Entry Number 10 - Summarising notes

Diegesis

In a film non - diegetic and diegetic material, particularly sound creates a meaning for the audience.

Diegetic material is where the characters in the film are aware of it. For example; two characters are talking and then hear thunder. Whereas non- diegetic is FX sounds or background music which the characters do not hear.

Some types of sound are both - for example; a character’s thoughts in a voice over are diegetic in that the character is aware of it, but non-diegetic in the sense that other characters are not. An example of this could be in the film “Ghosts”. As one of the characters can hear the ghost “Sam” but the other can’t.

Micro and Macro Origination

To shot material that is appropriate you need to adopt the micro - macros strategy (Meaning, pulling apart the detail aspects of the film, frame by frame, or scene by scene e.g. camera angles and movement).
You need the film to follow the conventions of a particular genre etc.
Micro elements, including types of camera shots, music etc.
Spending time storyboarding (setting it out scene by scene) helps the development towards the film.
For example, if you decide to make a romantic comedy, you need o follow a three-stage process.
Study romantic comedy conventions using the micro-macro strategy
Spend time developing a romantic comedy narrative that will be recognisable
Spend time planning to shoot and edit which looks right for the genre.

Camera work and framing

To hold a steady shot you should be using a tripod unless a hand-held effect is required.
Most of shots should be filmed with a camera that isn’t moving
Zooming is rarely used to avoid the appearance of amateur filming
Select widescreen and remember than film uses less close - up, instead use LS, ELS< MS etc. But use mostly LS and MS. This is essential to the language of film.
The “rule of thirds” - The rule of thirds is a concept in video and film production in which the frame is divided into nine imaginary sections, as illustrated on the right. This creates reference points which act as guides for framing the image (http://www.mediacollege.com/video/shots/rule-of-thirds.html)
You need to consider power and neutrality as high angle suggests power of a character and low angle increases it

Mise en Scène - is an expression used in theatre and film to describe the design aspects of a production. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mise_en_sc%C3%A8ne)


Constructing Mise en Scène: It is all about atmosphere and continuity. Mise en Scène is the difficult element of production to get right. - Gives the best rewards.
All about detail: Carefully choosing costumes. Lights, Locations and props.
Simple mistakes are: changing haircut or costume changes mid sequence, poor lighting etc.
Although acting is not part of assessment, poor acting skills will undermine the over all flow of the narrative and the realism of the mise en scene.

Lighting

Five tips for creative lighting…

Use natural light - sunlight, in shadow, in mist, through rain. Being flexible, waiting for the right effect depends on conditions.
Use cheap artificial - candles, firelight, torches, car headlights. Security lights etc. (make sure carry out risk assessments)
Create colour filters - shine light through coloured liquids, vases, ornaments.
Position the light source for effect- lighting the scene from above etc.
Lighting a scene is a scientific process - “Once you have explored what your light sources can provide, experiment with the interaction of light with the objects in your frame” (Michael Massey - 2004, Media Magazine)

Combining sound, image and titles

Chose the most appropriate font, colour and size.
Make creative decisions about where to place the titles - place it black between shots, over the actions, how long it stays on the screen etc.
Understand the contribution each title has towards the audience’s understanding of the narrative.
Sound - think carefully about the semiotic function (Semiotics, also called semiotic studies or semiology, is the study of sign processes (semiosis), or signification and communication, signs and symbols - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semiotics) of music. Ensure what the music suggests to the audience also test out on an audience before hand.

The Grammar of non- linear editing -

Non-linear editing software package is being used for post-production work and will be assessed on how well you edit the material.
Observing the rules of grammar that apply to editing. Creating continuity and the right rhythm and pace.
Choosing the right kinds of transition is essential as using exciting transitions do not reflect the conventions of the footage.
Most editing is simple - hardcuts. Hardcuts should be using them for at least 90% of your sequence.
Make the editing invisible, so that the viewer believes in the reality of the fiction that is unfolding.
Editing allows you to do things that you cant in real life.