Evaluation of Opening Sequence No.1

As Tasnim and I have decided to make another opening sequence as we are not fully satisfied with our current one, I will only be writing a brief evaluation.

Overall, our opening sequence was good because we tested and trialled many different techniques with the camera. The different camera shots we used were establishing shots, extreme close ups, close ups, medium shots, long shots and extreme long shots. We used a variety of camera angles which were high angles, eye-level angles and low angles. We also used panning which is a camera movement.

We also planned our location very carefully as we needed somewhere which was dark and creepy. The location also needed to be inside somewhere so that the audience could get an overview of what the outside looked like too which is why we decided to use a garage because we could then use the garage shutters to its full effect. 

We had the right props and costumes too which had fit in very well with our idea as these helped to set the atmosphere of our opening sequence. The props we used were scissors, a hammer, a table, cupboards, a doll, fake hair (extensions), a ladder and a wooden chair. We dressed Titas in a shirt and tie with smart trousers because we wanted to give two sides to the character which were completely opposite. This created a creepier atmosphere which helped fulfill the genre of our opening sequence.

The background music we decided to use had fit in very well because it was scary and weird at the same time. We used a nursery rhyme called 'Oranges and Lemons' which we asked Mr Ayres to whistle. We thought this sounded good at first however once we started to listen to our opening sequence more and more we decided it sounded really annoying which was not good as it spoiled our idea.

Everything that we filmed in the garage was done on one camera and then we filmed our establishing shot on another camers which did not work well together as the quality of the two mixed looked horrible and just made the whole opening sequence look bad.

The idea we had at first seemed very good and I think with more planning and preparation, this could have become a very successful opening sequence. This is why we have decided to try again. We have changed the story however we are still using the title DOLLS and will be using our first and last shot again as we believe this will fit in well with our new storyline. We have put a lot of effort into arranging the set design and making sure we have all the correct props in order to make our opening sequence look as real as possible. We have experimented with many different camera angles for example, panning shots, POV shots, long shots etc.

Filming DOLLS 2

Me and Tasnim filmed some more over the weekend.
Pictures will be up soon :)!

Filming DOLLS (2)

On Sunday, me, Tasnim and Amirah spent the whole day filming and got quite a lot of scenes done however we do still have many more to film as we are not currently satisfied with everything we have filmed so far.

DOLLS (2) Sound Editing

We are currently using the built in audio effects that adobe premier offers to edit the music and sounds in our video.  As mentioned before, we are using Lana Del Rey's song 'Video Games', and have decided to introduce the music as if it were coming through our characters headphones. In order to make this sound realistic, we had to make the music sound tinny at first so that it could have the intended effect, and used highpass to do so. Using highpass, we were able to key point exactly where we wanted the effect to start and stop.

The screen shot below show's us experimenting with the audio effect, still trying to create the perfect balance of sound at the right time.

DOLLS second draft planning

Music

Lana Del Rey- Video Games- headphones- tinny sound to start off with then it becomes louder.
Clips

1.  establishing shot we've already done for the beginning.
2. dark shots-  show girl walking up stairs in red heels and legs THEN show her walking up barefoot with shoe polish on her feet- messed up.
3. show her putting on make up herself in the mirror (we film mirror) THEN show someone putting lipstick on her. 
4. her putting her headphones in then putting the volume up.
5. show her plumping her hair up THEN someone brushing her hair for her. 

• flickering light at the end- then says DOLLS

Camera Angles

• get a range of angles-  experiment with a range of angles.
• use tripods (gorillapod and normal one) to gain two angles of each scene.

Lighting
      

• film everything in good lighting- then edit to dark later. 

Editing

• opening titles on the stairs at the beginning- flickering and shaking.
• darkening clips
• music- starting it off tinny then gradually letting it building it up.

Props

• two cameras (HD)
• two tripods (normal and gorilla)
• heels - red (tasnim's)
• red lipstick
• hair brush
• headphones and phone
• compact mirror
• shoe polish
• black tights
• blindfold
• makeup wipes

Font Analysis For Final Opening Sequence

We have decided to use the same font which we did for our first opening sequence as they are the same genre and also have the same title therefore will have still have the same effect.

Costume Planning For Final Opening Sequence

We have decided for our character to have a 'girly' type of look so that she gives the impression that she takes care of herself and looks quite vulnerable. She will be wearing a dress which will be either pink or red.

She will also be wearing leggings or tights with red heels.

We also want her to look smart to show that she has a bright future ahead of her so we will be dressing her in a black blazer.

Our character will have different accessories like jewellery (silver earrings, bangles, rings etc) but we specifically want our character to have a pink phone and pink headphones to show a really 'girly' side to her.