Experimenting With Stop Motion

Before filming the actual stop motion shot that would be used in the trailer, we decided to save time by testing the shot and evaluating its effectiveness rather than doing this during vital filming time. We found that producing jolted images could reflect Scott's schizophrenic side. After uploading the images we tested out different speeds and settled for a 0.1 second pace as this was the fastest we could use.

Overall we think that this stop motiong effect worked particularly well and we would definatly like to use this in our final trailer.

Plan of action

We decided to write down a plan of all the shots that are yet to be completed. From the first filming session we decided to keep the clips of when Tommy (Scott) runs down the train station corridor and runs up the stairs.

Filming planning

Due to the poor lighting during our first filming session we have decided to be as organised as possible so that there are no gliches during our second session. Rather than having complete darkness whilst filming we have decided that it might be a good idea to film during the daytime. When the location shots were taken the atmosphere was very foggy and I believe that this worked quite well, this might be a better way to film.

I decided to look at weather forecast so that we can plan around the days we are available and so that we can aviod any unwanted weather such as rain or sunshine. Because we are now in November foggy weather is very likely during the day.

Our characters are not available to film on Thursday.

Friday the forecast is cloudy, this looks like a perfect day to film.

Saturday is forecasted for rain, which is very unfortunate.

Filming Session 1

We had our first filming session on Monday, the session proved to be extremely problematic due to lighting. We had planned to film in low lighting, to show that it was early evening, however the natural lighting was much darker than we had expected. We managed to capture a few good shots, so hopefully we will be able to edit them to make them better.

Overall we managed to capture some very atmospheric images that realate to the them and would work well withing the trailer. We will need to go through the footage very carefully to be able to capture scenes that aren't too dark and work well together.

Below is some of the footage that we think might be able to be used in our final trailer although some of it is very dark we feel that parts of it works very well.

Shot Experimentation

After seeing the tutorial above on Youtube we decided to test out the shot before filming our final trailer. In the tutorial they suggested using an elastic band in order to achieve a steadier and cleaner pan.  We tried to re-create one of the shots that will be shown in our trailer which is of Scott receiving a phone call which is one of the opening shots to the trailer.

Using the elastic band

We began by testing this panning shot usin an elastic band but the shot was still not as steady as we hoped it would have been.

Using the hair band

We decided to try using different objects in order to see if this could affect how the shot is shown, as you can see the shot isn't as unsteady as with the elastic band that appeared stiff and jolty but is still not entirely steady.

Manual pan

We then compared the two different methods with a normal pan that could be shot and decided which material would be most appropriate to use for our trailer. 

Costume inspiration

Scott Reynolds

- White shirt

- Black trousers

- Black shoes

- Suit
Layla Jones

- Red lipstick

- Red top/dress

- Black coat
Grant Smith 

- Black shirt

- Black tie

- Black shoes

- Black trousers

- Black coat

- Black leather gloves

Scott Reynolds:

                                 

    

We thought that putting Scott in a suit would allow him to be seen as sophisticated and somewhat desirable as we don't want the audience to hate him once they realise that his intentions are not what they seem. Above are some images that we will use as inspiration when choosing the final costume. We want Scott to be sweet, protective and caring but his schizophrenia lets the audience witness a different side of Scott. Although his intentions are dark we don't want to portray him too negatively as we want the audience to still like him when he has his realisation.

Layla Jones:
                                   

 

  

We wanted Layla to be seen as a very attractive woman. The best way to portray this would be if she is wearing red lipstick. However, we wanted her to be seen as someone who is unaware of her own beauty. which mean should have have to be innocent as her innocence will be taken advantage of. Above a few images  that may be used as inspiration. The use of Red lipstick will have to be discussed within the group as it may make Layla seem more confident and sexually provocative than she actually is.

Grant Smith:

         

For Grant's costume we wanted him to be dressed in dark colours. We thought putting him in a suit would allow him to look even more professional. For this character we wanted him to look creepy and eerie in order to reflect Scott's suspicions towards him and for the audience to take the side of Scott as opposed to siding with Grant. Above are some examples in terms of influences for costume.

Shot influences

              

In order to hint at Scott's schizophrenic side, we have decided that the shot most appropriate to present this is stop motion with a close up of Scott's head jolting into different positions which not only adds variety to the different shots used in the trailer but also presents Scott's realization as to what he has done and foreshadows the return of his schizophrenia which is one of the main plot twists in the film.