26/03/10

Today, we took more still shots. This was due to the lighting being too dark in one of the original rooms we planned to shoot in. This made it hard to see the final scene. Therefore we took still shots in many different locations to see what would be suited to the theme and the filming. However, this therefore means we will have to re-shoot the final scene and it could affect our editing. This is because the new scene will have to fit to the previous scene and we must ensure the continuity is not affected by adding the re-shoot. Also we worked on the rest of the soundtrack we were putting together and making on garage band. This was difficult because we had to make sure; not only was it long enough and suited the theme (thriller), but also had to make sure the music went with the filming, and this was hard because we couldn’t preview it. For example, we have tried to increase the intensity of the music when running, and slow it down and create more mystery when approaching the prisoners. However to get the timing suited and too match to the filming is difficult and therefore we have had to change it many times to get it correct. However due to the soundtrack being finished, we now have an idea how to re-shoot the final scene to get it to fit.

23/03/10

Today we began editing, and got the shots from the camera onto; Final cut pro, which is the programme we are using for editing. We then cut the shots down and worked on the continuity to make sure the shots fit smoothly. However, the focus in one of the scenes was affected and made the image blurred which therefore meant we had to re plan the shot and location. Whilst doing this, we also began to work on a soundtrack on the programme; Garageband.

19/03/10

We have decided to change a few locations into one particular place in Manchester because we didn't want each clip to look different and wanted continuous scenes so the run smoothly into each other without any sudden changed mise en scene. So in the end we decided to use the Premier Inn and the location around it.

Our group then went out to film up to as far ahead as we could. The only thing left to film is the ending where we need extras, therefore next lesson will be used to film this. We then uploaded what we already had and put the shots in sequence so we could roughly edit them. At first we had a few problems using the computers to edit until we got help and became familiar with the tools.After we have all of what we need filmed, we are going to edit all the shots into one scene for our opening and add diagetic sound to make the scene feel more like a horror/thriller.

16/03/10

We started to film our two minute clip and have made some changes to the locations we were going to use. Such as we are only filming near and around the Premier Inn because if we were to use several different locations the clips wouldn't run smoothly. Also because we are using the top of the premier in we need to make sure it doesn’t run to long into getting to the hotel because it will become boring and uninteresting because of the amount of time it would take.

We then filmed up to the point where we would need other people to come in it. We used a number of shots in the opening so it is more interesting to watch. We started off by filming walking up to the building and then entering we then film upstairs and went into the top floor rooms where its mostly inbuilt which is useful as it looks like an abandoned building.

Shot List

Establishing Shot- This is used at the beginning to show the scene and portrays where the scene is set which is Manchester. We have made this clear by capturing some of Manchester’s most distinctive buildings such as the Hilton hotel and also landmarks such as the Manchester wheel.

Close up- This was used when entering the building where the scene takes place; The Premier inn. A close up was also shot at the feet to show me walking up the steps. This connotes mystery by not showing my face.

Low angle shot- This was used when entering the abandoned room. It is used to show dominance over the prisoners. Another low angle shot was used to convey the building in which Danny was entering. Due to this it shows the height of which the prisoner is kept.

High angle shot- This is used to show the prisoner. It connotes weakness and struggle.

Over the shoulder shot- This was used to convey what was inside the door and shows the room in which Danny was entering.

Reaction shot- This shows Danny walking up the stairs, this focuses on his feet to show he is moving.

Extreme long shot- This portrays Danny approaching the building from a distance away.

Mid shot- This is used when Danny leaves the lift in the building.

Two shot- This is used to show the prisoner and Danny in the room in which they are kept.

Still shots

The main location we have decided to shoot is; the Premier inn, Manchester, which fits the horror/thriller theme because it is abandoned and derelict. To help make the scene more realistic we used props such as fake blood on the walls which generate horror. Also an establishing shot was successful from the roof of the hotel because it was high and portrayed most of Manchester in the shot. This therefore indicates to the audience where the scene is set due to many of Manchester’s most visited and popular buildings being shown in the shot.

Location 2: St.Peters Square

Another location that we are using is St.Peters Square. We chose this location because at night the streets lights light it up and make the buildings look old. This would also go with the theme of Canal Street.
Also we would need the locations we choose to be quiet even though the square can get quite busy because it has a tram running through it; however it can still be used because it goes quieter as the day goes on.
On the other hand the tram could come into use, as in horrors trains are used when they rush past unexpectedly. The tram could be used in the same way, maybe speeded up and the sound made louder.

Location 1: The Canal

One of the locations we decided to use was the Canal and the bridges and tunnels that run along it. We are using this because it can be made to look eerie and dark especially down the tunnel because it’s quite grimy.
We could also use the small water fall along the canal and use the non diagetic sound as this would create more realism to the clip. Also it could be quite eerie to use running water.
The main part of the canal we are using is the tunnel although it is already dark we could still use this at night because of the lights inside, this could also come in handy as the lights are dim and the water looks dark.
This is also a good location because of the cobbled road, pathways and bricks that look old and this could be made to be sinister.