EDITING- lighting

Our lighting was all natural lighting apart from the flashing lights to mimic the game playing in one clip. The lighting editing was the quickest part as it did not need a lot of focus, we just needed to make the images slightly more clear in our trailer so that it looked as professional as it could: this was all done on Final Cut Pro.

First the clip was imported and to every clip we did the following:

The 'Vibrancy' effect was added as it gave the picture a clearer viewing and also aided in making the colours stand out. This was most important for the clips of the actual internet filmed onscreen because every colour had to show in order to make it look more vibrant, of course, and to make the quality of the filming seem even more clear.

Just to make the quality a bit more defined the 'Crisp Contrast' effect was added. This merely made the picture more outlined as well as appearing clear and vivid so our audience could inspect every detail of the teaser trailer.

Voice Over- Trial and Error

In our original storyboard and when planning our trailer, it was said from the start that the voice over would be used in the teaser trailer as this is a common convention. A reminder of the script:



"Enter a medium. Social Networking.
A Place where you can be who want to be.
Become your fantasy.
But what if your fantasy is to manipulate, deceive and impersonate.
What if your fantasy is to be something you're not."


In order to record this, we allocated someone we knew who we thought would be ideal for doing the voice over and proceeded to record it. This was done in the recording studio at school, and we had booked a day to do this. The whole procedure was done by Ella in the live room where she read out the script and we paced it according to the speed of the trailer by giving hand signals. Then when Ella was one, I went on to removing any static sounds done via a Mac on Adobe Audition by going onto 'Effects'--> 'Amplitude and Compression'--> 'DeSsor'. It was then completed by adjusting the threshold and dragging the first line where the dark green area is back to take the static away.

When putting the voice over onto the Mac for it to be used on Final Cut Pro it was only necessary that the voice over was saved into our area, ready to put on iTunes and then put into our trailer. Once this was done, we dragged it into our trailer once everything was in place, so that was the music and all the clips in the order that we wanted them to be in. However, when playing the whole final thing with the voice over, it was needless to say that it did not cohere with the trailer at all and sounded 'messy' with the music and the occasional dialogue. The voice over did not work well also because we figured that even if we were to redo it, we would never be satisfied with any voice we tried out. This then lead to the decision of excluding it from our trailer completely.

  

ALTERNET TYPOGRAPHY

Our typography needed to fit with our psychological drama, showing a clear representation of technology and/or social networking. I designed several based on other typography’s that shared the same conventions as our film.

TYPOGRAPHY ONE

All editing was done using Microsoft Publisher.

• After researching the name of the font used for the facebook logo, I found it on MyFonts.com and used it for our film title. I made the text white (as it would be on Facebook) and the background a darker colour. This meant when editing it,  could make the background transparent.
• I used a print screen of my facebook for the image behind the text.
• I ensured I had a friend request and typed our catch phrase into the search bar. This means every element of our typography fits in entirely with the facebook theme, linking it directly to social networking.
• The friend request is a strong image within our media products as it is where the plot all begins. We have also placed footage of a friend request at the beginning of our trailer.
• This links in with our cultural link and the idea of an anonymous identity on the internet.
• I replaced the ‘facebook’ home button with ‘alternet’, by covering the original word with blue box (the same shade used for Facebook) and placing our film title over it. This pulled the whole typography together.
• 
  

Long Banner (suitable for website)

Long Banner (without home, settings and privacy options)

Short Banner (suitable for poster)

This typography would be very effective on our website, imitating a facebook banner, and also across our poster, however, would not blend in well over footage within our trailer and appear unprofessional.

TYPOGRAPHY TWO

All editing was done using Microsoft PowerPoint, Photoshop and Final Cut Pro.

• After finding a minimalistic font on MyFonts.com, I inserted it as an image on PowerPoint.

• I softened the edges slightly and added a light blue glow effect to link in with the idea of technology.

• I then imported this edited version into Photoshop where I used the smudge tool to drag across sections of the letters and imitate a glitch like effect.
• I adjusted the contrast and saturation slightly, before the image was ready to edit in Final Cut Pro.
• We overlaid the text onto a mid shot of our character standing against a blank, white wall, adding a fade in and ‘bad TV’ effect only to the text. This further added to idea of the text glitching.
• After tweaking the colour of the whole clip, making it appear more bold and higher in contrast, we exported it and placed it into iMovie at the end of our Trailer.

Typography 2

This typography is suitable for our trailer due to its interesting effects/animation. However, would have to be still if used on our poster or website.

TYPOGRAPHY THREE

All editing was done using iPiccy.com

• After generating another minimalistic font using MyFonts.com, with white text against a black background, i imported the image onto iPiccy.com to edit.

• I added a 'Scanlines' and 'Pixelate' effect to make it look more like it was an image of a computer screen displaying the typography. I also added a slight blue dint to make it appear more electronic.
• These effects helped link in with the conventions of our trailer such as technology.

Typography 3

This last typography would be suitable for all our productions, however I feel it could be mistaken for sci-fi or thriller, depending on how each production is constructed.

CATFISH WEBSITE

• This is the first view you get when visiting the 'Catfish' website.
• The trailer pops up immediately and the option to skip it is in the top right hand corner.

• When the trailer is clear from the screen, this is the initial view of the website.
• A large mouse cursor, similar to the one seen on the 'Catfish' typography, replaces your original cursor. This makes your experience more relevant to the film.
• The Typography is the main image in the middle of the the screen, and no other images are show on the web page.
• The lack of imagery along with the catch phrase keep a sense of mystery about the film. "Don't let anyone tell you what it is." gives nothing away but also links in with the idea that the film is about the unknown dangers of the internet and identity.
• Logos of companies linked to the film and age restriction details are placed in the bottom corners of the page as they do not need to stand out on the page.
• The facebook and twitter link is visible at the bottom of the page to take you to their other sites.
• Quotes appear in the top corner one after another in an animated cycle, giving them some variety.
• The text above the twitter links stands out and informs us of what the film is available on.
• The background and "Enter Nev's World" button are animated in a glitch like fashion to give the impression of technology.
• The colour scheme could imply the film could be a horror as the red has connotations of blood and danger, although the effects and animations imply the theme of technology in the film.
• The white texts helps make the important elements of the page stand out against the blue, electronic background.

• When "entering Nev's world", it is made to appear as if we have logged on the Nev's Mac.
• The page is layed out like an Apple Mac desktop with a variety of icons we can click on.
• Each icon is similar to that of an actual programe you would find on a Mac, although, as opposed to carrying out its actual purpose, it gives us information about the film. For example, we can open Nev's photos and videos which shows us images and clips that are relevant to / from the film.
• This adds a greater sense of realism of the idea behind the film and helps get the point across more effectively.
• Through logging onto Nev's Mac, you are put into his position and can relate more to the danger behind the message in the film.
• Extra elements are added through laying the website out like this, making it a more enjoyable experience.  For example you can see messages Nev and his internet friend have exchange in a chat window and watching videos from/about the film. 

SHOOT UPDATE - Sunday 2nd Decmeber 2012 SOPHIE

Computer Close Ups

After watching ‘Catfish’ we were inspired to use extreme close up of the computer screen as facebook messages, notifications, photos etc. were flashing up and scrolling through. We did this by setting the tripod in front of the computer monitor and positioning the camera at the right angle so as it focused on the area of the screen we needed. We experimented with what footage we should film and created notifications, friend requests, wall posts etc. to make the facebook accounts look active and realistic. We also filmed several midshots and over the shoulder shots of Jacob as he scrolled through the fake facebook profile on an iPad; part of our product placement. Overall the filming on this day went well and we have a large amount of footage to chose from and cut down, offering us a variety of choice of what to include in our trailer.

SHOOT UPDATE - Sunday 25th November 2012 SOPHIE

Hard Candy Inspired Shot

We needed some footage to use to overlay our typography onto at the end of our trailer. This meant it needed to be simple and relatively plain. After watching the ‘Hard Candy Trailer’ we were inspired to recreate the shot of the female character as she stood facing a black red wall. We thought this fitted in well with our psychological genre, as it is unusual. We positioned the camera for a mid shot, facing a blank white wall. Our actor stood facing the wall and we left the camera filming while we discussed different positions and actions he should perform. For some of the footage he stood facing the wall as planned, however, there is also some footage as he stands naturally, fidgeting and waiting for us to decide on a suitable shot. Although this was originally sections we would cut, it could be effective showing him facing a wall and looking over his shoulder, talking to himself or tapping on the wall as it makes his character seem unusual and mysterious. We were satisfied with the outcome of this shoot and have plenty of footage for the image we want to create with the typography.

‘Walking Away’

We wished to feel our trailer out with short slips and quick cuts, therefore we wanted to film unusual and creative elements of footage to fill in spaces. We set the camera up on the floor, at a low angle shot, and allowed the actor to step over the camera and walk away. This shot was interesting and shows variety within our use of camera angles. After shooting it several times, we have a final outcome that we are pleased with and the filming to day was very successful overall.

ALTERNET POSTER

For this stage of our project, I made a selection of posters to chose from, inspired by themes and elements of posters we have deconstructed, of a similar genre to our own teaser trailer.

When planning our posters, I knew I needed to include:

• Typography

• Images

• Credits – actors names, director, production company etc.

• Quotes

• Release date

• Links – Facebook address, Twitter page, Website.

• Production company logo

• Catch Phrase

EDITED AND CREATING POSTER:

I ensured I had suitable images that were edited appropriately according to the theme of the poster. I used a website called iPiccy to edit my photos before placing them onto our poster designs.

I used Microsoft Publisher to create our posters as it is simple but allows the tools to make a professional product. After making a selection of typography’s, I chose ones that best matched the poster I was making.

For the credits I used MyFonts.com to find a suitable style, and copied segments of text as an image into publisher. I then grouped this all together to make a whole body of text.

POSTER 1

Images: I used a portrait photograph of our main protagonist for this poster, with a pixelated, electronic looking image of his fake online identity. I took this photo directly from the facebook account, corresponding to the idea that she is not a real character within the film, and instead, someone Matt has reinvented for himself. Matt's photo, on the other hand, is professionally taken to portray an ominous feel and mysterious representation of his dark personality.

Colours: Blue is a common colour associated with the internet as it has connotations of electricity, along with coldness and can appear slightly haunting. This is a feel we want to create as the film is a psychological drama based around a mysterious and unusual character. We also want to portray the dangers of the internet, therefore the dark colour scheme represents it in a more menacing image.

Layout: The image, which appears quite piercing, is placed almost in the centre of the page, causing it to stand out and draw you in. The typography is placed in a large font below it, and the release date at the bottom. These three pieces elements stand out almost immediately. The actors names are positioned along the top, which may entice the audience to see the film if they were well known for appearing in good films. Quotes are positioned beside the image so as the audience are unlikely to miss them. Any further details are at the bottom of the poster if the audience wish to read the credits or visit the links provide.

Typography: I used a simple typography for this poster as I feel the images were the most striking feature, and did not want to overcrowd the page. It still portrays themes within our films such as the idea of technology through the way it appears illuminated, as if on a computer screen.

Catch Phrase: I took the catchphrase from credits within our film as I felt it was very relevant to the character of Matt, who has stolen his online identity to become what he wants in reality.

Genre: Although elements of this poster portray the theme of technology within our film, and shows conventions of a psychological drama, it could also be confused with sci-fi use to its colour scheme and futuristic editing such as for the background image and typography.

POSTER 2

Images: I used the same images again for this second poster. Again, i thought it was more effective to use a profile picture for the 'fake' character to show her unknown identity. After placing the typography between the two photos, i also edited them as a whole by adding lines across the page like that of computer monitor, to put emphasis on the relevance of technology.

Colours: The colour scheme is still quite dark, like the first poster, however i added a slightly washed out filter and with a blue/green tone. I think this adds to the 'computer image' effect. I think this helps to portray the theme of the internet and social networking.
Layout: I tried to be slightly different with the layout of this poster by placing the typography directly the middle of the two images. This division helps to show how the internet as divided our characters personality and separated his online identity from his real identity. The release date is directly bellow the film title so these two pieces of information stand out to the audience. The actors name are isolated away from other texts at the top, which helps them to stand out and could entice the audience to see the movie if they were well known and highly rated. The quotes are slightly overlaying the male character portrait, making the positive feedback more dramatic. All extra information (credits, production company logo and links) is placed along the bottom.

Typography: I chose this typography as i think it was most relevant to the theme of the poster and makes it look more believable and real. The Facebook style banner immediately links the themes of social networking and its relevance within the lives of the people on the poster.

Catch Phrase: Again, i used the same catchphrase to keep it consistent to the previous poster, our website and the credits within out trailer. I positioned it in the search bar of the typography as i think this shows how the film revolves around social networking and allows people to 'become their fantasy'.

Genre: We feel this poster is much more effective in portraying the psychological drama genre through the use of images, colour scheme and editing as it looks like it was taken directly from a Facebook account via a computer monitor.

ALTERATIONS:

As we decided to use poster 2 for our final product, we decided there were element we could improve to fit the features of a film poster.

We ensured that the photos fitted more consistently together by straightening the eyes of the top photo to match the males eyes, then editing the colour so they fitted together better as a whole. I used iPiccy to re-do this then continued editing on Microsoft Publisher.

I also altered they layout slightly by adding a black rectangle behind the actors names so they stood out more against the picture. I then repositioned the links at the bottom so the whole poster flowed and looked more complete.

FINAL DESIGN: