Schedule

The schedule for the next week is:

Thursday:
Filming

Friday:
Transfer footage onto computer and begin editing process

Monday:
Continue editing

By this point, I will decide if I need to reshoot scenes and add/replace scenes. If I do, I will schedule a reshoot with my actors; although this may be a problem for the continuity, as it is a trailer the shots are often short.

Reflective Comment:
My biggest problem that will face me is the weather, filming on different days may be a problem

Starting the Website

I have used a free template on Wix to start the homepage of a film website. At the minute, the teaser trailer is taking up a large portion of the page and there are social links at the bottom and methods of contact. I need to decide upon a film name and studio name for my film and edit the colour schemes.

Using the Canon 1200D

Canon 1200D

We struggled with the SLR camera for filming. After watching many tutorials on YouTube, reading the booklet and trying to film for a fellow student, we struggled greatly.
The lens attached was 75-300mm, meaning that it was very hard to work inside (in close encounters) as it would not focus and the picture was distorted.

Reflective Comment
I am getting a new lens for the camera, allowing closer filming. Filming should be done over the next week, allowing time to begin the editing process and time for reshooting if needs be.

Creating Visual Text Message Effects

After watching a tutorial on YouTube, there is a plug-in for Final Cut Pro called mMessage, it costs $69 but there is a free demo version on motionVFX. To use this plug-in I need authorisation from the administrator; if this is not possible, another student who has a Macbook could download this plug-in to use and allow me to use it.

I have previously done a blog post talking about the visual effects.

Filming Outside

I am planning to film at night and I want it to appear to be late at night.
According to the BBC, the problems with filming at night includes:

• Someone can injure themselves or someone else due to fatigue
• Reduced visibility can affect time and risk
• Night working on location can increase the security risk
• It may cause a disturbance to the general public

The BBC outlines the General Controls:

• Give the team as much notice as possible about working at night.
• Consider the journey times and travel arrangements of the cast and crew.
• Ensure safety critical activities are scheduled appropriately (e.g. don’t have higher risk work such as stunts at end of night).
• Consider accommodation, taxis and arrangements for transport; these may need to be offered.
• Consider a health assessment via a questionnaire if the night working is to be regular.
• Keep access clear of equipment and cables.
• Ensure that access and egress routes are adequately lit and that cables are properly managed.
• Identify any potential risks to personal safety at the location.
• Make the police and / or other relevant authorities aware of your recording intentions if necessary.
• Contact the Corporate Security Team and liaise with the police if you require further security advice.
• Consider the length of time and the location of the sequence if the recording may be contentious to the local people or area and the need for security (see pre-vetted list).
• Ensure arrangements for vehicle parking will be secure.
• Think about the need for working lights at location and unit base ensuring they do not dazzle drivers.
• Inform the cast and crew of any particular hazards.
• Keep noise levels to a minimum in public areas. If significant noise is likely liaise with the locals/the local environmental health officer to make them aware and help manage it.

A way to overcome the problems and hassle with filming at night time is to film at dusk, either during sunrise or at sunset. At this current date-12th January 2017- sunrise is at approximately 8:00AM and sunset is at 4:06PM. In the editing stage for the production, I will have to edit the brightness and saturation to make it appear at night time. I will complete some test footage before, comparing dusk and night filming.

Reflective Comment

The research has allowed me to gain a better understanding of filming when dark. The term 'golden hour' is a term for the sunrise/sunset, it is apparently the perfect period for filming as the sun does not cause any inconvenience. I will use this research for my test footage to compare the quality and credibility of filming at sunset rather than night.

Upcoming Deadline and My Targets

The deadline for my practical work to be completed is Monday 20th February 2017.

As myself and other members of the Sixth Form have mock exams until the 20th January, it will be hard for us to all get together and film with our busy schedule.

My plan is to have the filming completed by the end of the month and to have started my ancillary tasks, the film poster and homepage of the website. This will allow me three weeks to complete my editing and ancillary tasks; with 5 hours of media lessons, free periods and free time at home, this should be completed in time.

Camera

A fellow student and I have borrowed the Canon 1300D
http://www.whatdigitalcamera.com/buying-advice/buying_guides/canon-eos-1300d-key-features-67106

Camera Specifications:
From Imaging Resource

Basic Specifications
Full model name:	Canon EOS Rebel T6 (EOS 1300D)
Resolution:	18.00 Megapixels
Sensor size:	APS-C (22.3mm x 14.9mm)
Kit Lens:	3.06x zoom 18-55mm (29-88mm eq.)
Viewfinder:	Optical / LCD
Native ISO:	100 - 6400
Extended ISO:	100 - 12,800
Shutter:	1/4000 - 30 seconds
Max Aperture:	3.5 (kit lens)
Dimensions:	5.1 x 4.0 x 3.1 in. (129 x 101 x 78 mm)
Weight:	24.6 oz (697 g) includes batteries, kit lens
Availability:	04/2016
Manufacturer:	Canon

Some negatives include: slow burst shooting with very limited raw buffer; Resolution, dynamic range and high ISO performance trail current rivals; Mediocre autofocus performance; Limited feature set; Very basic movie capture features.