Role
Cinematographer
Intention (SMART Goal)
By January 28th, I want to utilize camera angles and lighting compositions that emulate the tension in horror films. To do this I will study leaders in the field that have achieved what I want and follow tutorials on how camera movement makes a movie terrifying.
PRE-PRODUCTION – INQUIRY
Leader(s) in the Field / Exemplary Work(s)
Primary Source: The Shining
- Cinematographer: John Alcott
- Very still camera movements, very little room to move.
- The camera shakes on an action and follows movement
- The camera glues onto the person in peril, forcing us to watch them scream and writhe.
- Uses a wide angle shot to represent how dire the situation is
- Eyes are important
- Camera tracks/follows Johnny to create suspense
- Facial expressions matter – They tend to be the main focus of the sequence
Training Source(s)
1:30 – Structure of Horror Downtime, Build-up then Scare
2:34 – Cutting from a Character to their POV (when approaching a threat); Push-ins
3:57 – Open spaces scare people/ Closed spaces are safe
4:36 – Rapid handheld style vs. smooth
5:10 – Unseen Threat – Sometime cutting to a shot without a visible threat can be terrifying. “What we can’t see is scarier than what we can see”
Project Timeline
- Brainstorm Ideas
- Create storyboard
- Present storyboard to class
- Create Slideshow
- Decide on location
- Write screenplay
- Make “Peanut Gallery”
- Prepare blocking for each scene
- Gather props and costumes, etc.
- Set up shots
- Film all scenes
- Put scenes/shots in google drive folder
- Decide which scenes to keep/get rid off
- Label final shots
- Put clips in order
- Record all sounds/ dialogue + create music
- Transfer audio and clips into premiere pro
- Put audio in and sync up
- Add stuff to slideshows
- export video
- Present Video and slideshow
Proposed Budget
40 millions dollars ( -40 million dollars after legal fees)
PRODUCTION – ACTION
The (FILM, SOUND, or GAME Creation)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rdzsZC__GEKIqaBYYTCrnMDYrZrGuSCC/view
Skills Commentary
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1zc1hgIquREPYJX9YVan79ubb1cckoYWchh8xI8JfMtQ/edit?usp=sharing
“I liked you various uses of focus for dramatic effect”
POST-PRODUCTION – REFLECTION
21st Century Skills
Ways of Thinking (Creativity, Innovation, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving)
Ways of thinking: To creatively change the base script into horror/thriller, our director and editor came up with the idea of changing the narrative of the story to revolve around peanuts and a peanut allergy.
Ways of Working (Communication & Collaboration)
Ways of working: We had multiple absences during the production due to covid-19, so communication outside of school and crunch time were absolutely crucial for achieving the final product of our film. We also excellently communicated with each other in our respective roles in the film making process to make sure the results were exactly the directer envisioned.
Tools for Working (Info & Media Literacy)
Tools for working: For this film, I used multiple videos to understand what tools of the trade was used and how they were used to create a horror film. As opposed to our previous films, I decided to use an actual camera instead of a phone.
Ways of Living in the World (Life & Career)
This production helped me understand how much I need to think ahead in real-world situations.
Reactions to the Final Version
After presenting our film to the class, a classmate commentated on how they “liked the use of focus and lighting in multiple parts of the film”. It was nice knowing someone acknowledged that part of the film, but I wish I had heard more about what I need to improve.
Self-Evaluation of Final Version
The final version of the film was spectacular, and blew my expectations out of the water. Typically in our production I don’t really get to see the final film until the presentation, but that lets me see the wonders editing and sound design does after the film had been, you know, filmed. Although I do see my own faults, especially when it came to the unintentional shaky camera movements.
What I Learned and Problems I Solved
I learned from this film that I had plenty of tools at my disposal and am not limited to just my hands. I also learned how to upload stuff onto the computer. We had to solve the problem of getting a high angle by using a ladder.
Grammar and Spelling
Grammarly
Editor
Merja