Task 1
single_camera_production.docx | |
File Size: | 151 kb |
File Type: | docx |
The single camera technique began back in 1910 in Classic Hollywood and has continued to be used in film and television. The use of single camera set ups in television especially, made them look more like feature films and made it easier for special effects to be accomplished like appearing and disappearing magically like in Charmed. Single camera setups are exactly what it sounds like; a single camera is used to capture all the footage from different angles needed to create a motion picture or television show.
For a scene in which two characters are speaking to one and other, the camera will face one of the actors and shoot shots 1,3,5,7 and then the camera will shoot the other actor and film shot 2,4,6,8 and so on. Then in postproduction it will be edited together to appear in sequential shot order 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 and 8.
This is another example of single camera setups. Each ‘position’ is the same camera and the same scene will be shot multiple times from different angles. The first position is a Master Shot and the second and third are close-ups. By filming the scene from different angles, in postproduction it is possible to cover up technical glitches that may occur during one take by cutting to another and show the ‘action-reaction’ that occurs between two characters. Actors have to be careful however not to make different movements during each take as it will cause a continuity error in the scene.
Single camera productions have many advantages despite only using the one camera. Firstly it is cheaper to use the one camera than have multiples set up. The director has more control over each shot, allowing lighting and staging to be adjusted accordingly to fit the shot. Scenes can be shot again and again until the director is satisfied; making each shot the best possible one for the film. In editing, it is possible to cover up mistakes made during the shoot, either from the actor or something on set. In almost all films, multiple locations are used throughout. Single camera productions allow for all scenes to be filmed in the desired location, even if it is not in sequential order. Same goes for the entire script, many films are shot out of sequence to accommodate actors other commitments, set builds or availability of actors, sets and props throughout. Stanley Kubrick famously filmed The Shining in script order, meaning all every soundstage in Elstree was used, built on, ready and lit during the entire shoot ready to be used.
However, this style of filmmaking does come with its problems. The first is that it is time consuming. Setting up the camera and lighting for every shot and angle correctly is time consuming. The infamous ‘shower scene’ in Psycho used 70 camera set ups, took seven days to shoot out of the 30 to shoot the entire film and was only 45 seconds long, featuring over 90 splices throughout. Only one angle can be filmed at a time, meaning that the duration of the shoot will be longer due to numerous set ups. Also during it is possible for continuity errors to be made when repeating the same scene from another angle. For example in Ted the two main characters are talking in bed, one angle shows Mark Wahlberg’s arm across his chest while the next angle shows it behind his head, switching between the two positions during the scene. It takes longer to edit footage together as finding the correct place to cut in two different takes can be difficult, especially if actors change what the are doing on screen, creating continuity. Actors also have a large amount of pressure on them to act in the exact same way in one take as they did in the previous in order to make the scene flow errorless.
Single camera setups have helped advance Television shows over the past decade or so. Single camera is usually reserved for prime-time dramas, made for TV movies and commercials. The multi-camera setup is commonly used in sitcoms, soap operas and chat shows. The dominant reason single camera setups are not used in weekly shows is because of the editing process and the lengthy process it takes to edit single camera productions wouldn’t allow for each episode to be ready every week when needed. Many Television sitcoms such as Friends, Cheers, Will & Grace and Two and a Half Men use multi camera set ups as they take place in a single location i.e. Flat, Coffee House or a different room in a house and because they are shown ever week and it can be filmed faster than on single cameras.
However, because editing software has become significantly upgraded and multiple editors can work at the same time, the use of a single camera set up in Television has allowed for shows to become more adventurous. Specifically in the locations they use, allowing for cast to move through streets, like on Girls, which are not sets. Also because few shows now are filmed with a live audience, the need to shot chronologically is unnecessary. TV shows like Glee use single camera set ups, allowing for complex scenes and dance sequences to be filmed with more camera angles and look like feature film sequences.
However, this style of filmmaking does come with its problems. The first is that it is time consuming. Setting up the camera and lighting for every shot and angle correctly is time consuming. The infamous ‘shower scene’ in Psycho used 70 camera set ups, took seven days to shoot out of the 30 to shoot the entire film and was only 45 seconds long, featuring over 90 splices throughout. Only one angle can be filmed at a time, meaning that the duration of the shoot will be longer due to numerous set ups. Also during it is possible for continuity errors to be made when repeating the same scene from another angle. For example in Ted the two main characters are talking in bed, one angle shows Mark Wahlberg’s arm across his chest while the next angle shows it behind his head, switching between the two positions during the scene. It takes longer to edit footage together as finding the correct place to cut in two different takes can be difficult, especially if actors change what the are doing on screen, creating continuity. Actors also have a large amount of pressure on them to act in the exact same way in one take as they did in the previous in order to make the scene flow errorless.
Single camera setups have helped advance Television shows over the past decade or so. Single camera is usually reserved for prime-time dramas, made for TV movies and commercials. The multi-camera setup is commonly used in sitcoms, soap operas and chat shows. The dominant reason single camera setups are not used in weekly shows is because of the editing process and the lengthy process it takes to edit single camera productions wouldn’t allow for each episode to be ready every week when needed. Many Television sitcoms such as Friends, Cheers, Will & Grace and Two and a Half Men use multi camera set ups as they take place in a single location i.e. Flat, Coffee House or a different room in a house and because they are shown ever week and it can be filmed faster than on single cameras.
However, because editing software has become significantly upgraded and multiple editors can work at the same time, the use of a single camera set up in Television has allowed for shows to become more adventurous. Specifically in the locations they use, allowing for cast to move through streets, like on Girls, which are not sets. Also because few shows now are filmed with a live audience, the need to shot chronologically is unnecessary. TV shows like Glee use single camera set ups, allowing for complex scenes and dance sequences to be filmed with more camera angles and look like feature film sequences.
filmmaking_glossary.docx | |
File Size: | 127 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Filmmaking Glossary
Agent – This is the person who handles actors and actresses. They are responsible for getting actors parts in films or television but they can be approached by production companies who seek to use the actors or actresses they have.
Assistant Director – An assistant director is in charge of ensuring that daily task such as schedules, call sheets, crew and cast are all working and ready when needed. They also track the progress in which the film is making daily.
Camera operator – A cameraman is a professional man or woman who operates the film camera. A lead camera operator is usually called a cinematographer and must have knowledge of shot types, framing shots, camera lenses and equipment such as dollies, cranes and jibs.
Casting Director – A casting director is the person in charge of casting the movie and the tasks involved during the casting process. They also act as a point of contact between the director, producer and agents during the casting and finalising cast process. Casting associates (people who assist the casting director) are usually the people in charge if hiring extras for background shots.
Clapper loader – A clapper loader is the person who loads film stock into cameras, operates the clapperboard between takes and scenes and marks the actors for the scene. They also additionally keep records of shots filmed and other aspects of the shot for the camera department.
Director – The director is the person who is in charge of creating the film. He will work closely with producers, actors and screenwriters to set a certain tone or visual tone for the film and then make sure that actors and crew work towards that while filming. The director will also work with the actors and give them pointers for how their character would act or react in the following scene.
Editor – This is the person who cuts the film together in post-production. Consulting with the director on how he/she wants he film to look, the editor will cut the film together to fulfil their vision of the film.
Film Studio – A film studio, such as Warner Brothers, is a large company who funds film productions. They are pitched an idea and they will ultimately decide on how much they will fund the production or if the film will be green light.
Grip – A grip primarily works on camera mounting and moving dollies or other equipment attached to the camera.
Location Scout – A location scout is responsible for finding locations to use in filming, either for exterior shots, interior shots or both.
Lighting Technician – A lighting technician is in charge of setting up the lighting for a scene. Lighting plays an important part in the film as some films use light to present certain moods, themes or foreshadow events to come. Lighting must be changed between each shot so that whatever is in focus of the camera is visible correctly but not over lit in some cases.
Photographers – Unit Still photographers photograph still images for use within the film such as passport photos or family pictures seen on set or shoot images for promotional and marketing purposes.
Producer – A producer is the person who chooses or approached to choose a project to develop further by a studio or company.
Property Master – The property master works with the director in pre-production to make a list of props that will be needed to use throughout filming. They buy or make props depending on what they are and make sure they are ready for when the director needs them.
Screenwriter- The screenwriter will write a screenplay for a film or television show, either because they have come up the original ide or because they have been commissioned by a producer or studio to write one.
Script Supervisor – A script supervisor is in charge of making sure that continuity is kept within the movie.
Set Designer – A set designer works with the director specifically so that they are able to get an idea to what the director wants the set to be. They will use photographs of existing buildings and/or develop computer images for blueprints of sets to build.
Storyboard Artist – A storyboard artist creates visual representations of what will happen on screen. They will work loosely with the director to get an overall feel and visual look for the film.
Sound Editor – A sound editor is responsible for editing together all the sounds for the film. Dialogue, ambience, music and SFX will all be mixed together and edited accordingly to the film.
Agent – This is the person who handles actors and actresses. They are responsible for getting actors parts in films or television but they can be approached by production companies who seek to use the actors or actresses they have.
Assistant Director – An assistant director is in charge of ensuring that daily task such as schedules, call sheets, crew and cast are all working and ready when needed. They also track the progress in which the film is making daily.
Camera operator – A cameraman is a professional man or woman who operates the film camera. A lead camera operator is usually called a cinematographer and must have knowledge of shot types, framing shots, camera lenses and equipment such as dollies, cranes and jibs.
Casting Director – A casting director is the person in charge of casting the movie and the tasks involved during the casting process. They also act as a point of contact between the director, producer and agents during the casting and finalising cast process. Casting associates (people who assist the casting director) are usually the people in charge if hiring extras for background shots.
Clapper loader – A clapper loader is the person who loads film stock into cameras, operates the clapperboard between takes and scenes and marks the actors for the scene. They also additionally keep records of shots filmed and other aspects of the shot for the camera department.
Director – The director is the person who is in charge of creating the film. He will work closely with producers, actors and screenwriters to set a certain tone or visual tone for the film and then make sure that actors and crew work towards that while filming. The director will also work with the actors and give them pointers for how their character would act or react in the following scene.
Editor – This is the person who cuts the film together in post-production. Consulting with the director on how he/she wants he film to look, the editor will cut the film together to fulfil their vision of the film.
Film Studio – A film studio, such as Warner Brothers, is a large company who funds film productions. They are pitched an idea and they will ultimately decide on how much they will fund the production or if the film will be green light.
Grip – A grip primarily works on camera mounting and moving dollies or other equipment attached to the camera.
Location Scout – A location scout is responsible for finding locations to use in filming, either for exterior shots, interior shots or both.
Lighting Technician – A lighting technician is in charge of setting up the lighting for a scene. Lighting plays an important part in the film as some films use light to present certain moods, themes or foreshadow events to come. Lighting must be changed between each shot so that whatever is in focus of the camera is visible correctly but not over lit in some cases.
Photographers – Unit Still photographers photograph still images for use within the film such as passport photos or family pictures seen on set or shoot images for promotional and marketing purposes.
Producer – A producer is the person who chooses or approached to choose a project to develop further by a studio or company.
Property Master – The property master works with the director in pre-production to make a list of props that will be needed to use throughout filming. They buy or make props depending on what they are and make sure they are ready for when the director needs them.
Screenwriter- The screenwriter will write a screenplay for a film or television show, either because they have come up the original ide or because they have been commissioned by a producer or studio to write one.
Script Supervisor – A script supervisor is in charge of making sure that continuity is kept within the movie.
Set Designer – A set designer works with the director specifically so that they are able to get an idea to what the director wants the set to be. They will use photographs of existing buildings and/or develop computer images for blueprints of sets to build.
Storyboard Artist – A storyboard artist creates visual representations of what will happen on screen. They will work loosely with the director to get an overall feel and visual look for the film.
Sound Editor – A sound editor is responsible for editing together all the sounds for the film. Dialogue, ambience, music and SFX will all be mixed together and edited accordingly to the film.
timeline.docx | |
File Size: | 144 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Development
This is the very first stage of filmmaking. This is the process in which a producer(s) will choose a project to develop further. Once the producer(s) have selected the project, the producer and writers then work it on. In this time, the synopsis, step outline and treatment for the film are written. Once these elements are completed, it moves into screenwriting.
At this point a screenwriter will spend a period of time, ranging from months to years, writing the screenplay and possibly re-writing it to improve or remove characters, scenes and dialogue that slow down the pace of the script. However, scripts are not always finalised before it goes to the pitch process, as producers usually want to get production started as soon as, ultimately keeping the project from reaching ‘Development Hell’. Development Hell is a filmmaking term for a project that is stuck in development for a long period of time. John Carter holds the world record for longest project in development hell being 79 years.
This stage however can work in a number of ways and scenarios. A director or screenwriter can come up with the idea for a film and write it him or herself and seek a producer to develop it further. Or the screenwriter can be commissioned by a producer or studio to write a movie in a genre or theme that the screenwriter has experience.
The screenwriter and producer then form the pitch. The pitch is a presentation intending on selling their idea to a film studio. The overall purpose of the pitch is to get the film studio attached to the project and supply funding for the film. If the pitch is successful, it is ‘green light’ meaning that the film has financial backing. Once the film has been green light, it moves into re-production.
Pre Production
This is the stage where the film is prepared, designed and planned. The storyboard artist will help the director create a visual representation of the entire film through storyboards. Storyboards can be created either on Photoshop or hand drawn and will usually have captions written beside them describing certain angles, effects or other elements that are important. Once storyboards are complete other elements are fleshed out. Costumes, props, sets, and special effects are identified so that a schedule can be made, so that when certain elements are needed, it can be ready for the director.
A Set Designer will be employed to design certain sets for the film. The designer will sit with the director and they will discuss the visual look of the film so the set can be built to represent the visual style of the film. The set will also be built to accommodate technical requirements such as removable walls, roofs and floors so that cameras can be moved throughout the set easily.
Some production will decide to shoot on location or use real locations for exterior shots of the film. This will require a Location Scout to find locations that are both suitable to the films story and fit the visuals of the film but that is also inexpensive so that more money can be used in other areas of production.
Casting will also take place. This is when actors will be called in or request to read for certain parts in the script to a casting director (in large productions), producer and director. Sometimes, when reading for one character, it may be found that they are more suited for another role. In Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV show, Sarah Michelle Gellar read for the role of Cordelia Chase and Charisma Carpenter read for the part of Buffy. The two were found better suited for the opposite roles and read again, both landing the other persons part. Once the cast has been selected, contracts are written up between the actor’s agents and the producers.
Once the cast has been set and the physical elements identified for the production, crewmembers are hired. Then a start date for the start of production is set. At some stage, a read through will be held in which all the cast, director, producers, publicists, heads of departments and financial backers are together and they read through the script.
Most of pre-production will happen simultaneously as to reduce how long it spends in pre-production and to also get the film shot as soon as possible.
Production
This is where the filming takes place. More crew will be hired at this point such as property masters, script supervisors, assistant directors, editor, sound editor and photographers. Besides the editor, all the crew members will be on set at all time.
A normal day on set will begin with the arrival of crew on the set. They will have specific call times that are different to the actors. The crew will set up the equipment needed for that day of shooting or in advance in some cases. A lighting technician will set up the lighting for the set and ensure that when recording takes place, lights are not visible or that they glare against the camera lenses. During the initial setting up of equipment, the actors are in costume and make-up getting ready for the scene they are about to shoot. The cast and director will then rehearse the script and scene being filmed before rehearsing with the camera operators and sound crew.
Once the scene is ready to be filmed a number of actions and queue words will be shouted to everyone to announce the scene is ready. The following sequence is what typically happens on a set:
· Assistant Director will shout out ‘Picture Is Up’ signalling that the scene is about to be recorded. They will then shout ‘Quiet Everyone’.
· ‘Roll Sound’ follows once everyone is ready to shoot. Roll sound signals the production sound mixer to start his equipment ready to record the sound or play sound if necessary. The sound production sound mixer will then reply with ‘Sound Speed’ confirming everything is ready.
· The assistant director will then shout ‘Roll Camera’ followed by ‘Speed’ from the camera operator when the camera is recording.
· The clapper boy who is ready in front of the camera will shout ‘Marker’ and snap the clapper down on the board. If there is background extras in the scene the assistant director will say ‘Action Background’ and they will begin.
· Finally the director will shout ‘Action’ signalling to the actors to begin.
Once the take is over and ready to be done again or move on:
· The director will shout ‘Cut’ meaning that the shot is over and for the camera and sound to stop recording. Here, script supervisors will inform the director of any continuity and the sound/camera operators, technical issues. This may require a retake and the process is repeated.
· Once all the footage for a scene is done the director shout ‘Wrap’ or ‘Moving On’ and the next scene is set up.
Once the day of shooting is over, it is up to the director to approve the following days shooting schedule and then call sheets for actors and crew will be distributed for the next day. At the end of the day, the director, producers, department heads and occasionally the cast and crew will watch the footage back that they have shot that day; also known as Dailies. A normal workday is 14-18 hours long and can take anywhere from 20 days to a year to film a film. Once the production has wrapped, the production office will arrange a wrap party for cast and crew for their efforts and contribution to the film.
Post Production
Post Production is the process after principle photography has wrapped in which the footage is edited together. Using an edit decision list (EDL) the editor can find the footage needed and then proceed to cut it together. In this process the editor will collaborate with the director after each shooting day to analyse the raw footage shot that day and after a discussion, the editor will know of the directors intentions for the particular scene, giving the editor an idea of how to assemble the footage together.
There are usually three cuts of the film to be made. The first will be the ‘Rough Cut’ or ‘Editors Cut’. This is the first cut of the film to be made. Due to it being the first cut made, it will most likely run longer than the final cut of the film and contain scenes that may be cut later on to shorten the length of the film or because the cut scene would have slowed the pace of the film down. Once the film has been cut and edited it will go to picture lock and then go through audio mixing. Audio mixing is the process in which a sound editor will edit together the sounds heard on screen. There are typically 4 categories of sounds that will be mixed together. They are: Dialogue, Ambience, Music and Sound Effects.
The second cut of the film will be the ‘Directors Cut’. This is the cut in which the director goes through the film with the editor and they will refine and edit the film again to how the director envisions the film. During this editing process, plot holes may be discovered, resulting in scenes being added to explain. Sometimes, whole scenes may be missing which can lead to re-shoots occurring to fill them in. Shots and scenes can be extended or shortened, replaced with other shots completely or changed slightly. The process will result in the final film being the director’s cut and will usually run longer than the editor’s cut of the film.
The final cut is the cut overseen by the producers who are there to represent the production company or the film studio. This cut of the film will have content removed that may cause controversy for the company or that will make the film breech the film rating it has been given. Occasionally, the films director has disagreed with the film studio resulting the director disowning the film and no longer being connected to it during its release. This results in the film being released with the director ‘Alan Smithee’, who has 78 director credits. Some directors, such as Stanley Kubrick, Quinton Tarantino, The Coen Brothers and Time Burton, have something called ‘Final Cut Privilege’ meaning that they have the final say over how the film look when released despite film studios wanting to remove explicit content. However, the director’s final cut must not breech the rating agreement. Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut had to have extras digitally added n to obscure a graphic sex orgy scene that raised the rating to an agreed R- rating to an NC-17.
Distribution
This is the final stage in which the film is distributed to cinemas for release. Promotional posters, trailers and pictures are released to the press and TV so that the film gathers and audience before its release. Some films do not get a cinema release and go straight-to-dvd or become available to download online. After its run in the cinema, the film will be released on DVD, Blu Ray or on digital download, completing the filmmaking process.
This is the very first stage of filmmaking. This is the process in which a producer(s) will choose a project to develop further. Once the producer(s) have selected the project, the producer and writers then work it on. In this time, the synopsis, step outline and treatment for the film are written. Once these elements are completed, it moves into screenwriting.
At this point a screenwriter will spend a period of time, ranging from months to years, writing the screenplay and possibly re-writing it to improve or remove characters, scenes and dialogue that slow down the pace of the script. However, scripts are not always finalised before it goes to the pitch process, as producers usually want to get production started as soon as, ultimately keeping the project from reaching ‘Development Hell’. Development Hell is a filmmaking term for a project that is stuck in development for a long period of time. John Carter holds the world record for longest project in development hell being 79 years.
This stage however can work in a number of ways and scenarios. A director or screenwriter can come up with the idea for a film and write it him or herself and seek a producer to develop it further. Or the screenwriter can be commissioned by a producer or studio to write a movie in a genre or theme that the screenwriter has experience.
The screenwriter and producer then form the pitch. The pitch is a presentation intending on selling their idea to a film studio. The overall purpose of the pitch is to get the film studio attached to the project and supply funding for the film. If the pitch is successful, it is ‘green light’ meaning that the film has financial backing. Once the film has been green light, it moves into re-production.
Pre Production
This is the stage where the film is prepared, designed and planned. The storyboard artist will help the director create a visual representation of the entire film through storyboards. Storyboards can be created either on Photoshop or hand drawn and will usually have captions written beside them describing certain angles, effects or other elements that are important. Once storyboards are complete other elements are fleshed out. Costumes, props, sets, and special effects are identified so that a schedule can be made, so that when certain elements are needed, it can be ready for the director.
A Set Designer will be employed to design certain sets for the film. The designer will sit with the director and they will discuss the visual look of the film so the set can be built to represent the visual style of the film. The set will also be built to accommodate technical requirements such as removable walls, roofs and floors so that cameras can be moved throughout the set easily.
Some production will decide to shoot on location or use real locations for exterior shots of the film. This will require a Location Scout to find locations that are both suitable to the films story and fit the visuals of the film but that is also inexpensive so that more money can be used in other areas of production.
Casting will also take place. This is when actors will be called in or request to read for certain parts in the script to a casting director (in large productions), producer and director. Sometimes, when reading for one character, it may be found that they are more suited for another role. In Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV show, Sarah Michelle Gellar read for the role of Cordelia Chase and Charisma Carpenter read for the part of Buffy. The two were found better suited for the opposite roles and read again, both landing the other persons part. Once the cast has been selected, contracts are written up between the actor’s agents and the producers.
Once the cast has been set and the physical elements identified for the production, crewmembers are hired. Then a start date for the start of production is set. At some stage, a read through will be held in which all the cast, director, producers, publicists, heads of departments and financial backers are together and they read through the script.
Most of pre-production will happen simultaneously as to reduce how long it spends in pre-production and to also get the film shot as soon as possible.
Production
This is where the filming takes place. More crew will be hired at this point such as property masters, script supervisors, assistant directors, editor, sound editor and photographers. Besides the editor, all the crew members will be on set at all time.
A normal day on set will begin with the arrival of crew on the set. They will have specific call times that are different to the actors. The crew will set up the equipment needed for that day of shooting or in advance in some cases. A lighting technician will set up the lighting for the set and ensure that when recording takes place, lights are not visible or that they glare against the camera lenses. During the initial setting up of equipment, the actors are in costume and make-up getting ready for the scene they are about to shoot. The cast and director will then rehearse the script and scene being filmed before rehearsing with the camera operators and sound crew.
Once the scene is ready to be filmed a number of actions and queue words will be shouted to everyone to announce the scene is ready. The following sequence is what typically happens on a set:
· Assistant Director will shout out ‘Picture Is Up’ signalling that the scene is about to be recorded. They will then shout ‘Quiet Everyone’.
· ‘Roll Sound’ follows once everyone is ready to shoot. Roll sound signals the production sound mixer to start his equipment ready to record the sound or play sound if necessary. The sound production sound mixer will then reply with ‘Sound Speed’ confirming everything is ready.
· The assistant director will then shout ‘Roll Camera’ followed by ‘Speed’ from the camera operator when the camera is recording.
· The clapper boy who is ready in front of the camera will shout ‘Marker’ and snap the clapper down on the board. If there is background extras in the scene the assistant director will say ‘Action Background’ and they will begin.
· Finally the director will shout ‘Action’ signalling to the actors to begin.
Once the take is over and ready to be done again or move on:
· The director will shout ‘Cut’ meaning that the shot is over and for the camera and sound to stop recording. Here, script supervisors will inform the director of any continuity and the sound/camera operators, technical issues. This may require a retake and the process is repeated.
· Once all the footage for a scene is done the director shout ‘Wrap’ or ‘Moving On’ and the next scene is set up.
Once the day of shooting is over, it is up to the director to approve the following days shooting schedule and then call sheets for actors and crew will be distributed for the next day. At the end of the day, the director, producers, department heads and occasionally the cast and crew will watch the footage back that they have shot that day; also known as Dailies. A normal workday is 14-18 hours long and can take anywhere from 20 days to a year to film a film. Once the production has wrapped, the production office will arrange a wrap party for cast and crew for their efforts and contribution to the film.
Post Production
Post Production is the process after principle photography has wrapped in which the footage is edited together. Using an edit decision list (EDL) the editor can find the footage needed and then proceed to cut it together. In this process the editor will collaborate with the director after each shooting day to analyse the raw footage shot that day and after a discussion, the editor will know of the directors intentions for the particular scene, giving the editor an idea of how to assemble the footage together.
There are usually three cuts of the film to be made. The first will be the ‘Rough Cut’ or ‘Editors Cut’. This is the first cut of the film to be made. Due to it being the first cut made, it will most likely run longer than the final cut of the film and contain scenes that may be cut later on to shorten the length of the film or because the cut scene would have slowed the pace of the film down. Once the film has been cut and edited it will go to picture lock and then go through audio mixing. Audio mixing is the process in which a sound editor will edit together the sounds heard on screen. There are typically 4 categories of sounds that will be mixed together. They are: Dialogue, Ambience, Music and Sound Effects.
The second cut of the film will be the ‘Directors Cut’. This is the cut in which the director goes through the film with the editor and they will refine and edit the film again to how the director envisions the film. During this editing process, plot holes may be discovered, resulting in scenes being added to explain. Sometimes, whole scenes may be missing which can lead to re-shoots occurring to fill them in. Shots and scenes can be extended or shortened, replaced with other shots completely or changed slightly. The process will result in the final film being the director’s cut and will usually run longer than the editor’s cut of the film.
The final cut is the cut overseen by the producers who are there to represent the production company or the film studio. This cut of the film will have content removed that may cause controversy for the company or that will make the film breech the film rating it has been given. Occasionally, the films director has disagreed with the film studio resulting the director disowning the film and no longer being connected to it during its release. This results in the film being released with the director ‘Alan Smithee’, who has 78 director credits. Some directors, such as Stanley Kubrick, Quinton Tarantino, The Coen Brothers and Time Burton, have something called ‘Final Cut Privilege’ meaning that they have the final say over how the film look when released despite film studios wanting to remove explicit content. However, the director’s final cut must not breech the rating agreement. Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut had to have extras digitally added n to obscure a graphic sex orgy scene that raised the rating to an agreed R- rating to an NC-17.
Distribution
This is the final stage in which the film is distributed to cinemas for release. Promotional posters, trailers and pictures are released to the press and TV so that the film gathers and audience before its release. Some films do not get a cinema release and go straight-to-dvd or become available to download online. After its run in the cinema, the film will be released on DVD, Blu Ray or on digital download, completing the filmmaking process.
Task 2
analysis_of_existing_single_camera_productions.docx | |
File Size: | 263 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Single Camera Drama
Single camera dramas have become very popular recently, opposed to he usual multi-camera set ups. By having single camera television shows, many more genres have been able to be put on the small screen, opposed to the big screen. Musicals, horror and action series have become increasingly popular in using single camera techniques. Single camera shows allow for the show to explore more creative techniques, from lighting and sound to visuals and sets.
In contrast to the single camera production, there is the multi camera production. Multi-camera shows tend to be for more sitcoms and shows like Strictly Come Dancing or The X-Factor. Using multiple cameras allows for more footage to be shot at the same time and from different angle. For a sitcom like Friends, there will usually be 3 cameras; one for wide shot, one for a medium shot and one for close ups. However, for game shows and some crime series like QI and Castle there will be between 6-8 cameras. Most of the cameras will be reserved for close-ups and medium shots on panel members and the remaining cameras used in wide shots and establishing shots of the set/panel. Multi camera shows, popular for filming live sitcoms and panel shows like Mock the Week and Friends, restrain the creative aspects of shows but require less intensive editing afterwards.
An example of a single camera production is American Horror Story. American Horror Story is a serial anthology based television show created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk in 2010. While predominantly being a horror show, recurring themes of love, religion and the supernatural appear in all the series so far. The show features strong bloody violence, sexual violence, strong nudity, frequent language and frightening images. For this reason, the show is rated 18 in the UK and Tv14 in America, with a ‘Viewer Discretion Is Advised’ placed before each episode. The show has been praised for its unique anthology format. Unlike many shows on TV, which becomes repetitive and predictable, this format allows a fresh story each time while keeping the cast that the audience grow to enjoy. Each season is set in a different location, time, based on a different set of characters in a completely new story.
From a technical aspect, the series adopts conventions from film, rather than TV. For example, lighting. On a film, lighting is set up for each shot. This makes sure that each shot is lit to how the director wants it to be. Lighting here can be used to create mood and atmosphere opposed to multi camera productions. Single camera productions would need more set-ups than a multi camera show but less time actually setting it up. Another film convention adopted by this show, would be the use of set and location. A single camera production allows for more sets and locations to be used, as there is no live audience. By not having an audience, sets don’t have to be built around where the audience will be positioned. American Horror Story uses many sets and locations, which would be unsuitable for shooting with an audience behind it.
In contrast to the single camera production seen in American Horror Story, sitcoms like The Big Bang Theory adopt the multi camera set up. The Big Bang Theory is a family friendly (in contrast to the adult content of American Horror Story) comedy sitcom. The show revolves around Sheldon Cooper and Leonard Hofstadter, 2 scientists who share an apartment. Across the hall lives Penny, a ditsy aspiring actress who be friends them both and their 2 friends Raj and Howard, also fellow scientists. The series follows a traditional sitcom storyline; the daily lives of a group of friends as they navigate through their lives seeking friendship, romance and success.
Each episode has a 3-act structure, which is common in almost every sitcom. The show will open with a teaser, setting up the story for the episode to follow. Then Act 1 will then set up the dilemma of the episode. Act 2 will develop and expand the dilemma the cast must overcome and Act 3 will resolve the dilemma, usually ending positively. The show is filmed in front of a live audience, meaning that the sets for the show are constructed in a way that has the action facing the audience; giving the set a 2D look about it. Each set is lit so that all the lights are ready for each shot, making setting up the set longer because they have to test each light for each shot to make sure it is not to intense or so that there is no glare.
Single camera dramas have become very popular recently, opposed to he usual multi-camera set ups. By having single camera television shows, many more genres have been able to be put on the small screen, opposed to the big screen. Musicals, horror and action series have become increasingly popular in using single camera techniques. Single camera shows allow for the show to explore more creative techniques, from lighting and sound to visuals and sets.
In contrast to the single camera production, there is the multi camera production. Multi-camera shows tend to be for more sitcoms and shows like Strictly Come Dancing or The X-Factor. Using multiple cameras allows for more footage to be shot at the same time and from different angle. For a sitcom like Friends, there will usually be 3 cameras; one for wide shot, one for a medium shot and one for close ups. However, for game shows and some crime series like QI and Castle there will be between 6-8 cameras. Most of the cameras will be reserved for close-ups and medium shots on panel members and the remaining cameras used in wide shots and establishing shots of the set/panel. Multi camera shows, popular for filming live sitcoms and panel shows like Mock the Week and Friends, restrain the creative aspects of shows but require less intensive editing afterwards.
An example of a single camera production is American Horror Story. American Horror Story is a serial anthology based television show created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk in 2010. While predominantly being a horror show, recurring themes of love, religion and the supernatural appear in all the series so far. The show features strong bloody violence, sexual violence, strong nudity, frequent language and frightening images. For this reason, the show is rated 18 in the UK and Tv14 in America, with a ‘Viewer Discretion Is Advised’ placed before each episode. The show has been praised for its unique anthology format. Unlike many shows on TV, which becomes repetitive and predictable, this format allows a fresh story each time while keeping the cast that the audience grow to enjoy. Each season is set in a different location, time, based on a different set of characters in a completely new story.
From a technical aspect, the series adopts conventions from film, rather than TV. For example, lighting. On a film, lighting is set up for each shot. This makes sure that each shot is lit to how the director wants it to be. Lighting here can be used to create mood and atmosphere opposed to multi camera productions. Single camera productions would need more set-ups than a multi camera show but less time actually setting it up. Another film convention adopted by this show, would be the use of set and location. A single camera production allows for more sets and locations to be used, as there is no live audience. By not having an audience, sets don’t have to be built around where the audience will be positioned. American Horror Story uses many sets and locations, which would be unsuitable for shooting with an audience behind it.
In contrast to the single camera production seen in American Horror Story, sitcoms like The Big Bang Theory adopt the multi camera set up. The Big Bang Theory is a family friendly (in contrast to the adult content of American Horror Story) comedy sitcom. The show revolves around Sheldon Cooper and Leonard Hofstadter, 2 scientists who share an apartment. Across the hall lives Penny, a ditsy aspiring actress who be friends them both and their 2 friends Raj and Howard, also fellow scientists. The series follows a traditional sitcom storyline; the daily lives of a group of friends as they navigate through their lives seeking friendship, romance and success.
Each episode has a 3-act structure, which is common in almost every sitcom. The show will open with a teaser, setting up the story for the episode to follow. Then Act 1 will then set up the dilemma of the episode. Act 2 will develop and expand the dilemma the cast must overcome and Act 3 will resolve the dilemma, usually ending positively. The show is filmed in front of a live audience, meaning that the sets for the show are constructed in a way that has the action facing the audience; giving the set a 2D look about it. Each set is lit so that all the lights are ready for each shot, making setting up the set longer because they have to test each light for each shot to make sure it is not to intense or so that there is no glare.
Task 3
script_sample.docx | |
File Size: | 15 kb |
File Type: | docx |
INT. BATHROOM - DUSK
A teenager opens a glass cabinet, taking out a tube of toothpaste and a toothbrush, moving to the sink and begins to run the water; cleaning his teeth. After he is done he looks into the mirror.
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT - SEVERAL HOURS LATER
The teen lies in bed, staring out of the window opposite his bed. The MOON shines through the window, casting a blue light onto him. He turns his head to look at the clock on the wall.
CLOCK
(Whispering)
Sleep
He turns his head back and stares at the roof before getting out and leaving the room.
INT. HALLWAY - NIGHT
He trudges down the short hallway and continues down the stairs.
INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT
He walks through the living room and into the kitchen. After turning the light on, he begins to look through a cabinet, knocking over empty pill bottles. After finding a bottle with some in he takes out 2 and makes a glass of water.
PILL BOTTLE
(Whispering)
Sleep.
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
He walks into the living room with the glass of water and sits on the sofa. He leans over and turns on the lamp. He takes the pills and finishes the glass of water. He lies back on the sofa and closes his eyes.
His eyes open again, still unable to sleep. The television turns on and he looks at the static screen.
TV
(Whispering)
Sleep
INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT
He re-enters the kitchen and puts a glass of milk in the microwave to heat it up. After it is done he takes it out and turns to the door.
MICROWAVE
(Whispering)
Sleep
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
The teen gets back into bed and drinks the milk, then puts it on the bedside cabinet.
He lies back and stares up at the ceiling. He looks over at the clock again; a short time has passed.
GLASS
(Whispering)
Sleep.
INT. LIBRARY - NIGHT
He stands in the library and scans the bookshelves.
THE TEEN
I've ******* read all of these.
Desperately trying to find a book to read, the teen becomes frustrated and begins to knock books over. He finally sits down, perched up against a bookshelf and rests his head in his hands. He looks across on to the floor and sees a book he hasn't read and picks it up.
BOOK
(Whispering)
Sleep.
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT/DAWN
Sitting on his bed, he reads through the short book. Hours pass but he remains awake. He sits up against the wall, facing the clock. The voices of all the objects in his room begin to speak to him, taunting him. Getting louder and louder it becomes unbearable. His alarm goes off at 6:00 am, the voices stop.
Sleepless
By Callum Harrison
A teenager opens a glass cabinet, taking out a tube of toothpaste and a toothbrush, moving to the sink and begins to run the water; cleaning his teeth. After he is done he looks into the mirror.
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT - SEVERAL HOURS LATER
The teen lies in bed, staring out of the window opposite his bed. The MOON shines through the window, casting a blue light onto him. He turns his head to look at the clock on the wall.
CLOCK
(Whispering)
Sleep
He turns his head back and stares at the roof before getting out and leaving the room.
INT. HALLWAY - NIGHT
He trudges down the short hallway and continues down the stairs.
INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT
He walks through the living room and into the kitchen. After turning the light on, he begins to look through a cabinet, knocking over empty pill bottles. After finding a bottle with some in he takes out 2 and makes a glass of water.
PILL BOTTLE
(Whispering)
Sleep.
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
He walks into the living room with the glass of water and sits on the sofa. He leans over and turns on the lamp. He takes the pills and finishes the glass of water. He lies back on the sofa and closes his eyes.
His eyes open again, still unable to sleep. The television turns on and he looks at the static screen.
TV
(Whispering)
Sleep
INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT
He re-enters the kitchen and puts a glass of milk in the microwave to heat it up. After it is done he takes it out and turns to the door.
MICROWAVE
(Whispering)
Sleep
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
The teen gets back into bed and drinks the milk, then puts it on the bedside cabinet.
He lies back and stares up at the ceiling. He looks over at the clock again; a short time has passed.
GLASS
(Whispering)
Sleep.
INT. LIBRARY - NIGHT
He stands in the library and scans the bookshelves.
THE TEEN
I've ******* read all of these.
Desperately trying to find a book to read, the teen becomes frustrated and begins to knock books over. He finally sits down, perched up against a bookshelf and rests his head in his hands. He looks across on to the floor and sees a book he hasn't read and picks it up.
BOOK
(Whispering)
Sleep.
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT/DAWN
Sitting on his bed, he reads through the short book. Hours pass but he remains awake. He sits up against the wall, facing the clock. The voices of all the objects in his room begin to speak to him, taunting him. Getting louder and louder it becomes unbearable. His alarm goes off at 6:00 am, the voices stop.
Sleepless
By Callum Harrison
Task 4
callsheettemp.doc | |
File Size: | 175 kb |
File Type: | doc |
shot_list.docx | |
File Size: | 111 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Shot List
Bathroom
Shot
Shot Type
Description of shot
1
Medium
Establishing shot of the bathroom door
2
Medium
The teenager goes to open the cabinet door
3
Close Up
The teen pulls out a draw and takes out a toothbrush and paste
4
Close Up
He turns the tap on
5
Ex. Close Up
He puts the tooth paste onto the bush
6
Close Up
The brush goes under the water
7
Medium
The teen stands in front of the mirror cleaning his teeth
8
Medium
He spits into the sink
9
Medium
He stands in front of the mirror and looks at himself
Bedroom
10
Medium
He lies in bed
11
Close up
Clock reads 9:00pm
12
Close Up
The moon shines through the window
13
Medium
He lies in bed looking at the moon
14
Close up
Clock now reads 10:30pm
15
Medium
He turns his head back and then gets out of bed
Hall Way
16
Angle Shot
He walks down the hallway and down the stairs
Kitchen
17
Wide shot
He walks through into the kitchen
18
Close Up
The cupboard door opens and he takes out a glass
19
Close Up
He puts the cup on the counter
20
ECU
The cupboard door opens
21
ECU
He drops the pills beside the glass and picks it up
22
Medium
He fills the glass up with water
23
Wide shot
Picking up the pills he walks out of the kitchen
24
Close Up
The Pill bottle speaks to him
Living Room
25
Medium
He sits on the sofa and takes the pills
26
Close up
He puts the glass on the little table and then lies back on the sofa
27
ECU
The clock reads 10:40pm (on the DVD player)
28
Medium Bird View
He lays awake on the sofa
29
ECU
His eyes blink
30
ECU
The clock now read 1:30 am
31
Medium
The TV switches on in the background
32
Close Up
He turns to look at the screen
33
Medium
The TV speaks to him
34
Close Up
He stares at the screen and then walks back to the kitchen
Kitchen # 2
35
Medium
He re-enters the kitchen
36
Inside Fridge
He opens the door and takes out a carton of milk
37
Close Up
He puts the milk on the side and gets a glass.
38
ECU
He opens the microwave door
39
ECU
He punches in 2.5 minutes and hits start
40
ECU
He watches the microwave go round
41
Close Up
The milk spins around in the microwave
42
ECU
His eyes begin to close and the microwave beeps
43
Medium
He takes the milk out of the microwave and leaves the kitchen
44
Medium
The Microwave speak to him
Bedroom # 2
45
Medium
He gets back into bed
46
ECU
He drinks the milk
47
High Angle
He puts the empty cup on the cabinet beside his bed
48
Birds Eye
He lies down in bed
49
Close Up
He looks over at the clock
50
Close Up
The clock reads 1:45 am
51
Close Up
The glass speaks to him
52
Medium
He looks at the glass and gets out of bed
53
Close Up
The clock read 1:47
Library
54
Medium
He stands in the library
55
Close Up
His hands scans over the books
56
ECU
His eye scan across the books
57
Medium
He shouts out angrily
58
Close Up
He knocks the books off the shelves
59
Close Up
The books hit the floor
60
Medium
He sits down on the floor
61
P.O.V
He notices a short book on the floor and picks it up
62
Medium
He leaves the room
63
Close Up
The books speak to him
Bedroom # 3
64
Medium
He sits on his bed reading
65
Close Up
His eyes scan over the pages
66
ECU
The pages flip
67
ECU
His eyes continue to scan
68
ECU
The pages flip again
79
Medium
He closes the book, finishing it
70
Close up
The clock read 5:59
71
Medium
He sits up against the wall hearing voices
72
ECU
The clock hand ticks to 6:00 am
73
Medium
He lies down
74
Close Up
His alarm goes off
75
ECU
His closed eyes spring open
Bathroom
Shot
Shot Type
Description of shot
1
Medium
Establishing shot of the bathroom door
2
Medium
The teenager goes to open the cabinet door
3
Close Up
The teen pulls out a draw and takes out a toothbrush and paste
4
Close Up
He turns the tap on
5
Ex. Close Up
He puts the tooth paste onto the bush
6
Close Up
The brush goes under the water
7
Medium
The teen stands in front of the mirror cleaning his teeth
8
Medium
He spits into the sink
9
Medium
He stands in front of the mirror and looks at himself
Bedroom
10
Medium
He lies in bed
11
Close up
Clock reads 9:00pm
12
Close Up
The moon shines through the window
13
Medium
He lies in bed looking at the moon
14
Close up
Clock now reads 10:30pm
15
Medium
He turns his head back and then gets out of bed
Hall Way
16
Angle Shot
He walks down the hallway and down the stairs
Kitchen
17
Wide shot
He walks through into the kitchen
18
Close Up
The cupboard door opens and he takes out a glass
19
Close Up
He puts the cup on the counter
20
ECU
The cupboard door opens
21
ECU
He drops the pills beside the glass and picks it up
22
Medium
He fills the glass up with water
23
Wide shot
Picking up the pills he walks out of the kitchen
24
Close Up
The Pill bottle speaks to him
Living Room
25
Medium
He sits on the sofa and takes the pills
26
Close up
He puts the glass on the little table and then lies back on the sofa
27
ECU
The clock reads 10:40pm (on the DVD player)
28
Medium Bird View
He lays awake on the sofa
29
ECU
His eyes blink
30
ECU
The clock now read 1:30 am
31
Medium
The TV switches on in the background
32
Close Up
He turns to look at the screen
33
Medium
The TV speaks to him
34
Close Up
He stares at the screen and then walks back to the kitchen
Kitchen # 2
35
Medium
He re-enters the kitchen
36
Inside Fridge
He opens the door and takes out a carton of milk
37
Close Up
He puts the milk on the side and gets a glass.
38
ECU
He opens the microwave door
39
ECU
He punches in 2.5 minutes and hits start
40
ECU
He watches the microwave go round
41
Close Up
The milk spins around in the microwave
42
ECU
His eyes begin to close and the microwave beeps
43
Medium
He takes the milk out of the microwave and leaves the kitchen
44
Medium
The Microwave speak to him
Bedroom # 2
45
Medium
He gets back into bed
46
ECU
He drinks the milk
47
High Angle
He puts the empty cup on the cabinet beside his bed
48
Birds Eye
He lies down in bed
49
Close Up
He looks over at the clock
50
Close Up
The clock reads 1:45 am
51
Close Up
The glass speaks to him
52
Medium
He looks at the glass and gets out of bed
53
Close Up
The clock read 1:47
Library
54
Medium
He stands in the library
55
Close Up
His hands scans over the books
56
ECU
His eye scan across the books
57
Medium
He shouts out angrily
58
Close Up
He knocks the books off the shelves
59
Close Up
The books hit the floor
60
Medium
He sits down on the floor
61
P.O.V
He notices a short book on the floor and picks it up
62
Medium
He leaves the room
63
Close Up
The books speak to him
Bedroom # 3
64
Medium
He sits on his bed reading
65
Close Up
His eyes scan over the pages
66
ECU
The pages flip
67
ECU
His eyes continue to scan
68
ECU
The pages flip again
79
Medium
He closes the book, finishing it
70
Close up
The clock read 5:59
71
Medium
He sits up against the wall hearing voices
72
ECU
The clock hand ticks to 6:00 am
73
Medium
He lies down
74
Close Up
His alarm goes off
75
ECU
His closed eyes spring open
movement_order.docx | |
File Size: | 1021 kb |
File Type: | docx |
treatment_2 | |
File Size: | 131 kb |
File Type: | treatment 2 |
Sleepless – Drama
Sleepless will be a 2-4 minute short drama film about an ordinary teenager as he deals with his insomnia. I have decided to aim my short film at men and women who are art film fans, between the ages of 25-50 but focusing in on the 30-40-age bracket. I have decided to choose a more mature age because art films are aimed at niche audiences and this age range is more fitting for the short film I intend to make. However, I have extended the age range either side of my intended audience because there are audience younger and older who may still find interest in a short drama piece.
Treatment
Short Synopsis: ‘Sleep is something many take for granted but for an ordinary teenager, he will do anything he can to fall asleep, especially when starts hearing the voices of inanimate objects around his house’
Long Synopsis: ‘an unnamed teen goes through his usual routine before going to bed; cleaning his teeth and getting into pajamas. But no matter what he does he cannot fall asleep. He lies in bed staring out of his window at the moon hoping to it will send him to sleep but it doesn’t. He looks to the clock; it tells him to sleep.
He decides to go down to the kitchen and find some sleeping tablets. Wading through empty pill bottles he finally finds a few and takes them into the living room with a cup of water.
After taking them he lies back on the sofa and tries to fall asleep. A few hours pass and he is still unable to sleep. The TV turns on and whispers to him to fall asleep. He gets up and returns to the kitchen where he makes himself a cup of hot milk, hearing the microwave telling him to sleep. He takes the milk back up with him and gets back into bed. After drinking it he lies back down but still cannot sleep.
The teen is getting frustrated at this point, desperately trying to find a book in his library that he hasn’t read. After lashing out and knocking several books off the shelf he finds one and takes it back to be with him. He reads it all.
He sits on his bed now, looking blankly at the clock, which almost reads 6:00am. The room spins around him as his mind wonders between conscious and unconsciousness. The voices begin to speak again, telling him to do, what he cannot, sleep. Each voice is a different volume but nonetheless just as menacing as the last. Everything seems to be building up to something but he cannot think what it is; then suddenly his alarm goes off. Halting the room, silencing the voices’
Sleepless will be filmed inside my house, using the bedroom, library, hallway, living room and kitchen as the set. Each room will be lit so that there is not too much light in the frame but enough to see the action on screen. Lighting will however be kept to a minimum so that it mirrors the characters state of mind - tired, between asleep and awake. The film will be edited so that the final film will appear slow, with shots being slightly longer than average so that it feels drawn out, again mirroring the characters state of mind.
Accompanying the moving image will be very little sound. The only non-diagetic sound will be the sound of a ticking clock playing over the entire piece. Diagetic sound will be toned down in postproduction so that any interference picked up by the camera wont be heard. Also, there will only be one word of dialogue, repeated over again by different objects around the house. The one line of dialogue will amplify the characters state of mind and how serious his insomnia is in the short.
I will be the teen in the film, the only person appearing in the entire film. My crew will also be myself. Being that only a single camera production, I can set up the camera in the correct position and sort the lights out. All sound will be done in post-production so there will be no need to have some behind the camera playing any sounds or recording any sounds to be used in post.
Sleepless will be a 2-4 minute short drama film about an ordinary teenager as he deals with his insomnia. I have decided to aim my short film at men and women who are art film fans, between the ages of 25-50 but focusing in on the 30-40-age bracket. I have decided to choose a more mature age because art films are aimed at niche audiences and this age range is more fitting for the short film I intend to make. However, I have extended the age range either side of my intended audience because there are audience younger and older who may still find interest in a short drama piece.
Treatment
Short Synopsis: ‘Sleep is something many take for granted but for an ordinary teenager, he will do anything he can to fall asleep, especially when starts hearing the voices of inanimate objects around his house’
Long Synopsis: ‘an unnamed teen goes through his usual routine before going to bed; cleaning his teeth and getting into pajamas. But no matter what he does he cannot fall asleep. He lies in bed staring out of his window at the moon hoping to it will send him to sleep but it doesn’t. He looks to the clock; it tells him to sleep.
He decides to go down to the kitchen and find some sleeping tablets. Wading through empty pill bottles he finally finds a few and takes them into the living room with a cup of water.
After taking them he lies back on the sofa and tries to fall asleep. A few hours pass and he is still unable to sleep. The TV turns on and whispers to him to fall asleep. He gets up and returns to the kitchen where he makes himself a cup of hot milk, hearing the microwave telling him to sleep. He takes the milk back up with him and gets back into bed. After drinking it he lies back down but still cannot sleep.
The teen is getting frustrated at this point, desperately trying to find a book in his library that he hasn’t read. After lashing out and knocking several books off the shelf he finds one and takes it back to be with him. He reads it all.
He sits on his bed now, looking blankly at the clock, which almost reads 6:00am. The room spins around him as his mind wonders between conscious and unconsciousness. The voices begin to speak again, telling him to do, what he cannot, sleep. Each voice is a different volume but nonetheless just as menacing as the last. Everything seems to be building up to something but he cannot think what it is; then suddenly his alarm goes off. Halting the room, silencing the voices’
Sleepless will be filmed inside my house, using the bedroom, library, hallway, living room and kitchen as the set. Each room will be lit so that there is not too much light in the frame but enough to see the action on screen. Lighting will however be kept to a minimum so that it mirrors the characters state of mind - tired, between asleep and awake. The film will be edited so that the final film will appear slow, with shots being slightly longer than average so that it feels drawn out, again mirroring the characters state of mind.
Accompanying the moving image will be very little sound. The only non-diagetic sound will be the sound of a ticking clock playing over the entire piece. Diagetic sound will be toned down in postproduction so that any interference picked up by the camera wont be heard. Also, there will only be one word of dialogue, repeated over again by different objects around the house. The one line of dialogue will amplify the characters state of mind and how serious his insomnia is in the short.
I will be the teen in the film, the only person appearing in the entire film. My crew will also be myself. Being that only a single camera production, I can set up the camera in the correct position and sort the lights out. All sound will be done in post-production so there will be no need to have some behind the camera playing any sounds or recording any sounds to be used in post.