Parallel: First Draft

This is the first draft of my short film, there are a few things i would still like to improve on and the music and sound needs to be added in.

Creating A Split Screen Effect

One of the main features of my short film is split screens in order to demonstrate the parallel lives. However to start with I was a bit unsure how to create this affect in sony vegas. However I managed to find a simple and effective tutorial on Youtube.

I then used the skills i learnt in this tutorial to create the effect in my own footage...

Diary 14/12/12

I have finally gathered all the raw footage that i need to create my short film. It was made difficult due to having to fit filming around actors and my social work and school lives. As well as this I had to ensure that my locations were free to film in at these times. Once this was all done i then needed to take take into account traveling to locations and ensuring I could loan out the equipment from school at these times.

Diary 12/12/12

Double Page Spread 2

This is the second double page I will be using in my magazine article.

Double Page Analysis

In order to create my magazine article I did some research into how real magazines create double page spreads and articles....

Double Page Analysis

Magazine Article

Now if you live in the UK and haven’t heard of the amazing new superstar that is Max Dowling then you truly haven’t been living under a rock! But after taking the silver screen by storm we talk to Max as the London boy takes on the independent short film scene, and what an impact he has made! Having a list of academy nominees as long as his arm just isn’t enough for some it appears and now with a star role in a one of a kind short film, will he have the same success he’s had elsewhere. Taking a break from the busy life we caught up with Max in a Soho café.

So first of all Max thanks for taking out the time to speak with us today.

It’s a pleasure Matthew, anything for the readers of Premiere!

So down to business, what first kicked off your love for the big screen?

Well as a kid I always loved performing. I used to put on shows for my parents in the living room! (laughs) I’d write these crazy scripts and put on a hell of a show! From there really I just couldn’t get of the stage my whole life!

Well that is quite impressive! You mentioned writing your own scripts as a child, is that something you still do?

As a matter of fact it is; I’ve written several shorts and one feature length film. Nothing to be made of them yet though!

Well I can’t wait to see one someday! So what else do you like to get up to in life?

When I’m not writing or performing or writing I’m spending most of my time playing basketball or drumming.

Wow you really do have a wide span of talents don’t you! So what led you down the acting path and not one of the others?

Acting was always my first priority, it’s what I lived and breathed I don’t think there was ever a time there was something else I wanted to be… apart from one year when I wanted to be Kermit the frog! (laughs)

And If only that dream had come true! Now you fly all around the world for filming where is the most interesting place you have been?

There was this one tropical island we went to whilst filming ‘Treasure Hunt’. We were the only people on this beautiful white sand island no bigger than a block of houses. I don’t think I’ve ever seen something so spectacular.

Wow that sounds amazing! It must be hard being away from family and friends so much though?

Well of course it always is. Nothing can ever compare to family to me, but you make friends on set everyone is always so friendly and by the time it’s over you have made a second family.

Well home really is where the heart is! So it’s been rumoured that you’re a bit of a prankster around set. What is the best prank you have ever pulled?

(Smiles) Well I remember one night I think in Beverly Hills Jack Black, one of our camera men Daniel Martins and I went out to find a local club where we could let a bit of steam off and have a good time. One night of rocking the dance floor and allot of tequila shots later we all headed back to the hotel. Now some people may think rock star life is glamorous but that’s not always the case… This was a pretty crappy road side motel. Once up on our floor we were still buzzin so we crashed out in Dans room he was sharing with sleeping set artist Jim who hadn’t come out that night claiming he wanted a quite night. Now this was something we didn’t find forgivable so we decided it was time for some revenge. Seeing as I was sharing a room with my then girlfriend I snuck back to my room to get some hair removal cream. I think you can guess where this was going (chuckles). It wasn’t until the next morning when the three of us who had fallen asleep in the room were awoken at 8am all hungover by a screaming Jim in a towel. Obviously intending to get an early start he had jumped in the shower none the wiser about his fate. A completely bald Jim exploded as the three of us cracked up on the floor. It was the funniest thing I have ever witnessed! Although we are all in fear of the revenge pranks he has promised to come!

Wow that really is a great story! I’m sure you’ll be sleeping with one eye open for a long time! You mentioned how life on the road isn’t as glamorous as we’re led to believe, what gets you through all the rubbish hotels and long journeys?

Well it’s the people I get to spend this adventure with that make it so great. The fun we have can’t be beaten and the family it has made us, there’s never a dull moment on the road with us and that’s what makes it so great!

Wow you really have had some fantastic adventures it sounds! So far you’ve worked with a few stars but is there anyone else you would like to work with?

Oh there are tons! I have so many inspirational actors and actresses that I would love to work with. I think if I had to pick one right now though it would have to be Gerard Butler. Just his presence on the screen is so intense you cannot look away! I would love to work alongside him and pick up some pointers!

I think I speak for not just myself but everyone when I say that we would all love to see that too! So a bit about your new film parallel. What caused you to take a break from the big screen for this smaller project?

Well one day my manager showed me this script for a short film written by this young and upcoming writer and director, it just blew me away I couldn’t turn it down. I’m really excited about it and I can’t wait for its release!

Well I think I speak for all of us when I say we can’t wait for its release too! Unfortunately we can’t give anymore away about it apart from that it’s going to be released this summer at the London film festival, if you’re any kind of film fan this is a must see! Thank you so much for this great chat Max and I hope to catch up again with you soon!

No thank you I’ve had a great time and I look forward to meeting up with you again soon! I hope you to see you at Parallels premier and best of luck till then to you and all the readers!

Diary 06/12/12

Yesterday I took more photos for my magazine article and film poster as i did not feel i had a wide enough variety of content. However as I run photoshop cs3 on my laptop i was unable to make contact sheets as was previously available with older versions. In order to rectify this problem I decided to do some research. The result of this was my discovery of a way to reinstall this feature by following the steps in this guide.
http://www.diyphotography.net/quick-tip-creating-a-contact-sheet-with-photoshop-cs5

Double Page Spread

This is the opening double page spread to my magazine article. It will be followed up by another double page that will include the full article.

Rugby Match

For one scene in my short film the successful version of my character is watching a sport match with their friends having some beers. This is the clip I have selected to use....

Diary 28/11/12

Today I decided to make a camstudio video demonstrating the different steps in the creation of my poster and how they were done. However due to a glitch in camstudio it closed down my computer and replaced it with a red and green flashing screen. In order to rectify this i had to remove several processes in order to get my computer back to normal. However camstudio will no longer work therefor I need to find a new piece of software to create such videos.

Poster First Draft

This is the first draft of one of my posters. I am really happy with the effects I have got going on in it. However there are several ways i plan to improve it before it is complete. Firstly I have had the idea of changing it to portrait A4 and then adding a mirrored world image in A4 to make an A3 spread poster. I think this will give me a great effect that will look professional in any media publication.

Poster Contact Sheets

These are the photos I have taken in order to create my movie posters. I intend to make three posters in total. Two teaser posters and one actual poster. Although I have a sufficient amount of pictures i feel like I may need to take more at a later date.

Raw Footage: Oxfam Unsuccessful Life

Raw Footage: Mobil Phone Unsuccessful Life

Raw Footage: Walking Unsuccessful Life

Diary 20/11/2012

I filmed part of my film several weeks ago for the unsuccessful life part. However since then I fell ill and was in hospital and unable to continue with my work. Thankfully I am well now and back to work although this has been a big disruption to how i have scheduled my production and this will need to be thought out again.

Raw Footage Test Shoot Fisheye Lens

This is another test shoot for the same scene in my short film. However this time I used a fisheye lens for a different affect which I think has worked a lot better.

Diary 16/10/12

My first shoot for my short film has now been changed to thursday in order to accommodate to everyones availability. Im going to start setting up my equipment and sets at 3 and then start filming at 4-4:30. Im going to start with the outside shots I need while its still light. We will then go back inside the house in order to shoot the indoor shots. Finally we will go back out about 9/10pm to shoot some evening/night time shots.

Raw Footage Of Test Shoot

This is a bit of raw footage i've filmed to test out how it will appear and work in my final piece.

To Do List

This is just a quick to do list I made a couple of weeks ago in order to keep track of everything I needed to complete for my project. Its pretty basic but has allowed me to keep a focus on what needs to be done and not get sidetracked.

Camera Equipment: Self Film

This piece of equipment has fortunately been at my disposal as it was created by a media student several years ago. It basically consists of a harness that attaches to the users torso with a wooden mast coming out you connect the camera to. This gives the great effect of being able to film the user walking face on which is a  shot I intend to use in my short film.

Unsuccessful Life Costume: Hoodie

This is another piece of clothing my actor for my unsuccessful world is going to wear. This is because it is basic and average everything his life is. Also just the item of clothing that is a hoodie evokes negativity in a social standing.

Unsuccessful Life Costume: T-Shirt

This is probably the t-shirt I am going to get my actor to wear for the unsuccessful life segment of the short film. It is rather plain and un exciting. This is similar to the life he leads. However I may change this at a later date depending on if I find a better one.

Diary 11/10/12

Due to the difference in appearance between the two worlds it is going to cause me to need to film my short film on several different days. I am going to start filming next wednesday. This is mainly for two reasons, firstly it is a day that I know my actor is free. But also due to his current job he needs to be clean shaven so wednesday is the day that he will have had a chance to grow a long enough beard/stubble.

Unsuccessful Life Costume: Denim Jacket

I am to use this denim jacket in the outfit for my unsuccessful life for when he is out and about in the day. This is because it is rather scruffy looking and con-notates for what I believe to be a scruffy appearance.

Facial Hair

To reinforce the differences between my main character in the two different worlds I have decided to change to appearance of his facial hair between the two. In the unsuccessful life he is going to have a scruffy looking beard/stubble as shown below along with a rather messy tangled hair look.

However I intend for my successful life character to be clean shaven and have a lot more of a smarter appearing hair cut and look as demonstrated below.

Prop Selection 5: Toaster

This is the taster I am going to use in the breakfast scene of my short film.

Supporting Actress

In one scene of my short film the main character in the unsuccessful world goes on a date with a girl who he then subsequently takes back to his place. This role is going to be played by Danielle Carey as pictured below. I have chosen her as she fits the role well and i believe she will have the best chemistry with the lead role in creating a realistic and authentic scene.

Prop Selection 4: Toast

Although used through out both worlds the props used to create the toast in my same film are going to be the same. This is because they are all ambiguous and cannot really convey a social class on their own. For this I will need; Bread, Butter and Jam. However the bread in the photo is obviously not the exact one that will be used in my short film as by the time it comes to filming it will have gone off. However it will be of the same brand.

Prop Selection 3: Cannabis Cigarette

While being what could be a rather controversial part of my short film I feel that it is a key part to building the character involved. I feel that it conveys him as the lower class of life classed with drug  use and portrays how he is the failure in everything deemed right as intended. Also how he isn't just another man in a suit and thats what makes him different to his more successful yet sadder counter part. However obviously due to being against the law I am going to substitute actual cannabis with oregon. Therefor for this prop I need three things and they are; Oregon, Tobacco and Rizla as shown below.

Prop Selection 2: Mug

These are the two mugs I have selected to use as props in my short film. The one on the left is going to be used in the successful life. This is because it has what looks like a more upper class and nicer pattern. The one on the right will be used for the unsuccessful life. This is because it is very plain simple and ordinary. Representing everything about the kind of life lived in that world.

Prop List

2x Alarm Clocks

Slippers

2x Kettles

2xMugs

Milk

Coffee

Spoon

Toaster

Butter

Jam

Towels

Tooth Brushes

Tooth Paste

Rizla

Tobacco

Green Herbs

Old tv

Computer

Football Shirts

Beer

Sandwich

2xPhones One good one bad

Cat

Script Rewrite

In the opening scene the camera pans across floor of a messy dirty room of the unsuccessful person. This then transitions into the same camera angle panning across the floor of a much nicer clean tidy room belonging to the person’s successful counterpart. Next back in the unsuccessful world there is a close up of an alarm clock as it goes off followed by a hand slamming down and turning it off. As it hits the alarm clock and hand changes to that of the successful persons. The next shot is a split screen between both of the worlds. The camera is positioned to film just above the bed so that as they rise from their sleep they come into the shot. Camera is then positioned just above floor level of unsuccessful room focused on slippers which feet then go into. Feet are then followed as they walk out of room. Next shot is of staircase in successful life as actor comes into shot and walks down the stairs. Next is a long shot of successful life filling up a kettle. As turns to counter camera moves with him and transitions into unsuccessful doing the same and putting the kettle on. Next the kettle is shot in a close up using shallow focus. This then changes to the same shot of the other kettle also using shallow focus. While this is happening sound of the water boiling is heavily focused on. This same focus on sound is then used in an overhead shot of water being poured into mug. Next milk is poured into mug of the successful world and stirred.  Camera then changes to toast popping up. Hand then takes toast and camera follows transitioning into other world. Toast is then buttered and jammed in a close up. Next is a split screen of both worlds in a close up of mouth as bite into toast and eat. Scene then changes to in shower where camera is looking up at shower head as water is turned on. Vision is then obscured by water and when turns off now focused on shower head of successful life. Shot as hand grabs towel fumbles drops and then picks up again as camera follows. There is then a close up of tooth paste being put on tooth brush which changes to a close up on unsuccessful face as he brushes his teeth. As bends down to spit out he goes out of picture and head that comes back up is that off successful life. Scene then changes to back in bedrooms where various shots of each world are taken at close up of them getting dressed. Unsuccessful is really quick and casual so is also rolling a joint. There is then a first person shot of the unsuccessful person opening his front door. Use exposure of light to transition to long shot of successful person shutting his front door. Next there is a split screen of both men walking with the camera facing them shooting them in a medium close up. After this unsuccessful is at bus stop and there is a focus shift to the successful life in the background. Shot of successful one going into shop followed by tilt up to name of shop (Being a nice shop) this then changes to a charity shop and camera tilts down to see unsuccessful one coming out. Then changes to a split screen of both getting texted about a date close up on the phones and each one on replying. We then see successful one going into working filmed at a long shot. The scene then changes to first person opening his front door and going into house. Gets inside still first person see coming in with a group of guys all wearing football shirts etc. Changes to them all sitting on sofa drinking some beers they all jump up when goal is scored looking happy excited and glad to be with each other. the Camera changes to small tinny tv with football games on. This then changes to computer screen of successful life at work. Has a sandwich alone at work. Changes back to unsuccessful one getting ready for date.  Successful has no time as too busy working. Scene then changes to split screen both waiting to meet their dates. Successful one is waiting in a nice restaurant whilst other one is in a pub. Split screen then moves to unsuccessful one whose date has turned up. Meanwhile successful has been stood up and is looking sad. Scene then changes to split screen of them both walking home. Same camera angle of them walking as earlier on. Successful is walking alone while other one is walking with date on his arm.  Get into houses successful is greeted by cat as typical stereo type of lonely person. Unsuccessful has a smile on his face and is kissing girl. Closing scene unsuccessful rolls over in bed alone to see successful spooning with date. Closing scene both looking at each other from an aerial view.

MJ Thomas Production Indent

This is the indent for my own production company; 'MJ Thomas Productions Inc'. This will be played at the start of my short film as would be done with any professional production

Short Film Poster Rough Sketch

This is a rough sketch of how my short film poster is going to appear. in the final production of it there will be a lot more detail of course and possible added or edited features. But for all extensive purposes it is based on the idea of the short film having the actor living in two separate worlds. I am going to create the poster from two individual images. Both close ups on the actors face but living in both worlds. This will then be split in two as seen in the sketch to create the final poster.

Female Audition 4

Script Change

Originally my short film was intended for a female lead role but however due to the circumstances at hand this has been made very difficult. My original casting was not good enough at acting and by the time I had come to this conclusion the back up actress I wanted to use was already doing several short films and music videos making her schedule impossible. Therefor I will be using Max Dowling. A good friend who was initially going to be in my camera crew. However he is also a drama student giving him the acting capability I will need for my short film. Now I am going to rewrite several of my storyboards and script in order to taylor the same idea but to a mans perspective.

Diary 08/10/12

Female Audition 3

In order to get the best actors and actresses in my short movie I have conducted several short preliminary auditions to find whose best for the job. This is the first of the female audition tapes...

Female Audition 2

In order to get the best actors and actresses in my short movie I have conducted several short preliminary auditions to find whose best for the job. This is the first of the female audition tapes...

Female Audition 1

In order to get the best actors and actresses in my short movie I have conducted several short preliminary auditions to find whose best for the job. This is the first of the female audition tapes...

Male Audition 1

In order to get the best actors and actresses in my short movie I have conducted several short preliminary auditions to find whose best for the job. This is the first of the male audition tapes...

Location Selection 6: Bathroom

Currently I have been looking for a bathroom to use briefly in one seen. So far I have come up with three possible options that I haven't yet decided from below are pictures of them. Also I am always looking out for new locations so these may change at a later date.

Diary 2/05/12

Today I had intended to upload all my audition tapes that I shot last week and have been editing using Sony Vegas. However there is being a problem uploading videos straight to blogger. normally I wouldnt use a blogger upload and would do it through youtube. However the school system is currently not allowing me to use youtube due to being blocked. Therefor I am going to have to wait to do all this when I am at home using my own internet.

Diary 25/09/12

So currently I have been using the blogger app on my Samsung Galaxy S3. This has been really handy as its allowed me to update my blog on the go and when I get inspiration. However I have just discovered as trying to post some videos I shot that the app will only allow me to post text and pictures. To solve this problem I have had to plug my phone into my computer and upload them using the normal site.

Location Selection 5: Front Door/Porch

Currently I have been looking for a front door/porch to use briefly in one seen. So far I have come up with three possible options that I haven't yet decided from below are pictures of them. Also I am always looking out for new locations so these may change at a later date.

Location Selection 4: Cafe

I have currently been scouting for a cafe to use in on of the earlier scenes of my short film. So far I have come up with two possible locations that I haven't yet decided from below are pictures of them. Also I am always looking out for new locations so these may change at a later date.

Location Selection 3: Charity Shop

I have currently been scouting for a charity shop to use in one of thescenes of my short film. So far I have come up with twi possible locations that I haven't yet decided from below are pictures of them. Also I am always looking out for new locations so these may change at a later date.

Crew Selection

In order to get the best shots and angles and a clear sound in my short film I have enlisted the assistance of two other peers to work as crew for my short film. This will allow me to have two cameras filming at once getting a wide and effective variety of shots. Also It also allows me to film behind the scenes of the short film allowing me to demonstrate its production easily and very well. The two people I have selected to be in my crew are Max Dowling (left) and Corey Mason-Seifet (right)

DIary 18/09/12

Prop Selection 2

Another prop that I need to use for my short film is a cat. This is only used in one brief scene but still a key feature to my film. These are the two cats that I plan on using.

Location Selection 2: Resturant

I have currently been scouting for a restaurant to use in one of the later scenes of my short film. So far I have come up with four possible locations that I haven't yet decided from below are pictures of them. Also I am always looking out for new locations so these may change at a later date.

Diary 13/07/12

Diary 10/09/12

Today I have finally found a suitable alarm clock on ebay again that I can use in my short film. This one I have put a higher bid on in order to hopefully have a higher chance of obtaining it. I have selected this one as it is cheap, works and most importantly looks the part. The description even commented on how it was slightly scuffed and scratched given it a well worn look. This will be perfect for the unsuccessful world in my movie, as it will convey how she does not own much and cannot afford the nicest of things.

Camera Slider Part. 2

This is the video of how I created my camera slider for my project. This was filmed 2 weeks ago but there was a delay due to video editing software problems. However that has now been fixed and this is the final result...

Diary 09/07/12

Today I brought my camera slider into school for the first time. While it currently works fine, my media teacher has suggested that I drill a hole through the base plat on each side and attach a small bit of string to it. This would allow me to pull the camera along the slider instead of pushing. This will then create a much more smoother pan than I was originaly. This will be something I plan to do in the upcomming week.

Video Editing Software

In previous projects I have always used adobe premier to edit and create videos. However these were much more basic projects than my current endeavor. Therefor I decided to do some research into which video editing software would be best for me to use. After reading countless reviews some of which are linked below it became obvious that my best option to go for was Sony Vegas Pro 11. This is mainly due to the fact that it is fast and simple to use whilst maintaining the highest quality when editing videos. However as I am new to this software I am currently following several youtube beginner tutorials to learn the basics and improve my skills. These will be demonstrated in several planning and test projects I will create hopefully allowing me to learn and improve the skills I need to create my final project.

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/reviews/software/371086/sony-vegas-pro-11
http://www.expertreviews.co.uk/software/1287331/sony-vegas-movie-studio-hd-11
http://computershopper.com/software/reviews/sony-vegas-pro-11

Location Selection 1: Bedroom

Location Selection 1

Recording Sound

Recording detailed high quality sound is a key aspect required in my movie to ensure that it is a success. In order to make sure I am fully clued up on the best ways to pull this off I have done some research into what I need to do while filming with the DSLR camera in order to get the sound quality that I need. Below is a video I have found really helpful with this.

Diary 3/07/12

So currently I am practicing shots done with my newly built camera slider. However I have come accross a slight problem with it that I need to fix. Although it is set at the correct distance at each end the piping is slightly too flexible and on occassion it can come apart in the centre and cause a less steady pan. To fix this I am intending on cutting a piece of wood to the size of the slider and set the slider upon it. This should then keep it in place as it pans along giving the perfect smooth pan that I desire.

Diary 01/07/12

Today I created the camera slider that I intend to use for my desired pan affect. I used to piece of copper pipping as runners and connected them at a set distance apart so that the camera mount can run along them smoothly giving a really good affect. I also scouted some more locations for the short film. The next thing I have to do is edit the footage of how I created my camera slider. To do this I will most likely use Adobe Premier or After Effects.

Diary 30/06/12

A while ago my ebay bid for the alarm clock I intend to use in my short film ended. However in the last minutes another bid was put on it and I did not get to it in time to put a new bid on. Therefore I lost the auction and am now in the process of looking for another alarm clock. Hopefully I will find one soon.

Camera Slider Part. 1

For some of the shots in my short film I need to create some perfect steady pans especially low accross the floor. However the equipment I have available to me has not given me the desired affect I want. This has caused me to find an alternate method and create something that I will be able to ensure gives me the desired effect. Therefor I am going to create a camera slider as demonstrated in the video bellow that I have found.

Camera Slider Tutorial - build it easy - a professional Cam slider / glider from Friedhelm Fischer on Vimeo.

Diary 27/06/12

Prop Selection 1

So I have been currently searching for an alarm clock to use in the opening scenes of my short film. To do this I have asked around for people I know to borrow their alarm clocks. In order to create the parallel worlds I will need to use two different but similar clocks. Ideally I would like to use non electric ones will a ringing bell. These are the ones I have gathered to chose from at the moment. I may however find more and I shall decide on my final selection at a later date.

Diary 26/06/12

Today I visited the OCR website as linked below. This has vast amounts of example projects that have recieved full marks. I have viewed several of these also linked below. I have used these as firstly it is important to learn what needs to be done to get full marks in the course. Also I feel that it is important to get a perspective of how other schools create their coursework as they may do things differently and I can get inspiration in how I can complete my short film.

Diary 19/06/12

Last night I created several more blog entries. One was some research I had done into a famous short film director. This has benefited me as I have been able to view their style of filming and get inspiration from it. I also got my actor releases for permission to use their images in my work. I have started short listing my props and locations into more detail today and hopefully I will be able to post the resaults in the upcomming week. Currently in school I have had some technical difficulties which have prohibited the speed of my work. Firstly I can post on blogger from school but I cant view my blog which has been a slight hassle. Also I have been having account troubles in which I have lost all my documents. However I am currently working on fixing this and hopefully it will be sorted soon!

Actor Releases

These are the contracts I had the actors/actresses I intend to use in my short film sign. They give consent for me to use their image throughout the production and final process of my short film.Actor Releases

Director Research

I have conducted research into famous short film director Penny Grylls and watched some of her work. This has given me inspiration into my own short film.Director Research

Diary 18/06/12

This week I have currently been planning out which equipment I will be using in order to film my short film to the best possible quality and standard. I so far have decided which camera I intend to film the majority of my short film in. And the mount i will use to steady the camera movements. However some shots I intend to do and have story boarded will need special attention. Firstly the in shower shot I plan to use a Go-Pro camera as it will be waterproof and still film in the HD quality I require. Also in the initial pan across the bedroom floor I will not be able to use the mount as it is for a shoulder so is not possible. This has meant that I have had to find an alternative solution. My first plan was to use a camera crane pointed low. However this only works with the pan in an arcing motion and not the straight line I intend for. Another idea I had was to use the wheels for a camera tripod to roll the camera along.

However I did not find this to be a good solution to the problem. I have now decided to create my own camera stand on wheels that I can use to create the desired pan effect I need.