The institution we use at the start of Panophobia is Film4. We decided to use Film4 as they typically fund lower budget/indie films, such as Trainspotting and American Honey, films which have earned critical acclaim.
Film4 is also owned and operated by Channel Four, a channel which shows a lot of teen dramas, including My Mad Fat Diary and skins, which entertains the same audience we are trying to attract.
Additionally, Film4 has a logo which is "Great films, free of charge" and does indeed screen films for free on their TV channel, meaning our film is available to people who may not be able to afford to buy films, attracting a wider audience.
Tuesday, 20 December 2016
Production logo
The production logo we decided to go with was Hall Productions (Phoebe's production company).
We used this as it is fast and simple, and we felt it fitted in with the overall look of the film.
We used this as it is fast and simple, and we felt it fitted in with the overall look of the film.
Alternative music choices
Feedback from our peers suggested we have an upbeat song to match the happiness of our characters, so we searched for other songs we could have possibly used.
these songs included:
I'll Never Find Another You - The Seekers.
This song would have been a good alternative choice as the lyrics talk about a girl who has gone away, and it is more upbeat, which would have fitted the friendly feel of the montage.
Special Years - Van Doonican
This song, although slower, is about girls growing up and the good times they have, so could have worked well with the footage. However, it's slow beat was the main reason we decided not to use it, as we would have had to alter the speed which would have thrown the whole thing off and also altered the pitch.
these songs included:
I'll Never Find Another You - The Seekers.
This song would have been a good alternative choice as the lyrics talk about a girl who has gone away, and it is more upbeat, which would have fitted the friendly feel of the montage.
Special Years - Van Doonican
This song, although slower, is about girls growing up and the good times they have, so could have worked well with the footage. However, it's slow beat was the main reason we decided not to use it, as we would have had to alter the speed which would have thrown the whole thing off and also altered the pitch.
Panophobia music
The song we used for Panophobia was "I'd Like To Walk Around In Your Mind" by Vashti Bunyan. We chose this song as it had the soft and pleasant sound we wanted, in order to suit the friendly montage scenes but also contrast to the burning photo sequences.
Due to the song being 50 years old, the sound quality is slightly crackly - however, this added to our piece, as the crackling sounded almost like flames.
Additionally, the lyrics suit the narrative of Panophobia, with the main line being "I'd like to walk around in your mind someday", showing Erin's friends have no idea why or where she's gone and want answers.
Due to the song being 50 years old, the sound quality is slightly crackly - however, this added to our piece, as the crackling sounded almost like flames.
Additionally, the lyrics suit the narrative of Panophobia, with the main line being "I'd like to walk around in your mind someday", showing Erin's friends have no idea why or where she's gone and want answers.
Title research
Finding the title of our film included listing various possible titles, then going down the route of looking at different phobia names and seeing which ones would best suit the plot.
We decided on Panophobia, as it is described as "the fear of everything", which was short and snappy, and also created an intriguing tagline without giving anything away.
The other name that we eventually decided against in favour of Panophobia was Athazagorophobia (the fear of being forgotten, ignored or abandoned). However, we decided it was too long and hard to remember or pronounce to be a good film title, as we wanted something punchy.
We decided on Panophobia, as it is described as "the fear of everything", which was short and snappy, and also created an intriguing tagline without giving anything away.
The other name that we eventually decided against in favour of Panophobia was Athazagorophobia (the fear of being forgotten, ignored or abandoned). However, we decided it was too long and hard to remember or pronounce to be a good film title, as we wanted something punchy.
Title font
Apart from the first two titles, which are: "Lucy Hocart presents - a Hall Productions films"
the titles of our film are handwritten on the back of disposable camera photos in black Sharpie.
We wanted to hand make our titles and present them in an interesting way, as although a lot of people edit their titles in and they look good, we wanted to show our titles in an original way.
The reversed shots of burning photos was one of the first things I pictured when we created Panophobia, so our credits were always going to be shown that way.
We wrote in black sharpie to ensure that in the dim light the words would still be easy to read.
the titles of our film are handwritten on the back of disposable camera photos in black Sharpie.
We wanted to hand make our titles and present them in an interesting way, as although a lot of people edit their titles in and they look good, we wanted to show our titles in an original way.
The reversed shots of burning photos was one of the first things I pictured when we created Panophobia, so our credits were always going to be shown that way.
We wrote in black sharpie to ensure that in the dim light the words would still be easy to read.
Classwork
The top photo is of Amara (with Phoebe's help) creating the interactive storyboard, and the bottom shot is of myself editing the montage scenes we filmed around school.
Locations
The locations we filmed in were:
Amara's bedroom - the "come home" plea
Tenpin Bowling arcade - memories montage & disposable camera photos
Great Baddow High School - memories/school montage & disposable camera photos
Marketing - social media
To further promote our film, we had the idea of creating a Twitter account posting about the film - this is appropriate to our target audience as teens are the main users of social media, and Twitter is a popular site.
We created this image by cropping our own photos into a Twitter account template found on Google.
Monday, 19 December 2016
Marketing - Bus poster
Our first main marketing idea was to have our film poster on the side of a bus - we thought of this first as we constantly see school buses advertising the latest films, and it would effectively attract our target audience of teens/young adults.
Storyboard 2
This is our second storyboard, which contained more accurate detail about camera shots and timings.
We decided to create a second, more detailed storyboard as the first one didn't have the timings we needed, while this one enabled us to work out exactly where we wanted shots to start and end.
We decided to create a second, more detailed storyboard as the first one didn't have the timings we needed, while this one enabled us to work out exactly where we wanted shots to start and end.
Storyboard 1
Our first storyboard was a basic plan of the shots we wanted, with not a lot of detail and without the actual timings. This was because we had not yet filmed some of it and therefore we weren't sure which shots we would be able to get, how good everything would look put together etc. We decided not to include some of the shots we had initially planned. including the one of Erin (Amara) holding the lighter up to look at the flame. This was both due to the risk of Amara getting burnt and the fact that we simply didn't need the shot.
Filming the burning photos
For our third filming session (Saturday the 26th of November) we collected the photos which had turned out clearest and burnt them in Phoebe's back garden.
In order to do this safely, we burnt the photos on a stone patio so they would not land on any flammable materials.
Filming began at around 5pm, as we needed to ensure it was dark enough to look like night-time, and also so the flames would stand out more and give the darkened surroundings a more mysterious atmosphere.
The photos we used were developed with a matte finish, so although light reflection was lessened considerably, we had to hold the torch we were using at a very particular angle so that the glare wouldn't be extremely obvious.
To burn the photos we used two lighters, as halfway through filming the first lighter stopped working, and we had to be extremely careful not to burn ourselves with either.
Our roles were as follows:
Phoebe - holding the torch
Myself - filming
Amara - burning the photos.
In order to do this safely, we burnt the photos on a stone patio so they would not land on any flammable materials.
Filming began at around 5pm, as we needed to ensure it was dark enough to look like night-time, and also so the flames would stand out more and give the darkened surroundings a more mysterious atmosphere.
The photos we used were developed with a matte finish, so although light reflection was lessened considerably, we had to hold the torch we were using at a very particular angle so that the glare wouldn't be extremely obvious.
To burn the photos we used two lighters, as halfway through filming the first lighter stopped working, and we had to be extremely careful not to burn ourselves with either.
Our roles were as follows:
Phoebe - holding the torch
Myself - filming
Amara - burning the photos.
Arcade filming
For our montage, the first idea we had was to film in an arcade, as we wanted a setting which would be bright and colourful, and enable us to have fun naturally so the three of us going on the games together didn't look forced in any way.
We filmed shots of each other on the games (with help from a friend who filmed all three of us at various points) using my Sony Cybershot DSLR camera, as it films in HD and gave us the clear and professional look we were going for.
While we were there, we took the disposable camera photos to burn later. We took a variety of photos, mostly of us playing the arcade games.
Here is a photo Jess (the friend helping us film) took of me photographing Phoebe and Amara on my disposable camera, and below is one of the photos we took that turned out well.
We filmed shots of each other on the games (with help from a friend who filmed all three of us at various points) using my Sony Cybershot DSLR camera, as it films in HD and gave us the clear and professional look we were going for.
Here is a photo Jess (the friend helping us film) took of me photographing Phoebe and Amara on my disposable camera, and below is one of the photos we took that turned out well.
Friday, 9 December 2016
Panophobia - First draft
This is the full first draft of our film opening, "Panophobia".
While I'm pleased with how it turned out overall, there a few things which we got negative feedback on, such as the photos being too dark and not being able to see them when turned around, and needing more footage as a group of friends hanging out, and not just at the arcade.
To improve this, we are creating another shooting schedule in order to re-film some parts, take more disposable camera photos and film them being burnt again.
During editing, I also plan to work more on the lighting and colour correction, and lower the music during some parts, as other feedback suggested it was too loud at some points and overpowered the voiceover.
Thursday, 8 December 2016
Panophobia - Marketing
We decided the main methods of marketing we would go for is social media accounts promoting our film, and posters on the sides of buses.
Using social media rather than media such as newspapers or magazines to promote our film works best as it is a teen drama, and putting it online specifically promotes it towards our target audience of teenagers.
Additionally, most school buses have film posters on the side, which is effective in promoting films to students, so we decided this would be a good marketing method.
Film poster
The is the poster for our film opening, titled "Panophobia".
We decided to make the poster fairly simple in order to create a feeling of mystery, which ties in to the actual plot of the film.
Underneath the title is the definition of panophobia, which we decided to include as our tagline as not only does it add authenticity to the poster but it gives us a clue about what the film is about.
The image of a disposable camera shot of three friends also shows the plot of the film, as does the match next to it which also adds mystery and enigma.
Wednesday, 7 December 2016
Peer assessment
I assessed the film opening "Untamed", and provided a range of feedback for the group.
What elements of this sequence did you feel were successful? Give at least two elements, and explain why they were successful.
- The varying camera angles - provided a good range of shots (close-ups, wide shots)
- The music tied in nicely to the plot & shots, titles also went well with the beat.
Were there any aspects of the sequence which you felt were confusing/distracting/missing, etc?
- Felt a little rushed, could slow down the dialogue
- More context could be shown.
List 2 things which you feel would have improved this sequence and explain your opinion.
- Lighting/colour correction - would make the footage look a bit more polished.
What elements of this sequence did you feel were successful? Give at least two elements, and explain why they were successful.
- The varying camera angles - provided a good range of shots (close-ups, wide shots)
- The music tied in nicely to the plot & shots, titles also went well with the beat.
Were there any aspects of the sequence which you felt were confusing/distracting/missing, etc?
- Felt a little rushed, could slow down the dialogue
- More context could be shown.
List 2 things which you feel would have improved this sequence and explain your opinion.
- Lighting/colour correction - would make the footage look a bit more polished.
Panophobia feedback
What elements of this sequence did you feel were successful? Give at least two elements, and explain why they were successful.
"I liked the end scene of the phone being filmed and Amara holding the lighter - large element of suspicion - want to carry on watching."
"Very inventive titles.
The music was appropriate.
Good sense of enigma at the end.
Well edited - I liked how it was slightly jumpy and fast."
"- Love the voiceover.
- Clear title.
- True expression.
- Love the titles.
- Plea involves audience."
"- nice twists at the end, keeps people interested
- Good acting which added to the drama"
Were there any aspects of the sequence which you felt were confusing/distracting/missing, etc?
"Maybe too many blank screens so people think its over."
"At times the voice overs were not very clear."
"Didn't understand music - feel like you needed something more upbeat."
"I couldn't see the pictures when they turned them around."
List 2 things which you feel would have improved this sequence and explain your opinion.
"Shorten black screens."
"Make ending more clear that she is watching."
"Make the picture showing part longer."
"The audio could be a bit clearer."
"I liked the end scene of the phone being filmed and Amara holding the lighter - large element of suspicion - want to carry on watching."
"Very inventive titles.
The music was appropriate.
Good sense of enigma at the end.
Well edited - I liked how it was slightly jumpy and fast."
"- Love the voiceover.
- Clear title.
- True expression.
- Love the titles.
- Plea involves audience."
"- nice twists at the end, keeps people interested
- Good acting which added to the drama"
Were there any aspects of the sequence which you felt were confusing/distracting/missing, etc?
"Maybe too many blank screens so people think its over."
"At times the voice overs were not very clear."
"Didn't understand music - feel like you needed something more upbeat."
"I couldn't see the pictures when they turned them around."
List 2 things which you feel would have improved this sequence and explain your opinion.
"Shorten black screens."
"Make ending more clear that she is watching."
"Make the picture showing part longer."
"The audio could be a bit clearer."
Thursday, 1 December 2016
Coursework - "come home" plea filming
We filmed the "come home" plea in Amara's room - we decided to use this location as it was the largest and most unobstructed room out of all ours, and had good lighting.
Additionally, we decided to use a bedroom in general as the video we were filming had to look like it was completely homemade by two teenagers, so it wouldn't be in a professional setting.
Whilst filming, we had to think carefully about the shots we wanted, as the room we filmed has two large mirrors facing each other - so we didn't catch the camera reflection or any of our equipment in the footage, we decided to film it facing the bed. We also had Amara behind the camera, in case her or her reflection in the mirror was caught on tape, as this would be almost impossible to edit out, and take additional time to re-film.
We created realistic "MISSING" posters to show during this video, to add authenticity. I made the most accurate poster I could by looking at different, real life missing posters online and seeing what kind of details they would have on there, what kind of photos, and the general layout and colours.
The photo at the bottom shows Phoebe looking at the scripts we made for this video - we wrote out a general outline of what we wanted to say, and folded our scripts behind the missing posters we were holding up in order to be able to look at them whilst hiding them from the camera.
Coursework - camera setup
These photos show the setup of the camera we used to film part of our film opening - the "come home" plea from Amber and Isla, addressed to Erin, which we then posted to YouTube. We had to film this in order to create a later scene, where an anonymous person (revealed to be Erin) is shown watching the video on their phone.
Our setup included my Nikon Coolpix (we decided to use a lower quality camera than my Sony Cybershot in order to make the video look suitably homemade compared to the rest of the footage) attached to a tripod - however, we found that part of the tripod kept falling slightly to one side and making the angle wonky, so we had to improvise by pushing a quality street sweet under the loose part in order to keep the camera stable, so that the shot was completely horizontal.
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