Megan's Project

hi i'm megan and i'm doing my personal project on tumblr, also known as the dark hole of the internet. i'm not sure what i'm doing.

[meganjoseph]

Week 25: Last Journal Entry (05.02.2014)

At the beginning of the preparation for my personal project, I had two options - either to create a short film (a spontaneous act of following my dreams and stupidity) or daily drawing (which on second thought, this was pretty difficult too - drawing everyday?!). And now, I have finished my personal project and tomorrow is the day that I (and others, of course) will hand it in. I think I'll miss doing my project. Just a little bit. Not too much. The worst part about personal project is being told to do something you enjoy so that you would feel less burdened whilst doing it, but I think it does the exact opposite thing. It actually became more of a difficult task for me, considering what a hassle it was to create a short film during school days. Alas, maybe I should have chosen the daily drawing (or maybe decrease it to weekly drawing?). But I've learned my lesson. Never ever ever ever ever ever ask a friend for help in playing a role in your short film. She's most likely really terrible at it and it will make you even more stressed out.

And now to prepare for the report. Cue the sighs. 

[meganjoseph]

Week 24: Final Product (27.01.2014)

I have finally finished my product. Wasn't exactly what I hoped it to be, to be honest but I can point out a couple of factors that led to my some sort of disappointment with the final product. First of all, I didn't realise what an important aspect picking the right actor for the role is. To say it frankly, after hours and hours of editing the footages, I don't think Jennifer was the right person for the role of Fay in my film. She didn't portray the right character that I hoped she would and she was putting barely any effort into this. As a co-worker, Jennifer was not exactly the most favourable person to work with, especially in this particular project. She often cancels on me during filming days, meaning that each time she cancels, I had to push back the next stages by more and more days. This, therefore, would frustrate me, leading to a disagreement between the two of us. The second factor to my disappointment would be the ending to my film. Films with wrapped up resolutions have always been my favourite (simply from a personal perspective). My film does not have a wrapped up ending, leaving the viewers to judge the ending on their on. At first while writing the script, I thought that this was a good idea - to let the viewers have a go on their own guesses on what's wrong with Fay and what happened towards the end. But as I finished editing my film, I realised that it was a terrible strategy. The film becomes a bit confusing without a structure, making it ambiguous and misleading to the audience.

These are only two of what I can point out at the moment. As Tim Hautekiet (or Jack Howard, I can't remember - sorry guys), a YouTuber, once told me -- "Your hundredth video will always be better than your first." So, Tim (or Jack - again, sorry), I'm holding you account for your word.

[meganjoseph]

Week 23: Final Week for Editing (23.01.2014)

This is the final week to work on our Personal Project, and so far, I'd have to say that I'm doing quite well with staying on task according to my gantt chart. I have been doing some final adjustments to my film, but I have yet to show it to anyone else other than myself. I think the most nerve-wrecking part about creating a film is seeing others watch it. There's a sense of anxiety, but also some pride at the thought of the audience's reactions. I'd have to say that so far, it wasn't exactly as I hope it'd be. I had to cut out some scenes in the film, due to lack of cooperation in filming and timing with Jenny, so it is quite shorter than I hoped it to be in the beginning during the writing process. Despite the cons, I feel like I've learnt a lot more knowledge about filmmaking, than before the start of this project. Filmmaking is more than putting clips together. It is about interpreting an idea and telling the story with an interesting perspective. 

[meganjoseph]

Week 15: Editing (01.12.2013)

So glad to be on track with my gantt chart! I'm currently in the editing process, and whilst I've been busy with a butt load of homework and assignments this week, I still had time to pick background songs for my film. Although I haven't exactly found all the right songs, I've narrowed it down to a few. One of my favourites would probably be this song called "Koi" by WMD. It has a really nice and serene feel to it that I think would be perfect for scene #2.

On a less depressing note, it's December!

[meganjoseph]

Week 14: Filming (23.11.2013)

Finally started filming yesterday! Most of the scenes have been filmed and we just need to film a couple more scenes until it's a wrap :)

Yesterday's scenes were amazing. We were filming on the main road outside the housing complexes in Lippo at around 4 - 5pm. The sun was at its most beautiful peak of the day that we didn't even have to use any other lights; natural lighting is always the best. I had a lot of fun filming with Jenny, who plays the main character, and Felicia who plays the other major character in the short film.

We shot different possible angles that might look good and I'm really excited to edit it and put together the film.

But first and foremost, I'm ready to take a break from school and pp.

[meganjoseph]

Week 13: Draft #3 & Cast (17.11.2013)

This week, I was planning on shooting some of the scenes with Shanna, seeing that I have only about 2 weeks to get some proof that I've done a lot of work before the progress exhibition on the 26th. Unfortunately, Shanna's schedule is packed with problems and worries of her own project, so, I guess I'll have to change the cast. For now, I've got another friend of mine, Jenny, to play the part of the best friend of the main character. Now all I need is a main character and a psychiatrist. If not, I guess I'll be starring in my own film. Which will seem like the most conceited thing ever, but also the most convenient thing ever.

On another note, I just finished draft #3 of my script. I changed the title, from 100 Days to Missing Piece (stylised as "m ss ng p ece"). Also, I've been doing a lot of research by using films and TV shows scripts to get the accurate format of a normal script. Not sure how many times I've used the tab button to get it in the right arrangement.

This is an example of a script, taken from the pilot of the popular TV show, Supernatural:

That's really all I've done this week. Hopefully I'll be done with most of the filming by next week.

[meganjoseph]

Week 13: Interview with Tim H (12.11.2013)

Q: Tell me a little about yourself personally and creatively. A: I'm a young aspiring filmmaker and I'm currently wrapping up my first web series. :)

Q: When and what made you get into filmmaking? A: I got into filmmaking when I was about 13. I was obsessed with Star Wars and my early films consisted of myself and my younger brother awkwardly swinging toy lightsabers at each other. I slowly began to involve more school friends until I eventually decided this was a passion I wanted to take seriously :) Q: I understand that you're in university, how is it so far? What has been the most memorable lesson that's taught you to be the great filmmaker you are now? A: I've recently graduated actually! I'd never be able to name all the things I learned over my time at university, both on the course and by extension during my extra-curricular work... I think I learned to appreciate all aspects of filmmaking. I learned the value of team work and how important every person is on a film crew. It's a truly collaborative art form. 

Q: What are your post-graduation plans? Internship? Dream jobs? Or just stick with YouTube? A: I'm applying to a variety of jobs and master degrees. Keeping all options open I guess. Seeing what sticks. Hopefully by working hard and never giving up I'll eventually wind up working on features. But who knows? Q: This is possibly the most difficult question I could ever ask a filmmaker, but I'll give it a go - what are some of your favourite films and television shows? (Breaking Bad?????? am i right????) A: I could go on for ages! Films: The Social Network, 12 Angry Men, Indiana Jones & the Last Crusade, ... TV Shows: Breaking Bad, classic era Simpsons... Q: What makes a film great and amazing, rather than just alright? A: Great characters. I think characters stick with us most... sometimes more than the story does.  Q: So as everyone knows, you and a couple of other YouTubers just finished creating "Project: Library" (which, by the way, I'm so very excited for). What inspired you to create this project? What did you learn from this project? Both the positives and negatives. A: "Project: Library" was a series I created with my friend Mike Cannon who I studied with at university. He pitched me the concept of a man who owes a library 1 million pounds and I fell in love with the idea. Together we created the world and the characters, Troy Bennett, Michael Foster, ... Two years later, add a sprinkle of Benjamin Cook, a dash of Jack Howard and loads of other people in the mix and you've got yourself a web series. I couldn't even attempt to summarise all the things I've learned from "Project: Library" Q: Did you make this film for yourself or for an audience in mind while writing it? Why? A: I made it because I loved the characters and something about the idea stuck with me. I couldn't get it out of my head. Though I'd always imagined making it for YouTube. Q: Who are your biggest film influences and why? A: Steven Spielberg is my hero. I love his sensibilities. I love his ability to approach loads of different genres. He's been able to go from war epics, to action adventure movies to comedy/dramas. If I become half the filmmaker he is, I'll die a happy man. Q: Any ideas about your next project? A: Not a clue. Got a few ideas but I've yet to settle on any specific idea. Very tempted to try something radically different though :)  Q: Okay, so, the thing is, my project is revolved mainly around capturing the audience's attention from the first few minutes of it. Any tips and examples? A: Watch "Mission Impossible III", great example of how to instantly grab your audience! I think getting your audiences attention can be done through many ways. It's hard to pin down any specific technique. But definitely make sure your opening is always strong. Your first show, first time we see your lead character or hear him/her speak... These are all important moments.

Q: What advice would you have for young students who are interested in pursuing a film career? A: My advice would be to learn as much as you can. Get as much experience as you possibly can. Make your ideas happen, don't sit on them for too long. Make something, learn from it and move on. If you make 100 films: your 100th film will be better than your 1st. I guarantee it! Q: Any last words? A: Thanks for interviewing me! Sorry for my response being late :( I hope my answers were good.

I was so excited when he finally replied my email! I feel honoured to have had the opportunity to interview someone as talented as Tim, especially with his new web series "Project: Library". He's help me to stop sticking around my comfort zone and to try new ideas because the more films I make, the more I'll be able to learn from the previous ones. I'm excited to see what he has in store for YouTube and hopefully he'll have more web series as successful (possible even more) than "Project: Library".

[meganjoseph]

u a freakin genius

i know i am

[meganjoseph]

Week 10: Not so productive (23.10.2013)

So I have some good news and bad news.

Good news is that today's Wednesday and it's getting close to the end of the week. Also, I'm going to Australia this Friday so that'll be a blast. Might film some of my break too :)

Bad news is that we still haven't filmed any scenes for the film. I'm a little worried that I won't be able to finish according to the deadlines that I have set in my gantt chart. Hopefully once I come back from Australia, we'll be able to finish shooting all the scenes so that I can immediately start on editing and putting together the entire thing, as it is the most difficult phase of the filmmaking process.

But overall, I am very excited to be creating this film. To be creating a project that focuses on a deep topic such as depression may be quite difficult to tackle but I believe that with the storyline that I have up to this point, I will be able to deliver the message through my short film deliberately. 

pls god let me finish it in time

[meganjoseph]

Week 10: Wow I've skipped a lot of weeks (21.10.2013)

And today i realised that I've been neglecting my blog (pls dont lower my grade ms amy im trying rly). Here are some updates for you since my last blog post about my film:

Equipment: I've finally gotten a proper tripod and microphone for my camera. Not exactly the most professional ones but, it'll do for now.

Shooting: Good news! Finally going to start shooting my short film this wednesday, after school, with Shanna. I've got the script settled down along with a few lines of dialogue. It's not all set yet because I figured we'll just go with the flow while on set.

Interview: Since Tim Hautekiet's reply to me on twitter, I've emailed him some questions for the interview and he's replied me with this - "I'll do my best to reply to this e-mail properly ASAP. Currently am editing project library, trying to get it ready before October 10th :)". So far, I've heard that he's still been directing and editing this major film until it finishes airing which is around 2 or 3 more weeks. Hopefully, he'll be able to finally reply to my email during that time.

Lighting: Possibly one of the most frustrating thing that I have to keep in mind during the shooting. If the scenes are outside, where there would be natural lighting to keep it in place, I wouldn't have to worry about editing too much afterwards. But indoor scenes are the ones I'm afraid of. Since I don't have those big white box lights, I'll have to use the limited amount of lights that I do have at home. Hopefully, there wouldn't be too much editing for me during the latter.

yeah, that's all.

i've been slacking.

i'm sorry future megan. you tried.

[meganjoseph]

hi ms amy

[meganjoseph]

I DID NOT KNOW MISS AMY IS FOLLOWING US WHAT EVEN

WAIT WHAT SHE IS?????

hi ms amy

[meganjoseph]

Week 7: Adobe Premiere Pro (04.10.2013)

So, I was finally able to finish with the first draft of my script! I'm going to sent it to my peers tomorrow to get some feedback from them so that I would be able to make the next drafts better :)

In the meantime, I'll start practicing on using Adobe Premiere Pro CS5 because the results are so much better than simply using iMovie! Earlier today was the Athletics Day and we were recording Shanna taking awkward selfies with different people so I decided to try editing that video. It was all quite easy overall, but I do need to be more careful with the little details because it can be quite frustrating when I need to edit it over and over again when I make small mistakes (just because I'm a perfectionist). This was one of the few YouTube video tutorials that I used to help me get around to using Premiere Pro. Colour editing is very vital, especially for setting the mood. There are lots of videos with tips and tricks on making better videos with this wonderful application.

Hopefully I'll be able to master it by the time I start editing!

[meganjoseph]

:(

[meganjoseph]

waddup megans

HI BEL

your blog is empty :(

[meganjoseph]

guess who's gonna interview her favourite youtuber?

[meganjoseph]

Bibliography

UPDATED: 17.11.2013

Editing Skills & Tools. Dir. Tim Hautekiet and Jack Howard. By Tim Hautekiet and Jack Howard. Perf. Tim Hautekiet and Jack Howard. YouTube. Google, 19 Dec. 2012. Web. 28 Aug. 2013. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQ-CV62fEZU>.

Filmmaking 101: Training for Scriptwriting, Camera, Shooting, Lighting and Video Post Production. Prod. Creative Edge Productions. Perf. Craig Kinet and Tony Realy.YouTube. Google, 21 Mar. 2013. Web. 9 Sept. 2013. <Filmmaking 101: Training for Scriptwriting, Camera, Shooting, Lighting and Video Post Production>.

Hautekiet, Tim. "Re: hi :)". Message to Megan Joseph. 11 November. 2013. E-mail.

ICE CREAM RAY GUN. Dir. PJ Liguori. Prod. Jamie Swarbrick, Sophie Newton, and Louis Grant. Perf. PJ Liguori. YouTube. Google, 23 Aug. 2013. Web. 25 Aug. 2013. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mo2BJtJyxbQ>.

Kripke, Eric. "Supernatural by Eric Kripke (2005)." Daily Script - Movie Scripts and Movie Screenplays. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.dailyscript.com/scripts/Supernatural-1.pdf>.

Landau, Neil, and Matthew Frederick. 101 Things I Learned in Film School. New York, NY: Grand Central Pub., 2010. Print.

Rausch, Andrew J. The 100 Greatest American Films: A Quiz Book. New York, NY:Citadel, Kensington Pub., 2002. Print.

Smith, Dora. "Suggested Script Layout." Screen Australia. Australian Government, n.d. Web. 11 Sept. 2013. <http://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/getmedia/ffd1fc7d-1bc1-48a5-92e1-4b6db107fcde/SuggScriptLayout.pdf>.

Working With Friends. Dir. Tim Hautekiet. By Tim Hautekiet. Perf. Tim Hautekiet.YouTube. Google, 12 Dec. 2012. Web. 5 Sept. 2013. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99gejwsGFn0>.