Here is my teaser trailer.
Friday 5 November 2010
Tuesday 2 November 2010
Pre-Production Techniques for the Creative Media Industries.
What is Pre-production?
This is where all the preparations are made for the shoot. This includes such things as the cast and crew being hired, or the sets being built.
How can you finance your film?
You can finance your film in different methods. One such way is to try and get a film grant from a company like this;
http://www.filmgrants.co.uk/
If it is a small production, you could even ask for donations or attempt to raise your own money through some fundraising means.
Where can you find a crew?
One simple way of gaining a crew is to ask people we know. If it is on a much more professional basis, we could hire local film makers or similar people.
Where can you find your cast?
If the production is low key, it is possible that you can once again use people you know. However if this is not suitable then you can use various casting agencies to locate your actors. This is an example of such an agency;
http://www.lakesidecastings.com/
Where can you hire production equipment from?
There are many different places that you can hire production equipment from, however finances are an issue as equipment is expensive to hire out.
These are some websites that you can hire production equipment from;
http://www.exposuretv.com/
http://www.prokit.co.uk/
http://www.broadcast-services.co.uk/
Where can you get costumes from?
Costumes are reasonably easy to obtain, as often plain clothes can be used. If a special costume is required then there are various companies who stock costumes for film productions;
http://www.4rfv.co.uk/fulllisting.asp?scategory=84
http://www.keeleyhire.co.uk/
If these companies do not have costumes that are needed then you may have to get them custom made. This is an example of a very basic custom costume company;
http://fancydressme.com/custom_costumes.php
What does the production process involve?
(What does post production involve?)
There are four main parts in the production process. Development is the first, this is where the film is planned as well as the finances for the film. Pre-production is the second part, where the cast, crew and film sets are secured and created. The third section is principal photography where the film is actually shot. Finally there is post production, which is where the footage is edited to become the final product.
What does a post production facilities house do?
A post production facilities house is a place you hire out and it has all necesscary equipment needed for the pre production process.
Stock footage: Where can you get it?
Stock footage is a useful resource for film makers, as it is cheaper than having to film their own scenes and has already been filmed and is available for custom use. There are thousands of clips available of stock footage. There are many different places to get stock footage from, here are a few examples;
http://www.thoughtequity.com/
http://www.artbeats.com/
Music and sound effects: Where can you get it?
Music and sound effects tend to be big issues for film makers, as often they wish to use a specific song but cannot due to the copy right issues. However there are many different archives that contain copyright free pieces of music and sound effects and so are free to use. A couple of these archives are linked below;
http://freeplaymusic.com/
http://www.partnersinrhyme.com/
Why is copyright an issue?
Copyright is a very big issue to film makers. For example if they use a sound effect that is copyrighted without paying for it, then they are violating various laws, and can be taken to court and sued or something very similar. This is why low budget film makers tend to use stock music and sound effects as it saves them from having to deal with various copyright issues and costs.
What is MCPS and PRS?
PRS is the Performing Right Society LTD. They are a non-profit organisation that collects license fees from various music users and distributes these royalties to the writers and performers of the music used. MCPS comes under PRS, and they provide licenses for peoples mechanical (reproduction) rights and pays for their mechanical royalties.
What does a producer do?
The producer is a very important character in the film making industry. They hire the key personnel that need to be involved in the film, they supervise the fund raising and arrange the distribution.
What does a director do?
The director is the character who is in charge of directing the entirity of the production. He has control of the camera angles, instructions for the cast, lighting and has a say in the editing of the production. The director is also in charge of such things as paying the crew and cast.
What does setting up a real production company involve?
The first issue when setting up a real production is money. Almost everything needed to create the company would need to be backed by money. A production company couldn't be set up individually, so you would need to have some form of crew and probably a set location to base it all.
Why is it helpful to have your own logo, company name etc?
Having a company name is helpful as people will probably take your company more seriously and will be able to remember who you are. A logo also helps people to remember your company and is way of having an identity that is easily recognisable. Here is the logo I have created for my production company;
What issues may you come across when regarding locations?
Such issues as health and safety are a major issue. Often there are many hazards and circumstances of a location that need to be analysed before they can be deemed suitable for filming. Another issue is privacy, as some land you will have to, at very the least, get permission to use. However sometimes you may even need to pay for the locations.
What are different shooting formats?
Three point lighting is the most commonly used method in feature productions. It uses a fill light, key light and a back light. The key light, lights the subject from above, so it imitates the sun or a lightbulb. The fill light is half as bright as the key light. It is used to soften the shadow caused by the key light so that it doesn't look so harsh. The back light goes opposite the camera, behind the subject and high up, so it creates a slight glow that will seperate the subject from the background.
What codes of practice and regulations must you adhere to ?
In the film industry there are various codes of practices and regulations that you must follow. When filming on certain locations, permission must be obtained. Call sheets must also be filled out and risk assessments must also be completed. Children are only allowed to work a limited amount of hours per day depending on their age, and if under sixteen, permission must be aquired for them.
BBFC - The British Board of Film Classification is a non-goverment organisation funded by the film industry who are responsible for the age rating of films.
PACT - The UK trade assosciation that supports the commercial interests of independent film, television and animation media companies.
This is where all the preparations are made for the shoot. This includes such things as the cast and crew being hired, or the sets being built.
How can you finance your film?
You can finance your film in different methods. One such way is to try and get a film grant from a company like this;
http://www.filmgrants.co.uk/
If it is a small production, you could even ask for donations or attempt to raise your own money through some fundraising means.
Where can you find a crew?
One simple way of gaining a crew is to ask people we know. If it is on a much more professional basis, we could hire local film makers or similar people.
Where can you find your cast?
If the production is low key, it is possible that you can once again use people you know. However if this is not suitable then you can use various casting agencies to locate your actors. This is an example of such an agency;
http://www.lakesidecastings.com/
Where can you hire production equipment from?
There are many different places that you can hire production equipment from, however finances are an issue as equipment is expensive to hire out.
These are some websites that you can hire production equipment from;
http://www.exposuretv.com/
http://www.prokit.co.uk/
http://www.broadcast-services.co.uk/
Where can you get costumes from?
Costumes are reasonably easy to obtain, as often plain clothes can be used. If a special costume is required then there are various companies who stock costumes for film productions;
http://www.4rfv.co.uk/fulllisting.asp?scategory=84
http://www.keeleyhire.co.uk/
If these companies do not have costumes that are needed then you may have to get them custom made. This is an example of a very basic custom costume company;
http://fancydressme.com/custom_costumes.php
What does the production process involve?
(What does post production involve?)
There are four main parts in the production process. Development is the first, this is where the film is planned as well as the finances for the film. Pre-production is the second part, where the cast, crew and film sets are secured and created. The third section is principal photography where the film is actually shot. Finally there is post production, which is where the footage is edited to become the final product.
What does a post production facilities house do?
A post production facilities house is a place you hire out and it has all necesscary equipment needed for the pre production process.
Stock footage: Where can you get it?
Stock footage is a useful resource for film makers, as it is cheaper than having to film their own scenes and has already been filmed and is available for custom use. There are thousands of clips available of stock footage. There are many different places to get stock footage from, here are a few examples;
http://www.thoughtequity.com/
http://www.artbeats.com/
Music and sound effects: Where can you get it?
Music and sound effects tend to be big issues for film makers, as often they wish to use a specific song but cannot due to the copy right issues. However there are many different archives that contain copyright free pieces of music and sound effects and so are free to use. A couple of these archives are linked below;
http://freeplaymusic.com/
http://www.partnersinrhyme.com/
Why is copyright an issue?
Copyright is a very big issue to film makers. For example if they use a sound effect that is copyrighted without paying for it, then they are violating various laws, and can be taken to court and sued or something very similar. This is why low budget film makers tend to use stock music and sound effects as it saves them from having to deal with various copyright issues and costs.
What is MCPS and PRS?
PRS is the Performing Right Society LTD. They are a non-profit organisation that collects license fees from various music users and distributes these royalties to the writers and performers of the music used. MCPS comes under PRS, and they provide licenses for peoples mechanical (reproduction) rights and pays for their mechanical royalties.
What does a producer do?
The producer is a very important character in the film making industry. They hire the key personnel that need to be involved in the film, they supervise the fund raising and arrange the distribution.
What does a director do?
The director is the character who is in charge of directing the entirity of the production. He has control of the camera angles, instructions for the cast, lighting and has a say in the editing of the production. The director is also in charge of such things as paying the crew and cast.
What does setting up a real production company involve?
The first issue when setting up a real production is money. Almost everything needed to create the company would need to be backed by money. A production company couldn't be set up individually, so you would need to have some form of crew and probably a set location to base it all.
Why is it helpful to have your own logo, company name etc?
Having a company name is helpful as people will probably take your company more seriously and will be able to remember who you are. A logo also helps people to remember your company and is way of having an identity that is easily recognisable. Here is the logo I have created for my production company;
What issues may you come across when regarding locations?
Such issues as health and safety are a major issue. Often there are many hazards and circumstances of a location that need to be analysed before they can be deemed suitable for filming. Another issue is privacy, as some land you will have to, at very the least, get permission to use. However sometimes you may even need to pay for the locations.
What are different shooting formats?
There are many different shooting formats used. Film is one of the most common formats used when feature productions are made. The quality is much higher than tape or digital, however it is much more expensive. There are also different widths, or gauges, used - but the most common used are 8mm, 16mm, 35mm, and 65mm. The gauge that is used for feature films tends to be 35mm.
Lighting equipment & 3 point lighting.
Three point lighting is the most commonly used method in feature productions. It uses a fill light, key light and a back light. The key light, lights the subject from above, so it imitates the sun or a lightbulb. The fill light is half as bright as the key light. It is used to soften the shadow caused by the key light so that it doesn't look so harsh. The back light goes opposite the camera, behind the subject and high up, so it creates a slight glow that will seperate the subject from the background.
What codes of practice and regulations must you adhere to ?
In the film industry there are various codes of practices and regulations that you must follow. When filming on certain locations, permission must be obtained. Call sheets must also be filled out and risk assessments must also be completed. Children are only allowed to work a limited amount of hours per day depending on their age, and if under sixteen, permission must be aquired for them.
BBFC - The British Board of Film Classification is a non-goverment organisation funded by the film industry who are responsible for the age rating of films.
PACT - The UK trade assosciation that supports the commercial interests of independent film, television and animation media companies.
BECTU - The Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematography and Theatre Union is an independant trade union for those who work in broadcasting, film, theatre, entertainment, leisure, interactive media and such businesses.
EQUITY - A UK trade union that represents professional performers and other such creative workers from across the various industries.
THE ARTS COUNCIL - A government funded organisation that is involved in promoting arts. Usually they achieve this by giving out awards, giving money to artists and holding events.
SHOOTING PEOPLE - A company that is based in London that helps to connect film makers through facebook and online newsletters.
VISION AND MEDIA - This company helps to grow the digital and creative industry in the north west of England. They achieve this by delivering various projects and programmes that willhelp those who are in the creative industries and such companies.
SIGNAL FILMS - A Cumbria based company that produces films for cinema, broadcast and commercial aspect of the industry. Specialist creative and digital media training is also provided by Signal Films.
WRIGHTWALKER PRODUCTIONS - This company specialise in digital film making . They also arrange crew hire, specialist camera rig hire and operation & editing services. Aswell as this they provide other media services such as producing online video content, graphic design and voice overs.
Paperwork - There are many different forms of paperwork, both legal and film aiding, that go into to the production of a film. Here are some professional examples of such paperwork:
Storyboard from Alfred Hitchcocks "Psycho" (1960)
Extract from script of Stanley Kubricks "A Clockwork Orange" (1971)
Link to an example of a cast and crew release form:
http://www.uidaho.edu/class/jamm/opportunities/~/media/Files/CLASS/JAMM/JAMM%20Video%20forms/Cast%20and%20crew%20release%20form.ashx
Link to an example of a risk assessment form:
http://www.campus.manchester.ac.uk/healthandsafety/CoPs&Guidance/RiskAssessmentForm.doc.
Link to an example of a call sheet:
http://www.frontiernet.net/~rcowart/callsheet.jpg
Link to an example of a budget sheet:
http://peepshowshortfilm.com/images/top_sheet_small_jro9.jpg
Link to an example of a location scout form:
http://www.cvisual.com/film-techniques/nbf-location-scouting-template.gif
Here is an example of a script I created for film from the mobile phone project.
Who are:
RAINDANCE - It is a group of film makers, who have created this company for other such people. They offer support and advice to independent film makers. As well as this, they have created the Raindance Film Festival and have a successful trainging programme.
THE END OF THE PIER FILM FESTIVAL - This is a festival for independant, low budget and new film makers which is based in Surrey.
THE KESWICK FILM FESTIVAL - This is a much more local film festival, and is not as high profile as such ones as Raindance and The End of The Pier.
WITHOUTABOX - This is an internet based film community which aids film makers to find and enter various film festivals.
These are all of benefit to us, as if we enter a film to these festvials, then our films are seen and our name is out there.
SIGNAL FILMS - A Cumbria based company that produces films for cinema, broadcast and commercial aspect of the industry. Specialist creative and digital media training is also provided by Signal Films.
WRIGHTWALKER PRODUCTIONS - This company specialise in digital film making . They also arrange crew hire, specialist camera rig hire and operation & editing services. Aswell as this they provide other media services such as producing online video content, graphic design and voice overs.
Paperwork - There are many different forms of paperwork, both legal and film aiding, that go into to the production of a film. Here are some professional examples of such paperwork:
Storyboard from Alfred Hitchcocks "Psycho" (1960)
FADE IN: INT. KOROVA MILKBAR - NIGHT Tables, chairs made of nude fibreglass figures. Hypnotic atmosphere. Alex, Pete, Georgie and Dim, teenagers stoned on their milk-plus, their feet resting on faces, crotches, lips of the sculptured furniture. ALEX (V.O.) There was me, that is Alex, and my three droogs, that is Pete, Georgie and Dim and we sat in the Korova milkbar trying to make up our rassoodocks what to do with the evening. The Korova Milk Bar sold milkplus, milk plus vellocet or synthemesc or drencrom which is what we were drinking. This would sharpen you up and make you ready for a bit of the old ultra-violence. Our pockets were full of money so there was no need on that score, but, as they say, money isn't everything. INT. PEDESTRIAN UNDERPASS TUNNEL - NIGHT A Tramp lying in tunnel, singing. TRAMP In Dublin's fair city Where the girls are so pretty I first set my eyes on sweet Molly Malone As she wheeled her wheelbarrow Through streets wide and narrow... Shadows of the boys approaching fall across Tramp.
Shooting schedule from Tales of Montmartre
http://www.uidaho.edu/class/jamm/opportunities/~/media/Files/CLASS/JAMM/JAMM%20Video%20forms/Cast%20and%20crew%20release%20form.ashx
Link to an example of a risk assessment form:
http://www.campus.manchester.ac.uk/healthandsafety/CoPs&Guidance/RiskAssessmentForm.doc.
Link to an example of a call sheet:
http://www.frontiernet.net/~rcowart/callsheet.jpg
Link to an example of a budget sheet:
http://peepshowshortfilm.com/images/top_sheet_small_jro9.jpg
Link to an example of a location scout form:
http://www.cvisual.com/film-techniques/nbf-location-scouting-template.gif
Here is an example of a script I created for film from the mobile phone project.
RAINDANCE - It is a group of film makers, who have created this company for other such people. They offer support and advice to independent film makers. As well as this, they have created the Raindance Film Festival and have a successful trainging programme.
THE END OF THE PIER FILM FESTIVAL - This is a festival for independant, low budget and new film makers which is based in Surrey.
THE KESWICK FILM FESTIVAL - This is a much more local film festival, and is not as high profile as such ones as Raindance and The End of The Pier.
WITHOUTABOX - This is an internet based film community which aids film makers to find and enter various film festivals.
These are all of benefit to us, as if we enter a film to these festvials, then our films are seen and our name is out there.
Monday 1 November 2010
Teaser Trailer: Company logo.
Thursday 7 October 2010
Teaser Trailer Project
In this project we are going to be creating a teaser trailer, and completing all of the appropriate post production. We will also be creating a film poster and magazine cover to go alongside it. The deadlines for this project are as following:
Film trailer - November 3rd 2010
Film trailer - November 3rd 2010
Poster - November 24th 2010
Magazine cover - December 13th 2010
Research and planning - Uploaded by December 13th 2010
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