About Me
- CMDIPLOMA
- DO NOT EDIT THIS BOX
Thursday 5 March 2009
preliminary task (the continuity editing task),
Character within my opening sequence
My film opening with directors commentary
Script for directors commentary
Hello, im kirk kemp, writer and director of Sugar n spice.
Im just going to talk you through the opening sequence of sugar n spice, but before i do heres a little more information about my production company and some other information relating to it.....
My production company was created in order to show and promote my video productions and work.
When i was looking for distribution companies i came across Dog Woof: indie, and i think they will be the best company to distribute my film, as they focus mainly on distributing british independent films, and as you can see that is what sugar n spice is.
To make the full length version of this film, i would most likely ask for funding from the uk-film council, as they fund many british independent films.
As you can see at the start of the film opening i have placed the title of my production company. i have done this mainly due to copy right and also to show that it’s my production company that has produced this film.
also this follows in the footsteps of a traditional film opening.
As the titles appear they appear within the negative space, which is black. I chose to do it this way as the titles seem a lot more clear and easy to understand.
As you will see the titles continue to appear in the same way but at different points around the screen.
I went with this idea as i believe it keeps the audience fixed both on the action and the titles which i believe are very important within a film opening.
Realistically speaking the films that would be released in a similar way to mine are any independent uk films, for example the film *Life is sweet*.
It’s a great example of a great british film, which is actually closely related to sugar n spice.
As you can see it is quite obvious from the first few shots, mainly due to the school uniform, that sugar n spice is aimed at teenagers.
And the overall age group for this film is 15 upwards this is due to the content within the film.
Such as... swearing..., and some scenes of violence...
Invoice clouds
Wednesday 4 March 2009
In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
The order of the 9 shots, from the top left corner (1) to the bottom right hand corner (9), are as follows:
(1) Costumes/props (2) Lighting (3) Settings - time etc (4) Framing (5) Camera movement (6) Transitions (7) Visual effects (8) Typography (9) Narrative
Shot one: Costume / props
As you can see, i have chosen this shot, as it shows clearly that the costume for this film opening is a school uniform. Also it shows one of the main props which is the school bag, which is shown later on in the film opening.
Shot two: Lighting
I have chosen this shot, as it shows that the first few scenes are shot outside, which shows that i have used *natural lighting* from the sun, which makes the shot alot more clear.
Shot three: Settings - time etc
I have chosen this shot, as it shows the scene is about to change from outside to inside, this is a great close up which i believe shows that the character is just about to change location, so it prepares the audience for a location change, and i believe this shot shows the setting / time change within the scene.
Shot four : Framing
Ive chosen this shot, as it shows that the shot is framed by the door, so the audience willl expect to see the actor walk through the door, into centre shot. Also the door supplies a brilliant frame for the camera, and ensures that the subject (actor) is in the centre of the screen, and not off centre.
Shot five: Camera movement
Or tho my film opening is done in stopmotion there is still some aspects of camera movement. For exmaple within this shot the door is closed, and as it is pulled closed the camera photo slightly moves position, which suggest's the camera has moved, slightly, this keeps the action more live, and also keeps the audience fixed on what is happening and gives them a slight change to the norm, of what has already happend within the sequence.
Shot six: Transitions
Within my sequence, between all 35-40 shots, there is a slight fade transition, this makes the action seem alot less jumpy, and means the action seems to flow a lot more smoothly compared without the tranisition, where the frames seem to jump. I have chosen this frame as it shows the slight colour diffrence compared with the past shots, this is because it is captured in between the fade effect / tranisiton.
Shot seven: Visual effects
As you can see the whole sequence, is in stop motion, and the photos have been "cartoonized" and slightly made sharper. This is, in my opinion and from my feedback, a very good effect, which is not usually seen in many films. I chose this shot as it shows one of the best cartoonized photos, or so i believe.
Shot eight: Typography
I went with the handwritten style font, as i believe it fits in very well with the whole theme for the movie which is young college / school lad. Also it is visually very good, and works well with the cartoon effect. (hand drawn / hand written). I have chosen this shot as it shows the black negative space, in hwich the titles appear, or tho it doesnt show the actual titles it shows the area in which the titles appear. (You can see the titles on the other shots) --- 1-7 and 9.
Shot nine: Narrative
The opening sequence, shows the opening to the film, and in my mind shows the audience what the film is about, but does not show it in full, which leaves the audience wanting to watch on. The idea was to show a college boy arriving home from school and cooking some things, but as this was too long, i cut it down to just 2minutues. Within these 2mins i believe that it shows the college boy arriving home from school and walking into the kitchen, and in my mind this is enough, in order or the audience to get a basic feel for the film and also makes them want to watch on.
I have chosen this shot as it shows the final scene in my opening sequence, and after the title fades / flashes away / out. The transition will be to the cartoon photo once again, but from this it will fade once again, but will fade into real / live action, which will be easy to achieve as its all donw with pictures etc.
Feedback (review)
From the two student feedback sheets, the main issue is with the target age group. The atcual target group for the film is actually 15+, but as you can see from the feedback i recicved you can see that they were far from the actual age group, mainly due to the content within the opening, this mainly being the costume, music, and the theme of the movie.
Other than that issue with the age / target group and the comment about adding more details about the actor / character within the sequence. The overall comments for my film opening were highly positive, but as i said there is definatly room for improvement.
So, in conclussion for the next project we do i will keep in mind what was said about my final opening sequence, and do the best i can in order to make the feedback, even more positive next time.
Feed back on final opening sequence
Here is the feedback i got from the first student:
What kind of "genre" do you think this film belongs to? why?
Animation
What do you think the "Target Audience" of this film would be? why?
Elderly people or young children.
It depends on what the actual story line would be
What is your favourite image from this film? why?
The first few shots of the boy walking towards and through the gate, becuase they look very arty and more thought out than the others.
If you were to borrow one idea from this film for your own film-making project, what would it be and why?
I like the way that the pictures have been made to look down and the music goes well with the type of effect that is created by the colours in the pictures.
Here is the feedback i got from the 2nd student:
What kind of "genre" do you think this film belongs to? why?
Family drama, music suggests this along with the use of the child actor and cartoon stlye effect, with story line set in school.
Who do you think the "target audience" of this film would be? why?
8-12 year olds, feel of the film and relevance of the siuation suggests this
What is your favourite image from this film? why?
-------------------------------------------------
If you were to borrow one idea from this film for your own film-making project what would it be? why?
Use of pictures to show plot line, effect of past pictures.
Here is the feedback i got from Jake & Jim:
Overall very good film opening, maybe could be a bit shorter as its a little long and drags slighty.
Also the opening could do with more of a "bread trail", as in, little hints as to whom the character is, for example his personaility and such. But overall very good!
Jake & Jim
Shown below is a screen grab from Jims webpage, showing a brief descirption of what Jim has done and also showing some of his videos.
Equipment i used in order to make *SugaR 'N' SpicE* opening scene
Tuesday 3 March 2009
Sunday 1 March 2009
Evaluation of my opening sequence
I had much inspiration for my film / opening. Mainly it was programes and tv that inspired me, not just film opening themselfs. From the many videos / photos that inspired me to create this film opening. many of which are food or school related, for example, Grange hill, jamie's school dinners, and life is sweet.
Show below are a few videos which show the kinda of things that have inspired me for my film opening.
Friday 27 February 2009
Film opening sequence *Evaluation*
My final opening sequence / video
Thursday 26 February 2009
Feed back on *Draft* opening sequence
Today in class, i recevied notes / feedback from every class member within my group. The feed back was on diffrenct aspects of my opening sequence, for example, Mise en scene, editing, and titles, as well as a few more.
I have just review'd the comments that people made, and i have found that the most common problem with my sequence, seems to be the titles, in 2 of the feed back sheets, two people have said that they are to "In your face".
Other than that small issue of the titles being too in your facem the other comments were rather very positive and overall very good, which in my mind means that i have done a good job in gettin my messege across in my opening sequence, and also means i havent got too much to do, in order to make it complete from draft -> completed opening sequence.
Screen shots from the edit of m film opening
Tuesday 24 February 2009
Film opening project
*Be creative with your ideas
*Use a variety of tecniques when shooting. (angles,positioning,contanuity etc)
*Stick to the original plan as best you can (Storyboard)
*IF you change your idea from the original plan, try not too over-complicate the idea (s)
*Learn how to transfer the footage and make sure that the cameras footage actualy can be imported, before you start your film shoot.
*Always have a back up idea, especialy with your location / props etc
*Be ambitious in your filming
My film opening *Draft video / project*
What i done to complete my film opening in draft: First of all i took the photos from my story Board, and i was faced with a problem straight away. The problem was that the photos had already been editied, so i had to back track and get the original photos back, as i needed the originals in order to cartoonize them.
I eventually was able to restore the photos to their original state, but to do this i had to restore my laptop, which was time consuming but i managed to get them back in the end. I could of easily taken them straight from my Camera SD card, but unfortunatly when i originaly took the photos from my SD card i had cut and pasted them so they were not on the SD card when i looked for the originals, so therefore i had to restore my laptop etc, but as i said i got them in the end.
When i did get the originals i moved onto the next stage, which was to edit them into a cartoon type effect (Cartoonize). I browsed around on the internet for editing software in order to edit them how i wanted, but this again was very time consuming, but i needed to edit them so to find the software or website was a must, and a very high priority in order to get any progress in my project. Eventually i found a website where you can edit you photos for free, but i was yet again faced with a problem, it was a printing website where they print them for you onto mugs, tee-shirts, mouse mats, etc etc, and as this was not what i wanted, instead of close the website and find another one, since ihad been looking and browsing for over an hour, i decided that the best idea would be to just *Print screen* what i had edited and then crop the photos in paint. I done this for all 30-40 of my photos, and overall i was very impressed with the overall outcome of my photos.
When i had the edited photos i moved onto the next stage of my project which was to edit them into a stop - motion sequence / video. To do this i used the programe (Sony Vegas 8.0) which i have installed on my laptop. Once i had put the photos into a video (which took me about an hour or so). This also includes the time it took me to make the moving titles, (KK-Productions, Director: Kirk kemp, etc). Once i had completed both the titles and video, i then renderd the final video, which took another 20-30 minutes, as i was waiting for that to render i could not do anything else as my laptop was quite slow while rendering the video, so while i was waiting, i grabed my note book and started noting down some posible song ideas, that would relate well to my video, for order to me use it in the opening sequence. When the video was renderd i uploaded it too windows movie maker, so i could add the music track later on.
I started making my soundtrack for my opening sequence in *mix craft 4.0* I soon managed to make a sound track, which reflects the mood and also fits with my opening sequence / video. Once i had finished the sound track for my opening sequence i simply, added it to my video sequence, and then i re-render'd it from windows movie maker, in order to make it a video file, to play back on my laptop.
Finally i watched the video to see wheather it was ok and didnt need any changes etc, i found that it does not need many changes in my mind, but tomorrow i will see what people think to it and see what changes can be made in order to make it better.
Shown below is the *Draft version of my opening sequence*
My opening sequence *SugaR 'N' SpicE*
In this diagram it shows my laptop, with annotations which point out that i was editing my photos. I believe i put in alot of work, when i was caroonizing' my photos. Overall it took me nearly 2 hours too work through all 30-40 photos, but i believe that i worked to the best of my ability and when i was faced with any difficulty i soon overcame it and carried on. For example when my laptop crashed i had to re-do about 20 photos, which put me behnd but i didnt mind, i just worked on and managed to get it finished.
Once i did get the photos finished and i put them into a video . stop motion sequence i got to work on the sound track / music for it, which i found difficult at first as the programe was hard to set up, but when i did finally get it set up i soon got to work and produced a very good sound track which fits the theme of the video perfectly in my mind.
Friday 20 February 2009
Channel Four : Inspiration week / Open day
Channel Four : Inspiration week / Open day
(Shown below is a copy of the email i was sent)
Hello
Thank you for coming to Channel 4’s Inspiration Week Open Day. We hope you enjoyed it and got plenty out of your time with us - now’s your chance to apply to come to Inspiration Week.
If you’re 14-16 the master classes and workshops will run on 6th and 7th April.
If you’re 17-19 the master classes and workshops will run on 8th and 9th April.
Below is the link to get onto Inspiration Week, please apply here by clicking on it, which will lead you through to our recruitment system.
Please answer all the questions fully, stating your preferences for the master classes and workshops available.
Your completed application must be with us by noon on Friday 9th March 2009. 4Talent will then shortlist candidates and email you if you’ve been successful by 20th March at the latest.
Inspiration Week Application Form
Good luck,
Kate x
P.S. Don’t forget to join our 4Talent Alumni Facebook Group!
Kate Beveridge 4Talent CoordinatorChannel 4 124 Horseferry Road London SW1P 2TX
Channel Four : Inspiration week / Open day
Application Questions
*1
Tell us about a time when you had to work really hard to get something you wanted? What was it and what did you do?
Answer
Basically ever since i was 12-13 i have been into media and home film making etc, and when i gained my first ever video camera, that was brilliant, until i realised that there are many other camcorders out there which would be even better. So when i started my part-time job as a cleaner, i started of doing just a few hours but when ever i could i done more hours in order to gain more money towards the camcorder that i wanted. During the school summer holiday i worked from 12-8 at least 3-4 days a week, and by the end of the summer holiday i had just abut enough money for the camcorder, which i quickly soon order'd off the internet and i gained that within a few days of ordering it. This was when i was aged 15-16 and to this day i still use the Sony HD camcorder to produce films and short videos.
*2
Please choose the three areas you would like to learn more about on Inspiration Week. (Please note: Each master class has a limited number of place and we may not be able to allocate you your first choice). Your Master Class choices are: Advertising, Development, Journalism, Scriptwriting, Presenting, Producing/Directing - Factual, Producing/Directing - Drama, Production Management, New Media.
Answer
I would very much like to learn more about the following three courses / master class:- Producing / Directing - (Factual)- Advertising - Development I would very much like to further study these master classes, as i strongly believe that it will help my progress towards the future that much easier, and will definatly be a great oppurtunity to add work / experiance to my already growing portfolio of work, for the upcoming future.
*3
Tell us why you should be given a place on Inspiration Week?
Answer
I believe that i should be given a place on the inspiration week course, becuase i have put a great amount of work into my media both in college, and at home. I also have been constantly updating and adding to my personal portfolio, which shows all my work relating to media and film etc. This placement on the course will definatly improve apon my portfolio and my personal acievements. Overall i think if i do get a placement it wil help me a great deal, both with my work at the moment (college and personal portfolio) and also most important of all my future, i believe that this experiance will be perfect in order to show people what i have done, to show that i am outgoing and will take every oppatunity as it comes along. In conclussion, i would greatly appreciate a placement on the Channel Four Inspiration week as i like to think it will help me a great deal in my work now and definatly help me out in getting where i want in the future!
Channel Four : Inspiration week / Open day
Evidence of helping with film shoot
Sunday 15 February 2009
Email (YouTube)
ScenicVideos has sent you a message:
Free greenscreen video backgrounds
Hi, i thought you might be interested since your into green screen. I have a bunch of videos I am allowing users to download for free to use in their own videos. these are in the new HD 1280x720 standard set by youtube.
I hope you enjoy them,
Jay
PS please consider subscribing to get updated on new videos.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbC_6LdWrKA
This will help me a great deal, when it comes to future productions, as the actual footage for the backgrounds on videos etc, are quite difficult to find, and also when you do find them they usually cost a fair bit, and because im a student and only have a part time job, i cannot afford to pay out for green screen footage etc...