R+P POST 25: Assigning roles

Assigning Roles -

When deciding roles we looked a strengths of each group member in order to assign the roles which fitted each other best.

Jisu has had the most experience with Cameras so we thought it would be best if he handled it so that we could get the best quality shots possible.

Bertie very much contributed towards the directing along with Orla. We choose Bertie to do this as he is assertive and has a good eye for an effective shot.

Orla was the main director. She knew everyone within in the group the best and was therefore the right candidate yo make sure communication was carried through. She also ensured that there was continuity throughout the shots. Also we decided it would be best for Orla to direct because she drafted the first storyboard and script so she had the best understanding of the script.

My role:

I was there at filming just to ensure that I had all of the shots needed to put the film together but my main role was editor which my group decided to do because I had the most experience editing particularly with the 'Final Cut Pro' software.  

R+P POST 24: Deciding on a location

Deciding on a location

 When we was deciding on a location we wanted to ensure that the location was urban and also another key element which we wanted to allow is the location to be vibrant so that it could represent how the skate park for Isabel is a form of escapism.

Clapham Common Skate Park

Although this location may not be the vibrant look we were going for it is however very big and open. It could be representative of how insignificant Isabel feels amongst her surroundings. This location may only be recognisable to a select number of people however therefore we have chose to try and implement somewhere more familiar with the wider audience.

Frontside Gardens Skatepark 

This new skatepark is an interesting project that started in 2012. The skatepark was constructed entirely from local waste, it was built by the local people in the area. Once again the location isn't as recognisable because it is new however it may be iconic in years to come and could be an interesting choice as it is clearly aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

South Bank Skatepark

This is currently our preferred location because it is recognisable not only from a perspective of a London artist but it is also internationally recognised. This also fits our criteria of vibrance as well however it may be difficult to film here as it is often busy so we will have to make sure that we get here as early as we can.

R+P POST 23: Final storyboard

Final storyboards-

These are the final storyboards which I produced and the ones we used on the day of filming.

R+P POST 22: Costume/Casting

Costume & Casting

Casting for a film is a huge part n what makes a film. The main character plays a huge role in engaging with the audience and is what helps to construct a verisimilitude. Below is 'Isabel Rainbow' who is a friend of ours. She was he perfect actress for the role because she fitted the demographics we wanted to play our character but she also skates as a hobby. This was of course key when finding an actress because we needed someone who was able to carry out the shots of her skating.

Costume:

This was the costume we decided to use for 'Issy' we thought this would help to present her as a stereotypical female skater. E.g the 'Vans' shoes are often associated with skating. The pink theme is a stereotypical 'female' colour so the audience will initially associate her as feminine however she challenges this stereotype with her passion of skating which is stereotypically 'masculine'.

R+P POST 21: Script

Script-

Party scene commences

*Alarm goes off*

Issy's Mum and Dad argue within the background you can here them faintly

Gets out of bed and walks to the bathroom and stares at the mirror

Packs her bag

Walks down the stairs

*shuts door*

Walks/Skates to the skate park

Issy: Hey

Maya: I've been waiting here for ages

Issy: sorry

Maya: You're always late, do you not want to do this or something?

Maya: You need to get yourself organised you've got a competition coming up!

Issy: Yeah I know, I'll have to get something sorted

*Scene ends*

R+P POST 20: Draft script

Draft script-

Much like with our storyboards we decided to draft our script before producing our final version. This is the draft script. Not much actually changed between the draft and the final script however the subtle changes will make a big difference on the day of shooting as stage they contain the lines and the stage directions.

R+P POST 19: Draft storyboard

Draft Storyboards

We all sat together and drafted some storyboards so that we could all get a good idea of the shots that we wanted to use and then we all individually went and did our own storyboards which I will later upload.

R+P POST 18: Possible soundtracks

Possible soundtracks

We found an artist (Hoodie Allen) that do not have copyright on their music so that we would be able to use it without the risk of a copy right strike.

Hoodie allen - Act My Age:

We felt as if this song created a rebellious tone and the lyrics mirror the action and the problems that we are trying to highlight and demonstrate. It also has an 'underground' vibe to it which is what we are looking to represent and demonstrate.

Hoodie Allen - Remind Me Of:

This song also has a rebellious tone to it. In my opinion however the lyrics don't mirror the action as much however it is still a good option to use.

King Krule - The Noose Of Jah City:

This song has more of a melodic tone and although it is not royalty free, his music isn't too big so buying the rights would therefore not be as costly as previously imagined. This song is a London 'underground' song meaning our target audience could feel an affiliation.

R+P POST 17: Our title sequence (text etc.)

Our title sequence-

Before the editing process we decided to experiment with different texts. Although we didn't decide on what text we wanted to use yet we produced some different types that we particularly felt would work based on our research on title sequences. After looking at all of the texts on Final Cut Pro we particularly liked the "condensed" style of writing in white. This was because it looked ordinary and plain which was how we was trying to present Issy's life.

(Some of our potential text options)

(Our chosen text style)

Here is an example of where we used the text and how:

R+P POST 16: Reflections on so far

Reflections on so far

So far I think that my group has successfully produced some ideas which have a lot of substance to them however we are yet to put down concrete evidence or practices which put us towards completion of our opening sequence. Before I get into the filming and construction of the film we still need to do the following:

• Plan our title sequence (text etc.)
• Find possible soundtracks
• Draft a storyboard
• Produce a final storyboard
• Write a script
• Organise casting and costumes
• Decide on location 
• Assign roles within our group

After all of this research and planning is complete I can begin to film and I will blog my process of filming and the editing process.

R+P POST 15: Drive - title analysis

Title Sequence Analysis

Typically there are 15-25 titles on each title sequence and they will change depending on the film. The first title tends to be the main protagonist followed by the title of the film. In between this and the end you have everything ranging from other actors and actresses to editors and finally the title  sequence will end with the director.  This is n example of how titles are used within film and the different meanings the placement and choice of text can convey.

Drive-

The establishing shot is a long shot of the Los Angeles skyline at night, this helps to convey to the audience that the film will be very much action packed and this main actors name 'Ryan Gosling' is placed as the first title in the centre of the shot to meditate to the audience that he will be the centre of this action.

The next shot of Ryan Gosling sitting in his getaway car features the title of the film. The film is often the first title shown but within a film like this where the main protagonist is bigger than the film itself they will be given the first title. The choice of text is also very interesting as we get a retro, almost video-game like feel. This retro feel is also depicted within the music that goes with the title sequence. These two things play a huge role in setting out the style of the film.

 

Empty space is repeatedly used in order to place the titles, so that there is nothing to distract the audience. After the main actor and the film title the next few titles tend to be names of other actors within the film which are either less prominent than the lead protagonist or not at quite at the same critical acclaim. 

After this films conventionally list other key aspects of the film and who was in charge of them as followed: Casting, Costume, Music, Production Designer, Editors and directors of photography. These are key roles within the film but not quite big enough to be placed at either the begginning or end of the opening title sequence. 

Then the executive producers and producers are listed. As you can notice key roles such as the main actor are often within the centre of the frame however the other titles are placed towards the sides highlighting the hierarchy within their roles in the film.

Other titles after this could include credits to the author if the film is based on a novel and the screenplay. But inevitablly the director gets the final credit once again in the centre of the screen which highlights the importance which is carried by the director.

R+P Post 14 : Submarine title analysis

Submarine title analysis

The first titles are just synergy companies which have helped to distribute and produce the film. These are necessary to put within the title sequence. The companies will often give you a design which they have made for you and other films which help the film be made recognisable quickly. 

This is a more stylish way to present the distribution companies. The style of text is also very interesting as it is different, this helps to engage the audience as it is something new.

The use of a plain background also helps the text to stand out. However because of time restrictions we will not be able to dedicate the time. We will however put the text in dead areas to that the audience is not distracted.

The text which is used is very basic and doesn't carry a lot of detail. We feel as though it is possible to match a more conventional order of title's. However the alternative style would be useful in engaging with our audience who will be younger and more willing to accept challenges to common conventions

 

The title of the film is for me the main thing to take out of this title analysis because it is a similar style which we wanted to replicate. We do not want to completely copy this as it would lose being unique. We instead want to create our own unique style of writing for our title but we do like the idea of spaces between letters.




This is another example of a title sequence. Although it follows the same conventions of the example of 'Drive' it does have more extravagance as it tackles he titles in a completely different way. I think that it is important to look at a variety of title sequences so that I can look at the atmosphere each of them meditate and therefore be able to construct my own title sequence which conveys the meaning that I want to convey within my opening sequence.

R+P POST 13: Juno opening sequence analysis

Opening sequence analysis

Juno-

( This was the only clip I could find )

The opening shot is a long shot of the main character staring at a chair. The shot is peculiar which shows how her character is peculiar. She is surrounded by green which has connotations of nature. She completely contrasts her surroundings which highlights how she doesn't fit in with her surroundings. This problem is reoccurring throughout the film.

This close-up helps to look into her emotions and she is lifeless and looks to be in some distress. The audience is instantly drawn in as they want to find out what the character is facing and why she is in the obscure position that she is in. The editing is slow and strange and creates a strange and awkward atmosphere.

We are instantly thrown into the action and we begin to see the source of her problems. A coming-of-age films must look at the challenges which are faced by similar people. Sexuality and pregnancy are key problems to address and 'Juno' successfully begins as it means to go on. The audience are made aware that the film will address issues that they want to be addressed.

The character then walks into this cartoon, animated title sequence. This could represent that she wants to step out of reality and 'escape' the world which she is living. The audience may relate as they too might have also wanted to step out of reality and away from their problems.

R+P POST 12: Billy Elliot opening sequence analysis

Opening sequence analysis

Billy Elliot-

This opening shot outlines the narrative of the film. The connotations of the music and the joy it brings matches the joy that dancing brings the character of Billy within the film. The delicacy which he places the record with also demonstrates his delicate and elegant nature.

The next shot contradicts the opening shot as his more boisterous nature in demonstrated. His facial expressions juxtapose the background and the colour of his top as they are more delicate colours which could indicate a conflict between himself and his character within the film. 

As we move away from the close up and we see a long shot of Billy we can see a different style to his character as we see his facial expressions along side his movements. This could shock the audience and alert them that this film is going to challenge their common ideologies of how a 'boy' should act within society. 

This shot quite literally connotes what you can see that Billy has his 'hands full' with the responsibilities that he is facing in his day to day life. The audience are sympathetic and we begin to build a relationship with the main character which gives the film more meaning and we care more about him so any moments of tension are heightened.

R+P POST 11: Superbad opening sequence analysis

Opening sequence analysis

Superbad-

This medium-close up shot pictures one of the main characters (Jonah Hill) driving a long in his neighbourhood. Everything about this shot highlights that he is just an everyday high school student. The target audience ( high school students ) can instantly relate to his character as the director Seth Rogan has successfully constructed the verisimilitude. 

This is the establishing shot of another one of the main characters ( Michael Cera ) once again this medium shot shows quite how ordinary his life is. Often within big Hollywood films the first time we see a character eating their breakfast they have loads of food layer out with the whole family sitting around eating. This more accurate representation helps the audience to relate and we definitely want to create this 'ordinary life' atmosphere as we want out lead character to be a relatable character which the audience can see themselves in.

This character break the law whilst driving with his phone out. This gives his character a nonchalant attitude highlights what this character is like and he isn't represented 'perfectly' how characters in over films may be represented.  

The editing is slow paced which once again shows that the film is ordinary  and much like a day-to-day situation we face. The conversation isn't at all 'special' and the directors don't try to make is seem something that it not.

R+P POST 10: Street Dance opening sequence analysis

Opening sequence analysis

Street dance -

I picked this film as an opening sequence analysis because the narrative is very similar to the narrative which we are replicating. The dilemma of pressures of society and wanting to embark on their hobbies. Within street dance it is dance however within our film it is skateboarding.

The establising shots are extreme long shots of a London skyline which sets out where the film will take place but also gives it an urban feel. The warm colours within the shot portray the location as a place of hope and opportunity.  

This long shot introduces us to one of the main characters within the film, she is framed within the frame by the window behind her whig makes her central to the shot. Objects surrounding her close her in and the use create quite a vertical frame make them appear almost like bars. This could symbolise a prison and entrapment within her current situation which juxtaposes her expressive dancing. Her character here is starting to become more dimensional as we are able to see the different sides to her, both the trapped and the free, expressive side which are the two sides that we are aiming to create with our main protagonist in our film.

We then move on to a long shot of one of the teams from street dance practising, this throws the audience straight into the action and gives them an idea of the film being action packed from the start.

This is another one of the main characters who is framed alone in a medium shot against a wall of graffiti. He very much blends in with the background which could suggest how his character blends in with his surroundings. This view of the character is exacerbated by the fact he is framed alone. We build more of a personal relationship with this character as he is framed alone. The opening shots of characters are very important in conveying to the audience how they should be viewed.