Sunday, December 03, 2006

Post Production Editing the footage

We have all the footage now and we are all editing our own versions of 'The Conversation'. Firstly for me I have taken the footage and produced a rough cut in i-movie because this is quick and gives me a sense of the footage and scenes and also because i have no Final cut software yet. I have edited the scenes added transitions and tiles, also sound - using a track from a band called the Field mice (I have to check copyright on this one). However this is only a rough cut and next year I will be collaborating with a muscian friend of mine who is going to be producing tracks and sound for my visual projects.

In the MA sessions on Wednesday we have been allowed to edit our footage which is good, because it has enabled me to produce a version in Final Cut. Mike gave us a demonstration using the software and the Multi Clip tool which as been very useful. Also Martin has given us some constructive feedback on editing related to our footage. So now I have completed a version using Final Cut which I have found very useful. I have been trying to craft my edits and version so that you do not notice the cuts, its okay. I'm happy with this version as I'm new to this, but when my skills improve I will re-edit and improve. I now have a version in Final Cut and exported as a QuickTime movie. I will have completed by the deadline this version with some minor improvements printed to tape and a QuickTime movie saved onto DVD. Also I will have my storyboards and this blog which is evidence of my production log.

In the sessions we have also viewed and analysed each others versions which I have found useful and interesting, and I will improve mine next year. Also we have to produce some kind of Interactive movie/project from this footage - I have ideas already which will be noted down and visualised through setches and storyboards.

So this week i will complete the above and hand into Martin on Wednesday 13/12/06 along with my Object 1 minute film and storyboard.

I now have a problem. My Mac blew up on Monday and now I have no computer (Disaster). It as been sent away to be repaired and it could be a couple of months before it comes back. So now my only option is to use PC's at work to do any work for my MA which is not ideal. Also over the Xmas period I will have no access to a computer because my workplace closes down for two weeks, which means I will not be able to do any work over this period. So I have the next two weeks to complete everything so far. I will see how it goes I guess.

The Shoot 19/11/06

We met outside the Sion Hill Campus, secrurity opened up. We carried equipment from Mikes car into Studio and set up. Again thankful to Mike for providing equipment and also taking charge and showing us all how to set up cameras, lights, sound etc.

SHOOT/STUDIO SET UP FOR SHOOTING SCENES WITH 3 CAMERAS SIMULTANIOUSLY.

So we set up the three cameras on tripods, set up lights, dressed studio and Actors were looked after fed and watered and also prepared. Rodger ran through script with Actors whilst we all set up. We then set up Laptops and connections checking everything was working. Then Mike and Tom set up sound and radio Mics connected to Camera 2 (Wide Angle), Camera 1 and 2 set up for over the shoulder shots and close ups. Mike then colour balanced the cameras - set to blue so to warm shots up a bit. Everything was doubled checked and then Actors came onto set. We took turns Directing each scene and operating cameras etc. Mike was Stage/Production Manager and showed us all how to do things and started scenes showed us how to /process (Mike "Scene number/TAKE", "CLAP", camera operators activate cameras and "OKAY", Director "ACTION" and the "CUT"). Mike recorded all information. Tom was in charge of sound and did a good job sorting out some initial problems with interference and putting mics on Actors etc.

SCENE 1: Roger directed scene one and Adrian, Emma, Kevin were camera operetors, Penny took still shots (two takes).

SCENE 2: Penny directed scene two, changed cameras a bit, ran through with Actors and used same camera operators (three takes).

SCENE 3: Adrian directed Scene three, adjusted cameras tried some ideas, then adjusted cameras and ran through with actors, Kevin, Penny, Roger on Cameras. We had some technical problems with this scene (sound, tape head etc). These were overcome (6 takes).

SCENE 4: Emma directed scene 4 set up/changed cameras and ran through with actors, Kevin, Penny, Roger operated camera, Tom took still shots and sound (2 takes).

We checked everything, Roger took stills photos of Actors in situation and we recorded 20 seconds of atmosphere sound etc.

We then packed everything away and had some lunch. We were all impressed with Actors (very good and professional) thanked them.

Mike then captured and logged all footage onto a Mac from cameras and we copied onto external hard drives for back up. Lengthy process, thanks again to Mike and his expertise - he showed us how to do this so that footage was ready for Final Cut and Multi-Clip option.

10.00am - Met/ let in by secrurity and set up studio/ equipment.

11.30am - Started shooting scenes.

1.30pm - Completed shooting scenes. Lunch and thanked Actors.

2.00pm - Captured and logged footage. Back-upped onto external hard drives. Tidied/packed up.

4.00pm - Kicked out by secrurity.

all together a successful day and shoot. I must admit i have learn't so much and enjoyed the experience.

Preparation for Sunday Shoot

We have had various meetings now on Wednesday mornings so that Mike can attend and we have discussed and planned well in a short space of time. Thanks to Mike who showed us Camera set up and the various shots such as wide angle and over the shoulder, so we are now in a good position for Sunday. I (Adrian) have produced storyboards for the 4 scenes we have discussed these and will help Rodger, Emma and Tom with the run through and shot blocking with Actors. However Mike suggested we will need to really take stills at shoot and run through and block shots on day, which we will do and take turns Directing Scenes.
Anyway storyboard will help and they are on computer for anyone to access.

WE WILL COMMUNICATE VIA EMAIL THIS WEEK READY FOR SHOOT ON SUNDAY 19/11/06

hi people, well done. I will bring with me various
food and drink + back up camera, tripod, hard drive
etc etc. See ya Sunday. cheers Adrian.

Hi guys, I can bring some bread, cheese and ham. I
wont have chance to get
in to town though, so would someone be able to get
the tape needed to tape
the mics to the actors. Emma you mentioned you may
be able to? Is that still
ok? Apart from that i think it's sorted. See you
sunday.
Give me a text if you want me to bring anything else
TOM

Subject: Re: setting up today, what to bring on
sunday
Date: Thu, 16 Nov 2006 21:10:24 +0000
well done,
I will bring tea, milk, coffee and sugar.
I am picking up all the equipment tomorrow morning
at Newton Park. I
shall bring:
3 cameras
3 wide angle extenders
3 tripods
3 G4 laptops
my own laptop
3 extra long Firewire cables
one pair of headphones
2 radio mics
1 receiver
1 hard drive with 400 and 800 leads
various batteries
masking tape
3 DV tapes
a 4 way mains extension
I have forgotten something I'm sure. But thats
enough for now.

regards, Mike j

On 16 Nov 2006, at 16:59, Penny Grist wrote:

dear all,
Emma, Tom, Roger and I set up the lights and moved
the furniture into the
studio this afternoon.
My key is now set to open the MA room upstairs
(both doors), and the
studio for sunday.
Roger will check with security so they know we
will be in and turn the
alarms off for those 2 floors.
Mike is bringing all the equipment from Newton
park - thanks Mike.

Props: actors are bringing jewellry, clothes,
shoes etc.
Penny will bring water glasses.
Emma will bring wine glasses.
We need a small bedside table, can anyone provide?


LUNCH:
please could everyone bring a plate, knife, fork
and mug.

Emma is bringing crisps, mince pies and a bottle
of coke.
Penny : goats cheese quiche and chocolate
brownies.

Mike, Adrian and Kevin, Roger and Tom, could you
email the group with
what you will bring. We
need bread, tomatoes, cucumber, ham, coffee, tea,
milk and sugar, and any
other suggestions.
Meet outside reception just before 10am, should be
fine to park in staff
car park for the day. (Penny will check this)
phone numbers:

please all send yours.
See you all on sunday!

Hi all

Seems we have enough food, I shall bring some more
coffee and some apples anyway.

Could somebody make sure they bring a digital camera
as I am now unable to. Have told the actors to arrive
at 10.30, will give as time to set up etc.

See you all tomorrow,

Roger