Story
boarding is an essential part of the planning process regarding filming media.
It allows for an accurate vision of what the end production would likely look
like and how effective it would be. For our preliminary task, we drafted a two
page story board which we detailed with as much information as possible before
we actually started filming. The story board is extremely useful as both
Cameron and I were aware of what was going to happen in the feature before we
started setting up and filming.
Once
it came to filming the preliminary task, due to the two page detailed story
board that we created, we knew exactly what to film, how to do it and also
where. This presented a solution to any of the problems that could have arisen.
We were able to keep to our timing and filming schedule whilst also having room
for mistakes and technical errors. The sound effects that will be played over
the original sounds have also been discussed on the story board also.
In
order for the preliminary task to go according to plan and schedule, a story
board is necessary and essential to the planning process as this provides a
guideline of what to expect when starting the filming process. Firstly, we
discussed the beginning of the task and how we were going to replicate and
produce the compulsory shots effectively and to a high professional standard. We
eventually came to the conclusion that for each different camera shot that we
had to take, we were going to film separately and this offered us the
opportunity to make a few mistakes and would allow us to edit and crop them out.
Additionally, we discussed what different shot types were going
to be used and how to correctly fill them in by discussing the duration than
that shot type was going to be displayed on camera for. This would greatly
impact the task due to the fact that if a camera shot was played for too long
then the effect that would have been attempted to achieve would not be
replicated and would overall look too confusing and dull.
Not
only the duration of the camera shots would affect the scene but also the sound
that plays over it. For example, the use of digetic and non-digetic sounds is
very important when considering what type of mood and atmosphere would like to
be shown on screen. We decided that we would like more non-digetic sounds to be
featured primarily for example the actual sounds of the original footage rather
than digetic sounds for instance sound tracks. We brainstormed ideas so that at the end of the session we were able to gather
I think that the purpose of the opening scene is to hook and enhance the experience for the reader so that they continue to watch the feature due to its suspense and atmosphere. When you put it into consideration, the opening sequence of the feature is arguably one of if not the most important scene due to the fact that it is approximately the deciding factor whether the spectator continues to watch.In a perfect situation, the opening sequence of any piece of media forces the audience to refrain from deviating away from watching the feature with techniques such as various camera shots and angles all the way to the various digetic and non-digetic sounds used. From the very beginning of the movie we are introduced to a hostile environment which displays the six main characters of the feature engulfed in a difficult situation. This is communicated to the audience by the use of close ups of the characters faces which displays their facial expressions which connote that they are involved in a dangerous activity. The invitation of fear is lit up across the faces of the enemies as they are in clear shock and amazement that the main characters have showed up to destroy their plans.
There are multiple features and techniques involved within the first few minutes of the feature that effectively convinces the audience to continue to watch the feature. The opening sequence of the expendables presents different semiotics in the form of symbols and signs; for example each of the characters are welding a very large gun each which typically is a frightening symbol. This alone suggests that the feature is going to involve elements that are very action packed and full of fast paced moments which will never render a boring scene. The clear dominance is established between the group as the camera shot and angle both lower in order to connote that Silvester Stalone is the dominant character in the feature and this is also further proven with the addition of his dialogue in which he fires out orders and commands at the various men along side him. A cat walk in which they are standing on is a huge distance higher from what the floor the enemies are standing on which highlights the fact that the are much more dominant than the pirates and offer a much greater threat.
Once the action commences the camera retreats and focusses on the various multiple flashes of the gunfire which is raining down on to the pirates. The sounds used for this particular part of the opening sequence are entirely digetic as the gunfire is the only sound that can be heard apart from the occasional bullet shell ricocheting of the walls and falling onto the floor.
Before
we engage ourselves in the immediate filming of our opening sequence, it is
important that we obtain relevant and useful practice before hand. The
preliminary task offers an opportunity for us to correctly use and perfect our
techniques for different shot types and how not to break there rules. It was a
compulsory factor that we used the: shot/ reverse shot, the match on action
shot, 180 degree rule and it also had to include an element of dialogue. With
the addition of a character walking through a door and being seen walking
through the other side of it.
There
are many different methods and techniques that can be used in order to
successfully replicate these shots. For example, the requirement of a character
walking in and out of a door would require a match on action shot. This will
ensure that the audience viewing the feature will feel that they can observe
the scene without getting confused. The dialogue that the two characters would
engage in would require the shot/ reverse shot. This is important in terms of
dialogue due to the fact that if the 180 degree rule was broken during the
filming of this shot then the scene would become very confusing and difficult
to follow.
