Camera techniques

As i will be the cameraman, i have researched into certain techniques which i think will be useful for our film.

Camera Techniques for research

 

The use of different shot sizes can influence the meaning which an audience will interpret.
The size of the subject in frame depends on two things: the distance the camera is away from the subject and the focal length of the camera lens.
Common shot sizes:

• Extreme close-up: Focuses on a single facial feature, such as lips and eyes.
• Close-up: May be used to show tension.
• Medium shot: Often used, but considered bad practice by many directors, as it often denies setting establishment and is generally less effective than the Close-up.
• Long shot

Choice of shot size is also directly related to the size of the final display screen the audience will see. A Long shot has much more dramatic power on a large theater screen, whereas the same shot would have less of an impact on a small TV or computer screen.

Spin look:

The camera spins around an actor to get a glimpse of what he or she is looking at. The camera may also begin by viewing the object then spin back around to view the character.

Also the spin look is an alternative to the popular technique of “ Cutting away” when a character looks off-screen.

Establishing shot:

An establishing shot in film and television sets up, or establishes the context for a scene by showing the relationship between its important figures and objects. It is generally a long- or extreme-long shot at the beginning of a scene indicating where, and sometimes when, the remainder of the scene takes place. Mainly used at a new location to give the audience a sense of locality.

POV shot:

It is usually established by being positioned between a shot of a character looking at something, and a shot showing the character's reaction.

Cut zoom in:

Cut zoom in is a technique that adds emphasis to another wise static shot. This technique usually has three stages, a very wide shot, a wide shot and finally medium shot.

Jump cut sequence:

A jump cut sequence is a specific type of montage sequence in which jump cuts are used to show similar actions occurring over a short period of time.

Tracking shot:

A tracking shot  is a segment in which the camera is mounted on a camera dolly, a wheeled platform that is pushed on rails while the picture is being taken.

Reaction shot:

It is a shot which cuts away from the main scene in order to show the reaction of a character to it.

Film treatment for 'Gaze'

Title: 'Gaze'

Outline of ideas:

Resource list:  Camerman, lighting women, director, producer, sound engineer, one character, video camera. A set time without being in a rush to make the film look professional. In terms of props, some magazines, a teddy, a stereo, a glass of water and a phone are the main objects we need for our scenes.

Strengths: Knowing suitable locations which will fit the scenes well is vital. Locations will be local to reduce travel time and more time for filming.Easy access for props.
Weaknesses: The main limitation to making this film is the weather. If it rains or the lighting is poor then a plan will need to be created before our first filming day incase we have to change our schedule. Another weakness could be that we won't be great our roles that we have been assigned. This could cause the final outcome of the film to be worse than it should be.



Conclusion: Ultimately i believe that our film will work well. It will relate to people closely through our ideas about how toys played a big impact on our childhood life. In order for this film to work, we will need to be organised and need adequate research involved.

Roller coaster animation ride and rationale

Thi is my roller coaster animation ride created on 3ds max. Overall i am fairly happy with the outcome. I learnt new things as i was creating this incuding texturing and modelling. In addition i gained knowledge into creating objects and making them move.

My main intention was to create a scary roller coaster ride which would display new techniques that I had learnt from the online notes and tutorials. I wanted to create a fluid piece of animation which seemed effective and would make the viewers feel in slight discomfort.

The methods I used to develop my ideas were mainly drawings and brainstorming. Additionally, I found videos that inspired me of roller coasters and also found images of a horror nature which gave me more ideas.

The risks I took during this project were that I had limited skills in using 3Ds max. I felt it was a big step up from the previous project in DP1. I felt that the main risk I took was creating something I that i believed I couldn’t make; so having no belief in myself!

On numerous occasions, 3Ds max would randomly crash and corrupt my work meaning that I would have to redo part of my animation. Despite this being a problem, it was good in the fact that I was able to practice and make certain props appear better.

Also, I found it difficult to create effective lighting. Therefore I looked at various tutorials online which helped me a lot.

In order to overcome these problems, the majority of the time I looked at online tutorials as I found them the most helpful. Also, I asked fellow students if they could give me tips on how to overcome the problems.

During this project I have learnt that it is important to plan my ideas in depth and use drawings in order to create ideas for the roller coaster and scare scenes.

In terms of skills, I learnt how to add textures and materials on objects to make them look realistic. Furthermore, I managed to use cameras effectively and applied lighting to give a haunted experience for the viewers.

Adding sound effects in time to the animation was also a skill I learnt. I found it hard to make the two sync and look professional but felt that overall I gave it my best shot.

If I had more time, a definite improvement would be in making more scare scenes and creating more appealing props. In addition, I would spend more time finding realistic materials and textures to make objects/scenes more realistic. I would create a new building for the roller coaster to be in as I believe that the building used was fairly generic and didn’t leave much room to experiment in.

From completing this project, I intend to create a new roller coaster with completely new scenery and scare scenes using more realistic textures and materials. I also aim to expand the scenery making a more in depth animation.

Entrance

Possible entrances for my roller coaster. Still need to decide fast which one if any i want to use and create in 3Dmaxs.

Cart designs

My cart design was fairly short and snappy. I didn't want a wacky cart, i wanted a more conventional cart which was simple but looked effective. Therfore i used cart one. I still need to tweak it a bit on 3Dmax but the general shape is there.


I may add some side banisters, however still needs some deciding to whether it will look bad or not.

Furthermore, i need to add a design to the cart.. i was thinking my initials... afterall i did create this roller coaster!

Adding textures and making something glow!

Recently had a go at adding textures etc to objects. At first it was hard to get used to, but i think i have come to terms with it... although i still need to look through the notes on the NOW!

Also had a go at making things glow and blurring them to make a cool effect.

Haunted house moodboard

This is a collection of images that interests me linked to the idea of a haunted house roller coaster.