How do I create an animatic?

1. sketch storyboard frames- nice and bold, black pen if possible
2. capture individualistic photos of each frame
3. upload the photos to the computer
4. import the photos into the edit programme
5. drop each image onto the timeline and cut to the required length
6. put music or other sound on the audio timeline
7. add titles or effects/transitions as required
8. export to quicktime and upload to youtube or vimeo
9. embed the video onto the blog or save it to a Cd

TYPES OF VIDEO EDITING

 
Linear Editing - This process is basically mechanical in nature, in that it employs the use of Camcorders, VCR's, Edit Controllers, Titlers, and Mixers to perform the edit functions. This editing technique is performed in linear steps, one cut at a time (or a series of programmed cuts) to its conclusion.
Non-Linear Editing - Gaining in popularity quickly due to advances in technology, pricing, and product availability, this method of video editing utilizes the computer environment to aid in the editing process. This process is almost entirely digital and employs no mechanical functions except for the input of the video sources and its final output to Tape or CD. Editing in this environment is essentially is a visual Cut-and-Paste method.
NOTE: Linear and Non-Linear video editing techniques be combined, and often are, within the same video production and will be discussed later.
LINEAR EDITING
Linear Editing consists of three main categories:
1. In-Camera Editing: Video shots are structured in such a way that they are shot in order and of correct length. This process does not require any additional equipment other than the Camcorder itself, but requires good shooting and organizational skills at the time of the shoot.
2. Assemble Editing: Video shots are not structured in a specific order during shooting but are rearranged and unneeded shots deleted at the time of transferring (copying). This process requires at the least, a Camcorder and VCR. the original footage remains intact, but the rearranged footage is transfered to a new tape. Each scene or cut is "assembled" on a blank tape either one-at-a-time or in a sequence.
There are two types of Assemble Editing:
A Roll--Editing from a single source, with the option of adding an effect, such as titles or transitioning from a frozen image the start of the next cut or scene.
A/B Roll--Editing from a minimum of two source VCR's or Camcorders and recording to a third VCR. This technique requires a Video Mixer and/ or Edit Controller to provide smooth transitions between the sources. Also, the sources must be electronically "Sync'd" together so that the record signals are stable. The use of a Time Base Corrector or Digital Frame Synchronizer is necessary for the success of this technique.
3. Insert Editing: New material is recorded over existing footage. This technique can be used during the original shooting process or during a later editing process. Since the inserted footage is placed over the unwanted footage some of the original footage is erased.

film editing

Film editing is part of the process of film making which incorporates the selection and combination of sequencing shots, and  creating a finished motion picture.  Film editing can often be referred to as the "invisible art because when it is well-practiced, the viewer can become so engaged that he or she is not even aware of the editor's work.
On its most significant level, film editing is the art, method and assemblage of shots into a coherent whole. A film editor practices film editing by accumulating the footage.  A film editor must creatively work with the layers of images, story, dialogue, music, pacing, as well as the actors' performances to effectively "re-imagine" and even rewrite the film to craft a cohesive whole. Editors usually play a dynamic role in the making of a film.

locations

google map of the location to give you a birds eye view

This establishing shot is of the second school field by the tennis courts. As you can clearly see by this shot the location again has extremely long grass which i think would be good for part of our chase scene followed into a transition into the other school field. This field would be extremely dynamic for the scene where Zoe rises from her crouched postion and incoperates a finger click( which we can enhance in editing). This can be linked to the woodland which was used in The Blair Witch Project as it incoperated a sense of barbarity and secluded isolation.

The Blair Witch Project woodland

As you can see by this establishing shot  this is another one of our locations ( different part of the school) which we have chosen for several resulting factors:  Firstly the density of the location would be effective for when i am being chased by Zoe as the long grass can invoke a sense of barbarity and the wilderness.  As well as this it  also contains the catchment area of the woodlands, which we may at a later stage want to interpret into our filming. What we have to make sure we do though is ensure that we pick the right day to film as we want to include certain weather elements such  as mist, rain, frost and enhanced wind effects.

This is an outside view of the house we will be using for two scenes; The scene of the creator in a dark room  as she draws a prediction of the future she is creating as well as also being used for the scene of me when im lying in bed looking at the lone doll on the shelf .

Zoe character profiling and inspirations

 

The grudge whom we will like to borrow some characteristics

This is the demeanour  which essentially forms Zoe's characteristics, although in our piece Zoe would have stark red lipstick on. This would be in relative contrast to her cadaverous appearance . In this picture the character invokes a sense of  abnormality especially the use of the luminous white make up which highlights her in an eerie manner. What is intriguing is the use of excessively black bags which contradictorily evokes normality . The effect of this is for you to intercept that underneath the frightening make up is a 'normal' girl.  

 

Another conniving aspect is how the camera has captured intensity, especially in her avid gaze. This makes her eyes stand out against her other features, perhaps signifying that she holds alot of secrets.If we could effectively capture this particular shot then it would add to the stylistic conventions of horror. I prosper that the idealistic approach would be to gaze profoundly into the camera as if someone is inside it. For this type of shot a crouched position would eminently represent vulnerability resulting in the deception of the audiences perceptive veiw on Zoe.

Zoe Bransgrove

my Character profiling





Inspiration for my character

The Ring

The demeanour of this picture is the idealistic starting point for my character due to the similarities of roles that we both play; possessed girls . What i must effectively do to contradict this is radiate innocence , deceptively reassuring the audience that I'm relatively normal. This will provide increased tension and suspension. In this picture the character evokes an impression of innocence, bewilderment- tinged with sadness as though she cant believe they would ever accuse her of doing wrong. This is exactly the impression i want to provide as I'm playing a character which essentially transforms from innocent to evil.

What is intriguing is the use of mise-en-scene such as the colour scheme, lighting and costume.
Primarily the lighting appears to be blue tinged ,which is a fundamental colour used in horror films to represent morbidity and tragedy. It also gives an impression of a clinical feel which seems an abstract concept, perhaps suggesting that not everything is what it seems.  The blue lighting extends to the character as well which makes her seem as though she drowning. The use of blue lighting could effectively be in cooperated into our film , if we choose to, although i think white lighting will be better.

Costume is again extremely intriguing as it simply consists of a white, baggy, shapeless garment which reminds me of a nightie, again another mise-en-scene element we would like to exploit . The hair which is matted, dark and long giving the girl a sense of barbarity , contrasting against the purity of the white colour scheme.

In order to capture this character profiling i must analyse her acting styles and research thoroughly into the films mise-en-scene, lighting and colour schemes

Picture of me

  

questionnaire and results

For this questionnaire we compiled a variety of questions with 30 participants to take into consideration their thoughts and opinions so that we may apply them to our own film should we wish to use them in appropriation.

Question one: What is the most significant element of creating a good horror film, taking into consideration Mise-en-scene/sound/camera movement/lighting ect?
Due to the number of participants there was a large variety of differential responses but the most frequent was the significance of sound in a horror film which provides unsurprising results due to the high usage of sound within horror. Responses that chose sound said that it had the effect of 'Building tension' as well as 'Lack of dialogue being creepy' which shows the ultimate fundamentality of sound itself. This can be linked to films such as 'The Grudge' where there is no dialogue in the opening minutes, with an eerie silence,filled only by enhanced jarring noises e.g. the tap dripping or another example would be the off-key piano/wind effect which made up the soundtrack.
http://www.YouTube.com/watch?v=budT1ue_ifc&feature=player_embedded

The grudge villain


Question 2

What are the typical stereotypes you would associate with a Horror film?
Many said that the victims would be 'young, vulnerable and helpless- perhaps geeky' whereas the villains would have 'wild flowing black hair ' which can be linked to the Ring where the girl has similar characteristics and has an unnerving effect on the audience as the watchers. They also said that the villain would be a 'female child who is mentally disturbed' again relating back to  'The Ring' who was neglected and unloved.

The Ring's horror character

 Question 3
What setting would you associate with a horror genre film?
Most participants stated that 'Isolated woodlands'( something which we are thinking to use) were 'scary' and 'unsettling' which was used in The Blair witch Project (filmed by amateur cameras) a hybrid genre film containing elements of  horror and a physiological thriller .

The Blair Witch Project location woodland

Other dominant responses said that 'ordainairy houses' were quite freaky as you know something is going to happen which is often associated with supernatural activity such as ghosts which can be linked to Paranormal Activity ( again hand held cameras) which uses an ordainairy house capturing strange activity on camera before one of them becomes possessed something which we can use in our own individual film.


 

                                                     Paranormal activity setting complete with cctv
Question 4

What props would you feel conveys the horror themed genre the most?
Frequent responses initiated  that ' childrens drawings' were 'symbolic' and 'scary' as they gave the audience the 'wrong impression' as well as conveying a 'premonition'. This is an idea which we would like to adapt on except we want to give a bitter twist to the idea, making the idea our own  and can also be found in The grudge where the villan draws two people and one is scribbled out to diplay that the person is/may be dead.

A child's drawing where they are shooting someone



Other frequent responses were ' Blood' and 'torture devices' which is evident in the Saw films as Jigsaw used them to entrap his victims  as well as making them do horrific things for survival.

An example of the devices used in Saw

In terms of blood the film Resident evil contains zombies often splattered in blood which is a good example of the prop usage as it suggests danger and death.

Resident evil zombie

Question 5:
In terms of costume what would you say would be the most effective in a horror?
Participants said that for the victim 'normal casual clothing' should be used as they have to contrast with the 'surrealism' of the villan. This can be linked to the the film Scream where all the victims are wearing normal clothing before being brutally stabbed.

scream victim

In terms of the villan responses were 'dirty rags' and 'covered costumes' which can be compared to The Ring and  Scream again  and is something which we are thinking of adapting but in a manner that dosen't seem as though we are copying as with every idea that we borrow we must give our on personal twist.

The scream costume- similuar to what we are thinking of using for Zoe's character

The Rings costume complete with lank greasy hair

font research: analysis of fonts used in Horror films

This use of font seems as though it is glowing against the black background
and the use of the inversion looks extremely effective. The font is irregular in size which
quite abstract in a sense and when coupled with the red makes it seem like blood is dripping from
the letters which is unnerving as well as fitting with the title which is significant as you have
to take your colour scheme/stylistic conventions into consideration when creating your font to
effectively advertise the film genre as well as conveying the narrative.

Another use of red font but this time it seems as though it has been faded out and etched out to express a rough,sketchy feel to the film. It also seems to disappear into the background.

Bold,bubbly font subverts traditional movie title discourse as text is usually narrow.The drawing on the top is quite childish which suggests that it is a horror comedy or  a spoof.

This is quite different from the other fonts displayed here
as  it uses the colour black but again the text is sketchy and quite surreal in the
way its been layed out especially the W in the middle which is eye catching in the
fact that is larger than the other letters as well as having a sheen to it, making it the
focal point of the title.

I like the use of the 2 which has been enhanced and is of  course red which contrasts
 against the white title 'scream' as well as the compression of text
across the number seeming as though it is an arrow wwhich could be symbolic depending on which way you
look at it.

This is a very interesting use of stylism in the text,
as it drapes horizontally across the page which makes it seem
as though the message is hurried and urgent, tieing into style of the text as though
it has been painted on by white paint.

Another example of text subversion
again with no use of the primary horror
colours red or white( aside from the
outline). The only thing which conveys
the horror narrative is the title itself
which makes for an intersting choice.

This text seems as though it has
been outlined and then
smeared in blood messily,
which provides quite
a gory effect suggesting
that it will be a blood
filled film.

This is quite unusual for
a horror as it is quite simplistic like
silence of the lambs, perhaps suggesting the
film has  a simplistic narrative or perhaps so the
attention is fully on the title.

Unlike 'the haunting' this is quite typical for a horror that
is associated with halloween as orange is a typically used colour
as it is the colour of the pumpkin and pumpkins are very symbolic.
The font is also capitalised to stand out against the page and
again inversion is used to make it seem as though it is glowing,
as well as conveying the supernatural.

I like the use of the thirteen within the text which stands out against the
other letters as they have no fill within each indivdual letter as well as
the words ghosts being the fundamenatl focal point of the title
clearly expressing the predominant narrative of the film
effectively.

Two types of fonts have been used here
the first one being quite artistic looking with
good ouline detail  and second being quite imformalised.
The mixture of capitalisation and lower letters give quite an  eerie effect.

The title here is very narrow and constricted  but again
red conforming to horror stylistic conventions and
has the pragmatical comprehension of
the word 5.

Here I have included a selection of differential horror film titles which were picked randomly so that the choices werent biased. Unsuprisingly the fonts are horror conventionalised with the main colours being red and white to display death/destruction/evil with stylised font being quite scratchy as though it has been etched on , often splattered with blood.

From this I have learnt the typical conventions of the font used in horrors which has been a great help to our indvidual film and we may adopt certain conventions and subvert others. For example the use of red will probably be used inverted against a black plain background though the style of writing I feel should be differential to what has already been used before to demonstrate creativity.