Just a case of red tape

Right, after Tuesday`s tutorial, I`ve been reminded about how we homo sapiens like to wrap ourselves up in red tape. Yes, you`ve guessed it (my imaginary blog visitor and maybe-perhaps-but-what-am-I-hoping-reader), it`s time for some bureaucracy...or as they call it in the business...PRODUCER stuff!

So, seeing that I want to film on University Park campus, I sent out emails asking for permission...I hope I do get an answer by the weekend.

Next on the list of excruciatingly dull things to do: reading up on licensing from Freeplay music. What an incredibly titillating, yet misguiding name.

They have some `interesting` price lists, I`ve given a look at some that might come in handy in the near-future.

I know....rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrriveting, isn`t it?

But Everybody`s Doin` it! part 1

Tadaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Here is my Simulated Client Project proposal (yes, I could crack a few jokes about "simulation" in Romanian, but I won`t).

BUT EVERYBODY`S DOIN` IT


(Working title)


CONTEXT AND MOTIVATION

`But Everybody`s Doin` it` is a short stop-motion animation about young peoples` attitude towards the subject of digital piracy, and most importantly, to the censure it instigates in public debates. Its aim is to show how for young people, the possibilities the internet opens up for seeking, sharing, acquiring data of all kind, proves to be as irresistible as a candy store with no limit on how much you can take. Most importantly, it instigates a Jekyll-and-Hyde bi-polarity within an individual, as students contemplate (briefly) the moral conundrum of digital theft and self-gratification, only to then fall into temptation and continue downloading and sharing content. However there is always a justification for this, in each individual`s mind: `Everybody`s doin` it! `.

TREATMENT

The piece starts off with our main character, a respectable looking young woman who the viewer can assume is either a student or a junior staff member, casually strolling out of a café with a cup in her hand. She is having a break and after finding a nice spot, sits down, takes out her laptop and begins typing. The camera closes in over her shoulder to reveal the pages she is surfing. All of them seem so tempting: a song she really likes on YouTube, that DVD on Amazon. Sure enough, after a few seconds of pondering, she looks around with a guilty look on her face, to make sure nobody is watching. As this happens, an IM window pops-up on her monitor with the message `come on, everybody`s doin` it`, as if to say `don`t be silly, we all know what you`re about to do, we all did it`. Relieved, she starts clicking away on the download buttons that appear on her screen. Progress bars run to completion like mad, and as all of this happens on her laptop, we can see short glimpses of the young woman, slowly undergoing a metamorphosis, turning into a Hyde-like character, with a mad grin on her face, dishevelled hair, make-up stains and more rugged clothes. Her gestures also become spasmodic. The animation stops as there is a fault in the internet connection and everything reverts back to normal, as if in a dream.

STYLE AND RHYTHM

The reference to R.L. Stevenson`s work would normally bring to mind a Victorian setting. Yet, what I have in mind is another era of split-personality with regards morals and desires: the 1950s. Thus, the animation will have pale, delicate colours (baby blue, light yellow, candy floss pink, etc), with the exception of the intense red (see sample picture).

As the metamorphosis happens, the colours will be even more desaturated, until almost black and white.

The rhythm will be even and rather slow until the character`s transformation, after which it will increase to suggest the frantic nature of the search for `booty`, reverting back to the initial tempo right at the end.

LENGTH

The estimated length of this piece is 2-3 minutes.



LOCATION

The location of choice is University of Nottingham`s park campus, outside the café (see sample pictures).

MUSIC

The sound will reflect the somewhat carefree, happy-go-lucky feel of 1950s commercials. Prospective songs to be used from FreePlay.com are:

Summer Night Party

Duration: 2 minutes, 17 seconds

Composed by: Pierre Langer, SESAC (50%), Scott P. Schreer, BMI (50%)

Published by: Dynamedion Publishing, SESAC (50%), Freeplaymusic, BMI (50%)


Lucky Sun

Duration: 2 minutes, 1 second

Composed by:Pierre Langer, SESAC (50%), Scott P. Schreer, BMI (50%)

Published by: Dynamedion Publishing, SESAC (50%), Freeplaymusic, BMI (50%)



EQUIPMENT

SONY Powershot Camera

ARI Lighting set

Reflective shield

Tripod

R-09 Edirol (for sound effects recording)



COSTS

Travelling costs from Peel Street-Nottingham University Campus: 20 ₤

Food and refreshments for crew and actor: 20 ₤

Make-up: 15 ₤



What`s up, DOC?

No update for quite a while now...

What happened lately to my gratious self? Well, we`ve been assigned new groups for our next project, the 10 minute documentary. Our working title is `Black Ice`, and the process of getting the subject right has been interesting and subject to debate in the group. Originally, being my usual politics geek, I suggested having the use and abuse of the environmental issue by left wing and right wing party, green movements and corporate politics as our main guiding line, but given the complexity of the subject (basically, if you read through the lines....people found this stuff booooooooooring...sheesh, who would have thought?!) and the brevity of our documentary, it would be better to look for a different approach. So, change of plans, and the new (and improved) documentary is:

A tale of scientific fumbling, seasoned with cruel intentions to create one of today’s most sizzling topics, in other words…

A historical perspective on the development and transformations of the notion of the greenhouse effect and its consequences (global warming, climate change). The journey from a scientific curiosity to a hotly debated issue that has found its way into politics and popular culture.

Sounds sexy, I know!

Anyway...

In terms of visuals, besides the interviews and some B Roll footage that we`ll have filmed in a `realistic` manner, we have agreed to have some cut-out animations. Soud treatment will rely heavily on cartoony effects, to match the animated sequences, keeping the `realistic` tone in the adequate shots. 

The crew:

Diana Sabau - Director, Researcher, Writer

Hollie Taylor - Producer

Joe Lau - Director of Photography

James Pratt - Editing, Camera Assistant

Hugo De Morais - Sound, Lighting

Lindsey Puylaert - Sound & Lighting Assistant, Runner

Props Lis(z)t!

Props list for Bogdan:

EXT. LEGAL OFFICE. DAY (DICe)

• handbag
• files
• portfolio
• cigarettes/ bottle of water
• folder (for Bogdan)

EXT. DAY. (Tramstop at Forest Field)

• cigarettes
• letter (with school logo)
• watch

INT. LEGAL OFFICE. DAY (York House)

• law books from Boots
• computer (Macs from 207 Wav?)
• desk lamp (?)
• pens
• mug
• files
• stationery
• graduation photos
• picture frame
• pins
• calendar
• diploma
• diary
• airline ticket

INT. APARTMENT. NIGHT

• pictures (son & wife)
• picture frames
• Romanian/English books
• Ro/Eng Dictionary
• chessboard
• stationery
• plate
• knife
• fork
• newspapers
• ironing table
• Rubik`s cube (?)

 

Bogdan - Day 0

Monday, 16th November...alright people, note that date down in your calendars, for you shall look back upon that day as a turning point in the history of mankind. Yes, we have started rehearsing for our uni project, Bogdan...and yes, we have focused today on the exterior shots, which proved to be an initiation rite into the glorious realm of movie making, under a drape of clouds and rain and generally horrible weather. Thinking back to the editing suite...it just warms me up with memories of coziness and hot chocolate. But back to the real world.

Main thing today, we had to relocate for the legal office exterior shot. Reason: the car park at the previous location proved to be too much of a problem, and also, the general feel of the surrounding area felt unconvincing today. We are still near the DICe building, but have moved to another entrance. We feel that the ramp and the rails can be useful for adding depth to the shot, and also, the tracking shots on the ramp that we`ve tried seem to add dynamism to the scene. Duncan has drawn up a shot list for the location, with 2-3 backup angles in case we are unable to get the desired shots in time on the day. As camera operator, I find the opening shot the most difficult, as it involves a tilt, matched by the coming into the scene of Bogdan, and then a track on a diagonal line across the frame, and ending in a pan to follow the lawyer as she catches up with the main character. It is possible of course, but I really need to work on my pace and coordination.

Umar has also been recording some of the sound effects, mainly ambient sound and some footsteps.

The second location for the day was the tram stop at Hyson Green. We talked about various angles we could shoot from but unfortunately couldn`t try them out, because the weather got really bad and we had to be back in time to hand in the equipment (we`ll need to bring some umbrellas for the day). Nevertheless, it might still be a good thing since we managed to get a rough idea of what we want to do.

After this, we had a meeting trying to think about the props for each scene and we will then see who can provide what. Also, we are still having a bit of trouble with the interior office location. We have been looking at some group work rooms in Boots Library, and I will try to talk to someone at York House reception to see if we can get something.

Picture this...

Since we have agreed to use the tram station at Hyson Green for one of our locations for the Bogdan script, I decided to take a look at the location again and try to think of some interesting camera angles. I know that the results might be very deceiving, as in the absence of a model, I had to add a silhouette for where the character might be placed within the frame, and it is likely that in terms of size the pictures are not really trustworthy. Still, I hope that they will be useful for tomorrow`s practice as a guideline. 

I`ve tried to place the subject near the vanishing points created by different elements within the frame. Also, it might be a good idea to try a shallow focus on some of them.

(Bog)Dan, capitan de plai...

...don`t worry, you will only get this reference if you have studied Romanian literature. As part of our project 3 we have been given the Bogdan script, a story that has as its main character a Romanian immigrant. As the previous working script we have been given, this one is also fairly ambiguous, which gives us freedom to develop our story in different directions. After a meeting last week, I have been assigned to do a character study for Bogdan, given that we wanted to avoid the all-too-obvious `Tom Hanks in Terminal portraying the imbecile yet resourceful immigrant` kind of scenario. Given my insight into Romanian society in general, we agreed that it would be a pity not to make use of this advantage. So, here is my study, focusing on creating a background story for the character (revolving around the issue of why he left his country), and trying to draw a few guidelines in as much as appearance and age are concerned.

Bogdan

- Character study-

Reason for leaving Romania

Bogdan was formerly an engineer working on a construction project that got massive funding. At realizing the corruption and machinations for money laundering that went on under the cover of the project, he decided to get out (for both ethical, but most importantly, personal safety considerations as we shall see later on). At this point though, his abrupt departure gave rise to suspicions within the press, anxious to know why a specialist would leave a well-paying job so suddenly, and while all things seemed to be running smoothly. Also, his superiors want him on the project because his being a specialist with no political affiliations and no business ties gave the team an aura of respectability. When Bogdan refuses to go back on his decision (he knows that if he does, he will be made into a scapegoat once the affair boils over), his colleagues threaten to sue him for breach of contract and mishandling of public funds. Bogdan leaves the country, hoping that his absence will make him invisible, and give no further fuel for the attacks and investigations of the press, thus making him a less inconvenient witness for his superiors. Having been to the UK a few years earlier during a professional training course, and having a reasonably good job prospect and social network to rely, he decides to move to the country to start anew. Yet, Bogdan receives some bad news from home: as a result of a fake anti-corruption campaign started off by a rival political party against Bogdan`s superiors (members of another political party), the press`s attention on the case has not diminished, quite the contrary, so now, Bogdan`s colleagues have put their threats to practice (they have started legal action against him). This creates a series of problems for Bogdan, who has trouble with applying for his job because of the legal conundrum and, subsequently, has a hard time preparing the ground for the arrival of his family. This is where our story picks up.  

Clothing

(Business) casual, a bit `boring`, mainly white or pastel-colored shirts, jumpers, jeans or black pants, coat (see photos)

Age

Around his mid 40s, which means he is still likely to make the decision to move to another country (social mobility decreases with age) but explains his need for a dictionary. Note: the generation that studied foreign languages before 1989 has acquired its knowledge from school and books exclusively; as there were no foreign TV programs on the network (communist regime banned them). So, there is a certain `school-like feeling` to this generation`s mastery of a foreign language and for Bogdan, who has been using English intermittently over the years during his work, his knowledge is uneven. Also, he is likely to be meticulous and diligent in his updating of English, this explains his note taking and his consulting the dictionary. 

Items

Turkish style coffee is very popular with Romanians and there is a strong cultural reference to Kent cigars (they were the most sought after foreign brand during the communist years, as many Romanians are heavy smokers). Suitcases are common for any man working in a white collar business, and since we assume Bogdan is a middle aged man, his choice of glasses is more `classic`.

 Now, let`s see what herr direktor comes up with!

Day 0.4

Tuesday:

After having a light and camera rehearsal on Monday, as well as having a meeting to go over the changes made to the script, we decided to move all the equipment to the location where we`re going to do the filming on Wednesday. The locations, a cellar, a kitchen, and an outside look of a house, have all been risk assessed by Alan and we have been given permission to film. He also arranged for the transport of the group to the location.

The kitchen:

The cellar:

The house:

We split-up into two groups: Ryan, who is in charge with sound (pre-)recording and Alan have set out to capture some of the sound effects that we will be needing for the final editing, and the rest of the group (Abdul, myself, Duncan and Umar) was busy coming up with different ideas for camera/lights angles/position and help put them into practice. Lighting the kitchen has been quite a challenge, and I am still not sure if I am happy with the result (I get to much exposure on certain parts of the face), but we have marked out the places for the set-up we have tried today, so tomorrow hopefully we can start from there and come up with some last minute ideas to solve that problem. Abdul has also drawn up a floor plan. The lighting for the cellar scenes looks more promising. We have used one of the lights and had it bouncing of the wall, and made it look like its source is a lamp that is placed just near the subject. I suggested using a CTB gel, because the CTO one just seemed to soft and tangerine-like. Also, the colour treatment of the kitchen scene required something similar, I think, so as not to have too stark a contrast between the two scenes.

We have had some troubles with the actors...with the actress, to be more precise. She came down with a flu, and her presence is uncertain. Alan has come up with a back-up plan, having contacted a professional actress who might be interested. Until tomorrow though, I am afraid that`s a cliffhanger...

Day 0.3

MINUTES

Monday:

• Final draft of the script, discussed and agreed upon.
• Studio light and camera rehearsal (see photos).
• Booking equipment for Tuesday (on location rehearsal) and Wednesday (shoot).
• Health & Safety, Recce sheet completed.

Day 0.2 - An Overview

MINUTES

• A new member has joined the group, who will take up the role of sound recording

• We have got interested actors and actresses who have e-mailed back to take part in our film

• We have sent details and asked the actors to call back

• Completed a schedule for the filming and practice for all roles

• Tuesday at 2pm after lecture we will do a set rehearsal

• Wednesday at 9am we will do a dress rehearsal

• Monday at 9am, lighting and camera practice will be done before filming on Wednesday, by people undertaking these roles

• Script will be finalised on Monday (all changes)

• The risk assessment has been scheduled to be done on Monday as well

• We have had another discussion regarding our location, after having a sound lecture. We then decided a bedroom, but have now gone back to our original idea of the cellar due to sound and lighting purposes

• For all filming we have got permission from the technician to borrow equipment (e.g. camera, lights, mic etc) on specific days, when needed, whether for practice of actual filming.

Day 0.1

Today`s seminar on the sounds we would consider including in the MALac script was really good, both for brainstorming within the group and sorting out our own scenario, and for comparing ideas with the other groups. Things seem to come together now. We had to make a list of sounds for:

*Music

*Special Effects

*Voices

*Ambient

Taking into account the conditions on our selected location (which will be a basement), we realised we`ll have to do some pre-recording of special effects and also some voice-overs.

We have a new team member as well, Ryan who will do sound recording and one of the tasks. Duncan will be adding the changes and instructions we`ve added to the script and discuss the new version during our next meeting on Monday. Also on Monday, I`ve arranged to book out the studio rooms and lighting, camera and sound equipment to do some rehearsals. Abdul and Duncan will try to get in touch with the people who have already showed interest to act. Hopefully, that will be settled as soon as possible.

Now that we have a location, Alan is doing the risk assessment over the week-end and Abdul will get the story boards ready after discussing the changes with Duncan.

So, that leaves me, Ryan and Umar to do our best on Monday and get our act together with the lighting, camera work, and sound recording, respectively. Oh, and Alan will do the (pre-)production stills

Day 0

After a disastrous performance at today`s seminar (yeeeeeey to us!) we had our first meeting for the MALac film. Going over the script and discussing possible interpretations of it (shhhh, I`m not going to tell you about it for now), we have also agreed on the roles that each member of the team is going to take on.

Abdul: Producer, Editingm Camera assistant

Alan: Location manager, Health & Safety representative

Duncan: Director, Sound recording and post-production

Diana: Lighting and sound, Production assistant, Location assistant, titles designer

Umar:  Camera and lighting post-production and visual effects

Tomorrow, we are going to have another meeting, discuss some other proposals for the location (the ones we have looked at today prooved unsuitable for shooting) and hopefully get some feedback from people interested in acting (Abdul has posted an advert for the roles). If everything works out the way it SHOULD, the risk assessment should be on Jools`s desk on Monday, and we will be shooting on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Until tomorrow, I will be thinking about the title sequence, because we would have to change it quite a bit to make it match the interpretation we have given the script.

My morale is a bit low (very low) after today, so I might have a rather gloomy perspective on the outcome of our effort, but I guess the best thing to do is to look up some more tutorials and emerse myself in work, hoping things will come together eventually.