Different Film Openings

These are a few film openings that I looked at for our film opening. It allows us to gain more ideas for our opening, and also allows us to research into how other film openings have been constructed.

Film Pitch

We presented this pitch to our class, sharing our ideas of what we aim for our film opening to be. We had a mixture of responses, some negative and some positive. A negative point that was made was that the idea was similar to other films that have been made, which meant it would not be as new to the target audience, therefore not as tense and exciting as it could be. A positive point that was made was that our idea was easy to achieve If we decided to go along with it. 

Codes and Conventions of Film Trailers

Film trailers are a form of promotional film material. They are made up of particular clips that show the most interesting parts of the film. Some of the codes and conventions of a film trailer are:

+ Include credits and directors names, may also include film company logos
+ Introduction of the main cast
+ Inter titles
+ Montage of important scenes from the film
+ Some narrative/ voice over dependent on genre
+ Usually ends on a cliff hanger, dependent on genre
+ Information on where to find out more about the film, for example social networking sites or official website
+ Usually shows attention grabbing footage
+ Sets genre and setting of the film

+ Usually 2-3 minutes in length

+ Lighting, Music and Mise en Scene also help show the genre of the film.

Preliminary Task

Preliminary Task Evaluation

Throughout the task, we had specific shots in which we had to conclude whilst creating the movie, such as match on action, shot/reverse shot and the 180 degree rule. For the movie itself we had to have a character opening a door, to then walk over and sit opposite another character and then exchange a few lines of dialogue. This can be simple and easy to do, however, if you're new to this it won't be as easy as you would think.
As a group, we planned out what we were going to do by using a storyboard, the idea of this was so that we could figure out how we were going to film smoothly, without having to think on the spot. We also used 'actors' in the movie, which was a great help so we could work behind the camera and learn how to use it correctly.
This being the first time of putting our video together, it wouldn't be perfect-especially with smooth editing. Continuity editing on our video wasn't brilliant as you can tell when parts had been edited in, but it wasn't a complete disaster. This is an example and explanation of Continuity Editing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xauSCz1mEk&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL16D540D9C4FAA621

Reflection on what I've learnt so far...

Working in a group for the first task set was ideal for coming up with more ideas, which we all had agreed on. It also allowed the chance to learn how to import videos into the computer correctly with the type of device being used. For example a Panasonic or Sanyo which differentiate on how to import the files on the device.

When filming, you need to get more than you actually need, so you have enough to work with if something doesn't turn out right- or the amount of film you may need to edit certain parts.

To make sure that before you jump right in and start filming, you must have a proper plan thought out, that everything has been thought through thoroughly. You also definitely need a back up plan, just in case all else fails.

Before filming, practise out the shots you intend to use, as they may not work out nor look right during the film.

You must always remember to to turn on and off your camera, to make sure that you are not videoing random shots whilst moving around. Also remember to take off the lens cap!

After filming, always check the footage before moving on. It may not look right, so you can film it again, and again until you get it the way you want it.

Light. Depending on how bright or dark it is, you may not be able to see what you are filming. You must always experiment with the type of lights in which you are planning on using, to make sure that it looks good. You don't want to open the file and find out that you cannot see what's going on. However, you can brighten it up a bit, though not always can make it clear, it can turn out pixelated. With some cameras the image quality is better outside, in the daylight.

Sound. Make sure that it is all quite before and during people speaking so that you don't get random sounds in the film.

A tripod is better off being used that doing it freehand, the tripod allows the camera to film without unnecessary movement, whereas when using freehand it will be much harder to keep the camera steady.

Framing. Before filming make sure that the frame of the camera is perfect and that there are no distractions around the main object(s).