I had hoped to get cracking straight-away on capturing and cutting the footage for Little Clown but most people were in Edinburgh for the Festival so I couldn’t get hold of the tapes. Instead, on Monday, John and I finished putting together our web-drama idea for Adam’s assignment. We were the last to hand it in.
So Wednesday morning Michael and I finally got underway with the editing. First, before the actual creative storytelling of cutting the film can start, the footage must be logged and captured. We started this process and as normal it took longer than we would have hoped. Complications arose with the logging sheets, timecode errors disrupted capturing and then just when I thought it was all finally on the Editshare it turned out to have messed up all the media unexplainably making it unusable. So eventually we had to start all over again. As always technology when it works is wonderful but when it doesn’t it’s a nightmare; it’s one of those things, I can’t live with it and yet I can’t live without it!
So it was, after two full days of wrestling with the tedium that is technology, at the end of Friday I still hadn’t quite managed to get all the media sorted and captured. However, the advantage of having two editors is that while I was working on sorting the footage Michael could be using the stuff already captured to make a start on the first cut. So, this was not as productive a week as I would have liked, and with quite a bit of frustration towards the end, but it’s all good experience and it will be the holidays soon anyway.
Saturday, 27 June 2009
Monday, 22 June 2009
Edinburgh International Film Festival
Here is a collection of thoughts from various things I attended at the festival:
Moon actually took me by surprise. I knew very little about it except that it starred Sam Rockwell as a character who is (I had guessed) alone on a lunar base. Not being a Rockwell fan in any shape or form it was not him that drew me to it but more the curiosity of how a drama would work with only one character. Also I wanted to see if it was simply a copy of Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey and essentially it was the same ingredients but shaken up and mixed around enough to make it something new. Cleverly it managed to subvert the expectations an audience may have from 2001 and even use them to mislead; particularly with regards to the HAL-like computer on the base. The film is very emotionally colourful and explores the psychology of a character that we have to be interested in simply because he is the only one there is. To begin with it seems that the science-fiction setting of the film is no more than an attempt to give a slow psychological drama a more interesting flavour but an unexpected twist provides the viewer with a mystery and character conflict; something which is hard to achieve with only one character. It is still a psychological thriller, only in a sci-fi setting, but it is well-made and I quite enjoyed it.
I attended a panel discussion on Digital Restoration which was very interesting and rather enlightening as to the processes that are involved in restoring old picture and sound. What fascinated me most was the ethics involved and when exactly restoration starts to actually turn the original into something totally different. It was great to see the difference that could be made to old films to really bring them to life again but I suppose, as with anything, there’s a responsibility to not go too far.
Pushing Buttons was an event taken by James Harkin, author of Cyburbia: The Dangerous Idea That’s Changing How We Live and Who We Are, and was extremely relevant to what we are learning about in Adam’s class on Mobile/Web Content. Harkin argued that our new cybernetic age has spawned a new and sophisticated type of storytelling, that he called cyber-realism, which is made up of four elements. He described his theory very effectively and gave clear examples from contemporary cinema and television, most notably Duplicity, Memento, The Wire and Lost. It was quite exciting to see a break-down of a story structure which is almost entirely new and I felt afterwards that not only did I have a greater comprehension of these types of stories but I was actually equipped to even write one myself. It is good that a new form of storytelling is emerging which is less predictable and more engaging for a modern audience but at the same time there is a serious danger that these stories may simply operate like a machine and have no soul or meaning.
Der Architekt was a German drama that actually had nothing to do with architecture as the name might suggest. The main character happened to be an architect but this was actually entirely irrelevant as the story focussed on his past and his family. It was set in the snowy landscapes of the Alps and the lush cinematography was at times breathtaking. Although not being a particularly up-beat story it was surprisingly easy to watch because the performances were so enthralling and the editing and music were both generous and simple. It wasn’t the kind of film I would choose to watch again and yet it was quite refreshing viewing. It made no attempt to conform to more conventional, or Hollywood-type, structure and instead reflected the good old Shakespearean tragedy. This was Ina Weisse first full-length feature as a writer/director and it was very impressive for that. I think what I liked most was how humble this film was. It didn’t set out to make the ultimate story about an architect but instead took a normal human and showed us an incident in his life. Unfortunately therein also was its failing. I came out of that screening no more enlightened about humanity than when I went in; this film had no inspirational message, it had nothing new to say.
The Family Shorts Programme was an event where eight short films suitable for families were screened. I was rather disappointed that they were not at all aimed at families but aimed at children which is in fact not the same thing at all. I was hoping to see some good quality family entertainment but instead it seemed every second film was about an outcast child who is bullied and lonely… because that appeals to children apparently. However there were some gems amongst them and I was substantially impressed by the professional technical execution of almost every one; both live-action and animation. The field of short filmmaking is one which I am having to comprehend more and more and it was great to see some examples of top-of-the-range shorts from all over the world.
No Greater Love was a fascinating documentary about the alternative lifestyle pursued by an order of Carmelite nuns in the Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity in Notting Hill, London. It provided insight into a community devoid of all the conventions, speed and bustle of modern society; these nuns are silent for most of the day, socialising only on two separate hour-long occasions, and have little contact with the outside world. Their fulfilment is found not in material possessions or even human relationships but in their connection with God, which is often an intense struggle, and in a deep, often painful, discovery of themselves. Though the documentary was an unbiased and respectful glimpse of this strangely industrious way of life it is hardly possible to watch it without forming some opinion of such an alien existence. For myself I could comprehend it with relative ease. God allows us into a real and living relationship with him if that is what we strive for, he reveals himself to us if we seek him with all our heart and he longs to draw us closer if we are willing to let him. I believe God does call some people to an existence like the one displayed by these nuns but often in order for us to find life he does not require us to change our relationships or community, for he is tending a far greater and more permanent change deep within us. Another audience member’s opinion, mentioned in the question time with director Michael Whyte after the screening, contained the phrase “wasted lives”. To this Whyte replied that the nuns would never see it this way and that he himself on sensing an inner peace within them could only say, “They’ve found something”. Far from ‘wasted life’ it seems that these nuns are somehow richer. Have we found that something, or are we still searching? Have we allowed God to find us, or are we still running?
Moon actually took me by surprise. I knew very little about it except that it starred Sam Rockwell as a character who is (I had guessed) alone on a lunar base. Not being a Rockwell fan in any shape or form it was not him that drew me to it but more the curiosity of how a drama would work with only one character. Also I wanted to see if it was simply a copy of Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey and essentially it was the same ingredients but shaken up and mixed around enough to make it something new. Cleverly it managed to subvert the expectations an audience may have from 2001 and even use them to mislead; particularly with regards to the HAL-like computer on the base. The film is very emotionally colourful and explores the psychology of a character that we have to be interested in simply because he is the only one there is. To begin with it seems that the science-fiction setting of the film is no more than an attempt to give a slow psychological drama a more interesting flavour but an unexpected twist provides the viewer with a mystery and character conflict; something which is hard to achieve with only one character. It is still a psychological thriller, only in a sci-fi setting, but it is well-made and I quite enjoyed it.
I attended a panel discussion on Digital Restoration which was very interesting and rather enlightening as to the processes that are involved in restoring old picture and sound. What fascinated me most was the ethics involved and when exactly restoration starts to actually turn the original into something totally different. It was great to see the difference that could be made to old films to really bring them to life again but I suppose, as with anything, there’s a responsibility to not go too far.
Pushing Buttons was an event taken by James Harkin, author of Cyburbia: The Dangerous Idea That’s Changing How We Live and Who We Are, and was extremely relevant to what we are learning about in Adam’s class on Mobile/Web Content. Harkin argued that our new cybernetic age has spawned a new and sophisticated type of storytelling, that he called cyber-realism, which is made up of four elements. He described his theory very effectively and gave clear examples from contemporary cinema and television, most notably Duplicity, Memento, The Wire and Lost. It was quite exciting to see a break-down of a story structure which is almost entirely new and I felt afterwards that not only did I have a greater comprehension of these types of stories but I was actually equipped to even write one myself. It is good that a new form of storytelling is emerging which is less predictable and more engaging for a modern audience but at the same time there is a serious danger that these stories may simply operate like a machine and have no soul or meaning.
Der Architekt was a German drama that actually had nothing to do with architecture as the name might suggest. The main character happened to be an architect but this was actually entirely irrelevant as the story focussed on his past and his family. It was set in the snowy landscapes of the Alps and the lush cinematography was at times breathtaking. Although not being a particularly up-beat story it was surprisingly easy to watch because the performances were so enthralling and the editing and music were both generous and simple. It wasn’t the kind of film I would choose to watch again and yet it was quite refreshing viewing. It made no attempt to conform to more conventional, or Hollywood-type, structure and instead reflected the good old Shakespearean tragedy. This was Ina Weisse first full-length feature as a writer/director and it was very impressive for that. I think what I liked most was how humble this film was. It didn’t set out to make the ultimate story about an architect but instead took a normal human and showed us an incident in his life. Unfortunately therein also was its failing. I came out of that screening no more enlightened about humanity than when I went in; this film had no inspirational message, it had nothing new to say.
The Family Shorts Programme was an event where eight short films suitable for families were screened. I was rather disappointed that they were not at all aimed at families but aimed at children which is in fact not the same thing at all. I was hoping to see some good quality family entertainment but instead it seemed every second film was about an outcast child who is bullied and lonely… because that appeals to children apparently. However there were some gems amongst them and I was substantially impressed by the professional technical execution of almost every one; both live-action and animation. The field of short filmmaking is one which I am having to comprehend more and more and it was great to see some examples of top-of-the-range shorts from all over the world.
No Greater Love was a fascinating documentary about the alternative lifestyle pursued by an order of Carmelite nuns in the Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity in Notting Hill, London. It provided insight into a community devoid of all the conventions, speed and bustle of modern society; these nuns are silent for most of the day, socialising only on two separate hour-long occasions, and have little contact with the outside world. Their fulfilment is found not in material possessions or even human relationships but in their connection with God, which is often an intense struggle, and in a deep, often painful, discovery of themselves. Though the documentary was an unbiased and respectful glimpse of this strangely industrious way of life it is hardly possible to watch it without forming some opinion of such an alien existence. For myself I could comprehend it with relative ease. God allows us into a real and living relationship with him if that is what we strive for, he reveals himself to us if we seek him with all our heart and he longs to draw us closer if we are willing to let him. I believe God does call some people to an existence like the one displayed by these nuns but often in order for us to find life he does not require us to change our relationships or community, for he is tending a far greater and more permanent change deep within us. Another audience member’s opinion, mentioned in the question time with director Michael Whyte after the screening, contained the phrase “wasted lives”. To this Whyte replied that the nuns would never see it this way and that he himself on sensing an inner peace within them could only say, “They’ve found something”. Far from ‘wasted life’ it seems that these nuns are somehow richer. Have we found that something, or are we still searching? Have we allowed God to find us, or are we still running?
Saturday, 20 June 2009
Week 9 – The Shoot
I slept in! AGAIN! Of all the days my body could have picked to play a joke on me it chose the first day of shooting. Thankfully it wasn’t too much of a disaster because Murdo was driving me and some others to set but we did arrive ten minutes after our call time which I still maintain was the bad traffic and not my fault! After this, however, the day went extremely well. The truth of the matter is, whatever role one has, the actual shoot is one of the most exciting times in the filmmaking process. It’s when things start happening and there is a tangible reward for all the effort; the footage starts rolling into the can. Officially I had no on-set job because I would only be around for half the shoot but nevertheless I found myself quite demandingly busy throughout the day as an assistant script supervisor to Michael, a juggling double for the cast, an energising co-ordinator for a bunch of kids and even a clown. Needless to say I thoroughly enjoyed myself but whether my help (or hindrance?!) paid off is yet to be seen.
Our second day of shooting was somewhat more sedate and controlled since there was no need to venture outside and no groups of child extras were involved. My role on this day was chiefly the amuser and entertainer of young Robert, our ten-year-old lead actor. His behaviour had been excellent the day before, though he had shown signs of tiredness, but today it seemed the fatigue was starting to catch up. Unfortunately he was not the only one who needed to be kept in check because the doting Charlotte, in an understandable effort to keep him engaged, was allowing him just a bit too much authority and freedom. Cunning as a viper (as little boys so often are) Robert had figured out the hierarchy of the set. Knowing that Charlotte, as director, was ultimately in control and knowing that she would give him whatever he wanted he could effectively rule the roost. Fortunately, at least when I left, he hadn’t taken advantage of his position but the old saying did spring to mind (and not for the first time): “Never work with children and animals”… they’re much too dangerous.
On Wednesday I flew to London with a select few from the Spirit of Life Youth Choir. We were given a tour of the Houses of Parliament and then sang in the House of Lords as part of a presentation for the Epiphany Trust. It was an amazing day, I loved every minute, but being entirely unrelated to my course I shan’t expand anymore on it here!
Rapidly running out of adrenaline I spent the remainder of this week in the Edinburgh International Film Festival which was overall a very beneficial experience though sometimes tinged with disappointment. I hadn’t realised just how quickly events and screenings would be sold out or exactly what opportunities my delegate’s pass allowed. By the time I had got myself organised the three days were almost over; I’ll know for next year. So unfortunately I didn’t quite get my value for money for the three days but the events I did manage to attend were extremely valuable experiences.
Our second day of shooting was somewhat more sedate and controlled since there was no need to venture outside and no groups of child extras were involved. My role on this day was chiefly the amuser and entertainer of young Robert, our ten-year-old lead actor. His behaviour had been excellent the day before, though he had shown signs of tiredness, but today it seemed the fatigue was starting to catch up. Unfortunately he was not the only one who needed to be kept in check because the doting Charlotte, in an understandable effort to keep him engaged, was allowing him just a bit too much authority and freedom. Cunning as a viper (as little boys so often are) Robert had figured out the hierarchy of the set. Knowing that Charlotte, as director, was ultimately in control and knowing that she would give him whatever he wanted he could effectively rule the roost. Fortunately, at least when I left, he hadn’t taken advantage of his position but the old saying did spring to mind (and not for the first time): “Never work with children and animals”… they’re much too dangerous.
On Wednesday I flew to London with a select few from the Spirit of Life Youth Choir. We were given a tour of the Houses of Parliament and then sang in the House of Lords as part of a presentation for the Epiphany Trust. It was an amazing day, I loved every minute, but being entirely unrelated to my course I shan’t expand anymore on it here!
Rapidly running out of adrenaline I spent the remainder of this week in the Edinburgh International Film Festival which was overall a very beneficial experience though sometimes tinged with disappointment. I hadn’t realised just how quickly events and screenings would be sold out or exactly what opportunities my delegate’s pass allowed. By the time I had got myself organised the three days were almost over; I’ll know for next year. So unfortunately I didn’t quite get my value for money for the three days but the events I did manage to attend were extremely valuable experiences.
Saturday, 13 June 2009
Week 8 – Final Preparations
The Little Larks concert on Monday afternoon was the result of a community project for primary school kids and was organised by a team of people, one being Andrew McTaggart who happens to be from the School of Music, and a friend, and my singing teacher! It was through him that I found out about it and ended up helping to film it along with a freelancer, Alistair MacDonald. STV were also there recording some of the rehearsals for a future broadcast and the footage which I helped obtain would possibly be used for that also. It was another good experience and though I was not particularly pleased with my camera-work it was a great concert and well worth seeing.
Our last MER Meeting was strangely poignant as it was Anna Chaney’s last after two years of being a Rep. To think I’m just another part of that unceasing flow of students who enrol, do their bit and graduate. I may be the first Rep who will have been on the course for four years, instead of two, and I can say even only after one year that it’ll be a tough parting. But I suppose that’s what life is. Nothing slows down, nothing stops or (as Ros Maddison said) the only constant is change… very Thomas Hardy! Yet maybe that’s not the case. Certainly there would seem to be some things that we may think won’t change – like mountains, or the sun, or story – and some things we know do change but wish that they didn’t – like people, or friendship, or love. It is interesting that our first reaction when we fall in love is to want it to last forever, to never disappear, to remain unchanged. Yet it never does. Why would we want that if it’s not the way it normally works? Why should that longing be there? It’s like we have a built-in desire for a love that doesn’t change, that is constant, faithful, unfailing, enduring, everlasting… but we don’t find it in each other. So does it even exist? If only there was a book that explained its existence, and described what it was like and proved its constancy through history. If only that book was complete and constant and unchanging. If only we all had this book to read and understand.
“All for fun and fun for all” read a random text from my sister. It was yet more fun and games on Wednesday morning when Matthew and I took a juggling session for the cast of Little Clown. I was impressed with the progress made by both cast and crew and thoroughly enjoyed myself, as normal.
That afternoon I cut together an animatic of the film from the storyboard and let Charlotte see it to get an idea of timings, pacing, length and the general structure of the film.
The Acting Screen Workshop with Ali De Souza was an extremely useful and informative session which allowed an insight into the mentality and thought process of an actor faced with a camera. I am keenly interested in acting so it was great to pick up some hints but it was also very satisfying to see the actors begin to understand more of the filmmaking process. I wish there was more collaboration with the actors and I really hope that we will get more opportunities like this in second year.
Friday marked the big scary start of ‘the weekend before the shoot’. I could feel the anticipation mounting as I helped load some props into the van to be taken to location. This has potential to be a really professional little film; now to see if we can pull it off.
Our last MER Meeting was strangely poignant as it was Anna Chaney’s last after two years of being a Rep. To think I’m just another part of that unceasing flow of students who enrol, do their bit and graduate. I may be the first Rep who will have been on the course for four years, instead of two, and I can say even only after one year that it’ll be a tough parting. But I suppose that’s what life is. Nothing slows down, nothing stops or (as Ros Maddison said) the only constant is change… very Thomas Hardy! Yet maybe that’s not the case. Certainly there would seem to be some things that we may think won’t change – like mountains, or the sun, or story – and some things we know do change but wish that they didn’t – like people, or friendship, or love. It is interesting that our first reaction when we fall in love is to want it to last forever, to never disappear, to remain unchanged. Yet it never does. Why would we want that if it’s not the way it normally works? Why should that longing be there? It’s like we have a built-in desire for a love that doesn’t change, that is constant, faithful, unfailing, enduring, everlasting… but we don’t find it in each other. So does it even exist? If only there was a book that explained its existence, and described what it was like and proved its constancy through history. If only that book was complete and constant and unchanging. If only we all had this book to read and understand.
“All for fun and fun for all” read a random text from my sister. It was yet more fun and games on Wednesday morning when Matthew and I took a juggling session for the cast of Little Clown. I was impressed with the progress made by both cast and crew and thoroughly enjoyed myself, as normal.
That afternoon I cut together an animatic of the film from the storyboard and let Charlotte see it to get an idea of timings, pacing, length and the general structure of the film.
The Acting Screen Workshop with Ali De Souza was an extremely useful and informative session which allowed an insight into the mentality and thought process of an actor faced with a camera. I am keenly interested in acting so it was great to pick up some hints but it was also very satisfying to see the actors begin to understand more of the filmmaking process. I wish there was more collaboration with the actors and I really hope that we will get more opportunities like this in second year.
Friday marked the big scary start of ‘the weekend before the shoot’. I could feel the anticipation mounting as I helped load some props into the van to be taken to location. This has potential to be a really professional little film; now to see if we can pull it off.
Saturday, 6 June 2009
Week 7 – Fun and the Sun
Amazingly the gorgeous sunshine lasted through the weekend and far into this week. For the first time since coming to Glasgow I actually had trouble sleeping because it was too hot! Crazy.
Monday started with John and me in a tutorial with Adam for our web-drama idea. We came to the conclusion that we need to just try writing some of it, to get a feel for the comedy which I’m very excited to have a go at… if I can find the time!
Surprisingly classes have not finished yet despite having four assignments on the go and being in Production for our end-of-year film. We looked at scene-by-scene structuring with Kim for our stories for Coronation Street and it was rather pleasant to be told that we have now acquired skills almost beyond what is required for writing on Hollyoaks! Mercifully we got no homework.
Notwithstanding the regular production update sessions that punctuated this week the highlight was most certainly the auditions for the character of Beau which took place on Thursday evening. Five boys, ages ranging from six to ten, gathered for a very informal – very fun – audition workshop. I love youth work so this was a most enjoyable experience for me and an affirmation that I am in fact on the right course. Where else would I even be allowed to sing songs, play games, juggle, act and hang out with kids never mind be asked to do it! I was very impressed with Charlotte who was fun, friendly, gentle and relaxed around the kids and equally confident with the parents. All in all it was a great experience and I think if any of those guys enjoyed it even half as much as I did then it was a success.
Having failed to record even a single frame on the shoot for Dust the night before (a tragic story I must save for another time) Murdo removed all the kit from my flat and we transported it back to Academy. Ah, disappointment is bitter to the taste.
On the up side we only had a relatively brief production update that afternoon and then it was the weekend! Although the summer weather had passed on the summer feeling was still growing strong in my heart along with a sunshine of love for all the world!! And with that double helping of cheese I leave to hide my face in shame.
Monday started with John and me in a tutorial with Adam for our web-drama idea. We came to the conclusion that we need to just try writing some of it, to get a feel for the comedy which I’m very excited to have a go at… if I can find the time!
Surprisingly classes have not finished yet despite having four assignments on the go and being in Production for our end-of-year film. We looked at scene-by-scene structuring with Kim for our stories for Coronation Street and it was rather pleasant to be told that we have now acquired skills almost beyond what is required for writing on Hollyoaks! Mercifully we got no homework.
Notwithstanding the regular production update sessions that punctuated this week the highlight was most certainly the auditions for the character of Beau which took place on Thursday evening. Five boys, ages ranging from six to ten, gathered for a very informal – very fun – audition workshop. I love youth work so this was a most enjoyable experience for me and an affirmation that I am in fact on the right course. Where else would I even be allowed to sing songs, play games, juggle, act and hang out with kids never mind be asked to do it! I was very impressed with Charlotte who was fun, friendly, gentle and relaxed around the kids and equally confident with the parents. All in all it was a great experience and I think if any of those guys enjoyed it even half as much as I did then it was a success.
Having failed to record even a single frame on the shoot for Dust the night before (a tragic story I must save for another time) Murdo removed all the kit from my flat and we transported it back to Academy. Ah, disappointment is bitter to the taste.
On the up side we only had a relatively brief production update that afternoon and then it was the weekend! Although the summer weather had passed on the summer feeling was still growing strong in my heart along with a sunshine of love for all the world!! And with that double helping of cheese I leave to hide my face in shame.
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