Our Final Film Opening

"Its awesome"-Lisa
"I want to see more, its amazing"-Lauren
"The mood and cinematography is great. Quite lovely. Those titles could use some work"-John
"It's amazing"-Ivory
"Loved the mood"-Vin
"It was lovely"-Mandy
"Bought tears to my eyes and a lump to my throat-loved it. The cinematography was brilliant"-Ann
"Absolutely loved it, a superb piece" Kay
"It was emotional"-Liz
"Amazing camera work and very emotional" -Pauline
"Very adorable, want to see more!" - Beth
 

Rough Cut 3

The narration is defiantly needed to give the piece more narrative and make it more interesting. 

There was also the opinion that the titles were too far in the corner. When we tried to rectify this, we found the titles to sit too far into the frame so we cannot change this issue. 

Good consideration of location. 



Rough Cut 1 and 2 Of Our Film Opening

Rough Cut 1


Rough Cut 2


Feedback:
Rough Cut 1: Some lovely shots, especially the close up of shells. Slight wobble on the camera during the film title. I'm not convinced that the audience will know that the writing in the sand is your actual film title. It tells a story (even without sound). Lovely production logos.

Rough Cut 2: The voiceover is too much - you need a voiceover in there to explain the story but you need less words - it is too wordy, cut it right down. Re-record this on a camera so the sound quality is better. The music is good and sets a scene. Lovely use of transitions. The pan across the beach and girls faces is brilliant. Can the non diegetic music start as the second production logo is about to leave the screen.
Are you having sound for the production logos?
Narrator spoke too fast.
White around the text is annoying.
Beautifully shot.

Thoughts from the group:
As a group we thought that the narration was too wordy for the opening two minutes and was delivered too quickly to be effective. We thought we should cut down parts of it and have the voice over at a slower pace. We also noted a few wobbles of the camera to be cut down and also a shot that was wonky. In our thrid draft we hope to rectify these issues in order to improve our film opening.

Marketing and Exhibition

After considering which type of institute would distribute our film, I decided to consider how we would market and then exhibit our film. 

In order to get our film out to as many people as possible, posters and trailers would be the best option for our film as there would be limited merchandise we could sell. Drama films do not often sell things such as t-shirt and toys to the audience and instead relies heavily on where the posters are placed and when the trailer is shown. I designed a poster for our film, keeping a slight mystery about the film. It consists of the two main actors standing by the sea with the title above their heads. This keeps any spoilers away and does not hint at any events within the film but the simplicity will spark an audiences interest and  provoke them to ask questions about the film and then to go and watch it. 

Exhibition would be the sale of DVD's. As our company is an independent company the use of blue-ray would be too expensive. I also designed a DVD cover that hints more at what the film is about, with the surviving character Amy looking sad and upset with her best friend Katie looking away into the distance. The same picture from the poster is also used on the front of the DVD to make sure people know it is the same film. The use of white and light colours highlights the dark clothing of our actors which will connote to the audience something bad happens which is the only hint as to what might occur in the film.

Posted by Hayley

Diary of Filming

17/03/13

We started filming at 9.30am. The first shot we filmed was a mid shot of the two actors walking towards the sea, we had to set up the tri-pod to the correct height so the two actors looked right in the frame. We filmed this shot twice to ensure that we had enough footage when it comes to editing. The second shot we filmed was when the two girls walked past the camera at a mid shot, we had to film this shot a few times as when we first filmed it the camera was not at the right angle and was too high up.

The next shot we filmed was when the two actors came into the frame from either side of the camera and walked away from the away the camera, this started off as a mid shot and ended up as a long shot.

We wanted an extreme long shot of the two actors walking along the beach. Originally we intended to film this shot from the pier but when we arrived on location a shot from the pier would have been too far away and the two actors would have been completely unrecognisable. Instead we filmed it from the top of a wall, which created the shot we had in mind.

An idea we had on set after studying the shot list we decided to add in a pan shot as this would help scenes flow together better and create a more professional look. To start off with we had to loosen the tri-pod so the camera could panned smoothly, however we did encounter a problem as sometimes the movement was not very smooth and jolted the camera, so this meant we had to film this shot multiple times.

After filming the pan shot and all the other shots on the shot list we decided to film some extra scenes such as a mid shot of the two actors talking whilst sitting on the beach steps. We did this to make sure we had enough footage when it comes to editing.

We filmed all of the scenes that involved the two actors first so they could leave earlier and not be waiting around. After we had completed all of the shots with the two actors in we filmed the extra shots that involve the scenery and wildlife. We had to film a close up shot of the waves. At one point we had to take the camera off of the tri-pod, as the tri-pod did not go down low enough, in order to get a lower perspective shot. Originally we planned to get a close-up shot of seagulls but we couldn't get close enough to them so as a compromise we used a mid-shot instead. Our final shot of our opening is a shot of a seagull in flight, this proved to be quite difficult to achieve, but in the end we managed to achieve the long shot of a seagull flying.

Posted by Abby P and Hayley

Film Schedule

This film schedule enables the actors to know what they are doing and what scene is being filmed at what point. It also keeps the group and the actors organised as they will know when each scene is going to be shot, who is needs to be in that shot and what equipment will be needed. It will also help us get everything shot as quickly and as smoothly as possible.


Film Schedule by AbbyPotts

Posted by Abby P

Health and Safety Precautions Whilst Filming

We will need to consider several safety precautions whilst filming to ensure the safety of our actors.

-Actors nor crew can go into the sea.
-As actors are under 16, they should stay with a member of the crew at all times.
-Actors will be provided with approprite clothing for the weather, ie an umbrella should it rain, when not on screen to prevent as best as possible any illness that it could potentially cause.
-Crew should take care and precautions when filming on uneven surfaces such as stones.
-We will need to ask permission of anyone who is in the shot by accident and has therefore not given consent.
-We must take care of the enviroment we are filming in, meaning we should not leave any litter after we have finished filming and left the location.
-We will try to not to get in the way of the general public and will keep noise levels to a minimum and if we are asked to move away, we will.
-If questioned of our intentions we will make sure we have evidence to provide that we are genuinley making a film opening for our Media coursework.

Posted by Abby P and Hayley

Animated Storyboard

Posted by Abbey N

Final Decisions on Props and Costume

Our final decision with regards to props is a clean looking shell that looks aesthetically pleasing on camera and contains no blemishes such as cracks or holes. This makes it look its best on screen.

The final costume decision came after conversing with the actors and what they felt most comfortable in and if they agreed with the style for their character after discussing their traits with the writer. We gave them a few extra options or variations of the original costumes and they agreed with our decision. The clothes were then provided for the actors and to be worn once they arrived at the film location. For the character Katie, actor Hannah Gurling, we made the final decision of a navy blue military style coat, black hoodie, blue jeans and black converse. Amy, actor Millie Hawes, the final decision was made on a green parka, dark blue jeans and black converse. We felt these reflect the character well and the lack of colour with Katie has the connotations of death which is a key factor in the plot-line of the film that may be picked up on by our active audience 

The final sound decision came after we could not find an appropriate soundtrack on the web. Instead, we explained to a musician (Sam Pridige) exactly what we required - a slow paced track that hints at sadness - and asked him to produce the music. He did so, and we were left with the track we wanted instead of settling for something we found on the internet. We also decided not to use the natural sound of the waves and the wind on set and remove this during editing. A voice over will also be recorded after filming and placed over the top of the soundtrack for dramatic effect. 

Posted by Hayley

Final Script

AMITIÉ%20Script[1] 

This is our final script. We have chosen to cut away a lot of the dialogue, as from the feedback we got from the second rough cut of our film opening we found out that it was too wordy and that too much was being said for the first two minutes of the film.

Script by Hayley

Shot List

Shot List for Amitie.xlsx 

When we come to film, this shot list will be vital to our efficiency. With the shot list, we can check that we have filmed each shot we intended to and ensure we leave the film loaction with each part filmed. We won't forget a shot and it will be much easier to identify what needs to be done and what doesn't. We can also order the shots so that we aren't going back and forth between different places to film.

Posted by Hayley

Final Location Choice

As a group we have decided to use one location for the opening and that location is Walton-on-the-Naze beach. We feel the advantages of this location outweigh the disadvantages and the location is what we all feel would really help set the mood of the film and give it an original independent look.

The location is conveniant as there is enough room to film the different shots we need, also the beach at this time of year is also not very busy, so we would be able to film easily without too many interruptions.

Posted by Abby P

Sound Consideration

Considering the sound for our piece is crucial. This is because it has to fit the theme(s) of our film, thus meaning the piece of music cannot be too upbeat nor too sad. If the piece of music does not fit the genre/theme of our film it will make the whole project seem out of place. However, the chosen music piece has to be copyright free, this is so we're not charged/sued for using it.

For example, I have found some music that fits the theme of our film on a copyright free music website. (http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/)

On this link, there are many sounds that fit the feel of our film, they all have a slow/sad feel to them.

Colm Gerlach.

How we organised props and costume

We started organising our props and costumes in the very early stages of planning and we always knew we wouldn't be needing that many due to the fact our setting and location are key to our opening and they already give the piece the feel and look we want, however we did decided to add in one prop and focus on what the girls were wearing as this would add to the feel and atmosphere of our film opening.

Due to the fact Amy and Katie are best friends we wanted a shot of the girls playing on the beach together, we decided to achieve this shot by having them playing with shells and throwing them in the water, therefore the only prop we would need were some shells which we found on the beach.

We knew we also wanted to focus a great deal on what the girls were wearing, we did this because we knew that it would make our film look a lot more professional and well done if we had them in the appropriate costume and footwear, we also wanted it to put more empathises on the fact that they are best friends with each other. We decided in the early stages that we wanted the girl to be in relatively plain clothing so they wouldn't look to dressed up as they were only on the beach. We were originally going to have them in t-shirts and jeans but due to the time of year we were filming and the time of year the film opening was set we decided to put the girls in coats, hoddies and jeans, this was still a very casual outfit for the girls to wear but also was appropriate for the weather and time of year.

In terms of organisation we didn't need to do a great deal in terms of purchasing outfits for the girls, we asked the girls about a week before the shoot if they had the clothing we wanted them to wear at home already, and if they didn't we would've gone out and purchased the appropriate clothing for them. However, the girls luckily owned all of the clothing we wanted them to wear.

We wanted Katie to be wearing a navy blue military style coat, with light blue jeans, a black hoodie and black converses, we decided to use mainly dark colours on this characters as it emotes sadness and potentially death. We decided we wanted the character of Amy to be wearing a green parka style coat, with dark jeans and black converses. The fact the girls would both be wearing black converses puts empathsis on the fact that they are best friends.

Posted by Abbey N

Final Decisions On Cast

After our auditions we have decided that Hannah Gurling and Millie Hawes will be in our film. We decided that these two were the people best suited for the roles on offer, as they had the best skills on offer, looked the part and generally fitted the roles. They showed the best emotions and were the most enthusiastic actors we auditioned. For the people we decided not to use, there were valid reasons why we decided not to choose them. Some of them being: they didn't fit the role, their acting skills weren't sufficient, lack of enthusiasm or just not good enough.

Colm Gerlach

Audition Videos

We held six auditions for two characters, using one generalised script.

The first auditionee read the longer section of the script very well, but we thought there could be more variation in tone.

The second we felt was a little nervous and as a result didn't read to the best of her ability.

Third read very well, but again we thought there could perhaps be a bit more emotion in the delivery.

Our forth candidite was very nervous and did not wish to be filmed. She wasn't comfortable on camera which would cause an issue when it came to filming the opening.

Our fifth we felt her delivery of emotions was very good.

Finally, our sixth applicant who we auditioned in a different location also delivered good emotions and had a very strong voice.

Our fifth and sixth applicants were the two we decided to cast because of their confidence and ability to convey emotions within speech.

Abby and Hayley

Audition Scripts & Times

We organised to have 6 potential young girls come in during a lunch time to audition them for the parts of Amy and Katie, to help us make a decision as to wether they were suitable for the part we needed them to play we filmed the girls reading out various different parts of our script in different tones.

First we had the read out this following part of our script in a happy tone;
'Did you see the look on his face? There's no was he'll be forgetting that in a hurry, we'll never be able to cross that field in peace again!'

Then we made the girls read out this following part of the script in a sad tone;
'You know, I miss it all the time. The carefree laughter, the inside jokes, the wasted days. I haven't heard myself laugh for too long.'

After that we made the girls read this following phrase out in an angry tone;
'You're never in! You don't care about me, you don't ever want me around. What's the point, why should I even try anymore?

Lastly we made the girls read out this section of speech which they would have to read out for the voice over in the opening section of our film;
'You know what? With Katie I’ve never felt more comfortable in my own skin. I could have told her anything and I would have trusted her never to utter a word to anyone else. She was my rock to cling onto in this whirlwind of life. She was the driftwood I could rely on to float when I felt like I was going to sink. No-one ever really asked about Katie. She was the ghost that followed me round. But people should have listened to her sometimes. What she had to say was beyond any child's imagination. She was spectacular. She was my friend.'

We decided to bring in all of our auditionees at 1:30 one lunch time during school so they could read out the above scripts, we filmed to auditions so we could look back on what the girls had done. We organised with the auditioness about what time and date we needed them to be here by putting a note in the registers at our school and previsouly speaking to them about potential lunch times to come in and audition. We did have one person auditioning who didn't go to our school, who we ended up auditioning and filming on the same day just at a different location, at someones house.
Posted by Abbey Newton

Casting/Audition Intentions

In regards with casting our film, there are numerous amounts of people who have offered to be in it. We are holding auditions, with a section of script that they have to read from. Even though there are people auditioning for two different characters but they're reading the same piece of script. From this we will collectively decide who shall feature in our peace. However, the person has to look the part of the character, as well as having the ability to read the script well.

Colm Gerlach.

Picture Storyboard

Picture Storyboard by AbbyPotts

By Abbey N and Abby P

Initial Script

AMITIÉ%20Script[1] 

This is the initial script for the film opening with the voice-over with instruction for the actor who plays the character of Amy. We will record this and place is at the voice-over on the opening, but it is subject to change if we feel it does not fit properly with what is going on on screen or is too  fast and heavy for the first two minutes.

Script by Hayley