Narrative Evaluation
By Richard Parr
Student N.o: N0144872
Narrative Group: 5
Narrative Evaluation
The pre production was firstly very slow moving as it was hard to find who was in my group and arrange meetings. We all posted our abilities on the discussion board.
However, because we did not use the discussion board more often in the early stages of pre production it was hard to arrange meetings and to discuss ideas. Therefore, if I had to attempt this project again, I would have used the discussion board a lot more, and inputted more contact details to therefore hold more meetings to enable us to present our ideas and produce an organised production schedule a lot quicker. In conclusion, from my mistakes I learned for future reference that using the discussion board at the very early stages would have been both a great saver of vital time and a good way to establish yourself among your group members.
However, once everyone was introduced to each other and we had established what skills we all had, we brainstormed ideas for the narrative and researched influences such as “the mask”, “sin city” and “samurai jack”.
After we had done this, we found that the whole process moved considerably quicker than that of the previous few weeks. Therefore, I would use this technique in the future due to successful results.
From all of the ideas we developed, we decided on the idea of Roto-scoping the whole narrative piece and agreed on the narrative structure to be known as “The Conflict”.
Therefore we decided to start filming. Filming was possibly the best section of our production, due to organisation and teamwork, which was displayed. We had the storyboard and a schedule to follow, which is documented on the online journal.
However, due to lack of previous meetings, we neglected the actual thoughts and actions of obtaining props, so we had to take time out of our lunch break to search for key props such as swords and a mask.
Also as our time for filming was un-flexible we found ourselves shooting the remaining shots which we didn’t have time to film, on the following day. If we had given ourselves a more flexible time schedule, we would have had more time spend on capturing and editing the shots within the editing suite.
However, I believe because we made a schedule and followed a set storyboard of shots, this led to a constructive filming session. This was still more efficient than not constructing a storyboard or a schedule to follow. However, I did learn to allow more time for filming, as you never know how long it might take. I also learned that is very important to devote more time to the planning of our props and other facilities/things we might have needed.
The capturing of shots off the Mini DV tape was easy but a very tedious job. This job went well as the shots were captured at least a second before and after the actual shot occurs, preventing the possibility of the start or end of a vital shot being cut off. This, we realised was a problem after we tried to capture the first few shots and the beginning was subsequently cut off. This was a helpful learning experience and I’m glad we spotted it at the start, thus saving us vital time we then went on to use for the large task of editing. Also, we named the shots sensibly and professionally for example “long shot sword fight one”, this was done so anyone from our group can access the footage and edit the film without guessing which shot is which, making the organisation user friendly.
The editing stage proved to be an easy but tedious job where we used techniques such as rapid switching shots to therefore produce tension within the film. I was very happy with the result and believe we succeeded in creating the tension that was originally desired by using this type of shot, which was initially planned, by using the mind mapping during the earlier meetings. Whilst I am pleased with the outcome, I still believe, to save time and make our way of working more efficient, half of our group could have produced the sound effects for the film simultaneously, which would subsequently enable us to concentrate on the considerably larger job of roto-scoping.
In the sound effects stage, (SFX) we decided to split out team due to varying vital skills; Adam had the skills and equipment to sufficiently produce the rota-scoping; Will had the skills of using the Mac (the sound booth was equipped with a Mac.) And Tom and I had previous knowledge of SFX recording. We therefore thought it was necessary to split the group into two to therefore produce the sound effects and roto-scoping simultaneously. In doing so, we all picked up vital skills, from each other, which will be very useful for the next project we will do. For example I learned how to use an apple Mac to record and distort sound effects on the software “Conflict”. Also, I was able to teach Will and Tom different techniques in order to create sufficient sounds. Referring to what has previously been said, we could have organised the SFX to take place at the same time as the editing. As this didn’t take place, I could have taken a tutorial on how to use a Mac and the software “Conflict” in order to save time to allow Will to help Adam with the time consuming roto-scoping.
The roto-scoping stages were the hardest stages in the whole process for our team as myself, Tom and Stuart had no knowledge or past experiences with roto-scoping. Because of this Adam and Will were left to do a very large task themselves. Now myself, Tom and Stuart have gained slightly more knowledge on how to rota-scope we would be able to help Adam and Will in the next project, thus speeding the process along.
The final stage in the process was the synchronisation of the non-diegetic audio (made in the sound booth) with the visual aspect (the final edit of the roto-scoped film) of the film in Premier Pro 1.5, thus completing the film. This was a simple job where we synchronised the sound effects with the unroto-scoped film in advance, which made it easy to synchronise the roto-scoped film with the audio. This was planned in previous group meetings. I believe that this was a good technique to use, as it prepared sound for the roto-scoped film, so we could simply just drag and drop the film into the film sequence. Therefore reducing time, which we could have spent on minor glitches, which might of occurred. Thankfully, there was no glitches, however this was a good learning experience because if we did experience problems we would have had plenty of time to sort them out. I will be carrying this technique into future projects as it performs as a safety net of time if needed.
To conclude, I believe I have shared my knowledge of film, camera, sound (SFX) and directing with my other group members. I have learnt several skills throughout this group project. Such as, how to keep and organise a well structured and flexible production schedule, which gives you extra time for glitches or un-expected errors. This will help massively in future projects. I have also learnt how to use an apple Mac that might be essential in future projects or for employers (for example sound editing, the university sound booths only run on Macs, or the BBC might use iMovies as an editing package instead of premier pro or another PC equivalent). I have also learnt Macromedia Flash which is a major success for me personally as well as professionally as I am keen so use Flash in the near future in other projects. Finally, the most vital skill I have obtained is how to work well in a team. You must keep work evenly spread, always communicate with team members and most importantly get to know your group members on a personal basis soon as possible, as it will be easier to work with members if you get along with them. This will improve the efficiency and the quality of the end product.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Monday, December 04, 2006
After filming/editing
We all decided to split the work, Adam decided he wanted to do the rotarscoping (sketch), whilst me, Tom and Will went ahead with the SFX, we booked out a sound booth and simply created several sounds and distorted effects which would work well, for example we just made alot of noise for 2 minutes and then distorted the noise with a "church effect" which gave an airy sense, which would add to the misc en scene. For hits we simply hit a key against the sound booth walls, and then using the "church effect" again, this gave a hard ringing clucnk, which went well with the actual video. The sword sounds was done similiar, however this time it was a key hitting another key, which gave a sharp ringing sound which worked well, yet again. Once we completed this we sync it with the normal edit, so it would be quicker and easier to add to the final rotarscoped version.
Once Adam edited the film we all came together and finalised the edit and burned it dvd as back-up
Once Adam edited the film we all came together and finalised the edit and burned it dvd as back-up
The Filming Part 2
On Tuesday, the day after the first filming day, we decided to just gather a few more shots of a fight scene and some more experiemental and introduction shots. We started filming at 9am again in a empty theatre so we would have time to capture and edit the film sequence in premier pro. We flmed different angles of the actors breaking though a door which will edited into a mirror and we also filmed more running shots and extreme and normal closes ups on the figh scene.
After all the filming was completed we obtained an editing suite and I simply captured each separate shot and named them appropiately so, if anyone edits the film, they would easily understand the file names.
After we did this, Tom, started editing, however we all inputted. The day after the film sequence was completed:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bI4TrzNBeQ
Click above to view 1st edit.
After all the filming was completed we obtained an editing suite and I simply captured each separate shot and named them appropiately so, if anyone edits the film, they would easily understand the file names.
After we did this, Tom, started editing, however we all inputted. The day after the film sequence was completed:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bI4TrzNBeQ
Click above to view 1st edit.
The Filming
After a successful presentation, we all decided to meet up on the monday at 9am to start filming because we all acknowledged the severity of the amount of work we needed to do. That being the filming, the editing of a suitable sequence, the rotarscoping (which is roughly 1920 frames which needed to be sketched, excluding background images), the re-edit, the SFX and the sequencing of the SFX and actual film, also the finalising stage and the adminstration, e.g. the Evaulation/report.
Our filming schedule went as followed:
09-11: Film
11-12: Dinner
12-15:Film
Within the 9-11 filming slot we gathered a variety of shots, some of the actors running up the stairs from different angles so we could switch between shots, making the film more fast paced, giving the film a sense of suspence. We also filmed other action shots like fighting movements and mexican stand-off like scenes.
Within the 11-12 time slot we all gathered lunch and discussed the other shots what we needed and we decided to go to the the nearest costume/prop shop to buy props, which were:
Our filming schedule went as followed:
09-11: Film
11-12: Dinner
12-15:Film
Within the 9-11 filming slot we gathered a variety of shots, some of the actors running up the stairs from different angles so we could switch between shots, making the film more fast paced, giving the film a sense of suspence. We also filmed other action shots like fighting movements and mexican stand-off like scenes.
Within the 11-12 time slot we all gathered lunch and discussed the other shots what we needed and we decided to go to the the nearest costume/prop shop to buy props, which were:
- A plain mask (£4)
- 2 swords (£4 each, one for each actor)
The 12-15 slot we starting filming within the Arboretum, we have discussed we need the main bulk of the fight scene completed in this shot, so we gathered alot of wide shots of the fight scene, mid shots and reaction shots. We also filmed quite a few P.O.V shots and some shots like the sword flying away and experimental shots which turned out great e.g. shot of actors shadows and a bullet time style shot (actors are still and the camera pans around the actors, then they move). Basically 99% of the shots what we needed to cover.
The day after the main filming we decided to gather a few more shots jdjdk
The Filming
After a successful presentation, we all decided to meet up on the monday at 9am to start filming because we all acknowledged the severity of the amount of work we needed to do. That being the filming, the editing of a suitable sequence, the rotarscoping (which is roughly 1920 frames which needed to be sketched, excluding background images), the re-edit, the SFX and the sequencing of the SFX and actual film, also the finalising stage and the adminstration, e.g. the Evaulation/report.
Our filming schedule went as followed:
09-11: Film
11-12: Dinner
12-15:Film
Within the 9-11 filming slot we gathered a variety of shots, some of the actors running up the stairs from different angles so we could switch between shots, making the film more fast paced, giving the film a sense of suspence. We also filmed other action shots like fighting movements and mexican stand-off like scenes.
Within the 11-12 time slot we all gathered lunch and discussed the other shots what we needed and we decided to go to the the nearest costume/prop shop to buy props, which were:
Our filming schedule went as followed:
09-11: Film
11-12: Dinner
12-15:Film
Within the 9-11 filming slot we gathered a variety of shots, some of the actors running up the stairs from different angles so we could switch between shots, making the film more fast paced, giving the film a sense of suspence. We also filmed other action shots like fighting movements and mexican stand-off like scenes.
Within the 11-12 time slot we all gathered lunch and discussed the other shots what we needed and we decided to go to the the nearest costume/prop shop to buy props, which were:
- A plain mask (£4)
- 2 swords (£4 each, one for each actor)
The 12-15 slot we starting filming within the Arboretum, we have discussed we need the main bulk of the fight scene completed in this shot, so we gathered alot of wide shots of the fight scene, mid shots and reaction shots. We also filmed quite a few P.O.V shots and some shots like the sword flying away and experimental shots which turned out great e.g. shot of actors shadows and a bullet time style shot (actors are still and the camera pans around the actors, then they move). Basically 99% of the shots what we needed to cover.
The day after the main filming we decided to gather a few more shots jdjdk
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