FMP problem solving 2020
- 2. Mount DJI RONIN-S The purpose of this experiment was to see how different methods of stabilisation, would realistically alter the quality of video, in terms of jolting disruption and also how it would effect the overall ease in filming. Therefore I experimented with both methods available to me, filming with the support of the gimbal and without, providing me with negative and positive outcomes for either technique. I compared the two on my laptop, using the same RAW footage for both methods, with my results seen in the table below. WITH WITHOUT Heavier Lightweight Far smoother Less steady Takes a little while to balance everything out Easily set up Provides practical camera effects built in, e.g. a full rotation spin Restricted in terms of shot variety, using hands alone In conclusion, from comparing the footage and taking into account the pros and cons of both methods, the use of the gimbal is far more tempting over not using it at all. It may weigh me down slightly more and require an intermittent break or two, but the functionality provided by this piece of equipment, completely tips the scales in its favour, from the drastic difference in stability, to the added features in shot variety, provided with the kit.
- 3. Music Video Baba O’riley This original music video I made in first year, provided me with practise and insight for when I came to make one later down the line. It may not share exactly the same qualities that I wish to implement within this FMP, although it did involve similar creative techniques, through the usage of the same hardware and software to develop the production. Of course, since then we’ve used similar methods to help in the development of other projects between these two points, of which have helped us better sharpen our skills, but this first project in particular is the one which shares the most qualities with the one I'm doing now. I used the gimbal and camera for that production, as I am for this one, giving me a minor teaching of how to use each of their respective basic functions, from where I’ve gradually developed my skills in both areas over time. On top of that, that music video was my second video production project at college, after my FMP in the level 3 course. Allowing me to work with adobe premiere once again, giving me further understanding of the software and how to effectively bring visuals and audio (music) together for the first time; of which I clearly gaged some form of inspiration and enjoyment from, being that I'm making one for my FMP.
- 4. Quick cut (Edgar Wright) technique This production experiment allowed me to practise the notoriously famous Edgar Wright editing technique, with the quick cuts and satisfying synchrony to the underlying musical number; similar to that found in many, if not all of his films, with ‘Baby Driver’ providing the most obvious example of this style. This was something I wanted to try out, as Frank Sinatra’s ’That’s Life’ contains certain snippets within the lyrics where the tempo of the song picks up quite rapidly and I think if the cuts in the video timeline were to match up with this particular beat, my hope is that many viewers would find it satisfying and more importantly, add another level of captivation to the production. Its not the hardest style to achieve, but reaching an effective level requires you to perfectly sync the cut to the beat, of which can take time to properly do. • I used the razor tool as to slice up the timeline into multiple different sections, instantly transitioning from one frame to the other along with the rhythm of the beat. (video)
- 5. Noir Style (Video) This experiment allowed me practise with the black and white colour grade that I wish to implement in my FMP, as a means to evoke a melancholic feeling for the emotional sections of the production; e.g. at the start when the audience learn of the characters relationship problems. My thinking was that the black and white colour grade would gradually diminish over the course of the video, as to contrast with the characters rise in mood, from bleak, to blissful as he comes to terms with his situation. I wanted to reflect this theory of mood change in this short experimental video, whereby the saturation of colour differs across two of the same clips and I think it works to change the viewers outlook on the production, in terms of how one should perceive the intended conveyance of emotion, through this change in colour; similar to Adele’s ’Hello’ music video. Of course the music is there to have an intended impact on the viewer and how it makes them feel, but in this experiment, the colour was key in its deliverance of emotion. This experiment was achieved by the use of the sliders seen above in both the effects column and colour section of the software and through this, I was able to alter the saturation of the video, as well as affect the lighting and contrasting, of which I did for the coloured clip, as to boost the joyous notion that I was aiming to convey from it; being the complete opposite of the unsaturated clip.
- 7. Overview This experiment will allow me to practise and toil with my idea, by mixing crucial elements of my project, like the music (That’s Life), with a basic preliminary storyboard that I intend to create around the rules of lockdown; a somewhat watered down version of my vision. Displaying my abilities to work with the confining rules of lockdown in place and still adequately produce a piece of work which follows my planning. Planning of which will be altered when it comes to making the final piece, as with the regression of lockdown, I can look to expand and experiment with better and more influential techniques and hopefully produce something which correlates better with my research and development phases earlier in the project. That’s not to say this experiment will be alienated from my intended plan. I’m hoping that I can correlate it to my vision as best possible and with what I have at my disposal, in terms of kit, personnel and set spaces, but obviously changes will have to be made with said restrictions in place; nonetheless, I’m expecting to grasp some influence from this and have it provide me with a clearer perspective moving forward onto the FMP itself. Furthermore, I’m hopeful that I can practise and improve upon my handling of the equipment and come to an understanding of which techniques would be best suited towards shooting specific scenes, for example, whether the gimbal should be a consistent staple throughout or a lighter, free hand technique would be preferable; given the likelihood of me shooting in multiple open spaces. On top of that, I can look to include techniques previously experimented with, as to see whether they suit towards the stylisation of the video and most importantly the music behind that. This will enable me to start thinking more clearly about the final production I intend to create and decide upon the techniques I can effectively implement within that, giving me the earlier opportunity to plan a storyboard around those elements, which will in turn make for a sharper end result.
- 8. Preliminary Plan • Slow pan towards the main character in the bath • Cut to wedding photos • Cut to divorce papers being slammed on a desk surface • Cut to a change in radio station next to the bath • Pans over to the calendar, cutting closer on each ‘back’ towards June 1st • Cuts to the protagonist, giving a presentation to his boss on an online conference call • The boss starts laughing at the presentation • The boss ends the call, leaving the protagonist with a still reaction of dread • The protagonist slowly slumps his way onto his office chair • The camera looks down at the chair from above, as the protagonist tilts his head up and looks directly into camera, spinning his chair around in a frump state • As the lyrics mention each role, the video will cut from the same angle as the protagonist tirelessly works at his desk changing his position each time • From there we will see a multitude of shots, as the protagonist is being thrown out of the house, from packing bags, to reaching under the bed and grabbing his possessions • When the lyrics say ‘out’, the character will stumble out of the front door and have his bag thrown at him, with it hitting the ground • Leaving the protagonist to collect his belongings off of the ground • And as he rises up from the ground, with his possessions grasped to his chest, the camera focuses on the door over his shoulder, as it slams shut, leaving him to walk off frame • The camera cuts to the protagonist walking down the street, with flowers hanging by his waist • The camera then cuts to the closed front door from the inside and as it opens, we see the characters back, before he turns around to face the camera, with the flowers raised • Then it zooms into the characters face, when we see his expression go from glee to dread, as it zooms back out and we see the legs of another male walk beside the wife • The character then immediately drops the flowers and runs for his life, as the new guy chases him with a club, running off frame (verse 1, chorus, verse 2)
- 9. Preliminary Plan • Multiple doors will be slammed in the characters face as he finds a place to stay, along to the list of job roles • The camera will then cut multiple times to the character sleeping rough in different locations, cutting closer and closer, until it reaches his face laid on the concrete slabs • The camera will then rotate along with the motion of the characters head as he opens his eyes and rises to a sitting up position • From here he stands up, drops his bag, looks fearlessly into camera and walks directly into the lens, until the whole video is black, leading into the outro scene • We will transition into a bliss field environment, as we see him walking straight on, from behind in slow motion (to signify his coming to terms with his predicament) • As the lyrics mention cutting out, we see the character looking solemn in various locations, as his suicidal thoughts almost play out, before he pulls out of each attempt, laughing at his cowardness • The camera then focuses in on the 1st of July with all other dates before being crossed off, as we see the faint silhouette of the main character stepping up on a chair • It then cuts back to the field in which the main character is frolicking in slow motion, with the words ‘the end’ appearing, before a circular crop slowly collapses in on the screen, like a looney tunes cartoon • Ending the video in complete darkness (chorus, outro) Morbid - might change
- 10. Verse 1 Verse 2
- 11. Chorus 1 Chorus 2
- 12. Outro
- 13. Resources Equipment/ Props/ Costume needed Locations needed Camera (Fujifilm XT3) Interior of house Gimbal (DJI RONIN S) Exterior of house (back and front garden) Bottles of alcohol (preferably vodka, as water can be used to give it the same appearance, without the disruptive side- effects) Knavesmire field Flowers Town Pictures Production group info Playing David Johnson Husband Jackie Johnson Wife
- 15. Analysis From this experiment I was also able to interpret which were the best ways to film and what equipment to use in different circumstances given the time, lighting, setting and/or the conveyance of emotion I’m trying to express. For example, a feeling of distress and melancholy is better displayed without the use of a dolly, but rather with just the control of the operators hands, which in turn provides more natural, hectic movements. Furthermore, it gave me chance to think about what scenes to shoot, which would best coincide with certain lyrics I had previously found difficult to relate towards, some of which didn’t work perfectly in the experiment, but from that I can take valuable insight in what not to do again and rethink certain elements for the final production; this point alone justifies the value of my experiment, as I'm able to take away from it, through both its failings and its positives. Added to that, I was able to use techniques experimented with prior, during the postproduction process of this video. Allowing me to separate the effective methods from the ones which didn’t exactly cooperate with the music choice. For example, the noir style worked to convey the melancholic atmosphere I was trying to set during specific scenes, like right at the beginning of the video where we see the husband sat in the bath, drinking his sorrows away. The action he’s committing within the scene already sets a depressing notion, but the overlaying black and white theme conveys to the audience a deeper routed sadness. On top of that, the quick cutting technique, seen when the husband is sat working in his bed and when the doors are slammed in his face, worked to an entertaining affect; the action seen on screen, matched up to the audio makes it so, as well as satisfying to watch. It gave the piece that added element of humour, despite the dreary knowledge behind it. This being a quality I want to reflect in my final piece, as it splits the production up and doesn’t force you to sit through a constant barrage of depression, keeping the viewer engaged and pleasantly surprised.
- 16. Risk Assessment
- 17. COVID The worldwide pandemic is obviously the most prominent problem affecting production at this time. Having already affected the outcome of last year’s FMP, now we must take action to work with it and persevere to achieve a grade worthy enough to take us forward. At time of writing, the opportunity to effectively shoot my ideal production is highly restricted, given the laws in place preventing me and many others from filming with other participants (inside our household) and forcing me to shoot in locations which don’t suit the qualities of my vision. Having already conducted an experiment around the rules of lockdown, of which was loosely based around my ideal plans, the task of shooting my FMP is far from impossible, but will require patience and considerate thought about where and whom I can work with. The aspect of patience means, I have more time to plan about how I intend to work around the rules, but also in that time hope that the rules are lifted/regressed, enabling me to create something with more freedom and therefore closer to my intended vision. In terms of who I shall be working with, given that my production is based around the soul experiences of one character, the plan shouldn’t be majorly affected in that aspect and should coincide with the laws in place (in an outside space at least). Then speaking on set spaces, the use of inside locations is crucial towards my production and given the law, those plans will be drastically affected. However, given that production doesn’t begin for a while now, hopefully by then the rules would have changed, otherwise patience will yet again be required to figure out another direction in which to move in, on planning.
- 18. Contingency Planning Potential Issue Solution Loss of valuable video footage and or written work, through a virus, file corruption or losing the physical hardware itself. Backup work on multiple platforms, via the means of emailing it to myself and/or to my tutor, save to usb, external hardrive and/or multiple work stations. I may make an error whilst editing my footage. Continuously save work whilst editing and use the step backwards command, as to revert the error, immediately after its been made. The computer could possibly crash or freeze up, due to the amount of software being used at one time. Once again, always save work multiple times, in different locations. Some external elements may not be accessible for when I edit in adobe Create these elements manually using the tools provided by the software, from word art, to postproduction effects.
- 19. Health and Safety Potential Issue How will the issue be avoided? Spillage of drinks and or food on the computer, which in turn damages both the computer and corrupts your work. Drink and eat away from the computer as to avoid this incident from ever occurring, or if it does happen always remember to save your work on multiple platforms before hand so its still salvageable later. Eye strain may occur from looking at a computer screen for far too long. Take a break away from the screen once in a while, or it could lead to serious sight problems. Back strain is a possible injury from sitting down on a chair for a long period of time. Stand up, stretch and get some much needed mobility (walk or exercise) or those back pains could cause permanent damage. Hands could possibly begin to ache in pain from typing up documents for too long. Take a break away from the key board and stretch your hands now and again, otherwise arthritis could be a constant bother in later life. Camera equipment could be easily damaged from a small distance drop to the floor. Make sure to take extra care when handling such expensive equipment and place it down in a safe space, when not in use, as to not further tempt the incident from occurring Someone could be actually hurt during the filming process. Take extra caution when working with cast members and make sure everyone is aware of what's happening in the scene before it takes place, as to not stress people out.
- 20. Bibliography Music video • Baba O’riley – The Who – October 1971 Quick cut technique • BLKKK SKKKN HEAD – Kanye West – June 2013 Noir style • Song on the Beach – Arcade Fire – 2013 • Little Bitty Pretty One – Thurston Harris – September 1957 Production experiment • That’s Life – Frank Sinatra – November 1966
Editor's Notes
- #11: Mock up of a potential design using the colours and fonts established in your style sheet and sourced images Alter this slide to make it appropriate for your planned product types. Add further layout slides to create at least one for each product you plan to make.
- #12: Mock up of a potential design using the colours and fonts established in your style sheet and sourced images. Alter this slide to make it appropriate for your planned product types. Add further layout slides to create at least one for each product you plan to make.
- #13: Mock up of a potential design using the colours and fonts established in your style sheet and sourced images. Alter this slide to make it appropriate for your planned product types. Add further layout slides to create at least one for each product you plan to make.