Photoshop is a program that I have
used before within my AS media design for the many multiple designs for our
Magazine including the front cover, contents pages as well as the main two
pages.
Photoshop is increasingly a famous
program used for many features
While I have used Photoshop
before, it is important that PS does require a lot of intensive skill to use.
Upon taking in the previous skills from before, I plan to increase my knowledge
of Photoshop so that I can use those skills for the present preliminary task.
Photoshop is one of the best rated
programs in the world, the wide availability of its features allows a variety of
styles upon my projects. It shall assist me to achieve the highest grades for
my preliminary task.
Although I have a moderate amount
of skill upon Photoshop, I plan to use Youtube tutorials through my way so that
I will have an easier time with Photoshop. Youtube tutorials are an easy and
faster way of learning how to use such programs like Photoshop.
One of the many examples of a Youtube
tutorial are such like these:
With this tutorial, I have learnt how to blend two pictures into almost one, the effect has been used throughout the movie poster, the collaboration has made an neat fade away effect in which worked nicely to give that mystery to the main protagonist of the movie.
I-Movie is one of the many programs we shall use to edit our video, although the program is bunched up with many useful features, it requires a moderate amount of time to study before usage.
We chose this program over windows movie maker due to its perks such as more effects and more styles to choose from.
The differences from using windows movie maker and Imovies is mostly upon the button placements and different techniques that must be applied before and after the project.
Such techniques that we look forth to implement is flash at some of the clips to give a sudden jolt, this technique will also be used with the collaboration of the Gunshot. Due to our low financial budget, we cannot afford such props consist of fake blood and T-shirts, to create a realistic gunshot scene, we have all selected to create a first person perspective while enabling a couple of flashes to which will be synchronized with the Gunshots.
Fade in and fading out effects were at no doubt the one that was most referred with our group, discussions that have been made were upon how fading in and fading out would enhance the trailer from becoming a amateur movie clip into a professional viewpoint.
Audacity is a program that allows users to record sounds and
voices upon input with a microphone. It
is free, open source, cross-platform software for recording and editing sounds.|
The deciding factor was to use Audacity instead of the
regular windows sound recorder or Mac recorder due to its initial advantages.
Audacity allows the users to increase volume levels at
particular times as well as fade or fade out voices upon activation. Such
background music that is unneeded can be erased in order to create the perfect
sole voice. More over, doubling the capacity of the sound at some parts allowed
us to create a double echo within the pulse. Using double tracking allowed for
elevation within creating the essence of a depressing and dark atmosphere.
It was interesting at first, messing around with the buttons
and experimenting on various records. It gave me as an editor a visual insight
towards the direction of sounds. After all of the theme songs had chosen by the
members, thinning out the
Precise adjustments upon the audios speed while maintaining
tempo was one of the many features we used to synchronize the gunshots
accordingly to the clip of Nathan Cole’s outbreak within shooting Hao Zheng
(first perspective of the gunshot)
Upon filming Nathan Cole’s voice, we decided to install
Audacity and let him speak through the microphone.
Double tracking allowed Matthews voice to become more distinctive
as it added character within the editing sequence. The echo at the beginning created
the right sort of tone that we tried to look for. Although the recording was
all done in one take, the lyrical needed rearrangements as well as cutting down
due to that we didn’t really realise the actual length once recorded.
With our first production finished, the scenes within this video is basically the introduction to Nathan's character. The screen begins with him facing the mirror at the opposite end in which suggests self-impersonation. Nathan does his daily chores as he is seen deep within his thoughts, although we do not know what he is exactly thing about, his actions and his tone of reaction shows a darker side.
Although our exemplar script is ready to be used, many parts and sections will have to cut off due to the inappropriate length. The script should only run for 2 minutes, so the monologue will be limited as it should also make sense when finalized.
With the many angle shots taken, we have tried to change the perspective of each and every shot so that we can get a better shot selection for our film trailer.
Behind the shoulder shot
Here we have Enzo sitting whilst the camera was placed behind his shoulders. We aim to get the initial shot selection of Nathan's feelings after he is outdone by Pete Crowley with his product. Nathan will act frustracted within the scene. Panning/following track shot of Pete Crowley
The shot was devised by me, the plan was to make Pete seem suspicious. All of his following movements were followed to show to the audience what he was clearly doing (Hacking the system on the computer)
Enzo Costa panning/tracking shot
The panning was exclusively produced to follow Enzo's movement upon the swivell of the office chair. Tracking the shot was extremly difficult to follow through, instead, we decided that the camera would be placed onto the chair and with that movement extension, we would move the office chair as well to capture Enzo.
Common shots and cut backs
The cut backs shall be intersected inbetween within the second half of the trailer (mostly the violent scenes). This creates a surreal feeling of realism, I expect the audience to feel as if they were in the trailer (such and such with 3D realism). Various swivel punching sections
With Eddie Goodman in the scene, the violence was depicted as him ontop of another person whilst he would be punching from right to left continuosly, the camera was turned 90 - 120 degrees to the left at every point that Eddie finishes punching at the victim(cameraman).
The catch (pursue scene)
With Enzo chasing Pete till the very end of the clip, we needed a replica of an birds eye view of the situation. Though, without the tools to do show (due to our low budget) Most appropriately, we manage to rise to the top of the building and film from that standpoint. The pan was developed along the way to track the running as we aimed the camera distance to be quite far. Although a mid shot of the follow through may be more eye-catching, the camera could not grasp the resolution as zooming in made the clip blurry.
Chair Swing Scene
In actual fact, we planned to flicker on and off the lights to add that dramatic bit of flavour in however, the plan backfired as the time for the lights to switch back on took too long to come back on and off.
The scene still carried on as we planned for the vicious scene of "backstabbing"
The Chair shot was aimed at Hao Zheng as we would cut away from the scene afterwards.
Shoving Eddie Goodman into the fence
With plenty of fences to work with (due to our location;School) we figured that we could use this to our advantage as we could show some abuse withing the storyline.
We directed our film crew behind the fence so that we could look at both Eddie G and Enzo Costa's perspective. The fence provided a bit of flexibility as Eddie G was able to swing backwards and forwards a bit to enhance that flow.
Kidnap/abduction
The camera angle was slanted as we did not intend to do such thing at all, although it was entirely coincidental, the scene still looked great to use. (Front seat -> Back seat Mid shot)
Enzo's kidnapping upon a victim happens here as he starts to deal a proposal on the phone for the return of the victim.
The kick and Hao Zheng's confrontation
With one of our cameramen on the floor (upright sitting postion) we have imitated the reaction of the kick by getting the camera man to lean backwards at a fast rate, cushions were provided so that the cameraman would not injure himself. We wanted give this scene a unique in the end, and thus we prepared for Hao Zheng's confrontation as he would enter from behind the camera man. From the camera's perspective, we ended the clip with Hao Zheng in a upside down peception.
With the production still ongoing, we had generated a couple
of scenes from editing to which ended up in a disappointment. All the scenes
added up together had only made less that one minute overall. Scheming and
discussions upon the changes were drastically made after all the members had
seen the first few minutes.
We have extended the overall plotline as well as have planned to
create a more of an action packed trailer instead of one filled with suspense. The agreed plan was to portray the whole chaos between the inner community and fill it all with betrayal, deception and unethical practices.
Such clips include swinging chairs, holding people in
ransom, causing havoc, typical violence and action packed fighting and chasing. We will be adding in these new features in order to recreate more substance upon the feeling of action. We hope that we can create enough curiosity to persuade the audience to come and watch the film (If this was reality of course).
First impressions upon the violence will be analysed to see if the perception of realism is viable to the extent of adding such scenes within the trailer. The most important factor is to create that surrealism for the audience to which we planned to do by using camera shots with 1st person perspective.
Other features that we decided to take shots of was
involving the idea of hackery upon the criminal's society. By doing so, we can import a different genre upon the plot (Computer Experts or encoders). By contrast, instead of creating a nitty gritty genre of typical gangster film that revolves only around violence and action, we can use this 'smartness' aspects to convey one character (Or more if needed) as a geek/decoder/computer expert). Initially, we are challenging the typical conventions upon one's personality within a gangster society.
My video upon the Hong Kong skyscrapers will be placed within various interludes in order to establish where most of the action is taking place. This adds to the surrealism within the video as well as it sets the stage for each and every character.
Overall, with this added, we should be able to meet that two minute mark.
Within the first week, we plan to film the second sequence of the scene with the gangster conference meeting.We had invited most of the partaking members into the drama studio and we have set aside the plan into the introduction.
The scenes shall introduce most of the main high profile drug lords as well as our main protagonist, Nathan. Everyone has been fit into their costume and have been filmed within their purpose. Having two cameras, we decided to set each and both cameras in different angles to each other.
The angles we decide to take the shot in was the far away shot (45 degrees from Nathans position) as this gave us a clear perspective upon his tone and style.
The other camera shot that we decided to take was the left angle from the side of the entrance (close up shot).
Fitting this all together, we have now established the frontier of the main entrances for each high profile gangster drug lord.
With a new project on the way and with such intense moments, we will now have to expand the amount of actors within our movie. With a gangster/thriller moive like this, obviously there will be a large amount of casting members than before.
Main characters
Nathan Cole - Nathan is phycopathic druggy in which determines to proove everyone that he is the best of the best. however, each and everytime someone out performs him, his mind will begin to lose all focus as his state of mind will deteriate from what it was from before.
Nathan shall be portrayed by Matthew Bailey, he has the looks of a main character as well as the blonde natural hair. His film acting skills is superior as acting is one the subjects that he has opted for.
Hao Zheng - Zheng is the Main antagonist of the film, he is the evil drug lord to which supervises the smaller divisions within the sectors. Zheng is the one that determines each and every load of drugs and rates them out of ten. The competition was first created from him as he wanted to see the intensity of the smaller divisions to try and create the perfect Cocaine for him.
Hao Zheng will be played by me, I understand that an imitation for a drug lord must be put on within the case as this should enhance the bad guy theme. I also agree that I should be playing this part because Hao Zheng has connections with the 'Triads'. Watching many films from the past such as Kung Fu hustle, I have taken in the bad guy subject to the limits.
Pete Crowley - The arch nemesis of Nathan Cole, Both despise each other with hate though Cole has a more of a superior anger towards Pete due to the fact that he always out performs him in any way. Crowley is portrayed as regular high profile drug leader and has the aspects of being lienient.
Crowley will be played by Haydn Macmaster as he is a smooth white boy always having fun here and there. He is perfect for this scenerio as he has the characteristics of being the guy who despises Nathan. Since both are White, they will have similar taste but will have different actions.
Eddie Goodman - He is a High End business man with many contacts of the sort, he participates within the contest to see who has the best Cocaine. He is classified as trippy and has the 'Swagger' style to which sums up the whole personality of him. Overall,
Goodman shall be played by Abdul 'Basit' ashogbon', his personality fits the criteria for what he needs to be, although he thinks he is impartial
Sub Characters
Enzio Costa - Has an italian background as has a good relationship with Nathan Cole, he is considered to be easy going and has fun from time to time. He is almsot never serious about things.
Sam Harvey shall be playing as Costa due to his method of ways. He is quite the person to understand the meaning of being laid back at times.
Hao Zheng's Translator - Although somewhat has a minor scene, she plays a an important role, she has been Hao Zhengs Translator for 6 Years and will then
Jessica Tsang will be playing the role of the translator
Female Escorts - Clock room stewardess - Played by Cara and Millie.
There is a choice of horror and high uplifting soundtracks that we can
choose from. Within discussion between me and my group members, we have acknowledge all
the paths we can choose and due to our theme of the project, we have a wide
diversity in which has made it harder to choose from.
For a gangster themed movie, we have decided to go for a bit of ambiance within the scenes of the trailer in which we will try to grab the audiences
attention. Such themes with horror will assist our trailer as this would
satisfy the needs of the sinister atmosphere.
In addition to that prospect, we plan to add an overall background music to
the film with songs such as:
Kasabian Club Foot
The choice selection was overall made from Sam Harvey, he has discussed upon how this song theme could lead to give the trailer a gritty theme. Although gritty-ness may be one of the slight themes we are aiming for, I have disagreed to the whole idea as the song wasn't as face pace as I wanted it to be. Although it may havea great riff intro, the chorus is slightly off handed.
The XX Intro
The first impression that I gave off this music intro was that it felt it was too slow and too calming, the fact that the song was created by a indie rock band seemed to make the overall theme was at least a bit bland.
Soon after, when all the clips where combined, I saw an immediately collaboration with both the scenes and the lyrics. The soothing effect had seemed to built an exasperating lead to the main action introduction where much of the violence were forwarded till the end.
I honestly felt that the intro was the perfect fit and that no other song or theme would be able to replace it after viewing the collaboration due to the fact that most of the serene scenes were at the beginning.
One of the main advantages of using the theme was that the sound volume was moderately low in the original in which allowed the audience to hear the monologue speech by the main protagonist (Nathan Cole).
The theme is also an instrumental whcih allows the monologue to be heard more clearly.
Cigarette smoke - Arctic Monkeys
There was a connection between this and the scenes of violence as well as there was connections between the visuals and the lyrics.
We as a group all favored this song for the action part of the trailer, it was one of the most fitting soundtracks that we all found.
There tune of the harmonics was repeated over and over again to which created a riff (repeated rhythm). I understood that getting a riff in the audience's mind would lead to them to repeating the song over and over again. The tune was remotely catchy to all of us members as well were humming the song within our heads, this eventually made us think that a constant repeat theme would be useful so that the trailer would also be stuck in an audiences head.
Gorillaz - Dirty Harry
Dirty harry by the Gorillaz (industrial rock) was understood as a theme that could work r not
Although the song had the correct lyrical-visual establishment
The gun-shot at the beginning was also a great way of introducing things
However, the fact still remained that it was too jazzy for the film trailer, the voice behijd the music was also a bit too relaxing and not harsh enough to put that demanding effect to our audiences.
Overall, the tone was too joyful and harmonious, this didn't fit in with the whole idea of enforcement, violence and anger.
This is only refers to a partial of the scenes that we will be acting, this script is only in alpha mode so we will be expecting changes throughout the production of the trailer. However, the script does describe most of drama within.
Script for Chasing the Dragon
Dimly lit room. Fade in, slow panning medium profile shot of main character putting on his tie. 4-5 seconds, 1-2 sentences NATHAN COLE (MONOLOGUE) "Today is a significant day concerning my current position. I need to-" Sharp, quick cut, long shot, sitting at his kitchen table slurping coffee, background of his kitchen visible. 2 seconds, character looks vacant. Small monologue, one sentence NATHAN COLE (MONOLOGUE) "- Stay focused on the task at hand." Quick cut, medium shot, inside the house, top of the door to mid waist of character closing the door, 3 seconds. NATHAN COLE (MONOLOGUE) "Appear calm and collected" Outside the house, door shuts, medium close up, Nathan puts on sunglasses. SFX: wind/metal sound. NATHAN COLE (MONOLOGUE) "I only have one priority." Tracking shot, chest up of Nathan walking down a street. He’s looking straight forward, while camera follows him on a tripod inside a car. Facial expression does not change, 6-7 seconds NATHAN COLE (MONOLOGUE) "The need to deliver has intensified recently and I can’t let anyone see me cracking under pressure." Establishing shot, from the right, low angle of garage, shot is frozen. 1 second. Clean cut, straight on, long shot, low angle, about 10-15 metres away, frozen shot, see character enter the shot from the left/right, and enter garage. Inside the restaurant, straight on, medium shot, walks past camera. 3-4 seconds From a distance, main character sitting down, looking thoughtful. 8 seconds NATHAN COLE (MONOLOGUE) "But that’s what this is all about. Hiding….your fears. Anxieties. Whether it’s by a fake persona. Getting drunk." Camera zoomed in on his face, profile shot, focuses on his sunglasses. Pouring himself a glass of wine. NATHAN COLE (MONOLOGUE) "Taking drugs…..or deceiving people into buying them from you….." First gangster arrives. Enzo Costa. Two female escorts approach him to take his coat and bag. ENZO COSTA "Just the coat. Thank you." Nathan stands to greet him. Drink still in hand. ENZO COSTA Nathan! My man! Early as usual I see" Freeze frame. Enzo “The Cobra” Costa RANK: “Vanguard” Operations Officer Hao Zheng’s Right Hand Man. (For monologue) NATHAN COLE (MONOLOGUE) "Enzo Costa is the least incompetent of the group of morons I’m forced to work with." Camera, profile shot of Nathan, feigning a cheerful smile. Extremely slowly closing in on his face. "Enzo shares similar taste with me. We even share the same taste suit, although mine looks slightly better." NATHAN COLE (Smiling) "You know me Enzo" ENZO COSTA "How’s things been going in Enfield? (gesture with hand, seeming curious) Word on the street is you’ve got that place locked down?" NATHAN COLE "While (emphasis on while) maintaining my distance from those intoxicated imbeciles." ENZO COSTA "So you’ve found a new supplier? Who is he?" NATHAN COLE (places drink on table, turns to face Enzo)"New guy. MUCH more reliable than Derek" ENZO COSTA "My dead Nana would be more reliable than Derek, God rest her soul" NATHAN COLE "My span of control has increased now that Derek’s gone, distribution has- " Voices heard in background. Pete Crowley arrives. Nathan’s main rival. Nathan hates him the most. Pete is snarky and arrogant. Pete is at the entrance with the 2 escorts and bouncer. ESCORT "Bag and coat sir?" PETE CROWLEY "Thank you" The other escort goes to reach for Pete’s bag, in which she is harshly rebuffed PETE CROWLEY "THAT. Will…be enough….thank you." Pete makes his way to Nathan and Enzo. PETE CROWLEY "Gentlemen.." NATHAN AND ENZO "Afternoon, Pete" PETE CROWLEY"Nice and early I see. Wonderful" FREEZE FRAME Pete “The Butcher” Crowley RANK: “Red Pole” Enforcer. Pete has killed 7 rival dealers within a 9 month period through decapitation. Pete is notoriously known in the south east region. Camera zooms in on Pete’s half snarl NATHAN COLE (MONOLOGUE) "I have grown to hate Pete more than anyone I have ever known." Camera shows Nathan’s emotionless face "Pete is a fool, an inbred cretin with a, a blood lust, a-a nincompoop, his idiocy-" PETE CROWLEY "Day dreaming again Nathan? Off in your fantasy world again I suppose?" Nathan is taken aback Eddie Goodman arrives. Small, black and eccentric gangster. Nathan has little opinion of him. EDDIE GOODMAN "WHAT’S GOOD HOMES? EDDIE G UP IN THIS MOTHER" Freeze frame Eddie “The Clown” Goodman RANK: “White Paper Fan” Administrator Eddie has numerous high profile contacts in and around London. 2 females escorts approach Eddie to take his bag and coat EDDIE GOODMAN "Why thank you ladies! Look at dat ass, MM! Fellas, good to see ya!" NATHAN COLE "Afternoon, Goodman" ENZO COSTA "Eddie! Great to see you. You’re looking well" EDDIE GOODMAN “Well” is my great aunt after she’s taken her medication. I’m fantabulous. You seen that new place down in.." Sound fades out. Slowly pans in on Eddie engaging in conversation. NATHAN COLE (MONO) "Eddie Goodman is a liability to our operations. He’s loud, idiotic and despairingly careless." Camera zooms in on Nathan looking expressionless. NATHAN COLE (MONO) "Eddie is not just stupid. He’s taken the art of stupidity and mastered it. Eddie couldn't pour piss out of a boot if the instructions were written on the heel…" EDDIE GOODMAN "NATHAN!" NATHAN COLE "Yes?" EDDIE GOODMAN "I said how’s things been with you?" NATHAN COLE "Oh. Great. Great." Talking. Talk dies down. The footsteps slowly grow louder and the door opens. An Asian woman walks in confidently and calmly. She nods at the bouncers and they nod back. She takes a seat at the foot of the table. Everyone stares.
Loud footsteps. The arrival of Hao Zheng. Tracking shot behind Hao Zheng, with everyone at the table in the background. Everyone stands up out of respect. Cuts to everyone standing up from a separate angle. Walks in slowly without talking and sits down. Hao Zheng raises his hand and nods, and everyone sits down. He pulls up a seat next to the Asian woman (translator). Freeze frame Hao Zheng RANK: “Dragon Head” Leader Hao Zheng is leader of the gang and the most successful drug lord in Europe.
Hao Zheng talks to the translator in Chinese. TRANSLATOR "Hao Zheng is pleased to see all of you here." Enthusiastic chatter (“we’re pleased to see you too” “it’s great to be here” etc.) Hao Zheng mumbles to the translator. TRANSLATOR "Hao Zheng’s running short on time, so let’s make this quick. You’re due to present a sample of your product." Gangsters begin to rummage through their bags. Nathan is the first to present his product. NATHAN COLE "This is MY product." People chattering, gasping. “Ooh very nice” “Look at that!” etc. NATHAN COLE "That’s cooked at 190 degrees. 89% pure, straight from Columbia. What do you think?" Hao Zheng talks to translator. TRANSLATOR "Very nice." Nathan grins widely, smug. EDDIE GOODMAN "That’s cute Cole. But it ain’t got nothin’ on mah product, bitch. BAYUM!" Eddie puts down his product. Slightly bigger than Nathan’s. Everyone looks closer. EDDIE GOODMAN "Dat shi’ cooked at 193 degrees! 94% pure straight from Cuba! Check it." Excited chatter. Eddie looks very smug and cocky. Hao Zheng picks up the product, raises eyebrow and nods his head. Camera slowly zooms in on Nathan’s face. Tense music. NATHAN (MONO) "How the hell did the clown find such a high quality product, at such short notice? I wonder how much oral* he had to perform to get that." *change to favours if this isn’t cool NATHAN COLE "V-very nice. (Stutters) Nathan regains his composure. Pete begins to clap loudly and slowly, almost sarcastically. Smirking. PETE CROWLEY "Nice product Eddie. Mine’s from Cuba too, although mine’s slightly different." Everyone looks at Pete. Focuses on Nathan and Eddie’s products. Pete puts down a much larger product, which overshadows the others. PETE CROWLEY "That’s 99.4% pure. Cooked at 200 degrees. This is extracted straight from Andes Mountains in Venezuela. This sells at £120k per kilo." Profile shot of Nathan slowly taking off his sunglasses, hands shaking. EDDIE GOODMAN "DAYUM BITCH!" Whistles. Excited chatter. Hao Zheng looks serious and grabs the product. Slits it open with large knife and places some cocaine on the knife. Close up of Hao Zheng’s face. Slowly lifts knife with cocaine to his nose. Snorts slowly while moving his nose across the knife. Silence for a few seconds. Hao Zheng opens eyes widely. He grins and mutters something in Chinese. TRANSLATOR"Hao Zheng says the product is excellent." PETE CROWLEY "非常感謝。Fēicháng gǎnxiè." HAO ZHENG (facing Nathan) "Mr Cole (smile) What do you think of your partner’s work?" NATHAN COLE "It’s…good" HAO ZHENG "Good? These products are of a much superior quality to yours. No further comment?" NATHAN COLE (Bitter smile) "No" HAO ZHENG "No? There’s an old Chinese proverb Nathan" NATHAN COLE "Really?" HAO ZHENG :"Jealousy is thin because it bites but never eats" NATHAN COLE *nods* NATHAN COLE(MONO) (shouting) "The audacity. Of this. This…overgrown gerbil. To humiliate ME. After I’ve been loyal to him. All this time. ME. I. Almost single handedly revived this whole business. (regaining composure) You know what…."
The props we plan to use for our video is what will be assisting us to achieve the best possible outcome of the video
To discuss what props we are using at first, we must intervene with the theme of the movie in which we must have the description of theme for the trailer. (Gangster, drugs and criminal offence theme)
First off, in practical ways, for our main characters (the high profile drug lords) will be disguised with darkened sunglasses on. As typical as it is, we truly do think that the shades will enhance the meaning of each and every main character. It gives them definition of powerful by a distance. We understand that if eye contact was blocked throughout the scenes, it will only add to the mystery of that particular character.
As for the main protagonist of the show, Hao Zheng. An eye patch will be worn to enhance that powerful, evil theme across the lines.
Although we may not know the story behind the eye-patch, it will give Hao Zheng an aura of corruption. Most of the times, we may relate eye patches with pirates of some sort, although we may not be trying to achieve that affect, in relation, we have moderately gained a depressant atmosphere around the character.
In terms with the clothing, all high profile drug lords will be wearing the typical gangster suit in a stylish way. Suits, ties and foot wear shall moderately be dark and mysterious but also will appear ravenous at time throughout the movie. We plan to picture the drug lords with a strong bondage of fear and immortality as this would give that certain dark effect that we all have been looking for.
Other Mis-en-scene includes the main type of weapon: The Gun. It is appropriate to say that the gun adds ferocity upon the whole trailer as we understand that the weapon of killing will be the most effective upon the death scenes. The Gun is a brand image of power and force in which makes this perfect for the killing of Hao Zheng. We know that Hao Zheng is a powerful force behind all the criminals and drug lords and so, to fight fire, we must fight back with a bigger and brighter fire to which concludes to the Gun.
The knife is used within one of the assassination attempts upon the tower. Thinking with the audience, we know that most modern public regards a Knife for assassination purposes in killing terms. It is perfect for that initial scene due to the fact that the weapon is one that is silent throughout the whole movie. Although as not as fast and as effective as the Gun, the motion and the long timing increases the amount of suspense. We initially aim for that suspense effect at all times.
With the new project established,
we have thoroughly discussed the following:
Genre, target audience and
representations within the trailer.
The proposed genre of the film was
speculated as a gangster/violent crime story, we further developed that in
order to direct our traffic towards other audiences. Such as including varying
audiences with different tastes.
Suggestions that were made were to
change the subject of the film with a tad bit of romance for which most of us
disagreed with this idea due to the difficulties of trying to create love
within a gritty trailer. Romance was also denied due to our disinterests as
well as the lack of expertise within romance.
The idea of creating a substance
filled with action and stunts were looked into to which we all agreed to
perform tricks (Opposing health and safety at times). But this was initially
what we needed in order to create a realistic scenery and turn a weak camera
shot into one that had realistic amateur perspective.
Looking at comedy, we had all seen
the famous Rush Hour films to which revolved around various gritty plotlines
and inside jokes. We valued the comedic relationship to an extent of actually
creating that substance.
However, in the end we all knew
that with a lack of props and the combination of a low budget that we could not
succeed into creating a scene with good prospects as it would of ended up as
too amateur for the audience. Realism was the ideal objective that we had to
achieve and thus comedy was not on our list anymore.
Violence and gore-ish murdering
themes were suggested by my group member Abdul Basit with the example of the
movie ‘American Psycho’. Again, with the time constraint and lack of props, we
cannot embed such a
We also knew that the editing
programs we had could not support that composition as it did not had that
effect within (Windows Movie Maker and IMovie maker)
Since we all established that the
main plotline is the crime genre, it was obvious that fantasy and adventure was
out of the context. Embedding fantasy type styles within our trailer would
create a strange scenario to which would seem peculiar to the audience
(Although it could create curiosity to which may seem like an advantage). But
in reality, it is initially difficult to combine the two genre together.
(We also took note that creating
CGI, computer animated graphics was impossible at this stage as we knew the
amount of effort and hardship that would consume the other factors within the
trailer).
In the end, mystery was the only
combination that connected easily within our structure of the film trailer. We
had to make up for that curiosity from a different factor and this was
initially our answer. With mystery, we could involve various oddity within the
film to which should give the audience something to grasp hold off.
Before we look at the
overall options, we have extended our research from before and within time we
have found the perfect locations for each and every scenes within the thriller/action movie we are constructing.
Most importantly, we must be able to grasp hold of that
tight darkened aura/atmosphere in which will overall enhance the initial
concept of a ‘gangster’ movie. Since the main plot line is to do with a bit of
violence here and there as well with the combination of drug/narcotics
processing, the locations will be very specific to which will meet each and
everyone’s requirements.
Hong Kong
Although filmed by me quite a while ago, I offered to use a part of my clips from the Hong Kong habour upon the light show. I never thought that this would come in handy, however, it was a good idea that I convinced my family to watch the light show. The clips will be used within the the second half of the trailer where most of the violence happens. The view of the skyscrapers should entice the audience as it also should give them a hint of where this plotline takes place.
The Drama studio
A perfect setting to use as I have explained before, the
setting of this room is quite the professional one. It has all the dark and
mysterious features we could have to which we can take up to our advantage.
More on the description, the drama studio features a lot of stage processing,
black curtains and many Mis-en-scenes can be used due to sheer amount of props
we can use from.
The meeting with all the drug lords takes place in this room.
The elevator (Bowling Alley)
Although this may come up within the Mis-en-scene, the
location of this elevator is within the town’s Bowling alley. We are taking
this setting to a whole new level as we plan to initiate some sort of rising
lift scene where we may or may not introduce the character with sideline names,
however, it depends if it all fits in together in the end.
Stairway (Bowling Alley)
Nathan's monologue on Eddie Goodman takes place here. We decided that this is brilliant location for Eddie's scene due to the fact of the CCTV. With good use, we can take advantage of this by viewing behind the scenes upon the CCTV. Eddie was depicted as loud, idiotic and despairingly careless" from Nathan's monologue, we understood that to give him his sharp character qualities, we would have to keep a 'close eye' on him.
Nathans house
Nathan's house will be situated at Sam’s home, Sam has
planned all this at the beginning since he is our group leader and has readied
the house for our main protagonist Nathan. He plans to reenact a partial of the
scenes within the bathroom and the kitchen. Mirrors and many props shall be induced within the scenes)
Nathan will exit his house to attend to a meeting.
Nathan's House (Extended Pathway)
Nathan will be walking through this path to his initial destination (the meeting). We plan to film this above all
School (Tennis Court)
Only the fences from the tennis court will be used for the confrontation between Enzo Costa and the victim (Eddie Goodman). The scene will be shot in different angles so we can have the best selection out of all the others.
School Car park
Pete Crowley and Eddie Goodman's conversation takes place in this area, the car park is a suitable place for formal meetings. The plan is that they would arrive, talk and escape/leave)
Hao Zheng's punch is created at the parking lot, with less and less locations to work with, we decided that if we focused the camera into another angle, the audience would not be able to tell the difference from the other clips. We plan to let the cameraman fall as we fade to black afterwards.
School Pathway
Half of the pursuit takes place within that pathway, Enzo will be pursuing Pete. In which we need to get Enzo's perspective, we decided that Enzo will be filming whilst running to give it that realism. The jutter and the constant left and right movement makes the clip seem like the audience is as well chasing Pete Crowley. That authenticity is what we strive to aim for.
School Computer rooms
A short clip of Enzo will be filmed in this room. Nathan Monologue includes "Enzo Costa is the least incompetent out of the group of morons I am forced to work with" - In which we must portray Enzo such and such like a geek, rather, the opposite of being foolish at times. We enhanced the figure of Enzo by letting him work at two Computers at once (almost Multi tasking).
Establishing
the characters, props and setting locations
Finding
the right time slots for each member (Usually afterschool 3.30). Setting
the correct dates and free periods upon weekdays. Finding free time on
weekdays.
Granting
permissions for the locations, getting the time slots for each set.
Equipment
and props management, changing and working out the best solutions towards
the best shots.
Screenings/camera
shots and directing the movements and characters persona. Double footage
and taking more than one shots to get the best footage out of the
selection.
First
look at impressions upon the first takes and discussing the changes that
needed to be done.
Retakes
upon retakes, corrections and adjustments made throughout the footage.
Revision
upon the changes and diluting the unneeded, shaving off various elements
that may not be necessary and adding elements that may have an influence.
First
take on editing and analysing the acts upon the characters.
Discussions
upon the editing whilst still recording the retakes, Discussions on what
elements might enhance the project.
Adding
sound and various effects towards the clips, synchronizing the clips into
one continuous flow. Cut shots upon transitions made to enhance the clips.
Finalizing
the aspects of the film and analysing the flow of the production. Experimenting
upon different effects to try to reach perfection.
With Sam harvey behind the drawings, we have taken the general plot of the story and tried to extend it in a further analysis. The rounding of the whole plot should recreate a more detailed plotline.
We understand that this is a guideline and that we will improve over the coruse of production.
The first storyboard introduces Nathan Cole (Main protagonist) readying himself for the meeting. The introduction deduces that Nathan is looking at himself in the mirror, the perception we try to infer is point that Nathan has a suspicious personality to his character.
The socila life of Nathan Cole is also used to let the audience determine Nathan's character - such including the drinking is coffee, changing his clothes, wearing his coat and tie.
The second storyboard induces the meeting with the drug lords. Nathan reaches to his destination and is the first person to be there respectively. The other crew members join afterwards one by one by one. Monologue speech enters as Nathan describes each and every one of the drug lords.
The storyboard ends with Nathan shooting at Hao Zheng which creates this cliffhanger.
