My film was created using relatively new digital video technology in a now changing industry, the change from film to digital video is now taking a huge turn with many Directors now favouring the systems for their ease of use. This new generation of people creating every sort of video and sharing them on internet sites such as YouTube and Vimeo has created overnight stars and outlets for this new generation. However, I'm challenging the convention of these videos as a majority are not serious short films of movies, rather episodic or amusing clips about the creators own life. By creating a serious film I am hoping to achieve a more spread of publicity and a genuine interest rather than users looking for a quick laugh.
The film is different than what most students would make, its genre- a religious drama is not the first idea that comes into students' heads with a majority of the films on youtube being action, guns and frankly awful acting.
A majority of religious based films portraying religion in a negative way is often protested and rallied against. These public demonstrations against 'Dogma' by Kevin Smith actually caused more positive publicity than negative with Smith stating 'it was the best publicity' he could of gotten. In terms of genre my film defies the convention that most short films do not have a plot, favouring a sequence of events, a quick snapshot from a much larger picture. These films include 'The Hole' 'Get Off My Land' and 'The Box'. My film does have a plot and a narrative arch that covers the events following the flash back that is included, therefore creating a whole plot in a short film. In terms of plot my film does not confine the conventions of a normal drama as it features a flashback a a flashback crossed out of body experience. In the few religious films where the out of body experience applies, it is usually to meet God, whereas in my film, the subject, Anthony' is essentially moving away from God and rejecting his religion.
By leaving the film open to interpretation, I do not confine to the convention that a film must be essentially 'wrapped up' and 'finished'. I leave it to the audience to decided whether Anthony has done right by staying with his girlfriend or wrong by throwing away his religion and the only man left in his intermediate family.
Although the poster I created was not directly related to my main product, (not a still image from the product) it still relates to the plot device of the marbles. The photograph I created during the brainstorming session following my idea for the film. From the poster, an audience can guess that the film is quite 'eerie' and a drama or a horror. It is not too revealing which essentially completes it's task by provoking the audience to wonder and ask about the film and perhaps research it. The simple colour scheme with the black background and warped text implies it is surreal and perhaps involves death. The use of the marble counters its intended original invention of being a fun 'almost-sport' to a dark and twisted one, not what the audience would normally apply the object to. The poster gained these critical comments:
Feedback
'Colour of marble, good choice! Stands out!'
'Font! :)'
'The light around the marble makes it obvious that it's a significant part of the film.'
'Light and shadow adds a good atmosphere.
'Eerie!'
'Like looking through a marble. (font)'
'Black, like the humour'.
'Like.'
My film itself, I believe fits in well with the poster and would rightly suit it. The film together with the two ancillary tasks combine to create the vision i had when starting this product.
The review I created, incorporates the same colour scheme as the poster, mixing dark backgrounds with light overlays. this continuity helps to associate these pieces together, hoping to connect the two and build up a database of images and signs in the audience mind. The photograph uses a still from production, capturing the actor in deadpan interest. The review looks as if the magazine might of made a spread of the film and included the poster free, making the section in itself a 'mini-mag'. The 'Hamlet' of the magazine world. In all, the two pieces work well together to create an 'eerie' sense that the audience will have to experience to find out just what it is. The poster could be replicated and sized to DVD cases, and merchandising such as postcards to spread popularity.
These are the feedback forms I received following the first showing of my final cut of my film. The reception is generally positive, with the editing being effective, particularly in the flashback scenes. This suggested, the audience enjoys creativity in films and the way new shots are introduced into the frame.
Few did not understand the significance of the walking away scene, however a majority did.
Another use of symbolism that the audience picked up on, was the cut aways featuring the dog. Used as a tool to show isolation of the character, Anthony, the dog has been interpreted as the spirit of the Grandfather character due to the graphic matching of the eyes and the owl's eyes in the grandfather's house. Another interpretation from the audience was that the dog knew all along about the power of the marbles and by running away did not want to be a part of it. Hearing these different breakdowns made me feel happy about my work as it proved I had made a piece of work that people could debate about, a feature that many blockbusters of this day and age do not have.
Following my second cut, my media teacher had shown my film to an actual film maker. I compared his comments with that of a self-confessed 'film-aholic':
Cameron
Cool
looks good
but at 1:30, its mainly arm in the shot(address that in editing)
and that little thunder crackle when the marbles drop doesn't sound too good (audio)
and when the marble is held up to the light
yeah I like that (song at the end and credits)
An actual film maker: Dog overused. Sounds coule be better (effects)
It was a positive for me that the film maker had less to comment on then the consumer. Whereas the consumer had an idea of what he wanted, the film-maker went into the film open minded and saw the product from a director's point of view.
I have to bear in mind that people aim to get different results from films and have an idea of what they want to see, perhaps they do not want to do so much work whilst watching and simply relax and be absorbed. However, those that enjoyed the piece spoke of its mise-en-scene, quality plot and acting to portray the tale. This goes to show that amateur films can be thought provoking and have symbolism much like professionally made films and provoke a response. In future however, I would try to make my films more accessible to all manner of audience to a degree but do not spoon feed the audience.
This small control group represents a variety of different people with different tastes and can only be considered and to draw specific conclusions from these is not advised.
The feedback I received for my ancillary tasks were also generally positive, averaging scores of 7/10 and 8/10. The review gained marks as it was 'different from a conventional review' whilst the poster was 'simple and to the point'. The negative feedback was that the poster may of been 'too simple', whereas I had envisioned a provoking poster leaving the audience asking for more, they had received it as never having enough to have an interest in the first place. In future I will use a still image from the film itself to help relate to the motion picture enough. The review was favoured over the poster for its stylish fonts, I learnt that in production of this piece, rather than attempt to replicate an existing magazine page, I'd create my own, giving an original and modern look to my layout.
Feedback
'Colour of marble, good choice! Stands out!'
'Font! :)'
'The light around the marble makes it obvious that it's a significant part of the film.'
Today we showed the finished films our class had produced, we then gave feedback and criticisms to the makers. These were the forms handed back to me:
A major favourite was the transitions and they way the piece was edited together. A majority liked using the dog as a cutaway and to show the isolation whereas a few did not and felt it was 'overused'.
I am pleased with the feedback I have received and am happy that the film came across well to the audience and a majority understood the interpretations.
Following the production work of A2 media studies a set of 4 evaluative questions must be answered, which are as followed:
1. In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products? 2. How effective is the combination of your main product and ancillary task? 3. What have you learned from your audience feedback? 4. How did you use media technologies in the construction and research, planning and evaluation stages?
In this post I will be planning my response and describing which media I will use to portray my answers.
1. In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products? Technology used:
MiniDVD camera (Sony)- I used this camera as I had no others available. However, I almost had to re-do my entire production in terms of filming as the format in which it saved the shots in (.vob) would not be accepted into any major editing software. I averted this disaster by using an open source program to rip the contents of the MiniDVD into a raw file. From this I then had to convert to .mov format in order to allow it to be accepted into the editing software. By doing so and then editing, I lost a lot of good quality and have learnt from this experience considerably. The film doesn't look particularly bad up scaled to 720p but a HD camera would of made certain shots a lot nicer to look at. The on board microphone wasn't particularly useful so I had to record in absolute silence in order to collect the audio successfully. By using a non-HD camera, I achieved a slightly different look to my film, a more gritty style, which only emphasises the 'eerie-ness' of the piece. I often find that particularly media studies students using HD cameras often make terrible films and the awfulness is only heightened by the quality of the picture.
iMac- I used my own computer to edit a rough cut following the filming as I am lucky enough to own a good computer. I used the built in software iMovie initially and created a few opening sequences using other software. The 'iLife' software pack was very useful as it came preloaded with some sounds, however for a majority I had to record the sounds myself using the MiniDVD camera and the detach the audio from the said clips. By editing at home, I have challenged the convention of most editing taking place in huge editing suites following a production. This new generation of editing at home and the popularity of websites such as YouTube as Vimeo have given people of all ages the ability to share and create films of any style, length and subject.
The feedback I recieved was generaslly positive. There were a few legal issues concerning the reviewer of the film review (case still in session). Most liked the quote on the poster, saying it was very effective. The feedback also stated the poster was simple but 'good simple'. The review was also called 'very different from a convential review'. I hope this is a positive comment...
On the whole, feedback was on average around th 7/8 out of ten mark for both pieces. I am particularly pleased with this and would happily take that from the moderator. I will address some issues that have been commented on.
In this post I will be breaking down my initial edit (rough) of my short film. I will then explain how I will address these issues and comment on any feedback for any particular part of the film.
Film start:
00:00-00:05
In the opening shot, faded in from black, Anthony (Daniel) is seen leaning up against the kitchen counter, I started with this shot as I found it rather authentic as I often stand in this position whilst in the kitchen also. By establishing the kitchen surroundings I hoped to achieve a 'grittyness' and realism of an everyday happening. I have received no criticisms for this opening frame yet so will leave it unchanged unless I see fit to change it.
00:05-00:07
By adding a reliance of 'Lola the dog' to break up scenes, this adds an isolation to Anthony and doesn't leave the film 'Anthony' heavy, especially in the opening which would certainly bore the audience. She is also a good comic relief and adds to the sense of the setting being mundane and everyday life.
00:07-00:11
The main title screen as I call it. The title appears in the lower right of the frame and fades out, too. By copying the initial frame this reinforces the isolation and usual uneventful daily life of the character. I am unsure if there should be music to introduce the film. A fe tracks that ran through my mind was 'Crimson and Clover' and 'Boys Don't Cry'. These two songs are linked below:
These two songs start light heartedly which would fit the introduction of the film. Any recommendations or input would be fantastic regarding this issue.
00:11-00:13
The shot changes to that of a kettle boiling, the water is moving quite ferociously at this point. I included this to foresee coming events, this builds up the pace of the shot to the next shot...
00:13-00:15
By showing Lola (Lola) acknowledging the kettle has boiled and not Anthony (Danny), I hoped to imply the idea that Lola is more responsive as a character then to Anthony, as a further shot will emphasise. She also is standing, ready for something.
00:15-00:16
By closing up on the doorbell, I chose not to reveal the person ringing. This was to add a suspense, albeit for a very short time.
00:16-00:19
Again I decided to show Lola reacting and not Anthony, Lola swings her head in the direction, but does not run towards the door like most dogs would do. This is a kind of Easter egg for all those film living dog owners. By doing so, Lola shows a heightened sense of what is at the door and remains calm.
00:19-00:22
In an attempt to not film down a narrow hall way, I chose to film from a wider angle from another room. Showing Anthony for a glimpse between the two doors reinforces our understanding of Anthony, we are at a distance from here and have not cracked the surface of the character.
00:22-00:23
From this point we as an audience realise the caller is in fact a postman in full attire. At this point we can identify with the postman, we are on the outside of Anthony, however, the postman comes bearing a package.
00:23-00:29
In this instance the conversation is purely pleasantries between Anthony and the postman, the two appear to get on well, before as an audience the postman is only doing his job and Anthony is just receiving his package. We do not see exactly what is being received, only that it is 'one letter, one package'.
00:31-00:32
Here we see the package. Unimpressive in shape, Anthony holds it at arms length, unsure about the proportions and just what it could be. I centred Anthony in the frame and avoided his face, this allowed the audience to fully clasp the package.
00:33-00:35
I like to use the same angles again in my work, and this is one that the audience will see another two times. I like to do this as I think the repeated angles shows a coming relief, backwards and forwards.
As stated in the previous frame, I do like to repeat certain angles, in this case Anthony becomes uninterested in this package, and returns to his paper. This routine behaviour would have Anthony perhaps never open this package.
In this shot, the newspaper is turned over revealing the package and diverting the attention of Anthony. Daniel, the actor portraying Anthony suggested this idea to me and was a great help throughout the filming, suggesting various other ways of shots and story telling.
This is shot from the counter itself, originally I had planned for the package to be shaking, much like the kettle was earlier in the film, however, I found it impossible to do so without making the film look really bad and amateurish. I decided to do it this way and have Daniel just naturally turning slowly, almost replicating Lola the dog in earlier scenes.
As Anthony opens the letter, you can see the attention to detail I included on the prop front, I created a solicitors letter and included headers and footers and even signed off the letter myself... In this scene, Daniel reads the letter (or some parts) in his head, this however sounds like he is reading aloud, so I will have to find a way to help the audience understand this is not the case.
Anthony proceeds to rip open the package. The sound effects here are courtesy of iMovie.I chose to show the initial opening at a distance, to acquire the facial features of the Actor as he opens the package.
I inserted Lola here as comic relief, this is often a view dog owners see, and one that cuts up the tension of the film rather nicely.
The 'reveal' moment, very unsure about sounds and audio here, a suspenseful note?
I have been criticised here for 'showing too much arm', however, my initial thought was that I wanted the audience to be restricted by the arm and close off their view, which would of left it nicely to the next frame as the marbles fell unexpectedly.
As the marbles strike the floor, I was always going to be unsure of the location upon which they fall, however, by shooting from different angles, I closed off the group and was able to capture all but one in the frame.
Due to the noise of the marbles hitting the floor, little dog here runs away. Could this me a metaphor for their power? I hope the audience began to think so.
In this shot, a lone marble rolls away from the rest of the group.
As Anthony holds it to the light, it triggers a flashback. I split the footage to flash between really quickly, creating a crossover effect.
This particularly stunning scene is near Carlton Forehoe. I added in noises of geese and birds to give it a serene feel.
I wanted to introduce the character of Anthony'g Girlfriend/fiancé as soon as possible and in a way that would make her instantly recognisable as Anthony's partner. This hand holding was the quickest and easiest way without cringe inducing dialogue.
By using this long dining table, I hoped to get the idea of distance between the two characters of Albert and Anthony.
I took my time and filmed all around this location, as there were a lot of unusual items that I thought may give my film an eerie sense and feel.
By placing Albert in this side of the frame at the far end of the room, I wanted to add another layer of meaning. Albert here is blocking of an open door. Closing Anthony off?
And here is Anthony, essentially with his 'back against the wall'.
By referring to the marbles early on I wanted the audience to acknowledge the link between Albert's inheritance for Anthony. By him holding them and moving them when he's agitated, they absorb his aggression.
This particular painting is very unique, I wanted to create an empire for Albert as he reigns over his dining room full of these oddments. The painting is also wearing a shirt and tie as is Albert in the present day. This is a connection as Albert always likes to be smartly dressed to keep his independence.
As Albert tells Anthony to leave, he lowers his head, forcing Anthony to reluctantly leave.
Emotional Anthony here brushes past his fiancé, she is annoyed despite his commitment to her.
One final check that the audience has linked the two marbles.
Anthony drops the marble ending the flashback, he takes another look finding the afternoon very surreal.
Anthony's girlfriend arrives very cheerfully, blissfully un aware about what has happened.
As the dialogue is hesitant, this brings across an awkwardness and inability to comfort as Albert did not approve of the two's relationship as she had not converted to Albert's religion.
Another wide corridor shot, the two walk apart as they had in the flashback, signifying distance and separation.
Here, the dog runs back to the kitchen. She would not want to miss the big finale after all.
The marble rolls by itself, like a magnet towards Anthony. The timing is perfect and Anthony slips.
Sending him into an 'out of body experience'. This idea was particularly difficult to get across to the audience, although most did understand as this sequence is an extended metaphor for Anthony walking away from his religion and choosing his girlfriend.
He looks into another house, looking for a way back, or a glimpse.
Anthony shoots up, glassy eyed, gasping heavily.
Lola the Dog stares eerily into the camera, with connotations she perhaps knew/inherited a spirit of Albert?
