Technology UsedOnline, Equipment and Digital Computer Based

Camera Equipment

Camera:

I learned that in-order for our project to have a professional look we had to make sure we used the camera correctly, this meant we had to make sure the camera lens was clean and that we used the right shot to create the appropriate mood. For example, a panning shot when creating a tense voyeuristic atmosphere, tracking shots when Alice was running and close-ups and wide-shots to make her seem isolated etc. The camera lens in our first few shots wasn’t initially clean despite us not seeing anything during shooting. However, when we uploaded it, we found water marks. This meant we had to either reshoot parts or use the shots where it was less visible, a good lesson learned of what to check for when filming the rest of it.

Tripod

With the tripod, we had to make sure the camera was level and sturdy so the footage doesn’t come out shaky. This gives it a more professional look and doesn’t distort away from the storyline if done correctly otherwise people will pay attention more to the fact that it is an independent and home-made movie more than the film itself. To make it look sturdy properly we had to make sure the air bubble in the level measurement circle on the tripod was in the centre, and a line the camera screen with the horizon line in the shot.

Tracks

We attempted to create a steady-cam effect, but on tracks beneath the actress when running to create a panic and rushes atmosphere. This made me realise if you don’t have all the equipment you need, you have to improvise and it can still come out decent if done well enough. This was a challenge though because the actress would have to breathe down onto the camera making the lens smear, again realising the importance of keeping the lens clean.

iMovie

iMovie allowed us to edit and make visual changes to the footage we filmed. The effects we used were dissolves between shots, speeding up and reversing footage and syncing sounds. We also had to upload music onto iTunes so that we can sync it onto our opening

We had to edit together different clips here

We could insert the photoshoped image from the pictures/iPhoto library into our opening

We could wash in and out of scenes through the editing techniques, such as during the transition of moving into the backwards scene

We also could speed up our footage or slow it down and align the music/sounds with the footage as seen at the bottom

Uncopyrighted music

We also used the website thefreesoundproject.com for our sound effects as they have uncopyrighted sounds allowing us to put it in our opening without having to deal with copyright issues. It was quick and easy to download these sounds.

Photoshop

I also learned how to create a realistic looking phone screen to make the text message look real and have the message clearly able to be seen on top of it. I used a number of gradiented boxes and fx effects to make the screen look this way.

YouTube

We also learnt how to upload the opening onto YouTube, which acts as our distributer and consumption provider. This allows us to show case our opening and gain audience feed back if necessary. YouTube also has links so that you can advertise your video’s, also acting as our advertiser if we choose to use that feature. This all makes it easier to get the video’s out in the public, without the help of massive advertising campaign.

Blogger, Slideshare, Prezi

Then to get our information to the examiner and to the public, we used online presentation methods of Blogger, Slideshare and Prezi. Blogger is a website where millions of people uploads their thoughts, research and general information for people see and comment on around the world. Slideshare and Prezi are online features allowing people to present Powerpoint presentations in a creative and dynamic way (Prezi) or as a simple presentation (Slideshare)