Collateral remake process

Pre-production :

Before our group started the whole process of remaking our version of the "Collateral film" we first had to story board on paper what shots we wanted to include . Myself and Zaiba did the drawing while Kiah did the annotating , we decided which camera angles and shots were important. We included black and white arrows to indicate were there would be a zoom or in which way our character was moving in .

Production:

With a clear mapped out storyboard of our remake we went through the process of deciding where our filming would take place . As we were beginners when it comes to filming we decided that we wanted to film in a quiet place with no people and felt like the park behind our school fit the description well.

 When we had finally chosen our location we went about getting our filming equipment  set up , i found that it wasn't so hard getting everything up and running .However recording is a very complex task and there were things that we as a group forgot . When it came to the actual filming we tried different angles and got a bit carried away which meant in some shots we didn't use the same angle like in the collateral opening.

Post production:


With filming finished we went back to lesson and got issued our video drive , we were shown how to use and handle our drive as it will save all of our work/sound and clips. Soon after we imported our clips off our memory card onto final cut pro . This program would allow us to edit our clips , add transitions and fades. We then went through our clips and went about cutting it and trying to get all the clips to flow and make it look as professional as possible . When we were satisfied with the clips we thought music would be the next step , we got rid of all the sound that came with the clips and just kept the police sirens. Then we went on you tube and found a soundtrack from the film 'Inception' called 'Mind heist' .

Soon after we began experimenting with fades as we didn't want the music to just end quickly and with the fades in the music would fade out gradually and smoothly.

Furthermore after the music was handled we focused on transitions , one that stood out to us was 'cross dissolve ' we used it in a few of our clips as we felt it added a nice effect .

With the clip more or less finished we watched over it and realised there were a few mistakes . For example our location wasn't the same as the collateral , on the collateral the atmosphere was busy however on our video the location was quiet. Another thing we noticed quiet quickly was that we didn't focus our camcorder , some shots were unfocused and blurry .Overall though there were a few mistakes we defiantly learnt  a lot of things .

Conventions Of A Thriller Opening - Wordle

Collateral Remake: Editing Process

Pre- Production

During the pre production side of creating the remake to the "Collateral" we were given a task during our media session with Dan (our media teacher), to draw each shot we saw from the clip, while doing this Kiah, wrote down what type of camera angles where portrayed, whilst me and Vanessa started creating the shots we saw on "YouTube" on the storyboard. During this phase, we learnt what shots we had to create, and the intensity of the characters.



Production

Location of our remake...

Soon after, the class were given a practical lesson, in which we had to do a remake to the Collateral, using our storyboard to guide us through the process. Our group chose to film in a empty park, located in front of the college, the positive outcome about filming in the park was that it was close to the college giving us more time to set up and film. However, our group found that our remake was lacking the same busyness and activity it did in the actual clip, as there where no background people. We where ultimately given an hour and a half to film our remake, which I found was enough time but because it was our groups first practical together, it took longer than it did; having problems with the camcorder stating "no memory card has been inserted" , when it was clearly put in. Due to the amount of light coming into the camcorder, I decided to switch on the "ND filter" which responded by reducing the amount of light taken in by the camcorder. Furthermore, our roles during the production task were Kiah and Vanessa who where acting as the two men from Collateral, and me filming the shots that took place. On occasion if one person had to act, the the other individual would take a turn recording a shot as well, in which Kiah had filmed the ending shots. 

Post- Production

Fading of the music

The next phase of our remake, was the editing process. Before we began editing Mary (our media teacher) took the class through a step by step on how to use the "Video Drive". Every group in the class was issued with their own video drive in which you save all your work to. The video drive supplies each group with their saved work, allowing them to finish anything off. After this event, we took our memory cards out of the camcorder and used a piece of hardware which downloaded everything off the camcorder onto the Apple Mac computers. Soon after, each shot we recorded was placed in the "Final Cut Pro" software, which would enable us to edit our clips in terms of sound, transitions and cutting etc. Firstly we began to cut our shots to where we needed and renamed them all so that it would be easier for us to identify, in doing so we then placed our edited clips on the sequence board, so that it would all flow together. After, our group began focusing on the music, in which we blocked out all the sound from the shots only using some police sirens which we found suited well with our clip, we then went on "You Tube" and listened to a series of music which we would find appropriate, we finally narrowed it down to "Mind Heist" a piece of music taken from the "Inception" soundtrack.  The screenshot above, highlights how the music was edited in terms of fading it. The two circles indicate where the music was faded, we faded the music out because if we didn't it would have ended abruptly, thus the reason why we used this technique. If you watch the clip you will notice how the music, matches the the movement of the clip in which the bag drops on the floor, making the music build the tension to it.

Where to find the transitions

Moreover, once the editing of the music was finished we then moved on to adding transitions. Me and Vanessa began experimenting with different transitions looking how well they suited our clip, many of them didn't look good with our clip, so we settled with "dissolve". What I preferably like about the dissolve was how it made the clip flow, and changed from one shot to the next. We used the same transition throughout the clip, as if we used more then it would look like we added too many edits, making it look very busy taking away the suspense of the entire clip.  

Transition in the works

The example on the left  identifies the transition in use,  you can vaguely see Vanessa in the background holding her bag, and you can clearly see Kiah becoming more visible to the camera. This here is an illustration of one scene moving into the next and then fading out.  The transitions were the last of the many edits we did, moving on to saving our finished product onto the video drive.

Errors/ Mistakes

After watching our finished product and the original Collateral sequence, we established how different our remake was. Despite using the same plot, our clip didn't use the same busy atmosphere and identical shots. We also learnt, that because we weren't using auto mode our camcorder wasn't focused much in the beginning, making our opening look blurry not being able to see Vanessa clearly. We also didn't use a variety of different shots, where we would occasionally keep using wide shots instead of close ups. Also, our group recently found out that we had to take pictures of our group filming while on set, because we never knew about this task we were unable to perform it. 

Collateral Remake

This is our remake of collateral.

Collateral Storyboard

After watching  the opening of 'Collateral' we created storyboards to show what was happening in each shot including movement and zooms. We've also annotated each shot in our storyboard.

Our Storyboards

Annotations: 1.The shot is between a Mid shot and Medium close up.
2. Mid shot.
3.Mid shot.
4. Zoom in from medium close up to extreme close up.
5.Medium close up.
6. Cut away to the bag.

Annotations: 7. Wide screen shot, character is in position on the right hand side (mid-closeup).
8.Close up on the mans expression.
9.Mid close up shot.
10. Mid-close up shot, allows us to see their expressions (over the shoulder shot)
11. Mid close up shot
12. Mid close up on the bag.

13. Mid shot.
14. Close up shoulder shot, with character positioned on the right hand side.



What do they represent, and what can be shown by storyboards?

The annotation underneath the drawing tells us the shot type, but can also note any zooms or placements in the shot.

The white arrows indicate a zoom, in this example the camera centre zooms in on the character.

Black arrows show movement, in this example the character with sunglasses is moving towards the camera whilst the other characters move away from the camera.

Health & Safety Tutorial

Camcorder 

Before we began creating our blogs, our AS Media teacher informed us on how to use a video camera, in order for us to fully understand how to use it during our practicals. During this event we learned:

The Memory Card

1. How to insert a memory card into the camcorder, our teacher also established this piece of equipment is expensive so needs thorough looking after. Soon after, Mary (our AS Media teacher) went around the class watching to see whether or not every student could slot the card in correctly, if not she would again demonstrate and watched us try again. 

The Battery

2. We then began learning where and how to place the battery, in which the battery clicks into place when sliding it into the compartment and moving it to the left. To remove the battery you have to press the button and slide it to the left, whereby it will be released from the camcorder. (You are provided with 2 hours of recording time) 

Camera Functions

3. The class was then given the basic information such as how to on/off the camcorder and how to record. For instance, the location of the on/off button is at the side of the camera, you have to hold the blue dial whilst turning it to switch the camera on or off. (If the camera is running and hasn't been used in 5 minutes it will automatically switch itself off) Moreover, the record button can be identified by the left of the "mode button", you must press to begin and to stop recording. (A new recording is made each time you press record) 

4. Furthermore, Mary then discussed with us on how to switch between auto and manual shooting modes. The class was recommended to stick with "auto" except when shooting in the dark, in which we will have to change to the "manual shooting mode". 

5. After, the class where told how to use the ND filter and how to zoom. Firstly, the ND filter reduces the light coming into the camera the most appropriate times to use the "ND filter" is during the Summer when there is immense sunlight and possibly when its snowing. Moving on, the zoom control is positioned at the top of the camcorder, the best times to use it; is when your shooting in a "manual mode".  

6. To find out how much battery power and recoding time you have left, you must click on the "index" button continually, which will then show on the screen the information you need.  

Playback

7. To find out how to play your footage back, you must press "CAM/ MEDIA" to switch between your recording and playback. In the "playback"mode each clip is displayed on the screen, to scroll through your clips you need to press the toggle switch, which will allow you to view all the footage you have recorder, to select a clip press the toggle  switch to play. 

8. We where then told on how to save all the footage on the video drive, in which you must create a folder on the "video drive" and copy all your saved footage onto it, to do this you will need a "SD card reader" (available at the technicians office). 

The Tripod

9. After, learning how to use to camcorder we where then  shown how to use the "camera release button", "tilt adjustment", "pan adjustment" and the "spirit level".

10. Finally, the class then discovered how to insert and remove the camcorder off the tripod, whereby the camcorder will slide onto the tripod and is locked into place with the lever. To remove the camcorder off the tripod you unlock the lever, hold down the red button and slide the camera back. During this whole process Mary watched us to see whether we where comfortable doing it or not. 

Warnings...

• Don't change the menu settings (changing it could result in incompatible footage and will create problems during editing)
• Look after the camera (responsibility of the camera rests with the whole group)
• Check before you leave the building (make sure all the equipment is working before you leave the college)
• Bring all equipment back on time (failure to bring it back on time results in being banned from using the equipment again)

Shot Types - Practise

This is an extreme close up of Zaiba,The lighting creates a mysterious feel to the shot as half of her face is shadowed by darkness. she could be anticipating something, or in fear of something.

This is a wide shot at a high angle, which causes to people below to appear small. The lighting is natural day light, it helps to show a contrast between the dull grey building and the white building besides it.

 This is a close up shot of our shoes, we thought that this shot would be an interesting shot to show feet since you can see our shoes from various angles. The downside is that the shot is a little blurry.

The shot angle is almost directly at an eagle view, and should not normally be used for shoes. The angle should be used as an establishing shot. However the lighting in this shot was great as is the contrast.

The quality of lighting in this close up shot is not great, the shot is blurry and the shoes aren't the main focus. Next time we should create the focus on the shoes instead of the stairs although it was at a unique angle.

Conventions of film openings - The Stepfather

The Conventions of a typical thriller/horror film opening  

• introduce production company logo
• introduce distribution company logo
• often carry a title sequence
• mood and tone established with sound
• intended to hook the audience into the film, done through narrative
• introduced to key characters, in the opening of the film

Example -The Stepfather


Micheal the oldest Son of the family returns home from military school, only to find out that his mother is soon to be married to a man he's never met before. As the two get to know each other Micheal becomes more suspicious of the Man his mother is engaged to, after only each other knowing for 6 months.

Analysis: We chose 'The stepfather' as an example to analyse for our research, as we felt that it has a strong opening and gave out a clear message to the viewers about the story line of the film.



Screen shot of the 'Salt Lake City Gazette' mailing list.



The film begins by using an establishing pan shot to show the suburban family neighbourhood. The credits are slyly disguised into the opening, which introduce the American screen production company 'Stone Gem's', and the distribution companies; Maverick Films, Imprint Entertainment and Granada. They use Text rather than logos in the opening.

We then see a delivery man from the 'Salt Lake City Gazette', the camera tilts downwards to the name 'Bennett' which is highlighted in yellow and shows that the services have been cancelled. Which follows the background information, John List also candled the families delivery services after murdering them. The vibrant yellow highlight is an indication of danger straight away. The delivery van drives away, and the next scene starts by panning across a bathroom, specifically across clean razors, shavers, and scissors.At very left viewers may notice a contact case. A Caucasian male, with a thick beard and moustache, brown eyes, and glasses appears, at first out of focus.



Screen shot of the stepfather, he changes his appearance completely.



When he appears in focus the text 'the stepfather' appears around him.

Whilst this man continues to change his appearance, by dying his hair black, shaving his beard and moustache, and putting in blue contacts. Text of the main actors and actresses names appear.

The mood and tone are established by a non-diagetic instrumental. It is an icy sound, with cool drones playing through it.

The audience are hooked into the film, although not through narrative. The stepfather puts on Christmas music, normally we would use Christmas music for a happy scene which is what makes his kills seem worse. It is the way in which the stepfather carries on as usual, as if he had were an ordinary man. or perhaps, it is the strong contrast between the dirty dishes in one sink and bloody weapons in the other.

Opinions&evaluation: We felt that the stepfather had an intense opening, that left the viewers wondering what he would do next, and where he would go. did he have a reason to kill his family? and what normal person could carry on like that? Without the use of narration, the film has managed to hook the viewer through non-diagetic music and shocking images which created suspense.

Introducing Zaiba!! :)

Hi there,
My name is Zaiba and I am currently a City and Islington student, studying AS Media. My take on thriller/horror movies is that because I rarely watch it, it wouldn't be my favourite genre to watch. However, one of my best movie openings for this genre is from "Mirrors" a remake to the original South Korean horror film "Into the mirror". Mirrors is about an ex- cop and his family who are the target of and evil force that is using mirrors as a gateway into their home. The film initially begins with a security guard running through a subway station, he eventually enters a room he cannot escape from and starts begging his reflection in a mirror for his life. Suddenly, his reflection cuts its throat with a mirror shard, killing the "real" security guard. What I particularly like about this movie is that it relates to our project, in which the opening  sequence of the movie depicts what is going to happen, thus creating structure. 

Introducing Vanessa

My names Vanessa Silva and i'm a As media student .

I My Me Mine

My name is Kiah, and I am a Candi Media student.
Group 3, Consisting of Myself, Zaiba and Vanessa will be researching, planning, filming, and editing an opening to a Horror film.


Personally i enjoy watching Japanese and Korean Horror movies, such as 'Chakushin Ari' The Japanese original trilogoy. Chakushin Ari means One Missed Call.