Preliminary exercise evaluation

The plan helped us to carry out this task as we had a clear understanding on what the characters need to say and the shots that are required for the clip to be effective. We struggled with some parts as the script was done later than expected making it harder to know what was needed to be done. This made it difficult as a clear story line wasn't produced meaning not all shots were planned in time. When the script was produced it was easier shooting the clip as the characters knew what dialogue to say and we had a clear story line to follow making the shot-list and story board easier. The shot-list helped us with the clip as we had a chronological order to do things in which made everything easier to do. The problem we had was that certain clips had to be shot again as there were people in the background of the clips and this didn't look professional.  The story board was also effective as we had an idea of how the clip would look and how each shot would be effective, if something didn't work we would have been able to seen with the storyboard so we could change this or play around with it which helped us get the order of clips. On the other hand the storyboard needed improvements as it didn't give a complete representation of what each shot was going to be like. The images showed needed more details to be added such as the background/setting as this is seen to be one of the crucial parts of film.

The thing that I found to be the most effective in this clip was the camera shots that were taken; they worked well with the effects and music that was played alongside it. The dolly shot that was used was effective as it showed all 3 characters and made the situation more dramatic as the focused changed from the main protagonists to the villains. Another strength of this is that the varieties of shots delivered were very much on point and came out great as there were no ‘shaky’ camera movements. The effects that were used worked well with the idea of the main protagonist waking up in a daze figuring where he is and what is going on, this was useful as the audience can identify something has happened previously in order to get to these scene where the protagonist wakes up. The low camera angle that was used fitted well with the scene as it provides the audience with the knowledge that the main protagonist is the one who possess power which was identifiable later on through the clip. The acting of the characters was also realistic and was if something was going towards as the clip progresses.

There were also some negatives in this clip; the main weakness was that the clip didn't follow the brief at all meaning we lost marks. This was crucial as in the actual task following the brief is important. Another weakness was the distortion on the clip and the music that was played over the dialogue in the scene; it made it harder for the audience to hear what was going on meaning the story line is also harder to follow. There should also be no music played when the characters are talking if not minimal so that the characters are understood and the dialogue is then clear. Although the effects used at the start of the clip where useful it was overwhelming where the first few seconds had just been consistent edits. The dialogue was also a bit short meaning a clear understanding of what was going on was clear but could have been in more depth if a few more sentences were added towards the dialogue.  The location could have been changed to make the scene more effective rather than being inside. A few more camera shots would have been beneficial as it would give us more of an option to add more shots that could have provided a more realistic feel to the clip. 

preliminary exercise planning

Script: 

INT. OFFICE BUILDING

FADE IN:

A YOUNG MAN, 17, IS SEEN LAYING ON THE GROUND WITH GREAT DISCOMFORT, BODY HALF SHAKEN, EYES TWITCHING AND SWEAT RUNNING DOWN HIS FACE. HIS CLOTHES ARE CASUAL BUT HIS WATCH IS NO LONGER TICKING. 

PUAL

PARTICIPANT 429... WONDERFUL.

LARRY

THERE IS NOWHERE OUT, DO YOURSELF A FAVOUR A COME WITH US.

PARTICIPANT

YOU'RE WRONG. (STUTTER) THERE IS SOMETHING, SOMETHING WE AS HUMANS SIMPLY UNDERSTAND - TIME.

FADE TO BLACK.

PRODUCTION: "OUTSET"
RUNNING TIME: 35 SECONDS
ASPECT RATIO : 16:9

DIRECTED BY:
ALAN BRZEZINSKI

CLAPPER LOADER: TARANJIT PANESAR

CAST: 
AARUN SAINI - PARTICIPANT
AKASH COCO SHARMA - PAUL
REHAN ALI - LARRY

MUSIC: SPEAK WE'RE LISTENING - RYAN TAUBERT
(Extracted from full version)

EQUIPMENT:
Nikon D3200
35mm 1.8
70-300mm 3.4
Manfrotto Video Tripod w/Fluid Head
Newwer Tripod Dolly
Rode Videomic.

SLATE REF	SHOT TYPE	DESCRIPTION
1A	CU	Participants face is shown in distress as he’s lying on the floor
1B	ECU	Participant’s eyes are shown with a blur over them.
1C	ECU	Participant’s clock is seen still with its seconds not moving at all.
1D	CU > MS	He stands up with medium pace as the dolly pulls back from the ground to a standing position.
2A	MS	As the participant stands there he visualises the past events that occurred before he woke up. As his visions start to end we hear footsteps getting louder and we see the framing normally once again.
3A	MS	This shot continues from the previous one. We now drag with the dolly to reveal the characters where the participant is facing.
4A	Pan + MS	Paul and Larry confront the participant. Camera pans when Paul finishes speaking and focuses on Larry.
4B	CU	The participants reaction is seen
5A	LS	We see the characters together in the shot.
6A	MS	We see the participant give his short speech, he takes out a strange metallic object, presses his fingers against it and disappears – FADE TO BLACK.

Film Language test learner response

Q1. The mise-en-scene suggests that the killer is secretive and deceiving. The clothing that the killer was wearing was a long black overcoat and a hat. This is done to hide his identity as a killer doesn't want to be discovered, this is highlighting the killers personality to be mysterious. The low key lighting is usually used in the Film Noire genre as it suggests criminality which synergies with the killer as the low-key lighting shows criminal behaviour and a lack of identity to cover up his crime. The gun the character has shown his dominance and killer instinct, this also fits in with the dead bodies at it could also suggest that he has killed everyone on the boat. It could connote that he is a gangster or criminal of some sort. The use of the boat could mean that there was a deal or meeting that was meant to take place but the killer having the gun murdering everyone shows his power as he killed multiple people. This links back to his criminal identity as the gun suggest he's a criminal and the events that have occurred also suggest this. The characters slow pace walking towards Keaton identifies his dominance in the situation as he is taking his time to walk up to Keaton as he's in control and feels that whatever happens is inevitable.

The mise-en-scene portrays Keaton to be weak and vulnerable. The clothing that is worn by Keaton is beaten down and dirty which implies he's been a fight or accident of some sort. He is made to look defeated and beaten up as the killer is the dominant one between the two. The flames behind Keaton conveys that he has been involved in the incident and also the use of the dead bodies suggest something has happened which has lead to the fall of Keaton giving the killer a boost in dominance. Keaton uses the matches to cause a fire which is giving the impression he has no strength in him and suicide is the only option as he doesn't want to be killed by the killer so he can keep his pride. Keaton doesn't move when the killer walks up to him after the flame has been put out, Keaton accepts death as it is inevitable that he is going to die. 

Editing task

THE GODFATHER

The start of this scene fades in from black to the setting, this is done to highlight a new event or day is taking place. In this scene mainly cuts were used as 2 people were speaking, this was to show each character speak from and over the shoulder shot. There’s a jump cut through this scene when the two men are shot at the table, this is done so the audience can focus on this quickly. This allows the audience to see what is happening being a surprise/shock inclining them to pay attention. The cut to the bathroom is done to show a change of setting and the events that are going to take place in there. The lack of editing is done at this bit to show Michael looking for the gun that was planted for him. This is to show him searching for the weapon which is going to be used to kill the characters at the table. This is also done so the audience grow attached to Michael keeping them focused on what is going to happen and what he’s looking for. The cuts are used whilst Michael is in the bathroom to show what the other characters are doing at the table showing all the characters. The end of this scene fades out to black indicating that the scene is over or the end of the day. The pace of the editing is of normal speed as Michael and Sollozo are having a conversation at the table. The conversation is naturally flowing and each character says what they need to, which is the reason for the editing to be at this pace to create a realist feel about it. The cut scenes speed up when Michael pulls the trigger it cuts to the character that’s being shot then cuts back to Michael holding the gun. There is an eyeline match when Michael is talking to Sollozo at the start of the scene before speaking. This is also done again when Michael comes out of the toilet and both characters at the table looking back at him to see what he’s doing. This creates an image for the audience that both characters think something may happen to them and are being cautious by keeping an eye out on Michael.

Cinematography

The Conjuring

The shorts that have been used in this clip are mainly close ups due to the genre being horror and part of the genre is to identify when a character is frightened. The close ups are used on the female to show she is the main character in scene and for us to develop a connection with her as most of the screen time is on her. Another key close up is of the doll which is done to enable the audience what caused the females to be afraid. There are also close ups of the charters who enter the house which talk to the female about the demonic possession which also signifies that they play a huge role in this scene. The camera moved according to who was speaking, the camera would instantly move closer of further away depending on who was speaking and what was said. Each shot had all characters in when speaking to one another. The camera would zoom out of someone's face to see the reaction that's been placed on their face. The hero's in this scene (male and female who enter later on) are shot from the side view to capture both of the whilst one another are speaking, the camera slightly tilts when changing character. The 3 others who are sitting on the opposite sofa are always shot from a long shot to capture all of them in the scene. There is a point of view shot from one of the characters when there was banging noise and someone was opening the door. The camera angle was higher when all characters were talking and it focused on the 3 sitting on the sofa, this is to identify that they're weaker and vulnerable compared to everyone else. 

Sound task

INSIDIOUS 
The music used in this scene of the film is non-diegetic, only the audience can hear the music and not the characters in the film. The music at the start is contrapuntal to the scene of the film as the child is sleeping and the atmosphere in the house is tranquil, this is different to the music as it is more sinister. The music then changes but is still parallel as a women is at the door of the house with a sinister look that's present on her face. The music changes the atmosphere from being tranquil is disturbed by the presence of the women and the build of tension through the music. The genre of the film being horror synergies with the music that speeds up and creates tension. The sound bridge used is after the images of the house were shown to introduce the main characters while they were both sleeping and the female protagonist just woke up

FIlm Noir

Film Noir has a lot of shadows present in the film and is monochrome. There is always a femme fatale in the film who is seen to be vulnerable and needs assistance from the male protagonist who is seen to be strong and masculine. The films always seem to highlight red colours to show danger and bad things that could happen or have happened. The plot of the film usually has a crime scene to it where a female is always behind it or takes part in some of the crime.