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.
Thursday, 28 November 2013
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:
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.
Tuesday, 26 November 2013
Monday, 25 November 2013
Sunday, 24 November 2013
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.
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.
Tuesday, 19 November 2013
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
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.
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.
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| 180 Degree Rule Diagram |
Sunday, 17 November 2013
P1: Character Bio: Train Crew Member | Our Lady Alliance Academy
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
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
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.
Friday, 15 November 2013
P1: Face warp Special Effect
In this task we used our knowledge learnt in lesson on after effects to create a face warp effect on RAW footage that we recorded through photo booth on the laptop.
RAW FOOTAGE
Using layered effects, layer wraps, overlays and basic After effects knowledge I was able to make the video above turn to the video below.
FACEWARP SPECIAL EFFECT
RAW FOOTAGE
Using layered effects, layer wraps, overlays and basic After effects knowledge I was able to make the video above turn to the video below.
FACEWARP SPECIAL EFFECT
Tuesday, 12 November 2013
P1: Xmen Clip Sound Analysis
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| X-Men Sound Timeline |
Music: 0:00 - 1:32 (Throughout)
The music is clear and vivid in the background behind all other dialogue, Voice overs and sound effects. The music links everything together in the scene, from the beginning basketball game to the final classroom scene.
Dialogue: 0:03 - 0:07, 0:11 - 0:13, 1:06 - 1:08, 1:11 - 1:17, 1:28 - 1:30
When there is dialogue present it is clear and easy to understand. All the students we hear have an generic Northern American accent which is pleasing to the ear and easy to understand.
Voice-Over: 0:08 - 0:11, 0:16 - 0:18, 0:20 - 0:30, 0:32 - 0:55, 01:18 - 01:28
The Voice Over has a soft voice that is pleasing and easy to listen to. Throughout the clip he is explaining what the school is and what it does for young people.
Sound Effects: 0:07 - 0:13, 0:14 - 0:16, 0:22 - 0:28, 0:48 - 0:50, 0:57 - 1:03
The majority of the sound effects used in the clip are either magic being used by students or diegetic sound which is heard in the real world environment, for example birds chirping.
Monday, 11 November 2013
P1: Misfits Opening Scene Character Dialogue Analysis
What is the purpose of the Dialogue Used?
The purpose of the dialogue that was used is to convey the character body language and their background through their dialogue. Through their accents, how they speak and how they react we as the viewer get a greater understanding of their background and upbringing and from it we can establish how they will act throughout the series.
Each character is very unique and that is shown very clearly through how each one of them acts individually.
Nathan
Nathan is the most dominant character shown in the opening clip. He comes across as the person who speaks up. The way Nathan speaks is in a very arrogant and sarcastic tone. He can also be very mocking and sharp with what he says which quickly causes people to react either harshly or understandingly. Nathan is very confident and holds himself well in a conversation or within a group of people.
Vocabulary
Whilst only using basic vocabulary Nathan uses his words in such a menacing and manipulative way that its clear he doesn't need story diverse vocabulary. He uses words such as "Didn't mean to offend you" To have a go at other people and cause confict between him and other people as well. There is no swearing in Nathan's vocabulary and that is very important. Where as other characters would shout and swear Nathan does not, he uses alternative words to get his point across.
Accent
Nathan has a very blunt and clean Irish accent. He uses his accent well when he speaks to manipulate people and put them down. He uses his accent to bend the conversation in his favour. From his accent we understand that he was raised in middle class irish background family.
Tone and Volume
Nathan's tone of voice is very Sarcastic, mocking, sharp and confident this is clear from the clip and how is responds to his fellow workers. We get a sense of false politeness as he speaks in response to Gary as he says "You looking to get stabbed" Nathan responds saying "You see my point there" Undermining Gary. Nathan is very cheeky in his responses making fun of people around him and who is speaking to.
Aleisha
Aleisha is the second most dominant character that we hear in this scene and that is very apparent. Aleisha is very forthcoming and makes that clear through the way she dresses and speaks.
Vocabulary
Aleisha uses basic vocabulary including many slang words in all of her sentences. In the typical "Cockney" Manor. Aleisha is not afraid to use curse words to get her point across if she needs too. Aleisha generally uses nasty vocabulary that puts people down, she makes people feel small. All of these things combined gives us the viewer the idea that she was raised lower class, maybe on the streets in a part of London.
Accent
Aleisha's accent is based from London which makes it clear that she was raised in London. She has built up "Cockney" Accent slang also. This tells us, along with how he accent is presented in the clip, that she was raised in London and portraits a bad London image in how she speaks and acts.
Tone and Volume
The purpose of the dialogue that was used is to convey the character body language and their background through their dialogue. Through their accents, how they speak and how they react we as the viewer get a greater understanding of their background and upbringing and from it we can establish how they will act throughout the series.
Each character is very unique and that is shown very clearly through how each one of them acts individually.
Nathan
Vocabulary
Whilst only using basic vocabulary Nathan uses his words in such a menacing and manipulative way that its clear he doesn't need story diverse vocabulary. He uses words such as "Didn't mean to offend you" To have a go at other people and cause confict between him and other people as well. There is no swearing in Nathan's vocabulary and that is very important. Where as other characters would shout and swear Nathan does not, he uses alternative words to get his point across.
Accent
Nathan has a very blunt and clean Irish accent. He uses his accent well when he speaks to manipulate people and put them down. He uses his accent to bend the conversation in his favour. From his accent we understand that he was raised in middle class irish background family.
Tone and Volume
Nathan's tone of voice is very Sarcastic, mocking, sharp and confident this is clear from the clip and how is responds to his fellow workers. We get a sense of false politeness as he speaks in response to Gary as he says "You looking to get stabbed" Nathan responds saying "You see my point there" Undermining Gary. Nathan is very cheeky in his responses making fun of people around him and who is speaking to.
Aleisha
Vocabulary
Aleisha uses basic vocabulary including many slang words in all of her sentences. In the typical "Cockney" Manor. Aleisha is not afraid to use curse words to get her point across if she needs too. Aleisha generally uses nasty vocabulary that puts people down, she makes people feel small. All of these things combined gives us the viewer the idea that she was raised lower class, maybe on the streets in a part of London.
Accent
Aleisha's accent is based from London which makes it clear that she was raised in London. She has built up "Cockney" Accent slang also. This tells us, along with how he accent is presented in the clip, that she was raised in London and portraits a bad London image in how she speaks and acts.
Tone and Volume
She is very dominant in conversations when she is raised. She likes to be heard and have her say in a discussion. She has a cheeky and murky undertone in her voice which she uses to dig at people.
Gary
Gary comes across as over confident and at most times cocky. Often at times his responses are quick and to the point. he likes to make himself clear and dominate any argument He uses vocabulary such as "You looking to get stabbed" Which says to us to the viewer that he has had a bad background in violence or possible murder related things. Fowl language is used in all of what Gary says and he often breaks out into fights.
Curtis
Curtis is quiet throughout the clip and we hear very little from him. What we do get is that he doesn't like the situation he is in. He has obviously wronged in the past and thats why he is doing community service. We get that Curtis is very reflective in his dialogue. He is also very calm and its difficult for him to get aggravated. He just looks on discerningly.
Kelly
Kelly is the character that says the second from least amount in the clip. In the clip she has two lines which consist of her having a go at Curtis, accusing him of thinking he is better than the group. From her lines we get the idea that she is very clear in the point that she wants to get across but sometimes says the wrong things to get across what she is trying to say moreover her accent, which is very deep Liverpudlian mixed with London, so its very hard to understand most times.
Simon
Simon says nothing in the clip so we can only comment on his body language. Simon comes across as a shy individual with a hidden misunderstood past. Simon can be confident in the way he looks at other people but not when he is raised in a conversation.
Analysis taken from Misfits S1E1 -4OD [http://www.channel4.com/programmes/misfits/4od#3018432]
Sunday, 10 November 2013
Misfits S1E1 Special Effects
The Following effects are present in Misfits S1E1;
4:32: Cloud Moving Effect
4:49: Hailstone hits Car Effect
5:19: Shaky Camera Effect
5:23: Hailstones cause Explosions Effect
6:14: Flying up Effect with Slow Motion plus Background Fading
6:21: Shooting Lightening Bolt Effects
6:33: Electric Eye Effect
14:09: Toilet Door Hole Cut into Effect
17:36: Head Shaking Extreme Effect
18:19: Mirror Invisibility Effect
22:11: Black Pupils apparent in white eyes Effect
29:49: Extreme Blood Splatter Special Effect
30:01: Motion turns slow with burred Special Effect
30:07: Character Anti Slow Motion Effect
30:13: Reflection in his eye with time turning Effect
34:13: Window Smashing through Effect
4:32: Cloud Moving Effect
4:49: Hailstone hits Car Effect
5:19: Shaky Camera Effect
5:23: Hailstones cause Explosions Effect
6:14: Flying up Effect with Slow Motion plus Background Fading
6:21: Shooting Lightening Bolt Effects
6:33: Electric Eye Effect
14:09: Toilet Door Hole Cut into Effect
17:36: Head Shaking Extreme Effect
18:19: Mirror Invisibility Effect
22:11: Black Pupils apparent in white eyes Effect
29:49: Extreme Blood Splatter Special Effect
30:01: Motion turns slow with burred Special Effect
30:07: Character Anti Slow Motion Effect
30:13: Reflection in his eye with time turning Effect
34:13: Window Smashing through Effect
Short Story Pitch #tweetpitch
Geoff's journey into the unknown as he ventures into an unknown atmosphere. Soon find that all is not as it seems. #shortstorytweetpitch
P1: Short Story Pitch
The Hero in my story is a character called Geoff and Geoff is part of a specially selected elite group of young individuals that have been selected to be trained and brought through the ranks at Our Lady Alliance Academy. Our Lady is an especially built training complex in Russia where young people selected from all over the globe come together to train to become part of the elite Allegiance known as "Our Lady Alliance". Our Lady Allegiance is a first class organisation set up by world leaders as an international Army. Our Lady is unique in that it uses modern fighting technology including medival Magic, potions and fighting tactics. When Geoff arrives he encounters the chance to uncover the uncover the true magical spell that is bound over the academy. Later on during his stay he realises that he was not only selected to be trained in that academy but he was also selected to uncover the truth behind the colleague and how it originated. Unfortunately there is conflicting souls within the academy that inhabits people and objects to defend the academy from Geoff who is trying to seek the truth.
Friday, 8 November 2013
Project 1: Drive Getaway Scene Analysis
In the Drive scene that we saw the sound was purposely placed in the clip and manipulated to create tension and intensity within the scene. Throughout the viewer is in contemplation as to whether they will get away from the police. Certain sounds are put in to give information towards the tension.
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For example a loud ticking wrist watch, that was setup to countdown to pickup the thieves. The use of the watch also signifies that time is moving on and by making the ticking audible it keeps reminding the audience of the fact that time is moving on.
Use of the Police Scanner audio is also apparent and its making it clear to the audience that police is present in the area. We hear through the radio that they know the description of the car and know the location which builds up additional tension. As well as intimidating the Driver and his Clients it keep the viewer tense and it builds tension as we don't ultimately know what is going to happen in the end.
The addition of small environment sounds within the scene is also welcomed as when the rear car door is opened we hear a door alarm starting to beep. Its clear that a crime has taken place in the warehouse as an alarm sounds within the warehouse and the police are notified, we know this as the sounds are dominant and loud and they are pretty much the only thing we hear in the scene at the certain time. Sounds such as the car engine are made louder and more excessive when the car speeds up. This signifies that the car may be going into a pursuit or some kind of chase.
The sounds are mixed together well to create a great theme of tension to the audience. The combination of each different sound elements including the police siren, the time watch and the alarm give a great feeling that time is running out and they build lots of tension for the viewer.
The sounds are mixed together well to create a great theme of tension to the audience. The combination of each different sound elements including the police siren, the time watch and the alarm give a great feeling that time is running out and they build lots of tension for the viewer.
Thursday, 7 November 2013
Project 1: Personal Top Trumps
The image above is a personal Top Trump that we made in Photoshop and I uploaded to Flickr. The Top Trump was created by compiling various images into layers and using different Photoshop editing and manipulation techniques. We then Added the text and changed the colours etc.
I created my Top Trump to have a modern and contemporary style colour scheme and house style that came accross as bold and easy to read. I feel that I achieved that original ambition through the Top Trump.
Project 1: Post Production Companies - Weta Workshop
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| Weta Workshop Logo |
They were founded in 1987 by Richard Taylor. In the early stages of the companies development Weta only designed for basic TV shows. Now the Company develops on a much higher scale as they're work includes Hercules, Xena and Meet the Feebles.
Weta Workshop specialise in doing special effects for films big or small. They created the special effects for massive films e.g.. The Hobbit An Unexpected Journey as well as James Cameron's 2009 Sci Fi Movie Avatar. They create all of the props used for special effects in a film by hand before shooting. This video greater shows they're work.
Weta Workshop uses tools to recreate props to use in a movie. As well as creating the props they also do some of the main backend special effects on the recorded film.
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