Production

Test shots #1

Test Footage #2

Test pictures of filming locations

Production Diary

Day 1

Today was our first day of filming for our first draft of our film trailer and we divided up the filming and decisions between us all. We filmed the shots that take place in a bedroom for the beginning of the trailer and the car scene. I filmed shots during the bedroom scene in which Elli Aimee and Kate are getting ready, in order to maintain a professional look I experimented with different light levels and camera angles in order to make sure the shots were effective and clear. Whilst other were filming  I suggested possible compositions and camera angles for other shots but also was an actor is multiple scenes playing the character Alex in the bedroom scene and in the car scene which we filmed later. In the car scene I am driving the car and with Elli in the passenger seat and Kate behind me, we had to adjust the camera angle slightly so the light wouldn't effect my concentration or shine in the interior mirrors. 

Day 2 - 2nd November

Today we filmed a variety of scenes to test lighting, sound and different camera angles. I participated in filming scenes such as the balloon scenes and the entrance scene, but also was also acting in others. When talking the role of filming I experimented with both close up and wide shots and high or low angle shots to ensure a variety of shots to choose from. It was also important to test different lighting as when it comes to filming the final product, it will be important to ensure the lighting level is constant. We chose to film on an alternate camera to test the different quality of the cameras and the sound levels, will we also compare them to choose which one will be suitable for the final cut.

Day 3 - 14th November

In order to meet the deadline of composing our first draft we began editing the trailer together using iMovie. We divided the trailer editing between the 4 of us so that we edited 20 seconds each, I edited the first 20 seconds together and tried a variety of different sequences and transitions to test which would look best. I used slow motion on the first clip of a vodka and slightly longer clips within the first 20 seconds as typically film trailers set the scene and build tension as it they progress. I used transitions such as Fade to Black and Cross Blur to create  professional transitions between differing shots and also  to break up long sequences of film. I broke up the clips at the beginning of the sequence of Me, Kate and Aimee getting ready with  some natural shots of us laughing to convey our happiness and friendship prior to any events within the trailer. By putting a shot of the alcohol at the start of the trailer it also shows that we are drinking alcohol and are likely to be excited for the night to come and also conveys the the relationship between us as characters. 

We also recorded the voice overs to add over the draft trailer, I spoke as the character Alex and we used to the script to ensure the voice overs are in the correct position.

Day 4 - 25th November

We began filming for our final movie trailer, we filmed for the getting ready scenes, street scenes and bedroom scenes. I was acting in all 3 parts of filming but also participated in filming scenes. We decided to use a different camera to film these scenes to make them a higher quality and used a tripod to stabilise the shots. During the party scene we used a strobe light as we found this was conventional during this type of scene in similar products.

Audience Questionnaire.

In order to ensure we are targeting our prospective audience effectively, we have created a survey for our target audience to answer following our test shots. The results will help us when filming for our final trailer to produce a professional piece that appeals to our target audience.

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Audience Feedback on our test footage

The results from our survey show that 100% of those who answered answered that our test footage shows conventional costumes for teenagers. 

100% of those who answered also said that based on our film synopsis included within our pitch, would watch the film when completed. This suggests that our film will successfully target our prospective audience and also is conventional for the genre.  

The feedback given to us will help us to improve the future draft and any filming. 

1st draft of our trailer

This is the first draft of our film trailer although the sound, music  and voice over needs to be added or edited to complete it.

ANCILLARY TASKS

Magazine

This was my first draft for my ancillary product, I later improved this following more research.

This is my final improved ancillary task.

For the ancillary tasks following our trailer, i decided to use an image of Aimee, Elli and Kate. I split the image into thirds included and Elli in the middle in a darker clothing to connote the negativity of her character within the film. For the background image i used an image of TV interference to connote the obscurity of the film but also linked it to the colour scheme of the no signal screen on a TV. I decided to use a theme or inspiration for the colour scheme as it will create a brand identity that will be recognisable across the ancillary products. An example of this technique being used is in the film Spring Breakers, the theme of neon bar/nightclub light colours is used across the ancillary products and also carries on the theme of the film as it centres around alcoholism. I decided to use the interference screen on TV as it signifies the break in communication between the friendship and the interference Elli's character causes.

I later improved my ancillary task to created a more professional and conventional appearance, incorporating more of the colour scheme from the film poster into it to enforce a brand identity.

Film poster 

First draft of Film poster

Improved film poster,

I decided to add the date at the bottom of the poster and rearranged the sub-line.

Film Poster

The image I decided to use for my film poster features 3 of the characters walking away with Elli in the middle as she is the main character, also she is looking back toward the camera to create an intimidating effect toward the audience. The darkness of the street shows creates an atmosphere for the film and suggests the type of events that shall feature within the film. The outline of the buildings in the background suggest a city/built up area, a setting conventional for the genre.

2nd Draft trailer