Today, I completed my second day of filming. Unfortunately, I couldn't film as much as I thought I would and only ended up filming 2 shots.
I also began arranging my clips chronologically on iMovie, so I don't forget the order.
Today, I completed my second day of filming. Unfortunately, I couldn't film as much as I thought I would and only ended up filming 2 shots.
I also began arranging my clips chronologically on iMovie, so I don't forget the order.
Today is the day I start filming for my Cambridge film project. I need at least two minutes of video for my opening. Therefore, this process will take a few days.
I chose to shoot my film using an iPhone 13 and iPhone 16 Pro Max because they are easy to use, produce good video quality, and perform well in low light. Many horror films have been shot on iPhones, so I wanted to see what I could do with one. Because I generally film in small areas, it's more convenient than putting up a large camera.
I had planned to have a friend play the main character, but I finally opted to do it myself. This is my project, and I want complete control over the character's movements and reactions. Plus, it's a challenge—I've never performed in my film before—so why not push myself a bit?
To create a mood, I filmed in my room at night. I did adjust a couple of things from my initial draft. One of the changes included an opening shot in which the camera moves slowly and creepily toward the home. I felt that it increased suspense straight away. Before shooting, I arranged my room and photographed how it was set up. That way, when I capture new pictures later, I can reposition everything precisely where it was to maintain continuity.
For the game scene, I wanted to show something horror related on screen. I pretended to play Five Nights at Freddy's using a gameplay video on YouTube.
I'm keeping the equipment simple. I'm using a little TikTok tripod that my aunt lent me. It adjusts to roughly my height, making it ideal for POV photos. Also, I'm working with different light sources to get a dark, scary atmosphere while keeping everything visible.
My only crew members are my mom and aunt. They help with camera work when I cannot record myself. I'm doing almost everything because this is my project, and I want to be the one who brings it to reality.
Day one went well! I'm curious to see how everything comes together in editing. There is still much work to be done, but this is only the beginning.
Sources
https://collider.com/movies-shot-on-iphones-ranked/
OK! We are in the fifth week, and I know I must start the production phase ( filming, etc.). However, knowing what kind of software I will use to edit my project is important. That will help me before I shoot. But first, I want to tell you what I learned about editing.
Editing is where a movie really comes to life. It takes raw video and turns it into a story with rhythm, feeling, and effect. Even the best-shot scenes can feel empty or confusing without it.
The Three Steps to Making a film are:
Even though each step is important, post-production is perhaps the most exciting part. This is where the pace, mood, and story come together.
To achieve nice, clean editing, it is essential to choose editing software that you are familiar with and has all the tools you will need.
Editing Softwares
I will use two different software to edit my recordings into a movie. These will be iMovie and Final Cut.
I have been using iMovie for years and am very familiar with it. I can also use it on my phone, which is synced with my Apple ID. On iMovie, adding effects to any clip is easy when you want to put it in.
I edited with iMovie on all previous projects in this class where we had to make a film, and I have learned all its tools and accessories to use when creating a movie.
The other software I will use is Final Cut. However, I will only use this software for special effects involving sound and titles as the options it provides in this field are far more diverse than what IMovie offers. It is more difficult to use, and unlike Imovie, it hasn't been downloaded on my MacBook because it requires a license.
1. Making Things Flow Well
Editing ensures that scenes flow smoothly into each other, keeping the audience interested. The simple timeline in iMovie will help me to improve the flow and story.
2. How to Cut Well
A well-placed cut can keep the energy up or build it up. IMovie's precise tools let me make clean, deliberate cuts, and the drag-and-drop ease made it easy to make quick changes.
Section
3: Changes and Effects
Cuts that are too abrupt can break the flow. iMovie only has simple changes, but Final Cut Pro has effects that can be changed to make the video feel more like a movie.
4. Sound Editing
Good sound design makes the mood and feeling stronger. IMovie can make simple changes to sound. Final Cut Pro has advanced mixing and blending tools for a professional look, so I will export some audio effects from Final Cut. I carefully chose and changed sound elements to make my project more suspenseful.
I will need extra help in this project step because although I know how to use iMovie, Final Cut is professional software that requires a license and is more difficult to apply. So, my aunt will help me with some advice and export the sounds or even title effects that I pretend to use, as she has expertise on this matter.
Hello again!!! Today, I want to write about the role of sound.
Sound is an essential element in movies. However, when discussing the horror genre, sound mixed with silence is a powerful tool to create suspense, fear, and anxiety.
Or the Psycho Shower Scene?
While the visuals show the terror, the sound allows the listener to feel it. Horror films employ many audio tactics to influence emotions, making basic noises frightening, such as a creaking door or a whisper.
Although they are usually applied in post-production, Foley is also important. In our class, we saw a perfect example of this technique and how sound effects and silence can impact the audience.
Let's remember: A Quiet Place foley techniques on Youtube video: How The Sound Effects In 'A Quiet Place' Were Made (2018)
I pretend to enhance the eerie atmosphere of my opening using soundtracks, silents, and folley techniques. I have selected four copyright-free horror tracks from teacher recommended sites:
These tracks will be used for the opening credits and throughout key scenes to intensify suspense.
There is one preview:
Some major features I searched for in my horror soundtrack:
I will try the relationships between the music and visuals to ensure the correct feeling for every scene.
Using Foley Effects
I will use Foley sound effects, highlighting realism and intensity to enhance the scary experience. I plan to record some of the foley sounds mentioned here:
This mix of foley noises and music will assist my horror movie come to life and cause the audience to feel the horror instead of only witnessing it. I will do my best!
Keep in touch.
Sources
I work on Canva Suite Design to create my previews
https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos
Pre-production, Production...
An important part of my movie is going to be the Mise-en-Scene. This includes props, settings, costumes, and lighting. Today, I will research how to choose the best costumes and props and how they are used in horror.
Props
In Horror Films, props create an eerie environment in which audiences connect with terror.
The murder weapon is among the most often used objects in horror movies; these range from sophisticated devices to essential tools like knives, chainsaws, and machetes.
Horror has many props that have become iconic; Michael Myers's knife and Jason's hockey mask, the Scream mask, the balloons from IT, Freddy Kreuger's claws, and the Scream knife have all become extremely iconic and recognizable in the film industry. But they didn't just get lucky.
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Jason's hockey mask ( Friday 13th) |
Choosing a prop for a movie takes a lot of research and brainstorming. Many things come into play, like the setting, the period, and the character. For example, you can't make a movie about samurais and choose a rifle as a prop. You need to make the prop almost an extension of the character, something the character is remembered by.
I plan to use an Xbox controller as a prop for my film opening. This is the item my character will be struck with by the entity, which is slightly ironic, as he played with that controller 5 minutes earlier. It also matches the setting and would serve as an extension of my character. Another prop that I will use is the headphones. The boy uses it all the time at the beginning of the opening and even can " hear" something strange from them. The screen is highlighted too! the 'glitch' comes from the screen.
Did you know?
Some props were sold by thousands. For example, the Shinning Axe.
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Costumes |
One of the first things viewers of a movie notice is costumes. They include hair, makeup, and clothing, highlighting a character's personality, feelings, and narrative relevance.
Choosing clothing that suits a character's atmosphere, backdrop, and scenario depends on the costume designer. Unlike fashion designers (who design daily wear), costume designers focus on what appears best on-screen and matches the narrative.
Costumes also help with special effects to create more convincing and thrilling sequences. A good costume may enable the audience to relate to the plot and help to bring a character to life.
Daniel's outfit is a black hoodie, sweatpants, and bare feet. Why did I pick these clothes?
Black Hoodie
In horror movies, black is sometimes connected with terror and gloom. This hue also absorbs light, which helps the character to fit the low-illumination surroundings. In contrast, hoodies are common among teens and give off a casual vibe, which differs from the stress that develops throughout the scenes. Black clothes are utilized in numerous psychological horror movies to represent danger, death, or even the subconscious worries of a character.
Sweatpants and bare feet
Wearing sweatpants highlights the reality of the situation by supporting the notion that the character just stayed at home before things became rather bad. This is an informal, daily appearance that helps one to relate to the trauma.
Another important aspect is being barefoot. Characters without shoes may represent powerlessness and danger exposure in horror. Running away becomes more difficult without shoes; thus, the guy seems even more defenseless against the entity chasing him.
Thus, I think my Mise-en-Scene props and costumes give Glitch an engaging personality and fit nicely with the horror genre.
What do you think? Do you like my props and costume? February 22, 2022|Indie Film Hustle
References
Fraser, E. (2022, September 28). What Is a Shot/Reverse Shot? How to Film Conversations. Backstage.com.
Indie Film Hustle (February 22, 2022) What is Mise en Scéne? – Definition and Examples https://indiefilmhustle.com/mise-en-scene/
Jake Rossen (Oct 9, 2008) Iconic Horror Movie Props That Sold For Scary Amounts of Money https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/632809/most-valuable-horror-movie-props
Nathan Walmsley (2020) Mise-En-Scene: Props and costumes in horror movies https://nathanwalmsleyfmp.wordpress.com/2020/02/28/mise-en-scene-props-and-costumes-in-horror-movies/
Nightmare Toys Blog Which horror props are used most often during filming?https://www.nightmaretoys.com/blogs/news/which-horror-props-are-used-most-often-during-filming?srsltid=AfmBOorMy_nBf960ztYPYnpBtA-Y9rpGQXJ65UiqxUcxAvQU1vP9FOYy
Hi there, as our goal to have a film opening finished by March 25 gets closer and closer, it's now time to think about where to film. Today, I want to tell you about my proposal for the location.
Choosing a filming location
When choosing a filming location, you must consider setting, accessibility, and lighting.
Setting
Lighting
After going over and considering these 3 factors, I have come up with 4 possible shooting locations for my film opening. All are inside the primary setting: Home!
1. My Room
My room is easy to access, fits the narrative, and its lighting can be manipulated through the sunlight, blinds, or lights inside the room.
During scary or suspenseful moments, the lighting can be darker or even create a different color with LED lights.
2. Living Room
The living room is also an option, as it has easy access and lighting similar to mine. The only issue is that the lights can't be manipulated as quickly because there are no LED lights, which are really high up. However, a significant advantage over my room is that it has way more space for the equipment.
Hi again! Happy Friday. Yep, I almost finished... Today, I posted about question number 4: How did I integrate technologies—software, hardwa...