"FEED THE FISH". / PRELIMINARY TASK.

This is our preliminary task, called "Feed The Fish". The script was given to us beforehand, where we  only had to follow the instructions provided then create a video according to it. The editing aspects and different types of shots were done by us, as well as the cutting and recording. As a group, we concluded to make a sinister comedy collaboration, followed by extra footage, expressing the dramatic effect. The thumbnail of the video, shows one of my peer members (ALEX) playing a stereotypical Russian boss, holding a white stuffed bunny. This shows the 2 sides of her and makes our entire clip emphasise the seriousness and comical side of the situation. Due to this, the audience already know that this clip is not to be taken seriously because of the involvement of humours acts within it.
When filming this clip, it had turned out to be much easier than expected because we already knew when, how and where to use the camera at a different angle each time. This was dependant on what was going on at that time of the clip. However, the acting part was not as challenging because the scrips that we had been given were rather simple. On the contrary, it did take us quite a few times to film particulate scenes, as it was our first time doing the entire process. (E.G. Editing, recording, acting, cuts) Editing was the most challenging aspect of this clip because after jumping over all the hurdles, we had to ensure that the cuts run smoothly and do not appear very abrupt and sudden. We tried to concentrate mainly on the editing.
I (HASSAN) was not in the short film, but was the camera man. This was quite a challenging but exciting experience for me as this was my first time taking charge of the shots and recording. The editing contained an error, where by and unnecessary jump shot had been made by me by accident. I had also forgot to film the third scene of my peer (ANAM) opening the door. This had stuck a thorn into the continuity shot and did not make it look as good as it should have done.

We had received some constructive criticism from our fellow class mates and our 2 media teachers. When watching our short "Feed The Fish" film, they had stated that our editing and the parallel editing was smooth and soft, the POV was really good and we followed the 180 degree rule perfectly. The reverse shot and the shot of trees had brought confusion to everyone as it did not fit in with the film. The framing however, could have been a lot better. 

In my opinion, despite the fact that some errors were made by myself in regards to the shots, recording and filming, I thoroughly enjoyed filming. I have looked over my mistakes by learning how and where I went wrong, allowing me to apply my new knowledge later on in media for upcoming filming and editing tasks. I believe that my camera skills were quite good but do need improvement on in order for me to obtain the best set of results.

Overall, the experience was amazing because we, as a group got to learn more about each other as well as ourselves. We enjoyed working with one another and also pointed out what key skills we possess individually as well as points where guidance was needed. 

THE EDITING PROCESS FOR MY NEWS BROADCAST OPENING SEQUENCE.

The software that our teacher had recommended us to use was "Adobe Premiere Pro". Myself and my other peer (Anam) had never come across to using this software before, but luckily, Alex, who was the experienced one about using this particular software, had showed and taught us how to use the programme. Since then, we both grasped the techniques. After being taught, we all had editing chances of 3 times each, ensuring that everyone is comfortable with the ideas and the software.

After filming, going over and analysing my news reporting scene, we had to undergo the editing, special effects and background process to set the scene. 

The key and simple task in this editing process was to trim the separate videos of me and merge them into one. We had gone over videos several times to ensure that we have not cut too much or too little of parts of my scenes. The colour correcting aspect of editing was the most challenging part as well as adjusting the lighting. This all needed to be fully covered, enabling me and the background to appear more naturally.

 These are some pictures showing the type of software we had to use in order for the editing to take place.We had helped on another and focusing on key elements such as close up and zoom. We had also used a YouTube video which had guided us to removing the green screen and adding our own background as well as adjusting the outline of the sides of my face and my body as a whole. When coming near to the editing, we had noticed that my body outline was green, so we had researched and tried various techniques in order to get rid of the green outlines, This was accomplished and and ensured our editing was a huge success. It is visible how the blue background and headline infant of me on the screen, adds realism to the scene, also taking into account my suit blending in with the presentation and the scenario.


The experience was breathtakingly enjoyable because we had learnt new skills such as editing on a new software. This had initially provided us with the base layer for editing for the rest of the opening sequence, allowing us to use the skills we have learnt and also to develop them further via trying new methods, resulting in a better outcome.

FILMING NEWS BROADCAST OPENING SEQUENCE SCENE.

For the opening scene, we had filmed the news broadcast, in which I (HASSAN) was playing the role of the British news reporter, working for BBC World.

As a group, we had decided that the effect of the green screen would be beneficial and efficient as it could provide us with a sense of realism. We taught ourselves how to use a green screen by making sure that the bright lights were in the right position when filming. There were 2 lights on both sides in front of me in order to make me stand out and brighten up my face, showing that I'am the key feature of the scene. There were another 2 lights on both sides behind me, directing onto the green screen in order to ensure that my shadow is minimalised to the max. I also had to be in the correct position (directly in front of the camera) so everything balances out. An estimated time of 30 minutes was taken to set up the tables, chair and especially the lighting, camera and the green screen.

Personally, when filming my scenes, I felt that they went better than expected. Despite the fact that I received such a short notice for memorizing my lines, I came up with a technique that would ensure my lines to be memorized really quick. I had about 14 lines to remember whereby I had been writing 2 sets after the video had been paused, enabling me to break up the the heavy chunks into easier bite-size pieces to memorize.

Filming my news reporting scene had exceeded over 30 minutes as this was everyone's first time adjusting to the roles that they have been  given. There were many bloopers where I had forgot to say a particular word, or the accent was not great but I overcame that by re-doing those parts. This had allowed me to obtain the best set of results where I, alongside the group had felt that all my dialogues fit in with one another.

Learning about the entire process overall was explained to us by the technical media teacher, Mr.Phillips. He had provided us with the outlines for the camera, lights and green screen and had left us to work independently after providing us with the basic foundation facts we need to know. This had taken us approximately 1 hour overall. This was very beneficial for us because we developed our skills further each time, enabling us to get the best out of our abilities, therefore producing a fine and sound result.

I had rehearsed several times off camera, ensuring that I know my lines thoroughly and that I know when I should stop and continue. I had the entire copy of my dialogue and gave keywords on a sheet of paper to my other 2 peers in my group so that they know when they should stop recording ad start a new and fresh set to record. This contributed to efficiency and time management.

The green screen provided my news reporting scene with some verisimilitude and had really given the overall scene a huge boost in terms of seriousness and professionalism.

RISK ASSESSMENT DURING THE PROCESS OF FILMING.

MUSIC AND SOUND IN HORROR FILMS.

 MUSIC. 

In horror films, a lot of non-diegetic music is used in order to gradually build up the suspense and tension throughout the films. A use of high and low pitch music is used, depending on the scene at that point in time. An example could be in the movie “Jaws” because as the shark gets closer to it’s victim and begins to lurk more, the music increases in tone ranging from a low deep tone to a high pitch almost screeching tone. This is done to let the audience know that the shark is coming very quickly and death for the victim is just seconds away. This will strike fear into the audience, making them feel uneasy and uncomfortable and wanting to almost jump out of their seats, making the effect wear onto them. The non-diegetic music adds some realism and lifelike feeling for the audience’s experience.

 Violins, light trumpets, harps and pianos were used in the Jaws theme tune and also in every horror film. For horror films in general, they involve eerie sounds throughout the movie to add effect to the scenario and also to the seriousness of the situation. The use of gradually increasing non-diegetic music makes the audience come up with predictions, also knowing that the music is only increasing as a signifier for them that something bad is about to happen. The scary sounds are an indication, making them feel out of their comfort zone. In the horror film “The Possession”, the awkward sounds heavily appear when the old lady loses control. 

Her face begins to slop on one side, her arms drop and she is being controlled by the demon. From the very first uneven sign from her face, the non-diegetic music had started to increase time by time until the old lady had collapsed on the ground and died.  This brings us onto the next topic whereby there is a contrast between the different tones of the music. This is solely dependent on what is happening on the screen at the exact moment of time. During some parts of a horror film, there is no music because the audience is listening to the diegetic sounds of footsteps, whispering of the victim and simply observing the slow movement of action on the screen. The non diegetic sounds will only make an appearance once the victim is edging the beginning of the end of the action scene. Eerie sounds are mainly used during the build up of something. The use of mixing dark lighting and quiet sounds of music can make the atmosphere feel quite airy and empty, leaving the audience to embark upon a spine chilling journey.

 SOUND.

In horror films, the audience need to be able to build a special connection and relationship with the characters and find a mix of love and hate in the film. The use of diegetic and non-diegetic sound enables them to do this. There are contrapuntal sounds where the image on the screen may be very daunting but the music playing in the background is a song from a children’s fairy tale. (VICE VERSA) This shows a contrast between light and dark. There could be dull creepy music but a beautiful toy doll being shown on the screen and this would show the stark contrast between the two features, eventually leading to predictions from the audience.

 A demon, spirit or the human being (victim) could all express their feelings via the use of the diegetic sounds. This could be done via screaming, loud thuds of footsteps, slamming of doors and use of clattering objects. This emphasizes and allows the characters feeling and emotions to come out. On the other hand, the diegetic sounds are a key focus point in horror films as they are eye opening to the audience. From the mysterious creaking of the doors and wooden floorboards to the quiet and sound footsteps of a demon or a victim, the suspense is built instantaneously. These types of highlights immediately attract the viewer’s attention. 

The attention to detail is vital in terms of playing the correct sound at the right place at the right time in order to distract the audience then surprise them with something more frightening and unusual that they did not expect / see it coming. Overall, the use of using diegetic and non-diegetic sounds at the same time enables suspense at a faster rate, therefore allowing tension to build up more rapidly followed by some action between the victim and the villain. The eerie music and the natural sounds show how the setting and location is not a safe place to be and sets the tone for the upcoming scenes in the horror film.