Thursday, 22 June 2023
Unit 18 D1& D2
In the picture above u can see that we are using a redhead light as our three point lighting system redhead lights are versatile and provide a powerful, controllable light source. Their intensity and adjustable focus allow you to illuminate your subjects with precision, ensuring proper exposure and highlighting important elements. Secondly, redhead lights have a broad beam spread, making them suitable for wide shots or illuminating larger areas. They can effectively light up scenes or backgrounds, providing a balanced and uniform lighting environment. this denotates there is lighting focused on the main character furthermore connotes protagonist as the good guy.
A tripod on tracks is a camera support system that combines a tripod with a set of tracks or dolly wheels. It enables smooth and controlled camera movements for capturing dynamic shots in filmmaking and photography. By gliding along the tracks, the camera achieves stability and precision, particularly for tracking shots. Various track systems are available, offering different sizes and features. Setting up the tracks, mounting the tripod securely, and moving the camera along the tracks helps achieve professional-looking footage with fluid movements. Overall, a tripod on tracks is a versatile tool for adding visual interest and professionalism to projects. We used this so we can get a rolling shot
In a three-point lighting setup, the key light is the primary light source that illuminates the subject or scene. It is positioned at an angle to create depth and shape the subject's appearance. The key light establishes the main lighting direction and can be adjusted to control contrast, shadows, and highlights. It adds dimension, texture, and mood to the scene and plays a crucial role in creating visually appealing photographs or video footage
In a three-point lighting setup, the fill light is used to balance the shadows created by the key light. It is positioned on the opposite side of the key light and provides a softer and less intense light source. The fill light helps reduce contrast, reveal details in shadows, and create a more even and natural-looking appearance. Its intensity is typically lower than the key light, and it can be adjusted to control the level of shadow fill. Incorporating a fill light in the setup contributes to a balanced and pleasing lighting result.
In a three-point lighting setup, the backlight, also known as the rim light or hair light, is positioned behind the subject. It creates highlights along the subject's edges, separating them from the background and adding depth and dimension to the scene. The backlight helps to outline the subject and adds a professional touch to the overall lighting composition.
Many 50mm lenses feature a wide maximum aperture, such as f/1.8 or wider. This wide aperture allows more light to enter the lens, enabling faster shutter speeds in low-light situations. It also creates a shallow depth of field, allowing you to isolate your subject and achieve pleasing bokeh effects.
Wednesday, 21 June 2023
Saturday, 10 June 2023
Friday, 9 June 2023
Edit decisions
Lighting and camera techniques played a significant role in every scene of our short film, as they had a profound impact on the overall outcome. Our main objective was to use these techniques to create the right atmosphere and convey the genre of the film without explicitly telling the audience. We began our film by combining three scenes and colliding them together to create a flashback effect. To achieve this, we employed the well-known technique of pull focus, where we changed the focus in a shot by shifting from one object to another, using a standard camera lens.
Focus group feedback
Recording focus group feedback
Strengths
According to the focus group one of the strength of our short film is the variety of shots that we used to make the short film more appealing to the audience in addition to that the use of language and the area are very relatable to them. We wanted to create this effect in order for the audience to put themselves into the protagonist’s position and understand his feelings. The audience also found the film entertaining and interesting as it kept them on the hook by creating suspense.
Areas for improvements
The audience found some scenes a little boring and wanted more content in the film to make it more entertaining for example using voice overs to make the sound clearer and also help the audience understand better the texts from the shots. In addition to that the focus group suggested that we should make the storyline more detailed and go into more depth to help the audience understand the narrative
Overall
The focus group found the short film engaging, entertaining and enjoyable. At the end all of them said that they would watch the short film when we are going to upload the final edit and many liked the fact that it ended on a cliff hanger
Focus group evaluation
After completing our short film, we organized a focus group with our target audience to gather feedback and insights. We posed questions such as "What aspects of the short film do you think were successful?" and "What areas do you think could be improved?" The audience provided valuable responses, expressing appreciation for certain elements such as the effective use of sound effects to create an immersive atmosphere, the realistic acting performances, and the clear incorporation of horror/thriller movie conventions, such as a dark color palette and intense sound design.
The feedback we received also highlighted areas for improvement. One observation was that an actor appeared to be reading from a script and delivered lines in a robotic manner, suggesting the need for more natural and rehearsed performances. Some participants suggested cutting out certain audio segments that were deemed unnecessary. The focus group also emphasized the importance of practicing the script extensively before recording to avoid forgetting lines and delivering shaky or robotic performances.
Our primary objective with the focus group was to identify strengths and areas of improvement in our short film. This feedback would serve as a guide for future productions, aligning them more closely with the preferences of our target audience. In addition to gathering external opinions, we also engaged in discussions within our team regarding potential enhancements and modifications we would make if given the opportunity. For example, one group member inquired about the possibility of a sequel, and we discussed our perspectives on that idea. We shared insights into our creative process, discussing what we enjoyed about the short film and contemplating additional elements that could have been incorporated.
Reflecting on my personal role in the project, I recognized room for improvement in the editing phase. In particular, I felt that the libary screen could have been made more visually engaging rather than appearing bland. Given my knowledge of chroma key techniques, I believe I could have added more lighting to create an eerie and unsettling atmosphere, thereby captivating the viewers. For instance, incorporating a grunge border around the screen could have heightened the overall experience.
Regarding our acting performances as a group I acknowledged that more practice with the script would have enhanced my confidence and delivery. I identified instances in the short film where I seemed unfocused, and I realized that even when not in the spotlight, maintaining an engaged and realistic presence would have contributed to the overall authenticity of the scenes. Furthermore, I noted that my voice sounded shaky and stuttering despite portraying a scared character, indicating the need for additional practice to improve my vocal delivery.
Considering the production process, I recognized the importance of better planning and adhering to the production schedule. Allowing for multiple shooting days would have provided us with more practice and confidence, resulting in a more realistic final product. Improved communication between myself and my colleague would have ensured better task allocation, enabling more efficient workflow and faster completion. This would have afforded us more time to review and rectify any mistakes before exporting and uploading the short film to platforms like YouTube
Export format for the final edit
-
We prepared for filming by setting up a tripod to stabilize the camera and eliminate any shakiness that would occur if we held the camera ...

























