Generic conventions and meanings

Cinematic techniques

When creating my short film, I wanted to ensure that my film can be analysed in different ways so that it can create different effects for the audience. This is where I had used different cinematic techniques. Cinematic techniques are ways in which the film presents images to the audience so that it can change the audiences perception of them. I was able to use this technique by using the following conventions:

• Props

In my short film, I had used a variety of different props to help showcase and make it more engaging for the audience. For example, I was able to utilise the use of the old screens in the "Gallery" in the classroom. From this I was able to create suspense. Therefore this reflects on the cinematic techniques of the genres horror and tension within my short film. Also, before creating my short film, I was inspired by a scene of the "Incredibles". This scene is shown below:

From this scene I was able to learn how screens had placed a massive part in finding out the truth but how it plays a vital role in creating suspense. I had wanted to use this and adapt this scene into my own which is shown below:

From this, we can see I had tried to attempt the same effect as they did with the film "Incredibles". 

• Costumes

In my short film, I had used very few costumes to try and present to the audience that the film had taken place in school. This had allowed the storyline to remain clear and make it easier for the audience to understand. This reflects on the cinematic techniques of the genre of non-fiction. Before I had started my production of my short film, I was able to look at a variety of films to help me try and create an easy experience for the audience to enjoy. For example I had used the film "Ready player one". I had wanted to use this and adapt a particular scene into my own which is shown below: 

This is where the audience were able to see the type of equipment and costume that is needed to be worn to play the game. This is the type of meaning I had wanted to create which is shown in the clip below. This clip shows the protagonist in school uniform which is needed in order for the student to be allowed in the school.

• Cinematography

In my short film, I had used a variety of different cinematography techniques to try and present to the audience that the film had taken a dark turn. This had allowed the storyline to have suspense within it and made it engaging for the audience. This reflects on the cinematic techniques of the genre of horror. Before I had started my production of my short film, I was able to look at a variety of films to help me try and create an suspenseful experience for the audience to enjoy. For example I had used the film "The Elevator". I had wanted to use this and adapt a particular scene (which is the scene where the lighting had changed from light to red flashes) into my own which is shown below: 

From looking at this scene, I had wanted to create a similar effect for the audience I had been asked to target to. This is shown in the clips below: 

• Sound 

In my short film, I had used a variety of different sound to try and present to the audience that the film had taken a variety of different turns. This had allowed the storyline to have suspense within it and made it engaging for the audience. This reflects on the cinematic techniques of the genre of horror. Before I had started my production of my short film, I was able to look at a variety of films to help me try and create an suspenseful experience for the audience to enjoy. For example I had used the film "Avengers End Game". I had wanted to use this and adapt a particular scene (Showing Tony Stark has died) into my own which is shown below: 

From looking at this scene, I had felt inspired and made a suspenseful scene which increased the genre of horror which is shown below: 

• Settings and locations

In my short film, I had used very few locations to try and present to the audience that the film had taken in a school. This had allowed the storyline to be clear for the audience. This reflects on the cinematic techniques of the genre of non-fiction. Before I had started my production of my short film, I was able to look at a variety of films to help me try and create an suspenseful experience for the audience to enjoy. For example I had used the film "Ready Player One".  

After watching this, I had felt inspired and made a decision of filming in a school environment so that all audiences can relate to being at school. 

Lighting techniques explanation

Lighting techniques

Sound editing explanation

Visual editing explanation

Production Week 10

 

Production Week 9

 

Camera settings

When planning my short film, I will need to know what type of cameras I am going to use. There are many different types of cameras I could use. However, since I will be in school filming, they have given me the equipment of  using DSLR cameras. 

DSLR stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex. This essentially means that the camera operates with a fixed digital sensor. DSLR are durable and strong so that they can be equipped with different lenses and attachments which will have great battery life. This therefore makes it easier to film. On the DSLR camera there is different modes that I can access. For example there is manual mode. The manual mode is where I can control different features on the DSLR camera to my liking. This will make it easier when I am filming as I can adjust the settings so I can get the type of shot I would need for my short film. 

When looking at the DSLR camera, there are a variety of accessories I can use. For example, with the DSLR camera I can purchase the following: 

• 
  Tripods
• Monopods
• Bags 
  
• Filters
• Memory cards 
• LED panels 
• Flashguns 

Using this type of equipment will help advance and improve my overall quality of filming for my short film. 

When looking at the DSLR camera, it can be used for a variety of purposes especially cinematography and lighting. When looking at how this camera can be used for cinematography, I can use it to change up the settings due to the manual mode that is available on the camera. This means that I can change the settings if I needed to help improve the cinematography. In regards to how I can use the DSLR camera to help with lighting. I can use it to activate the torch that is on the camera. This will help me as in my short film, I will be filming in a small room that is going to be in the dark. This means that I will be using the torch in the camera so that I can improve the lighting in the room. 

Manual mode controls

When using a DSLR camera, there are modes that you can use when you film or take shots. When looking at the manual mode controls, this mode is about the person who is using the camera to be able to change settings on the camera to be able to get a specific requirements they are looking for.  

• Aperture and f-stops - The aperture is an opening that light travels through. However F-stops are known for the aperture size. This means that I can use manual mode to regulate the amount of light that can pass through the lens. 
• Pull focus techniques - Focus pull is allowing a certain object to have been focused on and the rest of the surroundings are being blurred out. This allows the audience to focus on the specific object that is being focussed on. 
• Depth of field - Depth of field is the distance between the closest and farthest objects in a photo that appears sharp.

Types of camera lenses and their use 

When looking at the DSLR camera, there are different lenses that I can use while I am going to filming. This is because each lenses serve their own purpose. There are different lenses such as:

• Standard - This is used to get the interpretation of a human seeing what they can with their eyes. This is used in majority of movies and series. 
• Wide angle - This lens is used to cover a large angle/area of view. This allows the audience to see more than the eye can see.
• Telephoto - This lens is used for a long-focus. This allows an object to be captured at a distance and gives an improved image. This can be useful to use as it might be hard to take other varieties of shots. 
• Macro - This lens is used for the zoom up of a small object. This allows the audience to see the entire clear image of a typical small object. 
• Fish-eye - This lens purpose is to use an ultra wide angle lens that produces strong distortion. This is to help create panoramic images for the audience. 

Use of exposure control for effect

When filming I will be using manual mode majority of the time. This is because I am going to control the exposure for the best effect possible. There are different types of settings I can use to control the exposure. They are:

• Shutter speed - This is the length of time the camera is exposed to the light. This will be useful as I will be able to control how long I want the camera to be exposed to the shot by. 
• ISO - It controls how much lights gets in the camera. This allows me to chose how much light gets in my filming and makes it easier to control the amount of exposure I want. 
• Creating light trails - This is a technique to capture the path of moving images. I won't be using this in my short film but is a handy tool to have. 

Frame rates for different effect 

Frame rates are the rate of images that are being captured or displayed. For example, 

• 25 fps - This means that 25 images are being captured. This allows the effect to be different in each image. 
• Higher fps - If I have higher fps the more visual information is being presented on a clearer basis. 
• Lower fps - If I have lower fps the more visual information is being presented on a clearer basis. 

Before making my short film, I had to ensure that I had to understand how to use the camera and know what features there are. When using the DSLR camera, I used a variety of settings and took various pictures which are attached below:

When making videos using the camera, we used a technique focus pull. Focus pull is allowing a certain object to have been focused on and the rest of the surroundings were blurred out. This allows the audience to focus on the specific object that is being focussed on. Focus pull can be used in a variety of ways, however when we are filming, it will be essential that we use this technique so that the audience can focus on certain items/people instead of focussing on everything else. 

When using the focus pull feature, we had to video it. This will ensure that we understood how to use it properly and see if we were creating that effect. Attached below is a video of me filming my focus pull to show that I have understood what it is and how to do it. 

Feedback from first draft of short film

 I have been able to create my first draft of my film and have been able to collect feedback from my teacher. She has told me to improve and recommended the following:

• Cut to the hands on the computer (POV)
• Camera behind the computers reflecting on my glasses 
• 
  Cut into shot of banging the computer (Zoom in)
• Close up hitting the computer 
• With the "Screens." title, take away the full stop
• Make the shots shorter but add a few zooms 
  
• When the lights go off make the ringing of the bell go at the same time 
• Reshoot the ringing of the bell
• Adding another shot of trying to open the small door 
• Another shot of opening the door handle 
• Walking shot to the glitched screens
• Audio levels need to be higher 
• Turn off the screens on the computer in the projector scenes 
• Scrap the next day title. Instead swap it with fade in and fade out 
• Cut off the scene of Harleen walking. Needs to not wobble 
• Audio when walking 
• Two shots matching so the opening of the small room door is smoother 
• Add a better ending:
• Instead of leaving it where the technician walks out. Instead have them both walk away and get locked in.  With a hand being projected in the background 
• Credits need to be shown

I will be taking on this feedback and make adjustments to my first draft. 

First draft

 

Production Week 8

 

Edit decision list

SWOT of my offline edit

 

Offline edit

 

Rushes log

 

Shot No.	Location	Shot type	Angle	Movement	Duration	Sound notes	Description of character notes & action	Graphics	Props	Use/ disregard
1	School	Long	Straight	Tripod	15.3 seconds	Dialogue and computer beeps	Student is looking at the computer trying to complete work	4k resolution	Computer screens and keyboard	Use
1	School	Long	Straight	Tripod	14.2 seconds	Dialogue and computer beeps	Student is looking at the computer trying to complete work	4k resolution	Computer screens and keyboard	Disregard
1	School	Long	Straight	Tripod	24.1 seconds	Dialogue and computer beeps	Student is looking at the computer trying to complete work	4k resolution	Computer screens and keyboard	Disregard
1	School	Long	Straight	Tripod	28.9 seconds	Dialogue and computer beeps	Student is looking at the computer trying to complete work	4k resolution	Computer screens and keyboard	Use
1	School	Long	Straight	Tripod	53.3 seconds	Dialogue and computer beeps	Student is looking at the computer trying to complete work	4k resolution	Computer screens and keyboard	Disregard
2a	School	Close-up	Straight	Hand-Held	23.6 seconds	Dialogue	Student complaining and hits the screen	4k resolution	Computer screens and keyboard	Use
2b	School	Close-up	Straight	Hand-Held	15.1 seconds	Dialogue	Student complaining and hits the screen and continues to work	4k resolution	Computer screens and keyboard	Disregard
3	School	Long	Straight	Tripod	17.6 seconds	Dialogue	Student is looking at the computer trying to complete work and the screen fades to black	4k resolution	Computer screens and keyboard	Use
4	School	Long	Straight	Tripod	1 minute	Dialogue	Student is starting to finish working and lights go off	4k resolution	Computer screens and keyboard	Use
5a	School	Close-up	Straight	Hand-Held	15.1 seconds	Dialogue	Student is worried but only for a little bit and starts to pack up	4k resolution	Computer screens and keyboard	Disregard
5a	School	Close-up	Straight	Hand-Held	16.5 seconds	Dialogue	Student is worried but only for a little bit and starts to pack up	4k resolution	Computer screens and keyboard	Use
5b	School	Long	Straight	Hand-Held	18.2 seconds	Dialogue	Student is worried but only for a little bit and starts to pack up	4k resolution	Computer screens and keyboard	Disregard
5b	School	Long	Straight	Hand-Held	19.9 seconds	Dialogue	Student is worried but only for a little bit and starts to pack up	4k resolution	Computer screens and keyboard	Disregard
5b	School	Long	Straight	Hand-Held	18.4 seconds	Dialogue	Student is worried but only for a little bit and starts to pack up	4k resolution	Computer screens and keyboard	Disregard
5b	School	Long	Straight	Tripod	23.9 seconds	Dialogue	Student is worried but only for a little bit and starts to pack up	4k resolution	Computer screens and keyboard	Use
6	School	Long	Straight	Tripod	2 seconds	Dialogue	Bell rings	4k resolution	Bell	Use
5b	School	Long	Straight	Tripod	23.7 seconds	Dialogue	Student is worried but only for a little bit and starts to pack up	4k resolution	Computer screens and keyboard
7	School	Medium	Straight	Tripod	45.7 seconds	Dialogue	The student heads towards the door but realises that he’s locked in.	4k resolution	Door and wall display	Use
7	School	Medium	Straight	Tripod	30.1 seconds	Dialogue	The student heads towards the door but realises that he’s locked in.	4k resolution	Door and wall display	Disregard
8	School	Medium	Straight	Hand-Held	18.7 seconds	Dialogue	The classroom screens are shown to be glitching out.	4k resolution	Screens, chairs and desks	Disregard
8	School	Medium	Straight	Hand-Held	14.6 seconds	Dialogue	The classroom screens are shown to be glitching out.	4k resolution	Screens, chairs and desks	Use
9	School	Medium	Straight	Hand-Held	16.9 seconds	Dialogue	The classroom screens are shown to be glitching out.	4k resolution	Screens, chairs and desks	Use
9	School	Medium	Straight	Hand-Held	5.1 seconds	Dialogue	The classroom screens are shown to be glitching out.	4k resolution	Screens, chairs and desks	Use
9	School	Medium	Straight	Hand-Held	24.4 seconds	Dialogue	The classroom screens are shown to be glitching out.	4k resolution	Screens, chairs and desks	Use
9	School	Medium	Straight	Hand-Held	20.8 seconds	Dialogue	The classroom screens are shown to be glitching out.	4k resolution	Screens, chairs and desks	Use
10	School	Medium	Straight	Hand-Held	34 seconds	Dialogue	Student enters the previous room to find his phone.	4k resolution	Screens, chairs and desks	Use
10	School	Medium	Low	Hand-Held	9.9 seconds	Dialogue	Student enters the previous room to find his phone.	4k resolution	Screens, chairs and desks	Disregard
11-12	School	Medium	Straight	Hand-Held	11.6 seconds	Dialogue	Screens showing the student and others glitching out.	4k resolution	Screens, chairs and desks	Use
12	School	Long	Straight	Tripod	37.9 seconds	Dialogue	Students looks and see more screens glitching out	4k resolution	Screens, chairs and desks	Use
13	School	Medium	Straight	Hand-Held	8 seconds	Dialogue	Student tries to escape but the project displays white screen.	4k resolution	Projector	Use
14	School	Medium	Straight	Hand-Held	10.6 seconds	Dialogue	The projector shows text.	4k resolution	Projector	Use
15	School	Medium	Straight	Hand-Held	20.6 seconds	Dialogue	The student figures out what the text says and apologies.	4k resolution	Projector	Use
15	School	Medium	Straight	Hand-Held	26.8 seconds	Dialogue	Student tries to escape but the project displays white screen.	4k resolution	Projector	Use
17a	School	Long	Straight	Tripod	24.8 seconds	Dialogue	Another student tries to open the door	4k resolution	Door	Use
17a	School	Long	Straight	Tripod	21.2 seconds	Dialogue	Another student tries to open the door	4k resolution	Door	Disregard
18	School	Long	Straight	Tripod	3.8 seconds	Dialogue	Student goes to the technician office and agrees to help	4k resolution	Door	Use
18	School	Long	Straight	Tripod	22.5 seconds	Dialogue	Student goes to the technician office and agrees to help	4k resolution	Door	Disregard
18	School	Long	Straight	Tripod	11.3 seconds	Dialogue	Student goes to the technician office and agrees to help	4k resolution	Door	Use
18	School	Short	Straight	Tripod	30.3 seconds	Dialogue	Student goes to the technician office and agrees to help	4k resolution	Door	Disregard
18	School	Short	Straight	Tripod	18.9 seconds	Dialogue	Student goes to the technician office and agrees to help	4k resolution	Door	Disregard
18	School	Short	Straight	Tripod	17.6 seconds	Dialogue	Student goes to the technician office and agrees to help	4k resolution	Door	Disregard
18	School	Short	Straight	Tripod	1.1 minutes	Dialogue	Student goes to the technician office and agrees to help	4k resolution	Door	Disregard
18	School	Short	Straight	Tripod	39.7 seconds	Dialogue	Student goes to the technician office and agrees to help	4k resolution	Door	Use
18	School	Short	Straight	Tripod	1.7 minutes	Dialogue	Student goes to the technician office and agrees to help	4k resolution	Door	Use
19	School	Long	Straight	Tripod	14.3 seconds	Dialogue	The student and teacher go towards the door and tries to unlock it	4k resolution	Door	Use
20	School	Short	Straight	Hand-Held	14.4 seconds	Dialogue	The student and teacher struggle to get the door open	4k resolution	Door	Disregard
20	Schooi	Short	Straight	Hand-Held	8.4 seconds	Dialogue	The student and teacher struggle to get the door open	4k resolution	Door handle	Use
21	School	Long	Straight	Hand-Held	16.6 seconds	Dialogue	They get the door open and enter	4k resolution	Table, chairs, door	Disregard
21	School	Long	Straight	Hand-Held	25.8 seconds	Dialogue	They get the door open and enter	4k resolution	Table, chairs, door	Disregard
21	School	Long	Straight	Hand-Held	47.3 seconds	Dialogue	They get the door open and enter	4k resolution	Table, chairs, door	Disregard
21	Schooi	Long	Slanted	Hand-Held	4 minutes	Dialogue	They get the door open and enter	4k resolution	Table, chairs, door	Use
21	School	Long	Straight	Tripod	3 minutes	Dialogue	They get the door open and enter and find the body	4k resolution	Table, chairs, door	Disregard
21	Schooi	Long	Straight	Tripod	1.8 minutes	Dialogue	They get the door open and enter and find the body	4k resolution	Table, chairs, door	Disregard
21	School	Long	Straight	Hand-Held	40.4 seconds	Dialogue	They get the door open and enter and find the body	4k resolution	Table, chairs, door	Use
22	School	Long	Straight	Hand-Held	6.9 seconds 9.2 seconds	Dialogue	As they enter the small room they discover the body	4k resolution	Dead body, metre stick	Use