3rd day of filming - 31/10/12

Today we filmed the shed scene, and the slow-mo weapon swap. Although we had only planned to film two scenes, we knew that they would take a long time to get right, which is why we wanted to keep the majority of the day free.

Slow Motion weapon swap

In the afternoon, I met Campbell so that we could film the weapon swap. Unfortunately, he had the dentist, which meant that I was waiting around for about an hour. By the time Campbell arrived, it was raining so we had to be careful with the camera equipment. We managed to find the perfect place for filming - and old sand hill just behind Richmond School. Although good, it was a difficult task as it required us to use the tripod on an uneven surface. We did however manage to resolve this by tinkering with the spirit meter adjuster. This particular scene took around 30 minutes as it took a few attempts and multiple practices. Campbell started off on the top of the hill, and I ran up to join him. After a few seconds of firing, Campbell turned to me and I turned to him. This was our sign to throw the weapons to each other. I told Campbell that he had to put a bit of a spin on his weapon so that it would work really well in slow motion. He did this and it turned out successful. We then reviewed the footage and agreed that we had what we wanted.

Shed scene

After the weapon swap, we went to Campbell's house to film the shed scene shot. We used his house as he has a garage with a window and a table - exactly what we planned in our outline for the task. As it was dark, the image quality was compromised, and we were tired so acting wasn't at its best. Other issues we had were that the light in the corner was in view when filming, and Campbell had other items in his garage with brand names on them. Likewise we didn't have enough time to add makeup to the figure - this is why we had to use Campbell's brother as a quick shot zombie. He was happy to play the part so we took full advantage. After a few hours, we decided that the shed scene wasn't as good as it could be which is why we are going to re-film either tomorrow or the next day.

  

2nd day of filming - 30/10/12

Today, Campbell and I walked to the hill just behind the station in Richmond - the reason for this is because it is one of our locations for filming the zombie attack scene and the crashing jet scene. We made sure that the area was safe before advancing; however we did take into account our risk assessment as there were cows roaming the fields. Likewise we had never been to this exact location before so we had to be aware of our surroundings.

Zombie Attack scene
For the zombie attack scene, we used fake blood, paintball guns, and military like clothing. As the senior camera man, Campbell decided to film this scene in a first person point of view so that it looked more realistic and slightly more dramatic. It took a while to get costumes on and the props right as we wanted the scene to look really professional and well done. As Campbell walked towards me, I crawled back in a shocked reaction. We then paused the filming as I thought that it would be a good idea for every strike, I would bleed more. Campbell gave me the fake blood so that I could rub it onto my face. We then continued filming as Campbell left the strike. We then paused and did the same thing another two times. Once we had finished this, we were happy with the footage.

Jet Crash scene
We decided to use the side of the hill for the jet crash scene as the terrain was perfect and the scenery was striking. Although a short task, we had to make sure it was right as a bad shot could ruin the trailer. I used my iPad for this task as it has the application that allows us to make a jet appear and crash from the sky. Campbell started from the top of the hill and I filmed him running towards the camera. I then had to time the jet crash so that it would land and crash on the ground just as Campbell was leaving the shot. Campbell then had a great idea and said it would look effective if there was a two second shot of him holding the camera below his face. I agreed and we implemented this into the footage. After a few attempts, we were happy with the footage and we believe that nothing needs to be re-filmed. Campbell and I will meet tomorrow for the next session of filming.

First day of filming - 28/10/12

Today, I filmed the scene of the news report in a location that was relevant. As I am currently in London, I took the opportunity to use a hotel with a plain background for the set. This turned out to be very helpful as the lighting matches a studios lighting, and the mise-en-scene looks very realistic.

News Report scene
I am here with my auntie who was the news reporter at the time. She performed with great success and I believe she looks like a convention news reporter. I have filmed a couple of versions just in case there are any problems; however feedback from my colleague (Campbell) implies that the footage should work well. We started off my making the table that she would sit at. Due to her creativity, we used the back of a pull out bed and put it on her lap so that it looked like she was sitting behind a desk. I then gave her the script so that she knew what to say when we started filming. I also filmed my Uncle as he had the perfect voice for the report - he would have been perfect however he laughed too much :). I have reviewed the footage, and I am very happy with the way it has turned out.

Campbell and I will continue filming on the 30th of October 2012. I believe we have planned to rekey the areas in which we will begin the main body of our filming.

Risk Assessment

RISK ASSESSMENT AND RISK MANAGEMENT  EDUCATIONAL VISITS AND OFFSITE ACTIVITIES

Dates: 28/10/12, 30/10/12, 31/10/12, 01/11/12, 02/11/12

Leader:  AFH     Other staff: N/A    Group size: 2

Deciding on a name for our media horror movie

Today, Campbell and I decided that it was time to think of a name for our media horror film - as we have now started to create the trailer, we felt that it was only time to start making some brainstorms. In order to think of a name, we both looked on Google for words linked to horror and then tried to adjust them to fit a film title. Below are some of the initial ideas that we came up with:

• Incubus - we liked this idea as it is the name of the main zombie in our film. It is almost like the new James Bond film, which is called Skyfall - the place where Bond grew up. Likewise, the name Incubus in very sinister and does remind me of a horror film.
• The Cure - this was an idea that Campbell thought up. The reason he thinks that it would make a good film name is because it immediately states the "body" of the film, and suggests that there is a big problem. This is not only effective, but it should also create interest for the promotional package very quickly.
• Apocalypse - again, this is one of Campbell's ideas and it represents the situation and how bad it is (a binary opposite from Campbell's last idea). Although a good name, we both agreed that it was too generic and it is likely that there are other horror films with that name.
• Two Soldiers - now this was one of my ideas and I got inspiration from the console game: Army Of Two. In some ways, this name does not sound very horror like and instead may represent more of an action movie. However, it does highlight that there are only two people left who can use brute force to solve the problem and find the cure.
• Lockdown - finally, one of our peers called Shaun came up with the idea of Lockdown. Immediately, Campbell and I thought that this was a great name however we were certain that we had heard of a film with the same name. This did however allow us to come up with the name SHUTDOWN. 

We had a look on Google for a horror film named Shutdown and could't find any - this is why we have decided to use this name. Its connotations are very strong and it really tells the audience a lot about what the film might include. I have asked Campbell to create a font for the title Shutdown so that we can put it into all three of our media pieces for the promotional package. While he is doing this, I will start to work on the editing of the trailer and review the footage that we have.

BBC Report in the right location

After careful thought, I have decided to film the BBC report scene in a hotel room as I am going away for a few days over the October holiday. This would be an effective location as it is likely that there will be a conference room of some sort with something like a desk and a large window. Additonally, the lighting should be stable as outside light would not have to be a consideration. I plan on filming 3 different people for the report, so that I have a good variety of people to pick for the trailer.

I will be picking up the camera equipment today after college so that I can take it with me on holiday over the October half term.

Party Poopers - Props and Make-up

Campbell and I are going to the fancy dress shop 'Party Poopers' tomorrow to buy some of the props and make-up that we will need when we film our trailer. The make-up will be used primarily on the zombies, however we will make sure that we have some left just in case the soldiers need it. In terms of make-up, we will need: blood, foundation, face paints, cotton wool etc. We will also buy red contact lenses for Incubus to wear as we believe this will create a very eary effect that the audience probably won't expect.

Campbell and I have also watched a number of different zombie make-up tutorials and we are confident that we can make the zombies look as realistic as possible. Some of the items that we may need include jam, cotton-wool, and washable pens for the flesh wounds.

Script for Horror film trailer

Plan for the October holiday

Saturday/Sunday 27-28^th:

·         Filming the news report in a specific location

TUESDAY 30^th October:

·         Rekey of areas for filming

·         Possibly film vacant areas early/next morning

·         Film the shed/map scene

Wednesday 31^st October:

·         Filming other aspects that can be achievable

·         Filming action movie fx scene

·         Easby abbey film location

·         Slow motion weapon change shot

Thursday 01 November:

·         Filming all scenes featuring Incubus

·         End scene with dragging

Friday 02 November: BUFFER ZONE.

·         Bouncing Betty scene in “pitch” location

Mood Board for horror trailer

Storyboard for Horror Trailer

Below is the storyboard for our horror trailer:

Analysis of Best and Worst magazine

Questions and answers about film trailer

1.      Why would someone want to go and watch your film?

Our film is going to have a unique twist on conventional apocalyptic-type films; likewise it is going to be thrilling, exciting, and shocking, which will therefore draw in the audience. Although with a twist, our film will still contain the conventional features of a stereotypical horror film – this will ensure that it still remains in the genre of horror and it doesn’t go off track into an action genre. I also believe that promotional packages will make the most of our film as these will create “hype” and the need to want to go and see it. Included will be things like a trailer, a poster, and a magazine front cover.

2.      Who are the target audience and how will you attract them?

Our target audience is gore loving thrill seekers, who crave disturbing images and sleepless nights. Horror is a very specific type of genre in which only people who want to be scared will go and see the film. This is why we need to try an open the film up to as many people as possible. This is why we will be including techniques that allow the audience to escape from their daily lives, socialise about what they have seen, and also relate to the main characters due to personalities and feelings.

3.      What is the USP of your film and why?

The Unique Selling Point of our film is the limited use of special effects, compared to make-up, which will be used heavily throughout our trailer. Many horror films in our genre usually rely on special effects in order to make the film scary. Campbell and I believe that we can do better than such films, just by using effective and realistic make-up. Additionally, this factor will increase the verisimilitude of our trailer and make the effect just that bit better.  

4.      How will you have evidence of a variety of shot types, camera movement, editing and transitions?

We will have such evidence by emphasising each transition, edit and shot type. This may be done by repeatedly using the technique, or it will be done by using the techniques at crucial parts of the trailer. This way it will be clear to the audience that we have used a large range of different features. Campbell and I may also create an individual video or podcast about the different shot types, camera movement, editing, and transitions used so that the audience can refer to these when watching the trailer.

5.      How does the music you have created/will create match the genre?

It will match the genre because it will sound both innocent, and sinister. At the moment, Campbell and I are thinking of using the soundtrack Mad World by Tears for Fears. We will re-create this and change certain aspects so that the music matches an apocalyptic-type feel. We believe that a slow soundtrack that doesn’t synchronise with the visuals is effective, because it allows the audience to focus on the music and visuals individually. Thus increasing their chances of remembering what was used when. Sometimes soundtrack that matches movement is effective; however this is not the mood we want to create.  

6.      Will you challenge conventions at all with your trailer?

As mentioned before, not particularly as we still want to deliver that mood of a conventional horror film. Although this is the case, I do think we will include a twist which may end up challenging some of the conventions of such a trailer in the horror genre. 

7.      How will the trailer fulfil audience expectations/follow the conventions of a trailer?

The trailer will fulfil audience expectations by delivering an atmosphere like no other horror trailer. Realism is key for our trailer, which is why we want to include the audience as much as possible. If these means including the conventional “jump face” within the trailer, then this is what we will include. Accompanied by this will be effective soundtrack, visuals, and narratives that all occur simultaneously. In some ways, the trailer will move away from the audience’s expectations as the trailer must include that shock and surprise factor. We want to scare the audience in the least expectant parts of the trailer to keep them on the edge of their seats.

8.      Does it follow Todorovs narrative?

Our trailer follows Todorovs narrative precisely, as the main aspects (disequilibrium, attempt to resolve issue etc.) will be used. However we will not be including equilibrium in our trailer as we do not believe that this is necessary. Instead we will be introducing the problem straight away, as this is the most important part of the film. The characters will also be able to be introduced far more effectively, compared to if the audience see them living their daily lives. In some ways, the equilibrium will be flipped so that it is shown at the end of the film opposed to the beginning.

9.      Do you have any of Propp’s character profiles in the trailer?

Our trailer does include some of Propp’s character profiles, as we believe that this is an important aspect. Included in the trailer is: the villain(s), the prize, and the hero(s). These character profiles are the obvious ones as we want the story to be as clear as possible. This does not mean that it is going to be uninteresting, but instead easy to follow and clear characters.