Post Production: Day 1

The first day of the editing we decided to just have a look at all the shots and decide which ones we need to keep and which ones are not required. This required us to look at all the shots that we had filmed so far and analyse the quality and purpose of each one of them for the teaser trailer. This was important as the shots that we would decide to use would be shown in the official teaser trailer. After looking at the shots, we sat down as a group and talked about if any of the shots needs to be retaken to ensure better quality of the shots. As a result, we put together all our shots in order of which scene will come first. The job was to make sure all the shots have been shot and there is nothing missing. After putting all the shots together we then had to make sure the time length is maintained and does not go over what the limit is. Ultimately, we shortened some of the shots and created a rough edit for our trailer which would give us an idea of the shots that are included or if there is any need for extra shots. After producing the rough edit, we presented it to our peers and teacher to get some feedback on how we can improve it.

When we showed the rough edit to our peers and our teacher, our teacher gave us some ideas on what type of effects we can add on top of each shot to make them look more convincing for our audience. Also, when we looked at the rough edit as a group, we realised that some of the shots need to be cut down to very less seconds as they were too long and they made it look unprofessional. Furthermore, whilst we were working on the editing, we realised that some of the transitions did not look right and disrupted the continuity causing it to look unprofessional.

Overall, on the first day of editing we all edited together as a group. This was helpful as it would allow each one of us to further present our ideas on how we can improve and come up with some innovative ideas to make our teaser look exceptional. It all went smoothly without any disruptions as each one of us in our group were getting used to the editing process and were learning how to use Final Cut Pro. It was an engaging session as we all learnt something new about editing process. I had previously used Final Cut pro but the version we used this time was a better more advanced one which allowed me to learn more about it and different things that had been added up to the new version.

BEHIND THE SCENES

Production Day 3

The third day of filming was mainly the shots that needed re-doing and the ones that were left. This day of filming was the most productive as we filmed many different types of shots mainly including the mother going crazy shot. This day revolved around the shots of the mother that was acted by me. As I was the one in the shot so Faiza took over the role of camera person to film these shots and to keep the standards of the work high. We had done a few shots of the mother going crazy in the previous filming day but due to shortage of battery we were unable to get the best of shots possible. This was the reason we decided to re do them and make sure this time there were no interruptions.

On the last day as we were filming this shot we also made sure to take a few shots of a hand in blood going down the wall. This would create a suspense and we planned to add it after the shot of the mother being dragged to ensure that the audience can relate to the concept and infer that someone is behind the girl. Overall, As it was our last day we tried to make it as productive as possible to ensure the high quality work and maintain the high standards of filming. The order of the shots was maintained to make it easy for us to edit in the next stage of production.

BEHIND THE SCENES

Production Day 2

On the second day of filming our group was more familiar with the equipment and we were more organised with what shots we had to do in that time span. We had prepared a list of shots that we had to get done on that filming day to ensure everything is done top notch. We started of with the outside scenes as we started filming at four in the evening the sun was setting and it was getting gloomy. I was in charge the camera for the outside shot but I took advice from my group members as to how I should do the outside shot of the house to make it look more effective. We did the outside shot of the house first because we wanted to make sure it doesn't get pitch black and we are able to get the house properly with the right amount of lighting. Also, as we had chosen Faiza's house to do the filming for our teaser trailer, she had blue lights outside her house which we used when doing the house shot as the blue lights made the shot look more creepy.

Whilst doing the shot we had to make sure the blue lights do not appear in the shot as it would not make it look as effective. I had to keep that in mind while doing the outside shot. I did different shots of outside including pan shots from left to right and bottom to top. I noticed that when I was doing that shot whenever I hit the record button the camera was blurry and then it would focus later on. First. I thought it would make it look unprofessional as the camera is not focused from the beginning but when i showed it to my group members, they suggested that we keep that shot. As our genre is trailer a blur effect would make it look more appealing. Therefore, that shot we decided to keep as the blur effect was there when the shot starts but it gets focused as soon as the camera reached the portrayal of the house. This is useful as it would emphasise to the viewer that the main focus is the house and would infer that something bad is about the happen in the house.

We tried to keep all the shots in order of time as we realised that it would make it easier when it comes to editing as we would know which shot to put where when we are editing. The outside shot also included a shot of the silhouette, as when it got dark we realised there were silhouettes so we used that to our advantage and took a few shots of the silhouettes. Getting a silhouette captured in the shot was a bit of challenge as whenever we hit the record button the view would get dark and we couldn't see anything in the shot but darkness. We tried using flashlights of our phones to make it appear on the camera but it didn't work out. However, we decided to record that shot on our phone. As we were using her silhouette because she is tall, she recorded the silhouette on her phone with some effects and when we looked at it we realised it did look better than what was on the camera.

We also did a shot of someone running. Faiza filmed the shot whilst running. We didn't require a tripod for this shot as it had to be shaky for it to look convincing and realistic. Also, it was a point of view shot so it made it easier for us to film it. We did about three shots of this as we decided we are going to use flashes of this shot in the teaser trailer every now and then. Later in the filming process, we did the blood shot where we had to get a shot of the mother being dragged by someone, her going crazy and leaving a message for her daughter: "you're next". We had to write this on the floor with blood. We didn't obviously use real blood. We used another of our equipment that is fake blood to write this. Whilst writing it we realised that the fake blood was too thick so we mixed it with food colouring to make it more watery for us to be able to write easily. A little bit of ketchup, food colouring and fake blood gave us amazing results. Not only it made it look creepy but it looked realistic as well. We filmed the mother sitting next to the writing suggesting that she is warning her daughter and after that we did another point of view shot of the mother being dragged which just showed her hands.

After these shots we did the shots with the candles blowing out and the flipping pages of the book. We did this with the use of a fan, the shots were too long as the pages did not start to flip straight away so the length of the shots came out to be very long. Whilst my research in to horror genre I figured these kind of shots create a sense of suspense and leave the audience with a cliff hanger of what they mean. These shots came out very effective in my believe. Overall, our second day of filming was very effective and we were able to get many shots done. All the shots that were done were clear and we were really happy with our work for that day as the first day did not give us that many shots.



BEHIND THE SCENES

Production Day 1

The first day of filming was a bit challenging as it required getting used to the equipment and understanding the procedure to get all the shots right. To start with we first made sure the camera was fully charged and as the camera belonged to Faiza we made sure to remind her to charge it fully to avoid any last moment filming cancellation. During the filming we decided to go through the shots in order of the storyboard to maintain the consistency of the shots. This would make it easier for us in the post production stage while we are editing. All the group members were there while we were filming, this would be helpful as who ever was filming the shots could get some extra ideas on how to do it and improve some shots as well. On the first day, we were successfully able to do the close up shot of the eye of the main character of our film. The equipment we had ordered i.e. the contact lenses only had a day limit which was a drawback as we had decided to film some of the scenes later on in the production stage but because the contacts had a one day limit as a group we decided that we would shoot all the shots that needed the actor to wear white contacts on that day. This helped us to get most of the shots done with the actor wearing white contacts. However, it did become a bit of a issue because as it was our first day of filming we were still getting used to the equipment.

Time of the day is another issue that we came across as we wanted to film during day light to avoid any change in lighting and because its winter time now the sun sets by 5 o clock in the evening and it gets really dark. We controlled for this variable by deciding to keep our filming inside the house so natural lighting is not required and we can control the lighting ourselves in the house. Time management was another issue that we came across as some of us were not able to arrive on time which delayed the filming process. Also, we hadn't checked if all the equipment was right and working, during the filming we realised that the tripod was broken and was very shaky which was causing problems for us to get clear and stable shots. We still managed to get few of the shots with hand and it did work but we have to make sure that next time our tripod is stable and not shaky as some of the shots such as the establishing shot of the house would not be perfect without a tripod.

Also, after when it was really and we were about to finish filming we divided ourselves in to two's and two of our group members were working on the shooting with the actor. Myself and Jeet were working on the title of the film. I had previously created an image of the title screen on photoshop which we were going to use for our film. So, I was using Final Cut Pro to see what kind of effect I want for the title screen. Because our film is about visions I had chosen the background to be an eye. Whilst doing this I learnt more deeply about Final Cut Pro such as how to add text on top and add transitions like blur etc. I wanted the title screen to come out good as it would give the first impression of the teaser trailer and it should appeal to the audience.

Overall, I believe there were many shots done in one day however, we could have done more but because of poor time management and winters we were unable to but we didn't let that time go to waste and I worked on the title screen allowing us to get some effective work done. As it was the first day it was not big issue because we had now learnt some of our faults and when we film next time these could be prevented.

BEHIND THE SCENES

Planning: Location Recces

Location Details:	Bedroom  66 Woodland Lane, Middlesex, London EC2A 4RR
Scene to film:	(Refer to shooting script) Shot 1-6, 9-13

Setting the location of our film within a bedroom holds many advantages, firstly being that it set within a controlled environment. This is important as not only does this makes it easier for our group to film however this also prevents any possible weather or filming issues. We are currently filming during autumn time which means that the weather is unpredictable leading to an increase in the chances of rain therefore my group and I have decided that the best way to defeat this issue is to set our film within an interior location such as a bedroom. This overall will decrease the chances of our digital equipment being damaged and prevent us from filming with a wet camera lens which can possibly disturb the clarity of our film.  Therefore, by filming the majority of our trailer within this controlled setting, we are able to provide a better quality of footage and more easily create our final piece. 

The bedroom displayed above will be shown to be the bedroom of our main character Jenna and will be used within various scenes throughout our trailer. The bedroom will be used as a tool for us to convey certain ideas which we would like the audience to pick up on such as the personality of our main character, which we will portray through the use of furniture and colour of the setting. As shown within the images above, it is evident that the bedroom is dominated by colours such as whites and browns which are displayed through the use of decoration for example; the bed frame, curtains, pillow cases, side table and bed sheets. Traditionally, the colour white holds connotations to purity, innocence and safety therefore suggesting to the audience that Jenna is Carol Clover’s idea of the “final girl". This is as the “final girl” commonly holds associations to the colour white through the use of her clothing or setting. This is evident in previous horror films such as “Halloween”, “Friday the 13^th” and “Scream”. By also incorporating this within our own trailer, we are following the traditional codes and convention of horror therefore building up tension and fear throughout the audience.   

Due to a tight budget we are unable to invest in advanced equipment such as professional microphones therefore we have to be reliant on the camera which we will be using, to pick up on the character’s dialogues. If filming within an exterior location however, dialogue will be hard to hear as it will be competing with background noises from the environment such as cars, pedestrians or the weather. This will cause challenges for us when it comes to editing as we will have to waste time on extracting vocals from the footage which overall not only make it inconvenient for us however also very time-consuming. This can be avoided however when using an interior setting such as a house to set our horror as by filming within a controlled environment we are able to prevent any unwanted sound or presence which will make our trailer more effective. 

Lastly, the bedroom presented above belongs to me therefore this promises easy access for my group members and I to film when needed, making filming more flexible for us. As we are filming within a controlled environment, we do not need to rely on the sunlight to film; instead we can control the lighting of our setting by either dimming the light in order to create an eerie effect or using high key lighting by increasing the amount of light used. 

Location Details:	Fuldham Rd, Kensington, London SW11 9SG, UK
Scene to film:	(Refer to shooting script) Shot 7-8

Graveyards traditionally hold connotations of death, paranormal, darkness and danger which foreshadows the common themes within our trailer. We believe that by incorporating this location within our trailer; we are following the traditional codes and conventions of horror, overall producing a more effective piece of work. Filming within a graveyard is quite a common theme for horror genre which is evident through films such as The Omen and Friday the 13^th. Therefore, we believe that by following the codes and conventions of such films and using this location within our own work, we also will be able to create a sense of fear and tension amongst the audience.

Religion is very prevalent within the horror genre, featuring themes of life and death, spirituality and the idea of good versus evil. Religious artifacts such as satanic, voodoo or most commonly, Christian symbols are used within horrors in order to emphasize the key themes and concepts and to foreshadow upcoming events. These religious objects can be very powerful symbols that can add depth and meaning to a story therefore we believe that by also incorporating such themes within our horror, it will be more effective. Similarly, death also is naturally pervasive in horrors and is represented many times through objects, such as gravestones, coffins, skeletons and religious imagery. My group and I decided that by setting the location of our film within a graveyard, we are able to present such themes to our audience through the use of religious symbols presented through metaphors. This as a result allows us to convey central themes and concepts such as Levi Strauss’ narrative theory of binary opposition by presenting a theme of good versus evil; good being presented through religious symbols and evil being represented through the concept of death.  

In comparison to the interior location of the bedroom, we may face many challenges when coming to film within the graveyard. As mentioned previously, we are currently filming during autumn time meaning the chances of rain are extremely likely however unlike our first location which provides shelter, filming within an exterior location means that we must be weather aware. In order to face this problem my group and I have decided to regularly check the weather before we finalise a date to film in order to be aware in advance of any unexpected weather changes so we are prepared and geared with the right equipment. However, if for any reason my group and I find ourselves with no other choice but to film during these conditions, we will tackle this problem by investing in a rain sleeve for our camera and its lens to prevent a blurry camera lens and to ensure we have a high level of clarity for our film. Rain commonly connotes to human emotions such as sadness, depression or despair. I believe that by attributing human emotion and conducting it to an aspect within nature such as rain, it is extremely effective as we are able to use the weather as a tool in order to foreshadow upcoming dangers to our audience. 

Planning: Data Analysis for Visions

Planning- Title for VISIONS: Connotations

To start with for our media production we had to first create the title screen for the film. Our film is based on a girl with a power to be able to see the future. Whilst making the title, I had to keep in mind the story line of the film so the title is relevant for the film as well. We wanted to come up with a production title that would represent our film as well as meet the codes and conventions of a horror. This is why I chose an eye as a background for our production title because our movie is about visions and the background represents that. Also, for the name of our production company we decided to keep it close to the story line of the trailer. The phrase burnt means become red and painful through exposure to the sun. The eye is a representative of a persons visions and what they intend to see. Whatever is experienced by a person is recorded in the memory. Flashbacks is a common thing in horror films as it gives the audience a little bit of insight to what is happening and keep the audience hooked with it. As a result, we named our production company: "BURNT EYE PRODUCTIONS". 

Planning: Location Release

Planning: Cast List

Planning: Auditions for Visions

Above is the auditions video, which has short clips produced and recorded by the participants themselves to act in my teaser trailer. This helped me and my group to further understand the participants better and to be able to select and make a choice wisely on whom will be the best fit for our teaser trailer. Initially, we had planned to run the auditions in the drama hall, but me and my group faced a couple of problems due to the availability of the room as well as the participants. So, we decided to give the volunteers a short scrip to film in their own time and send it to us. This was helpful as it allowed them all to film in their own time and at the same time we were able to have most people auditioned in a short span of time.

Planning: Release forms

This is the personal release form that we came up with as a group. The release form notifies the actors about their legal rights and informs them of the options they have if they don't feel comfortable being filmed. The release form gives them all the information about us and allows them to have a better idea of what they are getting themselves in to. The release form is way to ensure their security and take their permission to use their footage in our trailer. The release form acts as a proof for us and the actors that they have given consent to us for being a part of our film. This also helps us to make sure the health safety of the actors. The release forms will be distributed to all the actors in our film and will be received from them before we start filming to make sure their consent is taken.

Planning: Contingency Plan

Contingency plan is a plan designed to take account of any possible events or circumstances. During the filming process there can be a few issues that can occur but we have a contingency plan if the situations happen.

During the filming of the teaser trailer someone might fall ill. If this happens we will have to change the dates for our filming and do it according to the actors health. However, if this is the case we will have to speed up the filming process to catch up on the time that we didn't film and to avoid rushing the filming because of less time. Speeding the filming process will help us catch up soon.

Another problem that we might come across can be the availability of the settings we are filming in. For example, we are filming in a house and there can be a day when its not free or the person who owns it is not home so we will have to make sure that we provide them with dates of when we are filming to avoid any clashes. Also, as part of research we have to do location recces and call sheets which help us to get the dates right and provide a copy of those to the location heads and the actors to avoid any last moment cancellations while filming.

It is also possible that important equipment might be forgotten on the day of the filming. To avoid that we will have to have substitutes which can be used in place of the equipment. This will help save time and the filming process will not be delayed.

One of the main problems that can occur is during the editing process, when the clips cannot be found on the system. a way we can avoid this is by naming every clip according to when it has to be added while editing to make it convenient and easy to find the clip. Also, the clips can be double checked at the time they are filmed to make sure its safe and sound and is there. Arranging the files by date and time will also help looking for the clip easier.

Contingency Plan

Problem	How is it a problem	How will we fix this?
Filming in a graveyard	Although we have already gotten permission to film there, it is still a public area which means anyone can still come in. This could ruin the continuity of our piece. Moreover, those that may visit may find it offensive that we are filming.	We will film at certain at off peak times to limit the amount of people that will be in the background. If they have an issue with us filming, we will explain our purpose and show them we have gotten permission.
British weather	The weather is unpredictable which is an issue when we are filming in the graveyard. If it rains, we need it to continue raining throughout otherwise it will ruin the continuity.	We will check the forecast beforehand so we know what to expect. If it does not follow the forecast, then it may be possible to have to do a reshoot.
Make up/ contacts	Make up may contain chemicals that could be sensitive to our actor’s skin. This could damage their body. The contacts could also damage their eyes if put in incorrectly.	A bathroom will always be close by for the actors as well as a first aid kit that will always be on set. Our group members can assist the actors with anything. If there’s anything we cannot handle, a phone will always be nearby to contact help.
Fake blood	The fake blood can be irritant to the skin as mentioned in the row above. However, it is a liquid which may be a hazard. Someone could slip and hurt themselves.	After we finish shooting the scenes with blood on the floor, we will immediately clear the fake blood out of everyone’s way.
Uneven floor	The flooring, the graveyard in particular, will be uneven. This could cause actors or even crew members to fall down.	We will warn everyone about the flooring beforehand so that they are aware. If something does happen, a first aid kit is always nearby.
Dehydration/ hunger	During shooting, actors and crew members may feel dehydrated or peckish making them feel agitated.	To avoid this, we will provide snacks and bottled water for everyone.
Books flying	At one point, we plan to have a book flying across the room. However, we cannot control its motion. This could hit someone in the process, injuring them.	We will have everyone on one side of the room so that the book cannot reach them.
Fire	We will be using candles in our piece which will be lit. This could catch alight on anything flammable.	A fire extinguisher will be nearby as well as water. If it gets out of control, our phones will be nearby to contact the fire station.

Planning: Storyboard Evaluation

Our media text is called ‘Visions’, a supernatural themed horror film trailer. It revolves around a teenager, called Jenna, who has a reserved personality. Her family for generations have had the ability to glimpse into the future however Rachel, Jenna’s mother, thought she could protect her daughter by not mentioning their family’s power. Jenna, being an antisocial character herself, never revealed her abilities to her mother too. During one ordinary evening, she has another vision, a vision she did not expect to see for a long time. Her mother is murdered by an entity that seeks her family’s power. Before her last moments, she confronts Jenna through the vision, warning her that she is not safe. The panic-stricken Jenna makes this a personal battle between her and the spirit. Jenna can either fight or die trying. 

A storyboard is a visual aid for a story line communicating what is aimed to be shown in each shot. In our storyboard, we have constituted our story line through a range of shots. Most of the shots used is in the perspective of the spirit. Through doing so, we intend to conform to Freud’s theory of sadistic voyeurism to suggest that Jenna is never safe. The audience become anxious as they know Jenna is in danger yet they are unsure when the spirit plans to attack. This result generates suspense. For the character Rachel, we have used high angles to show she is weaker compared to the spirit. On the other hand, we have used medium leveled shots for Jenna. This is to show she is equivalent to the spirit meaning either party has equal chances to win. Only one point of view shot has been used to show that Jenna’s visions are real. We have subverted from the convention of constantly using point of view shots as we want to reinforce that Jenna is a reserved character. By not allowing the audience to see through her eyes, we are generating fear as they are unable to predict what she plans to do as well. Rachel does not wear provocative clothing yet still dies subverting from Clover’s final girl theory. This also applies for Jenna who constantly wears dull clothing to demonstrate her attitude towards life. The spirit is never actually shown, only shadows and the surroundings behaving unusual represent the spirits presence. Overall, we see Rachel is weak whereas Jenna and the spirit are on equal standing. 

To make it scary, we have conformed with the common convention of dim lighting. This is because it limits what can be seen and therefore leaves it to the audience’s imagination to predict what is happening. Our film setting is modernised. Usually older horror movies would take place in an isolated area such as a field to communicate the atmosphere of loneliness. Our setting is more urban suggesting that the spirit can attack at any time. The fact that the story takes place in the home conflicts with the idea that the home is meant to be a relaxing place. This suggests that Jenna's whole life is imbalanced. We have used blood in our trailer, associating with pain and violence. 

 The audience it is aimed at is 15 and over. Our text does not include profanity or nudity which will alarm audiences. However the theme of death is constituted through our product which may be concerning for younger audiences. There will be moderate violence included which is what develops the film from a 12 to 15. Moreover, as we use the theme of the supernatural, younger audiences may find some of the film content frightening. In compliance to the BBFC, we have decided the safer option is to age rate our film as a 15. 

An independent institution would fund the production of this film such as Blumhouse productions. Blumhouse Productions is an American film and television production company, founded by Jason Blum. Blumhouse produces low-budget horror movies which is effectively what our film is. Similar films such as Insidious was funded by this institution. This suggests they are a company that would fund this film. 

Planning: Animatic Storyboard

Planning- Storyboard

Below is the storyboard for my trailer, which has drawn shots that are going to be in the teaser trailer. This is important as the storyboard helps get idea of which shots are to be filmed and what angle. This storyboard would be used to follow up the shooting as it will allow me to know which shots are done from what angle. All the shots are recorded in the sheet which helps understanding the trailer and shots better.