Television and Film @matwheeler-blog - Tumblr Blog

(SugarWater. SplitScreen project part3)

This is the final part in the three week project.

From looking at Sugar Water by Cibo Matto, this video takes ideas from the first week’s project called SplitScreen: A love story and adds unique features as both split-screen videos in Sugar Water meet-up with each other. This is a very complected effect but if done properly and timed correctly the results can be amazing, leaving the audience puzzled on how the effect was done. Cibo Matto’s music video Sugar Water is a split-screen video that has some interesting effects, the effect basically has the two different worlds (Divided by the split-screen) Crossover each other. A kind of plot-twist you may say.

The images are takes from the SugarWater video and can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EN9auBn6Jys (29/05/13)

WorkOfArt

My version of Sugar Water is called WorkOfArt and takes ideas and scene’s from the music video Sugar Water. The theme is my morning routine of how I create my look (Don’t ask, I was stuck for ideas and thought it was a good theme) As the video plays out, the right side of me is minding his own business as for the left side of me is him talking on the phone. Towards the end of the video the left side crosses over the the right as both scene’s meet.

Filming:

Filming took place early Tuesday morning and ended in the afternoon. I set up two mirrors (that are off screen) So that I could see what was being recorded and what my actions were. However doing this was difficult and I found it very frustrating to fit the mirrors in such a small room (Bathroom) I used tape to fix the mirrors to the walls, they fell off at times but luckily not when filming as most of the video is in one take. Using my own camera (Nikon D3200 DSLR). I wanted to make everything look clean and non-gritty, I’m happy with the results as it makes it easier to add effects after filming. I also took live audio (Has been edited) to create the soundtrack for the film. To create the cross-over effect I moved to a timer, then the timer went off I moved off set. I then re-recorded the footage to make it look like the same scene but with the other scene crossing over. It’s complected, and for a time I didn’t think it was possible to do but as you can see I think the effect worked perfectly.

Editing:

This is were all the effects where added, including the cross-over effect with the two scenes. I changed the color correction to give everything a blueish tint, and also created an echo video effect in some parts of the footage to make it more interesting and lively. I didn’t want to over-do the effects within the final edit and I’m happy with the results.

Time line chart:

As for the cross-over effect, I don’t really want to tell you the secret now do I? But to be sensible, the crossover effect is done multiple ways by freezing the right side to make it look as if no one is their but actually it wasn’t live footage, just a still image overlapped onto the live footage. The rest is to do with timing and carefully cut sections.

Audio editing:

I edited live audio from the footage with Magix Music Maker Premium 2013. Warping the audio to make it more ambient with added sequences to make it more interesting. This is the only problem I have with sound/soundtrack editing making something interesting and not drag-out too long.

In conclusion:

I didn’t feel very confident with the project in the beginning but when filming and after editing I’m very very happy with the final result. Timing with this project was the key to making it look the part, and I believe I have done this in a professional way.

Mat Wheeler

(29/05/2013)

SoundScreen (Cutting up my friends) Mat Wheeler (30/05/13)

(Cutting up my friends. SplitScreen project part2)

This is the second part of the three week project. Taking ideas from David Hopkinson's music video Cutting Up My Friends.

Cutting Up My Friends is a music video that combines different short sequences of music from different people and objects and buts them in a rhythmical sequence to create a soundtrack. The result is very interesting and creative.

David's website (29/05/13)

Cutting Up My Friends. This video can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yn__pIssFGs (30/05/13)

My version:

Filming the sounds and objects:

This video relies heavily on sound, so the sound quality had to be good.

I recorded the sounds within a couple of hours, things ranging from an electronic power drill, laptop computer sounds, electric razor buzz. The visual quality might not be perfect but that's not the important aspect but the audio is, this is why I recorded up-close with my Nikon D3200 DSLR camera.

Editing:

Using Magix movie edit pro 13 professional to edit the recorded footage together and make a rhythmic soundtrack. The ideal time for this video was two minuets, I thought it would be easy to meet this time but I soon relised this would take time and effort to create something interesting and creative. I tried to make the soundtrack dramatic and powerful with the footage I had recorded and I believe I have done this at a professional level. Some sounds if not all were edited, like the pitch of the sound making things sound deeper and higher.

As you can see, there is a lot of different fragments of sounds and video within this timeline and all play apart in making the complex soundtrack.

Section 1

Section 2

Section 3

Section 4

Section 5

Section 6

Section 7

Section 8

Section 9

Section 10

Section 11

Full timeline

(30/05/13)

Half-A-Breakfast (SplitScreen project part1)

This is apart of an upcoming three week project. This is part one.

The split-screen video I have made takes the same ideas and story line from the other split-screen video called "SplitScreen: A love story" mentioned in a previous post.

Half-A-Breakfast is based on a morning breakfast, the reason for the name is because the video is in a split screen style, half a breakfast.

Page1 of the time-line for Half-A-Breakfast

Page2 for Half-A-Breakfast

Page3 (END) from Half-A-Breakfast

Filming:

Filming started early in the day, using my Nikon D3200 DSLR camera to also record the soundtrack. I filmed things that are generally breakfast related like a toaster; drink glass and spreading butter on toast. I came-up with everything on the spot, this is how I like to do things when it comes into the world of film making as I believe if you wright something down then it can limit you to doing that said thing.

It took a while to try and get the right prospective to match-up with each other. The video length had to be 2 minutes in length, this may not seem a lot but it was a struggle for a while to think of more interesting things to fill the timeline but I’m more than happy with the outcome and managing to make the film 2 minutes on the dot!

Audio and the soundtrack were also difficult for a while as the theme for the project and video was something completely new to me. I tried to make everything mould together including the soundtrack, relying more on ambient sounds than a real soundtrack although there still is one. Recording sounds like cupboard doors opening, freezer doors and scraping of a knife. Also including the ticking of a clock for the bass. I think overall the outcome is good, keeping in mind that this style of film and soundtrack making is totally new to me.

Editing:

Editing the footage of Half-A-Breakfast took a while to figure out as the style of film was in split-screen. Two things were on screen at a time and had to match up but still having to look like different timezones. The glass scene and the pouring of the liquid was tricky at first to match up but after a while I got the sequences planned out.

Coloring the footage is something I also take into account now, from looking into blockbuster films the color selection can be easily sectioned to blues, greens and yellows. For most of my recent films I use a blueish color tone but not too intense.

Soundtrack:

Creating the soundtrack was difficult at first as the theme is something new to myself. But after recording some sounds of doors closing and knifes scraping, using Magix sound editing software to make the back track for the video was also quite an easy task as I tried to make everything more ambient and mold with the live audio from the footage.

The good:

Soundtrack was overall very good from what I think, considering its something new to me.

Timing, getting the video dead on two minuets is something I am also happy with.

Color correction, the use of color correction is very useful for adding that special touch to a video.

Making things match-up is something that also adds to the split-screen effect.

The bad:

Trying to come up with ideas.

Making the soundtrack more lively.

(21/05/13)

SplitScreen: A love story

This interesting video from the mind of James W Griffiths uses a split-screen technique to create one story. From day to night, the video is in the view of two different people and combines the two together to create one scyncranised film.

Image Location: http://b.vimeocdn.com/ts/168/903/168903049_640.jpg (20/05/13)

Image Location: http://thisiscolossal.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/split-3-600x337.jpg (20/05/13)

The film uses very unique ways to create the same scene while they are from different places, time zones and people.

Here is an example I made on the paint program:

Hallway

Train

This should give you an idea of what the Split-Screen technique is. The two videos are both combined to make one film. Of course the version I'll try to make may not be as big of a task of filming a train. (20/05/13)

Tonematrix

Like the nbflat-Bb.20 website I recently looked at, Tonematrix is another music/soundtrack creation website allowing users to in theory create new and interesting soundtracks.

The website is very interesting, and the also apply's to the sounds. But I can see this getting very limited in what sounds the user can create.

(20/05/13)

nbflat-Bb 2.0

This interesting website by Darren Solomon, the site is based on music creation and features music videos from YouTube on one page. You have the option to create a soundtrack from all of the footage.

One of the questions are that is the site a music video, I think yes as the footage is per-recorded sound from someone else and is in a video form witch is a music video.

Apparently there is the option to remix the sounds on the website. This is how my perspective on soundtrack making change as I believe if the person edits, changes sequences or remixes the sound then I think the new remixed version is in its own right a new song. Therefore the person making it would be the owner.

(20/05/13)

Year1 Show Reel | Mat Wheeler

UCAS PROTOTYPE | Mat Wheeler (16/05/13)

Chosen courses:

Animation

Music creation

Film

Why do these subjects interest you?

These subjects interest me because I am already doing them in and out of college. I have good knowledge of them and would be interested in doing them later in life. Having already made 6 animated films in and out of college, as well as sound tracks and music videos. I know what does into making such media.

Why do you think you are suitable of the courses?

I have good knowledge of the subjects and have been working with film design long before college.

Have you taken part in other activity’s that demonstrate your interest in the course?

I am mostly self-taught when it comes to animation, films and sound track design.

Show Reel evaluation | Mat Wheeler

A show reel is a short video that is used to advertise your work to an interviewer. Basically showing off what your about and the work you have done in and out of work.

I wanted to make this show reel start off slow, then build up pace with fast cuts to different projects I have done.

In the making:

Editing was done in two lessons and was relatively easy. Taking all the projects I have done and cutting them up into quick sequences. I didn't feel the need to edit the footage from older projects as this might of spoil the original quality, the only thing that was done was to speed-up the footage to make it action packed and as if to hit the audience with film.

Sound track:

I wanted something "in your face" powerful. I remixed two Marilyn Manson songs (Adding base, slowing or speeding-up, remixing the sound) Marilyn Manson songs used: The Dope Show and This Is Halloween.

In conclusion:

I enjoyed this short project, creating a advert of my work was awesome and re-mixing sound tracks was also fun.

It did take a couple of try's to get everything perfect but after all said and done I'm happy with the results.

(16/05/13)

Job Roles In Film Making

Jones.C, and Jolliffe.G. (2006) The Guerilla Film Makers Handbook

Roles I'm currently interested in: Soundtrack creation, prop's, special effects, editing, acting and animating.

As you can see, I have a couple of things I'm interested in. But to have to research one it would have to be animation (stop frame/stop motion animation)

What is stop motion animation?

This is one of the oldest role within film, stop motion has been used since the 1900's. The meaning of the term "stop motion" is to animate characters or objects frame by frame making up a sequence of still images. When the still images are sped-up, they move as if real moving objects. The typical speed is 15-FPS or 25-FPS, but you can push to 30-FPS depending on how smooth and realistic you want the characters to move. Every 15 frames counts for one second or less depending on what frame rate you set the play back too.

Image location: http://www.stormthecastle.com/stop-motion-animation/images/animation-studio-1.jpg

Image location: http://www.animationtaco.com/pics/stop3.jpeg

Image location: http://dorkshelf.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/jasonandtheargonauts1.jpg

Why is it used?

There are many uses for this form of film making. It ranges from characters, special effects and practically anything. Sadly more and more studios are now using computers to make animations in this style. It may look like stop motion, but computers can replicate the look and feel of stop motion very easily so don't be fooled!

The good's and the bad's?

Everything has a good and bad side to it within film making, this is very relivent in stop motion animation. Cameras must be stationary when making films like this. Any unwanted camera movement can end-up ruening the effect. Time, time with stop motion animation is something you'll need a lot of! Trust me, I've filmed many films in this format and hours feel like days, and don't rush! Make sure you play back footage every so often to make sure everything works. With stop motion anything can be your cast, this is the good thing of this format. Be creative and film your own characters. The results if done right is worth the wait and time put in to making a sequence.

(13/05/13)

Final version of the Creme De La Creme My Recurring Dream.

Editing by Mat Wheeler.

Creme De La Creme | My Recurring Dream | Mat Wheeler

This second part of the recent post "My Recurring Dream" Is the "Creme De La Creme" version. If you read the resent post, then you'll know the subject. But for those who don't yet know then this project is to re-create a sequence from the music video directed by Andre Chockron called My Recurring Dream. From the name you'll probably think this video would have a mysterious/surreal/dream-like feel to it, well it does!

Filming and location:

I teamed up with Martin for the remake sequence. We decided to create a "out-of-this-world" or "surreal" scene, so we made use of such things like my gas mask, the tunnel at Mount Edjcombe (Location of filming) and the woodland around it. Also making use of a pocket watch, joker playing card for the transitions. I wanted to experiment with a bit of video trickery in-witch two of use would be in the same scene at the same time, and leave the audience wondering who was holding the camera (Nikon D-3200 DSLR, 50 FPS). At first Martin had a problem with this but after talking to him about how it could look very good we decided to start filming the scene.

Equipment used:

Using a Nikon D-3200 DSLR camera running in 50 frames per second mode, a tripod stand (Never used due to missing clip)

Programs used:

Editing the footage:

Editing is my strong subject for when it comes to film making, I simply love it! But this time was different, I felt very pressured to get this done within time and this is what let the video down. I wanted to make this video look surreal and dream-like but ended up over done and with too many effects. The end result was a mess by what I myself think. This and the struggle to make a good enough soundtrack it fit the videos surreal feel just wasn't working for me this time and this also put a heap of pressure and stress on productions. I just wanted to get this done and that made me rush. At the time I was also righting the start of this evaluation so managing all three things at one time can get stressful. Even if an evaluation isn't all ways necessary I still like to assess my work no matter what.

Floor plan's:

My Recurring Dream, remake | Evaluation by Mat Wheeler

In this project, we had the task to re-create the Andre Chockron video My Recurring Dream. My Recurring Dream is a surreal, out-world like in the way everything is filmed including the effects. The story line is simple, a recurring dream. The scenes play-out slow and almost “drug like” as from what I myself can interpret.

Filming: I used my own camera (Nikon D-3200 DSLR) The class began filming scenes for our video in the Plymouth town. These two scenes where meant to pose as the beginning and end of the final edit. The main aria of filming was set around Mount Edgecombe, each of us could film the various locations within the aria. Working with Scott, I wanted to find the old castle for the first scene. This took a while to find but my knowledge of the aria proved a vital part in the of the my final edit.

After filming around the castle we set off to find other interesting locations with the hope other group members wouldn’t find them. I like to think out-of-the-box!

Problems with filming: We had some problems, I like to make sure everything has a floating or swish motion especially for when filming around in closed or arias with tight corners. The problem with this is that some of the scenes when played back do have some unstable parts. The good things were the fact that most of the arias didn’t have many other people so footage is not disturbed. The day of filming also had very nice weather!

Audio: We had to record our own soundtrack/effects for the video. We used a ‘Zoom’ audio recorder to record live sounds around the aria of Mount Edgecombe. Everything was all well and good but when editing came into play we knottiest the recorder didn’t record any audio. So with that holding me back for a while I decided to try and salvage the audio from the video footage recorded. The result of this actually worked in my favour as the final versions of the sound effects/tracks fitted the final video edit, the final edit is a drug trip crazy train!!!

Editing: The editing process is my speciality. I use Magix Movie Edit Pro Premium 2013 to edit all of my videos/footage, and use Magix Music Maker Premium 2013 to create/edit sounds.

Sound and Video chart:

(02/05/13)

A remake of Andre Chocron's HAVOC | Remix by Mat Wheeler (29/04/13)

9.30 REVIEW (29/04/13) My Recurring Dream by Andre Chocron.

My Recurring Dream is a mysterious out-worldly like film by director Andre Chocron mentioned in a previous post for his film HAVOC.

My thoughts of Recurring Dream...

A very dream-like video, probably ending up with its name. Very imbissouse, I can't imagine how long this film took to make and uses some really stunning effects that are mostly either revered, sped-up or slow-down to create the dream-like effects.

The transmission I liked the most was near the beginning, where in a lake of water, very impressive effects such as flashing orbs hovering over the water. It’s very stunning to watch!

Words like surreal, Smokey and strange come to mind. This doesn't mean I don't like the film. I loved it!

https://vimeo.com/58879954 Link to My Recurring Dream (29/04/13)

HAVOC Remake Behind The Scenes | Mat Wheeler

Behind the scenes coverage of the classes Havoc remake (Original By André Chocro)

(27/04/13)

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