Filming Day - Saturday 5th December 09

Yesterday, we went to our scouted location and filmed our final piece of coursework. We arrived there at about 10:30, and finished filming at around 1:30. I, personally, was very surprised that we got all of our shots done, and we even filmed extra unplanned shots so we had more choice when it comes to editing. The first shot we filmed was the external shot, where 'Babs' throws her glasses out of the window, after this we was inside the building for the duration of the filming.
We ran into no major problems thankfully, and on the whole the day ran quite smoothly. We decided to film some extra shots, such as one where the camera comes from behind the main characters computer to reveal her reading an email. We also altered what the actors were doing in the shots and made creative decisions during the filming process. For example, we were about to do a shot where 'Paolo' is acting out 'Babs' idealic flirtation-but then i had an idea which made the character seem more 'smooth' and also it provided another comedic moment. Creative decisions such as this helped because it either made the shots more interesting, or funnier. I'm glad we had time to film extra shots that weren't on the storyboard because these shots will give us more variety to choose from when it comes to editing. Also, the extra shots we filmed were executed well, and there are some that we are definately going to use.
The location was ideal, and we accomplished everything we wanted-and more. Now, we just have to record the voice overs and begin editing.

'Dear Auntie Babs' - StoryBoard

Task Checklist : Before Filming

Today, Sophie was absent, so Beccy and I were not able to continue on storyboarding. Instead, we completed 3 of the tasks that we need to complete before we are allowed to begin filming. Firstly we compiled a Props List;

Props List

-2 pairs of Glasses
-Laptop or Computer
-Paper/Files/Folders
-Pen and various other Stationary
-Work Phone/Mobile
-Pictures of family and friends
-Keys
-Mug
-Chocolate/Cake, or some form of breakfast
-Handbag/Tablets/Nose Spray

This prop list mainly contain items that make the office more personable to the character, and certain items we listed are there to enhance her quirkiness. Also, some items are on there because they would need to be, considering the environment she is working in.

Next we compiled a Costume List;

Costume List

'Auntie Babs'
-Scarf, Shirt, Cardigan, Trousers/skirt, Trainers, Glasses, Sweatband/Ankle bracelet

'Paolo'
-White Shirt, Smart Trousers, Smart Shoes, One Earring.

'Office Worker(1)'
-White Shirt, Skirt, Tights, Shoes.

When it comes to the protagonist's outfit, we were discussing giving her a basic office outfit, but adding some peculiar accessories to what she was wearing to portray her personality and how she is different to all the other generic workers. These accessories such as something like a sweatband, or wearing trainers with a skirt connote that she is a unique character, and also connotes that she is important.
With 'Paolo's' outfit, we wanted to portray him as someone who is aware that women find him attractive, but not as someone who is narcissistic. So, even though his outfit seems boring, we are going to have him with a ridiculous amount of buttons undone on his shirt, and one earring etc to suggest he takes his appearance seriously and tries hard to seem even more attractive than women already believe he is.
With the costumes, we are aiming to make it clear who the main characters in the footage are, and we also want to try and convey the most about the characters personality as we possibly can through costume.

The last task we completed was a letter that is to be sent to the people that own the location we wish to shoot in. It was basically addressing what times we would like to use it and when, we have to then send this off and await a reply with written confirmation.

Lastly, we printed off the scripts for our actors-which was the first task. We have now completed 4 out of 7 of the tasks, and I feel that our group is progressing through the tasks and the coursework very well. I also feel that with the way things are going at the moment, we will be fully prepared and ready to film by next week.

Screenplay - 'Dear Auntie Babs'

INT. OFFICE – DAY (MORNING)

JEN is at her desk reading an EMAIL from a fan called LUCY.

V/O JEN

Dear Auntie Babs, I know this is my 800th letter to you but I really don’t think you realise just how much you have changed my life. If it wasn’t for you and your incredible advice, I wouldn’t have met the man who I intend on spending the rest of my life with. I can only hope that one day my life will be as fulfilling as yours- and the huge mansion would be a bonus!

JEN

They don’t have a clue.

V/O JEN

Hope all is well with the girls… and your famous husband PAOLO, of course. All the best, LUCY.

JEN begins to REPLY to LUCY.

JEN

Dear LUCY, all is well in Babs world. I’m glad my advice

helped you. It’s nice to hear that my advice really works. The girls are doing great and mine and PAOLO’s relationship is stronger than ev-

PAOLO appears at JEN’s doorway interrupting her reading aloud.

V/O JEN

Oh my god! It’s him. I could so f-

JEN

PAOLO!

PAOLO

JEN, was wondering if you could work the weekend?

JEN gazes at PAOLO and begins to imagine an idealic flirtation to ask the hunk out. She imagines what she wants to do.

JEN

Only if you are… Baby!

In her imagination JEN acts SEDUCTIVELY towards PAOLO. She throws her GLASSES off and taking out her HAIR then walking towards PAOLO when the embrace.

PAOLO

JEN?

JEN then snaps back into reality and realises she has to try being seductive with PAOLO.

V/O JEN

Right, come on JEN. You need to do this, you are a sex goddess, come on! Just try because he is gorgeous!

JEN tries to remove her GLASSES but they get caught.

V/O JEN

1,2,3… and throw the glasses!

They fly out the WINDOW, now she can’t see where PAOLO is so begins to talk to the WALL. CATS are heard from the street below.

PAOLO reacts to her actions.

V/O JEN

Now go for the big finish! NOW!

JEN

Well… I need to attend a reprographics meeting because the company’s configuration system is becoming rather problematic.

V/O JEN

What the fuck!? Smooth JEN, reallllll smooth.

PAOLO is standing confused as JEN is now trying to locate him by scaling the wall.

JEN finds PAOLO standing near her door as she feels his body.

JEN

Yeah… the weekends fine.

PAOLO is a bit overwhelmed by JEN’s performance but decides to nod and exits.

JEN slowly turns round and slaps her forehead then melting to the ground in utter embarrassment.

V/O JEN

I am Auntie Babs! (title appears, she walks down a street) Ok, my name is Jenny Parker but in my virtual life I am Barbara and this is my world.

Media Final Piece-RomCom Treatment

Working Title-'Dear Auntie Babs'

There is a woman who secretly runs a rather popular 'agony aunt' website, which specialises in love, romance and relationship problems. Although she gives out amazing advice, and resolves everyone elses love problems, she just can't seem to sort out her own problems-when it comes to love. She spends her time haplessly seeking advice from other people, and trys out unusual techniques that are supposed to help her overcome her awkwardness when she is with a man. She trys out all the techniques she can possibly try, but none of them are successful-and so she ends up being back at square one. She then returns to work one day, recieves a typical email from someone seeking her advice, and infact the person seeking her advice has the same issues she does. She replies, then has an epiphany-resulting in her re-reading the advice she had just given. She reads it, and realises that the best advice she can take, is her own. The man at that appeared at the beginning of film then reappears, asking the same question. Yet, this time, she decides to try out her own advice and ask the guy out. Therefore showing how she has developed from the beginning of the film, and leaving the end of the film, actually becoming the beginning of her blossoming love life and new found confidence.

RomCom Research

In todays lesson we watched various films in the genre of 'RomCom'. We watched RomCom films that are classic, typical examples of films from this genre. We watched; 'Bridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason', which showed a female protagonist going through the stages of a relationship, haplessly. The comedy element remains throughout this film, and even the most serious of scenes make you giggle at times.
The next film we watched was 'About a Boy', which was a good choice to watch after 'Bridget Jones' as in this film, there was a male protagonist. So instantly we go to see how the two different genders are portrayed differently in similar situations. Even though this film had a male protagonist, it still had many common traits of a conventional RomCom film.
After this, we watched 'Music and Lyrics' and I found it to be quite a disappointing RomCom. This was because, in the previous two i had watched, during the opening minutes, you instantly knew the genre, but in this film, they used an unconventional opening-which was very good, as it was different and got the comedy element in there straight away. But, even after the initial opening sequence, the plot and script was poor already.
Then lastly, we watched 'Rumour Has It.' Which immediately had a common convention of a typical RomCom, and the audience were informed of the genre straight away as the romantic element was shown immediately-mainly through script. Out of all of the films, i found this one dragged on a bit at the beginning, and the opening sequence simply continued on too long.I found the opening to this RomCom a bit more serious than others also.
There were three main similarities found in the four RomComs we watched. We believe, that these three similariities are essential conventions of a traditional RomCom film. The first similarity, and probably the most obvious, and most important in terms of getting both elements of the genre across to the audience straight away, would be a sort of hypocritical, contradictory commentary that is similar, and acts like a thought track to the main protagonist. Not only does this convention provide comedy, but it is a way of letting the audience into the mind of the main character. This convention, makes the audience feel as if they all know things that they shouldn't, or aren't meant to know-giving the audience a real sense of involvement in the film. Also, even if the protagonist is just talking, and the commentary isn't acting as a thought track, they talk in a very chatty, informal way-as if they had known the audience for years. In addition, the protagonist at times advises the audience, and almost speaks to them as if they are speaking 'words of wisdom.'
A second convention that we picked up on, is a sort of sarcastic mock of the worlds ideallic view of love. This provides a comedy element also, as it is mocking what the audience, supposedly, believe love will/could be like. This convention is normally placed at the beginning of the film, generally in the open sequence, where it is made clear this isnt accurate. This element also involves the audience as the protagonist and other characters are mocking what the audience's views are supposed to be. This convention, i feel, is important as it shows the audience that even though the RomCom is most likely to have an ideallic ending, it isn't a smooth path all along the way. This convention connotes that, although they show it to a 'perfect extreme', as perfect as it is-its seriously nothing like real life.
The last similarity that we all notifed was the credits, and how they remained the same throughout all the RomComs we watched. The credits seem to unassumingly appear and dissapear on the screen, not distracting from the action at all. They are simple,aren't anything special as nothing 'flashy' is displayed through transtitions and other editing techniques. I feel that this editing style is used so the audience pay attention to the opening sequences, which seem to be rather important in this genre, in terms of grabbing the audience as soon as possible-generally by making them laugh. If the editing of the credits were made into a big deal, then the audience would have to take notice of them, and the action would instantly become irrelevant.
As a group, we have made a decision that these three conventions are like rules we have to stick to, and are elements that need to be included at one point in our final piece. There are certain elements of the films we viewed that we would like to incorporate into our piece- the majority of them being comedic moments. But, also, one of the RomComs used alot of music which is an aspect we are really, really keen on using-to hopefully provoke emotions amongst the audience. (Mainly laughter.)

Prelim Evaluation - Question 5

5) 'What new skills have you developed during the process of filming your prelim?'

I feel that i have developed new skills when it comes to filming and directing. As i hadn't really done this before, i could only develop what little i had already experienced. I now know the process of filming, and the order of how things should run when filming shots, which is a skill i will develop even further when it comes to my final piece. My directing skills are now new also, because the directing i had experienced prior to our prelim wasn't like this. I have developed new skills in following an order in which the filming process should run in, and of course, this skill will also develop when we create and film our final piece.
I also feel I have developed skills such as how to scout locations, and cast actors. I also feel that I have skills that are yet to be developed, such as my camera operating skills. I spent the majority of the time, when filming the prelim, directing and advising the actors and camera operator, I only got the chance to film one shot. As a result of this, I am know going to take a step back from directing in the final piece at one point in the filming process, and experience operating the camera.

Prelim Evaluation - Question 4

4) 'Think about things you would do differently next time. What will you change when you do your final piece and why?'

Well, we will definately check the reliability and availability of our chosen location when it comes to creating our final piece. This is because during our prelim we had so many problems with our location, and whether we were able to use it or not, and it just caused so much trouble when it came to continuity. Also, we don't want this sort of problem to ruin the overall look of our final piece. Because continuity is something that is easily identifiable to an audience, we wouldn't want to give them anything to pick at immediately when they view our piece. We will most likely appoint someone to be looking out for continuity errors, so we don't have to spend time trying to think of ways to rectify the errors later on in the process.
Another thing we will change when it comes to producing our final piece, will be checking our actors reliability. Because, during the filming of our prelim, we had to accommodate the time we filmed to suit our actors. So, when it comes to filming and drawing up schedules of when we are filming for the actors, we are going to have to talk to them about our film having to be a priority. If we do this then we won't have to panic about whether the actors are available or not, and it will basically save the group alot of stress, and ultimately-time.
In conclusion, all the things that didn't go as well for the prelim, and the process of making the prelim, will be avoided when we are creating, filming and editing our final piece.

Prelim Evaluation - Question 3

3) 'Evaluate your prelim. What could be improved? What is already good about it?'

There are 3 main areas for improvement in our prelim, and they were; continuity, the use of the 180 degree rule and also the clarity, tone and volume of the actors voices.
When it came to continuity, in some aspects of the prelim, the lack of continuity is quite apparent to the audience. For example, the change in location is very clear, as the lighting is different in the 2 places, the colour of the door is different, and the desk is a different size. If we remained in the same location throughout, then the continuity in the prelim would have been good.
We could have improved on the 180 degree rule, because at one point in the prelim we break the rule. We film everything on our selected side, but the we accidentally filmed an over the shoulder shot, not on the selected side. We now know that we must always be aware of the 180 degree rule, and must check that every shot is abiding by the rule.
And finally, we could have improved on the sound and clarity, tone and volume of the actors voices. Although the majority of the time you can hear what lines the actors are saying clearly, there is a line in the prelim where the sound isn't as clear as it could be, and sounds slightly muffled. We now realise that before we begin filming we are going to express the importance of clearly projecting your voice to our actors.
There are 2 major elements that I believe make the prelim good already; the editing and some of the shots we chose to do. I feel that as a group, we did a pretty good job completing the editing. We all equally contributed to the editing, and we all enjoyed it-ending with productive results. I feel that the editing in the prelim was maturely chosen, and we all had reasons behind why we wanted certain elements in the prelim. Also, with the music, we wanted it to provoke reactions from the audience when they watched the prelim-so we spent time picking the right music.
I feel that our choice of shots were good, as we wanted to try out some certain shots that we all liked. For example, we wanted to try a panning shot, so we did, but this panning shot also coincided with a point of view shot, therefore making our choice of shots and the reasoning behind the shots, more complex. We wanted to avoid making the prelim look too amateurish-obviously we couldn't fully avoid that, because we are amateurs-but we tried to avoid making it look poor quality.

Prelim Evaluation - Question 2

2) 'Explain the creative decisions you made during the process.'

Our first creative decision was the decision to use mine and Sophie's storyline and plot. This decision was made because me and Sophie had already written three quarters of the script, and we had got about six shots in with the storyboard. We thought it would be ridiculous not to utilise the work we had already done, so we decided to use our storyline. It didn't really affect much, because the storyline/plot didn't have to be anything majorly complex.
Our next creative decision was the decision to use a meeting room, instead of an office-which we had already planned to use. This decision had to be made because the room that we originally wanted, was occupied, so we all decided that we needed either a different office in the school, or a room that was similar to an office. We then found a meeting room, and found that this was still a plausible location to film. This decision did affect what we did, as we ended up cutting out about 3 shots because we didn't have the props that we would have in an office. So, as a result of this creative decision, we had to adapt our original storyboard to suit the location.
Another creative decision made was the decision to give Mr.Smith my role in the prelim, when we had already filmed one shot with me in. We decided we would use him whilst we could, although we had no real reason as to why we decided to change the casting half way through filming, it had no real affect on the prelim.
The next creative decision that was made was to cut some of the opening shots that we had originally planned to do. We decided this when we were editing, because we had edited in the opening titles, and we found that the opening titles transitioned into the shot after that quite nicely. So we discussed the necessity of the opening shots, and after this, we all agreed that these shots could be cut and there would be no drastic difference to the prelim. This decision proved to be beneficial, as the amount of time the process took was now shortened because 2 shots had been cut.
A different creative decision that was made was us deciding what different room to use when the one we used to originally film in was occupied. We all named rooms that were similar, or that we could make look similar, to the original meeting room location. We then prioritised the rooms we had discussed, and went round seeing if they were free or not. We then found a classroom, and decided to 'transform' this into a meeting room, and make it look as similar as we could to the original location. This affected our continuity majorly, as it is clear in the prelim where we have changed location.
Our last creative decision that we made, was probably the biggest. We had to make the decision to put in a shot counter shot, because we had accidentally forgot to include one when doing the storyboard. Also, we had to then come up with some new lines for the new shots, and we discussed and decided what lines we would have. This decision affected how successful the prelim was, because if this element was not included then we wouldn't have been sticking to the rules.

Prelim Evaluation - Question 1

1) 'Explain, in detail, the process you went through to create your prelim.'

Firstly, we began speaking about different ideas that we all initially thought of when we were told the prelim had to revolve around a conversation. We each had one idea that we first thought of, and we then explained in further detail our ideas to one another. We found that some of the ideas that we discussed were too complex for the task, and we all agreed that we wanted something that was more simple and straightforward. We ended up agreeing on the idea that became our prelim, so after the idea was agreed on, we began to storyboard and script the idea. We completed the script first, as we knew it wouldn't take long. Then when we moved onto the storyboard, we began to realise that this part of the process would be rather time consuming, as we all had specific, precise shots in mind for certain parts of the prelim. As we were creating the storyboard, we encountered no problems, as we were all aware of what shots had to be in the prelim.
After we completed the storyboard, we began to scout locations. We knew that, for our story, we had to find an office location, but the one we had in mind had been taken by a different group, and they were filming the same time that we were. We then continued on scouting to find a similar location, we then found one, and asked if we could use it as it wasn't owned by the school.
We originally had a certain teacher in mind to play the main part in our prelim, but they were busy, so we had to search around and find a teacher that had no lessons when we were filming. We eventually found a teacher, and we then began filming. When we entered the room, we all agreed that we wanted to do all of the shots where the teacher we were using was needed. So, we found all of the shots in the storyboard where the teacher was needed, told her what her lines were in the shot, and then told her the process we would have to go through each time we began filming. We filmed each shot she was in, and during one shot we had to think about the continuity. She had to write on a piece of paper, and the shot showed what she was writing down, so we had to make sure we got the shot correct the first time, or we would of had a problem when doing another take.
Another factor of continuity we had to consider was what she was wearing and how she had her hair, because we were going to have to film more on a different day, we had to ensure this was the same. One of the shots we filmed involved a third character, who i was originally playing, and we filmed this shot with myself in it. But then, the teacher who we originally wanted to play the main part, came in and told us he was available. So we agreed that we would make use of him and give him my part to play. So, we then had to re-film the shot i had done already, and then film the shots that the third character was needed for. This made the process all the more time consuming, but we dealt with it in the end. Whilst on location,we watched one shot back, and realised that we had left our books in a shot, but luckily enough, they had been left there during other shots, so we had no continuity problem there.
After we finished filming for that day, we realised that we still had a fair bit left to shoot. During the next lesson, we began to edit what we had already done. Thankfully, as a result of the editing, we were able to clearly see what was left to film, and also, during this process we realised that we had left out a shot we needed to have in the prelim. We discovered that we hadn't incorporated a 'shot counter shot', which was a key part of the prelim-as it showed the actual conversation. Although in that lesson, we did get alot of productive editing completed, we added in transitions from the last shot into the credits, and we also completed the transitions needed for the opening titles into the first shot. We also added in music where we had planned to in certain shots to add an atmosphere and to provoke certain reactions from the audience watching. The editing was very time consuming, but, as a group, we all thoroughly enjoyed the process. We did want to go off and try and film some of the remaining shots that required only the member of our group that was playing one of the characters, during that lesson, but we were unable to do this as the location was occupied and the camera we wanted to use had a low battery.
We then had to film during the next double lesson that we had the next day, and encountered problems. The location we originally shot in was occupied, so we instantly knew we shouldn't have chosen that room originally as we knew that there was no guarantee that we were always going to be able to have that room. We then went around searching for a room we could make look similar to the one we originally used. We found one, and we had already accepted the fact that the continuity of the location was going to be obvious to audience, but we couldn't do anything about it. So, we filmed what we needed to film, and arranged the room so it looked as similar as it could look to our original location. We then remembered that we needed to get a bit of paper for the teacher to write on, and after we sorted out everything we filmed the shots we needed to film and returned back to the lesson to finally complete the prelim by editing the new sections of film. We added in and edited the shots, and even though the change of location was clearly apparent, it didn't look as bad as we all thought it would.

'Welcome'

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