Tk
Pre production
Tk was very helpful with the ideas he had for the films story.It was good to have his ideas combine with mine, I think that made the film more interesting.
Production
During production we had scenes that wouldn't work, so we had to improvise with a few things. Tk didn't let this slow our progress, we just kept going and used whatever resources we had to their maximum potential.Tk also wasn't hard to get hold of for our filming. We just planned a day where we could do it, and then we did it. I guess that made Tk quite well organized, which is always a nice thing.
Editing
Tk was especially helpful during editing, because of his previous experience with Premier Pro. I had never used the program before and I admit that Tk did pretty much all the work during this time,he only asked my opinion on certain parts and my thoughts on the changes we had to make.
Overall I couldn't have asked for a better partner really, cheers Tk!
Sunday, 25 September 2011
Saturday, 24 September 2011
technology standard
Camera usage
We used a handheld camera. A tripod was also used occasionally.We also used a longboard for a few shots.The tripod allowed us to get a more accurate shot, while the handheldness of the camera allowed us to use intentionally inaccurate shots in our film. The handheld also made shooting quite easy, however it was difficult at night time.
Composing Shots
We tried to use a variety of different shots. Most were made easy by the tripod, but we mixed it up a little bit by using handheld shots when the tripod was inappropriate. We also found a need to have some dolly shots, so we used a skateboard to achieve this.
Recording or using Sound affects, Dialogue
We used two songs in the film (Spiders by System of a Down and Stretching Lighthouse by Buckethead) that we added during editting. We recorde the dialogue with the camera while acting, it was easy and can be heard in the film, we added no sound effects.
Importing images and video files
Importing videos was easy using premier pro although the program gave us many problems including problems with saving our progress, and it was frustrating to have to redo some things.The importing and exporting was easy however.
Creating music and sound-effects
we used no sound effects in our film, yet we did add music from the artists Buckethead(Stretching Lighthouse)
and System of a Down(Spiders).
Editing Images
we had to edit some of the files we'd recorded, we decided not to use any fancy transitions and kept it simple with a simple cut. The editing was easy when the program didn't decide to fail or shutdown on us.After we had done some editing we realized that we had to go back to do a little extra filming. Overall the editing was relatively easy.
Editing sound
We imported music into our film at the start and finish. It was easy to place it, but it was tricky to find out how to add a fade transition to the first song(Spiders) yet we managed to in the end.We also took out the background sound while the music played. The dialogue had to be louder and we made it so on premier pro.
We used a handheld camera. A tripod was also used occasionally.We also used a longboard for a few shots.The tripod allowed us to get a more accurate shot, while the handheldness of the camera allowed us to use intentionally inaccurate shots in our film. The handheld also made shooting quite easy, however it was difficult at night time.
Composing Shots
We tried to use a variety of different shots. Most were made easy by the tripod, but we mixed it up a little bit by using handheld shots when the tripod was inappropriate. We also found a need to have some dolly shots, so we used a skateboard to achieve this.
Recording or using Sound affects, Dialogue
We used two songs in the film (Spiders by System of a Down and Stretching Lighthouse by Buckethead) that we added during editting. We recorde the dialogue with the camera while acting, it was easy and can be heard in the film, we added no sound effects.
Importing images and video files
Importing videos was easy using premier pro although the program gave us many problems including problems with saving our progress, and it was frustrating to have to redo some things.The importing and exporting was easy however.
Creating music and sound-effects
we used no sound effects in our film, yet we did add music from the artists Buckethead(Stretching Lighthouse)
and System of a Down(Spiders).
Editing Images
we had to edit some of the files we'd recorded, we decided not to use any fancy transitions and kept it simple with a simple cut. The editing was easy when the program didn't decide to fail or shutdown on us.After we had done some editing we realized that we had to go back to do a little extra filming. Overall the editing was relatively easy.
Editing sound
We imported music into our film at the start and finish. It was easy to place it, but it was tricky to find out how to add a fade transition to the first song(Spiders) yet we managed to in the end.We also took out the background sound while the music played. The dialogue had to be louder and we made it so on premier pro.
Wednesday, 30 March 2011
Camera
(Merit attempt)
The Camera is used well to signify danger in the movie. When the trap activates, a bone that triggered it spins into the air in slow motion, symbolizing the tapirs imminent death. Jaguar Paw faces one of his pursuers, he runs and slides under his enemies club swing. The camera zooms in and enters slow motion, showing the club grazing Jaguar Paws forehead. Jaguar Paw wins, but within an inch of his life as was shown by the camera shot.
The Camera is used well to signify danger in the movie. When the trap activates, a bone that triggered it spins into the air in slow motion, symbolizing the tapirs imminent death. Jaguar Paw faces one of his pursuers, he runs and slides under his enemies club swing. The camera zooms in and enters slow motion, showing the club grazing Jaguar Paws forehead. Jaguar Paw wins, but within an inch of his life as was shown by the camera shot.
Lighting
(Merit attempt)
Lighting is used to great effect during a pivotal point in Apocalypto. Jaguar Paw is about to be sacrificed to the sun god, as the priest lifts the dagger the warm sunlight starts to fade. The moon has covered the sun engulfing everything in partial darkness. It is as if the moon protects him from the sun god, because the priests take it as a sign to stop the sacrifice. The majority of the movie after this scene is lit without warm light, the lighting is more grey.
Lighting is used to great effect during a pivotal point in Apocalypto. Jaguar Paw is about to be sacrificed to the sun god, as the priest lifts the dagger the warm sunlight starts to fade. The moon has covered the sun engulfing everything in partial darkness. It is as if the moon protects him from the sun god, because the priests take it as a sign to stop the sacrifice. The majority of the movie after this scene is lit without warm light, the lighting is more grey.
Character Performance
(Merit attempt)
Character performance is used to signify important choices for important characters.The antagonist Zero Wolf looks down at his sons corpse, he grabs his sons dagger as if vowing to rest it in his killer, and runs after him with a wild expression. This is an important choice as it will ultimately culminate in Zero Wolf's death.
Zero Wolf dosent give up however, even when Jaguar Paw and him are separated by a raging waterfall. Character performance again signifies an important choice when Jaguar Paw stands tall screaming defiance, warning of how this is his forest and daring them to keep chasing him. This choice was important because from then on Jaguar Paw no longer runs, but fights back.
Character performance is used to signify important choices for important characters.The antagonist Zero Wolf looks down at his sons corpse, he grabs his sons dagger as if vowing to rest it in his killer, and runs after him with a wild expression. This is an important choice as it will ultimately culminate in Zero Wolf's death.
Zero Wolf dosent give up however, even when Jaguar Paw and him are separated by a raging waterfall. Character performance again signifies an important choice when Jaguar Paw stands tall screaming defiance, warning of how this is his forest and daring them to keep chasing him. This choice was important because from then on Jaguar Paw no longer runs, but fights back.
Sound/Music
(Merit attempt)
Jaguar Paws connection with the forest is portrayed with sound throughout the movie. In the refugee scene, the music begins subtle then the instruments play, making it sound like the forest is whispering to Jaguar Paw . The forest also protects him, sound is used to emphasize this as the same mystical tune plays after Jaguar Paw's pursuer is fatally bitten by a snake. These sounds are often used and are quite subtle, fused with diegetic sounds of the forest
,rustling, wind ,etc.
Jaguar Paws connection with the forest is portrayed with sound throughout the movie. In the refugee scene, the music begins subtle then the instruments play, making it sound like the forest is whispering to Jaguar Paw . The forest also protects him, sound is used to emphasize this as the same mystical tune plays after Jaguar Paw's pursuer is fatally bitten by a snake. These sounds are often used and are quite subtle, fused with diegetic sounds of the forest
,rustling, wind ,etc.
Tuesday, 29 March 2011
Film Techniques
LIGHTING
Describe:
The film begins with a warm yellow light cascading through the trees, this is to emphasize the lighthearted nature of the hunters. When Jaguar Paw notices that they are being watched you can see that the lighting is whiter and more cold , this is a reflection of the hunters becoming tense as they see people approach.
Describe:
The film begins with a warm yellow light cascading through the trees, this is to emphasize the lighthearted nature of the hunters. When Jaguar Paw notices that they are being watched you can see that the lighting is whiter and more cold , this is a reflection of the hunters becoming tense as they see people approach.
Film Techniques
CHARACTER PERFORMANCE
Describe:
Despite their inexperience on the big screen Apocalypto's actors performed stunningly. Blunted began to cringe the second Jaguar Paw started handing out the rewards, sort of foreshadowing what he'll receive (tapir balls).
When the men begin to fight Jaguar Paws father sighs with an annoyed expression, suggesting that it wouldn't be the first time.
Describe:
Despite their inexperience on the big screen Apocalypto's actors performed stunningly. Blunted began to cringe the second Jaguar Paw started handing out the rewards, sort of foreshadowing what he'll receive (tapir balls).
When the men begin to fight Jaguar Paws father sighs with an annoyed expression, suggesting that it wouldn't be the first time.
Monday, 28 March 2011
Film Techniques
CAMERA ANGLES/SHOTS
Describe:
Used effectively in the hunt. The camera is placed onto the tapir for an over the shoulder shot, its shaky and the forest is a blur as it tries to escape.This gives the viewers a peek of how frantically one tries to cling to life in their last moments.The camera is also used well when the hunters gather and sit.The point of view shot comes from the bushes,the hunters are distant and somewhat obscured by bushes. This tells the viewers that something hidden is watching the hunters.
Describe:
Used effectively in the hunt. The camera is placed onto the tapir for an over the shoulder shot, its shaky and the forest is a blur as it tries to escape.This gives the viewers a peek of how frantically one tries to cling to life in their last moments.The camera is also used well when the hunters gather and sit.The point of view shot comes from the bushes,the hunters are distant and somewhat obscured by bushes. This tells the viewers that something hidden is watching the hunters.
Film Techniques
SOUND/MUSIC
Describe:
Sound is used effectively in the opening hunt scene. The music brings the sense of an intense chase because of its fast tempo, and drum beat that seems like an echo of the hunters swift footsteps as they run. Another example of effective sound is when Jaguar Paw senses something. Eerie music plays as he slowly turns his head and the other hunters voices are muffled, creating a feeling of a disturbance that only Jaguar Paw has noticed.
Describe:
Sound is used effectively in the opening hunt scene. The music brings the sense of an intense chase because of its fast tempo, and drum beat that seems like an echo of the hunters swift footsteps as they run. Another example of effective sound is when Jaguar Paw senses something. Eerie music plays as he slowly turns his head and the other hunters voices are muffled, creating a feeling of a disturbance that only Jaguar Paw has noticed.
Wednesday, 23 March 2011
Mood and Tone
The intro starts with a very vibrant and alive tone. I mean this in the way how you can hear the forest buzzing with the sounds of life . While you cant see the creatures, the vibrant greens of the rain forest seem to suggest that they're just around the corner. The mood of the beginning is one of suspense. This is due to the camera zooming into a dark patch of forest very slowly, building anticipation on the way.When the hunters sit and receive their rewards the tone is of annoyance. This is because after a hunter receives an organ there is a close up shot of Blunted looking ,well , annoyed.Low angle shots were also used showing the hands getting the reward with Blunted's sour face in the back.The mood is quite humorous when Blunted receives the testicles , as the viewer begins to sense a joke.Sound is used effectively to signify Jaguar Paw sensing something, the music made you feel as if the trees were speaking to him.This gave a mood of anticipation and a kind of mystical tone, how Jaguar Paw sensed something while the others didn't, indicating his connection to the forest.
Tuesday, 22 March 2011
Why it appealed to me? I wish i could say "cos its awesome"
Ive always been fascinated by the Mayan civilisation, and i thought this movie increased my interest. It was awesome how the director, Mel Gibson, showed a real dedication for authenticity by choosing for the actors to speak in the traditional mayan tongue. The opening was great how it started off with an intense hunt and ended with a mystery. I also found the humour to be quite appealing as it gave insight to the characters.
Briefly describe opening scene
Zooming in to the rainforest, Apocalypto begins with the sounds of its diverse wildlife. Birds and insects alike seem to sing a chorus as we watch the camera zoom further in. A tapir suddenly bursts from the foliage squealing as its hunters approach.The hunters chase the tapir purposely into a trap that literally stops the animal dead in its tracks.The hunters begin to butcher the tapir and each one gets an organ as a reward.The protagonist, Jaguar Paw, hands out the tapirs testicles to Blunted claiming that they will help in Blunted's efforts to have children with his wife.Blunted reluctantly begins eating as all the hunters burst into laughter, Blunted has yet again been fooled by Jaguar Paw. As the hunters joke together Jaguar Paw feels a disturbance and turns around, the others follow suit. Out of the forest come a people warning of a force that has wiped out their entire village.
Tuesday, 15 March 2011
Intro choice
I chose to study the intro to Apocalypto. The intro is an effective one, it starts off with suspense and instantly lets you know of its setting. It also starts you off with a bit of humour to lighten the mood before the movie gets darker and more serious.Apocalypto tells of the time long past, when the Mayan civilisation faces its downfall the rulers insist that the key to prosperity is to build more temples and offer human sacrifices.Jaguar Paw,the protagonist, a young man captured for sacrifice flees to avoid his fate.An amazing movie , packed to bursting point with stunning cinematography, superb acting and overall authenticity.WATCH IT!
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