Dexter Re-Edit Evalutation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28LSXtw0AaA&feature=plcp

1. Summarise the conventions of title sequences that were most important to this task

• titles showing the cast and crew (with respective roles)
• keeping with the genre, crime/drama, through the use of fonts and color schemes

2. How did your group plan to edit the title sequence? (consider timings, industry requirements etc). 

• Firstly we chose a font style,cracked, who suited the genre. We then chose a dark red color scheme to created the sense of blood-complimenting the genre.
• We then watched the clip and noted any appropriate places to add our titles. We looked for images/ movements that would be able to connect with the titles and look at transition from scene to scene.
• When adding the titles we needed to make sure that they were timed well so that they were on the screen long enough to been seen, but not too long that it detracted from the focus of the scene.
• In addition when adding effects to the titles/ movements we needed to make sure that they complimented the genre. we did this my including 'shaky' effects which would disorientate the audience.

 3. Explain the creative decisions made by your group.

• when creating the title sequence we wanted to keep in with the feel of the genre.
• How color/ fond would add to the genre
• Our creative decisions consisted of the location of the title, the effect and how it would connect with the action on the screen
• We made decisions by testing out all the possibilities before deciding on which one worked best.

4. How does your re-edit compare to the original?

• After watching the original back we noticed similarities and differences when comparing it to our re-edit.
• The original had a lot more titles but used few effects. In addition the titles would stay on the screen for a lot longer in the original
• In our we would use the effect tool a lot more in order to add the genre. 
• We noticed some similarities in the timing and positioning of the title in ours and the original- the sink scene.
• The original showed to us that you didn't need effects on every single title in order to make it more interesting as sometimes a static title allowed you to focus more on the action in the shot.

Preliminary Evalutation

Who did you work with and how did you manage the task between you?

PRODUCTION STAGE

• On this task i worked with Alex.S, Alex.E and Zenia.
• In order to wok productively we decided that it would be better to do all the tasks, story boarding, shoot schedule, shot list, together as a team as it meant that we would all be able to have our own input into the production of our sequence.
• To start the process we had a short brainstorm where we established our genre before sub-sequentially deciding on our plot. After writing a brief script we went to find a location to shoot the sequence- we decided on the media office as we thought the layout of the office would make it easier to get the angles we needed.
• We then went to create our story board. After producing our storyboard we went, with a camera, to see whether our shot list with fit with our location. Upon practicing we realized that the location was too small and the background was too busy and would detract away from the action in the scene. We then changed out location, adapted our storyboard, chose our actors and produced our shot schedule. 

DURING FILMING 

• As Alex.E and myself were both the main actors in this sequence Zenia and Alex.S had to be the main directors. However, during the scene where Alex. E and I went needed we were given a chance to film and layout the scene. 

EDITING STAGE

• During the editing stage I work with Zenia to edit our sequence. We both had chances to physically edit as well as continuously giving our own opinions about which clip to use ETC.

How did you plan your sequence? What processes did you use? What theories did you take into account?

• We planned our sequences with continuity in mind
• We knew the main aim of this task was to produce a continuity clip that flowed well so we decided to use a simple story-line so that we could focus on the continuity. 
• When we were story boarding we made sure to include a 'match on action', 'shot reverse shot' and that we followed the '180° rule'
• In addition we also made sure to include a master/establishing shot so the audience would be able to know the space created between the characters and the room.
• In addition we also planned our shots so that we would not break the '30° rule'.
• Furthermore when planning the framing of the sequence we made sure not to jump from wide to extreme close up, for example, as we didn't want to confuse the audience.

What technology did you use to complete the task, and how did you use it?

• Camera- Canon DV30
• Editing Software- Adobe Premier Pro

• We used the camera, along with a tri-pod, to shoot our scenes.
• After filming all of the scenes we used Adobe Premier Pro to edit our sequences together to create our clip. After adding a title sequence we uploaded it to Youtube.

What factors did you have to take into consideration when planning, shooting and editing?

PLANNING

• When planning our sequence we needed to remember to stick to our brief- filming and editing a continuity clip,
• We had to take into consideration the plot of the clip- we needed it to be quite simple as the task was about the continuity of the clip rather than the plot. By sticking to a simple storyline it allowed us to focus more on the quality of the clip.
• When planning our shots we needed to make sure the shots flowed well eg. flowed from wide to mid close up to close up rather than jumping from wide to close up.
• In addition we also needed to plan our shots/plot so that we would be able to follow the continuity rules and have a match on action, use of the 180 rule and shot reverse shot.
• When planning we had to take into account the practical and economic elements involved in the shooting process. We had to have a location that was big enough for us to get the shots we needed as well as it being quite simple so that it does not detract from the focus of the scene. We also had to plan a shoot schedule so that we did not waste time during the filming process.
• As she were story boarding we had to take into account the different shots angles. Upon doing this we had to make sure that we wouldn't break the 30 degree- unless we wanted to do this to create a certain effect. 
• When planning we also had to take into account what atmosphere we wanted to create through lighting, framing, miss-en-scene and camera angles.

SHOOTING

• When shooting we had to consider the lighting. We wanted quite a bright set as a darker set would have contrasted our genre-romantic/drama.
• In addition we also had to take into consideration how we would shoot- distance from the characters and what effect this would create.
• We had to take into account that we were filming during the day in school so we had to make sure that our location was quite.
• During shooting we also had to make sure that we would shoot enough of certain scenes so that we would be able to create a match on action during editing. Along with this we also had to work out where our 180 line was compared to the characters. This meant that the camera had to stay on one side of this line- affecting the position of the camera for the rest of the takes.
• As we only had one hour to shoot our scenes we had to take into consideration where to set up our camera. For example when we were doing the over the shoulder shots of Alex and I talking instead of filming me then Alex then me again we would shot all of me then all of Alex. This was done in order to save time and shoot more effectively/ productively.

EDITING

• During editing our main concern was to make sure that our sequence flowed.
• In addition we also had to make sure that our match on action worked well- opening the door
• We also wanted to make sure that our sequence was static. We had to make sure that the shots started quickly and there wasn't large gaps which had no dialogue or action. 

How successful was your sequence? please identify what worked well, and with hindsight, what would you improve/do differently?

• I personally believe that our sequence was very successful as we completed the task that we were given within the allotted time.
• I believe that we used our time productively as we worked well as a time which allowed us to work to the best of our abilities. However, during the planning stage i feel that our time would have been more efficiently spent if we had split up the roles instead of always working together. 
• In regards to our storyline i feel that it was appropriate in the idea that it was simple so allowed us  to focus on the continuity of the clip rather than the plot. However, our idea was possibly 'too' simple in that it meant our shots were quite basic. If we had possible shot a different genre such as horror we would have been able to use the camera differently e.g. handheld. In addition our simple plot meant the lighting was quite neutral. 
• I believe that our editing of the clip really enabled the clip to come together and flow properly. Our detailed editing and cutting of shots meant the shots flowed nicely and match on actions worked well. 
• Possibly next time i would like to work more behind the camera so i personally can see what the shots look like and give my opinion on how i feel that they could be improved.

What have you learnt from completing this task? Looking ahead, how will this learning be significant when completing the rest of your foundation coursework, do you think?

• I have learnt the importance of planning carefully. Planning your shot schedule is key as it saves time when filming and makes the process a lot faster.
• I learnt to share jobs evenly throughout the group instead of completing all the tasks together as a team as it saves time.
• To allow time for changes during shooting as some times your framing/ camera angles might not look right 
• experiment with different genre types which make me leave my comfort zones and enable me to experiment with camera angles and styles.

 

Opening Sequence Analysis

http://www.artofthetitle.com/title/mad-men/#

MAD MEN OPENING SEQUENCE

• Mad Men opening sequence has a very slow pace at the beginning. This is very enigmatic as it allows the viewers to really start to question what is happening. In addition the slow pace also adds to the tension and makes the audience want to continue watching. 
• The music used in the background is effective as its, again, very enigmatic as the orchestral sound makes you feel as though something drastic is about to happen.
•  The use of the silhouette is effective as it doesn't allow too much of the storyline to be given away but makes the viewers want to watch more to see who the silhouette is. 
• The brighter backgrounds juxtapose the darker character adding to the mystery. 
• The colour scheme of the background is quite faded giving an older feel to it possibly making the viewers question the time period of the piece. 
• The final colour scheme at the end (black,red and white) is quite suave which possibly gives you an insight into the type of film it will be and the personalities of the characters. 

BLK6 Continuity Sequence

CONTINUITY SEQUENCE

This scene is from 'Mean Girls'. This scene shows Katy's reaction as she properly gets introduced to the 'mean girls' when they invite her to eat lunch with them.

• Shot one- The first shot is an over the shoulder mid shot showing regina talking to Katy. The following shot is an example of the reverse shot where the camera is 'reversed' to focus on Katy. 
• In doing this the '180 degree rule' isn't broken as the camera still remains on Katy's left and Regina's right.
• The second shot that is used is a wide shot to show the relative space in between the characters at the table. However, it may not be classed as an 'establishing' shot or 'master' shot as it doesn't show the girls in relation to the space around them.
• As the camera goes to focus on Karen the '180 degree rule' is then broken as the camera has flipped angle.
• As the girls continue to talk there are more examples of 'shot reverse shot'. This is used by the director to show the person speaking, the reaction and the reply.

• As Katy jumps on Regina there is a 'match on action' shot. From one angle you see Katy as she is just about to jump on Regina. The following shot shows her at a different angle mid-jump. The final shot, a behind shot, shows the two as they are just about to fall on the fall. This match on action was successful as it shows the full jump without repeating any specific section.
• The wide shot during the fight scene, the master/establishing shot, is effective as it shows the characters in relation to the space surrounding them and the other characters.
• After the fight scene has taken place and we are back to reality the director continues to stick to the '180 degree rule' as he shows the conversation between Aaron and Katy.

BLK 3 Continuity Clip Analysis

Positives

• The very first shot, the establishing shot, was effective has it showed the space. It established the location and distance between the characters and the surroundings.
• The shot of the door creates a sense of expectation- that we know the door will open and someone will walk out of it. 
• The pan during shot to was effective during this task as it allowed the viewers to follow the girl and helped increase the pace of this scene.
• The in 3rd shot we needed to create a sense of danger as the girl is seen falling over. We did this by using a close up, low angle and a tilt to create disorientation for the audience.
• The final shot is good as it shows the connection between the two characters.
•  Our transition from shot to shot was good as it went from wide to medium to close instead of jumping from wide to extreme close up therefore confusing the audience.

Negatives

• Unfortunately on set we didn't achieve any 'match on actions'. For example in one scene you can see the girl stop walking at the end of the shot and then she is walking again in the second shot. 
• In addition our cutting of the shots wasn't very effective as we would stop recording too late. This meant that some of the scenes ended with shots of the sky which confused the viewers and broke the suspension of disbelief. 

DYM2 Roland Barthes' Five Codes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HnW_930nmQ

Enigma Code

• What is the picture of?
• Who is the man?
• Why does he have blood down his face?
• How is he related to the subject in the picture?
• Who is the man who has been killed?

Action Code

• Will the man go into the house where there could be danger-or will he leave
• Will the man use the gun- or was he just looking at it in case he needed to kill the man in the picture
• Will he kill the man- or himself
• Will he shot the man- or let him go
• Will he go down to the basement- or keep the man at gunpoint

Semiotic Code

• A bullet on the floor shows how a murder has taken place
• The deserted home connotes a sense of danger
• The gun immediately suggests the idea of danger and possibly death/murder
• Reference to the mans mental health connotes that an accident had previously taken place

Cultural Code

• The location is used to signify danger- an abandoned home and bullets in the car
• The man is shot 
• Before the man is shot there is a lot of movement and noise
• The man being shot is immediately followed by a blackout and silence

Symbolic Code

• A sense of danger- the opening scene shows a murder
• A sense that it isn't all set in the same time period- different setting, different colouring (black and white) makes the viewers feel as though we aren't watching the events systematically