Tuesday, 13 October 2009

Digital Media Development
Research and techniques

Torture Mood board

Some more Torture visuals to fuel the decisions in the execution of the film. Especially decisions such as set design and colour treatment

Digital Media Development
Research and techniques

Seance Mood Board

Project Metropolis: Music video production

Project metropolis are looking for a new music video for there latest track recording "Rothcore" This is a rather bizarre project to be involved in from my position. Because the word "involved" is quite literally an understatement on a stupidly large magnitude. Not only was it my inspiration that lead to the idea of the music video for the band, i am also a member of the band, and i will be working in the production and editing of the music video.

Funny Old Picture: LOLZ


To start with i will underline my specific duties i have been directed to partake in:

Producer: i will be organising all the scheduling of the band members, and equipment booking. I will also be on scout for shot locations, although another member of the project is undertaking this job on a more primary level. I will be more of a backup for that side of things.

Assistant Director: Although i will keep my input to a minimum, i intend to have some form of input into the directing, wether it involves something as simple as providing a second opinion, as well as speaking my opinion on how to approach matters that arise.

Editor: Although there will be a primary editor on the project, i will be creating an edit of my own. The main reason for this is my personal direction on how i wish to carry the story of the video. My opinion is more than likely to differ from the other editors choices.

On top of that, i will just float and try help out when ever i can. This project will always fall second to my main project with James and Graeme. Just to make that clear. My commitment will go into the post production side of things when the shooting has wrapped on the project with James and Graeme.

Monday, 12 October 2009

Digital Media Development
Research and techniques

In the previous posts regarding the torture sequence, it has just come to realisation that covered the main concerns but one. That is the torturer. Although the Saw films provided a great reference for all the other aspects of this sequence. The one thing Saw does tend to approach differently to how we have planned our sequence is the role of the antagonist. The antagonist in the Saw films operates remotely, setting up self harm scenarios. We are looking for a one on one aggressor to victim situation. This then pointed in the direction of The Hostel Films.




The first detail i wish to point out in these films is the issue of a costume or in a more traditional sense "a disguise" Something that removes your personal identity from the victim. We have discussed the matter of costume and are still debating on the options of a balaclava or keeping the face exposed. The decision to consider the balaclava is down to the social stigma that the wearing of one may suggest an aggressive and somewhat rude personality stereotype.

Saturday, 10 October 2009

Research: Visual inspiration

Interrogation Sequence

The Interrogation Sequence:
Using a combination of carefully planned camera techniques and organized fight choreography, this sequence will provide an action packed blood curdling torture session that will get the adrenaline pumping.

When considering art direction and location in this sequence, by carefully planning and giving consideration to detail will ultimately make or break the success (or failure) of this particular sequence. Again the main point of this sequence is to develop an understanding of the relationship between choreography and film. Ultimately for my personal education, I intend to really dig into the use of the XD camera with the Canon lens adapter. However, being in control of cinematography, i deeply feel the urge to sucseed in the art direction on set. My hope is that even if the choreography does fail, we may be able to salvage some visually stunning footage from the shoot.

To aid with this decision on art direction, I decided to opt for the now typically cliche saw films. As horrifically cheesy they may have now become, they still manage to create some exceptional visuals in the films. Saw films are the closest "hollywood standard" reference to gain a visual aid on set dressing a location for a torture scene. There are other considerations such as the "Hostel Films" which are equally as impressive, but in my opinion fail to provide the same cinematic quality to them.

Below are a couple of screenshots from Saw II & IV. Although being two feature films apart. they both share very similar properties. The obvious similarity is the acid green colour grading used on both scenes




Other shared qualities can be picked up when watching the scene. The next of importance will be that both these screen grabs are shot in a very similar fashion, and both feature a victim, tied down, somewhat unconscious and in a very secluded, run down and dark location with alien objects surrounding them.

These visuals provide great techniques on how to introduce a torture victim into a scenario of such terrible circumstances.

Below are some stills taken from the opening scene of Saw IV. The sequence is set in in a morgue, with a very cold colour grading to footage. This suggests the cold feeling of death most likely? The main interest of these stills is the method used in filming a selection of cutting utensils sat upon a table. As we have planned to film a very similar sequence, this research is imperative to develop from. The only real difference between the Saw sequence and our torture version, is that we wish to imply an additional sexual reference to relationship between the weapons and the torturer.



Wednesday, 7 October 2009

Personal Directives:

As mentioned in the project overview, the working group have been designated jobs to carry out thorough all areas of the production process. These are some short descriptions to what my jobs will be and what they may entail:

Preproduction

Storyboard/Pre visual Artist:
In preproduction, I tend to prefer taking a backseat to any real role. To send myself out of this my comfort zone, I shall be in control of the storyboarding and concept art for the duration of the project

Production

Cinematography/Camera Operator:
This job is a job assigned by preference, and in belief it is also a strength. The role does tend to piece together with the pre visualisation quite well.

Post Production

Special Effects:
One specific sequence demands a call for the use of visual effects. The effects will be in camera, and in postproduction combined. This job will be a challenge by providing the possibility to learn new skills and techniques. In addition, i shall also overlook the editing sessions to supply a fresh set of eyes, and catch out any mistakes that the other person may have missed.
Digital Media Development

The sequences:

There are a total of three sequences in the preproduction pipeline at the moment. The idea behind each individual sequence is directed to exploit specific techniques and emotions that have been a failure in previous projects, or alternatively something that is a desire to accomplish. Find below short synopsis and descriptions that demonstrate in more detail the theory of the project.

1.Suspense Building Drama:
This sequence will concentrate on long establishing shots to deliver a feeling of being trapped. A big benefactor for this sequence will be the combination of an atmospheric track and soundtrack to capture a cringe worthy feeling of isolation.

2.Aggressive Torture:
Using a combination of carefully planned camera techniques and organized fight choreography, this sequence will provide an action packed blood curdling torture session that will get the adrenaline pumping

3.Séance:
The séance themed scene will provide a chance to dabble in the field of visual/sound effects. The plan to produce an intense suspense followed by a supernatural disaster, the sequence will provide a great opportunity to build a studio set.
Digital Media Development

This is a short introduction to the project, and what the main objectives will entail

In a nutshell:

Create three short sequences (30-90 seconds) that strengthen and develop a various amount of specific film making techniques, in consideration to possible weak points from previous productions. As a result, reinforcing vital skills to produce quality products to the best possible ability.

The project:

The main objective of this brief is to build upon the skills obtained from the previous college years by developing and directing them into a successful and professional workflow. By taking consideration to eliminate all the unneeded errors and problems that have occurred in previous productions, the quality of work, and time taken to produce such work should in theory “improve dramatically”. The successful completion of the brief will also provide valuable additions to the building of a portfolio.

As a group of three, the production will delegate specific production jobs accordingly. This will allow for an equally distributed workload, and more importantly assign desired specialist jobs, in conjunction to the person’s skill strengths and preferences.

Friday, 24 July 2009

Me? a T-shirt Designer?

After great success and a really nice amount of positive feedback from my previous T-shirt design, i was content with my sucess and thought nothing more of the matter. Then a band that we have played with at previous gigs approached me to commission a T-shirt design. There was no real deadline, or work-frame to meet, other than it was as "cool" as the other one. Now my brain has started to tick, if am being approached by this band, is it possible others may follow in a similar fashion? especially if i advertise, and push myself out there? something to consider in the coming months.

The band in the spotlight this time is a local leeds metal act known as "Book Of Job"

http://www.myspace.com/bookofjobmetal

Check them out, there pretty awesome!

Anyway, being the kind fella i am, and knowing the band personally, i designed the T-shirt free of charge, i saw it as a way to assess if i was capable rather than just assuming i was producing a product worthy of charging. Plus it all adds to a portfolio =D

The design looks like this:



The design is made up of some abnormal octo legged creature, a suppose its an octopus, but am not 100% sure to be honest. The creature is sucking on a book, why? who knows! the bands name "Book Of Job" Encouraged the involvement of a book, and what you see is the result hah! In the sketching process, i drew the book before anything else! which is pretty odd really.

2 down now, whats next to come in the band merch saga?

Sunday, 19 July 2009

Keeping Busy: Project Metropolis - Monsters T-shirt

A while has passed now since my first of two graduations, i have played hard since, been to lively Rome, Played my heart out at gigs and festivals. Nice change to the pressure of deadlines. However, no matter how stressful the working environment gets, i soon manage to miss it. As myself and the band "Project Metropolis" have been in good form, and had good luck in recent months, i am on the promotional and merch band wagon to help push us that little bit more.

To add to this positive note, through finding my passion for music again, and with the help of Phil Wall, and his inspiring illustrations, i decided to pick up a good old Berol Fineliner pen once again. And for the record, i quote " It feels Amazing" knowing that after over a year of pure digital creativity coursing through my veins, i can still create a good drawing.

With out any more psycho babble, i present the result of this refreshing voyage:



Probebly needless to say, i think i out did myself. I didn't believe i was capable of producing something of this quality. Some may recognize a similarity to an existing artist out there in the band mech design world. Yes, Godmachine. He has given direct influence with his designs. However, i would like to retain the fact that my design is a personalised approach to the style of Godmachine. Not copying =P If by some miraculous happening where Godmachine manages to lay eyes on this blog. Thank you for being such an inspiration to my revived drawing passion!