally, this time there will an incentive for the cast so they feel an extra reason to appear. I am just completing some last minute sketches/ideas for the filming. A script will be created tomorrow. This is a sketch I created in my book when I was thinking of the film's scenes. Sketcehs for me are important because it is a way to create a physical form of my thoughts and therefore I can produce a video that is a good,professional quality.
13/04
Script was created today. In total, there are scheduled to be 3-7 scenes. When I am filming, this final number will be decided on the day. It depends on how the filming goes for me. If there is anything not used from the script, I plan to document the why and what instead. This is for my own reflection and notes for future projects in case I ever decide to create those scenes again. They cannot be forgotten.
14/04
I created some shots for the final piece. Although it was not the specific scene I was scheduled to do, I have some transition shots and I can look to base the aesthetic off of the photos I have taken. Future frames are intended to look like the ones I have taken. This is because I want a nice flow of a consistency in colours.. Also, I feel like I have more of a secure structure now that there are clips to mould around the main scenes I am going to film. No confirmed date yet, but it needs to be as soon as possible so I have enough time to piece the footage together. Without enough time to piece film together, the final submission will not look consistent and professional. Thus, there will be a low grade. I am going to place the scenes I did on my 'Context' and 'Practical' page.
15/04
My date to film the next set of shots is confirmed. 26th April. This is where all the main scenes are going to be filmed.This definitely gives me enough time to edit and piece everything together, in the way I desire. Personally, I think having spare time will only help to improve the final piece and any leftovers I need finish, such as the evaluation/critique. So this is positive.
16/04
When I am in the period between filming and not, I have been just keeping the set's organisation and cleanliness together. Basically, making sure that there are no objects that do not fit the aesthetic or vibe. The best thing would be to have complete continuity over the entire film, and I am going to make sure this is done as well as possible when editing. Additionally, I could take double shots so I can make sure everything is rolling smoothly. With extra footage, there is less chance of the final submission seeming as to lack something or being too short.
17/04
Minor problem with the camera. Will need to resolve this as soon as possible. This is a small matter, I just need to conduct some research to discover the best manual settings for a nightime shot. As a solution, I may have to use the tripod for my phone and record some of the shots from there. This is not idealm but it is a short-term solution and the quality of my mobile is actually quite impressive.
19/04
Usually, when filming in my room, I add a small LED light that deflects off the wall for a soft light with the candles to make the flames appear stronger than they are. However, the light is being browned by a family member and so the candle scenes are in a darker than usual setting.
The lens will not focus on the objects due to it being unable to detect them. As an alternative, I will look at some forms of alternative lights such as lamps I can use. As a way around this and to ensure the footage I record looks impressive, I have been viewing some videos that discuss the Manual setting and how to maintain the optimal focus. This is pivotal as soe of the scenes I aim to record are heavily reliant on this setting. Without these scenes, the product would perhaps be lacking or would not run as smoothly.
24/04
In response to the LED being borrowed, I have been hunting for a light source. After some exploration in some electrical stores, I have purchased a bulb that can change colours in the press of a button. I can now use strong hues or light, soft colours to depict my characters in the correct aesthetic. This was a little out of budget but it will be worth it in my opinion when the final film is completed. Though the decision cost a big amount of money, it will make the video look quite impressive and consistent due to the flow of a uniform colour set.
25/04
26/04
I had a brief look over some of the footage from the camera, and some of the audio was not picked up during filming. Now, I think I am going to film again with my phone's audio recorder to try achieve the foley sounds I originally planned to get. Then, when editing, I will be able to add or layer the sound onto the footage to piece it all together.
28/04
I added some examples of what I have been experimenting with for when I begin editing, which looking at my situation will be around the 6th/7th May. This leaves me enough time to wrap up the whole website and evaluation. Therefore, there will be a good consistency and quality throughout.
29/04
I have chosen the kind of settings I will be experimenting with when editing begins. In terms of colour, I aim to have quite a high temperature and a moderate tint. This is the level I will be selecting for three-quarters of the scenes.
The reason I am going to use the higher temperature is because I want the colour to reflect the mood of my protagonist. After the los of his partner, he is bound to be angry. And of course, the colour orange/red represents fire or fury.
Additionally, the orange will emphasise the heavy appearance of the candles I will use in the set. Hopefully, the viewers will notice this metaphor in the colour.
30/04
Looking back at some of the Context, I think I need to go over one or two components I did not include, and they are equally as important. One example I can think of right now is the constraints list. This is influential and explains the basic obstacles and how it can be overcome. I will get to it now and this will also help clear my mind if I have clear solutions to potential roadblocks.
03/05
I want to start editing early for the final piece. I have some free time and if I have a long time on the footage, it could be executed really well. The information on my edits will be placed on the practical page and features the explicit method/key terms. This is in case I forget some of the skills towards the business end of filming. Consistency is needed so every method needs to be the same if I want the aesthetic to match throughout.
04/05
During the stages of editing, I believe I will need to start noting some important points that I feel should be mentioned in the evaluation. In fact, there has already been some points noted down that are worth mentioning . Below is a screenshot that entails the memorable moments so far (or the moments that shaped how the film looks).
07/05
Editing is well under the way at this point and there are some things I have noticed. So far, some of the clips are quite shaky. On my practical skills page I delve into how to eliminate the shake or blur in footage and mould it into the highest possible quality.
08/05
Now, I need to think about wrapping up the page and finalising the content within. Once the video is complete, I plan to place it on the context and evaluation page. I just need to make sure there is explanation on every decision so the viewer is not left confused and the information is accessible.
14/05
Filming, editing and all research/context is complete. Now is the time for the biggest document of this project. Usingthe information that I discussed about the memorable moments, I want to recollect the experience I have had with my project and final piece over the past ten weeks. I plan to go into immense detail so the viewer can really get to know the meaning of the piece and how it transformed over the duration of ten weeks. There will be some honest opinion on myself, my work and what could have been different had everything gone my way. That is never the case in media however, and I also discussed what I think went well. For example the aesthetic and morals.
24/05
Here is the final passage of my evaluation and overall project.
In conclusion, the project and brief I have been given seemed quite a leap from the conventional safe-zones I had in the form of smaller projects through the year. However, with some realignment of thought and perspective, I believe I have completed this project to the best of my ability if I take into consideration the obstacles I have received. For example, I had a myriad of days in which I could not film due to the actors not being able to deliver on that day. There were times in which I felt I was down and out because of a technical issue with the camera or an edit not coming of for me. However, I truly believe I have stood tall in the moments of overwhelming pressure and pushed my way through the hardship. From this, a piece of work that I have no shame or embarrassment over. In terms of how this project has re-moulded me, I believe it has laid the foundations that pave the way to working in future employment that revolves around media. I have enjoyed every chapter of this briefing and have unlocked sections of my mind and capabilities that even I did not know existed.
I truly look forward to the opportunity in which I can challenge myself to a piece of media again.