Re-filming Process 3

For filming the sounds of the forest I decided to go to a nearby forest which was closer than my actual location. The image didn’t matter because I was just recording but once I got to the forest I saw certain shots that would be good. All woods look similar so its shouldn’t be a problem when editing. Once I recorded the sound I moved on to other shots.

I had the idea of filming an arc of the tree tops and include it during the scenes when the audience see that the children have died or at the beginning after Zia have laughed. With sound effects it could give a ‘dreamlike’ impression which is suited to the storyline.

Arc of the tree’s branches.

This forest that I was in had a pathway running the whole way through it and when it was getting dark it look very scary. It was quite late when I shot these so the lighting may be too dark.

Pathway in the forest.

 

Re-filming Process 2

My aim for this session was just to capture the shots of the location in daylight. I captured  low angle shots, high angle shots and an establishing shots of the forest.

Part of an establishing shot of the forest.

I also came across an old pub with warning signs on the front gate, I thought this would fit into my opening sequence and add an eerie affect.

Warning sign.

Under the warning side was a an old plank of wood that had markings on it which could be interpreted as scratches. I filmed this as well because these extra features can be used as suspense mechanism in the opening sequence.

Markings on the wood.

By the time I’d finished the shots I needed to it was getting too dark to film. I still needed to record the woods for two minutes for sound purposes.

 

Re-filming Process 1

I borrowed a different camera to film this time around. The quality is a lot better and I was able to film in night mode.

Camera used.

 

We waited until the sun was setting for an appropriate time to film. This time round it was much earlier and lighter which made the difference on the camera.

Sunset.

 

I was going to change my actors and re-film everything but that was pointless as I can use some shots from my previous filming sessions. The actors wore the same clothes as last time. I only needed Josh and Siobhan as Zia’s shots were in good quality.

Actors.

 

I decided in this filming session that I would work on continuity techniques. First of all, I started with ‘eyeline’ match. The characters are looking straight ahead at the forest entrance.

Forest entrance.

By the time I had finished a few continuity techniques it was too dark to film. I will continue filming in short sessions until all shots are retrieved.

First Edit & Feedback

First Edit:

I’m not pleased with my first edit, I know there is a lot to change and improve on. With the aid of the feedback, I’ll direct my opening sequence into a better standard.

Feedback:

Titles – 

Strengths:

• The font choice and colour reflects the genre of the opening sequence.
• The titles contrast nicely on a black screen which breaks up the action – conventional of a horror.
• A smooth fade in transition works nicely.

Targets:

• Titles need to be for a longer duration of time so the audience can read them.
• Change the positioning of them to create a more distorted effect.
• Move main title to the beginning so it looks less like a trailer.

Cinematography/Editing – 

Strengths:

• Mis-en-scene works well, the costume, makeup and location create a scary atmosphere.
• variety of shots and continuity techniques with a few different angles.
• The fast pace was appropriate for the genre.

Targets:

• Some shots are shaky and need to be re-filmed.
• Some shots are too dark and need to be re-filmed.

Introduction –

Strengths:

• Location of forest is conventional for a horror.
• Genre is easily established.
• Enigma codes are raised.

Targets:

• storyline is unclear in places.
• Relationship between the characters is also unclear.

Sound – 

Strengths:

• Eerie soundtrack which creates a scary affect.
• Audio levels re clear and the clarity of dialogue is clear.
• Natural ambiance of forest adds a scary effect.

Targets:

• Record forest ambiance for the whole way through the opening sequence, not just in certain sections.
• Voiceover is uneven – new voice over.
• Add more sound effects to create suspense.

177/200 – Total mark from two peer assessors.