For my experimental film I've thought of some rough ideas.
I want to make my piece abstract and completely different and unexpected.
I wanted to use abstract because I think it will work well wit trying to express paranoia and delusions.
I want to express the character using a few point of view shots, colours and text.
By using text on screen it will show what the character is actually feeling and it will match up with specific sounds throughout the piece.
Using some POV shots will help establish the scene and character and begin to tell a story. I don't want to use many of these, I will mainly use them at points where the character is calm.
I also want to symbolise emotions by using colours that stand out to the audience. The colours will be the backgrounds of the words that pop up on screen. I'd like to use vivid colours such as red, orange, blue.
At the end when the sound cuts out I'd like to add a static TV effect showing confusion which will work well and make the audience question what's happened to the character.
Wednesday, 27 November 2013
Feedback on unfinished piece
After finishing the piece to an average standard we presented to the class our work.
The overall reaction was rather mixed obviously because you couldn't get the entire feel of the piece with the sound missing but the audience did really like our idea as we explained the process and idea and what sounds would have been there.
Te feedback we received was fair and has really helped us develop the piece further as we did encounter problems that made the audio project not succeed. In this blog I will reflect on the practice of the project and how I will improve and learn from these successes and failures.
During the feedback, we realised some of our sound wasn't playing even though we had previously tested the sound to ensure it was all working. It turned out our sound levels on some clips weren't high enough which is due to changing various sound levels on other clips without realising where they work best. To make this better we'll go back and boost the levels and make sure that they work through speakers first.
Another piece of feedback we recieved was how that our distorted sound worked well with te feeling of paranoia but was over taken by the heartbeats that play almost constantly. I realised this wasn't working as well so I will fix this by taking some out and adding some other sounds. For example, using a metronome.
The overall reaction was rather mixed obviously because you couldn't get the entire feel of the piece with the sound missing but the audience did really like our idea as we explained the process and idea and what sounds would have been there.
Overall I'm impressed with the piece but it wasn't the best I could have done. Some of the sounds are repetitive and some are too quiet. To correct this I'll make sure I give the piece a listen through good speakers and give myself more time to go back and correct mistakes as I expected everything to fall in place. As well as giving myself more time I need to plan things out more as well as give myself a contingency plan as we found out that some locations were quite awkward to record in. There's a lot I would improve about the piece but I like the overall execution and idea of the piece. I'll continue to work on the piece and add depth to it as I create my experimental film.
Some of the problems we faced in post production and recording were:
Exporting the project from soundtrack to a harddrive and then to disk. This was mainly because of time as it took over an hour to export so we came back at a later date which probably wasn't the best thing to do as we didn't take time into account after we had edited the piece. Luckily on the second try it worked well but we were unable to burn an AIFF file to a disk and had run out of time to export to a WAV file.
When recording the sounds we often forgot to record enough sound and when playing it back it often wasn't loud enough. Fortunately, we went out to record several times in the same locations to correct mistakes. By listening to the footage enough we knew where our mistakes were and where we had to fix them.
We also had trouble with the software as Pro Tools is something completely new and I had no idea how to use it. I was determined to make a good piece of work so I decided to use different software whilst also trying to figure out Pro Tools so I could also use that in the future as it's required.
I will definitely take all the feedback on board and continue to develop my piece by:
We also had trouble with the software as Pro Tools is something completely new and I had no idea how to use it. I was determined to make a good piece of work so I decided to use different software whilst also trying to figure out Pro Tools so I could also use that in the future as it's required.
I will definitely take all the feedback on board and continue to develop my piece by:
- Taking out repetitive sounds e.g. the heartbeat (these only need to happen at crucial moments)
- Boosting sound levels
- Adding a wider range of sounds
The edit phase
As my role in the project was the sound editor I composed all the sound together.
I feel that the actual editing process went really well despite encountering problems such as being unsure how to use the Pro Tools software. However, I ended up using Soundtrack Pro as I knew that I could create a better piece of work with this software.
In the editing process I began by importing all the sound clips into Soundtrack and cutting out unwanted sound but leaving enough to edit with.
After I had cut the sound up I organised it into a timeline so I knew what sounds went where.
By having the sounds on a timeline it enabled me to cut up the sounds and put effects on the clips.
One thing I really enjoyed about the edit was finding out how to distort sounds. In the finished piece the distorted sound worked really well. Here is how I did that:
I feel that the actual editing process went really well despite encountering problems such as being unsure how to use the Pro Tools software. However, I ended up using Soundtrack Pro as I knew that I could create a better piece of work with this software.
In the editing process I began by importing all the sound clips into Soundtrack and cutting out unwanted sound but leaving enough to edit with.
After I had cut the sound up I organised it into a timeline so I knew what sounds went where.
By having the sounds on a timeline it enabled me to cut up the sounds and put effects on the clips.
One thing I really enjoyed about the edit was finding out how to distort sounds. In the finished piece the distorted sound worked really well. Here is how I did that:
As you can see I used keyframes to edit the levels of the sound as some of the sounds were quieter than others and needed boosting. This is something I need to improve later as some levels were still too quiet. Also here you can see how I used a distortion effect on some of my clips to highlight the characters delusions.
After editing I had some issues with sound levels and exporting but this is something I will correct about my piece.
Monday, 25 November 2013
Paranoia.
I wanted to show some websites I looked at to find out what paranoia was so I could be accurate in my project.
"Paranoia /ˌpærəˈnɔɪə is a thought process believed to be heavily influenced by anxiety or fear, often to the point of irrationality and delusion."
Bearing this definition in mind, we came up with the thought of distorting sounds at times the audience wouldn't expect them showing the characters irrationality to the situation he was in.
Using the links below I found out more about paranoia to influence my distorted sounds. The research suggested to me I make the sounds static and loud with also loops and make the sounds almost fuzzy as he's trying to calm himself and collect his thoughts. It will also show him trying to block sounds out by using moments of pure silence. By looking at why people become paranoid it made me think about how atmospheric the place sould sound to them with some sounds emphasised e.g. - talking and movement.
"Paranoia /ˌpærəˈnɔɪə is a thought process believed to be heavily influenced by anxiety or fear, often to the point of irrationality and delusion."
Bearing this definition in mind, we came up with the thought of distorting sounds at times the audience wouldn't expect them showing the characters irrationality to the situation he was in.
Using the links below I found out more about paranoia to influence my distorted sounds. The research suggested to me I make the sounds static and loud with also loops and make the sounds almost fuzzy as he's trying to calm himself and collect his thoughts. It will also show him trying to block sounds out by using moments of pure silence. By looking at why people become paranoid it made me think about how atmospheric the place sould sound to them with some sounds emphasised e.g. - talking and movement.
What is paranoia?
It is common to have suspicious thoughts or worries about other people from time to time. These fears are described as paranoid when they are exaggerated and not based in fact. There are three key features of paranoid thoughts:
- you fear that something bad will happen
- you think that others are responsible
- your belief is exaggerated or unfounded
Why do people become paranoid?
Researchers say our emotions have a big influence on how we interpret the actions of other people and events that are part of our lives.
When people are anxious, they are more likely to interpret events in a negative or fearful way, and they are more likely to expect bad things to happen to them.
Schedules
Sound recording and editing times:
Thursday 24th October: 10:00am - 1:30pm
Location: Sheffield Cathedral
Friday 1st November Record & Edit: 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Location - City Centre (Starbucks cafe, peace & winter gardens, general city sounds)
Wednesday 6th October: 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: City Centre. Go over key sounds needed
Editing was continuous throughout until the day of the deadline.
Thursday 24th October: 10:00am - 1:30pm
Location: Sheffield Cathedral
Friday 1st November Record & Edit: 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Location - City Centre (Starbucks cafe, peace & winter gardens, general city sounds)
Wednesday 6th October: 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: City Centre. Go over key sounds needed
Editing was continuous throughout until the day of the deadline.
Sound work - Location
The chosen locations for my project.
Thinking of locations was very important as we really needed to highlight these sounds as a main component to the characters paranoia.
As my idea focuses on paranoia and trying to overcome the issues within that I thought of locations that have a lot of people noise so we could get the feeling of the character feeling as if everyones talking about/laughing at them. I wanted to contrast this with a quiet safe place where the character is comfortable and how the sounds juxtapose. This will show that even though the character is uncomfortable almost everywhere, they still have a sense of place and somewhere they feel at home. Using real locations to create the sense of place will make the theme realistic.
For the paranoid state I wanted a lot of regular hustle and bustle but with some of the sounds distorted for example - people laughing would seem louder as the character thinks they're being laughed at. Because this character is rather uncomfortable I thought of locations this person would go to. I didn't think places such as nightclubs would work with this characters paranoia as they'd feel too nervous to go there anyway. I thought a good location to get the sounds I want would be a coffee shop. I went to a local coffee shop in Sheffield and thought about the sounds I could hear:
- chatting
- laughing
- people ordering drinks
- machines
- tills
-chairs moving on the floor
I thought these sounds in particular would sound good enhanced with softer background noise to emphasise the paranoia. These sounds stood out to me and made me more aware of my surroundings as usually those sounds don't have any effect on me. I tried to channel how they would make the character feel and started to think about internal monologues as the character must have a lot of feelings running through their mind. I started to feel like the laughter was aimed at me. Another location for this I thought would work was a park.
The character could be walking through the park nervously and the sounds that stand out here are:
- children laughing
- dogs barking
- fountains
- parents/people chatting
-animals.
We also went into a cathedral as it's a really peaceful and safe place to be which might make the character comfortable and find a sense of place. When we went in there, people were praying and whispering behind us which we thought was very atmospheric. Overall, these 3 locations gave us enough range of sound to use and edit to sound correct.
Thinking of locations was very important as we really needed to highlight these sounds as a main component to the characters paranoia.
As my idea focuses on paranoia and trying to overcome the issues within that I thought of locations that have a lot of people noise so we could get the feeling of the character feeling as if everyones talking about/laughing at them. I wanted to contrast this with a quiet safe place where the character is comfortable and how the sounds juxtapose. This will show that even though the character is uncomfortable almost everywhere, they still have a sense of place and somewhere they feel at home. Using real locations to create the sense of place will make the theme realistic.
For the paranoid state I wanted a lot of regular hustle and bustle but with some of the sounds distorted for example - people laughing would seem louder as the character thinks they're being laughed at. Because this character is rather uncomfortable I thought of locations this person would go to. I didn't think places such as nightclubs would work with this characters paranoia as they'd feel too nervous to go there anyway. I thought a good location to get the sounds I want would be a coffee shop. I went to a local coffee shop in Sheffield and thought about the sounds I could hear:
- chatting
- laughing
- people ordering drinks
- machines
- tills
-chairs moving on the floor
I thought these sounds in particular would sound good enhanced with softer background noise to emphasise the paranoia. These sounds stood out to me and made me more aware of my surroundings as usually those sounds don't have any effect on me. I tried to channel how they would make the character feel and started to think about internal monologues as the character must have a lot of feelings running through their mind. I started to feel like the laughter was aimed at me. Another location for this I thought would work was a park.
The character could be walking through the park nervously and the sounds that stand out here are:
- children laughing
- dogs barking
- fountains
- parents/people chatting
-animals.
We also went into a cathedral as it's a really peaceful and safe place to be which might make the character comfortable and find a sense of place. When we went in there, people were praying and whispering behind us which we thought was very atmospheric. Overall, these 3 locations gave us enough range of sound to use and edit to sound correct.
Soundscape idea.
The place I want to record is a real place, inside the mind of a paranoid person. I would like to record mainly in outside and/or public places as if the character is forcing himself to go there.
The sounds I thought made up that kind of environment were all to do with being atmospheric.
For example: Distorted sounds, breathing, heartbeats, heavy air and extremes.
I thought this because as the character is paranoid of the environment he's in the sounds will be more apparent to him. It will also make the audience know it's paranoia.
During the characters journey, the sounds become louder as he becomes more afraid of his surroundings. To show his emotion we'll use heartbeats over the sound to show panic. It will start off almost tranquil with peaceful sounds such as birds and wind and it will gradually build up to a climax where then the sound will cut out leaving the audience questioning the ending. E.g. Has he overcome paranoia? I think this will make the piece more have more focus and work well when making an experimental film.
What I want to say about the places in the piece is that we should be more aware of our surroundings and the people in them - everyone is going through something which could be affecting them and paranoia is something that can completely change a place that is so "normal".
I want people and ambient sounds to build up the piece as something triggering. The character feels scared of people as if they're all out to get him. So by using loud sounds of people talking and distort them it will give a really strong sense of paranoia.
The focus of the sound scape is "sense of place".
The sounds I thought made up that kind of environment were all to do with being atmospheric.
For example: Distorted sounds, breathing, heartbeats, heavy air and extremes.
I thought this because as the character is paranoid of the environment he's in the sounds will be more apparent to him. It will also make the audience know it's paranoia.
During the characters journey, the sounds become louder as he becomes more afraid of his surroundings. To show his emotion we'll use heartbeats over the sound to show panic. It will start off almost tranquil with peaceful sounds such as birds and wind and it will gradually build up to a climax where then the sound will cut out leaving the audience questioning the ending. E.g. Has he overcome paranoia? I think this will make the piece more have more focus and work well when making an experimental film.
What I want to say about the places in the piece is that we should be more aware of our surroundings and the people in them - everyone is going through something which could be affecting them and paranoia is something that can completely change a place that is so "normal".
I want people and ambient sounds to build up the piece as something triggering. The character feels scared of people as if they're all out to get him. So by using loud sounds of people talking and distort them it will give a really strong sense of paranoia.
The focus of the sound scape is "sense of place".
I started thinking of a few initial ideas such as:
- wanting to use flashbacks
- over exaggerated sound e.g. really quiet/loud
- more about the atmosphere rather than dialogue.
I thought these components would make the audience want to focus on the sound more and think about the theme of the project and provoke reactions and thoughts. I thought of 2 ideas which I developed with my partner and tutor for the project. Through trial and error and looking into other pieces of work we developed a main idea which really works with the brief.
(I will upload scanned images of my idea process later)
The idea process:
I first thought about what sense of place means to me.
To me it means either belonging or trying to belong to somewhere that you like.
With this in mind I thought about how other people might struggle in a new place just like my experience with starting university. In a way this is based off my own emotions but dramatised.
I looked into paranoia online and put some key words onto a mind map which helped influence my idea.
Me and my partner talked about how the idea would work too and gave ourselves roles: Jess was the recorder and I was the editor. She test recorded some sounds to me and we put them together as a rough idea to work from and some inspiration.
We met up to discuss our ideas and what was going well which really helped us work well as a team.
Through text messaging we sent any quick ideas that we instantly thought of and also sent links to other pieces of work.
All of this worked within the idea process to create our piece.
To me it means either belonging or trying to belong to somewhere that you like.
With this in mind I thought about how other people might struggle in a new place just like my experience with starting university. In a way this is based off my own emotions but dramatised.
I looked into paranoia online and put some key words onto a mind map which helped influence my idea.
Me and my partner talked about how the idea would work too and gave ourselves roles: Jess was the recorder and I was the editor. She test recorded some sounds to me and we put them together as a rough idea to work from and some inspiration.
We met up to discuss our ideas and what was going well which really helped us work well as a team.
Through text messaging we sent any quick ideas that we instantly thought of and also sent links to other pieces of work.
All of this worked within the idea process to create our piece.
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