Myself and Phil have edited a rough cut together, myself edited scenes 1-6 and Phil 6 onwards. After throwing together a rough cut each, we then stuck them together on a single timeline in FinalCut. Although being edited by two different people, it fitted together rather nicely. We even found we used some of the same editing styles for certain scenes.
The next stage was that Phil and Myself began to tighten the edit down after looking at it as a whole, w sat through the edit questioning every scene and if it could be shorter. After sometime of this we had a better looking rough edit, and now it was time for Adam to see it.
The silence during the time he watched it was rather nerve racking, did he like it? did he hate it? ... but after the headphones came off there was a sense of relief when he said almost instantly he like it, it was very nicely shot and that it cuts together nicely aswell. He did bring up a few points of taking some air out of it and also questioning who's scene a particular scene was. This was nothing Phil and myself weren't aspecting and took the advice on board and refined the edit even more.
Now it was Charlottes turn to have a bash at it, she watched it through like Adam before her. Charlotte wrote down a number of notes from watching it that she wants changed. It was nothing major and only required a modest amount of tweaks.
Now its just down to tightening all the shots even further as it does loose its pacing at a number of points in the edit. This is a problem we are aware of and are working to fix it.
Tuesday, 30 June 2009
Sunday, 28 June 2009
Last day of filming (Little Clown)
Well by the end of filming I felt I had progressed further and further into my role a Script Supervisor as I could go. A vast learning curve being on set once again, learned more on set than I could ever in a classroom.
Everyone was getting on with their roles in a professional manner, although time did become a factor and it did show in the producers as they wiped everyone into shape who held up the shoot in anyway. It also was showing in Bob (Beau) that his time on set was wearing him down as he became more and more restless, this was to be aspected with kids being on set, and the producers dealt with him in a very professional manner to keep him motivated to keep filming.
By time thats a wrap was called I was so much into my role and so was everyone else that we worked like a well oiled machine, timecodes were called out promptly to myself and Luke without us having to battle through people to get it. I also noticed I was getting into a ryphm of tram lining my script then filling out the continuity form right after cut was called, even if there was a ten minute set-up after. I made sure I was ready to go by the time the set-up was completed, as on the first few days I found myself still not knowing what shot we were filming when the set-up was underway.
This is something I would do better next time, I would insist on being given a schedule from day one and familiarise myself alot more with it. I would also make sure I properly timed each scene, as this didn't happen for all the shots we shot. Action would be called and It wouldn't occur to me to time it till ten or so seconds in, and by then it was pointless.
But overall the last day went really well, I felt I was doing my job to the best of my abilities (at the time) and would feel I could do the job again if required. But only if there was no other choice, as numbers and paperwork isn't in my best attributes.
___
My role involved me keeping the script moving at a good pace and that actors were reading the script right, also continuity was also a key role.
-Keeping timecodes for every shot/scene - Not to be mistaken for editors timecodes!
- Photograph every shot for future reference in continuity terms
- Time each scene to keep the movie moving at a good pace, compare to original timings
- le-ase with AD to keep on track what shots are next and also if any new shots are being added, not from script or schedule
- After each day fill out a daily progress form to chart how the shoot is moving along
- Consists of how much as been shot - against original estimates
- How long set ups are taking
- Times for lunches and breaks
- Tram lining script to show to editors (myself) just what was covered in each shot filmed. Makes the job of searching for a particular shot alot easier in post.
Overall I feel I did my role to the best of my abilities at the time, and after a slow start of getting into the role I feel I did O.K, I would still do alot differently and would definitely be alot more capable next time around. I really enjoyed learning the new skills of my role, and can now at-least say I have done it. If there was a next time around I would make sure i comunicate alot more openly about any concerns I have about the pacing of the script and continuity. I felt sometimes abit overwhelmed as to how much was going on at the one time to speak up and voice any concerns I had. But when I eventually did I found everyone more than accommodating to address any issues I had with these items.
So overall, research my role alot more so I don't feel I'm being chucked into the deep end and also feel more confident in my role to do it to the best of my abilities, which would have a knock on affect on how openly I would feel I could communicate to the rest of the crew.
Editors Notes
On-Set
Being one of the editors on set, I found myself being asked if different shots would cut together in post, although an editor would never usually be on the set, me being there was an advantage. Although I did find it very hard at times to visualise how different shots would cut together with so much going on it the back-ground. This didn't happen that often as myself and Phil had already given our in-put before hand in meetings with the director, and had flagged up a number of shots that would jar when presented with the shooting schedule. Things such as cutting from a MS to another MS could jar in the edit.
Post
Myself and Phil have been in early each morning to begin the process of editing the footage. We hit a wall almost instantly with the timecodes being messed up somehow. Partly due to the DV deck we were using, this was traced down because after switching DV decks most of the problems disappeared. Although alot still remained.
It couldn't be down to timecode taking as myself and Luke's timecodes match, for us to be both exactly wrong in this way is near impossible. It may be down to something as simple as battery changes on the camera. In the end what's done is done and Phil is making a brilliant job of sorting it all out whilst I edit scenes 1-6 which we have managed to capture. Phil will be editing the remaining scenes. This makes sense in a way as Paul pointed out, as our two different editing styles will work nicely as the equilibrium changes after Sylvia is introduced, and so will the editing style.
I found editing the footage very enjoyable, seeing how its all finally fitting together after so long of pre-production and shooting, to see it all connecting together so well a joy. I have however noticed a few continuity errors, which I only have myself to blame, things such as Beau holding a juggling ball in the wrong hand and such. Not major errors that are impossible to cut around but errors non-the less.
I especially like editing the film just because it is so different, I feel I can try new techniques out on it. Adding new styles to my editing scarp book. Its fun to see how different styles of cutting works on this film, the fantasy sequence gives alot of room for testing new cutting styles out on.
I look forward to tweaking what I have edited so far with the director to see it all come together at last. Although a long road of grading and dubbing still remains! I have never done either so another learning curve to look forward to.
Everyone was getting on with their roles in a professional manner, although time did become a factor and it did show in the producers as they wiped everyone into shape who held up the shoot in anyway. It also was showing in Bob (Beau) that his time on set was wearing him down as he became more and more restless, this was to be aspected with kids being on set, and the producers dealt with him in a very professional manner to keep him motivated to keep filming.
By time thats a wrap was called I was so much into my role and so was everyone else that we worked like a well oiled machine, timecodes were called out promptly to myself and Luke without us having to battle through people to get it. I also noticed I was getting into a ryphm of tram lining my script then filling out the continuity form right after cut was called, even if there was a ten minute set-up after. I made sure I was ready to go by the time the set-up was completed, as on the first few days I found myself still not knowing what shot we were filming when the set-up was underway.
This is something I would do better next time, I would insist on being given a schedule from day one and familiarise myself alot more with it. I would also make sure I properly timed each scene, as this didn't happen for all the shots we shot. Action would be called and It wouldn't occur to me to time it till ten or so seconds in, and by then it was pointless.
But overall the last day went really well, I felt I was doing my job to the best of my abilities (at the time) and would feel I could do the job again if required. But only if there was no other choice, as numbers and paperwork isn't in my best attributes.
___
My role involved me keeping the script moving at a good pace and that actors were reading the script right, also continuity was also a key role.
-Keeping timecodes for every shot/scene - Not to be mistaken for editors timecodes!
- Photograph every shot for future reference in continuity terms
- Time each scene to keep the movie moving at a good pace, compare to original timings
- le-ase with AD to keep on track what shots are next and also if any new shots are being added, not from script or schedule
- After each day fill out a daily progress form to chart how the shoot is moving along
- Consists of how much as been shot - against original estimates
- How long set ups are taking
- Times for lunches and breaks
- Tram lining script to show to editors (myself) just what was covered in each shot filmed. Makes the job of searching for a particular shot alot easier in post.
Overall I feel I did my role to the best of my abilities at the time, and after a slow start of getting into the role I feel I did O.K, I would still do alot differently and would definitely be alot more capable next time around. I really enjoyed learning the new skills of my role, and can now at-least say I have done it. If there was a next time around I would make sure i comunicate alot more openly about any concerns I have about the pacing of the script and continuity. I felt sometimes abit overwhelmed as to how much was going on at the one time to speak up and voice any concerns I had. But when I eventually did I found everyone more than accommodating to address any issues I had with these items.
So overall, research my role alot more so I don't feel I'm being chucked into the deep end and also feel more confident in my role to do it to the best of my abilities, which would have a knock on affect on how openly I would feel I could communicate to the rest of the crew.
Editors Notes
On-Set
Being one of the editors on set, I found myself being asked if different shots would cut together in post, although an editor would never usually be on the set, me being there was an advantage. Although I did find it very hard at times to visualise how different shots would cut together with so much going on it the back-ground. This didn't happen that often as myself and Phil had already given our in-put before hand in meetings with the director, and had flagged up a number of shots that would jar when presented with the shooting schedule. Things such as cutting from a MS to another MS could jar in the edit.
Post
Myself and Phil have been in early each morning to begin the process of editing the footage. We hit a wall almost instantly with the timecodes being messed up somehow. Partly due to the DV deck we were using, this was traced down because after switching DV decks most of the problems disappeared. Although alot still remained.
It couldn't be down to timecode taking as myself and Luke's timecodes match, for us to be both exactly wrong in this way is near impossible. It may be down to something as simple as battery changes on the camera. In the end what's done is done and Phil is making a brilliant job of sorting it all out whilst I edit scenes 1-6 which we have managed to capture. Phil will be editing the remaining scenes. This makes sense in a way as Paul pointed out, as our two different editing styles will work nicely as the equilibrium changes after Sylvia is introduced, and so will the editing style.
I found editing the footage very enjoyable, seeing how its all finally fitting together after so long of pre-production and shooting, to see it all connecting together so well a joy. I have however noticed a few continuity errors, which I only have myself to blame, things such as Beau holding a juggling ball in the wrong hand and such. Not major errors that are impossible to cut around but errors non-the less.
I especially like editing the film just because it is so different, I feel I can try new techniques out on it. Adding new styles to my editing scarp book. Its fun to see how different styles of cutting works on this film, the fantasy sequence gives alot of room for testing new cutting styles out on.
I look forward to tweaking what I have edited so far with the director to see it all come together at last. Although a long road of grading and dubbing still remains! I have never done either so another learning curve to look forward to.
Saturday, 27 June 2009
EIFF
After joining the rest of the class on Saturday morning at the EIFF, I didn't know what the festival was really going to be like, a number of movies not fit for the real cinema maybe? Well now I can say I don't understand why some of these films don't make it to the silver screen, but its understandable why some of them don't. I shall explain which ones later on in the post!
I've always loved Edinburgh it just has a far more continental feel to it, all the historical buildings with tourists around every corner taking photos of various angles of the castle, also the fact that everything is central and not spread out like as in Glasgow just builds for a better city. The atmosphere felt really relaxed as we could freely choose what to do each day and when, if it had been a case of you have to see these screenings on these days, that would have been a downer.
Although Paul's prompt morning alarms did begin to drain the life out of me, but in all fairness he did keep us on track and by not wasting the day as well. It also became almost comical hearing 'Various' class mates groans of having to wake up so early.
Anyways after firing along to the delegate center and being handed a number of phone book size books in a okward to carry bag, we decided what we were going to see. I can't really remember what we went to see first but here are my reviews on what we did see.
Vinyan
Well first of all what a nice cinema! enough leg room to fully stretch out and chairs comfy enough to relax in to just enjoy the movie.
The movie instantly felt different to what I have seen recently, the starting montage was edgy and almost unsettling. The movie felt like it was in no rush to give up its secrets in any rush and it would do it in its own time when it was ready. Usually slow moving movies make for a bore, but this one felt different. Just the brilliant shots and lighting made for eye candy.
Also the plot was simple but it didn't give to much away as to what was going to happen, I had no idea what was around the corner. This kept me in the movie, I don't like sitting thinking 'oh I know what's going to happen to you' None of this happened atall.
The acting was also just as good, they were just well enough known actors for some investment into the film but also ment they could act, unlike in some 'other' films we saw. The edgy 'real' feel to the script and the acting made for a really enjoyable watch.
The structure was somewhat unsual as the second to last act was a total flip switch to the style of the first to second, it turned from a slow moving human story to a 'run for your life' story. Some of the scenes that lay ahead were some of the most unsettling shots I have ever seen. It was all abit surreal to watch, but this was a good thing! About time someone broke out the box of standard three act structures and giving the audience clues to go on, no! I want to be surprised! it makes the film far more exciting to watch! and this is exactly what Vinyan did, and all credit to them! will certainly buy this on DVD.
The Anti-Christ
Well being given nothing to go on to as what this movie was about apart from a rather crude picture. I was unsure as to what to aspect going to watch this one. I knew by the title it was almost certainly going to be horror/gore/thriller maybe? I have seen just about everything there is to see from these type of movies and I felt confident I would be fine. Oh how I was wrong.
The opening shots instantly screamed that this movie was not going to follow any other movies of this genre, the unique almost photographic style of the opening shots set the tone for the rest of the movie. Although they did remind me of the Sky HD adverts somewhat.
From some of what the opening shots covered the movie sent out a clear warning shot to any squeamish people in the audience that we are not going to use clever angles and lighting in this movie to hide what this movie is about. Well I'm still a tad unsure what the movie was about but aside from this.
This was another movie such as Vinyan that moved at its own pace and didn't try and explain everything to the audience as to what was happening or going to happen. It was all abit of a roller-coaster of a ride, it steadily ... actually scratch that last! It thundered its way down the road of gore/horror at a pace that I was unsure when to look back up at the screen.
The plot again, simple, well atleast to begin with and it can be forgiven for how the last act played out as if you are still sat there by then you only have yourself to blame. It gave enough warning signs, and I almost don't care I had no idea what was going on in the last act as it became more a 'I can't believe' someone has actually been allowed to film this, it was a film I won't be forgetting in any rush. The scars will be with me for awhile, but again I'm still unsure if this is a good or bad thing? Because I am sick of typical teen horror movies and this made any horror/thriller movie from the past few decades look like an episode of the telitubbies.
All together a 'unique' watch and something you will ever likely see again on the silver screen, the characters do confuse at times with action that only leads to confuse even more. But I cant fault the acting, well atleast for what the movie was anyways.
It's worth a watch if you want to say you seen it before people catch onto the fact that they have banned far less disturbing movies!
Running towards Traffic to End the Pain!
Just how... why ... where and when did anyone read this and think it would make for a good movie? Perhaps someone didn't staple their script together all to well and got it all muddled up? Would make sense as the movie is just a tangled ball of tweed of confusing sub-plots, back up further more with characters which serve no part in moving the narrative forward in anyway. Was it buy one get one free at the acting store?
The story has no clear meaning to it what so ever, it jumps from one boring character to even more dull characters with no depth or any reason to be in the movie! Yes I drive a black Mercedes THUS I must be a bad guy?! ... O.K are you going to give me anything to back this up with? This just sets the tone for the whole movie. Meaningless characters built on top of a story that ... just plain didn't make any-sense. Its one random piece of dialog and action after another followed up with randomly appearing characters talking about something that hasn't been explained in anyway. It was all like watching Corination Street with-out Blanch their to explain what the hell was happening.
The money that must have been spent on some of the actors in this movie that were clearly just not needed to move the story along just staggers me, its another dull, blue tinted, heroine depressing Scottish Movie that just falls flat out on its knee's. I'm sorry but I like to watch movies that don't feel like every scene was written by a blind folded monkey, in fact every scene written by a different blind folded money just to make it that bit more confusing!
I'm just beyond words.
I didn't even find out until after the movie that she was supposed to be Polish?
OMG Please make it stop Documentary
First of all, didn't have enough leg room to get my legs down! Grr! and seats that were like sitting on a wooden box.
It was black and white, foreign and a Documentary ... Not that I'm not a fan of these as singular items. But all together? It made for a painfully dull piece of film making.
The Doc was essentially someone going out filming poverty stricken people then throwing it onto a DVD. It had no music, no presenter to keep you interested or generally any emotional tools they could have used to make you invest into the movie that should have made you feel sad in every possible way. The fact it was just a relentless piece of film that just appeared to never end as it followed round two families struggling to survive.
Yes this is a very sad thing! but it should have been alot shorter and used more tools to keep you engaged, I'm sorry but it could have been a Doc about baby reindeers being hunted and shot at by hill-billy Americans who would sell their skin on the black market and I still would have been taring my eyes out to make it the movie end after near two hours of this style of film making. it didn't need to be in black and white, stop being different for the sake of it, their needs to a reason and it didn't have one. No soundtrack? a well written piece of emotional music to back this Doc up could have worked wonders in terms of keeping the audience engaged as to what it was trying to say.
For a Doc about something that shouldn't be happening it this day an age to make the audience fall asleep, and a good few did. There is something clearly wrong with the film. Hands down the dullest more brain killing Doc I have ever seen.
The Girl Friend Experience
The booklet stated this was a digital experiment using RED camera's so I didn't aspect much in the way of an engaging story or characters. But I was proved wrong in about every-way. The digital camera's really did come through, every shot just look brilliant in digital.
The story was laid out in an unusual way as it didn't seem to have a clear direction, or well to begin with. Further into the movie and haven understood the concept more I really began to enjoy the movie. I loved the back and forth jumping between spaces in time, I'm not usually a fan of this type of style but it just worked for this short piece of film making.
The characters felt really human and so did the narrative, this is what drew me so far into the movie. For that hour and a half, nothing else existed but these characters in this world. Thats how far I would go to say it was well written and shot.
For a movie to do this is just incredible as most if not all the blockbuster movies of recent times have failed time and time again to reach anywhere near this level.
Richard Smith always talks about making a story feel human and the audience will thank you for it, well his point has been made. For once a movie that has treated its audience with a little more respect for once.
There's not really much else I can say about this movie, but that isn't a bad thing. There's only to many words of praise in the dictionary I can use right now.
Overall an really enjoyable feature length movie that is defiantly worth a watch!
---------
Darren Aronofsky
After another prompt alarm from Paul to get us up early to get tickets to go see Darren we managed to get tickets, just!
I'm not going to lie, haven't seen Requiem for a Dream or Fountain, only Wrestler. So I wasn't quite as pent up to go see him as a few of our other class mates were. Not in anyways saying I didn't appreciate going to a talk from a successful director such as himself didn't make me think 'wow' I did really enjoy The Wrestler and have heard nothing but good things about Fountain and Requiem for a Dream. So I knew the caliber of director he was.
Sitting waiting for him to come on did feel like an age, and when a ginger, mustache man came on wearing glasses, It took me a good little while to click on that it was him. Haven never seen any pictures of him, so you almost aspect someone with sun glasses and slicked back hair to come onto stage. The typical up them self Hollywood face. But the fact he wasn't was really good, he had his feet firmly on the ground and seemed really down to earth. It made his talk far more interesting and engaging to listen to. Although the woman interviewing him did annoy me for some reason. I found the talk very relaxed and Darren Aronofsky was open to answer any questions thrown at him, except the Robocop one! Was a great insight in the workings of a brilliant director.
Asides from this, it was a really enjoyable talk just listening to how he first started of and even him cringing as he watched clips of his past films was really interesting, as we all do it when we watch our past works. Overall a really enjoyable down to earth talk.
Adventure Land
From the makers of Superbad and the franchise of movies that followed it. I loved Superbad and near every movie made by the bunch! So going into this movie I was aspecting a ridiculous comedy that are attached to these movies they make. But I was surprised to find a movie that more resembled Juno than anything else.
The movie about a kid called Jesse just about to move to his top university, only to be told by his parents they can no longer afford the tuition for it, so Jesse (James Brennan) is forced to take a nowhere summer job to save up money. Only to find this job will teach him more about life than any top University ever could.
A real charmer of a movie in my view, I loved the feel and style to the whole movie. I love Juno and this felt like it was built in its memory. It wasn't a ridiculous comedy such as Superbad, no matter how good that was. It felt it was more written towards the characters stories and not just based around a series of random events happening to them. It felt more a human story, which always makes for a good movie. I found the characters like-able and interesting, the fact it also makes you laugh is a bonus.
The whole structure to the movie was predictable, you knew what was going to happen. Which may in some cases be a bad thing, but it was more about what was happening in between that was interesting. And the fact you knew what was going to happen in some ways is almost a tribute to the script as it felt so real and human that you look at the story and think, this has happened to me before!
Overall a real down to earth story full of interesting characters with some actual depth and an intriguing real plot to follow as it twists and turns. One of the best movies I have seen in awhile.
Outrage
A documentary about the suppression of homosexuals in the American political system, and that those in power making the lives of homosexuals hell are actually themselves in cases themselves homosexuals.
An interesting insight as to how corrupt the American political system works and bringing to light something that has been hidden from the light of day for so long. It was a very interesting documentary to sit through and did all things it set out to do, hense the name 'Outrage' it did make you feel 'How the hell are these people' getting away with this?
Although at times it was like sitting watching montage of youtube downloaded video's, which in many cases it probably was. The pixelated footage did become a strain to watch and rather annoying in places. This is just a small fact that annoyed me and in no way took away from the message they were sending out.
It was interesting to listen to some of the people they interviewed talking about their views and experiences of the corrupt system, although it did seem rather one side slanted and did only seem to interview people who 'love' conspires. But in all fairness these are the only people who would be allowed to be filmed, and they did get a few high profile names such as an outed Governor.
It did expose an outrageous flaw in the American Political system that needs to be changed, but with all documentaries like this you have to take a step back and look it from a distance as it was filmed and edited in a way to give of one point of view.
Overall an interesting doc that did make for a very interesting view and did prove it point that it set out to make very well, it used the tools of a doc very well and made you angry as was intended.
---
Well we have all had the odd night out together as a class but rarely and few far between this happens, so I definitely think It was all worth it. We all really enjoyed ourselves and we all got along very well, lots of banter and good times. I learned things about peoples personalities that I didn't before, so I feel I know everyone far more better than I did before.
Lots of movies, pub lunches and of course sun bathing in the gardens ... some more burnt that others!
Overall a really enjoyable time and would love to go back next year!
Wednesday, 17 June 2009
Day 2 and 3
Day two of the shoot was alot easier on me, I knew what I was doing more as was slipping more into the role of script supervisor than I had been on day one. I didn't need any help from Phil or such this time. I definitely felt alot more prepared for the day ahead.
It was a very packed day in terms of set ups and such, we got through alot of the script and made really good progress. Although Beau was becoming more and more restless as the day pushed ahead. I also felt the day wearing me down by around late afternoon. But I kept my self going as much as I could. With as much as I was slipping into the role of script supervisor I still knew this still wasn't my cup of tea, my memory just isn't there for continuity and having to be able to visualize shots in a short amount of time is a no go for me, my brain will just shut down under the set conditions. Will definitely need a camera for more continuity tomorrow, something I should have arranged sooner no-doubt.
I am not enforcing my script timing on the director as I think there is enough going on in terms of getting as much out of the kid actor as possible, me coming over telling them to re-shoot because they over-shot by a few seconds would do no one any good and was a choice of personal desecration. I did inform the producer who with myself informed the director, this is enough action on this as is needed in my view. Aslong as the information is out there for future shots.
Overall a better day than day-one for me, felt alot more comfortable in my role and got it done to a better standard.
Day Three
What a difference a day makes! or two! As much as I felt I progressed on day two, was nothing to how I felt today. Felt fully confident in my role, felt fully secure I knew what I was doing. Got my forms completed quickly before and after each shot and it all ran far more smoothly. The crew is working more and more like a well oiled machine!
I felt more able to give my input and work more with-in my role, I was not afraid to ask for continuity checks and was taking alot more photo's of the sets, which helped a TREAT! Didn't feel stressed one bit, I just got on with what I had to do. I also noticed I wasn't taking notes for the sake of taking notes, I noted down what was needed, this helped me alot in terms of time.
The whole day just felt far more relaxed, maybe because it was an early finish of 3:15. Having that in the back of your head does somewhat relax you. Not in anyway saying I want to get of set as fast as possible, but you know what I mean!
Overall a really good day on set, I felt I was actually doing my job to the best of my abilities and felt somewhat chuffed when I noticed a few items on the set had been moved and sorted it with-out even thinking about it. The whole crew did a brilliant job and no one got stressed and snapped at each other. Not that it happens! :)
Looking forward to wrapping and getting my hands on the edit!
It was a very packed day in terms of set ups and such, we got through alot of the script and made really good progress. Although Beau was becoming more and more restless as the day pushed ahead. I also felt the day wearing me down by around late afternoon. But I kept my self going as much as I could. With as much as I was slipping into the role of script supervisor I still knew this still wasn't my cup of tea, my memory just isn't there for continuity and having to be able to visualize shots in a short amount of time is a no go for me, my brain will just shut down under the set conditions. Will definitely need a camera for more continuity tomorrow, something I should have arranged sooner no-doubt.
I am not enforcing my script timing on the director as I think there is enough going on in terms of getting as much out of the kid actor as possible, me coming over telling them to re-shoot because they over-shot by a few seconds would do no one any good and was a choice of personal desecration. I did inform the producer who with myself informed the director, this is enough action on this as is needed in my view. Aslong as the information is out there for future shots.
Overall a better day than day-one for me, felt alot more comfortable in my role and got it done to a better standard.
Day Three
What a difference a day makes! or two! As much as I felt I progressed on day two, was nothing to how I felt today. Felt fully confident in my role, felt fully secure I knew what I was doing. Got my forms completed quickly before and after each shot and it all ran far more smoothly. The crew is working more and more like a well oiled machine!
I felt more able to give my input and work more with-in my role, I was not afraid to ask for continuity checks and was taking alot more photo's of the sets, which helped a TREAT! Didn't feel stressed one bit, I just got on with what I had to do. I also noticed I wasn't taking notes for the sake of taking notes, I noted down what was needed, this helped me alot in terms of time.
The whole day just felt far more relaxed, maybe because it was an early finish of 3:15. Having that in the back of your head does somewhat relax you. Not in anyway saying I want to get of set as fast as possible, but you know what I mean!
Overall a really good day on set, I felt I was actually doing my job to the best of my abilities and felt somewhat chuffed when I noticed a few items on the set had been moved and sorted it with-out even thinking about it. The whole crew did a brilliant job and no one got stressed and snapped at each other. Not that it happens! :)
Looking forward to wrapping and getting my hands on the edit!
Monday, 15 June 2009
Film Shoot Day 1
Well, after the first day passing of the film shoot 'Little Clown' I have gotten over my fear of Script Supervisor, I'm not going to lie it isn't like WaW exciting to do, but it's a process I'm more than happy to do.
After Phil helping me out on the first few shots I was all set, I picked up how to fill the forms and such out so was a near painless process. I still had to get Benoit to repeat the time-codes about 5 times each as I just can't retain numbers all to well, or maybe it was the accent?
I did get into somewhat of a rhythm and was filling out the next shot forms with out even noticing I was doing it, Galena was also a real help, she was more than happy to help me out on what a shot was called and such. I did struggle alot with trying to time each scene, whilst tram lining whilst also looking at a shot in terms of continuity, I found myself dropping my watch whilst trying to pull out a new form and moving about different locations. But saying this, it was my first time doing it so It was never going to be perfect. I feel tomorrow will run alot more smoothly for me as I have reached the learning curve for being a script supervisor, and being that it isn't a job I will ever plan to move towards in a career manner, I don't feel as scared about it anymore.
In terms of continuity I didn't see any gapping mistakes or such, maybe I will think different when I get my hands on the rushes, but from what I've seen its all be really good, some nice shots and nice lighting effects.
Overall I found my job not exciting but I will never the less try my best at it, and do understand its all about getting new skills under your belt. At-least I can say I have been a script supervisor, even if I won't ever move towards it again. I found everyone on the team a professional and more than happy to communicate what was going on and such, a very well working team in my eyes.
Hmmm, what else to say? you've seen one form you've seen them all? true in the case of mines as its just the same one for every shot. But not wanting to sound like I'm complaining I do really enjoy looking at the monitor and visualizing in my head how it will all cut together.
But that's all I can really report from my end of the western front, No-doubt a new post for tomorrow!
After Phil helping me out on the first few shots I was all set, I picked up how to fill the forms and such out so was a near painless process. I still had to get Benoit to repeat the time-codes about 5 times each as I just can't retain numbers all to well, or maybe it was the accent?
I did get into somewhat of a rhythm and was filling out the next shot forms with out even noticing I was doing it, Galena was also a real help, she was more than happy to help me out on what a shot was called and such. I did struggle alot with trying to time each scene, whilst tram lining whilst also looking at a shot in terms of continuity, I found myself dropping my watch whilst trying to pull out a new form and moving about different locations. But saying this, it was my first time doing it so It was never going to be perfect. I feel tomorrow will run alot more smoothly for me as I have reached the learning curve for being a script supervisor, and being that it isn't a job I will ever plan to move towards in a career manner, I don't feel as scared about it anymore.
In terms of continuity I didn't see any gapping mistakes or such, maybe I will think different when I get my hands on the rushes, but from what I've seen its all be really good, some nice shots and nice lighting effects.
Overall I found my job not exciting but I will never the less try my best at it, and do understand its all about getting new skills under your belt. At-least I can say I have been a script supervisor, even if I won't ever move towards it again. I found everyone on the team a professional and more than happy to communicate what was going on and such, a very well working team in my eyes.
Hmmm, what else to say? you've seen one form you've seen them all? true in the case of mines as its just the same one for every shot. But not wanting to sound like I'm complaining I do really enjoy looking at the monitor and visualizing in my head how it will all cut together.
But that's all I can really report from my end of the western front, No-doubt a new post for tomorrow!
Thursday, 11 June 2009
Post Production Meeting
Post Production Meeting
Well not really a meeting per-say, but Phil and myself went through the timing of the script and Phil finished his animatic version of the film from the storyboard with the timing attached. We ported it to my laptop and showed Charlotte it. Charlotte seemed generally fine with it and mentioned just a few tweaks to be made.
Well not really a meeting per-say, but Phil and myself went through the timing of the script and Phil finished his animatic version of the film from the storyboard with the timing attached. We ported it to my laptop and showed Charlotte it. Charlotte seemed generally fine with it and mentioned just a few tweaks to be made.
Tuesday, 9 June 2009
Further PDP
Since I haven't really watched all that many movies recently to blog about here are some PDP extracts!
Not guaranteeing they are in order but hey!
Production Meeting, Abigail
Today in Abigail’s production meeting was much the same as the previous meetings apart from a few scheduling adjustments. The production team and Abigail went over if locations had been sorted and such, and also what was happening with the actors and such.
Also Abigail went over a health and safety release form, basically a table you tick a box for each required health and safety measure and such.
Abigail also showed us a sample of an actor’s contract that would be signed with the RSAMD. The form allows for us to use the footage as we please and that the actors would have no control over how it is used, this was also true for the location contracts.
Monday 8th June 2009-06-08
Today was a production day, so John, Luke and myself went to the Café bar to go over the shot list in an effort to shorten it down, as per requested by production. We noted a few MS groupings that would jar if edited together so we noted for them to be resolved in some way. We also noticed a few shots in some of the scenes that could be achieved in one shot, such as a pan or tilt.
Later on in the day I sat down and created some props for Charlotte as instructed to by production. My task was to create ticket stubs and also an old looking circus poster. After a slow start I got them done, and now I have to wait and see weather its what they were after, or if some tweaks are required.
Editors/Sound Meeting with Director
Today we sat down with the director to go over what us the editors and sound had gone over in the previous meeting we had together but with the director not there. It was essentially the same meeting going over the same points but explaining them to the director. With the director obviously in-putting some of her input as to what we had envisioned the edit and post sound to look and sound like.
For example in the script where the key is turning in the lock, what kind of sound do you want this to be? Loud? Rusty noise of key turning? Or quiet modern lock?
One other example would be what sound she wanted for the juggling trance shot, we explained a quiet whooshing of air sound effect would entrance the audience even more into the what was happening in the frame. The director seemed more than happy with our notes for the production and was a very productive meeting.
Abigail Production Meeting
Today in Abigail’s production meeting it was just a general progress report to Abigail from the production team on how the production is moving forward. The production team explained they had auditioned a number of actors and have basically chosen the actors what they want, and that the previous choice for Beu has been let go as he was just that little bit to young. But from what I gathered they have another child actor they will be hiring.
Abigail explained to the production team all the legal ins and outs of hiring a young actor, Abigail went over such items as showing the actors passport to the human resources department, and also to make a photocopy of the passport.
Also on a side note, the production team have swung back to using Benoit’s flat for the shoot, which will also free up a large sum of the budget as they will not need to pay for it, except for electricity and such.
Not guaranteeing they are in order but hey!
Production Meeting, Abigail
Today in Abigail’s production meeting was much the same as the previous meetings apart from a few scheduling adjustments. The production team and Abigail went over if locations had been sorted and such, and also what was happening with the actors and such.
Also Abigail went over a health and safety release form, basically a table you tick a box for each required health and safety measure and such.
Abigail also showed us a sample of an actor’s contract that would be signed with the RSAMD. The form allows for us to use the footage as we please and that the actors would have no control over how it is used, this was also true for the location contracts.
Monday 8th June 2009-06-08
Today was a production day, so John, Luke and myself went to the Café bar to go over the shot list in an effort to shorten it down, as per requested by production. We noted a few MS groupings that would jar if edited together so we noted for them to be resolved in some way. We also noticed a few shots in some of the scenes that could be achieved in one shot, such as a pan or tilt.
Later on in the day I sat down and created some props for Charlotte as instructed to by production. My task was to create ticket stubs and also an old looking circus poster. After a slow start I got them done, and now I have to wait and see weather its what they were after, or if some tweaks are required.
Editors/Sound Meeting with Director
Today we sat down with the director to go over what us the editors and sound had gone over in the previous meeting we had together but with the director not there. It was essentially the same meeting going over the same points but explaining them to the director. With the director obviously in-putting some of her input as to what we had envisioned the edit and post sound to look and sound like.
For example in the script where the key is turning in the lock, what kind of sound do you want this to be? Loud? Rusty noise of key turning? Or quiet modern lock?
One other example would be what sound she wanted for the juggling trance shot, we explained a quiet whooshing of air sound effect would entrance the audience even more into the what was happening in the frame. The director seemed more than happy with our notes for the production and was a very productive meeting.
Abigail Production Meeting
Today in Abigail’s production meeting it was just a general progress report to Abigail from the production team on how the production is moving forward. The production team explained they had auditioned a number of actors and have basically chosen the actors what they want, and that the previous choice for Beu has been let go as he was just that little bit to young. But from what I gathered they have another child actor they will be hiring.
Abigail explained to the production team all the legal ins and outs of hiring a young actor, Abigail went over such items as showing the actors passport to the human resources department, and also to make a photocopy of the passport.
Also on a side note, the production team have swung back to using Benoit’s flat for the shoot, which will also free up a large sum of the budget as they will not need to pay for it, except for electricity and such.
Photoshop'd
Well I've just finished making my assigned props for the 'Little Clown' Shoot, here they are if you want to have a look!
Friday, 5 June 2009
The End Begins, Well not really
I'm going to join the crowd in saying that the name 'McG' didn't inspire alot of confidence in this movie, but I can say I was pleasantly surprised.
The opening scenes did blow me away, I loved the look and feel of it from the get go, the fast pacing of it really did grab me. The Sound design of it was also amazing, it just all pulled together to make something just a little different from the other terminators. My other concern that Graeme also mentioned was, If the movie was based around an army flattened by the machines and we are all running around in old pick-up trucks and such it wouldn't make for a action packed movie. The fact we still could throw a few good punches did make for an exciting watch.
Bale's acting did seem a tad off at times, and the dialog a little out of place for what was going on in the frame. But it didn't happen to often so this wasn't a huge problem. Also I really did enjoy Worthington's character his role really did carry this movie to a new level. The level of depth he gave his character really does show and did over shadow his counter-part Christian many times through out the movie. On a side note its worth mentioning that is almost always left out of action movies, is some emotional depth to it. Blair's role with Worthington did give enough depth to this movie which would have been sorely missed as no depth was coming from Bale and is over-the-top acting, you don't need to shout all the time!. I would go as far as to say I cared far more about Blair and Worthington's characters than Bale as 'John Connor'.
Also after just watching the first terminator, I like how McG did his homework with some of the details, such as teaching Kyle the rope with the shotgun which can be seen in the first Terminator. He has taken liberty with some of the back story but what director doesn't with these things.
Overall a good watch, enough action to keep you on the edge of your seat and enough depth to 'some' of the characters to keep you wanting more.
Not a bad try McG if I don't say so myself
The opening scenes did blow me away, I loved the look and feel of it from the get go, the fast pacing of it really did grab me. The Sound design of it was also amazing, it just all pulled together to make something just a little different from the other terminators. My other concern that Graeme also mentioned was, If the movie was based around an army flattened by the machines and we are all running around in old pick-up trucks and such it wouldn't make for a action packed movie. The fact we still could throw a few good punches did make for an exciting watch.
Bale's acting did seem a tad off at times, and the dialog a little out of place for what was going on in the frame. But it didn't happen to often so this wasn't a huge problem. Also I really did enjoy Worthington's character his role really did carry this movie to a new level. The level of depth he gave his character really does show and did over shadow his counter-part Christian many times through out the movie. On a side note its worth mentioning that is almost always left out of action movies, is some emotional depth to it. Blair's role with Worthington did give enough depth to this movie which would have been sorely missed as no depth was coming from Bale and is over-the-top acting, you don't need to shout all the time!. I would go as far as to say I cared far more about Blair and Worthington's characters than Bale as 'John Connor'.
Also after just watching the first terminator, I like how McG did his homework with some of the details, such as teaching Kyle the rope with the shotgun which can be seen in the first Terminator. He has taken liberty with some of the back story but what director doesn't with these things.
Overall a good watch, enough action to keep you on the edge of your seat and enough depth to 'some' of the characters to keep you wanting more.
Not a bad try McG if I don't say so myself
Tuesday, 2 June 2009
Notes from PDP
Little Clown Production
Script Supervisor Notes
Today Abigail appointed me script supervisor for the ‘Little Clown’ Production, She went through the various sheets of paper I will need to complete on set, such as continuity report forms which will be part of the scene per page book and also the end of day production notes. Such as how much footage was shot against the estimated time from the script read through.
I found it all a tad over whelming as my memory isn’t my best asset, but it will be a new experience and will be interesting to see how the job works, just even to say I have done it.
Today Phil and me sat down and went through the script read through, basically timing each scene to get an estimate of how long we think the film will last. Was a tad difficult with out Charlotte being there. For example shots such as sun raze coming through the window, was a complete guess on how long she wanted it to last for. But it did give us a rough number for the film and I have been told she will sit down with us soon to get a better understanding on what she envisions the film to look like.
In the coming days/weeks I have to get together a scene per page book after the locked script is sent out.
Editors Notes
Not much to report on the western front apart from myself and Phil have sat down with the sound Op for the film and went through what we think it will need in terms of sound such as wild tracks and Foley sound effects. Was a productive meeting and I do have a better understanding of how the film will cut together.
Phil and myself are also scheduled to sit down with Charlotte in the coming days to look at the storyboard and work out if it will actually cut together. But from looking at the storyboard we have so far, it doesn’t look like this will be a problem. But will be necessary talk just encase she has envisioned something Phil and myself have not understood from the storyboard.
Also a side note, Phil is working on an animatic version of the storyboard to give us a visual reference with timing on how the film will look. This will be very useful to look at to see if certain shots cut together and if some are just too long.
Adam web Based series Tutorial
Today I had a sit down with Adam on the web-based series; just basically for him too see how far I have progressed the idea and how I am developing it. It went really well in my view; he seemed to like the concept and the idea as a whole. We discussed how to develope it further and what to do next in terms of taking it forward.
Overall a very productive tutorial and I have walked away feeling like I can take the idea in so many directions and make it a good little series.
Script Supervisor Notes
Today Abigail appointed me script supervisor for the ‘Little Clown’ Production, She went through the various sheets of paper I will need to complete on set, such as continuity report forms which will be part of the scene per page book and also the end of day production notes. Such as how much footage was shot against the estimated time from the script read through.
I found it all a tad over whelming as my memory isn’t my best asset, but it will be a new experience and will be interesting to see how the job works, just even to say I have done it.
Today Phil and me sat down and went through the script read through, basically timing each scene to get an estimate of how long we think the film will last. Was a tad difficult with out Charlotte being there. For example shots such as sun raze coming through the window, was a complete guess on how long she wanted it to last for. But it did give us a rough number for the film and I have been told she will sit down with us soon to get a better understanding on what she envisions the film to look like.
In the coming days/weeks I have to get together a scene per page book after the locked script is sent out.
Editors Notes
Not much to report on the western front apart from myself and Phil have sat down with the sound Op for the film and went through what we think it will need in terms of sound such as wild tracks and Foley sound effects. Was a productive meeting and I do have a better understanding of how the film will cut together.
Phil and myself are also scheduled to sit down with Charlotte in the coming days to look at the storyboard and work out if it will actually cut together. But from looking at the storyboard we have so far, it doesn’t look like this will be a problem. But will be necessary talk just encase she has envisioned something Phil and myself have not understood from the storyboard.
Also a side note, Phil is working on an animatic version of the storyboard to give us a visual reference with timing on how the film will look. This will be very useful to look at to see if certain shots cut together and if some are just too long.
Adam web Based series Tutorial
Today I had a sit down with Adam on the web-based series; just basically for him too see how far I have progressed the idea and how I am developing it. It went really well in my view; he seemed to like the concept and the idea as a whole. We discussed how to develope it further and what to do next in terms of taking it forward.
Overall a very productive tutorial and I have walked away feeling like I can take the idea in so many directions and make it a good little series.
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