Unfortunately, I could not be present for the second day of filming, however my group has graciously filled me in on what I missed.
It seems that in my absence my group filmed Lionel (Robert) traveling into the other hospital rooms and him interacting with the mysterious figure following him. In addition to this, they also ended up re-shooting some clips from the dummy encounter on day 1 to make it seem less corny and cliche.
Katelyn grabbing Robert from behind the curtain, inducing fear into both him and the viewing audience towards the end of our opening
After my group filmed everything necessary, it seems they also went down a bit more of an experimental route. They attempted to film, what looked like, Katelyn’s feet levitating off the floor in mid air. This called for an especially interesting method of capturing the shot. You can only imagine my face when they described this to me. See for yourself:
Pierce laying on the hospital bed, holding Robert’s legs in place as Katelyn sat on them, lifting her legs slightly as they pushed her forward with a rolly chair. Evidence of our high school movie budget for sure :p
For a better visual, my group showed me this scene from “The Eye” (2008, Moreau, Palud) The scene depicts a paranormal figure levitating off the ground and his feet dragging across the floor. I was super freaked out by this, which meant the scene did it’s job.
see 2:20-3:20
The result of this interesting setup! They explained to me the shots will likely not be used, since Pierce’s hair and Robert’s legs kept getting in the frame. Not to mention, physics worked against them as it was difficult to move Katelyn forward in the directions necessary.
Since Mr. Engle has kindly agreed to stay after school with us so that we can get this project complete, we’ve divided filming in to two days. Unfortunately, I won’t be present for the second day, however this shouldn’t be an issue since day 2 of filming likely won’t take as long as day one had.
This is especially since our director, Pierce has taken it upon himself to create a detailed list of shots we’re expected to capture today. This made all of our jobs a lot easier, especially Ben who will use this to aid in compiling the necessary shots during editing. There was little to no confusion on set about what was expected to be filmed that day, as Pierce added us all to a Google Doc we were able to access on our phones.
When we arrived at the room at 2 PM, we immediately began setting everything up. This meant props, getting Robert suited in his costuming and ensuring the room was organized accordingly.
Against our better judgement, we decided to film the sequence of events chronologically. We began first by filming the clock that appears above Lionel’s bed frame. We had to use the Canon for this shot, as Katelyn’s iPhone had been revealing our reflections in the clock.
Katelyn (cinematographer) filming alongside the guidance of our director, Pierce
The first push in of Lionel’s face as he awakens required Katelyn to stand on the bed with the guidance of Pierce showing her how he’d like the shot to look. I commend Robert for being able to keep a straight face because this was quite a funny sight.
Katelyn (cinematographer) demonstrating how to hold the industrial lights for a satisfactory camera image
Movie magic! The dummy had to be supported by at least 6 pillows in order to stand up properly
In order to create the silhouette we intended to depict in our film, we employed the assistance of industrial lights that Pierce borrowed from his father. Seen in the image above is Katelyn holding the industrial light on the dummy so that he’d appear in the curtain. Katelyn first demonstrated to me how to hold the light correctly and then she began filming it from the other side of the curtain.
Something we learned from our first film experience was that we needed to film on multiple devices so that we could capture the same shots from several angles. As a result, we used Katelyn’s iPhone X (primarily), Ben’s iPhone 8, Pierce’s iPhone 6s and Robert’s iPhone 7. This method worked best in the interest of time since we only had until 5 to film.
As stated in my previous post, we have decided to change the setting of our film as the motel didn’t end up working with what we had envisioned. But fear not! I have already secured a new location for our film, and I feel this one will be even better than the last.
A mock hospital located on my school campus! This is common setting for thriller films and just this picture alone gives off a certain unsettling feeling. It can’t get any better than this! π I am confident this will establish the creepy vibe we were initially aiming for.
The mock hospital has several different “rooms” which may be useful if we choose to have Lionel explore in the film opening. This will also help as to maintain a realistic feel for the setting.
If the room wasn’t creepy in itself, take a look at these mannequins we found scattered throughout the building. Freaky, right? I’d like to incorporate them somehow, though I’m not sure how yet. I’ll discuss this with our director, Pierce before we film.
Since our film setting will be located at a hospital, Robert’s costuming will change to a hospital gown. Like before, this will make him appear more vulnerable but also depict him as a patient in the hospital. Luckily I didn’t have to go far to obtain this dress, as the room had hospital gowns supplied for us already. I also found some hospital socks, which will make the setting feel more organic and less artificial.
There is one caveat, however. :,) (Yes, everything’s too good to be true) The teacher in charge of this building can only stay until 3 pm. This leaves us with little to no time to film, which is very problematic considering the deadline for our final cut is quickly approaching and Ben will need ample time to edit and evaluate the footage. Mr Engle has offered to stay after school with us until 5 pm to supervise, giving us more time to get all the shots necessary. However, we will still have to split production into two individual days. This is something Mr. Engle advised heavily against, since we may find we have issues regarding continuity, though, against his better judgement, it seems we don’t have much of a choice. Trying to cram production into one day seems too daunting and we risk our footage appearing choppy and rushed. Which, given our first attempt at the opening sequence, is something we’re trying to avoid the second time around.
Hopefully everything goes according to plan this time. :,) Regardless, I’ll post about it but… stay tuned!
After much discussion and reflecting on our rough cut, we have ultimately decided to,,,scrap it and start back at square one. :,) Though inconvenient and painstaking as this may be, (especially this far into the project) we collectively agreed that our rough cut was less than satisfactory and overall, not what we had envisioned for the result of our film. However, this is okay, (I say this now but will probably regret it later) because we recognized the mistakes we made and when all said and done, our title sequence is gonna be more bomb than before. B)
It is important to note , however, that we are still sticking to the roots and skeleton of our film. The plot, characters, and branding will remain the same, and, so will the overall premise. We are essentially just filming in a new location, and making whatever changes are deemed necessary to fit that location.
WHAT IS GOING TO CHANGE:
1: THE SETTING: As enjoyable as the Super 8 Motel was, driving there was a major inconvenience for all of us. The drive itself took 45 minutes to an hour one way and, since *most of us don’t have our own means for transportation, it was up to our parent’s to take us there. (huge shout out to my parents for always being so supportive of our creative endeavors because I’m sure it’s tiring c,: ) Not only that, but the room was too expensive to rent a second time. (It was over $100!!) I haven’t yet decided our new film location, but when I do, that will be detailed in a separate blog post.
2: THE LIGHTING: Another major problem we encountered was the grainy and displeasing quality of the video. Due to our inexperience with the Canon camera, none of us knew how to create an exposure setting suitable enough to record in the dark! Robert’s dark complexion and attire made it even harder to see what was going on, so this is something that will for sure change. However, we would still like to add a blue hue during color correction, so as to maintain the dreamlike vibe we were initially aiming for.
3. THE MEANS OF FILMING: This leads into the next thing that will end up being changed. We used the Canon camera for most of the shots captured, as well as Katelyn’s iphone x. While we still may use the canon for some more advanced shots, we will ultimately use her phone for most of it. We may also use Ben and Pierce’s phone to capture the same shots from multiple angles. This will save us time as well as give us a wider variety during post production.
4: THE COSTUMING: Since we’re likely not going to be filming in a bedroom setting anymore, the next costuming decision will match whatever the new environment is, whatever that will be. The red dress worn by the phantom (Katelyn) may remain, though.
Today in class we were asked to reflect on our rough cuts, then let a friend who hasn’t seen it give us feedback and criticisms. Shown in bold are the questions we were presented with, and below the answers. Here were the results :^)
How much continuity does the video have? Are there any places where the continuity can be improved? How?
The video is lacking continuity in some areas since there are some shots missing which would have provided context. For example, the red cloth which is emphasized in several scenes, yet purpose is never explained or shown towards the end of the film.
To what extent is the video readable as a film opening? Can you understand that it’s an opening? Why or why not? What can you do to make it more readable?
I think it is only somewhat readable as a film opening. so far at least, considering it lacks a lot of elements which would have displayed so. For example a title card, credits, etc. In addition to this, the opening is somewhat convoluted as the story is difficult to follow without the plot being explained.
To what extent is the video readable within your chosen genre? Can you tell it’s a horror/thriller/comedy/coming-of-age etc.? How can this area be improved?
I think itβs definitley readable as a film opening for a thriller as it contains many stylistic elements made for the purpose of making the viewer uneasy. The lowkey lighting, imagery of the static tv, props (pill bottles) to name a few. Not only this but our actor Katelyn played a creepy role in the film which was shown to have provoked a jolt in everyone I showed our rough cut to.
Partner with someone who doesn’t know anything about your video. Record their answers to the following questions:
What is setting (time and place)? How can you tell? Motel, night, due to dark sky and sign.
Who are the characters? How can you tell? Unknown protagonist, and phantom, pictured in the film
What is the movie going to be about? How can you tell? Psychological thriller/ sci-fi horror, ghost of unknown origin is in the film
To what extent is it readable as a film opening? Not very readable, due to no signifying factors (like title cards etc), seems as though itβs just part of the movie.
To what extent is it readable as a thriller film? Very readable due to the appearance and disappearance of the phantom
Overall, how might the clarity of meaning in the video be improved?
Add some title cards to signify itβs the beginning otherwise it is very well done.
Overall, what are your ideas for how the above aspects of the video can be improved? Reshooting? Better editing? Sound? Rewriting parts of the script? What are your next concrete steps? Ambient music, title cards, etc. otherwise very well done
If you thought my mise en scene series was over, you’re wrong. B^) All jokes aside though, today will be the last installment… Lighting.
Lighting was an important factor when filming our title sequence at the motel.
In fact, I’d go as far as saying lighting played the largest role in creating meaning visually.
As production designer, I opted for lowkey lighting, as this would conform to the genre conventions of thriller films, as well as make our sequence appear more macabre. Everyone agreed with this preposition.
Effects of Lowkey Lighting
Creates tension due to its mysterious and dark atmosphere
Controls how much of the surroundings and characters are revealed
It sets the tone, mood and creates a dangerous association with enigma through the shadows and dull shades.
Refer to any scene with a high lighting ratio, especially if there is a predominance of shadowy areas.
It tends to heighten the sense of alienation felt by the viewer,Β
Due to the dark environment we were filming in, we required the assistance of several external light sources. Pictured above are me and Katelyn holding iphone lights to cast light on our actor Robert. Pierce, the director, observed in his viewfinder what looked best and instructed us to shift our lights in accordance to that.
However, to our dismay, we found that the Canon we were filming on did not capture images well in the dark. π¦ To remedy the issue we did the only thing we could do.
We got more lights. At one point there was five phones shining on Robert. Pierce also figured out how to increase the aperture on the camera, making the ease of seeing the visual images a lot easier.
Now that we have our footage captured, we will send it to Ben so he can manifest our rough cut. We all decided that a blue light or hue he would add during color correction would best aid in the aesthetic of our film, as well as construct a dream like, or fantasy environment.
cinematographer katelyn wagner testing the look of high angle shots
Not like I expected any less, but the room was a total catfish.
And I mean it.
There were unknown stains on the sheets, the carpet was detached from the wall, and certain appliances that were *supposedly* guaranteed with purchase of the room were missing. (For instance, the fridge..the bedroom door etc.)
However, the whole shooting experience was fun, definitley one for the books.
Our Shooting Schedule:
1:00 PM:Β Β Pierce Thomas (Director), Katelyn Wagner ( Cinematographer), and Robert Thomas (Actor) are to meet up at Pierce’s house and carpool in Roberts vehicle to the shooting location; a Super 8 Motel in Tampa, Fl. 2:00 PM: Check-in time for the motel room
4:00 PM:Editor (Ben Isaacs) and I are to arrive at the filming location to begin filming. Unfortunately, I had to be at work until 3 so I could not arrive earlier, otherwise I would have.
It should be noted that the check-out time is at 1:00 PM Sunday afternoon, so we can stay as long as necessary to film.
And boy, did we end up using that in our favor, because we ended up staying at the motel a lot longer than anticipated.
In fact, a good 5 hours longer than expected. We stayed at the motel until 1 am.
Would you believe me if I said we still didn’t finish? Because we didn’t. We ran out of time, so we were forced to create an alternative ending to our original script, as well as adjust the script since the room was not as expected.
Though the experience was very educational, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t worried about the end result of our film sequence. I fear our time spent here will be in vain if the shots look rushed.
Fingers crossed we’re able to put together a decent rough cut, and fingers crossed we won’t have to return to retake the footage. :,)
To star in my film, I proposed to employ Pierce’s brother, Robert. I believe Robert was the most appropriate actor for a film for a variety of reasons. For one, Robert has experience working in theater, so I was confident that he’d be flexible when instructed and given directions to follow. I also felt like he matched the image I had of our main protagonist to a T. My first impression of Robert is that he was serious, stoic, and kind of stone faced. He doesn’t show much emotion. Since our character is trapped within his own mind, haunted by the trauma of escaping death and losing his sister, I felt like his calm demeanor would create an interesting juxtaposition.
Pictured on the left: Katelyn Wagner, on the right: Robert Thomas
Our next actress is Katelyn Wagner, who will be playing the phantom of Lionel’s dead sister and is also the cinematographer in our group. We felt this was most convenient since Katelyn is comfortable around the camera & scheduling would not be problematic. Katelyn also has a very feminine appearance which, again, would provide good contrast to the spooky and disturbing nature of her character’s role.
πΌπ½πΈπ»ππ«πΈπͺπ»π: a sequence of drawings, typically with some directions and dialogue, representing the shots planned for a movie or television production.
Though ideal as it may seem, no good film crew spontaneously picks up a camera and begins filming their movie without having a plan. Every good film begins with an idea, where the idea is then developed and fleshed out. This case is no different with our film, Lucid Elucidations. Creating a storyboard will help make things easier during the production stage, sparing us the time we would have spent to figure out which shots we’ll need, and which ones will be scrapped.
After our director, Pierce, created his script detailing his vision for our film, our cinematographer, Katelyn, immediately went to work on developing a storyboard.
the completed storyboard
Katelyn has prefaced this storyboard with the emphasis that she isn’t an artist, though I think it conceptualizes our ideas for shots quite well. π The title sequence will begin with a master shot of the setting, followed by a push in on sleeping Lionel and tracking/ midshots of his interactions after he leaves his bedroom. As with everything, this is a loose construction of the shots our title sequence will consist of. This is, of course, subject to change as we may find it necessary to add or subtract certain shots.
me having several mental breakdowns throughout the course of the project because i struggle greatly with simple concepts
Throughout the process of filmmaking, we will be utilizing a variety of technology. To shoot, we will be utilizing a Canon EOS Rebel T4i camera that we rented from our teacher Mr. Engle, in addition to our partner Katelyn’s iPhone X to attain shots that aren’t possible on the Canon. To edit, we will use Sony Vegas Pro. The specifications of these technology will be thoroughly discussed in my partner’s blogs, however, I will discuss the condenser mic we will use to record the auditory effects in the film.
The condenser mic we are choosing to use is a “CAD U37 USB Studio Condenser Recording Microphone”. (a wordful, I know). After extensive research (because I am a grandma when it comes to electronics), I discovered that this mic could simply be plugged into my computer whilst I recorded sound. To practice, I recorded my voice, and the sounds of me tapping various objects to gauge the level of sensitivity this mic recorded with. I discovered the mic did well at minimizing background noise (for example from my fan, and loud family) and isolated the main source of what I was recording. This is going to be extremely helpful when we shoot, since ambient and subtle sounds are going to be a major feature of the film. Some sounds I may record consist of: air conditioning, footsteps, tapping, moving bedsheets, dripping water, turning sink faucets, and breathing.
graphic depicting the digital output level for a digital microphone
My mic has a sensitivity rate of -40dBV @ 1Pa. This is quite impressive, however, to compare, I searched for the most expensive condenser mic I could find. The result was one over $3,000, called the “Manley Reference Cardioid Microphone Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone”. Alternatively, this one has a sensitivity rate of 17mV @ 1Pa. Of course, this isn’t necessary in our ~low budget~ film, but it did provide some insight as to the importance of recording professional sonic effects in film.
Lucid Elucidations 