Final Stop Motion Film

When we were set the task we originally decided to do a music video, and began thinking of songs with particularly strong emotions in. After looking around YouTube for while we decided to do something by 'The Script', and thought the meaning of 'Man who can't be moved' could possibly create a very interesting video, and we all had idea's which we wrote down. After creating an in depth script of what we could do, it was apparent there was not enough time to complete such a long and complicated film, so looked for something else.

Within the original script, we had the idea of moving the camera around the model to create a 360 clip, and developed this to have the camera staying still and the subject moving. We first tried having a hat moving around the models head. To do this we had one person taking the pictures, and one moving the hat, so the pictures would flow better as the model and camera would not have to move and be placed back in a similar position. We then carried on experimenting with what else we could do with a hat and model to create an interesting effect. We then did things such as tying the strings, and having the hat stay in the same position but the model moving.

After this we introduced another model and a different hat, with the same kind of motions going on, and also with hat's running off and onto the models head, ending on the second model with the first hat on.

For the end sequence we have both models in the images, with the opposite hats to what they began with. They then get a bit angry with each other until they get their own hats back and are happy :) We decided on a simple and clear credits, with a black background and white writing in a simple font.

We then added in a piece in the middle for the transition between the changing of models. We printed off the last image of the first model, and the first image of the second. We scrunched up the image of Model One, and then swapped it for the second image so when we unscrunched it, it appeared to be a different image of a new model.

After this was finished we started looking for background music. We came upon a song called 'Cross to Bear' by Tricky. I think this works really well for the video, as the tempo and beat go well with speed of the film, and it creates an atmosphere that doesn't create a confusing and mixed atmosphere. To get the song from YouTube, we used the website 'SaveTube'.

We then created the video and added the soundtrack using iMovie. Each shot is up for 0.4 seconds, and there are 225 shots in total.

There were 5 people in our group, I was the first model, directed the second half of the movie, and took some of the photographs. Katie Dove, was the second model, and was the photographer and helped direct the first half. Kat Alcock, was the director and photographer of the first half. Clair Shepherd, took some of the photographs throughout the movie. Alex Wood, created the end credits.

Overall, we all think the film is a success. I think it flows and blends well, and shows creative ideas. As a  group we worked well together, and the final video shows that.

Health and Safety in the Studio

There are many things to consider when working in the studio, the main points are as follows:

• Be aware of the tripod
• Keep all cables as tidy as possible and along the floor, in the most out of the way direction
• Do not eat or drink within the studio
• Pay attention to what is going on at all times
• Be careful when moving heavy equipment
• Make sure everyone knows if you are changing the lighting
• If you are bringing things into the studio, make sure they are stable and secure
• The camera must be attached securely to a tripod if one is being used

Location Photography and first attempts at Stop Motion

Location Photography

Location photography is where you go to the subject, not bringing it into a studio. This can be taking pictures anyway, for anything, as long as you are going to a location to do it. We will experiment with location lighting sets, where we learn how to use the kit and how effective and useful it can be. For this we went downstairs in college, and asked passers by to have their portrait taken, and we did get quite a few people agree after a bit of persuasion! We chose an interesting background, and set up the lighting equipment with the camera straight in front of the model, and a light to the left of the camera. We experimented a lot with the strength, angle and softness of the light until we got an effect we were happy with for portraiture. In the end, the light had an umbrella on it so it was a bit softer, and it was on a high strength. The light was facing away from the subject so the reflection from the umbrella was directed to it. Overall I was happy with the effect given and all of the pictures turned out very well.

Health and Safety on location

There are a lot of things to remember while on location, because you may be in public places. The main points are as follows:

• Stay out of public walk ways
• Keep the equipment away from anything unstable
• Do not take the equipment out in the rain unless it is fully covered
• Be aware of the public and keep theirs and your safety in mind and all times
• Do not eat/drink around the equipment
• Be aware of the equipment (trip hazard)
• Keep the batteries away from any liquid
• Do not have more cables in than necessary

This stop motion film was created by moving m&ms between each shot to make them appear to be moving. They go from a smiley face, to a sad face, to swirling and then back to the original smiley face. I think it is very effective because it is fun to watch and does appear like the sweets are moving. We chose to put this sound to it, because it made it feel dramatic and magical, and this works well because sweets don't often move themselves! It took 18 shots to create this, each showing for 0.2 seconds. If we were to redo this I would add more frames in between so it appeared more smooth.

This film was created by moving a small toy along a wall, until it reached Katie where she looked shocked/scared by the toy howling. We added the howling noise by recording the howl of the toy in iMovie, then placing it half way through the 5th frame. It took 6 frames to create, with the first 5 frames showing for 0.4 seconds and the last frame 4 seconds. By having the last frame longer, it allowed the full howl to be played, and emphasised the main point in the film. If we were to redo this I would add a lot more frames so it was smoother, and add other things happening so it was more interesting.

This film was created by moving Haribo sweets, so it looked like a story. The original Jelly Baby gets his head knocked off by the other, who then gets eaten by the frogs who played a sideline role in the first half. The frogs appeared to change colour before they become a main part, which was done by switching frogs in each shot. It took 15 shots to create this film, but it could have done with more to make it more smooth. It also could have been more interesting if more happened within the story line, and if the pictures were more in focus and from a better angle. The shots each show for 0.2 seconds, however it would have looked better if this was faster, but this was the fastest setting. We added the sound of lively music to make the film seem more energetic and it went well with the bright colours.

This film was created by taking a picture everytime part of the McDonalds was eaten. It took 30 shots to create the film, and each is shown for 0.2 seconds. I think this amount of time works well so you can clearly see the food disappear with each image. If i was to redo this I would use a tripod so the camera was in the same place each time, it doesn't look very smooth and this takes away alot from the film. The sound was added to make the film seem like it was almost an adventure. I think it makes the film a lot more fun and interesting to watch.