This week we moved on from hot seating and looked at scripts and small details in scriptwriting. We began looking at the script format and then started annotating scripts by highlighting and writing notes next to details such as locations, characters and props. If we already had a draft or a finished script for our story then we were to use that script but for those who had unfinished or no script they were given parts of an already existing script, like The Green Mile or Big Fish. We then spent time reading through the scripts and annotating each scene, looking for information that is needed to go into production, highlighting and writing notes for locations, set designs, props, animals, characters and even clothing. It's important to get all the information out of the script and for you to know every detail so you don't miss or leave anything out when it comes to filming.
I started annotating my own script for all these details for anything I would need to know or tell crew members if it ever came to production, I found important details like scenes that included sound effects or lights that would be important and therefore needed to be known in pre production for when it comes to film later.
Sunday, 22 February 2015
Wednesday, 18 February 2015
Live Project- Script Breakdown and Groups
Due to my absence in a previous week, I missed the last live project lesson where we were split into groups and focused on a script breakdown on the various different areas in the North East for the Johnston Press live brief. This week I was placed into a group and we are focusing on the Sunderland/South Shields area, each member of the group researched a different area and looked for tourist spots and hidden locations which would look good for the promotional video. This week was the entire class reviewing each others script breakdown sheets and having a member of communications for CCAD come in on behalf of Johnston Press to review which areas should and should not be included in the promotional video.
We got confirmation on which locations need to be included and which should be left so we were able to calculate the amount of locations we need to visit and split them up into groups so certain groups can go off and capture what we need for that area. Since there are three groups we split the locations up into three groups. We used Google Maps to pinpoint the areas and work out how long the journeys would take and which locations are close together, we then worked out which days would be best for groups to shoot on and began gathering contact information on the locations that need permission or need to be informed of when were shooting and began calling those locations. Now we need confirmations from all the locations that need it before we can schedule a final date for filming, we need to also print and fill out a number sheets for the different locations and for anyone that may feature in the videos, along with risk assessments forms.
We got confirmation on which locations need to be included and which should be left so we were able to calculate the amount of locations we need to visit and split them up into groups so certain groups can go off and capture what we need for that area. Since there are three groups we split the locations up into three groups. We used Google Maps to pinpoint the areas and work out how long the journeys would take and which locations are close together, we then worked out which days would be best for groups to shoot on and began gathering contact information on the locations that need permission or need to be informed of when were shooting and began calling those locations. Now we need confirmations from all the locations that need it before we can schedule a final date for filming, we need to also print and fill out a number sheets for the different locations and for anyone that may feature in the videos, along with risk assessments forms.
Production Skills- Radio Mic Test
After been introduced to both the Tascam and the Fostex, we were set a task involving the use of both. Along with the radio mics, a boom pole and mic and a camera, we were set the task of filming 3 short clips with audio from both the radio mics and a boom, so we were to set up a situation with two sounds/dialogues happening and be able to record both separately and experiment with the volume of both. We split into two groups, one group using the Tascam and the other with the Fostex, the group I was in used the Fostex and we relocated to the cafe area to record our clips. We set up all the equipment and came up with the idea of using the pool table in the background for a sound and then a conversation happening in the foreground for the other sound. We rotated with the roles so we all got a chance to work with the various equipment, we all had a go at working with either the camera, the boom, the fostex, radio mic or acting. Our 3 clips were very similar in the fact they took place in the same area but we adjusted the mics and the volume to experiment with how it sounds.
When listening to the playback later on we could tell that maybe our boom mic wasn't capturing the sound quite as loud as we would've like but the radio mic seemed to be working and recording just fine to the correct volume, but this lets us know to be more considerate and cautious when listening to the boom through the fostex and to maybe adjust certain settings to balance out the sounds from both microphones.
When listening to the playback later on we could tell that maybe our boom mic wasn't capturing the sound quite as loud as we would've like but the radio mic seemed to be working and recording just fine to the correct volume, but this lets us know to be more considerate and cautious when listening to the boom through the fostex and to maybe adjust certain settings to balance out the sounds from both microphones.
Monday, 16 February 2015
Production Skills- Tascam DR40
An alternative to the Fostex is the Tascam DR40, like the Fostex it is an audio recording device but is more personal and a much smaller size. It's handheld unlike the Fostex, making it much more easier for transport. It requires an SD card to record to and is powered by 2x AA batteries, to see audio levels you need to press the record button once and a second time to start recording. Under the menu you will find an option to access the record settings where you can customise the settings for you needs, the recommend format is WAV 16 bit and sample 48k which is used for film and TV. The browse option is where you will find playback for your recordings and the mixer option shows the balances for the audio.
When working with either the Fostex or the Tascam we can use radio microphones which are small microphones that are plugged into a small recording box which sends a signal wirelessly to the receiver which is connected to your audio recording device. To use these you need a license to use certain radio waves. The universities license states that channel 38 or 606.500- 613.500 is the radio waves that are accessible for us. There is also a website to help explain frequencies called Canford.co.uk.
When working with either the Fostex or the Tascam we can use radio microphones which are small microphones that are plugged into a small recording box which sends a signal wirelessly to the receiver which is connected to your audio recording device. To use these you need a license to use certain radio waves. The universities license states that channel 38 or 606.500- 613.500 is the radio waves that are accessible for us. There is also a website to help explain frequencies called Canford.co.uk.
Sunday, 15 February 2015
Production Skills- Fostex Audio Recorder
The Fostex Audio Recorder is an external audio device from the camera and records audio from a microphone. The model is FR2 (Field Recorder) and is designed with a bag for outside use and to be easily carried, the device can be powered by 8AA Duracell batteries that last for 30 minutes or certain special batteries or mains. The Fostex requires a CF card to record audio and is recommended to be around 4GB which would record 14 hours. When setting up the Fostex to record, the settings should be 48KHz which is TV and broadcast quality and 16bit. The device has the option for both mono and stereo and the also features a pre record option where it records six seconds before you press the record button. There is a mic input and a line input for a microphone and mixing desk, the CF card should be inserted while the machine is turned off and the card should be formatted before use. The record standby button powers up the machine, a loud alert sign will project when the machine is running on low battery and a playback feature can be found in the menu.
Me,Myself and I - Treatment
Treatment - Me, Myself and I
Unknown character (POV) is woke up in bed by Michael, the unknown character is very tired and annoyed while Michael is very energetic and full of enthusiasm. Michael encourages the character to get out of bed and to get going, the character stumbles out of bed and starts to get dressed with Michael throwing clothes at him to hurry him up. Michael opens the bedroom door gesturing the character to leave, the unknown character walks over to a mirror and it's revealed the unknown character is in fact Michael. Michael (POV) walks out his room and downstairs, someone asks Michael (POV) to get something from the shop for them, completely ignoring the other Michael, showing that he is only view able to Michael (POV) and is more of a projected version of his conscious who does and says everything Michael (POV) wishes he could.
The enthusiastic Michael attempts to get Michael (POV) to go out and do something but he keeps sitting down and being lazy, when Michael (POV) looks at the clock and realizes the time and that he is late for something (University, friends etc.) he starts rushing around to get ready. The projected consciousness now starts acting out and and being sarcastic, Michael (POV) is walking around the house in different rooms while the other Michael is acting out in different ways such as chilling out. Michael (POV) finally gets outside and starts walking down the street when someone randomly picks a fight with him, Michael starts encouraging a fight and acts all big while Michael (POV) is scared and small. Michael (POV) gets hit in the face and both Michael's fall over at the same time. Michael (POV) is helped up by the other Michael off the ground. The location transitions to university where Michael (POV) is offered to join a club by someone, the other Michael is trying to persuade Michael (POV) to join and but he is uncertain and turns down the chance. The other Michael talks about how nothings going to happen if you don't do anything, Michael then disappears and Michael (POV) walks into the university, he is asked by another person if they would be interested in signing up for a club and it ends just before Michael (POV) gives his answer leaving his fate undetermined.
Unknown character (POV) is woke up in bed by Michael, the unknown character is very tired and annoyed while Michael is very energetic and full of enthusiasm. Michael encourages the character to get out of bed and to get going, the character stumbles out of bed and starts to get dressed with Michael throwing clothes at him to hurry him up. Michael opens the bedroom door gesturing the character to leave, the unknown character walks over to a mirror and it's revealed the unknown character is in fact Michael. Michael (POV) walks out his room and downstairs, someone asks Michael (POV) to get something from the shop for them, completely ignoring the other Michael, showing that he is only view able to Michael (POV) and is more of a projected version of his conscious who does and says everything Michael (POV) wishes he could.
The enthusiastic Michael attempts to get Michael (POV) to go out and do something but he keeps sitting down and being lazy, when Michael (POV) looks at the clock and realizes the time and that he is late for something (University, friends etc.) he starts rushing around to get ready. The projected consciousness now starts acting out and and being sarcastic, Michael (POV) is walking around the house in different rooms while the other Michael is acting out in different ways such as chilling out. Michael (POV) finally gets outside and starts walking down the street when someone randomly picks a fight with him, Michael starts encouraging a fight and acts all big while Michael (POV) is scared and small. Michael (POV) gets hit in the face and both Michael's fall over at the same time. Michael (POV) is helped up by the other Michael off the ground. The location transitions to university where Michael (POV) is offered to join a club by someone, the other Michael is trying to persuade Michael (POV) to join and but he is uncertain and turns down the chance. The other Michael talks about how nothings going to happen if you don't do anything, Michael then disappears and Michael (POV) walks into the university, he is asked by another person if they would be interested in signing up for a club and it ends just before Michael (POV) gives his answer leaving his fate undetermined.
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