You are using a range of camera angles already which is great but make sure that the idea of the OCD is obvious by having slow and deliberate movements or maybe slow mo? This way it is communicated to the reader yet can still be subtle.
Monday, 28 February 2011
Thursday, 24 February 2011
Wednesday, 16 February 2011
Monday, 14 February 2011
Filming time table
Time table
I am filming over half term as that is when it's easier to get hold of my actor and time is less of a problem as I can also shoot throughout the day.
Day one – Sunday 20th Feb
Actors needed: One – Max
Location to shoot: My house (No permission letter needed)
Scenes to shoot: Waking sequence, phone call
Day two – Monday 21st Feb
Actors needed: One – Max
Location to shoot: My house (No permission letter needed)
Scenes to shoot: Very beginning “they’ll wanna know what happened” scene, breakfast and exit scene
Max is bringing his own costumes. I need to acquire a clock, some form of army memorabilia, cheerios.
I will use the clock from my bedroom and move it elsewhere, I am seeing my grandad on the 16th and I can borrow some off of him then, cheerios can be bought on the 18th.
I will begin editting on the 22nd Feb on my own person mac. I will roughly edit using imovie and then I will polish up and rough edits and add music and any added sounds at school with final cut.
I am filming over half term as that is when it's easier to get hold of my actor and time is less of a problem as I can also shoot throughout the day.
Day one – Sunday 20th Feb
Actors needed: One – Max
Location to shoot: My house (No permission letter needed)
Scenes to shoot: Waking sequence, phone call
Day two – Monday 21st Feb
Actors needed: One – Max
Location to shoot: My house (No permission letter needed)
Scenes to shoot: Very beginning “they’ll wanna know what happened” scene, breakfast and exit scene
Max is bringing his own costumes. I need to acquire a clock, some form of army memorabilia, cheerios.
I will use the clock from my bedroom and move it elsewhere, I am seeing my grandad on the 16th and I can borrow some off of him then, cheerios can be bought on the 18th.
I will begin editting on the 22nd Feb on my own person mac. I will roughly edit using imovie and then I will polish up and rough edits and add music and any added sounds at school with final cut.
Wednesday, 9 February 2011
Explanation of other features
Costume - I have chosen the character to resemble Jeffrey Dahmer slightly in the fact that he wears glasses and had fairly neat and kept hair in a side part. This is because I feel that Jeffrey Dahmer was not only an iconic serial killer but he was also very 'normal' looking. In his appearance he looks to be a shy character and this reflects the type of look I want for my character, as I want him to appear, shy, weak and vulnerable but with a hint of something more sinister and familiar within his normal appearance.
His shy nature is also reflected in his choice of attire. He wears pajamas and a dressing gown in his own home when he is on his own. Most people (especially males) would probably wear less, only wearing bottoms of some sort to sleep in and would probably just resort to a towel when coming out of the shower, where as Marvin covers up. The audience may find this unusual. This draws at the insecurity Marvin has towards himself, wanting to cover himself and hide himself.
The white shirt and trousers would only reflect his work attire so are none too important. The dark shirt in the beginning is used to reflect his own personal style and also to create a dark feel at the very beginning of the opening scene. As the room will be dimly lit with only light coming from one side the darkness will help add to this and help hide Marvin's identity and any clues to his personality.
Lighting - I will be using added lighting in the opening scene, to insure the light is coming from where I want it to and so I can control the amount of shadow and the angle of the shadow that is there. This is because I feel the use of shadows are very important in this scene as it creates the first feeling of mystery, enabling the audience to question who is this character and wanting to find out who he really is and what he might have done. As the light hits his face and he says his line 'They'll wanna know what happened' I think this will be an impressive combination of contrast between light and dark and also it links to the connotations of things in the light becoming more clear and unveiling as Marvin unveils himself with a line that invites the audience to question what has happened and what he's done.
The rest of the lighting will be natural light (unless the shot is too dark and then I may add some) this is to make it appear as naturalistic as possible, as I want the story to appear as if it could be real, Marvin could have been a real person. It also will contrast with the fast, forced unnatural appearing edits which will keep the audience guessing and on edge.
Setting - The setting will be in various rooms of my house. Only a few rooms will be used not to give away the fact that my house is a house and not an apartment. The setting of this wont be vital. The only details that will be enhanced will be the order of some things to reflect Marvin's OCD. Apart from that one aspect the style and look of the rooms will not reflect the scene as much as other aspects would. The rooms will just have to look lived in but neat.
Actor - The actor I will be using with the appropriate styling, costume and directing will be able to physically look like and embody the character. I have chosen someone I am close to as I know that I will be able to get the best out of them and know how to encourage them to give the performance I want, I also know that as we are comfortable with each other neither of us will hold back and it will be easier and quicker to get the perfect shots.
Editing - The editing will flicker from longer takes to very quick, harsh takes. This is to keep the audience on edge, as they will not know what is going to happen next and the fast shots hint at something building up. They not only will reflect how quickly Marvin can carry out his routine daily as he has grown so used to it, but it will also reflect the harsh, violent underlying feelings Marvin constantly feels. The editing in this might also reflect some of Baz Lurhmann's, as he is known for using quick, hectic takes, creating a stylish and artistic feel - this is something I wish to achieve. I want my piece to appear quite stylish and well thought out. Not only capturing and recording the story but using the themes of the story and reflecting them and making them present in all editing, camera, lighting, etc. features. I want it to appear thought provoking visually as well as in content.
Camera - I've explained the shots previously, but I will sum up my reasoning's for my choices of shots. Close ups and extreme close ups show the intensity of the character and his feelings and current emotions. It reflects his close attention to detail and how deeply he thinks about little things. It also allows the audience to see how his expressions change from void of a emotion to very on edge after a specific moment - the phone call, the break in his routine. Wide shots are used to show his neat surroundings, his movement and also to reflect a distance between Marvin and the outside world and the audience. Zooms that finish in close ups/extreme close ups are there to represent the audience entering Marvin's world and coming closer to who his is and what he's like as a person.
Framing - Framing in this is quite similar to the framing in American Psycho as most things are central, including the framing on Marvin. This also reflects Marvin's need of placement, precision and perfection and placing things central often looks neater and more polished - how Marvin would want things to be. The framing of Marvin also shows the audience that this is going to specifically revolve around this one character, it doesn't distract from him and it shows that he is the main, central focus of everything as this is him and his life. It also creates space on both side of the shot, which represents again the distance he has from other people and the world around him.
Sound - The music I will use in this is Boadicea - Enya. I am using this song because it sounds dark and sinister and mysterious. The lack of lyrics and the sound of the voices in this create an unnerving feel, and also as if something is building. This will work with the shots and plot as something is building without being overly dramatic, hinting to the audience that something is coming in the future, but not giving too much away. This is again classic of a thriller as it never gives too much away in the opening scene. It just hints. I would like to try and attempt to make the shots and music work together in a similar pace but this will of course not be able to be decided on fully until the editing process. I might also enhance some of the sounds, to again show Marvin's intensity and need for precision, but this again will have to be decided in the editing process as I do not yet know how the music and sound will work together.
His shy nature is also reflected in his choice of attire. He wears pajamas and a dressing gown in his own home when he is on his own. Most people (especially males) would probably wear less, only wearing bottoms of some sort to sleep in and would probably just resort to a towel when coming out of the shower, where as Marvin covers up. The audience may find this unusual. This draws at the insecurity Marvin has towards himself, wanting to cover himself and hide himself.
The white shirt and trousers would only reflect his work attire so are none too important. The dark shirt in the beginning is used to reflect his own personal style and also to create a dark feel at the very beginning of the opening scene. As the room will be dimly lit with only light coming from one side the darkness will help add to this and help hide Marvin's identity and any clues to his personality.
Lighting - I will be using added lighting in the opening scene, to insure the light is coming from where I want it to and so I can control the amount of shadow and the angle of the shadow that is there. This is because I feel the use of shadows are very important in this scene as it creates the first feeling of mystery, enabling the audience to question who is this character and wanting to find out who he really is and what he might have done. As the light hits his face and he says his line 'They'll wanna know what happened' I think this will be an impressive combination of contrast between light and dark and also it links to the connotations of things in the light becoming more clear and unveiling as Marvin unveils himself with a line that invites the audience to question what has happened and what he's done.
The rest of the lighting will be natural light (unless the shot is too dark and then I may add some) this is to make it appear as naturalistic as possible, as I want the story to appear as if it could be real, Marvin could have been a real person. It also will contrast with the fast, forced unnatural appearing edits which will keep the audience guessing and on edge.
Setting - The setting will be in various rooms of my house. Only a few rooms will be used not to give away the fact that my house is a house and not an apartment. The setting of this wont be vital. The only details that will be enhanced will be the order of some things to reflect Marvin's OCD. Apart from that one aspect the style and look of the rooms will not reflect the scene as much as other aspects would. The rooms will just have to look lived in but neat.
Actor - The actor I will be using with the appropriate styling, costume and directing will be able to physically look like and embody the character. I have chosen someone I am close to as I know that I will be able to get the best out of them and know how to encourage them to give the performance I want, I also know that as we are comfortable with each other neither of us will hold back and it will be easier and quicker to get the perfect shots.
Editing - The editing will flicker from longer takes to very quick, harsh takes. This is to keep the audience on edge, as they will not know what is going to happen next and the fast shots hint at something building up. They not only will reflect how quickly Marvin can carry out his routine daily as he has grown so used to it, but it will also reflect the harsh, violent underlying feelings Marvin constantly feels. The editing in this might also reflect some of Baz Lurhmann's, as he is known for using quick, hectic takes, creating a stylish and artistic feel - this is something I wish to achieve. I want my piece to appear quite stylish and well thought out. Not only capturing and recording the story but using the themes of the story and reflecting them and making them present in all editing, camera, lighting, etc. features. I want it to appear thought provoking visually as well as in content.
Camera - I've explained the shots previously, but I will sum up my reasoning's for my choices of shots. Close ups and extreme close ups show the intensity of the character and his feelings and current emotions. It reflects his close attention to detail and how deeply he thinks about little things. It also allows the audience to see how his expressions change from void of a emotion to very on edge after a specific moment - the phone call, the break in his routine. Wide shots are used to show his neat surroundings, his movement and also to reflect a distance between Marvin and the outside world and the audience. Zooms that finish in close ups/extreme close ups are there to represent the audience entering Marvin's world and coming closer to who his is and what he's like as a person.
Framing - Framing in this is quite similar to the framing in American Psycho as most things are central, including the framing on Marvin. This also reflects Marvin's need of placement, precision and perfection and placing things central often looks neater and more polished - how Marvin would want things to be. The framing of Marvin also shows the audience that this is going to specifically revolve around this one character, it doesn't distract from him and it shows that he is the main, central focus of everything as this is him and his life. It also creates space on both side of the shot, which represents again the distance he has from other people and the world around him.
Sound - The music I will use in this is Boadicea - Enya. I am using this song because it sounds dark and sinister and mysterious. The lack of lyrics and the sound of the voices in this create an unnerving feel, and also as if something is building. This will work with the shots and plot as something is building without being overly dramatic, hinting to the audience that something is coming in the future, but not giving too much away. This is again classic of a thriller as it never gives too much away in the opening scene. It just hints. I would like to try and attempt to make the shots and music work together in a similar pace but this will of course not be able to be decided on fully until the editing process. I might also enhance some of the sounds, to again show Marvin's intensity and need for precision, but this again will have to be decided in the editing process as I do not yet know how the music and sound will work together.
Tuesday, 8 February 2011
Mrs D
This is really detailed Becca. I like the way you have devided your planing into camera etc - this will help you ensure you 'hit' the skills that are in the mark scheme. keep up the pace.
Monday, 7 February 2011
Detailed shot description
The first scene consists of Marvin in a room waiting to be questioned. There will be only diegetic sound and it will be very silent until Marvin speaks. This is because the complete silence at the beginning will make the audience feel uncomfortable, as most people are used to some form of sound in films. The lighting will be quite dark, only lighting him from one side to create a tense, dark, suspicious atmosphere. It will also hide Marvin's face creating some mystery as he looks down. The camera will slowly zoom from a medium shot to a close up show when he looks up and delivers his line, "They'll wanna know what happened". This will probably last about five to eight seconds. Here I will cut to darkness for probably about half a second to create a sense of sudden tension and to keep the audience waiting.
Immediately the music will start as this next shot begins.This shot will again be about six to ten seconds. It will be a birds eye view shot of Marvin sleeping. The shot again will zoom, but this time from a wide shot to an extreme close up of Marvin's face. The lighting will be quite muted and generally will just be natural lighting. During this shot Marvin will wake, his eyes will slowly flutter open and the shot will end as his eyes are open and you can see him thinking and working something out in his head through his facial expression and wandering eyes.
The next set of shots will be very quick takes to contrast with the long takes before. this will create tension and unease for the audience as they would not expect to be suddenly bombarded with a set of quick, harsh takes. These will feature his morning routine. The quickness of the shots will also show the audience that this routine is something he knows, something he can do quickly and efficiently every day as he has done it so often. These shots will include him reaching for his glasses, sitting on the edge of his bed and standing, making his bed, getting his clothes out of the wardrobe and showering. I will pay close attention to the shots of him making his bed. There are five short takes of the bed making. This is to show him pull and tighten the duvet over each corner four times and hint at his OCD. It will also show him smoothing the duvet carefully four times will his hand, to also show his need for perfection. Depending on how the sounds and music fit together in the editing process I might consider making enhancing the sound of this bed making to show how important this is to Marvin and to highlight the intensity of his routine. I will also try and make the clips move somewhat in time to the music.
Another long take will be whilst Marvin is brushing his teeth. He will finish brushing, spit and has he goes to examine his reflection the phone will ring. I will record the sound of the phone and add this separately. At the sound of this a look of panic will flash across his face, he'll look in the direction the noise is coming from. He'll count to four and take a breath and before looking at himself once more. This shot will slow down the face pace and it will also show the audience an important moment for Marvin - his routine being broken. The obvious contrast between short shots and this long take will show that this is different, this is something that could change the character or that something to do with this moment and phone call could be of specific importance. This creates a feeling of mystery and also keeps the audience guessing of what might be going on in the story. The take will be about eight seconds.
The compilation of shots during the phone call will all be fairly quick but they will differ. Some will be very short and snappy where as others will come to being around three seconds long. This will represent the many different fluctuating thoughts and emotions going through Marvin's head, his uneasiness to his routine being broken and his anger at the phone call as well. The shots will include close ups of the clock to remind the audience of his need to keep to the time limits of his routine. It will also have shots of his angry, anxious facial expression, him pacing and tapping his leg four times, as well as him clenching his fist four times. This will again hint at the audience of his OCD and obsession with the number four. This section will end after Marvin hits the wall, grinds his teeth together and then takes a breath. All in fairly medium length takes (two to four seconds each) to show him cooling off and regaining his composure and also to contrast with the quick shots before.
The last compilation of shots will go back to his normal routine. They will again be quick and effortless as his does up his shirt, pulls up his trousers, makes himself some breakfast, gets the knife from the draw and leaves. Has Marvin slams the cereal on the counter I will enhance the sound to make it sound harsher and harder. This will be to show the now slightly violent chance in mood. The close up on the spoon is also quite important as it will show four hoops of cereal, again drawing on the number four for the audience to pick up on. He then looks to the clock, this will be an extreme close up to show the intensity of Marvin's need to be on time. I will use match on action here to show Marvin looking at the clock, with the next shot being the clock. When he puts his cereal bowl in the sink I will also increase the sound to again show his violent mood and his want to leave hastily. He then opens the draw where he keeps some of his war memorabilia and takes out a knife, this shot will be slightly longer as he closes the draw four times. The last shot is of him gripping the knife four times, one last hint at his OCD and also showing his violent feelings, making the audience question what might come next.
Immediately the music will start as this next shot begins.This shot will again be about six to ten seconds. It will be a birds eye view shot of Marvin sleeping. The shot again will zoom, but this time from a wide shot to an extreme close up of Marvin's face. The lighting will be quite muted and generally will just be natural lighting. During this shot Marvin will wake, his eyes will slowly flutter open and the shot will end as his eyes are open and you can see him thinking and working something out in his head through his facial expression and wandering eyes.
The next set of shots will be very quick takes to contrast with the long takes before. this will create tension and unease for the audience as they would not expect to be suddenly bombarded with a set of quick, harsh takes. These will feature his morning routine. The quickness of the shots will also show the audience that this routine is something he knows, something he can do quickly and efficiently every day as he has done it so often. These shots will include him reaching for his glasses, sitting on the edge of his bed and standing, making his bed, getting his clothes out of the wardrobe and showering. I will pay close attention to the shots of him making his bed. There are five short takes of the bed making. This is to show him pull and tighten the duvet over each corner four times and hint at his OCD. It will also show him smoothing the duvet carefully four times will his hand, to also show his need for perfection. Depending on how the sounds and music fit together in the editing process I might consider making enhancing the sound of this bed making to show how important this is to Marvin and to highlight the intensity of his routine. I will also try and make the clips move somewhat in time to the music.
Another long take will be whilst Marvin is brushing his teeth. He will finish brushing, spit and has he goes to examine his reflection the phone will ring. I will record the sound of the phone and add this separately. At the sound of this a look of panic will flash across his face, he'll look in the direction the noise is coming from. He'll count to four and take a breath and before looking at himself once more. This shot will slow down the face pace and it will also show the audience an important moment for Marvin - his routine being broken. The obvious contrast between short shots and this long take will show that this is different, this is something that could change the character or that something to do with this moment and phone call could be of specific importance. This creates a feeling of mystery and also keeps the audience guessing of what might be going on in the story. The take will be about eight seconds.
The compilation of shots during the phone call will all be fairly quick but they will differ. Some will be very short and snappy where as others will come to being around three seconds long. This will represent the many different fluctuating thoughts and emotions going through Marvin's head, his uneasiness to his routine being broken and his anger at the phone call as well. The shots will include close ups of the clock to remind the audience of his need to keep to the time limits of his routine. It will also have shots of his angry, anxious facial expression, him pacing and tapping his leg four times, as well as him clenching his fist four times. This will again hint at the audience of his OCD and obsession with the number four. This section will end after Marvin hits the wall, grinds his teeth together and then takes a breath. All in fairly medium length takes (two to four seconds each) to show him cooling off and regaining his composure and also to contrast with the quick shots before.
The last compilation of shots will go back to his normal routine. They will again be quick and effortless as his does up his shirt, pulls up his trousers, makes himself some breakfast, gets the knife from the draw and leaves. Has Marvin slams the cereal on the counter I will enhance the sound to make it sound harsher and harder. This will be to show the now slightly violent chance in mood. The close up on the spoon is also quite important as it will show four hoops of cereal, again drawing on the number four for the audience to pick up on. He then looks to the clock, this will be an extreme close up to show the intensity of Marvin's need to be on time. I will use match on action here to show Marvin looking at the clock, with the next shot being the clock. When he puts his cereal bowl in the sink I will also increase the sound to again show his violent mood and his want to leave hastily. He then opens the draw where he keeps some of his war memorabilia and takes out a knife, this shot will be slightly longer as he closes the draw four times. The last shot is of him gripping the knife four times, one last hint at his OCD and also showing his violent feelings, making the audience question what might come next.
Thursday, 3 February 2011
Planning
Location: My house (Bedroom, Kitchen, Spare room)
Actors: Marvin Shermon - Max Leach
Music: Enya - Boadicea
Costume: Pajamas, dressing gown, white shirt, dakr shirt and trousers.
Filming: Me
Directing: Me
Lighting: Natural light with maybe some enhancements (will say once fillmed)
Props: Phone, toothbrush
Actors: Marvin Shermon - Max Leach
Music: Enya - Boadicea
Costume: Pajamas, dressing gown, white shirt, dakr shirt and trousers.
Filming: Me
Directing: Me
Lighting: Natural light with maybe some enhancements (will say once fillmed)
Props: Phone, toothbrush
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