Film - First Edit

Film - Soundtrack

When we were deciding on a soundtrack for our film opening we all agreed that ADELE hometown glory and the high contrast remix would suit our opening perfectly.
The introduction and conclusion of our film have a somber and relatively distressing theme. We knew that the track hometown glory would match the tone to these specific parts of our opening.
For the middle part of our opening the theme is lively and faced paced. The hometown glory high contrast remix really reflects this in the upbeat and energetic melody that it displays.

ADELE - Hometown Glory

ADELE - Hometown Glory (High Contrast Remix)

iMovie Tutorial

To help us edit our footage we watched a few iMovie tutorials on youtube so we could master the basic techniques.

Film - Editing For Our First Draft

We started editing our footage in the 1st week of December. However when we were trying to upload our footage onto the Mac computers at school we came across a problem. As our footage was filmed on a memory card instead of a tape, the clips were in the wrong format and could not be imported onto the computers. We tried to load our footage onto a PC and then put it on a memory stick so we could transfer it back to the Macs but the clips still wouldn't import. Our Media teacher saved us by taking our memory card and converting all the files individually to make them compatible with the Macs. The next day we were able to import all our clips onto i-Movie and we began to edit.

We had around 200 clips of footage to edit and we didn't really know where to start. We decided to make 3 different folders in which we could cut and paste the most appropriate footage into each one. One folder was for all the good clips that we wanted to use for our film. Another folder was for our out-take. We would put the out-takes at the end of our first edit just for a bit of fun. The final folder was just all the left over footage. It was important to keep all the footage as later on we may want to add tiny parts that we didn't think we needed originally.

We started to edit our folder with our good clips in. Editing is such a long process and we all had to be so careful as we didn't want to accidentally delete any footage that we needed. We all had a go using the computer and as a group we all decided what clips needed to be used and what needed to be deleted. Once we had only the good clips that we were going to use for our first edit we had to cut and paste the clips in the correct order. This was hard and we were quite undecided as to how the film should run. This took quite and lot of time and a lot of messing around just to see which order looked the best.

Once everything was in order we had to add effects over the flashback scene to make it look like it was in the past. We chose to make it a black and white effect, and added the effect to each of the clips from the flashback. After adding the effect we had to put in black fade in clips to show that the flashback is in a completely different time to the rest of the film. We also had to add another black fade in before the funeral scene started, again this was to show that the funeral was at a different time to the other scenes.

The final thing we needed to do to complete our rough edit was to add a soundtrack into the film. We all agreed that we wanted ADELE hometown glory and the high contrast remix of hometown glory on our film. as we didn't have the files for these two songs on a memory stick we used a you tube conversion website, which allowed us to put the music into i-Movie.

Film - Shooting

We shot our film in the last week of November. On the Wednesday (24th November) we picked up our camera and tripod from school. In our Media lesson that Wednesday we have a free period as our teacher was unable to make it to the lesson. As a group we were all planned and ready to start filming so we decided to make the most of having an hour free. In the lesson we went back to Nancy's house to begin shooting. We chose to film the flashback first as it is quite simple and it would be a nice scene to just get used to the feel of the camera. Just before we were about to film we realised that the group who had been using the camera before us had not put in a tape for us to record on. Instead of wasting this time not filming we decided to use Nancy's memory card from her camera to record our footage onto.Filming as a group for the first time felt quite strange and it took us a few takes to get into the roll of things and work out who was taking what role when it came to shooting. After about 30 minutes of practising different shots and trying not to laugh we had finished the flashback scene, as a group were really pleased with the range of angles and shots that we had used. As Nancy and Inez were acting in the flashback, myself and Libby filmed and directed this scene.

On Thursday (25th November) we again went back to Nancy's to film Libby's scene. Part of Libby's scene is briefly outside and we knew we were in a bit of a rush to get it done as it was getting dark outside pretty quickly. As we had filmed the day before we were much quicker at generally getting set up to film. Libby got into character quite quickly and after a few takes we finished her indoor bit. For Libby's indoor part myself and Inez filmed and Nancy directed the scene. Next we had to do a brief bit of filming outside. As it was freezing outside we wanted to get this scene over and done with. Inez filmed the scene outside in which we needed one clear shot of Libby coming out from the door and walking down the road. This was filmed very quickly and it only took about two takes.

On Friday (26th November) we shot Lottie's scene, which the location for was the centre of Oxford. Lottie's part is relatively short and as we had to film after school when it begins to get dark we knew that this would be the most realistic time to film Lottie. Even though it was bitter and cold outside this was such a fun scene to film as we got to take the camera around the centre of town and we aslo filmed part of it in some public toilets. Throughout Lottie's scene all of my group directed and filmed. We were really pleased with the footage from this scene. We had used many different camera shots and angles which looked really good when we played them back on the camera. Later on Friday evening we shot Inez's scene. The filming for this scene was very unsuccessful as everyone was getting tired and frustrated as we were still shooting at 8pm. After filming we watched the footage back on the camera. We all agreed that the footage didn't look very good. As we didn't have enough time to re-shoot Inez's scene (the cameras had to be returned the next week for the other groups to use) we decided just to work with we had and we could possibly re-shoot Inez's scene in January when we are allowed to have to cameras again.

On Sunday (28th November which was our last day we planned to film on) we had to film three separate scenes. We decided to get up early to get my scene done first (as this scene was in a different location to the other two). Nancy wasn't able to make it for the filming of my scene, so it was just myself, Libby and Inez who went to our friends house to film. At our friends house we had to film inside, which only took around 15 minutes. After the inside part was shot we had to go outside and film on a bridge next to a main road. I had to keep running up and down with bridge in just a dress which was very cold! Inez and Libby took it in turns to film my part, and after quite a while we had some successful content which we were all very happy with. After this we had to quickly get back to Libby's house to meet Nancy and begin filming the other two scenes. We were in a bit of a rush as the main scene which needed to be filmed was outside, and we were well aware that it would start to get dark very quickly, so we needed to be as prepared as possible. When we arrived at Libby's we called Hatty who kindly offered to act for us to see if she was on her way. Once she arrived we all got into our black outfits and walked down to the Christ Church Quad to start filming. The funeral scene was filmed and directed by Nancy as she is the only one in our group not acting in it. The Christ Church scene took about 30-45 minutes to shoot. The one problem with the filming at Christ Church was the lighting. The lighting kept getting bright and then dark again which when we played back looked silly. But we new that we could edit this on the Macs at school. Finally finishing this scene we went back to Libby's house to film Hatty's scene. Before we filmed we had to print out pictures of Nancy off the computer, as these would be surrounding Hatty in the bed. This scene took quite a long time to shoot as we wanted to use a very high angled shot to start the film. It took quite a few attempts to make the movement from this angle to look smooth and controlled. We eventually finished Hatty's scene and we were all extremely with the footage that we had accumulated over the days of filming. Filming in our group was a really great experience and it was a lot of fun to all work together.

Film - Meetings

As a group we decided that we would need more time than just the lessons to plan and prepare for filming. Running up to the weeks before filming we decided to have a few meetings just to share ideas and write down an itinerary for the filming days to make sure that everything ran smoothly.

Film - Storyboard

Film - Characters

Lily:

Nancy is playing the part of Lily. The audience doesn't know much about Lily as she is only seen in the flashback committing suicide. By the facial expressions and emotion she shows on her face during the flashback shows viewers that she is a very troubled teenager who is shutting her friends out of her pain. As it is clear that Nancy's character is very distressed we put her in very a very dressed down outfit with greasy, unwashed  hair and made her make up look like it had been left on from to night before just to add a more realistic effect.

Jess:

Inez is playing the role of Jess in the Film. Jess, a confident and mature 16 year old who acts like the mother figure of the group. To show her as this balanced teenager, the film shows her calling 2 other characters, planning and preparing for the day ahead. Inez will be wearing black clothes and shoes with her perfect appearance. This emphasises the fact that she is the perfected friend out of the group.

Lucy:

I am playing the role of Lucy in the film. Lucy, is one of the most unorganised characters out of the group. Her personality shows a slight irrational side (this can be seen when she is throwing clothes in her boyfriend's room and hitting him in bed). She is shown in the film as unorganised as it appears she has woken up late and awakes to missed phone call from Jess. Even though she looks like a bit of a mess when she is at her boyfriend's house she doe manage to pull on some neat black clothes and even know this is not shown, she is able to put make up and do her hair on the way to the funeral in a rush.

Hannah:

Libby is playing the role of Hannah in the film. Hannah like Jess is one of the more organised and together characters. We first see Hannah already up and out of bed waiting to leave her house. Showing the audience that she is prepared and ready for the day ahead. Hannah's make up and clothing is perfectly immaculate and flawless, portraying her matureness in both her style and personality.

Beth:

We asked our friend Lottie to play the role of Beth. Beth is shown as the kooky and quirky one out of the group of girls. Lottie is first seen walking around outside in a mix match outfit implying that she hasn't been home since the day before. She then walks into a public toilets and comes out looking much more elegant in a black high waisted skirt and pair of black heels. In the film we show a bag of clothes in a cubicle which has been left there by either Beth or one of her other friends earlier on in the morning. When Beth leaves the toilet she is has done her make up and hair and looks much more tidy and sleek than when she entered the toilets.

Martha:

We asked our friend Hatty to play the role of Martha. Out of all the girls it is clear to see that Martha has been affected by the suicide the most. She wakes up very scruffy looking with eye make up smudges visible down her face. It appears t the audience that she is not going to be getting up as she sits up, looks at pictures of Lily and buries her head into her hands and falls back down. She later gets up and goes to the bathroom to change into her black outfit. As she comes out the bathroom it is clear to see that she hasn't really put much of an effort into her appearance. She leaves that house still looking sad and very emotional.

Film - Storyline

Overview:

The beginning part of the flim showcases five teenaged girls getting ready for what seems to be an ordinary day. The audience is unaware of what the characters are getting ready for until the end where it is clear that the characters are arriving at a funeral. The film will include very short scenes cutting from one character to the next, this is the best way we believe that we can show each individual character's personality. We were inspired to do this type of film opening by three films. The Devil Wears Prada, Freaky Friday and Hot Fuzz.

Part 1:
Before the 5 characters are introduced, a flashback is shown. In the flashback is Nancy, a troubled teenager who decides to commit suicide by overdosing of prescription drugs with alcohol. we see Inez banging crazily on the door to try and find out what Nancy is doing. Finally Inez bursts in to find Nancy on the floor. Inez immediately calls 999 which is where the flashback ends. It will only be through the film that the audience becomes aware of Nancy's death. This is symbolised throughout the costumes that are worn. (Black outfits).

 The film will start by introducing the five characters to the viewers. The character Inez will be the first character introduced. Inez is the calm and more sensible character of the group. Inez will be asleep and the audience will get to see Inez and her room through a long shot. Then suddenly her alarm clock will go off with a quick, sharp close up shot of the clock. The audience will see Inez get up with different shots of her getting ready e.g putting make up on, getting dressed brushing her teeth. Throughout Inez's scene fast non-diagetic music will be played. The music corresponds with the fact that Inez is in a slight, fast rush to get somewhere. ( The viewers are unaware of what all the characters are getting ready for).

The next character that is introduced is Becky. Becky is at her Boyfriends house. Both characters are asleep. Becky then receives a call on her phone and wakes up starting to get ready in a fluster and a bit of a rush. The audience will see a clash in Becky and her boyfriends personalities. The camera will flick between the two showing Becky in a panicky mood trying to find her clothes and her boyfriend looking relaxed, lying in bed smoking. This scene will use mostly medium shots as its important for the audience to see some of the background so they can compare and contrast the different backgrounds and personalties of the characters in the film.

The next character introduced to the audience is Libby. Unlike the other characters that have been discussed, Libby is already up out of bed and is sitting at a table reading through her school work. Libby portrays a more mature, organised character than perhaps Becky, who is a bit more over the place and unbalanced. Libby , whilst in the middle of reading over her work receives a phone call from Jess. After a brief chat on the phone, Libby picks up her coat and leaves the house. Again the main camera shot in this scene is a medium shot, to show the difference in backgrounds with each character.

The fourth character shown in the film is Lottie. Unlike all the other girls that have been introduced Lottie is outside walking around streets looking like a bit of a mess. We show Lottie as quite a vulnerable and anxious character through the medium/close up shots of her. This allows the audience to see the emotion on her face. Throughout the scene, fast non-diagetic sound will be added to compliment her hasty paced walking.

The final character introduced is Hatty. Hatty is the most un-organised out of all the characters. She is asleep in bed surrounded and covered with photos, postcards and tissues. The camera then zooms to show the audience the photos. On the photos are pictures of the 5 girls and most importantly, Nancy. The tissues imply that Hatty has been crying, also implying that Nancy has in fact died.

Part 2:

The second part of the film shows the 5 characters leaving their houses all ready to go to the funeral. (The audience are still unaware of where the girls are going). The characters will not be shown in a specific order, instead we will use lots of fast cuts flicking between them. The fast cuts will create a sense of haste and panic and will also compliment the fast paced non diagetic sound that will be added to the scene. We will use quite a few close up shots in this to allow the audience to see the facial expression and emotion of the girls faces.

Part 3:

The third and final part to our film opening is set at the outside Christ Church Cathedral. The mood of this scene will die down and the mood will completely change. The 5 girls will all meet at the centre of the courtyard just outside the Cathedral. During this scene the music will slow down and become more somber. We will choose an appropriate soundtrack to match the more gloomy and glum setting. We hope to show a range of camera shots in this scene. It will start with an extreme long shot to show the beautiful setting that the final part of the film is in. In this shot the audience will be able to see the 5 girls next to the pond, all hugging and embracing eachother. By this part of the film it will become more obvious that the characters are attending the funeral of Nancy - the character that commited succide in the flashback. We will then get a close up of all the girls faces walking up the stairs into the funeral. The close up shot will show the troubled, heartbroken faces of all the girls. This is the first time we see all of the girls together sharing their pain of the loss of the best friend. The final scene will show the funeral booklet with a picture of Nancy on.

Hot Fuzz - Opening

The Devil Wears Prada - Opening

Note:

This is not the full version of the opening to The Devil Wears Prada.

The first part to the Devil Wears Prada is very similar to how we want to make our 2 minute film opening.

Camera

The first scene uses many close up/medium shots and panning movements to frame the main character. The medium shots are used to show a slight bit of the background so the audience knows what sort of environment the character is in. The scene also uses eye level camera angles. In an eye level camera angle the subject is shown as the audience would expect to see them in real life. This angle allows the audience who are watching the film to connect with the character.

Sound

The first scene uses lots of non diagetic sound. The non diagetic sound creates an upbeat and fast type of scenerio. There is no dialogue in the first scene. As the character is the only subject it could possibly be showing that she is alone and isolated.

Editing

The first scene uses lots of cuts to show each of the individual and different characters getting ready eg. doing make up getting changed. As the scene continues the cuts begin to get faster and faster showing all the girls leaving their houses and as the audience assumes going to work. The fast cutting in the scene compliments the fast type of lives that these girls live in the city.

Mise en Scene

The mise en scene of the first scene is very rich. Within the first 10-15 seconds the film shows us several different locations of where the girls in the film are. This is shown through the cuts on the scene as it keeps flicking from location to location. The first scene has many props to show the audience that it is set in a big city (New York City). The film displays tall buildings towering over the characters, possibly to show their insignificants in this vast place. The scene also presents the traditional "yellow cabs". These taxis are associated with New York City. The use of these taxis immediately tells the audience