Filming Blog: Re-Shoot Blog

Today Hannah and I had another productive day. From the previous editing day, we noted some scenes needed to be re-film and cut. Since there was a time limitation, I could not check out a camera. So, Hannah and I decided to have the re-shoot on the weekend.

On the first day of the re-shoot production day, Hannah, Cori and I went to our first location, George English Park. As I previously mentioned in the prior blog, some scenes needed to be re-filmed because of volume. Although the actresses spoke loudly, Pinnacle Studios and the background music caused the dialogue to be muffled. Scenes that needed to be louder were Cori's scenes.

Once we finished filming at George English Park, we headed to the next filming location, my house.
While we waited for Kat to be dropped off at my house, Hannah and I began to plan Scene 3. Since we had to cut Scene 3, we needed to plan what we wanted to happen in the scene that would help develop an intense mood. The following statements are suggestions made by me: "Let's keep the shot of Cori walking to Kat but, we can include a dialogue. Cori might say something along the lines of "are you ready?" while Kat will respond by saying "Let's go" while she picks up her bag." After about fifteen minutes, we decided to have Cori pick up the bag while Kat says "We're ready" to the Monitor. This allows parallel editing and allows us to include another Monitor scene to establish the spies and the Monitor are friends.

During reshoot, I directed Cori. Before the camera began, I repeated Cori's lines to her because it has been weeks since the last production day. I thoroughly describe to Cori on what I wanted to occur in this scene. For instance, I said, "This character is firmly stating Target's relative position". I describe the seriousness of the Scene and how the tone should be objective. While Cori was filming her lines, I would comment on the dynamic of her lines. I commented on how the line should be louder. I offered tips on how she can achieve a loud volume without screaming. Once Kat arrived, we reshot Cori's dialogue and Scene 3. I followed similar procedures while Scene 3 is shot. I describe the scene to the actresses and the emotions they should be expressing. I gave the same advice to use the diaphragm to project louder. After Scene 3 was shot, it concluded the first reshoot.

(This is Hannah and I planning Scene 3.)

Editing Blog: Sound and Changes

During the eighth day of post-production, Hannah and I are three quarters finished adding sound. There were a multitude of unexpected variables I faced. One of those unexpected variables was computer problems. Somehow the computer I edit on almost always have low battery. The solution was to grab a different computer. However, this solution did not work because of Pinnacle Studios. If Hannah and I used a different computer, we would have to re-import and download all files for the Final Task. Due to time restrictions, we decided to use the our computer while it charged . While Hannah and I sat on the floor, we edit our film.

Before we change something, we would watch the Final Task and absorbed the information. We watched the film a couple of times. During the second time, I took notes on elements that need improvements. For instance, during Scenes 6 to 7, the dialogue needed to be louder. Once I finished taking notes on the transitions and the sound, I began to edit the sound. Since I haven't had the opportunity to fully edit on the Final Task, Hannah and I decided I should edit during the majority of this editing day. During this editing day, I added the song "Addicted" by YVEN to the end of the Final Task. Without the intense music, it is difficult to understand the story. After I added and trimmed the music, I faded the music because it would have a greater impact on the audience and it would transition smoother. The most difficult part about sound is alignment. In the last scene, I want the audience to be in suspense. I wanted to use a particular part of the song because it would help develop suspense. The reason why the alignment was difficult because I had to match the sound with the loud "Bang" and the dialogue spoken by the Monitor.

Other parts I worked on sound was the volume. A reoccurring issue of sound is volume. Even though the actors spoken coherently during filming, the sound is very quiet. So I adjusted the volume of the dialogue to become louder and the music to become quieter.

There were major changes in this editing day. One of those changes was the genre. Initially, I wanted to do comedy because I wanted to do something that was creative and unique. Due to the difficulties of the last scene, we showed the final task to a fellow classmate to ask for guidance . If a student can understand a movie, then the final task is successful. The classmate reviewed the video and offered helpful criticism. One of their comments was to cut out Scene 3 because it felt displaced and to add another Monitor Scene. They felt it was confusing since the Monitor appeared during the beginning and ending. Minor tips was to cut the unnesscary clips. For instance, a disappointed Cori sitting while she watched the Target run away.  This would allow us to focus on an action genre.

So, the next day Hannah and I will have to re-shoot/ re-do Scene 3 and another Monitor scene.

Even though there the Coronavirus, this blog is about my journey before school was closed.

(This is a picture of me reviewing the Final Task before I made adjustments. )

Editing Blog: Minor Details & Sound

During the planning blogs, I anticipated post-production was going to be prolonged. Now on the seventh day of editing, I am added minor details and sound into my final task. The minor details will include trimming, speed, and some transitions.

On this post-production day, one of my major roles was sound. As I continuously reiterate, I handle the sound issue because have the most experience in cutting, adding, and editing sound. Before I could attach the sound to my final task, I had to re-import the sound because Pinnacle Studios did not recognize the files. Once the files were re-imported, Hannah and I reviewed each of the selected music files. As I listened to each track, I noted notable sections of different tracks that should be included. For instance, I suggested using a certain section from "Addicted" by VYEN during the falling scene or last Monitor scene. This would be a perfect opportunity to include incidental music because it would emphasize the action because of the loud dynamic and heavy beats. After we picked the selected music file for the scene, I would attach the sound to the footage. Then, I would adjust the length. There were multiple instances where I learned and practice my sound skills. One moment is reattaching sound. I had to reattach audio from the last scene because it would enhance the action/ adrenaline rush. With trial and error, I re-learned how to detach sound. During the beginning of the year, my teacher explained how to detach audio if we wanted a voice over. Since the procedures were received about five months ago, I wasn't sure if I remember how. Now, I can be efficient if I wanted to add a voice-over. The second moment is adjusting the volume. I learned how to adjust the volume on the Master Track and the individual clip. I learned you would click a certain icon which will display knobs. The orange knob adjusts the volume for the entire track while the green knob adjusts the knob for the individual clip. I had to adjust the volume for a specific track because the dialogue was too quiet and the background music was too loud.

A minor role I performed was an organizer. Before Hannah and I began editing, we re-watched our final task. I did this because I wanted to see the imperfections that could have been missed on the sixth editing day. While I watched the final task a couple of times, I write notes on paper. These notes include things to cut, re-shoot, and re-edit. I also noted on what scenes should be longer and ideal places to add transitions for a "smooth film".

Another minor role I performed was the editor. Since I have some knowledge of split screens, I added a border to screen. The purpose of the border is to create a clean split screen.

For the next post-production day, we need to finish adding the sound and titles. In addition to sound and titles, color and lighting need to be adjusted.

(This is a picture of Hannah and I reviewing the Final Task. )

Filming Blog: Drafting Final Task

Today in AICE Media Hannah and I edited were productive. This editing blog is a combination of experiences from three separate editing days. Since I had a short period of time to edit after the peer review and during an early release day, I decided to include those experiences as well.

Throughout the three editing days, my role as organizer was maintained. While Hannah and I edited the footage, I would refer to the storyboards, sound script, and the checklist to ensure everything was on track. I call off the file number on the list for Hannah to drag the footage into the track.  As Hannah edited on the computer, I would watch the footage to see if there were things to cut or improve. Since I am attentive to the tiniest details, my main role was watching the footage to determine the best place to cut/ trim.

On the fourth day of the post production, I was able to piece together Scenes 3.  The reason why only this scene was edited because there was extra time on the peer review day. On this day, I was able to trim and cut some scenes. For instance, I trimmed one footage where the two spies were running to get ready. I trimmed the beginning and the end because there was noise that would interrupt the dialogue. I also was able to edit in the split screen. Even though I haven't attempted a split screen in months, I had more experience. I knew where to go and how to edit the screen to have two actions. On the fourth day, I cropped and a move the footage into a logical manner.

On the fifth day of post-production, I finished adding Scenes 4-6. Even though there was an early release, I was able to incoropate these scenes because they consists of simple actions. On this editing, I formulated and trimmed jump cuts of the spies walking to Point A. I mainly focused on the timing on each action and dialogue.

On the six day of post-production, a significant amount of footage was edited even though there was a brief delay. Once I logged onto the computer, the computer wouldn't let us review the individual file. So, Hannah brought the computer to our teacher while I began to lay a game plan for the remaining of the post production.Today, my teacher revealed the due dates of the Final Task and the CRP questions. Instantly, I knew I needed to figure a way to trim down the footage. After the fifth post production day, we were about 20 seconds under the requirements. I knew I needed to trim down the Final Task because the duration doesn't fit the requirements for the assignment. Also, there was a surplus of raw footage that wasn't reviewed.  I suggested the following: Cut the Monitor scenes until Scene 10, do jump cuts of the spies following the Target, Reaction shot of the Target, Cori tripping, and the scenes where the Kidnapper is hitting the Monitor. This provided a guideline on what to include in the final product.

On the six day of post-production. I was able to edit the sound. Since I am the expert in the sound, I de-attached the audio from the footage. Once I de-attached the audio, I was able to add the voice over and a sound effect that will help the final task have suspense.  I trimmed some of the other portions of the footage I've already had.

(This is me(left) writing an alternative to the Final Task while Hannah was trying to upload the raw footage.)

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Filming Blog: George Enlgish Park Part 2

This blog is about the fourth production of my final task. According to the previous filming blog, I filmed the Monitor scenes before the George English Park scenes because of my actresses' unavailability. This production day was the shortest and the most stressful because I had to film Scene 7-9 within in an hour. The reason why there was a limit restriction because one actress needed to be picked up at a specific time. In addition to the time restriction, one actress forgot to bring their leather jacket: a crucial item of clothing for her spy costume. A solution I suggested was to use my leather jacket. However, Hannah convinced me, the difference in the leather jacket would make the final task look unusual.

One minor role as an organizer was maintained. Before every take, I would ensure all the necessary shots, angles, and movements were filmed. For instance, I would follow the sound script and the storyboards during Scene 7. After filming, I would re-review the storyboard, shooting script, checklist and sound script to be efficient. This would act as a signal on what shot should be filmed next.

The primary role I was tasked with was directing. Since I was an organizer, I directed while referring to the storyboards and sound script. Before each take, I would elaborate on what each takes should appear. This would allow the actresses to understand the material and become better actresses. To achieve the ideal delivery, I would use anecdotes to help guide the actresses. For instance, I said, "Channel your inner Leila" or "Imagine a friend leaving you on reading". These anecdotes helped the actresses act disappointed or worried. Furthermore, I would yell commands on when actresses should begin acting. During the taking shots of Target, I would yell "Go" or I would give a thumbs-up as signals for Hannah to begin walking.

A minor role I was tasked with was camerawoman. Since Hannah is one of the actresses in this film, I substituted as a camerawoman during the tacking shots and wide shots of the actresses.  As camerawoman, I filmed the scenes with a tripod because it allowed the camera to be less shaky. For example, I used to tripod to filmed the tracking shot of Cori following Target. Since I am below average height, it was difficult to film this particular tracking shot on my tip-toes. The tripod helped me achieved the perfect height without straining myself.

(This picture is me (left) directing Kat as she prepares to be filmed.)

Editing Blog: Piecing Footage

Today in AICE Media Studies, I continued piecing the movie together. In the recent editing blog, I was able to piece Scene 1 and part of Scene 2.  My priority was to "finish" editing the first two scenes due to timing. This means titles, music, and transitions should be added to the movie. If the first two scenes were edited correctly, Hannah and I would theoretically spend less time editing those scenes. During the third day of the post-production process, I spent a significant amount of time editing. Since I did not have the opportunity to practice my editorial skills during the previous editing day, I was able to perform various editing skills.

The first thing I did was reviewed footage from the previous filming day. Due to time restrictions, I reviewed the Monitor's footage in Scene 2.  I selected the "best" take and inserted it into the track on Pinnacle Studios. Then, I trimmed the footage down to a decent duration. Once I added the Monitor scene, I continued to add the protagnists' scene. I used the checklist and storyboard as I guide on what scenes should be next. After the majority of the footage for Scene 2 was added to the track, I begin to meticously cut the scenes. For instance, I would cut away silence before dialogue was spoken. During this process, I directed Hannah on when she should cut the scene. Even though Hannah and I have attention to detail, one person should offer their input on when a scene should be cut shorter. In one take, there is a pause before an actress speaks. I say "Stop". This command is an indicator when take should be cut.

Futhermore, I was able to practice my sound skills. Since I  have more experience with sound, I trimmed imported the sound files from my flash drive onto Pinnacle Studios and the computer. I selected, added, and trimmed the tracks to fit in with the establishing shot and the conversation scene. I was able to add a fade to the music. This allows the transition from Scene 1 to Scene 2 to become smoother.

The weak skills I practiced were transitions and titles. During the last two mini-projects, I did not add titles because the duration of the projects was two weeks.  With good guessing skills, I was able to add the first and third titles. I adjusted the font, size, and position of the title. In addition to the style of the title, I added transitions on how the titles will enter and exit the screen.

At the end of the editing session, Scene 1 and Scene 2 were "finished".

Editing Blog : Sound and Cutting

On the second day of post-production. I was semi-productive in downloading music and dumping it onto my flash drive. The primary reason this post-production day was not efficient because of the computers. Immediately upon arrival to AICE Media Studies class, I grabbed and logged onto my computer because Final Task's footage was dumped onto that computer. Once I click the Pinnacle Studios app, I waited approximately 10 minutes before a notification popped up which read: "Pinnacle Studios is not responding". I decided to restart the program because students at my high school do not know how to properly shut down and return a computer. After I restarted the computer, I had the same issues as before. A temporary solution is to grab another computer. This computer also had the same technical error. The last solution was to grab another computer. Eventually, Pinnacle Studios loaded and I was able to re-follow the post-production procedures of dumping and importing.

As Hannah was importing the footage onto the computer and into Pinnacle Studios, my role was sound. Since I have the most experience downloading music, I was tasked with download and dump the sound onto my flash drive. I spent a good portion of time visiting multiple Youtube converter sites to see which sites allow free and efficient downloading services. The reason why this took a good portion of time because certain websites required a Google extension which was blocked by my school's administrator. Eventually, I found a site that worked without the Google Extension, and I was able to convert the Youtube video into an MP3 file. Once I converted the music from Youtube Videos into a music file, I dumped the files onto my flash drive.

As I finished the last file, the computer was importing the 246 footage files. After finished dumping the sound, I helped Hannah with the editing. This is where the checklist of the selected footage came in handy. I told Hannah which footage would be added into the track. This allowed us to efficiently begin piecing the footage together. During the editing, I would offer my input on each take and where I wanted the footage to be cut.

Due to the technical difficulties and interruptions, Hannah and I were able to piece Scene 1 and part of Scene 2. During the third day of editing, Hannah and I will be piecing the last part of Scene 2 and begin editing Scene 3.

(This is a picture of me (left) and Hannah reviewing the selected footage. Since Pinnacle Studios is not the best editing software, it would lag. So, Hannah and I would review the footage on a separate screen to watch the videos without any interruptions. )

Final Task Peer Review

During the middle of the production process, my group and I were peer-reviewed and vice versa. Due to the slow computers, my group and I had to export our film before it was reviewed. The peer-review process was educational and interesting. I liked the peer-reviewed because the suggestion given by people can help improve the film. Once the film was exported, I gave it to another group while I reviewed another. On this peer review day, I was assigned to review Julia's group's final task.

Overall, I liked their final task. One aspect I enjoyed was their storyline. Based on the footage I watched, I infer the storyline was a father and a daughter are going on a trip. However, something bad happens and the dad disappears. I enjoyed this storyline because, in most "horror", the protagonist does something stupid and cliche. In this movie, it was an ordinary daughter and father going on an innocent trip. Another thing I liked was their creative use of the graphic match. In one scene there is a trunk show of the father putting a backpack in the trunk of the car. The inaction of zipping the backpack is continued into the next scene where Julia is zipping up her backpack. I found this transition creative and smooth. The last aspect was the usage of dark lighting and sound. Throughout the film, there was dark lighting and " scary" music. This foreshadows the big reveal of the dad disappearing. I felt these aspects help develop and establish suspense.

Two elements could be improved: lighting and sound. Throughout the film, there was dark lighting and shadows. I felt the images were too dark and obscure the footage. For instance, I had to squint to see what action was being followed. The other suggestion is sound. I felt the volume during some parts of the background music too loud. I feel if the volume was a little softer then, the dialogue will be heard.

After I peer-reviewed another group's, I received my peer-review sheet. Since the group had four people, I had a variety of responses on what to improve on. The most common suggestion was sound. Some of the responses suggested having the actresses speak louder. This would allow the audience to hear them better. I agree with this suggestion because the actresses are quiet people. To improve on this, I will try to have the actresses speak louder or I would record voice-overs of the dialogue. This is crucial advice because most viewers would be discouraged to watch something they cannot hear. The other common is lighting. Some responses to adjusted the lighting to be darker during the Monitor scenes. I agree with this statement because the darker lighting will help foreshadow a surprise. It will also help me establish a more ominous tone.

There were a few interesting responses. One of the papers, one person commented on their fondness of the opening scene. This person liked the smooth transition from the establishing shot to the two spies. They felt the zoom in on the front door acted as a doorway into the spies' world. Another part of the film that was interesting was the door closing scene at the end of Scene 2. Someone thought the door closing help builds anticipation and adrenaline which leaves viewers more interested.

Aspects that were achieved were smooth transitions and a variety of shots in the first 40 seconds. Hannah and I were able to insert titles in the correct order. I feel with more time, the final task can tell a story.



(The following pictures shows my criticism for my peers.)

Filming Blog: Hannah's House

As I previously stated in the recent blog, Hannah and I had to delay the second day of filming due to camera issues. Before Hannah and I could finish filming scenes 7 to 9, the camera died thus, preventing further filming. The reason why the third filming day was at Hannah's house because of our actresses scheduling. During this week, one of the actresses was out of town. Since we need both actresses, we had to post-pone another filming day. Even though the spies actresses were unavailable, I was able to film my scenes.

Before I went over to Hannah's house, I gathered my props: black headphones and my computer, and my costume: a black tank top, khaki cardigan, and glasses. Once I arrived at Hannah's house, I began to help Hannah with set design. Although most of the set was organized, there were still crucial elements that were missing such as the computers. During the Pre-Production process, Hannah and I forgot to plan the images on the computer during the Monitor's scenes. We only planned to use two computers during these scenes. I suggested having one computer display a certain area of the park that shows the spies are not in position while the other computer will have the layout of the park. This caused me to create the format of the park on the word document while we waited for footage to be dumped onto Hannah's computer. Also, I edited the picture of a briefcase to display the words "Motivation", to help develop suspense for the audience.

On the third day of filming, my major role was as an actress. Since the planning stages, I was cast as the Monitor, the person who oversees the spies' operation. Even though my character is typing on her computer and monitoring the screens, it was a difficult process because my scenes were more focused on the dialogue than the action. In my scenes, I had to act aggressive, sarcastic, annoyed, serious and disappointed as I "watched" the spies fail at being spies. The challenging part was conveying these emotions because I have no acting experiences and I am camera shy. Eventually, I recorded all my scenes and dialogue.

Throughout the filming day, I maintained my role as an organizer. Between the scenes, I would refer to the storyboard, sound script and the shooting script to ensure all the dialogue and the shots were filmed. There were some angles and shots Hannah and I had to change. Due to the position of the desk, it was difficult to film a medium close up of me because of my short stature. This caused the filming to be shot from the side angle at a medium close up. In addition to the organizer, I did direct Scene 10. Although Hannah filmed all the necessary footage, I felt something was missing as Hannah and I reviewed the footage. This caused me to direct the camerawoman Hannah and the Kidnapper to produce a logical and suspenseful kidnapping scene. For instance, I directed to Hannah to film a close up of the Kidnapper holding their wooden stick and a long shot of the Kidnapper walking towards me. I felt the switching of perspectives it would add more suspense to our action movie.

After this filming day, Hannah and I have one more production day.


(This is a picture of me acting as the Monitor.)