LO4: Proposed Certification Against BBFC Criteria

Under the BBFC criteria our short film would be classed as 12 or 12A. This is because the film features infrequent use of strong language, drug references and gambling. However it is not glamourized, therefore the film would be given a 12/12A rating under BBFC criteria.

Based against feedback from our screening 3/5 people agreed that the 12 rating was the most suitable rating. Their reasons stated were relevant and we took this into account when deciding on the rating. This has informed our decision to class the film a 12.

LO4: Group Screening + Feedback

Here we gathered a group of people of varying ages to watch out short film.

I asked the group what they thought of our short film. Below are some of the comments made.

 

"I liked the ending, it was very mysterious."
 

"The picture quality was superb."
 

"I didn't see that coming."
 

"The backing music set the mood well." 
 

"That guy had a very convincing American accent."
 

"I thought it was well made."

"Quite dark."
 

The feedback given was very positive. We feel that our film was a success.

I also asked the group what they though the BBFC classification for the short film should be.

The results were:

3 votes for a rating of 12
1 vote for a rating of 15
1 vote for a rating of PG

I then asked them to state their reasons.

Comments made:

Rated 12 because:
"There are obvious implications of drug use and gambling"

Rated 15 because:
"The mood and tone of the film feels quite dark so I'd say a 15."

Rated PG because:
"I don't think its that high because its all implied and its not been promoted."

based on these results it seems that a 12 rating is the most suitable rating. Against BBFC criteria this is a realistic classification. 

LO3: Final Film

LO3: Linking Audio To Visuals & Applying Audio Effects

Above we have experimented with the audio to remove hissing and other unwanted sounds. We then linked and synced it with the viusals shown to complete the footage.

LO3: Applying Appropriate Visual Effects & Transitions

Before Sharpen Applied; Image is slightly blured.

After Sharpen Applied; Image is clearer and presents higher quality.

Before Sharpen Applied; Image is slightly blured.

After Sharpen Applied; Image is clearer and presents higher quality.

Before Sharpen Applied; Image is slightly blured.

After Sharpen Applied; Image is clearer and presents higher quality.

LO3: Online Edit

LO3: Offline Edit + Review

Review of Offline Edit

Our offline edit is a the first rendition of our film without any visual and audio effects. This is seen in the edit as the audio levels are inconsistent. As well as this there are areas where scenes seem to be out of focus which will be solved in the final edit by applying sharpen to it.

Overall our offline edit we feel is refined enough to tell the story needed. However the first rendition needs work on the audio and visual effects need to be used in places to raise the overall quality of the film. We feel that no shots need to be re-filmed and our generally happy with the camera and performance of our actors.

To improve in next rendition:

- Visual effects
- Audio edit 
- Backing track
- re-record audio in places
- Insert establishing shots to fill 30 second gap

LO3: Edit Decision List

LO3: Logging Rushes

LO2: Evidence Of Following The Style & Conventions Of The Mystery Genre

This screenshot here follows the styles and conventions of our genre; mystery. In this shot we have an shot filmed from a distant under a bright light in a dark room. This type of setting is used in film for shady bussinuess and general mischief.  This means for the content of our film the setting a shot is appropriate. The shot type allows implies that a threat is happening. This is shown by the threat having his back to us and the 'victim' backed up against the wall. Since the shot is in the corner the setting is dark, which contrast well with the very bright light that creates a suitable mood following the styles and convention of our chosen genre.

The same applies to this shot. Having the room inclosed within a space gives the setting a mysterious setting which is enforced by the fact that the room is private; not been shared with in an open area. The shot taken is from the back of our main character. This is shot follows style and conventions by trackinf from the back which hides his expressions meaning we can not interupt his thoughts which adds mystery to the scene.

Mystery is further shown by the shot because the heads of our characters are out of frame. This hides thier identites from the viewer adding mystery and intrique to the situations. Which as previously mentioned is renfrorced by a single light source and the pool table. This follows the style and conventions due to the aforementioned reasons.

The pool table and equipment is often used in pubs and bars were people will typically in film conduct shady bussinues. Having the equipment used like this further increases the suitability of the film as well as carrying out style and conventions by having the character carry out thier bussiness disqused by a pool match.

As mentioned in the second shot conventions are carried out by having his back to us which hides his thoughts. This shot is froma further distance this time which allows the shot to encompass more sceneary to expand the setting and reveal the bar in full. This means that some of the mystery first presented is revealed by the shot.

LO2: Following The Production Process

During this project we have followed the production process of a short film with precision.

First of all we started with started with the concept. We had various discussions about what type of film would meet the brief (in duration and genre) and in general a concept that we would all enjoy.

We pitched various ideas to each other and discussed them in meetings and via email.

After we decided on our idea we created the pre-production documentation. We went already had an idea for the location since it came up in discussion during the concept. We decided on a pool bar to fit the story and was close enough that we could all travel to the location without struggle.

We sat as a group and went through scripting and storyboarding.

After producing this documentation we secured our equipment and set a date and time.

On location we set up equipment storyboards, scripts and gathered the necessary actors. We discussed the order of filming (chronological is the most logical) and started filming. At some points during production we acquired further footage incase we thought we might need other shots when editing. An example of this was a focus on the main light that lit the pool table. 

After we finished filming we took our footage back to the computer and sorted our footage into usable footage and then further into folders from 1-15 of the different scenes needed to speed up editing. 

Whilst editing the first rendition we created and logged rushes as well as an edit decision list. Once the footage was in place we exported this as an offline edit.

We then sat and edited the film as a team putting the necessary music tracks and re-recorded audio in the correct places as well as applying visual effects when needed. 

After we decided our film was complete. We exported the film and showed it to a focus group to gain feedback.

Due to the above process we believe that we have accurately followed the production process accurately.

LO2: Evidence Of Appropriate Equipment, Follwing Scripting & Safe Working Practices

In the above image we have provided evidence from one of our rushes that we followed script/storyboards, set up appropriate equipment and followed safe working practices.

In the image Ahmed (left) is shown to be holding a Canon 650D with a rode microphone attachment. This demonstrates that we set up appropriate equipment. A rode microphone is attached to the top of the camera to capture better quality audio. This was set up appropriately since speech is used throughout of film. 

Ahmed is also shown to have the camera strap around his neck which means that the camera can dangle from his neck when he lets go of the camera. This means that the equipment is carefully used so that the camera can not be broken or cause potential harm to us. This means we have shown evidence that we followed safe working practices; this is also enforced by the fact that Ahmed is holding the camera with his hand as well as using the strap.

Safe working practices were also followed by carefully consideration when using equipment. As you can see when not in used the snooker cue is placed out of the way balanced on the chair. The cue is positioned so that it can not cause potential harm to the us or our equipment. The snooker cue also presents further evidence that we set up appropriate equipment by using suitable props for the film that enhances the films meaning and impact. 

Appropriate equipment is also shown through out props as seen on the pool table where our packages are placed. As previously mentioned this shows that we have used suitable props to further enhance the meaning of the film and impact on the viewer. Other props set up include the positioning of the chairs the coca-cola, wallet and paper placed on the desk which add character to the set.

We have also evidenced that during the film we followed the scripts and storyboards. They are shown in the shot placed on the table. This was where is was placed throughout filming so that we could refer to it throughout production whilst the script/storyboard were out of immediate sight in the shot. 

We filmed at Riley's Pool Bar on Monday 6th of April 2015. Between 11:00 - 14:00. During this session we filmed the entire short film.

Below are pictures of the membership card we acquired to gain entry.

LO1: Call Sheet

LO1: Daily Shooting Schedule

LO1: Risk Assessment

LO1: Location Recce

LO1: Set Design

LO1: Production Plan

LO1: Storyboarding

LO1: Script

Characters: 1(First hustled) 2(Hustler) 3 (Dead guy) 4(Supplier)

2: YO! Are you ready to lose your money?

1: Are you talking to me?

2: Who do you think I'm talking to?

1: Alright alright, we'll see.

(PLAYER 1 LOSES)

1: (SIGHS)

2: Where's my money at?

1: (PASSES MONEY) I'll get you next time, watch.

2: (Pockets money)

2: (Answers call or calls supplier)

2: Yo, what's good (to 4) I'll get your money to you later don't worry. I'll speak to you soon. (HANGS UP).

2: (Walks out of room, towards the bar and sees 3, approaches him).

2: Who wants to play next? Who wants to lose their money?

3: I'll play, how much?

2: I've not seen you around here before, how much you got?

3: I've seen you around though,

2:Everyone's seen me, what's your name?

3: 3.

2: Ok, 3 how much you want to play for?

3: £20?

2: 'ight

(WALK BACK INTO ROOM AND PLAY)
(Improvised conversation whilst they play and 2 wins)

3: Damn, you're good.

2: Thanks , I know.

3: You want to make this a bit more interesting?

2: How?

3: Let's play for all that in your pocket?

2: 1k?, You sure?

3: Yes, put it on the table.

2: I hope you're going to pay when you lose.

(BOTH PLACE MONEY ON THE TABLE AND GAME STARTS, 3 WINS AFTER 2 POTS WHITE AFTER BLACK)

3: Looks like it's mine,

2: What the, come on , let's have a rematch? That wasn't serious.

3: (GRABS MONEY AND WALKS OUT, STOPS) Yes it was,  and by the way do you remember (Brother's name) you sold him some (product) that he overdosed on.

2: I've never sold anything dodgy, what are you talking about, where are you going?

2: (SIGHS AND REACHES INTO BAG TO PULL OUT WEAPON)

4: (CALLS 2, ASKS ABOUT MONEY)

2: (IN A FRUSTRATED VOICE) Don't worry I'll get it, just give me a bit more time please.

4: (I NEED IT OR BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN)

2: Really don't worry man, I'll get it to you.

4: (DON'T THINK OF RUNNING!)

2: (GOES ON BALCONY AND LOOKS IF HE CAN SEE 3)

(REACHES INTO POCKET AND STARTS SCROLLING ON PHONE)

(FINDS FACEBOOK PAGE OF 3)

4: (TEXTS, YOU'LL BE SORRY)

END

LO1: Requirements

LO1: Budgeting

LO1: Plot Synopsis

Plot Synopsis

A con artist is coning people at a pool bar. When he finishes he has a conversation with his supplier for a deal. Afterwards he asks another man if he wants to start a game, he then beats the man 5 times in a row and takes him for most of his money, then on the man asks the con artists if he wants to raise the stakes and play for 20k. The con artist accept but gets 8balled. The man then says "Thanks to your deal I lost my brother" and exits the bar. The con artist in a rage goes after the man but is interrupted by a phone call from his supplier asking for the money he is owed. After the phone call he looks for details on the man's brother on his phone and finds that he had died 3 years ago. He then gets a text saying "You'll be sorry".

LO1: Treatment

TREATMENT: Unit 41: Production and Post-Production of film

WHAT IS THE BRIEF?

We must create a short film/documentary that will be suitable to show at the Showroom Shorts event. The film/documentary must be a maximum of 10 minutes long. For this unit we must work in a different genre to the one of Unit 46.

WHO IS THE AUDIENCE?

The audience is for those who like mystery and will be targeted at a teenage audience and above.

Segment synopsis and how it relates to the brief:

After input from Rob Speranza we believe it will be suitable to do a film in the genre of mystery.

Con artist meets his comeuppance after he comes across a mystery man.

KEY DATES FOR EACH KEY MILESTONE DEADLINES:

Starting from: 13/3/15

Week 1 – 8: All filming to be done by week 5.

Key Deadline: 4/5/15

EQUIPMENT:

·         2 x Cannon 650D

·         Tripod

·         Wide angle lens

·         Shotgun Mic

·         iMac

·         Adobe After Effects/Final cut

PROPS AND MODELS:

·         3 actors aged around 17 – 25

·         Mobile phone

·         Car

·         Money or something expensive

·         Pool table and kit

HEALTH AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS:

·         Tripping

·         Improper use of props

·         Risk of injury from pool kit

LEGAL AND ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS:

Misrepresentation and stereotyping of groups.

Could involve mild tension.

Features Of A Short Film Vs Feature Length Film

- A short films length means that the story can be delivered quickly and effectively instead of dragging out like some feature films.

- Cliff hangers and other endings that don't conclude are more satisfactory and generally accepted in short films.

- Can be viewed in mass unlike a feature length films.