As a D.O.P of the film this is one of the best shot in the opening sequence this shot show the scenery that the killer are at and create the mood that we want. The wall and window look old and dirty, the lighting is low key and the color is warm in the mid tone but colder in the shadow part these factor create the loneliness and thrilling effect to the atmosphere.
We used our tripod as a Steadicam this is much steadier than hand held and cut down the cost as we don’t have to spend money on renting or buying a new rig. This method allows us to adjust the tiltness of the shot and also not absolutely smooth which help to create the tension as the shot tilt. The Composition we used is symmetry and leading lines as he is in the center of the frame and all the line on the wall leading toward him this make him the main focus this shot, which only show the back of his head cover with a hoodie and the camera were at a lower height than him which create a low angle shot this empower and create a mysterious the figure.
What I like about this shot is it shows a great contrast with the tense killer scene. This shot give the scene a peacefulness atmosphere. The use of natural morning soft light from the window this create some shadow on the pillow and blanket which create the realistic feeling and calmness for the scene. The setting with light blue pillow white furniture this connote happiness and positiveness of the scene. The actor face is on the intersect of the top left and right of the rule of third line this composition lead the audience to focus on the couple chill and sleeping face. This scene also take have a little silent before the alarm this help to create the contrast with the glitching scene before it.
I do a lot photography and I chose media studies as my A Level because I started to have interest in moving image. I learned that beside from the composition and the camera angles in a photo, moving image applies camera movement to give meaning to the shot. I don't own many professional equipment for filming yet but the important is that I could use what I have and apply it to create different shot.
For example, in the couple morning scene, I used my tripod and stood it up in a chair to make the bird eye view shot, using mine large aperture lens for close up shot and create a better shallow depth of field which make the subject stand out. the tracking shot which is smoother than handheld shot, t, I used the Led light for filming which build-in my flash for low key lighting scene which make the object stand out, and the gopro+3 from my friend for some POV shot. I also have try out with different type of shot to pick the one which suit with the scene most this give me a better footage for the editing.
I don't really know much in editing film, however I have some knowledge in color grading as I do it with editing photo. Through out the project I searched for tutorial and tips in editing video (with premiere pro) such as:
-Film cut and transition to look more natural and help to create meanings of our film.
-Adding key frame to create effect
-Color grading
These skills help to enhance the quality of the opening sequence.
I did the flash effect when the virtuoso take photo using the camera. and also I color grade and adjust the tone for all of the shot so it could deliver the mood of the scene better.
Compare to the last project I think this we work more efficient as people knowing their role. What I like about this opening scene is it have a shot in different location for our film which create the contrast and thrilling effect that we are trying to achieve. Our skill also develop as we learn more so we could achieve a better quality film. We used different camera and lens which is better than the one we used before. This allowed us to have a better variety of shot to use.
The product turn out to fit the genre well, it quiet unique and different from other thriller opening sequence. However, it could be much better if we improve on some area.
Personally, I think the planning should be bettercome out with a detail script and story board. This would be useful for me to give direct better during the filming project. We did not decide clearly on the script so I have to shoot scene that related to the plot and decide later in the post production. This could make the plot become difficult to understand as the footage will not be related to each other. This also time consuming as it not efficient to film this way.
We could decide on the schedule better so that everyone in the crew could meet up cause as a small crew and everyone have more than one role missing one member is a problem that effect the filming proccess