Editing 18/03/13

Since we have been using the new editing programme, Adobe Premiere, we have made consistent progress on our opening sequence. 
On Thursday we managed to finish the main bulk of editing, and downloaded a template which would help us construct our title sequence which we have finished. We experienced some difficulty when trying to export our titles, because the colour was not correct. However, we managed to fix this issue and luckily have managed to import it onto Adobe Premiere with the opening sequence. We now need to finish our sound sequence.

Re-editing

Last week my group and I finally started re editing our opening sequence and today we finished the visual editing. We have had to familiarise ourselves with Adobe Premier which was another obstacle we have had to over come but hopefully we have been able to re edit our film to the same standard it was pre-robbery.

Here are some of the photos from the recent editing:

The Day Coombe Got Robbed

Hello fellow blogger brethren,

12C6 and the rest of Coombe's media students received the unfortunate news of finding out that someone committed the felony of robbery in school over the weekend and stole our finished opening sequence with it. They stole all of the macs and all of the cameras but left our headphones. Unfortunately we don't have any computers to plug them in to. This has left us all shocked and frustrated at the thought of having to re edit our whole opening sequence all over again but thankfully we found that our title sequence was saved on to the public school drive so we don't have to re edit that again. Hopefully my next blog post will show the progress we have made on re editing, in the mean time you can check out the behind the scenes footage we took.

Showcase Feedback

Yesterday we evaluated the current progress of our peers, and they evaluated our video so far. I found their feedback informative because we now know what we need to work on. Here is the feedback.

Our Behind the Scenes Video

We have finally finished our Behind the Scenes video!

Group Discussions: 07/02/13

Today in our lesson we gave audience feedback to our peers on their opening sequences. This allowed us to evaluate the work of others, but also helped me see how we could improve on our own because some of the editing, shots and narrative were very clever.
We also gained some very informative feedback from our peers who pointed out some valuable advice on how to make our opening sequence even better, this included lighting and match on action.

Editing 07/02/13

In today's lesson we finished editing our behind the scenes footage. This helped me to experiment with Final Cut further, and we showed it to many people in the classroom who liked what we had done. The behind the scenes footage altogether is around 3 minutes long, we also took some photos in class which I included at the end. Overall, I think the video is humerus and vibrant, which is quite the opposite to the tension and suspense we have tried to create in our actual opening sequence, however we had fun filming our piece and editing it. 

Group Discussions: 04/02/13

In the lesson today, Kiah, Laura and myself made progress in our behind the scenes footage, and applied a soundtrack to it. We decided to use something upbeat and vibrant, and after much searching decided to use Azealia Banks - 212. In our next lesson we will hopefully 
begin to work on our soundtrack for our actual opening sequence. 

Initial Planning: Risk Assessment

Whilst initially planning the filming, we conducted a risk assessment to ensure that we understood some of the risks which may take place whilst shooting. Here is the risks we listed that may occur:

1)	Be careful to not burn our hands whilst using the cameras as they may get hot quickly.
2)	Do not drop the camera.
3)	Do not eat or drink near any of the equipment.
4)	Be careful to not trip up over the wires.

Editing 01/02/13

In the lesson today, we carried on editing our opening sequence, however at times we have found it slightly tricky to match up some of the sound with the footage on Final Cut. We have now put the CCTV camera effect on both clips it needed to be on, and are now in the process of trying to perfect each shot to make the entire film look as professional as possible.
Today we also began to edit our 'behind the scenes' footage, which will also be put onto the group blog. Today I experimented with the text to put on some of the shots, and we will hopefully finish editing this sequence in the next couple of lessons.

Group Discussions 31/01/13

Today in the lesson Kiah, Laura and I experimented with the software, Live Type, and tried to create what the titles may look like on our opening sequence. This was useful as it familiarized us with this new programme, and it helped us understand what our titles may look like. 
We also decided the name of our opening sequence, would be "Abduction". After doing some editing, we also showed our progress so far to three other non-media students, who gave us feedback, and told us that they thought we had so far created a good opening sequence and had created a clear narrative.

Editing 31/01/12

Today we carried on editing our opening sequence. So far we have made good progress, and have tried to make shots as accurate as possible, and have tried to effectively integrate some cross cutting. Today we focused on editing the scene of our female character in the kitchen, however this will once again be another CCTV shot. However, we were unsure of whether to include a shot of the CCTV camera again. After some discussions whether to include it or not, we decided against it, because our previous CCTV had been in black and white had we had used an effect to make it look like the footage was taken from a CCTV camera.  Personally I think that the shots work effectively, but was unsure previously whether the audience would understand if there was another CCTV camera in the kitchen. However, I now think that the audience will be able to understand with the assistance of the filter.

Max Payne Sound Analysis

SHOT NUMBER	SOUND DESCRIPTION	EFFECT
1	20th century Fox theme tune	The 20th century fox theme tune is well know and the audience will be able to recognise this.
2	The sound of someone talking. There is nothing visual at this moment, only a black screen so we are unable to see who is talking.	This can be used to create suspicion. By only having dialogue and no picture this can make the audience feel dark and nervy as the opening picture and introduction to the film only contains suspicious talking.
3	The next sound that is heard is of who we suppose is the protagonist burst out of the water. We can hear his gasps for breath and almost desperation. The sound of the man gasping for air is diegetic however could have been enhanced to add more effect.	The effect of bursting out of the water is to primarily shock the audience. This is the opening scene and this would cause the audience to feel uncertainty due to the fleeting nature of the shot.
4	The sound heard when the character goes back underwater is non-diegetic in order to create a dark and eerie atmosphere.	The male is stirring: this could have possibly been used to make the audience feel a sense of desperation for him as he struggles. This is also used to cause frustration.
5	The sound of the splashes has been used again to demonstrate the character’s frustration as he struggles. The sound of splashing is on screen diegetic.	The effect created by the sound of splashing is racy and this has been used in order to create frustration and almost agitation amongst the audience as to why he is in this situation. The nervy atmosphere is created through the male’s gasps and continuous splashes.
6	The sound we hear is almost like sonar to show possibly how far underwater they are, especially as the shot is taken almost at an angle where the camera is pointing upwards suggesting how far underwater they are. This sound is non-diegetic as it was most probably not part of the film world.	The use of the sonar effect under the water has been used and creates an eerie and fleeting effect which leaves the audience in suspicious.
7	The noise we can hear is the sonar effect again, which is parallel to the visuals. We can also hear the character speaking slowly.	The effect of the pensive sound is to create a dark and mysterious atmosphere.
8	There is the small sound of the sonar again, as well as a baby crying, this sound would be non-diegetic sound.	The sound of baby crying is eerie, makes the atmosphere suspicious. The sound of crying sounds innocent, which could leave the audience questioning why this man is involved with the child.
9	There is a sound bridge as the sound of the baby crying is carried through from the previous shot.	The repetition is often used for emphasis and that something bad may happen.
10	The narration is non-diegetic however is parallel with what is being shown. The music in the background is also non-diegetic.	The music is used to create curiosity and is pensive so therefore makes the audience apprehensive.
11	The creaking door is non-diegetic and is parallel to the visual shown. The creaking door is used to add a scary effect.	The effect that is intended is suspicion as creaking doors often are connected to horror films. There is a dark atmosphere created.
12	The chimes in the background are non-diegetic and creates a dark atmosphere. The sound is slightly contrapuntal due to the fact that chimes are usually associated with relaxation and the visual shows a woman who may/may not be dead.	The sound of the chimes used are made to create an eerie and mysterious effect due to the fact there is a woman who could have died.
13	The sound of the clock ticking and the chimes are a sound bridge from the previous scene and are non diegetic.	The chimes and clock are repetitive and loud for an ominous effect.
14	The chimes are once again sound bridged and there is a sound of almost lightening. Both of these sounds are non diegetic.	To make the audience feel intimidated? It is to create a dark effect and to feel ominous.
15	The sound of sonar is repeated and so is the clock ticking.	Clock is insistent, and could symbolise running out of time to the audience.
16	The sound of the police aerial is repetitive and diegetic however could be enhanced for more effect.	This is used to make the audience feel slightly confused as there is an abrupt cut to the next scene and could create curiosity as to why the next scene is at a police station.

Editing So Far

Since Monday 14th January our group have been editing our opening sequence. During the first week we had to organise all of our video clips and sort out what our best shots were, and what shots would be appropriate to use. We also started to investigate different music which we could possibly use both on our opening sequence, and on the behind the scenes video. 
This week we have begun to edit the opening sequence. So far, we have encountered some difficulties when trying to decide whether the sound in some shots should be louder or quieter, and this has helped us to become more familiar with using the different tools on Final Cut. We have made good progress and have tried to make all shots as accurate as possible, especially regarding match on action in some scenes.

The Rock Assessment

NAMES: Laura and Rianna     Date: 19th October
1.	The first shot is a mid shot, however in the background of the shot there is some action which makes the audience feel as if they are part of the action, as they are close to the action. This also allows the audience to see the character’s facial expressions.
2.	The camera is faced at a low angle shot, this gives the main character more power then the audience and gives the impression he is quite intimidating, due to the fact he is holding a gun. The camera is right in the action, almost attached to the person. This gives the impression that this character is very important because the camera is following him.
3.	The camera is positioned low down, this allows the audience to not only view the action of the men, it allows audience to recognise the Ferrari and indicates the car would be important in later scenes. The low angle shows how fast the car is when he drives off, this shows there is going to be a fast chase.
4.	The low angle whilst in the car gives Nicholas Cage authority as well as allowing the audience to see the frantic and anxious expression on his face. The camera then abruptly cuts to another car and person and the camera movements are extremely wobbly, almost handheld. This allows the audience to get extremely close to the action and intensity of the race. This is an overhead shot, which establishes the scene where the car is driving through. It then cuts back to the handheld style to get the audience back into the action again. This is further emphasised by the camera being attached to the car. Almost to give the audience a feel of what it is like to be in the car. The camera cuts and has a full on shot of the car that has recently smashed the shop: this is to surprise the audience to see that the car is still at the same speed. The camera returns to the handheld style in the car to make the audience feel as frantic as the driver. The next shot is a high angle shot, allowing the audience to be shocked by next crash into the taxi, before again returning to the shaky camera movement to engage the audience in the emotions of the driver.
5.	The camera is at a mid angle to show the audience just how fast the car is moving. The camera then does a very fast pan following the police car that crashes into the taxi. This also shows the speed the car is moving at.
6.	The camera is in the car giving the impression it is like a point of view shot. The camera is shaking as if it is handheld. The camera then cuts to an extreme close up of the driver in the car, this allows the audience to see the expressions on his face.
7.	The camera is at a low angle, which allows the audience to see the speed of the cars. It then cuts to an extreme close up of one of the characters and we see the anxious look on his face. The camera then is directly in front of the cars, which shows the audience the direct action. It then cuts back to the man in the car in a close up: the camera is shaking once again like it is handheld. The camera is once again at the low angle, to see how fast the cars are travelling, there is then a long shot allowing the action to pass the camera, and carry on into the distance. This shows the fast pace action.
8.	The camera is close up to the character, showing his expression, and shakes to mimic the movements of the car. It then cuts to the other character. This shows his frantic expression. Both their expressions looked stressed and angry.

Filming Day

On the 12th of January Laura, Kiah and myself filmed our opening sequence with the help of two voluntary actors! We tried to film as many shots as possible, so that if when we are editing we have a lot of material to work with. During the shoot we had to bear in mind all of the hazards which could have taken place, especially as during the shoot the lights did get quite hot. 
During the shoot we made different decisions to what was storyboarded at some points, because we found that some of the shots would work better than the ones which we had originally planned. We also filmed some extra scenes which we will edit together to create a behind the scenes film. Overall, our day of filming went well and we hopefully managed to capture shots which will be able to create an opening sequence which will appeal to our target market.

Lift and Stairs

Whilst editing the "Lift and Stairs" sequence it was important that I used match on action, which not only helped to create narrative, but it helped to create tension and suspense through various cutaways. I also used different tools on Final Cut to speed up time, in order to not lose interest.

Continuity Editing

Continuity editing is a technique used where cutting is used to create a clear narrative to the audience. Shots such as establishing shots, two shots, and cross cutting is often used in continuity editing.

During the clip from EastEnders, Who is Kat’s lover, there is evidence of master shots, of four characters, Kat, Max, Derek and Jack. This builds suspense for the audience, because they are now aware of all four potential lovers but do not know who Kat was just talking to. During the Spooks sequence that Kiah, Laura and I constructed we placed the shot of the location first, or the establishing shot first, because this is traditionally used at the beginning of a sequence so the audience are able to recognise where the action is taking place. 

We also put an establishing shot of the office in, before a cutaway to some action, which then cross-cut to some action of the “thieves”. This was to avoid a jump cut, because we then put a re-establishing shot of the office in as it cut back to the action in the office, which was happening at the same time.

In both our sequence of Spooks and the original version parallel and intercutting occurs, which is used to show action happening at the same time, as well as to build suspense amongst the audience. In both the EastEnders sequence and the Spooks sequence, as these are professional sequences both the 180 degree rule and the 30 degree rule would not be broken. During both our Spooks sequence and the professional Spooks sequence a two shot is used to establish the primary characters in the office to the audience.

During the EastEnders sequence, the only dialogue is Kat speaking on the phone. 

Typically in continuity editing, characters is conversation is a classic example of reverse shots and dialogue, as when the characters speak the camera will focus on either characters, either for a reaction or to see what they are saying.


Our Spooks sequence has correctly used the establishing shot, two shots and re-establishing shots, as well as the use of intercutting. However, the sequence would not work as some of the shots happen before others, and the narrative had been mixed up.

Our Spooks sequence

Spooks Sequence

11)      In this sequence, workers at MI5 are in the office encrypting profiles on a computer. There are only two people that can be seen in the office.

2)      We are given short information of the encrypting profiles on the computer: and it all looks to be very rushed. It also seems very secretive, of what can be seen, there are two people in the office, the lights are slightly dimmed so there is a more sinister feel to the sequence.

3)      We are not shown why these people are in a rush: and who the people are on the screen and why they are concerned with them.

4)      This sequence is important because it has a sense of tension and suspense and brings a lot of questions to the minds of the audience as to why these people are being secretive.

5)      We need to see other sequences in between this one because the audience wants a build-up of tension, as this gives more interest, if it keeps cutting away before coming back. The audience want to see the “heroes” against the “villains”, and want to get a full picture of the action.

6)      We see this action so that the audience understand why the people at MI5 seem rushed, and also build tension creating an eerie atmosphere. It also keeps the viewer’s drawn as to what is going on.

7)      Initially, I thought that the thieves were about to let off an explosive, or there would be some sort of fight as they are in a dark warehouse, and there is more than one person inside. There seems to be a feeling of tension between the characters too.

8)      Shot number I made me wonder why there is a chain in a box, before they cut away and then to K, where we see a phone in the box, which made me suspect that they have used the phone to make suspicious calls, and want rid of it.

9)      We see less of the thieves so the audience feels more tension and makes the thieves seem more intimidating because we can’t see them. It  also brings interest to the audience because they are unsure of what is going to happen.

10)  It takes long to see what the thieves are doing because it makes the audience more frantic, and builds suspense as the audience are unsure of what is happening. It brings a sense of uncertainty as it is dark, and we are unsure of what will happen next, and why the characters are in silence. 

Feed the Fish Preliminary Task