This blog post contains the work I did in my lesson on how to successfully edit. Mr. Nick filmed the footage but I edited them together on using my laptop on Capcut. Mr. Nick also made it easier for us by providing a template for this blog.
The importance of continuity editingπ’πΈπ²π¬π
Continuity editing includes making sure that items like props or costumes stay consistent from scene to scene. But the more important work lies in editing shots together in a way that leaves viewers thoroughly grounded in both time and space.
Types of continuity editing❋
Straight cut (cut)
Eye line match
Shot/reverse shot
Cutaway/insert
Match cut
Footage❀˖ °❀
Here is the footage that my teacher shot which utilizes a variety of camera angles and movements. The scene is very simple, it involves a student standing up and leaving the classroom. A single shot here might be quite boring for the audience, by editing and combining the shots together we can make the scene feel more dynamic.
This post contains a mini project that me, Kristine and Kellie did during media class (Lamiya was absent). Me and Kellie was in charge of editing and Kristine was in charge of making the blog.
Lesson description❀˖°.π₯ ݁ ˖
For this mini project, Mr. Nick instructed us to recreate a scene from a movie based on the genre that we picked for our big project (found-footage horror). The movie that we picked was Paranormal Activity 3. Here is our final product, edited by me.
Editing process˚❀༉‧₊˚. π¦༘⋆
In this step, I was trying to put the two clips side by side. At first I didn't know how to do it, but then Kristine told me how to do it. Turns out, it was pretty simple.
In this step, me and Kellie were trying our best to time the two clips correctly. We realized that in some moments, the two clips don't align with each other. This was really challenging, but we managed to pull through.
In this step, I was trying to put on a filter on our original video so that it looks more orange, like the original video. But, it wasn't possible because then it'd affect the clip from the movie as well, making it too orange.
In addition to that, at the same time, we also tried to add a timestamp to our video to make it more realistic. We had some difficulties in searching for the template on Capcut, so we had to search online. This video really helped us:
Storyboard⋆˚✿˖° π ₊
This is the storyboard that we worked on together. I was in charge of drawing it.
Problems & solutions✿⋆｡˚ ☁︎ ˚｡
Camera
Problems:
1. We had problems with the steadiness of the camera since we used my hands (the cameraman) to film instead of a tripod.
2. When filming, Kellie's legs were accidentally shown in frame.
Solutions:
1. The "HRD" feature on the camera app in iPhone cancels out the shakiness, which creates a smoother and clean finish.
2. We decided to just crop the top portion of the video to cut out Kellie's legs.
Next time:
1. We will make sure to bring a tripod for more stable filming.
2. Before filming, we'll make sure to double check the locations of everything to prevent unwanted things to be captured by the camera.
Mise-en-Scene
Problems:
1. Controlling the props was a little challenging because we had to make sure the props disappear and appear properly in just one whole take.
2. The location we filmed at didn't look much like the original so we had to make modifications.
Solutions:
1. We asked help from Mr. Nick to remove all the props in time.
2. We gained permission to borrow some props from the janitor's closet.
Next time:
1. Working with incomplete members was quite difficult, so we'll try to get everyone involved next time.
2. We'll look for a more accurate environment in better circumstances next time.
Edit
Problems:
1. Timing the two clips together so that the objects fall at the same time was challenging to do.
2. The internet was slow at the time so exporting took longer than expected.
Solutions:
1. I used cuts and slow motion to adjust the clips so that they both happen at the same time.
2. We used our own personal hotspot through our phones to speed the process up.
Next time:
1. We will make sure to memorize the timing to minimize editing in the future.
2. We hope our school wifi gets better in the future.
Sound
Problems:
1. The wind was pretty strong so it was difficult to communicate/give signals to each other during filming.
2. There was another group in the same area who were being loud while filming.
Solution:
1. We decided to use the original scene's audio and mute our original video.
Next time:
1. We'll try to film somewhere suitable indoors to reduce excessive sounds.
2. We'll try to film somewhere more private where there's no one expect us.
Behind the scenes❀˙•☾
Reflectionπ⚘⊰
This task was a lot of fun because we got to make a short clip. It was the first lesson after winter break, and it made me feel more motivated to work on my media project. It also helped us learn how special effects work and how to show supernatural things. Overall, it was a fun and exciting way to start after my long holiday.
Here is my team's location scout & risk assessment. Kellie was in charge of the location scout and Kristine was in charge of the risk assessment. Both of them received help and input from other team members.
Location 1
Location 1
Address:
Lamiya’s Attic
Scene:
The Attic Scene
Advantages of location:
Filming in Lamiya’s attic will give us control over the environment and creative freedom as it is a private location, and we’re free to use the space however we’d like
It’s cost effective, so we don’t have to pay for filming there
Attics tend to be an unsettling and dark place, so it sets the perfect mood for our project
We have privacy filming here, so our actors won’t feel shy or hold back because of other people watching
Disadvantages of Location:
Filming in the attic means limited space for us, this might make the process more difficult and stressful
Lighting in attics are usually very dim, so if we were in need of bright lighting, this could be a problem
There are more safety hazards in this area because it’s very old and the space is not used very often
Alternatives:
Another space from Lamiya’s house
Risk Assessment
Risk:
Who is at risk:
How to avoid risk:
High, Medium, Low risk:
1. Old
There could be broken furniture or the place has weak supports.
If it cannot hold all of us inside, we would have to split apart and take turns walking in and out.
Meidum, because we don't have many people helping so it should support us well.
2. Dark
There can be issues regarding communication and would waste a lot of time.
We’ll sort things outside before we step into the attic, We’ll have flashlights and use our phones to text.
Low, we need a dark location which isn't really risky, but it would be very uncomfortable to adapt with.
3. Dirty
Since it's never been used, it might be dirty and we’ll have to clean it up to create a more safer place to film in.
Before filming, we'll have to clean up the place and help set the design.
Medium, we can ask for help and we’ll barely clean up because we also want our set to kinda be “dirty”, but it's for our own safety as well.
Location 2
Location 2
Address:
Lamiya’s room
Scene:
The Attic Scene
Advantages of location:
It’s a comfortable environment for all of us, this would make the whole process much easier
We have lots of control over the lighting, we can make it dim or bright if needed
We have more noise control in this area because we will have fewer disruptions
Lots of space is provided in this area which will make it easier for the crew
It;s very convenient for everyone which gives us a more flexible filming schedule
Disadvantages of Location:
The setting won’t be as creepy and unsettling as something like an attic
There may be more distractions from other family members or pets
Lamiya may have privacy concerns because there may be personal things in her room
Alternatives:
Kristine’s house
Risk Assessment
Risk:
Who is at risk:
How to avoid risk:
High, Medium, Low risk:
1. Small
This may be too crapped up to film in and make a set design which can be risky.
We’ll try managing the space we have and try to avoid cramping up on each other with our belongings.
Medium, working with big spaces can be difficult as well.
2. Weak Furnitures
These furniture will collapse and it will mess up the set design.
We’ll have someone who isn't doing anywork standby and look after any things that might collapse.
Low, most of these furniture would be easy to clean up and there's help from the house.
3. Posters
There are many posters which make it look less like an attic, our films wouldn't look realistic.
We’ll try and cover it up using fabric or black paper to make it seem more like an attic
Meidum, because this will be time consuming and there's a high risk that they wouldnt cover properly.
Location 3
Location 3
Address:
Kristine’s house
Scene:
The Attic Scene
Advantages of location:
It’s a team member's house so there's no “rules” to consider.
We can modify the place since it's not an attic, we can try using things to create a set design that looks more “creepy”.
The location is cheap meaning there's no need to pay for any parking or even rental.
Disadvantages of Location:
It's not an attic because the location does not own an attic
The location is under construction making it difficult to film.
The location has wide windows which have a lot of exposure to light.
Alternatives:
This is our initial alternative.
Risk Assessment
Risk:
Who is at risk:
How to avoid risk:
High, Medium, Low risk:
1. Noise disruption
The construction sounds can overpower our voices when filming.
Maybe we can try using microphones or noise denoising when filming.
Medium, because they don't work at night.
2. Family disruption
There are alot of relatives in the house which can be a distraction and can lead to poor acting performance.
Well try and shoot the scenes when they are absent in the location.
High, because they are often seen inside the house.
3. Distances
We might have team members who wouldn't be able to visit this place due to living too far.
We’ll try to talk to their parents about the project and ask them for consent to have them come to the location.
Low, because not all of us live far from this location.
Location 4
Location 4
Address:
Love Anchor
Scene:
Buying the book scene
Advantages of location:
It’s a big place for us to film in, making it easier on all the crew
There are lot’s of prop and object possibilities
Disadvantages of Location:
We’d be exposed to a lot of natural light, which wouldn’t match the mood of our film
We’d have no control over the crowd and the noise, which will make it difficult for us to film
Permission would be needed to film in a public place
The weather is unpredictable so we have no control over the environment
Alternatives:
Find another book store.
Risk Assessment
Risk:
Who is at risk:
How to avoid risk:
High, Medium, Low risk:
1. Crowded
Canggu is very crowded which can be hard to go through spaces, the products might be sold too fast before we even have a chance to buy them.
We’ll have to visit the location in the morning or before it opens so that we get the first stocked products.
Medium, because Love Anchor is a very well known location for both tourists and locals.
2. Expensive
We are on a very low budget which can be difficult for us when the product can be too expensive.
We can split up when purchasing the product which will be fair and cheaper.
Medium, most books like these can be very expensive due to their artistic details.
3. Difficult to find
Love anchors do not really sell books, they mostly just sell wooden models and jewelries.
We'll have to make up something or we'll ask for navigation to where we can find these specific books.
High, Love Anchor doesn't sell books specifically “demon” related books
Changes.ೃ࿔*:･
Love Anchor
We initially wanted to purchase our cursed book here and add a scene about it into our opening scene. However, considering the limited time, we decided to just jump straight into the main scene in the attic. Hence, Love Anchor is crossed out from our list.
Reflection ೀ⋆｡˚
This part took insanely long and we barely got enough sleep. Kellie was busy, so she got it done the night of the submission date (which was right on time). On top of that, figuring out which locations we wanted to film at was difficult as well, because we decided that we only wanted to film in one place, which is the attic (however, we had to put four). We also took time figuring out if filming in an attic was possible, until Lamiya stepped up and told us that she has an old one. Overall, although it was challenging, we got it done at last.
