Took a while to get used to the camera and tri-pod which our group needed to practice with before starting to film the opening scene. Everyone had a quick go at practicing certain angles and shot sizes that relate to the storyboard and script. Made poster to be used in opening scene, quick 5 minute job. We then started filming which took around an hour because we were still getting used to the new features of the camera. We managed multiple shots that we could work from when editing. The acting took a little while to get into the character of 'Jerry' the main character. Everything went to plan since we followed the script and storyboard although the wind and loud noises of people talking cause distractions and background noise in the footage. After shooting we worked out after 10 minutes how to import into Adobe Premiere Pro Our editing program. After that we started editing the opening scene, while learning the editing features. Nick was camera person, Kieran acted and told what shots are used and lines to say, Logan held script and helped out with editing, Mario watched and didn't contribute much that day. Total amount of filming was around 6 minutes worth.
9/09/09- Editing opening scene
Kieran is chief editor of the overall production. I started to edit the opening scene at home, as well as figure out features that help with my editing, which took a while as the editing program is brand new to me so I started off slow. Achieved editing and cutting down around half of first scene. I did manage to increase my knowledge but struggled to find certain tools which help out with making editing easier. Made letter for main character as a prop, to be put in envelope.
10/09/09- Editing opening scene
Kieran carries on with editing opening scene. I have been learning more with the program, by trying out effects on some footage that I can use with later on in the production. Managed to cut scene down to around 40 seconds but need about 30-35 seconds. Kieran starts to locate props from the $2 shop and home, although a couple of items are difficult to find so have to try another day. I began to recruit extra actors for my film and they seem keen to part of our production and organize for them to come round saturday afternoon cause thats when they are available. Found out that Nick is available to begin shooting more scenes at his place for the weekend and Logan also available but Mario away so couldn't make it.
11/09/09- Finish editing opening scene with some effects
Kieran carries on with editing. I manage to find out about speeding up and slowing down footage with thanks to Charles. I speed up some shots in opening scene to bring down scene to 35 seconds which will have to do. Finally finish scene after a slow start with working out program, which I am still trying to work out as it is very difficult to use at the moment. We begin discussing as a group what we plan to do on the saturday for shots and begin accessing storyboard. I repeat watching opening scene to evaluate my amateur editing skills. Last day before saturday and manage to locate last couple of items for film. Kieran makes sure everything is all o.k for saturday, making sure all props are in a bag ready and that our extra actors are reminded.
12/09/09- Nick place- second time filming
Nick wakes up around 11 am So I, kieran gather camera, tri-pod, and props and get round as soon as possible and begin to set up. Unfortunately Logan forgot what time to get round so filming began later than it should. Once logan arrived, me logan and nick ran quickly though script and storyboard of scenes that we are doing. We start filming and everything is going to plan. Multiple shots are being used to give variety when editing. Started with scene 1 as it seemed the most convenient at the time. The only problem was that it was raining heavily so light was dim. But the inside lights helped out a bit more. We finished scene 1 after half an hour and began on scene 2 which went according to plan except for a bit of background noise, which we had to wait till it finished. We didn't finish all scene 2 as we needed an extra person, which was not though about before hand. So we recruited a friend at late notice to help out, which was a success. Had a quick break then friend arrived so finish scene 2 which took nearly 2 hours. Our first actor arrived at a good time but had to go in a couple of hours for work so we had to rush a little to do all the main talking parts and shots with him over certain scenes. We then found out that Logan had to go home, which was alright but meant we got less filming that day done. The tri-pod worked really well in getting the best shots and pans possible. Also found that our other actor was unable to make it which meant less shooting. After another couple hours we finished shot with actor in time before he left. Weather managed to stop raining so a couple good shots were achieved. Overall our group thought we could get all filming done, but seemed impossible as scenes were taking longer than usual so arrangements were made for the week after. Later on in the evening, imported video clips which was around 15-20 minutes worth of footage. Began editing clips, which seemed to be very time consuming as I had to choose the best clips to use and then cut them down to a suitable length. Managed around editing quarter clips. Decided on editing clips but not putting together in order until all clips ready. More went well than good on this day.
13/09/09- Editing clips- Kieran Editing
With all the clips that need to be edited, it becomes very time consuming so I have had to do more during school by sacrificing my lunchtimes. Edited around 3/4 of clips and adding some speed effects into them. I make sure it is alright for more filming at nicks. Logan, Mario and actors are working so more filming needed in a couple days.
14/09/09- Editing and Filming- third day
Editing clips during day with the time I have at school. In afternoon, around at nicks place for more filming. Weather is better so able to do outside shots for scene 4. Also managed to do scene 3 and scene 7 as only one character (main) is needed to act and do the lines. Everything went well and managed to get good shots with most used from the storyboard. All equipment is working fine with great results. kieran and nick managed to get his nicks mum for a quick acting role, which she performed to a high standard. Also managed to do a light trick by fooling the viewers that it is early morning, but actually early night in scene 7. Imported clips of about 15 minutes worth and did some more clip editing and trying out new effects at home. Was filming for around 2 hours and a half. So overall that day went great for filming, time and weather.
15/09/09- Editing and Filming- fourth day
Organise actors and group members to meet back at nicks after school. Everyone is available which turns out to be great. More editing of clips throughout school, when possible. after school kieran and nick organize underground poker scene in his garage, with all the props,chairs and tables needed. We managed to get a couple of sheets to help cover up the background, full of tools which we did not want to get in our shots. Got everything ready before Logan, Mario and actors arrived ( shaun and brad). Started doing shots and pans of everyone playing poker. It was taking a while going through kierans long list of different shots in scene5. After about and hour and a half of filming, Logan said he needed to go shortly, same with the others as everyone was getting impatient and unfocused. So Kieran decided on getting all of Logan's lines done, along with brads and Mario's one line contribution. Once logan left kieran and brad were able to do part of scene six then everyone left and we packed up for the day. So overall the filming went well although we rushed a bit and were under time pressure, which wasn't so good. Everyone just wanted to go so only about quarter of scene 5 was done and part of scene 6. A little disappointing as more could have been accomplished. That night kieran imported more footage and began editing more clips which their is much of now. This was the worst day for un-organization because people didn't contact to say they had to leave at a certain time. Although everyone had fun because it took ages for everyone to take it seriously as it was so funny.
16/09/09- Editing clips continues
Kieran continues to edit the clips and begins to put a couple of parts together in order. He begins experimenting with effects and transitions that will help to put the film together. Our group organises actors to come round tomorrow for last and final day of filming to finish scene 5 and 6.Kieran is getting faster at editing and getting along well with clips. Everyone available for last day of filming.
17/09/09- Editing and Filming-fifth day
More of editing clips during school using Adobe Premiere Pro. In afternoon everyone gathers at nicks place for rest of scene 5 and 6 to complete filming. We get all set up and ready to film but waiting on a couple of people as they are running late, so filming goes on later than expected. Once everyone arrive we begin filming mainly shots as Logan has said all his lines a couple days ago so only a few of kierans lines are needed. We manage to cut down just over a quarter of the shots/ angles from the storyboard, shots that were not necessary to complete the scene. After around 2 hours of filming and getting everything right with no interruptions except for a couple noises outside. Everything went fine for that scene as planned. After that everyone left except for kieran, Nick and Logan as we needed to finish the last quick parts of scene 6 which was completed in 10 minutes. So overall one of the best days for shooting as everyone was co-operating and sharing ideas for the movie. Later on the footage is imported on to kierans laptop where he begins to continue editing clip and adding some slow down, speed up effects to shorten the movie a bit more.
18/09/09- finish editing most of clips
Kieran carries on with editing and is the only person editing in the group. Finishing up the editing of clips is getting more difficult as you have to choose the right shots for the movie and takes along time to put together before having them in order. Have been putting some clips together to make putting it all together easier. Have trialed adding in tile for movie, which does not seem to be working and need help from the smarter people in class.
19/09/09- Finish editing clips and start putting together film in order
Throughout the saturday all editing of clips were completed for the film, just scattered across the editing timeline and in complete different order. Putting all clips in the correct order was slow and proved difficult at first because I(kieran) couldn't move certain clips backwards in the timeline. Until later on I figured out how to copy and paste certain clips at different points in the timeline. Once certain scenes were in order I added transitions, dissolves and fades to improve on film look, making it look less amateur. I also added video effects to made a part look as though its a scary thought, which the main character sees in his head and also sound thoughts overlapping clips to give the effect that he is thinking. So overall this days editing session went well as I accomplished a lot with 3/4 film clips put together.
21/09/09- Finish putting together clips in order with more effects
Clips eventually all go together in order and all transitions in the clips completed. Began to discuss songs and music beats to use in the film with group members. Managed to cut some more clips and parts of clips out, also speed up some clips as well to decrease the total time of the film as it exceeded over 9 minutes and a half. Got the actors and group members to look at progress of film and seems to be going great although not long left before it has to be handed in.
22/09/09- Going over and checking editing and effects
Found out how to do the opening titles for film which have turned out alright, might have to change later on. Found out how to do the credits with photos and bloopers next to it going at the same time, which looks cool and will use in the production. Cut out a few more clips to cut the total time down a little more. Kept checking over to see that everything is fine and that their are no mistakes. Planning to edit in opening titles and credits in the last stage of editing. Getting some specific music next day so I can edit some music in , which is one of the last things to edit in. At the moment no major concerns just have to work on finishing the film.
23/09/09- Add in some music to film
Started experimenting with a couple of songs in the main scenes. Experimenting with sound levels for when the characters speak by lowering decibels and fading in and out the music. Takes a lot of time to work out new effects in the editing program but managed after a couple hours and is beginning to look really good now.
24/09/09- Putting all music, credits, titles into film and completing
Last day for putting absolutely everything together that is due. Major problem faced because my(kieran) Itunes broke down so I had to wait for a while before I could get up to nicks and get the music that I needed. Once I got the music I started finding songs that would be good for the film, around eight or so. Used parts of the songs in different areas of the film which happened to be very time consuming and difficult as I had to change the sound levels every time a character spoke. Once all the main music parts were added into the film I began adding in titles at the start which was very easy. Checked over a couple more times. Added credits in which took a while to get just right. Also managed to get clips and pictures in the credits as well, thanks to effects in Adobe Premiere Pro. I then watched the film for the final time after a good 3-4 hours work of editing. Then imported in Adobe Media Encoder to process and make the film alive. So overall, very time consuming but worth it in the end with the final product.
