Problem.

We still need to re-shoot just one shot, but our actress has now dyed her hair blonde!





Our actress is proving difficult to work with as she does not feel comfortable with the thought of using hair spray. I could not think of any other alturnative. I suggested to my group we make our film black and white, and showed them Gary Ross' film 'Pleasantville'. The film uses both colour and black and white. I thought this would be a good way to reference the 50s style, but in a more modern way.

(above: Callum's thoughts)

After much discussion, I believe we are going to remove the clip and cut to her picking up another object.

Title

As we are visually paying homage to French cinema (colours in Amelie), Callum suggested we use a French title.
The title we are currently using is Le Repas de Fétiche (The Fetish Meal) which I really dislike. So using this website http://uk.babelfish.yahoo.com/translate_txt, I decided to think of some titles of my own. The three words I kept in mind were: food, foot and dinner.

Potiental Film Titles
Pied Pour la Nourriture - Foot for Food.
Le Dernier Dîner - The Last Supper.
Repas du Jour - Meal of the Day

I then started to think about our protagonist, her mind-set and her feelings, the reasons for her actions.
En Raison de Vous - Because of You
Frénétique - Frantic
Vous m'avez blessé, je vous faites cuire - You Hurt Me, I Cook You.

I don't know!

Screening

Wednesday's screening went really well. Everyone's films are so different.
No-one had anything bad to say about our film. Which took me by suprise, not only had I prepared myself for "constructive critism" I generally thought people would not like it.
We need to capture one more shot.
& work on perfecting the DVD.

AND THEN WE ARE DONE.

Goin' out of my head

Well, I think I'm goin' out of my head

Yes, I think I'm goin' out of my head

Over you, Over you

I want you to want me, I need you so badly

I can't think of anything but you

And I think I'm goin' out of my head

Yes, I think I'm goin' out of my head

Over you, Over you

I see you each morning

But you just walk past me You don't even know that I exist

Goin' out of my head over you

Out of my head over you

Out of my head day and night

Night and day and night, Wrong or right

I must think of a way

Into your heart

There's no reason why My being shy

Should keep us apart

And I think I'm goin' out of my head

Yes, I think I'm goin' out of my head

Goin' out of my head over you

Out of my head over you Out of my head day and night

Night and day and night, Wrong or right

Night and day and night

Wrong or right, day or night

everyday, every, every day

You Really Got A Hold On Me

Many people have covered this song, but I feel this version works the best. It is soft, yet powerful.

I don't like you

But I love you

Seems that I'm always

Thinkin' of you

Oh, ho, ho, you treat me badly

I love you madly

You've really got a hold on me (You really got a hold on me)

You really got a hold on me (You really got a hold on me)

Baby I don't want you

But I need you

Don't wanna kiss you

But I need to

Oh, ho, ho You do me wrong now

My love is strong now

You've really got a hold on me (You really got a hold on me)

You really got a hold on me (You really got a hold on me)

Baby I love you and all I want you to do

Is just

Hold me

Hold me

Hold me

Hold me

Tighter

Tighter

I wanna leave you

Don't wanna stay here

Don't wanna spend another day here

Oh ho ho, I wanna split now

I just can't quit now

You've really got a hold on me (You really got a hold on me)

You really got a hold on me (You really got a hold on me)

Baby I love you and all I want you to do

Is just

Hold me (please)Hold me (squeeze)Hold me

Hold me

You really got a hold on me (You really got a hold on me)

You really got a hold on me (You really got a hold on me)

Update

FILM SHOULD WILL BE FINISHED BY THIS EVENING.
Callum and I have been doing the final touches all day:
- We needed to replace two shots as Layla cannot seem to not look at the camera which is highly frustrating.
- We also needed to add a track. We have used two different tracks.
- You Really Got A Hold On Me by She and Him
- Goin' Out Of My Head by Anthony and the Imperials.
We wanted to create the illusion that music is playing in the background (hence the two different tracks) whilst the protagonist is cooks.

You really got a hold on me..
We chose these particular songs to reflect Layla's emotions. Once we shot the film and had a rough cut and showed it to a few people the same questions were asked:
- Is this woman a mother? (photographs of children are present)
- If so, why is she being so crazy?
- Why is she so manic?
& so on.

Well I think I'm going out of my head, over you..
At this point, I came across this song and suddenly all the questions had be answered.
Yes she is a housewife, with children.
Yes she is manic, neurotic and impatient.
Yes she did have a husband.
Yes that is his foot she has cooked.
Yes she is planning on eating that.

The reason she comes across as so abnormal is simply because of him.
The husband.
She does the things she does, because of the way he makes her feel.

I feel this two songs work really well. They are not too cheesy.

Music

Now approaching group critiques and the process that goes by the name of snagging.
We are almost ready for our film to be critiqued. I feel like it is still a rough cut, as we haven't added any sounds yet.

- We recorded all the diegetic sound we wish to use.
- I thought it would be a good idea to have a track playing in the background throughout the film, then fade when we need to.

I am eager to use a track from the 50s, possibly early 60s era. I am thinking we could use snippets from different songs at different times. Of course, I do not want it to look too much like a music video.

Songs



Love is Strange - Mickey & Sylvia: The first song I considered using. I showed it to my group, and they liked it. It reminds me of Dirty Dancing too much though.



Goin' Out of My Head - Little Anthony & The Imperials: I think this song is perfect for the ending shot. I think I'm going out of my head...

Re-shoot

Drama over. Re-shoot done.

Today we added the new footage and it is already starting to look A LOT better.

Thoughts & Stuff

Whenever uploading video to blogger, it makes the quality look so bad!
THIS DOES NOT DO JUSTICE TO THE QUALITY OF OUR FILM.
Youtube would not let the video upload, I wanted the video up on blogger as soon as possible, so I just had to settle for blogger. When everything is done, I will upload to youtube.

Also, need to start thinking of music to use, and an actual title! Although I am beginning to like, Untitled Film Project.
May design a banner for this blog too.

First Edit!

The first edit.

FINALLY uploaded the video!
In the previous posts you can see what we discussed. In school we watched it together with Thrasher and we noticed there is a few shots where Layla looks at the camera so we need to re-shoot! I was hoping we got everything we needed to when filming the first time, but sadly we haven't. We only need a couple of shots though.

Our subject was not very happy about the re-shoot as she wanted to dye her hair yesterday but we have had to ask her to postpone it a few more days as we only can shoot tomorrow.
If she has dyed her hair we could always make the film black and white so it would not be as obvious but I am worried the tones may be darker or something.
I am such a continuity freak so this is a big worry.

Half Term

During half-term Callum, (the editor) put together a rough cut. As youtube was not working, he uploaded the video privately and sent Jake and I a link. Jake received the e-mail before me, so Callum and him discussed a few things. (above)

My oven was often in the shot, and there is a green timer in the middle showing the time. It was a concern as it was going to effect the continuity. Every time we was about to film, I would have to press a button to change the time to 00:00. When it came to post production, Callum chose clips where you cannot really see the timer anyway, so this is good.


When I received the e-mail, I also replied with my opinions and worries. I felt really negative, but I was only being critical. I watched it with my father in the room and he agreed it has a very slow start. This was my biggest worry, people losing interest right at the beginning. Towards the end of the film Layla is running around all frantically and it is really intriguing. The editing is superb at this end, and we decided to end on a calmer shot (her sitting down and looking straight ahead). I feel from the moment the film starts it should be quick, edgy and it should draw an audience in.


School tomorrow, Film Tuesday&Thursday.
We have a lot to do.

Tomorrow

commence editing!

& brainstorm titles for our short film. :D

Film Shoot: Props.

At one point during the film, Layla has to cook the foot. We have included a real nice, slightly generic, but good shot of Layla grabbing the salad dish out of the fridge. We wanted to create the illusion that she was preparing a meal so we covered the foot in cling film with tomato ketchup.

Film Shoot: Subject.

While Layla was getting ready, (make-up/hair/etc), we got the sound out of the way.

Film Shoot: Sound.

What I enjoyed most about filming this time round was recording sound. I had only ever done this before briefly when on a film course, and when using a microphone then we only record our voices. This time round it was more interesting as we recorded a whole range of different kitchen sounds.

Sounds:

- Kettle switch going down.
- Kettle boiling.
- Kettle whistling.
- Kettle switch going up.

- Oven knob being turnt.
- Oven fan turning.

- Tap water
- Water being poured into a cup.
- Water being poured into a jug.
- Jug water being poured into a pan.

- Light being switched on.

- Curtains being drawn.

- Gas lighter.

& many more.

Film Shoot

Start: 3:00

Finish: 8:00

We finished shooting around 8:00pm, and it took about 5-10 minutes to clean up. We spent 5 long hours filming, but we got everything done! I think it took us so long because Layla, our actress, had injured her leg and was on crutches. We were under the illusion that we were going to be using a broadcast camera so we were put into a position where we couldn't hold off any longer (as we were already quite behind) and had to force Layla to film. She assured us she would be able to film because the role did not include a great amount of walking. Unfortunately, we couldn't use the broadcast camera - we were given a choice of waiting a little while longer or using an ordinary camera. After much thought we decided to carry on and film on an ordinary camera. The students in the other group were already editing, and we didn't want to be even more behind. Fortunately, even though we had a DV camera, Layla still agreed to film.

When filming we had a few setbacks when filming:

- Layla took quite a while to get ready.

- We had low battery after the first half hour of filming.

- Layla needed to rest.

But with every set-back came opportunity!!

- When Layla took several minutes getting ready, we recorded all the sound we needed. This way we didn't waste time, and got it all out of the way and could continue and focus on just filming.

- Everytime Layla needed to rest we put the camera on charge.

- Everytime the camera need to charge, we made Layla rest.

As our setting was relatively small, at times it was difficult setting up shots. Before filming we had to make sure everyone was out of the frame and make sure everyone was quiet. This may have added to the reason why it took so long filming.

Last night's shoot

TOOK 5 LONG HOURS, BUT IT WAS A GREAT SUCCESS. :D

Just need a title now,.....#

Tonight's meal is,..

A 50's special!

We're filming tonight.

We have a series of shots lined up of Layla doing food preparation. Ranging from chopping food, boiling water and grabbing stuff out of the fridge. But what is she actually going to make?

I guess we'll decide later, because my mum will want to know what's happening.

Decision

TO FILM!!!!!!!!!!!!

Decisions

We can't have the broadcast camera til half term. We could film tonight anyway but with a DV camera.


To film or not to film?

Filming tomorrow.

- Go see Beer tomorrow registration.
- Pick up broadcast camera, tripod tomorrow period 2.
- Collect microphone off Callum.
- Collect make-up/shoes/clothes/etc off Layla.
- Dump all this in mother's car.
- Film lesson 3+4
- Shoot after school.

I plan to photograph the shoot too.

Problems/&Stuff

(Click to see bigger and read)

In a nutshell: Our subject is injured and in a cast!

The foot is back in the picture!

We now have a foot! Many thanks to Nina for picking us up one at a boot fair. SUCCESS!!!!

Previous attempts at purchasing a foot:

Above: Callum sending me a link (via twitter), to a potiental foot for our film. 6th October
The three of us (Jake, Callum & I) mainly use twitter to communicate. Twitter only allows 140 words, so sometimes when a discussion is needed outside of school we tend to message one another via facebook.

So with the foot returning, we now have a date on filming.
If all goes to plan we shall be filming next Tuesday (15th) so tomorrow, I need to chase that up as neither one of my colleagues will. We have attempted to book a broadcast camera and Gerry is on the case, but if not we will just have to settle for DV and make it look great when it comes to post production via Callum's mad editing skills :D
I finally bought some curlers today. Only a pack of 8 or something silly like that. I'm forcing Layla to NOT wear extensions and fake eyelashes, which should be amusing. I am aiming for just the fringe to be down and the rest of her short, natural hair to be up in curlers.
As I have somehow ended up buying all the props and owning a few, I guess I'm prop manager alongside director. I don't really mind this, because I am a perfectionist and I don't think I would satsified with anyone else's choices. I am most passionate about cinematography, and the way our film is going to look. I am deeply inspired by John Waters and I know how his films look. I understand them. A main element of looking after the visual stuff, is props. So I have nailed the props. I am also going to be doing our subject's clothing, hair and make-up. We will be filming at my house so I guess it is only fair that I am director, because I feel I am good at directing. I am so focused this year, and I know exactly how I want our film to look like. I have storyboarded my heart out and I am more than ready to get filming.
I also plan to document the filming process via photography, like I have done in my previous works.

So I am taking on the role of director, cinematographer, prop manager, costume design, hair&makeup and photographer.
A woman's work is never done.

Dress - check
Apron - check
Location - check

Things to do:
- Decide on a day to film
- Get our hands on a broadcast camera
- Think of something to replace/represent cannabilism, no more foot :(

So Thursday we finalized our group and our initial idea.
I am working with caum & Jake and we have decided to explore the subject cannibalism, but with a twist to it. Jake suggested a wife preparing a meal but the meal is infact her husband. So this was our starting point, I thought it ould be a really good idea to expand this idea by having the wife be a typical 50s housewife engaging in this act that was never spoke of during this era. What wives cooked their husbands for dinner during the 50s?!?! This is quite a bizarre idea, I know..but the more the three of us spoke about it, the more excited I became. My kitchen is the ideal place to film as I quite liked the idea of placing the camera in the oven and shooting from inside the oven (a take of the clique fridge shot, though I quite like the fridge shot).

Since my first shot at filming I have always wanted to re-create this classic shot I have seen so many times:



I don't care how many times it has been done, I love everything about it. I have tried this a few times before http://www.flickr.com/photos/29693224@N08/sets/72157621919771409/ but this time I want to do this and record it. I have managed to include this shot! Our 50s housewife will set a perfect mood for her dinner by lighting candles and putting on a vinyl.

We already have quite a few things planned:

- Record fan of the oven
- Record the broken/out of tune/creepy accordion

In terms of character, I believe we have our actress: Miss Layla Fay. I thought she'd be good to cast as she loves to dress up, and now does drama so she shouldn't be shy acting! I don't think any dialogue is necessary, unless we use the voice-over technique to express her thoughts.
I have a vision of what exactly I want my housewife to look like:

- Hair in curlers
- Fair skin, red lipstick
- Polka dot dress, plain white apron
- Flesh coloured tights, kitty tights

Also I would love to include shots of her brutally sharpening a knife, violently chopping up vegetables..quick, edgy, shots that connotate something quite disturbing but disguised through domestic activties.