Deletion of scene 3

Unfortunately scene 3 has been given the axe due to the lack of space and time left in the film. The reason for deleting this scene is because I feel it doesn't add much to the existing story.

more changes for scenes 1 & 2

In order to make the film to flow better I have decided to intersperse the coach talk into the montage sequence. This is so the audience better understands the relationship between the coach and the cyclist. It also justifies the cyclists motives for training so early in the morning. The final reason for doing this is to shorten the length of the film.

music choice for scenes 1 & 2

For the opening sequence I decided to use an extract of a track by "The Go team!" called "Ladyflash". I felt it was appropriate for my film because it had the best tempo to accompany the montage sequence in which the main character is cycling. It's not too over powering either. It's a lively track but works well with the footage.

Changes in editing for scenes 1 and 2

After reviewing and analysing my first two scenes I have had to make drastic changes. At the moment the music begins with the action but doesn't quite fit with the action and could possibly confuse the audience. Therefore I have removed the music from the first 35 seconds. The sequence has been designed to give a calm, slow build up to the fast action of the montage. Now the original wide angle countryside shots give the impression of silence and calm instead of action. The original sequence seemed to be like a juxta position and didn't seem to work well together. The new sequence also has the original diegetic sounds of birds tweeting and gusts of wind being recorded by the camera. This enhances the feeling of calm and emptiness.

The second adjustment I have made is to dramatically cut the length and even remove a few of the clips. Originally, scenes 1 and 2 took up 4 minutes and I still had to leave time for up to 3 more scenes. Therefore I cut 1 minute of footage out to create more space for the remaining scenes. In fact I think this vastly improves my film because it gives a more fast and lively feel which is what I was aiming to achieve from the film. Finally, I also reduced the time of the transitions to create more space. Again this supports the fast pace of the film.

Scene 2: indoors talk with coach. Artificial lighting

Begins with LA CU of the coach talking to MC. Discusses training schedule in an angry tone. He wants MC to succeed. He has had a long week and is very frustrated with the state of his team.

-JC to MC nodding in agreement

-LA side on MS of coach talking about route details.

-C to front on LA shot of coach finishing talk.

-C to close up of coach.

-LA WA shot of coach talking with laptop on lap.

-In this scene the MC is never shown.

Edit to script scene 2

Edit to script for scene 2.

In the first script swear words were used for emphasis but I no longer feel it is appropriate.

(in angry tone)

"You need to hit it hard. You're V02 is weak. Look (pointing at screen) its at 3.8, it should be close to 5 my friend. You need to motivate yourself so thats why I'm going to let you train on your own this week. All I suggest is that you work hard and focus on technique. Remember the training zones too! if you work hard this week then you've got a chance. The Americans think they've got this one, they've already starting to engrave their names into the trophies! Lets get out there and show them how hard you work. If you stick to the regime you will win.

(heavy sigh) Right then lets talk about the route. Here it is (pointing to screen) There are five stages in total which take you 700 miles across the pyrenees. It's 70% climbing so it's going to be tough on your legs, but you know how to train for that. It's going to be hot too. The average in the spring 25-30 degrees. Therefore you need to maintain your cardiovascular fitness. Your body fat needs to be around 4%. The steepest climb is a category 4 reaching 2000 metres so you definitely need to train on your hills. Actually, Ive got it on google (points at screen) Right I gotta go, I don't really trust you by yourself but I have to. See you next week."

Scene 2: indoors talk with coach. Artificial lighting

Begins with LA CU of the coach talking to MC. Discusses training schedule in an angry tone. He wants MC to succeed. He has had a long week and is very frustrated with the state of his team.

-JC to MC nodding in agreement. ( 5x JC to MC during scene 2.)

-LA side on MS of coach talking about route details.

-C to front on LA shot of coach finishing talk.

-C to MC who agrees with coach and walks out the door. Scene ends

Ideas for scene 3

Scene 3 is set in the gym. I am going to have to get permission to film at my local gym. The idea of this sequence is to capture the effort the main character and for the audience to get an insight to his strict training regime. I will film in the evening, so I will have to set up the camera to deal with the indoor lighting. In the sequence I aim to use a lot of low angle shots, close ups and possibly high angle shots. I may try to get a more documentary style of filming and abandon the tripod, to get a more realistic feel to the filming.

Ideas for scene 2- After scene 1 (the montage) I want to try and develop the audience's understanding of the character and his commitment to win and succeed. Scene 2 cuts to a conversation between Graham and his coach. In the scene the coach will never actually be in shot but he will be talking. The conversation will continue into the next scene but will act as a voice over. Here is the script for the coach:

"You need to hit it hard. You're V02 is weak. You need to motivate yourself, you're going to have to train into the night. You've deserved it mate, if you work hard then you've got a chance. The Americans think they've got this one, they've already starting to engrave their names into the fucking trophies! Lets get out there and show them how fucking hard you work. If you stick to the regime you will win.

(heavy sigh) Right then lets talk about the route. There are five stages in total which take you 700 miles across the pyrenees. It's 70% climbing so it's going to be tough on your legs, but you know how to train for that. It's going to be hot too. The average in the spring 25-30 degrees. Therefore you need to maintain your cardiovascular fitness. Your body fat needs to be around 4%. The steepest climb is a category 4 reaching 2000 metres so you definately need to train on your hills. Right I gotta go, I don't really trust you by yourself but I have to. Don't crash! See you next week."

My Questionnaire was written for A level media students to help finalise my decisions on some of the key ideas for my film. Here are my questions.

If you were to watch a sports/ murder mystery/thriller short film what things would keep you watching in terms of music, editing, light and composition?

 

 

 

 

In my film there is a short montage of my main character training on his bike. He is training hard and pushing to his limits. What type of music or song would you think suit this montage?

 

 

 

In my film I may change some scenes to add more mystery and suspicion. Do you think this will have the right effect? Please explain why or why not

 

 

 

In terms of music, lighting and editing how would you suggest I keep my cycling montage fast and upbeat?

 

 

 

 

In my film there is a scene in which a group of teenage boys are drinking together and in a happy/drunk state. How would you suggest I keep a natural feel to the filming?

 

 

 

 

 

In the final sequence of my film there is a car crash in which my main character is knocked off a bike. At this point lively dance music will be used ( Sinnerman ). It is supposed to create a juxta position. Do you think this will have the right affect?

 

 

 

Sport related films.

There is a massive market for sports related films. Although my film has number of different genres as well, the opening sequence focuses on cycling. Therefore I need to know the forms and conventions for sports films and how they attract such a wide audience. Obviously a key reason for the successes of sports films such as Rocky Balboa, the Calcium kid and Goal is the fact that sport has such a massive fan base. However these films can only be successful by capturing a realistic impression of the sports they represent. They can only work if the audience think it is believable. 

"Bend it Like Beckham" is the perfect example of a truly successful sports film. Admittedly a large part of the success of the film was based around Jess' feuds and struggles between family and friends, but the football montages and training sequences really add to the realism of the film. In fact the film was so successful that it made a massive gross profit. With only a $5,000000 they made a total worldwide profit of over 76,000000. This is a perfect example the massive audience there is for sports related films.

Scene 1

 

Opens with fast montage sequence. EST shot set in Wiltshire countryside (row of trees on abandoned road). LAS goes from night, dusk to day. At this point M starts (we are your friends) giving scene liveliness.

JC repetition shot in darkened room with TV on in background. MC pours powder into flask. C to eating breakfast (poached eggs on toast) LA. C to MC stretching (calf, thighs etc.) outside in garden stretching on the wall). Screen blackout with D sound of garage door slamming down. M pauses and then continues.

 

FFWD 2-3 secs. JC to WA shot on road with road bike. Z to legs. Snap shots of MC drinking, adjusting galsses looking tired then looks up at sky. ZO as MC turns corner turns right then left. Cut to legs in motion then bike accelerates from camera. NB: all bike shots shot on dark overcast day and/or cold.

The above video has given me lots of inspiration for my own film. The use of close ups and extreme close ups are the exact type of shots I want to incorporate into mine. The use of shadow and close ups of the face really capture the determination of the cyclist. Also the transition between night and day is excellently captured. The accompanying music however is maybe too slow paced and relaxed for my film. I want to start the film at a high tempo and maintain that throughout the film until the end.

Developing my idea: My main aim for this project is to keep things simple and stick to what I know. I am a massive cycling fan so therefore have decided to focus the plot on a keen cycling prodigy about to make it to the top. However I don't want to revolve the film around it because cycling would only attract a niche audience. The story is split in three distinct parts- the news of the the cyclist's death and it's impact on friends and family- the life of the cyclist and training regime and his struggles at home- the drunken lads who drink drive and crash their car into him. What makes this story interesting is that it is more than just a murder mystery. It contains elements of action, thriller, suspense and realist genres. The second part of the film will be a faced paced montage will will boost the tempo of the film but i also want create a parallel at the end. The cyclist goes out cycling at night whilst at the same time a group of lads are partying and getting drunk and then step into a car. The two stories collide when the lads crash into the cyclist.

Initial ideas: My initial ideas were based around murder mystery. My reasons for selecting this genre were that the plot could be kept simple and structured. Most murder mystery dramas follow specific rules and structures. For example in "Midsummer murders" there are three key parts to the script. 1. The problem (murder) 2. The twist(the detective work) 3. the resolution. A murder mystery could easily be transformed into a 5 minute film.

Introduction to media coursework

Hello and welcome to my A2 media portfolio. We are looking into the wide world of short films. We are analysing the way the films are produced, directed and acted. After the initial research I will then go on to develop my own 5 minute short film. TB