After Effects #1, #2 & #3

For your first lesson in After Effects you need to successfully show me that you understand the following areas:

Scale
Rotation
Opacity
Position
Audio
Export

For lesson #2 in After Effects you need to show me the following:

Split Layer
Levels
Add an adjustment layer
Add one Effect
(Rotation-if you did not do it successfully the 1st time)
Export with Audio

Lesson #3 needs to have the following:

Add text with an Effect
Add Particles, and play with the particles
Play with colors and fonts
You must show use of the camera rotation

20 points each

Script and Angles

You need to create a script that includes the following for your film :

   a.  Camera Angles-think about your angles with the guide below.

   b.  How long you will be on each scene (guesstimate)

   c.  What will be happening during each scene and angle

   d.  I need you to write out a script of what people will be saying as well.  

        (your scripts will be worth 20 points)

Camera Shots-and what they portray

A camera shot is the amount of space that is seen in one shot or frame. They demonstrate different aspects of a film's setting, characters and themes. As a result, camera shots are very important in shaping meaning in a film.


An extreme long shot  contains a large amount of landscape. It is often used at the beginning of a scene or a film to establish general location (setting). This is also known as an establishing shot.

A long shot  contains landscape but gives the viewer a more specific idea of setting. A long shot may show the viewers the building where the action will take place.

A full shot  contains a complete view of the characters. From this shot, viewers can take in the costumes of characters and may also help to demonstrate the relationships between characters. For more information on costumes and acting refer to Chapter 4.

A mid shot  contains the characters or a character from the waist up. From this shot, viewers can see the characters' faces more clearly as well as their interaction with other characters. This is also known as a social shot



A close-up contains just one character's face. This enables viewers to understand the actor's emotions and also allows them to feel empathy for the character. This is also known as a personal shot.



An extreme close-up contains one part of a character's face or other object. This technique is quite common in horror films, particularly the example above. This type of shot creates an intense mood and provides interaction between the audience and the viewer.

When analysing a film you should always think about the different camera shots and why they are being used. The next time that you are at the cinema or watching television see what camera shots are being used.

Camera angles-and the messages they portray

It is important that you do not confuse camera angles and camera shots. Camera shots are used to demonstrate different aspects of setting, themes and characters. Camera angles are used to position the viewer so that they can understand the relationships between the characters. These are very important for shaping meaning in film as well as in other visual texts.
The following examples will help you to understand the differences between the different camera angles

A bird's eye angle is an angle that looks directly down upon a scene. This angle is often used as an establishing angle, along with an extreme long shot, to establish setting.





A high angle  is a camera angle that looks down upon a subject. A character shot with a high angle will look vulnerable or small. These angles are often used to demonstrate to the audience a perspective of a particular character. The example above demonstrates to us the perspective or point of view of a vampire. As a viewer we can understand that the vampire feels powerful.

An eye-level angle  puts the audience on an equal footing with the character/s. This is the most commonly used angle in most films as it allows the viewers to feel comfortable with the characters.

A low angle  is a camera angle that looks up at a character. This is the opposite of a high angle and makes a character look more powerful. This can make the audience feel vulnerable and small by looking up at the character. This can help the responder feel empathy if they are viewing the frame from another character's point of view.


As with camera shots, you will be able to see many examples of camera angles in any film or visual text that you view. The next time that you watch television or see a film, take note of the camera angles and think of how they affect your perception (idea) of different characters.

Another camera angle that you might come across is a Dutch angle.

A Dutch angle  is used to demonstrate the confusion of a character. The example above should disorientate you.

Sites to view on Camera Angles:

http://vhsadvancedfilm.blogspot.com/2012/11/camera-anglesshots.html

How and why to use different Camera Angles: CLICK HERE
How and why to use different Camera Angles part 2-CLICK HERE

Camera angles/shots

Click here to see: 40 photos that show emotion 
Click here to see: Emotions in relation to Body Language

Children's book

Choose a Favorite Childhood book and turn it into a Movie.  You are free to use your favorite style of Filmmaking.  I would love to see some of you choose Stop Motion-they always turn out so cool.

YOU MAY WORK WITH ONLY ONE or TWO OTHER PEOPLE. 

1. YOU COULD DO A SEQUEL TO A CHILDREN'S BOOK or

2. YOU CAN DO A PREQUEL TO A CHILDREN'S BOOK or

3. YOU CAN TRY TO RE-ENACT THE ACTUAL BOOK

*GET YOUR IDEA AND PARTNER GROUP APPROVED BY ME BEFORE YOU GET TOO FAR INTO YOUR STORYBOARD.

 http://childrensbooksguide.com/top-100

Let's take a look at a few Children's books that were successfully turned into movies.  Usually there is a twist to the original or more added to what already existed.  Don't be afraid to add to your movie.  It will make it more interesting for us as your viewers.  I LIKE TO SEE CREATIVITY THAT YOU COME UP WITH ON YOUR OWN!

Hansel & Gretel

Let's read the book and take a look at the trailer together. 

 

Student Examples:

Charles Hevey, Maverick Gentry, Sid Theissen and Nick Sklarek

Jack and the Bean Stalk

 

Sid Theissen, Nick Sklarek and Charles Hervey

No David!

http://sthiessen1.blogspot.com/p/advanced-films.html

Michael Cilona

Not a Stick!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkic9-zEusM 

Schedule for the week

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving break!  I wanted to post this for anyone that is scrambling to get their video's done tonight.  Here is the agenda for the week:

Monday: No School!
Tuesday: Watch movies that are done
Wednesday: Mrs. Schneid is out-Finish editing film if need be or free day!
Thursday: Introduce New Film and Photo lesson
Friday: Start learning After Effects.  We will work on learning After Effects from now until Christmas Break in class.  You will have from now until before Christmas break to film your next film and take photos for it as well.  You will be able to edit the movie over Christmas break or finish it before we leave-that will be your choice. 

We can Talk more tomorrow about the schedule