Acting is really one of the fundamentals in film making that brings a director's vision to life, and as a result the acting has to be done to the best of the actor's abilities. While acting may not seem hard initially, some actors make simple mistakes that can make a clip unusable. This video goes over 5 tips that can improve the acting in your film.
First off, knowing your lines is a super important element for an actor to do well. While this may seem simple and a no brainer, actors fall into habits that make this hard, and cause unneeded frustrations. The biggest issue is an actor using an inflection when memorizing their lines, which would be fine, if scripts are set in stone. If a line that an actor memorizes changes, they have more a chance of remembering the lines if they just memorized the lines without an inflection.
Next, an actor managing their time really helps the production. Not wasting time between shots helps to move the production move along at a steady pace, and as a result more things can get done, instead of a day being wasted due to unfocused actors.
Filling the scene and continuity work hand in hand with each other to improve a scene and the overall production. With filling the scene, this tip really helps make a shot more interesting, instead of just having an action done. Having an actor express an emotion in their actions strengthens the shot, and draws the viewer in. With continuity, this helps the scenes flow properly, and reduces confusion for the audience. An actor needs to remember which props they were using at what point, and work their actions around that.
Taking directions may be the most important tip for an actor, and will help everyone in the long run. Not every director is able to properly convey what they want the actor to do, so it is important that actors ask questions when they don't understand, and make production smooth.
This article really has some great tips that every actor should think about, and try to incorporate them the next time they are in a production.
Sunday, October 30, 2016
Sunday, October 23, 2016
Just finished rembling about stuff I shouldn't know about~ (Weekly comments #3)
Time to do weekly comments!
1. What I learned this week:
We spent this week learning more about Premiere and had tutorials to go with them
2. What I want to learn:
Learning some better audio techniques, one of my sounds for the sound project was kind of weak
3. Something that frustrated me this week:
While not really stemming from this class, I've been a stressed, anxiety filled mess lately, and it's been seeping into this class. I spent 10 minutes trying to put the same title already present in one of the tutorials and getting frustrated that it wasn't changing to what was in the packet.
4. Something that made me happy:
Still ahead of the workload, thank goodness for that. Also I've been pretty proud of my work lately, I made a few great drawings and my computer arts project is looking amazing so far!
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xodTESNe3vk
Another Cinema Snob video this week, only because it goes (slightly) with the blog this week. I would of linked the first Halloween review, but it is pretty buried in the general playlist, seeing as it doesn't have a playlist devoted to these reviews like the Friday the 13th review (which are also pretty great, here's the playlist for those :
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuI7ruqihRHxrgljozAXFQSGg2h1V2knH ) there are also two Nightmare on Elm street reviews at the time of writing this, but it has the same issue as the Halloween reviews. I still highly suggest finding them though, they're all great and I tend to have them going as background noise when I work.
(I get super excited about these things, can you tell?)
1. What I learned this week:
We spent this week learning more about Premiere and had tutorials to go with them
2. What I want to learn:
Learning some better audio techniques, one of my sounds for the sound project was kind of weak
3. Something that frustrated me this week:
While not really stemming from this class, I've been a stressed, anxiety filled mess lately, and it's been seeping into this class. I spent 10 minutes trying to put the same title already present in one of the tutorials and getting frustrated that it wasn't changing to what was in the packet.
4. Something that made me happy:
Still ahead of the workload, thank goodness for that. Also I've been pretty proud of my work lately, I made a few great drawings and my computer arts project is looking amazing so far!
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xodTESNe3vk
Another Cinema Snob video this week, only because it goes (slightly) with the blog this week. I would of linked the first Halloween review, but it is pretty buried in the general playlist, seeing as it doesn't have a playlist devoted to these reviews like the Friday the 13th review (which are also pretty great, here's the playlist for those :
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuI7ruqihRHxrgljozAXFQSGg2h1V2knH ) there are also two Nightmare on Elm street reviews at the time of writing this, but it has the same issue as the Halloween reviews. I still highly suggest finding them though, they're all great and I tend to have them going as background noise when I work.
(I get super excited about these things, can you tell?)
Sounds bring the scares
When it comes to the world of horror, sounds are a help what set that spooky tone, and helps to build upon the mounting tension in the air. These sounds come in many forms, and will differ based on factors like surroundings, proximity, and the type of killer involved. Each film uses these principles to their advantage to bring on their famous scares.
(Are you ready for a ton of examples? I hope you are...)
Sounds indicating surroundings are super important, as these sounds immerse the viewer into the world of the film, which can cleverly be used in the scare. Let's use Friday the 13th's Crystal Lake for example. During the introduction of your characters to this environment, the ambient noises of the woods around the lake are exactly what most expect, and can make the viewer feel temporarily safe while the sun is up. After the sun goes down however, and the killings begin, the same sounds can unnerve the viewer now that they know what waits silently in the same woods they found earlier comfort in. Another example is Haddenfield in the Halloween films, having a slightly different feel from a normal town due to the Halloween season being in full swing, as well as seeing a few residence, mostly our protagonists, getting nervous for the night to come.
Proximity is an important element in horror to emphasis the danger of the situation a character is in, and heightening the tension the scene. These type of sounds differ from movie to movie, and can range from footsteps from a silent killer, to actual dialog from a vocal killer. The former is more common, as most killers are silent and never have dialog for reasons sometimes explained, and even footsteps aren't always used to heighten the tension of the situation. The sounds that are present however, the scraping of a weapon or spoken dialog most commonly, are some of the sounds you hear for proximity.
Speaking of sounds, sounds are the biggest identifier for the type of killer, besides showing actual visuals that is. The non vocal vs. vocal still applies of course, if a killer is in the vocal category, it's easier to tell their intent through mostly dialog alone. As most writers make exposition through a supporting character's dialog, sometimes even through the killer themselves if they have the ability to, it becomes easier to figure out motives and even back stories if you're luck. Said examples would be the fact that Jason Voorhees's story is told at the front of almost every Friday the 13th film, or Freddy telling the viewer his back story at the beginning of Freddy vs. Jason, each gives us the killer's intent and starts to weave together with the visuals we are given of the killer. Some are more mysterious and unknown, keeping a viewer in the dark, adding to the scare factor. The original Halloween is like this, only dropping a few dialog hints in the way of true intent. Halloween 2 then proceeds to, with exposition being as obvious as a bullet train hitting a brick wall, outright ruins the mystery while setting up the future films conflicts.
Really, all of these elements are what build a proper horror film, and have created a format that all types of horror follow. The sound effects in these movies help to add to the experience, cleverly constructing the sounds that will unnerve and build up the fear of the viewers. Paired with the right visuals, sound is truly the scariest element in horror.
Wow, I rambled a whole lot in this response, but I couldn't help myself! Anytime I get to spill out some of my weird knowledge is an opportunity I can't pass up, so it came out as an information dump really. The video was really a great way of explaining how important sounds are, and how they can set the tone of a scene. The best part about this video is the fact that this doesn't just apply to horror, all types of films use these elements for effective scenes.
(Are you ready for a ton of examples? I hope you are...)
Sounds indicating surroundings are super important, as these sounds immerse the viewer into the world of the film, which can cleverly be used in the scare. Let's use Friday the 13th's Crystal Lake for example. During the introduction of your characters to this environment, the ambient noises of the woods around the lake are exactly what most expect, and can make the viewer feel temporarily safe while the sun is up. After the sun goes down however, and the killings begin, the same sounds can unnerve the viewer now that they know what waits silently in the same woods they found earlier comfort in. Another example is Haddenfield in the Halloween films, having a slightly different feel from a normal town due to the Halloween season being in full swing, as well as seeing a few residence, mostly our protagonists, getting nervous for the night to come.
Proximity is an important element in horror to emphasis the danger of the situation a character is in, and heightening the tension the scene. These type of sounds differ from movie to movie, and can range from footsteps from a silent killer, to actual dialog from a vocal killer. The former is more common, as most killers are silent and never have dialog for reasons sometimes explained, and even footsteps aren't always used to heighten the tension of the situation. The sounds that are present however, the scraping of a weapon or spoken dialog most commonly, are some of the sounds you hear for proximity.
Speaking of sounds, sounds are the biggest identifier for the type of killer, besides showing actual visuals that is. The non vocal vs. vocal still applies of course, if a killer is in the vocal category, it's easier to tell their intent through mostly dialog alone. As most writers make exposition through a supporting character's dialog, sometimes even through the killer themselves if they have the ability to, it becomes easier to figure out motives and even back stories if you're luck. Said examples would be the fact that Jason Voorhees's story is told at the front of almost every Friday the 13th film, or Freddy telling the viewer his back story at the beginning of Freddy vs. Jason, each gives us the killer's intent and starts to weave together with the visuals we are given of the killer. Some are more mysterious and unknown, keeping a viewer in the dark, adding to the scare factor. The original Halloween is like this, only dropping a few dialog hints in the way of true intent. Halloween 2 then proceeds to, with exposition being as obvious as a bullet train hitting a brick wall, outright ruins the mystery while setting up the future films conflicts.
Really, all of these elements are what build a proper horror film, and have created a format that all types of horror follow. The sound effects in these movies help to add to the experience, cleverly constructing the sounds that will unnerve and build up the fear of the viewers. Paired with the right visuals, sound is truly the scariest element in horror.
Wow, I rambled a whole lot in this response, but I couldn't help myself! Anytime I get to spill out some of my weird knowledge is an opportunity I can't pass up, so it came out as an information dump really. The video was really a great way of explaining how important sounds are, and how they can set the tone of a scene. The best part about this video is the fact that this doesn't just apply to horror, all types of films use these elements for effective scenes.
Friday, October 14, 2016
It begins again... (Weekly comments #2)
That moment when your friends convince you to play a mobile dating sim and you end up liking it.
1. What I learned this week:
Editing audio in Audacity and Garageband
The basics of Premiere
2. What I want to learn:
Effects in Premiere
Audio to video syncing
3. Something that frustrated me this week:
My computer crashing constantly was such a pain in the butt, especially with the sound project, thankfully that issue is fixed though!
4. Something that made me happy:
I've been able to stay ahead of the work load, a pleasant change from last year, and that makes me very happy.
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcmZ4UhJjmA
So I did a more video oriented pick this week, with the Nostalgia Critic's review of Sharknado featuring the Cinema Snob (Both channels I highly recommend)
1. What I learned this week:
Editing audio in Audacity and Garageband
The basics of Premiere
2. What I want to learn:
Effects in Premiere
Audio to video syncing
3. Something that frustrated me this week:
My computer crashing constantly was such a pain in the butt, especially with the sound project, thankfully that issue is fixed though!
4. Something that made me happy:
I've been able to stay ahead of the work load, a pleasant change from last year, and that makes me very happy.
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcmZ4UhJjmA
So I did a more video oriented pick this week, with the Nostalgia Critic's review of Sharknado featuring the Cinema Snob (Both channels I highly recommend)
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Geometric shapes in cinematography
When it comes to shapes in cinematography, the shapes used can make a big difference in both scenes and characters. Shapes, just like color, can convay a certain mood or idea based on how they are used. Cinematographers use these shapes to their advantage when telling their stories to their audience.
The first commonly used shape is the circle. A circle is mostly used as a more gentle feature, sometimes convaying youthfulness or life. Many protagonist, especially children protagonists, are made primarily through circles due to their more innocent nature. For example, many Disney heros can be created with circles primarily. The circle and also convay longevity, after all the infinity sign is made with two circles, and circles are well know for representing something never ending.
The second shape is a square. Squares are most commonly used to represent a space that is cramped or uncomfortable, sometimes even cage like with the proper use of vertical or horizontal lines, and can create a feeling of discomfort or loneliness for the viewer. Squares are also used to combat the feeling of nature with something more industrial. Let's say for example that we have a moving overhead shot of a forest as we move through it, then suddenly the camera pans ahead of the forest and we see a city made up of you guessed it, squares and rectangles. The contrast of these shapes really is stark, which is why it is such a good and often used comparison.
Finally, we have the most known shape, the triangle. Triangles are commonly used for their sharp and menacing look to construct a villain design or to add menace to a scene or area. While certainly a triangle doesn't have to be menacing, like when it is used to create mountains, the sharpness of the shape has given this shape the reputation of bringing unease to a viewing audience. For example, when you see characters walking through a dark cave with tons of pointy stalagmites and stalactites, you feel as though something dangerous might be just around the corner.
Now do all instances with these shapes in use always play by the rules? Certainly not, and that is what's fascinating about these shapes. Not all main protagonists have to be made with strictly circles, and not all villains have to have the sharp look the triangle provides, after all things would get stale and boring if this were true. Like with every technique, once you have a firm grasp on the concept, you can bend the rules how you see fit. Plus, you know, plot twists are fun trick to pull using these shape element principles.
The first commonly used shape is the circle. A circle is mostly used as a more gentle feature, sometimes convaying youthfulness or life. Many protagonist, especially children protagonists, are made primarily through circles due to their more innocent nature. For example, many Disney heros can be created with circles primarily. The circle and also convay longevity, after all the infinity sign is made with two circles, and circles are well know for representing something never ending.
The second shape is a square. Squares are most commonly used to represent a space that is cramped or uncomfortable, sometimes even cage like with the proper use of vertical or horizontal lines, and can create a feeling of discomfort or loneliness for the viewer. Squares are also used to combat the feeling of nature with something more industrial. Let's say for example that we have a moving overhead shot of a forest as we move through it, then suddenly the camera pans ahead of the forest and we see a city made up of you guessed it, squares and rectangles. The contrast of these shapes really is stark, which is why it is such a good and often used comparison.
Finally, we have the most known shape, the triangle. Triangles are commonly used for their sharp and menacing look to construct a villain design or to add menace to a scene or area. While certainly a triangle doesn't have to be menacing, like when it is used to create mountains, the sharpness of the shape has given this shape the reputation of bringing unease to a viewing audience. For example, when you see characters walking through a dark cave with tons of pointy stalagmites and stalactites, you feel as though something dangerous might be just around the corner.
Now do all instances with these shapes in use always play by the rules? Certainly not, and that is what's fascinating about these shapes. Not all main protagonists have to be made with strictly circles, and not all villains have to have the sharp look the triangle provides, after all things would get stale and boring if this were true. Like with every technique, once you have a firm grasp on the concept, you can bend the rules how you see fit. Plus, you know, plot twists are fun trick to pull using these shape element principles.
Sunday, October 2, 2016
I've come to terms (Weekly comments #1)
I'm way to easily obsessed with things, recent obsession, Pocket Mortys.
1. What I learned this week:
We started to implement the things we've learned about Phototshop into multiple projects.
2. What I want to learn:
How to better implement effects.
3. Something that frustrated me this week:
I'm going to be honest, I'm stumped on the self portrait montage, I have no ideas that really satisfy what I want to do.
4. Something that made me happy:
My animal morphs turned out really good!
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObH-f6iRzAI
I was watching more from the channel with the theme video, and found it rather enjoyable, I even subscribed. So here is a Story structure analysis of Mulan.
1. What I learned this week:
We started to implement the things we've learned about Phototshop into multiple projects.
2. What I want to learn:
How to better implement effects.
3. Something that frustrated me this week:
I'm going to be honest, I'm stumped on the self portrait montage, I have no ideas that really satisfy what I want to do.
4. Something that made me happy:
My animal morphs turned out really good!
5. Video of the week!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObH-f6iRzAI
I was watching more from the channel with the theme video, and found it rather enjoyable, I even subscribed. So here is a Story structure analysis of Mulan.
Theme response
Ah theme, really it is one of the essential parts of storytelling. A theme is basically a driving point in a story, as well as teaching a lesson at the end, so the story feels complete. Many beginning filmmakers fall into the trap of boring or underwhelming themes, and this video goes in depth about such.
First off, you can have either a simple of complex theme, depending on the vision. While a complex theme can lead to a deep and fulfilling experience, a simple theme can also lead to this reaction. A complex theme for example can be layered, full of multiple themes of varying types. A simple theme is mostly one concrete theme the film strives to follow.
Secondly, theme is a tough thing to master, because theme is very subjective. One person can watch a film and think that it represents one theme, while another person argues for a different theme. Because of this, a filmmaker's vision may not transfer the same way to their audience. Some filmmakers even leave a film with an open ending so fans can fill in their own interpretation.
Lastly, themes should naturally come to a filmmaker as they build their story, and not the other way around. Trying to shoehorn a theme into a film that doesn't need it, or pushing the theme onto the audience, normally will bore an audience and turn them off from the film entirely. The opposite also holds true, hiding the theme can make a film that confuses the audience on what they just watched, and very rarely in a good way.
Really, this video brings up brilliant points for people who are new to themes and how to implement them into their work. It doesn't just tell you what you shouldn't do, but also explains how to fix these common mistakes. This will be something I will keep in mind going forward.
First off, you can have either a simple of complex theme, depending on the vision. While a complex theme can lead to a deep and fulfilling experience, a simple theme can also lead to this reaction. A complex theme for example can be layered, full of multiple themes of varying types. A simple theme is mostly one concrete theme the film strives to follow.
Secondly, theme is a tough thing to master, because theme is very subjective. One person can watch a film and think that it represents one theme, while another person argues for a different theme. Because of this, a filmmaker's vision may not transfer the same way to their audience. Some filmmakers even leave a film with an open ending so fans can fill in their own interpretation.
Lastly, themes should naturally come to a filmmaker as they build their story, and not the other way around. Trying to shoehorn a theme into a film that doesn't need it, or pushing the theme onto the audience, normally will bore an audience and turn them off from the film entirely. The opposite also holds true, hiding the theme can make a film that confuses the audience on what they just watched, and very rarely in a good way.
Really, this video brings up brilliant points for people who are new to themes and how to implement them into their work. It doesn't just tell you what you shouldn't do, but also explains how to fix these common mistakes. This will be something I will keep in mind going forward.
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