Our Final Film Opening

Weekly Updates (Week 10) (Elizabeth Mensah-Tandoh)

Today i have have adding last minutes things to our blog. Looking at our blog overall as a whole. Ensuring we have all the information that is needed. Looking at every post made individually,and going over and bits i feel that may have been left out.I have been added more of our posted to the software Scribd.


Although my whole group is not with me today.I have been contacting one of my group Georgia (Director) member throughout. Asking her any questions that i am unsure of.

Overall today has just been me looking over our blog.To see if any areas could be improved before the deadline.

Meeting Minutes ( Elizabeth Mensah-Tandoh )

On the 5th of March we had another meeting.Which took place in one of the lesson that we had.We spoke as a group about when we will be filming,the different roles each of use would have while we film.We arranged a set day and time of where we should be filming.What loactions and what equipment will be needed.We also planned to book a camera for the 9th of March.And a esitmated time of how long we would film each scene for.So that our time was managed well and had enough time to get everything done.

It was a very quick meeting that last for about 7 minutes.However Georgia as the director as the group felt it was important for us to know what each of us will be doing.And so that on the filming day we could get straight down to filming without having to ask any questions of what each of us would be doing.

Filming Journal (Camera Elizabeth Mensah-Tandoh)

Location
Our filming was taken place in Havering college.During the pre-production we took some pictures of the set location and posted them on the blog.

Group Members Present
Audrey Khanye (Editor)
Elizabeth Mensah (Camera woman)
Georgia Harris ( Director,cast memeber)
Jo (Cast member)

As i was the camera person i felt it was important for me to make sure i was there to collect the camera equitment that was needed in order for us to film.The plan ws for the group and cast members to meet outside the entrance of the college at 5:00PM.The first place we planned to film was in another area of the college.However we still needed to wait for Audrey one of our group members to arrive as she was running late.However wee still decided to continue getting ready to film.As when she does finally arrive the director (Georgia) or myself (Camera person) could inform her of what was next and what we she needed to next and how she could help.
Audrey arrived just in time before we had began to film.
The first place we filmed was in B block.This wasnt the oringal plan to film in B block.However we as a group thought that it would be better for us as the lighter was much better, and also gave up more space to move around and was nearer to the other areas that we wanted to film in.Such as the car park.The filming was easy to do.We was able to accomplish all the filming in one night.Which helped as it gives us more time to spend on our evlauation.The second place that we filmed was in one of the corridors in B block and also the elevator.The third being outside in the college car park.It was the most challenging place to film as it was dark and very cold.As it was very cold it was hard for all of us to concerntrate on anything else.However it was important for us to get everything right the first time as it weould prevent us from having to repeat anything again.


Promblems The Occured And How They Were Resolved
The first problem that occured was one of the cast members was unable to arrive as she had her own personal problems.So we decided to use another actress.Our director (Georgia)Which made things better for us as she was able to direct and give instructions of how things should be.
The second was one of the tripod stopped working.It was not staying straight and made the camera look as if it was not able to focus properly.So we had to change the tripod with a another one.Which delayed filming.As we had to ask and wait for our media teacher to open the cupboard with all the equitment.However when we did finally get a new tripod and continue filming.
Another problem was other groups filming outside.As other media groups were also filming there opening sequence the same time as ours.They got in the way when we was filming.There use of prop (A car) The head lights of the car at time shone on thE camera.So we had to once or twice cut and begin again.But when we kindly asked them to give us time to film this short scene so we would soon be out of there way.They were understanding and gave us time to finish the scene.

Conclusion
Overall i feel the filming was a great success as we were able to film everything in one day,and did not have to come back to correct our mistakes.I feel this was because everyone in our group gave 100 percent to the filming and was a great helped and gave suggestion to problems when they occured.Everyone in the group helped with everything aswell as everyone having a job to do.Audrey listening to the noises and what could be heared on the camera.Georgia was the director and the actress which meant she had the one of the hardest jobs as she had to concertrate on two things at once.And myself the camera person.Although i was behind the camera.I had to have a lot of patience when things went wrong.Also having to position the camera in various different angles so we were able to get a range of different shots.We all put a lot of hard work and dedication into the filming and that is what made it such as success.

Weekly Updates (8-9) (Elizabeth Mensah-Tandoh)

This week has been one of the most challenging weeks so far as we have have had to make changes to the original plans made. However we were able to over come them.As we filmed for the first time this week.And was successful as we did everything correctly.After that night of filming we were able to getting read to begin editing.And this was done by Audrey.The same day and the following day she finished editing the whole filming sequence and added score music to it.And we feel as a group that it looks good and do not need to added anymore to it or that it needs anymore addjustments.

The next week we are hoping to post our film onto our blog,make questionnaires and ask similar people we are targeting to ask them answer questions and get to their opinions on what they think of about film.

Meeting Minutes ( Elizabeth Mensah-Tandoh )

Today in class we had a group discussion about our filming date.We spoke about all the equipment that will be needed when filming.And how we plan to use our time appropriately when so we can film to the best of our ability. We have planned to film on Tuesday the 10th of March at 5:00pm.However we will be meeting at 4:30pm which allows us to have enough time to finish the previous lesson we were in, meet up,get all the equipment ready and begin.We feel this was the best time to film as it is the beginning of the week and if any other adjustments are need to be made it can quickly be arranged.

Rules and Regulations When Filming ( Elizabeth Mensah-Tandoh )

The 30° rule is a basic film editing guideline that states the camera should be moved at least 30° between shots of the same object. This change of perspective makes the shots and angels different enough to avoid a jump cut.

The 180° rule another guideline that should be followed when film making that says that two characters (or other elements) in the same scene should always have the same left/right relationship to another. If the camera passes over the imaginary axis connecting the two objects or subjects,it is called crossing the line. The new shot, from the opposite side, is known as a reverse angle

Story board ( Elizabeth Mensah-Tandoh)

As nobody in the group are good drawers.We came up with the idea of taking photos with a digital camera.By doing this it was allow us to take photos from different angles and potential shots we may be able to use when we eventually film. They are many advantages to this as it is time affiant than drawing a picture out on a piece of paper.The Storyboard entails us to tell a story with a number of sequential images with consideration for scene detail, character continuity, camera angles, special effects. However because we are taking pictures of our storyboard instead of drawing. There will not be as much detail than if it was done by drawing as you are able to add more detail to it. Although we may change the angles we want when filming, it gives us a plan we can go with when filming.But if they are any changes made when filming when will ensure they are noted down and given a reason behind the reason this was done and how it has helped by making this changes.

Change of Plans ( Elizabeth Mensah-Tandoh)

So today i have taken the opportunity to get some theory work done. Making sure that certain things are added to our blog,Making sure things are up to date and adding more to the blog.

Here is a picture of Audrey on one of the days that we spent more time on the blog.As we was unable to film.

Draft Location Notes and Images ( Elizabeth Mensah-Tandoh )

The location that we have chosen to film our 2 minute opening sequence to a thriller is in the college inside the building inside the corridor as the women is walking out of her class.The reason for this is for the audience to have a clear view of where the women is located and what is happening.



The second image is just outside the class the class room doors.Where the disabled women bumps into Shenna and drops her books and bags.The reason this was done was because ther is a corner at the side and it makes it more realstic when she drops her things as both of them are unable to see another.




The third image is of the sliding doors of where the two actors will be leaving to make there way to the car park.



The last place that we will be filming is at the car park.This is where the Protagonist pushes the antagonist in the car and kidnaps her.Where is will be parked in a disabled place so that her real identity is unknown.

Cast Members (Georgia Harris & Elizabeth Mensah-Tandoh)

Antagonist
Name:Georgia
Characters Name: Sandra
Age:17
Gender:Female
Appearance: white,Blonde hair,
Build:slim,5ft 4 inches
Mise-en-scene: Casual everyday clothing
About the Character:Sheena will be playing Natalie the Antagonist.We choose Sheena to play the role of Natalie because she fits into the typical college student look, and portrays to the audience a sense of innocence which is what a character needs to have


Protagonist
Name:Sheena
Character Name:Jo
Age:Mature Women
Gender:Female
Appearance:White Blonde hair
Build: 5ft 6inches
Mise-en-scene:Casual everyday clothing
About the character:We choose Jo to play Sandra who is seen as disabled in the film because she met the criteria of an middle aged woman who could realistically have a teenage daugther in real life, so again a sense of reality to the audience and making it easier for them to relate too.

About The Preliminary Task ( Elizabeth Mensah-Tandoh)

The Preliminary task was the first piece of camera work that i did.When we was put into groups and assigned to do this task i felt it was important for me to take role as the camera person.The reason for this was because when my media group eventually begin to film our opening sequence to our film.I will be taking the role as the camerawomen.And was accentual for me to get some practice while i could.It allowed me to learn more about the camera,the different buttons there were,the various camera that would be available to us and how i could position the camera at different angles.These were just some of the things i needed to learn and get practice in before we filming.There are various things I learnt when you film.Patience being one of the most important.And this is what i found was virtual with the actors when they forgot there lines,as well as when when had to change angles when wanted to shot from.It was also very important for me memorize the angles and shots there were as the director or an individual in the group may have a different idea from what we had previously placed as.So two days before we filmed the preliminary task i had to revise all the angles and shots there were.However my preliminary group was very hardworking and dedicated want hen mistakes where made.We all insured to just do the best we could and continued filming till it was filmed correctly.

When it came to editing our preliminary task my group was all shown by our teacher the ways we could edit,how we could add score music and add different affects we could add to the filming.However i felt this was too challenging for me to do and felt that i was taking up to much time trying to get use to the editing software.So another member in my group that had previously done editing took charge of it. I sat beside her and gave her assistant of the different shots i had used while filmingand what ideas i thought would make the editing looking a lot more better.

Overall it made me have a lot more confidence when i came to using the camera.As the preliminary was the first piece of filming i have ever done i found it extremely exciting and bits of it challenging.However i feel there is a lot more i could learn about the cameras which i am hoping to learn in the next following weeks.

Software Used ( Elizabeth Mensah-Tandoh)

There will be various types of softwares that will need to use through out blog. One of them being Scribd. Scribd is a software that we have got use to using as it has helped layout or script better.At first we was not sure how to use it. However it was interesting as it made our script look a lot more professional than just writing it down on the blog. Another being Final cut pro.

This is the first time for all of us in the group using this software.It took some time getting use to features as we found them challenging. However Audrey is doing the editing has practiced while editing the preliminary task and is now learning more about the software and the various features it will offer us when editing our final opening sequence.
The third software we will be using is soundtrack pro. Which was on of the most exciting as when learning it will help our portfolio and editing our filming.

Theory (Elizabeth Mensah-Tandoh)

I thought it essential for me to find about the influential French literally theorist Roland Barthes. He developed a theory that there are five major codes within a story that are interwoven in order to create meaning. Barthes had five codes,The first being.

A Hermeneutic Code- is something that is unexplained and which creates an unanswered question, often appearing at the beginning of the story,creating a tension that engages the audience.
Hermeneutic codes are at the root of all mysteries. act is shown and the remainder of the narrative is for answering questions raised by the event. And in order for the audience to remain interested the final truth is not revealed.

The Proairetic Code-The Proairetic Code also builds tension, referring to any other action or event that indicates something else is going to happen, and which hence gets the reader guessing as to what will happen next.
The Hermeneutic and Proairetic Codes work as a pair to develop the story's tensions and keep the reader interested. Barthes described them as,dependent on,two sequential codes.The revelation of truth and the coordination of the actions represented: there is the same constraint in the gradual order of melody and in the equally gradual order of the narrative sequence.

The Semantic Code-This code refers to connotation within the story that gives additional meaning over the basic denotative meaning of the word.It is by the use of extended meaning that can be applied to words that authors can paint rich pictures with relatively limited text and the way they do this is a common indication of their writing skills.

The Symbolic Code- which is very similar to the Semantic Code, but acts at a wider level, organizing semantic meanings into broader and deeper sets of meaning. This is done by the use of antithesis, where new meaning arises out of opposing and conflict ideas.

The Cultural Code-This code refers to anything that is founded on some kind of canonical works that cannot be challenged and is assumed to be a foundation for truth.This involves either science or religion, although other canons such as magical truths may be used in fantasy stories. The Gnomic Code is a cultural code that particularly refers to sayings, proverbs, clichés and other common meaning-giving word sets.

I learned all this information by looking at a powerpoint that my teacher gave me and also researching on various websites.So that was able to find out the real facts about Roland Barthes. This source of information has been helpful as it has actually really helpful to know when you are considering what to film.

Title Sequence ( Elizabeth Mensah-Tandoh )

A title sequence is the method by which cinematic films or television programs present their title, key production and cast members, or both, utilizing conceptual visuals and sound. It usually follows but should not be confused with the opening credits, which are generally nothing more than a series of superimposed text.

The first important facts i have learnt from my research title sequencing is the way the names of the people involved in the filming comes in various stages.I watched the beginning of different thriller films and two horror films to see if there was a difference on the layout or the stages of the credits.i felt this was important for me to analyze thriller films as they are under the same genre as the opening sequence of our film.

From the research i have done i have found out the different stages of the ways a opening title sequence come in,the order the cast names,the directors,the creators logo,who the film was associated with and whom the film is by.

One of the film i analyzed closely was the film obsessed.The reason for this being is i feel that target the same age category as we are.I found there is a sequence in which the films come in.The first element that was shown was the company 'Screen Gems' there logo was shown.The second was 'Rain forest film production'this was the second logo that was shown..

Then when the title sequence began to show both of the companies names appeared again.Screen gems presents obsessed.I wanted to find out more about the company and did some small research on both of the companies so that i was able to see what each company specialized in.Screen Gems is an American subsidiary company of Sony Pictures Entertainment's Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group that has served several different purposes for its parent companies over the decades since its incorporation.Here is a small portion of some of the research i was able to find.
Rain forest films production tend to supported a lot of black African,American originated films.Such as Stomp the yard,This Christmas,Three can play that game.All the films i have listed are all well known films that Rain forest has produced.And as obsessed story line is about a successful hard working black man rain forest film production have had some production involved.


The following elements are the logos and the repetitions of the production names is the title of the film..

The second being the actor and actresses names.This is done to rises awareness to the audience who will be starring in the film.Although this is a short list of the title sequence in the beginning of the film.However there is much longer list of the individuals and people who participated in the making of the film.
Starting with the cast members names along side their real names.All of the people that were shown on the camera any time throughout the film are shown.Then followed by participants behind the scenes.Secondly being the co-producer,the the production mangers and department team.Then followed by assistants and supervisors that helped in particular areas.The the writing and script of the film and imagery of the scenery,costume and props for the actors and actresses.Then ending with the effects that are ended after filming,Such as the editors.visual effect mangers.

This is the list of the title sequence for the film Obsessed.Making sure that the title sequence for the both the beginning and end of the films i have included both so that it is easy to distinguish the difference between the two.