Final Editing

The coronavirus outbreak has truly put a damper in our film production quality. We are unable to film and edit like we want to due to social distancing and recommended quarantines. Our first step to solve the problem is to do a google search for free editing software. The first one we found was eazyphotoeditor.com. The advantage is that it will do video. The disadvantage was that sound could not be added to the video.  The next software was iskysoft.us. This program was great if we wanted to add a lot of effects. It wasn't so great because it was a free trial with a credit card guarantee. One member of our group suggested using iMovie editor on our apple phones. The technology is super easy to use and to manipulate clips. The problem was that once edited we had to screen record on our phones. We could then export the video as an MP4. Though a workable option we decided to go with an adobe editor that came with a computer. This program had contrast and lighting control. We were able to lighten some of the interior car scenes with this program. After they were lightened we were able to edit those scenes into the film. Our group has had to use email to pass around the file since we can not use airdrop or other technology.  After reviewing the emailed movies our groups thinks we have a solid product. The final cut included the titles we were missing, The movie is ready to turn into Cambridge.

Production postponed and Plans changed

     My group has kept up production after some obvious initial edits since our peer review. We refilmed our car crash scene with additional footage. Then that scene was re-edited it into our film. After, we wanted to watch it again and assess what else should be done.
     My group decided we would try to refilm some of the interior car scenes and improve the lighting. We were planning to re-film them late last week but then the COVID-19 outbreak stopped our plans. The coronavirus has canceled school unexpectedly for us. We are unable to borrow equipment from the school like our camera, tripod, and SD card reader. The laptops with our editing software are also stuck at school. This has been quite stressful for our group because we need to address this problem and change our schedule. We had a group video chat to discuss this issue. Nothing much was solved as all of the details regarding this outbreak and the school haven't been released quite yet. At this time the state of Florida is recommending staying at home. Also, there is a curfew at 9, and the scene in question needs to be filmed at night. At this moment we don't have enough time to meet, film, and get home by the state-mandated curfew. We do not know if Cambridge will postpone or change anything regarding this component in the exam but, we are acting as if the original due date still applies.
     Our group has noticed the global halt in film production. Most of the world can not gather in large groups. Large crews are required on set each day to produce, film, and execute a professional production. The film industry as a whole is feeling the negative effects of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Re-filming: Car Accident

Today, we reshot our car accident scene. When our group first screened our two-minute title sequence we realized something was off. In the scene where Sabrina and Bridget are talking until Bridget veers off into an unlikely car crash, the acting did not fit the suspense and music. The initial footage featured us talking but, not reacting to the impact of the crash with the added screeching sound effects. We planned to film this today so I brought the same outfit as to match the conditions of the previous footage. We met up after school and went to the same location as the previous shooting day. Nyaira and I got changed into our costumes and reviewed what we thought should change in this scene. We filmed some takes but then realized even though the reaction is better, it is obvious that the car isn’t moving. To fix this problem we decided to move to an empty dark parking lot. Our first hurdle was finding a dashboard camera mount. Finally, we decided on a suction cup holder so the camera would be stable during the crash.  With the camera set up on the dashboard, filming our talking scenes while going 5-10 mph where I would press the brake and use that to show our jerk back from the accident. With the small jerk caused by the braking, we would overdramatize the reaction for a better reaction shot. We discussed whether to add in the sound effects during the filming or during editing. After the discussion, we decided on the sound effects during the editing process. Next, we looked for some free sound effects on the internet. We attempted to match the sound effects and the action in the film. In addition, we looked for some dramatic music to put in the background while the characters are talking.
None of the copyright free music fit the action so we decided on non-diegetic sounds in the background to heighten the drama. Overall, the critique from the peer review led to the improvement and reshooting of the car crash scene.

Re-editing: Initial Assessment

     Last class's peer editing truly helped our group gain perspective on our film. The critiques we received back were that some of the shots from the car were a little dark. So we can improve some of those shots with the interior lights on possibly.  Also, we can try some below the face lightening so it still appears dark. Additionally, we didn't realize the sound effects of the car crash action did not coordinate. Our group decided to reshoot the scene by making the reaction to the ¨car crash¨ more realistic. We will shoot at night and use the same outfits to have a seamless look. We want to include a larger jerk so it is more obvious that the crash happened. We also did not feature all ten of our titles in the original cut. We plan to add the rest of them in the correct order. We decided to evenly space the rest of the titles throughout the movie and not group them in the fewer action spots. There were a few spelling errors that can be corrected. We are debating on whether to change the color of any of the fonts. A neutral color that is light was chosen so the color is consistent. The other group also suggested using voice over when featuring dialogue in a scene. My group deliberated and decided we would attempt to try to silence unneeded background noise to improve dialogue audio. The voice-over is challenging to sync with the mouth movements and direct dialogue will be better. The timing was good so the changes will need to fit in the existing movie.  The ¨your next sign on the seat is a bit out of focus. This could be reshot and zoomed in to better read it. Overall, our movie needs a few slight changes but not major work.

Peer Review

Today in class, we were assigned another group’s video to peer review. We switched flash drives and initially watched their film. We got a review sheet to aid us when watching and critiquing their video.  We began deconstructing the plot and story behind the film. The group’s film after initially watching it was a bit confusing. We then went to see if any technical sound, lighting, or camera issues were presented. Overall, all lighting was good where there were no significant shadows blocking actors' reactions or plot points. The audio was good quality for the score and added sounds in the film. There isn’t much dialogue that helps the audio quality as you don’t have to perfect the tone and volume of actors' speech. Camera angles were diverse and helped the plot flow smoothly. Angles add dimension and suspense to the story. The team did a good job of not filming microphones or the tripod. Editing overall did not allow the plot to flow. A few cut shots added to the movie to help explain transitions would be good. Also, a few more types of shots would add variety to the filming. Overall the titles were in the correct order. They were also spaced nicely throughout the title sequence. However, there were slight problems with editing. All titles fit the theme but, I feel the green lettering on the grass is a little hard to read. Overall, editing was not choppy and it conveyed the message intended. The length of the film was within the parameters. An additional 9 seconds to explain the essence of the plot could be added and still be in the AICE specifications.

Filming Blog: Footage Review

     Today, in class my group reviewed our initial footage. It was our first time viewing the footage since filming. We were going to sort stuff out and download/process the good clips. We first started by putting our SD card in the reader so we can get it onto a computer in class. We then watched the footage and eliminated some of the truly terrible cuts with bad lighting, extra background noise, or mess-ups from the actors. Then we reordered them chronologically for how they should be added into our film. We hoped this would make the editing process a little less of a hassle. Then we trimmed some video with false starts and extending endings because we felt it was easier on our phones than in the editing software.
     We also planned for a short but productive 2nd filming day for the remaining scenes. We would prepare our props and safety equipment the previous day. Nyaira and I would travel to our location and set up and film some of the individual scenes. These would be extreme close-ups and reaction shots. The boys would then arrive to help us with some of the two shots and action sequences. They could help us be more efficient when filming because they could see and complete test shots. We plan to review footage from that shoot later that day. We will then try to add it to a google drive folder so it can be accessible to each member of the group. We will then begin the editing process for our film's first draft. We will then access our video and receive some peer-reviewed feedback. For now, we need to focus on finishing filming all of our shots for editing.

Filming Blog: Initial Shoot

     Today, my group finally got together and began to film. We left after school and drove to Nyaira's house. We were planning to film the two date scenes and some car scenes. We all prepared the night before with packing out outfits and props required. Nyaira was already at her house waiting while the rest of us made our way over there. It was difficult to find the address which deducted some of our ample filming time.
     We went inside the house and had a brief meeting regarding the timing and goals for today. We also reviewed the storyboard for shot references. Us girls began with changing into our appropriate costumes. The boys then set up all tech equipment and adjusted lighting and background.
     The first scene that we taped was a scene between Preace and Nyaira. They began with a wide shot where Preace picks up Nyaira from her house to go on a date. Angles were hard to position in this scene in order to fit everyone into a shot. After much trial and error, we got a couple usable shots. We were thinking we could edit between multiple angles/shots so the story looks consistent. Next, we filmed Anjun and I's date scene. Overall we filmed a good chunk of our movie. We attempted to film all the scenes that need daytime lighting. We will need to meet up again in the future to film the remaining scenes at nighttime. We will try to begin editing once we transfer some of the footage from SD card to computer.