Thursday, 29 April 2010
My Evaluation
This is my evaluation for my film, The Gambler. I filmed this in a press interview style recording and interlinked this with examples from the film and other sources enforcing what I am saying.
Sunday, 25 April 2010
This is the final edit for my film, The Gambler.
Overall I am very pleased with this video. I think the music works perfectly and compliments the genre codes and conventions. I am also very pleased with the way the character of Vince has been represented, his character is conflicted.
I am also very pleased with how once the music stops the mood changes completely, as this is the point when Vince changes and becomes violent.
Tuesday, 20 April 2010
Aims and Context
* Opening Sequence, British Gangster movie with comedic elements
* Target Audience Of 18-30 year old males
* Apply cinematography and editing techniques developed in FM1.
* Explore codes and conventions of genre and apply theorectic work on gender and star power. The lead actor will assume the role of a young Michael Cain or Jude Law.
* As director I would try out the directing and wiriting techniques of Guy Ritchie.
* I would let my main actors use the acting improvisational techniques of Mike Leigh.
* Target Audience Of 18-30 year old males
* Apply cinematography and editing techniques developed in FM1.
* Explore codes and conventions of genre and apply theorectic work on gender and star power. The lead actor will assume the role of a young Michael Cain or Jude Law.
* As director I would try out the directing and wiriting techniques of Guy Ritchie.
* I would let my main actors use the acting improvisational techniques of Mike Leigh.
Sunday, 21 March 2010
extra filming - 20th March
After my first edit of my film it became apparent that the long shot of the basement was good in its intended metaphorical impact, however it was too long and became boring. I decided to get my dad to pose as Matthew as he is older and just like the character, he is a father. What I decided to do was shoot several shots establishing why Matthew is in the mess he is in.
We went to Wimbledon Dog Track along with my uncle Bob. He was to pose as one of Vinces gang who takes the money. We did several shots which included.
* A close-up of Matthews wallet full of money.
* A two shot of Matthew handing money to one of Vince's men rather than a regular bookmaker.
* A short sequence of Matthew watching the greyhounds run.
* A mid shot of Matthew ripping up a ticket, showing yet another loss.
* A close up of Matthews empty wallet showing that he is out of money.
* A low angle mid shot of Matthew on his and his wifes bed looking desperate and annoyed at himself showing his desperation and that he has a problem and a family.
We went to Wimbledon Dog Track along with my uncle Bob. He was to pose as one of Vinces gang who takes the money. We did several shots which included.
* A close-up of Matthews wallet full of money.
* A two shot of Matthew handing money to one of Vince's men rather than a regular bookmaker.
* A short sequence of Matthew watching the greyhounds run.
* A mid shot of Matthew ripping up a ticket, showing yet another loss.
* A close up of Matthews empty wallet showing that he is out of money.
* A low angle mid shot of Matthew on his and his wifes bed looking desperate and annoyed at himself showing his desperation and that he has a problem and a family.
Filming 18th and 19th Feb
On the 18th Feburary I began the first stage of my film production to be based in Southampton, which was the audio recording. The audio recording is for the scene where Vince kills Matthew, a man with a gambling addiction who owes Vince alot of money. This audio is going to be put on top of a long shot of the basement door. The reason I did this separately instead of having the actors do the lines in the basement and record it that way was because the audio wouldnt have been to the best quality it could have been compared to how it could have been if it was done separately. I wanted to make sure the audio had a 'muffled' feel enforcing the 'behind closed doors' feel to the scene so i put the camera in a wardrobe with the actors on the other side of the door, reading the lines. This would give the muffled feel yet also be very clear for the audience to hear.
The following day (19th February) I shot the rest of my film beginning at 8:00. The reason I started so early was because I would be able to get on and film the monologue scenes down roads which would be quiet so less people will be out distrupting the shoot. This is because uni students notoriously don't get up early so this was the best time to shoot.
This took on average about an hour and a half to shoot. We had to do several takes of each section of the monologue due to it being distrupted by other people and also just to get better takes.
The next section of filming was the basement scene. For this we walked over to the house where it is set and set up the shoot. First of all we did the shot of Vince walking up to the house and knocking on the door. We then did a shot from inside where Daniel Chenery opened the door and greeted Vince in a more cheerful manner. This was to make the scene more innocent before the violent ending thus having a 'tickle/slap' effect.
After this shot was done we then went to the final shooting destination, the house which would be Vinces home. For this I went inside and did a shot of him walking down the stairs and out the door. I then went outside and filmed him coming out the door and walking down the street. I then filmed several other tracking and close up shots of Vince walking along, climaxing with him walking towards the camera whilst it slowly zooms out keeping Vince central to the shot and he gets up to the camera and turns down into another road.
Later on, once finished it began to rain. This weather was perfect for the final shot of Vince walking away after killing Matthew because it gave a different more evil feel to the shot, this was enforced by the fact I shot it against him walking beside a bar fence thus symbolising prison/criminality.
The following day (19th February) I shot the rest of my film beginning at 8:00. The reason I started so early was because I would be able to get on and film the monologue scenes down roads which would be quiet so less people will be out distrupting the shoot. This is because uni students notoriously don't get up early so this was the best time to shoot.
This took on average about an hour and a half to shoot. We had to do several takes of each section of the monologue due to it being distrupted by other people and also just to get better takes.
The next section of filming was the basement scene. For this we walked over to the house where it is set and set up the shoot. First of all we did the shot of Vince walking up to the house and knocking on the door. We then did a shot from inside where Daniel Chenery opened the door and greeted Vince in a more cheerful manner. This was to make the scene more innocent before the violent ending thus having a 'tickle/slap' effect.
After this shot was done we then went to the final shooting destination, the house which would be Vinces home. For this I went inside and did a shot of him walking down the stairs and out the door. I then went outside and filmed him coming out the door and walking down the street. I then filmed several other tracking and close up shots of Vince walking along, climaxing with him walking towards the camera whilst it slowly zooms out keeping Vince central to the shot and he gets up to the camera and turns down into another road.
Later on, once finished it began to rain. This weather was perfect for the final shot of Vince walking away after killing Matthew because it gave a different more evil feel to the shot, this was enforced by the fact I shot it against him walking beside a bar fence thus symbolising prison/criminality.
Tuesday, 9 March 2010
Southampton Location Scouting
On the Thursday and Friday during half term I went down to Southampton to do the filming for my film, 'The Gambler.' I chose Southampton as it is a modern yet industrial city and where the majority of student houses were is a perfect setting for my movie, it has a great gritty feel to it. The reason I wanted an industrial feel to the movie is because of the short documentary for 'Rock N' Rolla' entitled, 'Guy Ritchie's London,' where he talks about the new image of London and the building of new buildings.
The skyline of Southampton from my brothers student room there had a brilliant establishing shot of my desired imagery. It included a football stadium, block of flats and cranes from the docks.
I spent the first 2 days planning and finding suitable places to film. I needed a long quite street for the scenes with Vince talking, a house for Vince to walk out of and pose as his 'house' and a house with a cellar. I chose to film most of the getting ready part of the scene within my brothers own room as it would be easier and it is more modern, however the rest of Vince's house is filmed in his friends student house because it is more suitable to the image I had hoped for. Luckily enough one of my brothers friend's student house had a basement which was perfect for filming and also the guy whose house it was, Daniel Chenery his gangster image was perfect for a cameo role within the film, something which he very much wanted to do.
The skyline of Southampton from my brothers student room there had a brilliant establishing shot of my desired imagery. It included a football stadium, block of flats and cranes from the docks.
I spent the first 2 days planning and finding suitable places to film. I needed a long quite street for the scenes with Vince talking, a house for Vince to walk out of and pose as his 'house' and a house with a cellar. I chose to film most of the getting ready part of the scene within my brothers own room as it would be easier and it is more modern, however the rest of Vince's house is filmed in his friends student house because it is more suitable to the image I had hoped for. Luckily enough one of my brothers friend's student house had a basement which was perfect for filming and also the guy whose house it was, Daniel Chenery his gangster image was perfect for a cameo role within the film, something which he very much wanted to do.
Saturday, 20 February 2010
Changes To Be Made.
When looking back at my animatic I decided there was some changes I wished to make in order to make my film more meaningful and powerful.
The first one of these was to not use the shot reverse shot sequence where the character of Matthew is killed by Vince. Instead use a handheld camera to focus on the basement and just hear the audio of the killing instead. I made this decision because the opening sequence is to show Vince and give him a more cheeky friendly vibe to him and however make him more suspicious so by keeping this hidden will re-enforce this hidden background. Also this will re-enforce the feel of secrecy in Vince's lifestyle. This way of filming will seem more creepy and frightening too.
The second change I made was on Vinces monologue. Instead of one long shot of Vince talking towards the camera I wanted to make it more similar to the narration in the movie 'Alfie' with Michael Caine. By having several different shots of different angles with Vince talking about different things in the shots this will make the scene easier to shoot for the actor and also be easier for the audience too as one long shot may be too boring and long. This way the scene is broken up and more creative and friendly.
One more change I want to make is in relation to the documentary, 'Guy Ritchies London.' In this he talks about the new building developments in London. When staying in Southampton on set from the bedroom window there was an amazing view which illustrated this view perfectly and it has a tower block, football stadium and cranes. I decided to use this scenery at the beginning of my film with the radio broadcast used alongside this. Also I wanted to shoot this in the morning between 6 and 7 as the sun rises, so in the edit I can speed it up so the audience sees the sun rise in the city. If this doesnt work or look good I have also filmed the same setting but in a plain normal sunlight.
The first one of these was to not use the shot reverse shot sequence where the character of Matthew is killed by Vince. Instead use a handheld camera to focus on the basement and just hear the audio of the killing instead. I made this decision because the opening sequence is to show Vince and give him a more cheeky friendly vibe to him and however make him more suspicious so by keeping this hidden will re-enforce this hidden background. Also this will re-enforce the feel of secrecy in Vince's lifestyle. This way of filming will seem more creepy and frightening too.
The second change I made was on Vinces monologue. Instead of one long shot of Vince talking towards the camera I wanted to make it more similar to the narration in the movie 'Alfie' with Michael Caine. By having several different shots of different angles with Vince talking about different things in the shots this will make the scene easier to shoot for the actor and also be easier for the audience too as one long shot may be too boring and long. This way the scene is broken up and more creative and friendly.
One more change I want to make is in relation to the documentary, 'Guy Ritchies London.' In this he talks about the new building developments in London. When staying in Southampton on set from the bedroom window there was an amazing view which illustrated this view perfectly and it has a tower block, football stadium and cranes. I decided to use this scenery at the beginning of my film with the radio broadcast used alongside this. Also I wanted to shoot this in the morning between 6 and 7 as the sun rises, so in the edit I can speed it up so the audience sees the sun rise in the city. If this doesnt work or look good I have also filmed the same setting but in a plain normal sunlight.
Monday, 15 February 2010
Race Sequence Edited Together
I decided to pre edit together the race footage as it needed editing done to the speed of the footage and i wanted it to be able to be used in the same way as the fight footage, ready to be added in in the final editing stages.
For this i needed to speed up the footage from by 100% thus doubling the speed. This was because in the actual footage the car wasn't going fast enough to make it look like a race, this was because it is illegal and very dangerous to be going the speed needed on a private road. So i changed the speed in the editing stages. I also changed the volume to the audio of the clip, which maked the engine sounds much more loud and 'beefy.'
For this i needed to speed up the footage from by 100% thus doubling the speed. This was because in the actual footage the car wasn't going fast enough to make it look like a race, this was because it is illegal and very dangerous to be going the speed needed on a private road. So i changed the speed in the editing stages. I also changed the volume to the audio of the clip, which maked the engine sounds much more loud and 'beefy.'
Day 2 of Filming - Fight Scene
Tonight (15th February) I began the second stage of filming, the short fight sequence. For this scene I had two actors performing the fighting stunts in my garden at night. The two actors were Daniel Josiah and Samuel Wayne. As it is a montage the fight shots didnt need to be in a linear order and rather just a collection of shots. I singularly filmed many fighting moves e.g. punches and weapon based moves.
Whilst filming I made sure this was shot in the style of Guy Ritchie so to change the tempo for the scene I not only used video but included photos too, this enabled me to make the punches and other actions seem more real and powerful as the videos may make it more fake than real. Another Guy Ritchie technique I included was to make the fight also seem humerous to make them lesser hard hitting and easier to watch.
All the footage I have shot I have edited together into a 30 second long sequence to the backing track of 'That Golden Rule' By 'Biffy Clyro.' When putting together my final video, this clip will be edited in during Vinces monologue along with the race sequence.
Whilst filming I made sure this was shot in the style of Guy Ritchie so to change the tempo for the scene I not only used video but included photos too, this enabled me to make the punches and other actions seem more real and powerful as the videos may make it more fake than real. Another Guy Ritchie technique I included was to make the fight also seem humerous to make them lesser hard hitting and easier to watch.
All the footage I have shot I have edited together into a 30 second long sequence to the backing track of 'That Golden Rule' By 'Biffy Clyro.' When putting together my final video, this clip will be edited in during Vinces monologue along with the race sequence.
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
First Day Of Filming
Tonight (10th February)I began the filming process for my film, 'The Gambler.' I chose to do this tonight as snow was planned in the coming days and so I pushed forward my filming schedule for this segment early so i could miss this as it would ruin the shoot and make it dangerous to shoot.
The segment I filmed was the very short part showing a bit of a car racing scene, whilst Vince is talking.
For this scene I originally was going to use a Jaguar XJR-S as it is a replica of an actual race car.
However due to adverse weather conditions and changing of filming time we did not have enough time to get out the Jaguar XJR-S as it is covered up whilst not in use.
So instead I decided to use another Jaguar, the X-Type. This was good to use as it is a newer model and also has a better looking front grill.
The way I filmed this scene was out in my road. It is a private road and late at night is lit up perfectly so I had my mum drive the car fast down the road and over the camera which was sitting in the middle of the road. Throughout the shoot i also had to use my dad to stand outside the house, where the car starts from to make sure no other car came down and ruined the shoot.
I had to repeat the shoot but with the car to have only side lights on rather than headlights, this was because the headlights caused too much glare and you couldn't see the car properly. So we repeated the film and then did it again with the camera facing the other way so when edited together the car speeds over the camera.
The segment I filmed was the very short part showing a bit of a car racing scene, whilst Vince is talking.
For this scene I originally was going to use a Jaguar XJR-S as it is a replica of an actual race car.
However due to adverse weather conditions and changing of filming time we did not have enough time to get out the Jaguar XJR-S as it is covered up whilst not in use.
So instead I decided to use another Jaguar, the X-Type. This was good to use as it is a newer model and also has a better looking front grill.
The way I filmed this scene was out in my road. It is a private road and late at night is lit up perfectly so I had my mum drive the car fast down the road and over the camera which was sitting in the middle of the road. Throughout the shoot i also had to use my dad to stand outside the house, where the car starts from to make sure no other car came down and ruined the shoot.
I had to repeat the shoot but with the car to have only side lights on rather than headlights, this was because the headlights caused too much glare and you couldn't see the car properly. So we repeated the film and then did it again with the camera facing the other way so when edited together the car speeds over the camera.
Tuesday, 9 February 2010
Filming / Planning
After writing the initial script for my movie I then decided to send it off to my brother who is a performance student at university and has previous experience from acting in films. The reason I did this was as I wanted to use more professional actors within my film instead of friends or available people.
Also when visiting Southampton I decided this would be the best place to set my film as the environment in the housing area for students is perfect for the feel for the film.
Once i got the yes from my brother who would star as the lead role of Vince I then asked another actor to play the other part and also scouted some settings for which i could film in. With the help of my brother I was able to use one of his friends houses and basement for the film, both of which were perfect for the gritty feel I was aiming for.
After finalising the script I then sent it off to the actors who would be in the film. My next task was to create my animatic and plan a filming schedule. I drew out each camera angle and movement using the programme 'paint' on my computer with detailed annotations for each shot. I then put these into an animatic where i was able to see the form my film will take and the legnth it will be. Once finished i decided that the sequence where Vince is walking, should be longer. I then sent the link to the actors.
This is the animatic.
I then set a shooting schedule for my film which I set aside to be in Half Term, this was I could easily enable to set aside many days for filming with no interruption and I could ensure I get all the shooting done and also I will have more time to shoot more if needed.
During this time i also ensured i had all the right equipment and am using a HD video camera and professional tripod to use so my video is of the highest quality.
My shooting schedule is tuesday 16th - saturday 20th in half February term.
There are other parts of the film i need to film before hand however and these are, the race sequence and the fight sequence.
the dates for these are:
* Race - Friday 12th Feb (night)
* Fight - Monday 15th (night)
Also when visiting Southampton I decided this would be the best place to set my film as the environment in the housing area for students is perfect for the feel for the film.
Once i got the yes from my brother who would star as the lead role of Vince I then asked another actor to play the other part and also scouted some settings for which i could film in. With the help of my brother I was able to use one of his friends houses and basement for the film, both of which were perfect for the gritty feel I was aiming for.
After finalising the script I then sent it off to the actors who would be in the film. My next task was to create my animatic and plan a filming schedule. I drew out each camera angle and movement using the programme 'paint' on my computer with detailed annotations for each shot. I then put these into an animatic where i was able to see the form my film will take and the legnth it will be. Once finished i decided that the sequence where Vince is walking, should be longer. I then sent the link to the actors.
This is the animatic.
I then set a shooting schedule for my film which I set aside to be in Half Term, this was I could easily enable to set aside many days for filming with no interruption and I could ensure I get all the shooting done and also I will have more time to shoot more if needed.
During this time i also ensured i had all the right equipment and am using a HD video camera and professional tripod to use so my video is of the highest quality.
My shooting schedule is tuesday 16th - saturday 20th in half February term.
There are other parts of the film i need to film before hand however and these are, the race sequence and the fight sequence.
the dates for these are:
* Race - Friday 12th Feb (night)
* Fight - Monday 15th (night)
Influences For My FIlm
When planning my film I had many influences for the content and form my film will take.
The directorial influence for my film comes primarily from Guy Ritchie. These being Narration, numerous plot lines which assist with one another, humour in violent scenes, high speed photography in fighting scenes. His collective traits, are recycled by other directors by as a collective I am very inspired by his work. Another Guy Ritchie technique and style I have used as inspiration when writing and planning my film is his view on modern day London. On the extras for his movie, 'Rock N' Rolla,' there is a short documentary on this where he talks about development and also the new image of 'gangsters.' This is why I wanted my character of Vince to be more modern and not just a normal suited Gangster, instead mine will have a more modern edge to him.
However I am going to take influence from Tarrantino as well in his use of music which often contrasts the scene. For this I am going to use the track 'Big Pimpin' by Jay Z in the opening sequence as it is a powerful 'gangster' song and also gives the movie a more wider audience appeal and not only being a British film.
During the opening sequence to show the more friendly side to Vince I have made him narrate the story, this will make him seem more 3D. I have made this decision based on the film, Alfie starring Michael Caine and the newer version starring Jude Law.
The Films I have taken influence from for ideas for the narrative are:
* Snatch - for the contexts of gambling and underground fighting
* Rock, N' Rolla - storylines and characterisation
* Be Cool - Humour and American Gangster stories
* Damage - Filming of fight sequences and stories behind them.
* Alfie - For the narration towards camera and metaphorical
The directorial influence for my film comes primarily from Guy Ritchie. These being Narration, numerous plot lines which assist with one another, humour in violent scenes, high speed photography in fighting scenes. His collective traits, are recycled by other directors by as a collective I am very inspired by his work. Another Guy Ritchie technique and style I have used as inspiration when writing and planning my film is his view on modern day London. On the extras for his movie, 'Rock N' Rolla,' there is a short documentary on this where he talks about development and also the new image of 'gangsters.' This is why I wanted my character of Vince to be more modern and not just a normal suited Gangster, instead mine will have a more modern edge to him.
However I am going to take influence from Tarrantino as well in his use of music which often contrasts the scene. For this I am going to use the track 'Big Pimpin' by Jay Z in the opening sequence as it is a powerful 'gangster' song and also gives the movie a more wider audience appeal and not only being a British film.
During the opening sequence to show the more friendly side to Vince I have made him narrate the story, this will make him seem more 3D. I have made this decision based on the film, Alfie starring Michael Caine and the newer version starring Jude Law.
The Films I have taken influence from for ideas for the narrative are:
* Snatch - for the contexts of gambling and underground fighting
* Rock, N' Rolla - storylines and characterisation
* Be Cool - Humour and American Gangster stories
* Damage - Filming of fight sequences and stories behind them.
* Alfie - For the narration towards camera and metaphorical
A2 Film Studies Coursework
For our coursework in A2 film we have to create either part of a film or a short film. For mine I am going to create the opening sequence to a film using directorial influences from the British director, Guy Ritchie.
My film will be in the style of his British Gangster movies, Rock N' Rolla, Snatch and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrells. When watching these films I thought the visual style and non-linear narratives were very powerful. Also in the film 'Snatch,' there is alot of talk about an underground gambling scene however it isn't fully explored. So I thought I would make a movie which looks more fully into this sort of gambling as it is a narrative which has never been fully explored before and is very interesting.
I Have planned and written a script for the title sequence and from the very start of the film wanted the audience to be conflicted over the lead character after seeing two sides of him. I also wanted the opening scene to address the gambling background to the film and also have an explosive start.
Through the use of influence from Guy Ritchie I would have narration however I wish to twist this slightly and use an influence from another film, which is Ferris Buellers Day Off and have the narration coming from the lead character who is talking directly to the screen. This would show the more happy and good side to Vince however this will be directly conflicted by him killing someone, ending the sequence and thus ending my segment for the film.
My film will be in the style of his British Gangster movies, Rock N' Rolla, Snatch and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrells. When watching these films I thought the visual style and non-linear narratives were very powerful. Also in the film 'Snatch,' there is alot of talk about an underground gambling scene however it isn't fully explored. So I thought I would make a movie which looks more fully into this sort of gambling as it is a narrative which has never been fully explored before and is very interesting.
I Have planned and written a script for the title sequence and from the very start of the film wanted the audience to be conflicted over the lead character after seeing two sides of him. I also wanted the opening scene to address the gambling background to the film and also have an explosive start.
Through the use of influence from Guy Ritchie I would have narration however I wish to twist this slightly and use an influence from another film, which is Ferris Buellers Day Off and have the narration coming from the lead character who is talking directly to the screen. This would show the more happy and good side to Vince however this will be directly conflicted by him killing someone, ending the sequence and thus ending my segment for the film.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)