SUMMARY

Role

Cinematographer

Intention (SMART Goal)

By January 28th, as part of team 2, I will explore how to build tension with camera movement and cinematic techniques by following the How Camera Movement Makes Horror Terrifying tutorial and will have created scenes that build tension in our Session 3 Project.

PRE-PRODUCTION

Leader in the Field / Exemplary Work(s)

Halloween: POV on Horror

Dean Cundey, a cinematographer, shares his inspirations and experiences while shooting the opening scene from Halloween (1978). The scene is filmed in one long continuous shot by using a 70lb Panaglide camera (steadicam). He also discusses other camera and lighting techniques he and John Carpenter, the director, used to create suspense and scares throughout the film.

Training Source(s)

Cue	Notes
The three stages of Horror	Down Time, Build Up, and the Scare. The scare is not as scary as the build up.
Techniques of the Build up:	POV Push In: Cutting between the character and its POV when it is approaching a threat. Open Space: We feel safe when we are protected by a barrier of some sort. This is why many people position their bed against a wall facing the doorway. By using empty space and slow movement of the camera can build up tension and a feeling of vulnerability, like an attack could come from anywhere. The Unseen Threat: What we can’t see is more scary than what we can. An example of this would be the character(s) see the threat but the audience doesn’t. Another way this can be done is when the audience sees the threat but the character doesn’t. Both of these build up tension really well.

Cue	Notes
Low angle camera placement	Suggests the subject has power. This intimidates without words.
High angle camera placement	Presents the subject as weak.
The Dutch Angle (tilted camera)	Evokes a sense of disorientation. Suggests confusion and uncertainty.
POV	It peeps in windows, lurks in corners, stalks the characters, super creepy. This makes us complicit in this abomination of privacy. You see what the villain sees and you get a glimpse into the poor, unsuspecting victims.
The Close up	This shot makes up the victim itself. Feeling what the character feels.
The slow pan	Reveals fear with anticipation. Startling. Ex – Slow pan following character from one room then back to the original room. When slowly entering the original room something happens or appears.
Steadicam Shot	Used in the Shining, Halloween, ect. Fluidity and control. Like being followed or stalked POV.

Project Timeline

1. Start Pre-Production
2. Pick Genre
3. Choose role
4. Research Cinematography techniques for that genre
5. Make a SMART goal
6. Research Intentional Lighting and Focus.
7. Create Shot list
8. Create a timeline for the project.
9. Collaborate with the team, discuss film ideas.
10. Write log-line.
11. Create Trello board with scrum
12. Start Production
13. Gather Equipment and Props
14. Shoot the scenes, collaborate with director.
15. Start Post Production
16. Work on presentation.
17. Work on the blog post.
18. Finish presentation and blog post.
19. Present to class and Advisory Committee.
20. Reflect on what could be done better.

Proposed Budget

None

PRODUCTION

The Film

Skills Commentary

Slideshow

POST-PRODUCTION – REFLECTION

21st Century Skills

Ways of Thinking (Creativity, Innovation, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving)

We were given a pre-made script from Mr. Leduc prior to creating the logline. The script contained a storyline with two characters. We knew beforehand that we wanted to create a horror film. However, we did not want to have two human characters to avoid any comedic elements. So, I came up with the idea to use a doll as the antagonist. We were all in agreement and decided we would make a film that was like Toy Story so the doll would come alive. But, as our genre was horror, we decided the doll would be jealous and vengeful. One of the problems we solved was fixing the uneven lighting by making the film black and white. This choice was also perfect for the genre of the film.

Ways of Working (Communication & Collaboration)

In pre-production, we decided on the logline, location, and discussed the shots. Then we communicated who would bring which props for the film. Then we temporarily went our separate ways to research professionals in our role and find resources to learn from based on our production goals. During production, filming the shots took two class periods. Then we went on to recording the ADR for the film such as room tone, the scream, the doll’s laugh, and the radio static/music. In post-production, we collaborated with Lily our editor, and gathered the evidence for our goals to put in the slideshow.

Tools for Working (Info & Media Literacy)

For this film, I used several videos on creating tension with camera movement and angles for research and inspiration. These videos came from youtube channels such as Studiobinder and Every Frame a Painting.

Ways of Living in the World (Life & Career)

During session three, other than working on the production project I had to study and test for semester one finals and like always, had soccer practice on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Reactions to the Final Version

After presenting the film, Mr. Leduc commented on my use of intentional lighting.

Mr. Leduc – “This was a great use of contrast by using straight black and white rather than grey.” He also said that it reminded him of film noir.

Self-Evaluation of Final Version

Simple – Our logline was simple, therefore, it was easy to formulate a set of scenes that told our story the best without overthinking it.

Unexpected – I would say that the film had many unexpected elements in it as we were filming to build tension by using sudden events in the film such as the doll’s shadow on the wall, the radio going static, and the lights going out to reveal the doll about to attack the protagonist.

Concrete – Our film was memorable not only because it used elements such as black and white and creative audio but also because it led the audience to want to see more. Mr. Leduc said, “this is film reminded me of a trailer. It made me want to see more.” He then went on to say that we could use this film for the next production session to create a part two.

Emotional – Our film’s genre was horror. This was clear because of the eery classical music on the radio, the fact the film was black and white, and there was a creepy doll which was antagonizing the main character. We built tension by using techniques such as “the unknown threat” to keep the audience engaged and hopefully worried about what would happen next.

What I Learned and Problems I Solved

I learned the importance of recording the lighting, position, and camera angles when filming for more than one day. That way there is consistency in the shots. This will also make the editing process easier for the editor.

Grammar and Spelling

Grammarly

Editor

Emma