Storyboard for our Thriller Film

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Plan for filming session 3

15TH/16TH MARCH 2010

We aim to do a complete re-enactment of our whole scene. This is mainly so that we can correct the issues (stated in the previous blog entry).
From the new and old cuts we can pick and choose which bits we should use and which bits we can scrap from the opening. On this filming session we also aim to record sounds to put in the gaps in the music.
The sounds we need are: WIND & the rocking SWINGS.
When we get these sounds we aim to insert them in our 'silent night' track that will be playing for approx 30 seconds in total (15 secs at beginning & 15 secs at the end).

Improvements for thriller film

During our second filming session we encountered many obstacles. These obstacles related mainly to the lighting condition, camera effectiveness and noise. They are listed below.

The first problem was the torch light. Our group wanted to improve lighting conditions by using torches but as you can see in the picture, the torch light was a bit too obvious and was not completely necessary. In addition to this, when we watched our clips back we realized that a lot of the natural lighting such as the street lights that were already there were bright enough for the scenes to be seen clearly, they also include a kind of reddish tint to it which connotes to the audience that the characters are going to be in danger. To improve this, we wont use the torches next time for the characters.

The second problem we had also related to lighting conditions. The objects used in the scenes, such as the hand and the bloody cardboard boxes appear very faint on the screen. The blood was supposed to be illustrated clearly so that the audience are given clues of the potential danger the characters may endure. However, we can use torches on the objects to improve how well they are seen, the characters may even be able to use their mobile phones as sources of lights, we'll need to make sure the torches/phones are in the characters pockets. Alternatively we could place the props under good lighting that is already there, such as the street lights.

The third problem we encountered was to do with the pace of the last scene. This scene was meant to be the most important and highlight the dramatic situation, however, the lines said by the character were very quick, unclear and seemed rushed and therefore took away the tension that we wanted to create.

The last problem we had was with the noise. The times we filmed were very cold and windy so this masked some of the dialogue in the scenes. Although, we realized some parts the wind would be more effective like for example, when our thriller theme song is being played, there could be different noises/sound effects in between the singing and the wind could be one of them. If it is not windy enough when we film next we could alternatively create the noises of the wind ourselves and this will be easier as we'll have more control over it.

2nd filming session Wednesday 10th Feburary 2010

Wednesday, 10th, February 2010 ...

The second filming commenced on the above date. Our group managed to get the main parts filmed, but problems occurred with the wind and lighting. For example, it happened to be very windy on that day so it was hard to hear most of the dialogue for each scene. Alternatively when editing we could record over the unnecessary sound. As well as this the lighting did not seem as bright as it was on the screen when our teacher showed it on the interactive board. In a few places the camera was extremely shaky and unfocused and

However, watching back with our class and teacher we got a bit of positive feedback. Sir said our walking cuts were quite good, one in particular, where the lighting was bright behind the 3 boys walking. The good thing is we have a lot of walking shots so we have a lot of choice to choose from when we do our editing.

Updated Location Report

Following the recent change of plan, we've decided to relocate our filming location to another park:


Pymmes Park

Victoria Road,

Edmonton , London

N18 2UG

First filming session - 7th Febuary 2010

The filming didn't go as well as planned.
All entrances of Broomfield Park were locked. We ended up having to relocate the whole scene to Pymmes Park.

There were a few problems with getting the camera ready, e.g. assembling the tripod correctly and making sure the picture was bright enough to film.

We covered the first part of the opening, with the 3 boys walking towards the camera, spotting the hand and the blood on the boxes as well as them recognizing the tramp and deciding to steal the bottle.

Improvements to make: For the next filming sessions we will need to improve our timing of recording, e.g. make sure everyone is ready before recording to ensure unnecessary bits are not filmed, we will need to practice familiarizing ourselves more with the camera so that we master how to perform basic functions, we should also make sure the actors practise their lines as well as practising acting actively so that the filming process will run a lot more smoothly.

Preliminary Task Evaluation

The preliminary task is designed to show our groups progression from the initial task to the real thriller opening.
The preliminary task allowed us to practice using the cameras for the first time.
It gave us an insight on how to use the cameras effectively and we also learned how to show various camera angles. For example, Arc shot - which was developed from using the tripod.
In last weeks media lesson (Friday 29th January 10) each group was requested to watch and review each others preliminary task and comment on what could be improved as well as what was effective.
Below are the good and bad points made overall about our preliminary task:

GOOD POINTS:
Good match on action
Good arc shot

BAD POINTS:
Wobbly camera
Hard to hear what was being said
Lighting too dim
Dialogue was not clear

Based on the bad points made, i agree with 3 out of 4. The camera was a bit too shaky, particularly at the Arc shot in the scene; we could improve this next time by making slower more precise movements while handling the camera.
The dialogue could have been louder, this would have been better for the audience watching. A projectable voice is always useful.

During our Preliminary Task our group had a few minor problems with trying to include all three of us in the tasks, for example during the editing stage, only one person could be at the computer which meant the other three would have to sit and watch.