Improved Composition Photos | Still Life Animatic | The Shattered Looking Glass

All the following photos were taken to improve on previous bad photos. I chose these photos as improved photos as they were laid out better and made better use of the rule of three and had much better lighting and contrast levels etc.

This photo improved on the previous one taken because previously the photo was mislaid and did not show any perspective to what was behind it. Furthermore the photo was lacking exact details that could give clues to the plot of the story. Perspective was included in this photo which gave some of the narrative away to the viewer. Also the photo made good use of balancing which meant that the content on the image was not biased to one side.

This photo improved on the previous one because previously the photo took up the entirety of the screen, this meant we as the view had no idea of the perspective or narrative behind the image. The image is improved because there is perspective to it and a clear use of the rule of three.

The improvement image is unique because we completely changed the whole idea of the original image. Originally this image was face on and just included the whole of the characters face close up. In this image we have positioned the character to the side. We made this decision because it now looks as though she is looking on to something, furthermore this adds to the other all diversity and narrative of the image. 

This image was originally laid out to have the main character in the centre of the image. Slightly zoomed out and a hazed perspective on it. We improved on that by moving the character to one side and creating a more bold expressive look on the character face. This shows use of spacing and the rule of three. It also shows simplicity within the image.

This image originally was laid out shockingly. It was the only portrait image in all of our photos and it was the only out of focus image in all of our photos. We improved on that original by once again re thinking the layout of the image. This meant analysing the scene for the most best positioning of the character. We also changed the expression on the characters face as well as using the rule of three to show background content in the image.

This was the last image that we improved on and we did so by improving layout, look and how we conveyed the narrative. The narrative is clear in this improved image by the clear look on the characters face. It also shows a clear use of the rule of three, which was an improvement on the original image, furthermore the background of the image is slightly blurred which not only adds to the narrative it adds to the overall diversity of the image.

Bad Composition Photos | Still Life Animatic | Shattered Looking Glass

This photo is considered to be bad because the characters face is directly in the centre of the shot. Rather then using the rule of thirds, placing the character off to one side not in the centre, the character is directly in the middle. Although this photo does offer a nice background and some good contrasting colours.

I chose this photo as being bad because there is a lot of empty space within it which could of been utilised well. The point of this shot was to highlight the main character which could of been done a lot better by off setting or utilising the natural set better.

I chose this photo as bad because there is nothing to it. Granted the photo offers a sense of narrative the image is just over all confusing. Moreover no real facial expression is exposed or any kind of hint as to what is to happen in the photo.

I chose this photo because it lacks on every basic rule of taking photos. It is blurry and dodgy taken. The main character is in the centre of the screen showing complete disregard for the rule of Thirds. This photo could of been improved by using a more dynamic camera angle.

I chose this photo because there is too much light shining in. There is only one main focus in the image which is not positive. The photo is also blurry and the colour contrast is off. Although the photo is balanced and in some ways symmetrical its not perfect. The viewer gains nothing from looking at the blank background.

I chose this photo because it is clear of many different errors. Although some narrative is offered through the expression on the female characters face. The photo is very plain meaning there is not much too it. The character is centred which means the Rule of Thirds is out the window and the main action takes up the whole photo. Although there are some good contrasting on the leaves and the characters hair overall the colour is fairly dull and lifeless.

Good Composition Photos | Still Life Animatic | Shattered Looking Glass

I had decided that this photo was a good one because it was shot in a dynamic way. Although most of the action is biased to one side, the background balances out the image offering an overall contrast. It also shows evidence of considering the rule of thirds.

I also chose this image because it was laid out well and it showed some narrative. It shows the character looking at the other character in a serious way which shows the viewer a story. Depth of focus was also used intentionally which creates two sides to the image, over all it creates a serious photo and therefore the viewer expects a serious narrative.

I chose this photo as a good photo because it combined many different professional photography elements including depth of field and rule of thirds, as well as balancing the image. All of these elements combined creates a great artistic photo that works well. The varied focus creates an element of confusing for the viewer and makes us pause. The whole image is not centred, it is spread throughout the shot which creates a bold and full on effect for the viewer.

I chose this photo because out of all the photos it offered the most narrative rich look. For the photo the viewer gets an idea of what is happening between the two characters, for example they might be walking away from fears, alternatively they could be going for a stroll. The background gives the illusion that more is to come also.

I chose this photo because it wasn't laid out conventionally, the Rule of Thirds was used in this photo to make sure that the character was not placed directly in the middle of the photo. The viewer can see building in the background behind the character which could be beneficial to the plot. The colour of the hair also matches with the bricks on the buildings which offers nice contrast.

I chose this image because it was balanced out well, by this I mean there is action on both sides of the photo. The photo is also clear which creates the narrative that there are clearly some issues to be worked out. Although there is a lot of unused space around the characters granted there is also good narrative.

Matte Painting Special FX Research

Matte Painting is a process used in film making and Television Programme Creation. It involves the unique technique of combining two or more image elements to create the desired effect, doing this the user can usually create different scenes or dramatically change a scenes look. Mattes could range from a small portion of the camera shot to covering the whole canvas, this means the user can change small amounts within a shot or drastically change the whole outlook of a shot.

Concept of Matte Painting, General Example

Matte Screening is a classic Film Making Special Effect, dating back to the Lumière brothers generation of Film Making. Matte Screening was used from as early as the 1880's using in camera cut outs. Classic Matte Screening would often literally involve placing a cut out of an object in camera whilst filming. Cut outs were often made of glass and many other materials. A good early example is The Great Train Robbery in 1903 where it was used to place a train outside a window in a ticket office. And later a moving luggage cart. From then on the technique has been developed and we can see it being used recently in the 1980'sin Young Sherlock Holmes.

A great example of the use of matte Painting in a film would be Raiders of The Lost Ark, which was produced in 1981. It painting was famous for being tremendous and unlike most of the Paintings of its time was held on screen for a considerable amount of time. It worked because it created a very atmospheric effect that could not be duplicated through standard film. The Matte Painting featured a 'Blocked in' look which created a Grand Result from a huge Talent. As demonstrated through the picture below. The top being the original take with post production work done, and the bottom being the final take with Matte painting featured.

Raiders of the Lost Ark Matte Painting

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matte_(filmmaking)#History

http://www.shadowlocked.com/201205272603/lists/the-fifty-greatest-matte-paintings-of-all-time.html

Final Still Photo Animatic - Shattered Looking Glass

Shattered Looking Glass - Scene Breakdown Sheet

Image Still Animatic Folder Layout Screenshot

Folder Layout Screenshot

Table Of Properties / Set Dressing

Short Story Character Overview: Jason

Character Mood Board: Jason

The following is a mood board that group member Rory created during lesson, it symbolises the character Jason.

Short Story Character Overview: Alexis

Alexis is a 17 year old girl, she is often found nose deep in a book studying for a test or just to get a litte but more ahead than she already is, alexis is the top of the class in all of her classes but she's still modest about it, she comes from a large family of 2 brothers, 14 and 19, and a sister, 23. Her parents are the owners of a small general store in alexis' home village, westerhill.

Alexis has always found that she can get mad too easy and this often has negative impacts on people that get close to her.

Alexis has always wanted to leave the academy and make people with powers out in the real world more accepted and treated better.

Character Mood Board: Alexis

The following is a mood board that I created during lesson, it symbolises the character Alexis.

Alexis' Character Mood Board

Green Screen Reseach

green screening is using one main colour board or sheet to create special effects. Commonly used in the 20th century one main coloured piece of carpet or board would be placed behind the actor and the scene would carry out. The footage would then be taken into post production stages where it would be edited so that the main colour of the board is made to disappear giving the illusion of a transparent background. From there a different background scene can be added to create the illusion of a character being in a different place.

You commonly see the green screen editing methods used in older films and TV programmes before modern editing and CGI was created. This was because modern technology was not created to be able to create non green screen used effects. Green screening was commonly used in action films and can be best seen in classic wild west films as it was often a more suitable cost effective alternative to building a set. In modern days its main use is for small effects, for example a flame on a hand or head swaps.

An excellent example of where green screening was used would be in a movie named "The Worst Film Ever Created". "Birdemic" Is a film created in 2007 and is about a group of friends who are travelling when birds attack. Its famous for its massive amount of panning shots and its terrible acting. In this scene birds start to attack the main characters as they leave the motel. The characters attempt to defend themselves using coat hangers.

Green screen and chroma keying effects were used in this shot because it was thought that that would be the most effective way to display these birds attacking. The effect is overlaid over the original footage to create the effect.

Animatic Self Review

Within the group it is important that we each reflect and self review each others work. Breaking it down into 6 main parts which will make up the overall review.

Shot Length
The average shot length in Hollywood is 2.5 seconds so it was important to us to score the same or just over that to achieve a high quality finish. Our average shot length is 3 seconds, which is exeptable to complete our sequence, each shot does not equal that exact length they are all various length of clips. Its important to include a wide range of lengths as this creates variety in the clip.

Camera Movement
In my Animatic it is clear which shots are moving and which shots are static. You can tell which are which depending on whether a shot has arrows going across it or not. One of the tracking shots is also clearly demonstrated but the frame moving on in a sliding motion.

Sound Levels
The sound levels in my Animatic remains at a constant level although there are additional sounds that cut in here and there for example, a hand swatting noise or a clicking sound, sounds which are generally considered non dietetic and have been added manually. It was important that all these additional sounds fitted in well with the dialogue pieces. To do this we had to asses the volume level of each clip individually upon end review of the final Animatic. There was addiquit sound before and at the end of each sound clip for it to make sense and run smoothly.

Voice Acting
The voice acting that was featured and recorded by team members in the group was done to a professional standard. Although the majority of them sounds very convincing a few do not and some of the sounds even included additional sound at the end which do not need to be there. Our current actors will be sufficient to complete the rolls required.

VFX
In the Animatic it is clear where visual effects occur, although not so clear at first it soon becomes apparent and clear where they occur. Additional screen stage directions are also included in the frame if it is not so clear.

Peer Feedback
Additional peer feedback I received about my Animatic was very good, most comments including the fact the whole thing flowed well, it had a good pace and clearly showed each shot. Although the visual effects were not clear for a couple of people, they soon understood where they occurred.
Overall I received positive peer Feedback.

Location Scouting Part 2

Location Scouting Report Sheet
This was the scouting sheet that we filled out prior to taking location panorama shots.

Location recce

Floor Plan /Map
The Floor Plan is essential for us to know exactly how the scene is laid out. Although our Map is simple, we ere unable to add much detail as there was not sufficient detail at the location.

location Plan /Map

Panorama Images
These Panorama images were taken to directly present and demonstrate the scene. In a practical and up from sense. They help us to work out where each character and shot will start.

Overview - left to Right

Shot From Right

Shot From Right

Animatic Peer Review

Animatic Peer Review

Final Animatic Storyboard

P1 File Structure

Short Film Special Effect Test: Blue Hue Around Feet

This was the special effect I created using Photoshop. I am proud of this effect as it demonstrates how clearly you can edit the colour settings on a clip and still separate some of the video clip as normal.

Short Story Storyboard Tom Adams

Team Production Meeting: 28th November 2013

Team Discussion: Results of test shoot yesterday.
Who was Present: Rory Forrester, Adam Duffield, Tom Adams

What Went Wrong: 

• Pre equipment checks were not carried out before we left for filming.
• We did not account for special effects that needed to be in shot, for example A finger was in the way of where the flame would be in the special effect.
• The colour effect would not fade in and out to create a greater effect.

Struggle in terms of After Effects:

• Basic knowledge of the use of after effects.
• Lack of knowledge in doing specific effects, for example adding different layers and masks.
• Getting suited to and getting used to using after effects.

What Do We Need to Learn?

• Learn to get used to using After Effects.
• Learn more of each specific Tool to create different effects.
• We need to learn more of the tools in After Effects more than just the basic tools. 

What Assets Do We Need?

• Props: Stones
• Props: Lighter?
• Makeup /Costume: Casual Wear
• CGI: No CGI is required.

Location Scouting Part 1

VFX Asset Log Sheets | Shots 18, 23 and 24

Visual Effects Research

In our script there were 6 shots that contained special effects. Even though some of these special effects are the same, I will list and briefly explain each special effect along with including an instructional video explaining how to create that effect.

Shot 18 - Fire on Hand
This special effect is the basis of our story and clearly demonstrates the quality of upcoming special effects as well as setting the scene. In this shot Jason clicks his fingers and a flam appears.

Shot 20 - Smoke From Hand
This effect happens when Alexis swats the flame out on Jason's hand. This visual effect signifies the end of Jason's magical tirade.



Shot 23 - Blue Hue on Ground
In this shot we decided to feature a Blue Hue on the ground around Alexis. This is important as it signifies Alexis getting increasingly angry and out of control. The ground turns a frosty blue.
This will be done in After Effects by creating a wrap around layer and adding colour layers to that mask to create the blue Hue effect.

Shot 29 - Steam Around Alexis and Jason's Arms
This happens because Jason cures Alexis' power from happening beyond her control. We decided to include this effect because it signified a power, and a change of happening between Alexis and Jason.
We can use the instructional video used for shot 20 for shot 29. As it is based around the same principles.

Shot 31 - Ice Forms Around Alexis
This effect occurs because Alexis reaches a state of anger that causes ice to form around her. We included this effect because we wanted to demonstrate the extremeness of Alexis' power. 


Shot 31 special effect concludes the special visual effects that we used in our short film.

Short Story Team Production Meeting: Monday 18th Nov

Team Production Meeting
Group Name: Lenseflare and co.
Date: 18/11/13

Who was Present: Tom Adams, Adam Duffield, Rory Forrester
Agenda; Discussing progress so far in the script choice and assessment as well as our ideas for redrafting the script.
Script Assessment: This was the process in which each script was evaluated in terms of Entertainment, Feasibility and Visual FX.
Script Choice: When final choice stages were made we decided to go for CATBUG by Adam Duffield.
Ideas For Redrafting: We decided in the end stages that the script CATBUG did not need any further changing or redrafting, this was because it already contained all the elements needed to use it finally.

Script Assessment: 
Each script was evaluated in terms of Entertainment, Feasibility and Visual FX
See reviewing document below;

Script Choice:
We decided to develop the chosen script CatBug further, we chose this scrip because it combined many things that we thought were every good to include for example, the way the script was laid out meant that we could use a diverse and wide range of sound /visual effects. Also the CatBug script was great because we could combine many different camera shots together. We found the script to be very entertaining to the viewer because it combined lots of special effects, which are found entertaining, as expressive dialogue which set the scene well.

FINAL SCRIPT TO BE ATTACHED THU 21 NOV

180 Degree Rule Diagram

The 180 Degree rule is a rule used in making Films and anything video based. Its based on the simple principles that in a shot there is a line down the centre of everything. For example in a dialogue scene between two characters there would be a centre line made. Using the 180 degree rule means that the camera must stay on one side of the virtual line you create down the scene. If the camera crossed the centre line it can distract and often confuse the viewer. This can be used to a film makers advantage in a horror film for example where the viewer should be confused.
In the example diagram below there is a clear demonstration of the camera being set behind each of the characters on each side of the centre line. The camera is looking over the shoulder of one of the characters, that is represented by the larger figure. We see the other character over their shoulder, that character is represented by the smaller figure.

180 Degree Rule Diagram

Our Lady Alliance Academy: Screenplay: Final Draft with Revisions

P1: Character Bio: Train Crew Member | Our Lady Alliance Academy

Name: John Mainstead (Train Crew Member)

Gender: Male

Birth Date: 22nd October 1985

Parents: Thomas & Jennifer Mainstead, Married

Birth Place: Leeds, England

Media Interests: Mainstream Interests

Friends: N/A

Friends Looks: N/A

Major Moment in Life: Becoming part of OLA operation worldwide.

STORY GOAL

John's main story goal and role is to best serve and inform students boarding the trains and travelling to and from OLAA.

STORY MOTIVATION

John's motivation in the story is that he wants to go further into his job, not just the basics. He wants to work up higher in the ranks to learn more.

FLAW

John's flaw is that he is often overly cheery to passengers and this can come across and patronising and some times condescending.

P1: Character Bio: Allegra Davis | Our Lady Alliance Academy

Name: Allegra Davis

Gender: Female

Birth Date: 2 March 1997

Parents: Mike Davis and Jane Newman - Parents are divorsed. Allegra has a healthy relationship with them, Allegra has step parents on both sides of the family.

Birth Place: Chelsea, London, England

Interests: Ballet and Dancing. Keen Yoga doer and athletic.

Friends: Dean, Elizabeth and Juliana. Who attend a higher education establishment in the heart of Chelsea, london.

Friends Looks: Mainstream Style with upper-class twist. Wants to be seen style. Very self confident.

Major Moment in Life: Parents split up, although not a different break up for Allegra.

STORY GOAL

Allegra's story goal amongst the other students is to find out why she has been summoned to attend this academy. But she is also curious to find out about other people and branch out of her usual friend range.

STORY MOTIVATION

Allegra's story motivation is that she wants to pursue learning at the academy. He motivation is that she wants to find out the truth behind the academy with Michael.

FLAW

Allegra's flaw is that she comes across as big headed and often over cocky. This means that socialising for her can often be challenging.

P1: Character Bio: Michael O'Callaghan | Our Lady Alliance Academy

Name: Michael O'callaghan

Gender: Male

Birth Date: 31st November 1996

Parents: Darragh & Jenny - Married, split and back together

Birth Place: Dublin, Ireland

Media Interests: Modern Dance music. Mainstream Interests

Friends: Curtis, Martin and James. Who are still at college in Ireland, they have not been sent to OLAA.

Friends Looks: Mainstream Style hair /clothes etc. Not standing out from the croud etc.

Major Moment in Life: Parents domestic violence, dangerous break up, in the middle of it etc.

STORY GOAL

Michael's story goal is to discover why he was brought to Our Lady Academy. His second story goal is to discover the truth behind the academy and its past.

STORY MOTIVATION

His story motivation is his summoning. The fact he was selected along with a few other students to go where he is going. He is curious and motivated to find out where he is going and learn more about what he has to do.

FLAW

Micheal is shallow minded, he cannot think of things

in depth and often stumbles on his knowledge of situations.