Normally, we are use to using basic computers, yet for our main task we used specially designed computers used for editing pieces of footage on the Apple Mac, and used the software Final Cut Pro software. These were a lot more complex, therefore it took a lot of practice and exploration to ultimately do our final desired effects on our opening film. Because of this professional programme that we used, it enabled us to use technologies which would not have been possible on a normal PC, such as adding in sound over the top of the footage, and inserting the credits between shots.
Although there was a lot of icons which were used to help us with certain functions, some procedures were difficult to achieve, such as trying to slot in the credits and change the way that the credits entered the slides. It took many attempts before we were happy with the final product.
College provided us with the recording equipment; camera-recorder and tripod. When filming we were especially careful when shooting all of our clips, to make sure that we left a large gap before and after filming. This made the process of editing in the suite a lot easier as we knew when to cut the shot and merge the clips to make the transitions smooth and flow. After getting use to filming with the cameras, this enabled us to develop our more creative ideas, as we knew how to work the camera for different desired effects, such as placing it on the flat ground, doing a close up of the feet walking down the pavement.
A shot which we wanted to include, was a fast paced editing shots, showing the main character running away from her imagination down an alleyway, dodging through the bins. However, after observing the footage that we already had, we felt that it did not fit in, and perhaps would not have finished the editing in time for the dead line, as lots of different shots were needed to be cut and inserted.
The tripod enabled us to do certain angled shots which would not have been possible otherwise, and was particularly effective for keeping the camera straight and not shake whilst shooting. It further allowed us to do higher shots that we were unable to reach at a safe, stable angle.
From watching other media products, we were able to learn more about the 180 degree rule and how to film it correctly without exceeding the angle. This was done in our product, so that it does not confuse the viewer when watching, particularly when there are two characters during a conversation. It is ideal to associate each person on one side of the screen so that the camera can act as the person's view. Swapping them round on straight after a shot, would confuse the viewer as the shots do not connect with the previous one shown.
Different shots are essential in creating different atmospheres and representing emotions. For example, a low angle shot suggests a character that is dominant and has respect, as the shot suggests that the character is above everyone and looked up by them. The camera acts as an almost point of view shot from the viewer, so that they can identify the person as being in control. Because of this, we were keen to use as many shots in order to show our creativity, and likewise present our characters in ways to provoke pity from the audience, from the young girl as she appears naive and alone. High angle shots would be appropriate, to portray her as being looked down upon, in contrast to having no control giving the effect of her having a dark cloud constantly above her head, disrupting her life. A high angle shot of her feet as she walked down the pavement suggests how she is always looking down, promoting the idea of her being insecure.
Some problems did occur whilst filming. At the beginning, we found the different functions of the camera, different to get use to, as every camera in different in that it has different buttons for different functions. It made some filming difficult in that sometimes when we thought we were filming, we took still pictures instead.
Another incident which occurred affecting our overall progress was after recording some essential shots from behind the tree, we put them onto the Mac to view, but were not able to locate the files, and therefore had to go out and make sure we recorded the footage again on a different day.
Moreover, after saving some of our edited footage at different stages, misplaced our saved footage instead of saving in the HD Macintosh folder. This created more hassle when we wanted to find our footage and carry on editing, instead of saving it to a server where it should have originally been.
To help us with ideas, we used websites on the internet such as 'Youtube' to help us look at footage from films which were ideal in helping us expand on our current ideas. We looked at the films, "Brick", "Changeling" and "Girl, Interrupted".
Blogger was also used as a diary, in order for our group to keep updating our current progress from the beginning with all of our basic ideas, leading up to the final piece. It was also an opportunity to share our final piece with others, and gave us practice if we were to use this software again in the future. Newer technologies are essential in creating better, and more realistic films in the cinema and in the media in the future.
From watching other media products, we were able to learn more about the 180 degree rule and how to film it correctly without exceeding the angle. This was done in our product, so that it does not confuse the viewer when watching, particularly when there are two characters during a conversation. It is ideal to associate each person on one side of the screen so that the camera can act as the person's view. Swapping them round on straight after a shot, would confuse the viewer as the shots do not connect with the previous one shown.
Different shots are essential in creating different atmospheres and representing emotions. For example, a low angle shot suggests a character that is dominant and has respect, as the shot suggests that the character is above everyone and looked up by them. The camera acts as an almost point of view shot from the viewer, so that they can identify the person as being in control. Because of this, we were keen to use as many shots in order to show our creativity, and likewise present our characters in ways to provoke pity from the audience, from the young girl as she appears naive and alone. High angle shots would be appropriate, to portray her as being looked down upon, in contrast to having no control giving the effect of her having a dark cloud constantly above her head, disrupting her life. A high angle shot of her feet as she walked down the pavement suggests how she is always looking down, promoting the idea of her being insecure.
Some problems did occur whilst filming. At the beginning, we found the different functions of the camera, different to get use to, as every camera in different in that it has different buttons for different functions. It made some filming difficult in that sometimes when we thought we were filming, we took still pictures instead.
Another incident which occurred affecting our overall progress was after recording some essential shots from behind the tree, we put them onto the Mac to view, but were not able to locate the files, and therefore had to go out and make sure we recorded the footage again on a different day.
Moreover, after saving some of our edited footage at different stages, misplaced our saved footage instead of saving in the HD Macintosh folder. This created more hassle when we wanted to find our footage and carry on editing, instead of saving it to a server where it should have originally been.
To help us with ideas, we used websites on the internet such as 'Youtube' to help us look at footage from films which were ideal in helping us expand on our current ideas. We looked at the films, "Brick", "Changeling" and "Girl, Interrupted".
Blogger was also used as a diary, in order for our group to keep updating our current progress from the beginning with all of our basic ideas, leading up to the final piece. It was also an opportunity to share our final piece with others, and gave us practice if we were to use this software again in the future. Newer technologies are essential in creating better, and more realistic films in the cinema and in the media in the future.
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