MM&I - The Final Version

My final version and evaluation of my Me, Myself and I IS HANDED IN!!!

http://gifs-to-wear-pants-to.tumblr.com/post/24782402943

I decided to not put in the Supernatural-esque gag reel at the end as it detracted from the whole serious surreal film motif I have. So I put some extra credits, super 8 and an old film countdown at the beginning to add to the cinematic feel of my film. I still need to upload my EDL but that's easily done.

The full film can be seen here: 

MM&I - The Almost Final Version

This video is my almost final version; I completely forgot to put my narrator in the credits (sorry Jamie) and I need to put the Super 8 in. 


I am also under the timings I need for it: I can be 10 seconds under but no more. I am currently at 2 minutes 25 seconds, so I need to find something to fill it with. The super 8 and the narrator credit might cover some of it. Someone suggested I extend the poem but I like the pace like it is at the moment: any slower and viewers may get bored. Plus I still have no footage to fill it with (plus I have used my 30 seconds of found footage). But I had an idea of putting bloopers at the end of the credits.



I was thinking I could do something like the end of the Supernatural gag reels (skip to 7:50), with all the production stills of the crew and cast. It would also be fab if I could get copyright clearance for the song used (or the other song used would also be great, just as an Easter Egg for the Supernatural fans (the show has also inspired a bit of the film and is my favourite TV show so it would be nice to have a homage)). 

MM&I - First Draft

Yayyy!! First draft!! Quite proud of it so far. The big gaps are to be filled with super 8 and found footage Lee is to convert for me from VHS to digital. It has been a week since I have given him it, so I'm losing hope that it will be done in time. So I'm going to have to put something else in instead for now. Would be fab if he did do it in time though!



I asked for feedback on Facebook and other social networks. One person said that they would have liked more variety of paper shaking noises in the credits, which I have put in today. I also made a change to the blue found footage clip of the gig used during the drum sequence as the low quality of it detracts from the film. Apart from that, I have received nothing but good feedback for it! :-) 

MM&I - The Fig Rig

For some of my shots in my Me, Myself and I, I used Richard's fig rig so I could get stable tracking shots without the tripod and also for ease (e.g. carrying a tripod to difficult locations). The fig rig was really simple to use (but also hurt a bit when holding it for a while) but adds extra stability to tracking shots rather than using a tracking dolly (didn't really fancy using that on the beach with all the sand). Special thanks to Richard for letting me use it!

Richard's Shoot

Saturday 28th November

Today we filmed some of Richard's MM&I. I was sound and Richard wanted two microphones, so we gaffer taped them in an x formation. Richard also wanted me to use the Fostex but Richard forgot the headphones with the jack that fit in it. The weather wasn't amazing, with very strong winds on the beach/pier. We also had to cancel the Blackhall Caves scene as the stairs were closed and the tide was in. But we did do the Blackhall tunnel. 

Was a semi successful day but also a cold day. I just hope the sound on the beach turned out ok. :S

Beth and Jamie's Shoot #2

Today I helped out with Jamie and Beth's shoot. It was mostly Beth's shoot for her outside and final shots. I was an actor again (a bandit and a friend). I also took a few production stills. We filmed at Norton (really nice place) with a really nice woodland location (that apparently belongs to no one and anyone can film/use it!) All of Beth's filming is now done and Jamie's is soooo close to finishing! Had a really fun time today and glad I could be of help!

MM&I - Andy's Shoot

Friday 20th November

After a few strange looks carrying a cool lamp tripod on two buses (Andy left it at the Uni), one person thought it was a trombone?! And a grumpy bus driver who challenged my age and didn't tell me when to get off (thanks to the kind stranger telling me where the bus stop was!), we met up and had breakfast in Wetherspoons, discussing the plans for the day.

Today we did all the shots at Andy's house. We wanted to do some establishing shots of the woods but we rapidly lost daylight and had an incident with the camera, which set us back quite a bit. 

The men decided to take over and set up the lights while I died (started sneezing and sniffing all morning. I was worried it was a cold but Andy's miracle peppermint tea set me right). However, while Richard was plugging in his headphones, he leaned on the camera and made it go out of focus, and we couldn't correct it. After phoning Mike and Lee, we were told it was a broken camera. We hang up and Andy decided to take it off the tripod to look at it and it suddenly corrected itself! So we rang up again saying we fixed it. 

We then did some outside shots of Andy doing archery which I was really proud of. I then got to have a go of Andy's bow, which had a bigger poundage than mine (which also messed up my draw back technique), but my grouping is still spot on. 

Sunday 22nd November

Today was paint balling day! Me and Richard got a lift from Andy's very kind friend Ryan who was also an extra in his film. Touchdown in Thirsk and so glad I wore multiple layers. I also brought a flask and coffee but we didn't have time to stop and sit down, plus we finished earlier than expected.

Weather was on and off all day, but we had shelter from the trees. We tried to put the waterproof cover on the camera but couldn't with the fig rig on, so we improvised and used Andy's hoodie. 

After falling over once and nearly again on some nettles, we got most of the shots done. We then needed to fire some paint from the paint ball guns. Andy, well thought through, had a spare piece of glass to put over the lens to stop any paint. I still ended up with some on me (and the camera but it all came off). 

I really enjoyed being camera op for Andy's shoot and thinking of creative camera angles. I'm seriously thinking camera op is the path I should take, not directing. I really enjoyed it and apparently I have a good eye for shots.

MM&I - The House Shoot

Today was mostly coverage shots so I didn't ask my camera and sound op to come as 1) transport on a Sunday is a pain. 2) I didn't want them to spend more money on transport.

So I got my mother to help out again (thanks again) and my friend who took A Level Film to also help out (thanks Melody!). 

We got a lot done. We also got an exterior shot of a kinda gothic house (yayyyy). It's not quite as impressive but it will have to do with such short notice and on the final day of booking with the camera.




Today I learnt to not stress over the small things. My friend was over an hour late due to circumstances and I was panicking thinking I wasn't going to get all the shots done. So I did what I could on my own and realised I didn't actually have much more to do. Stressing over small things is one of my character flaws. I panic when I forget to eat the ready cooked chicken in the fridge that goes out of date tomorrow. Not quite sure how I'd overcome this but today was a step in the right direction. It all turned out well in the end. 

MM&I - The Beach Shoot

After a small panic of a last minute weather change to rain and strong winds, I quickly booked out a rain cover for the camera and a microphone sock (can't remember the professional term for it. Was it a muffler?) to keep the microphone warm (..... as well as shielding it from the wind obviously). 

Everyone on time (yay!), we got started on the shots. 

Again, we nailed each shot. The caterer (my mother) came at dinner with a picnic and warm drinks (thanks again!). I also needed her to film my last, and possibly most complicated shot; the tracking, zoom out, 180 pan of the crew and the ocean, on the fig rig. Turned out well and we were done quicker than expected, just in time as the weather took a turn and started to spit on to rain and the tide was just about coming in. 




I learned to wear more appropriate shoes next time, not just the ones that look more aesthetically pleasing for the footage. I also learned that my last minute organisation skills and time keeping are top notch. 

MM&I - DISASTER

Friday all I needed was two shots (one was quite a while away too) so I didn't get my camera and sound op. I'm very glad I didn't too as it was a total waste of time.

Well, I did get one of the shots I wanted done- a CU of a cat. HOWEVER, I asked permission on Monday from Langham Towers in Sunderland if I could film the exterior of their building for my project as I wanted an establishing shot of a beautiful, big gothic house. They said it was absolutely fine as long as I came after dinner on the Friday. So I did, came with my camera, after a long bus journey. I went to reception to announce myself to just say yup I'm here like we arranged, do not be alarmed. 

Well... That's what I hoped what would happen.

The receptionist said to me that they hadn't logged such a conversation (basically calling me a liar). I stood my ground, saying I called on Monday and I am a real student. After calling my lecturer to confirm my identity, they still refused me to film the outside just in case I accidentally have a student in shot (even though the receptionist said to me that they are all in exams...) I stood my ground further saying I had a long journey, booked out the equipment for this and I assumed it was all arranged for me to film and the shot of the exterior is a vital shot for my project. They still turned me down as I needed an escort to take footage and they were short staffed. They then tried to have another go at me for not asking who I was speaking to and why I didn't email them. 1) They said they were 'Sunderland High' when they picked up the phone. Well sorry for not establishing a first name relationship basis with them, didn't really think of that. 2) There was no email on the site. Believe me, I wanted to email them more than phone them but I searched for ages trying to find one, but only came up with a phone number (that wasn't even for the right school. Luckily they gave me the right one.) Defeated and fuming, I walked away.

http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/disaster-girl 

What could have been...

MM&I - The Studio Shoot

The studio shoot today went really well. I did want my crew to be there for 12:30pm so we had time to set up. One *not naming names* showed up late. My narrator turned up exactly on time, but the equipment was not set up and ready. After apologising to the narrator, we set up and got started.

We nailed all the shots I wanted and kept the lads happy experimenting with their new toy; the fig rig, for one of my shots, since we had plenty of time at the end. 




Thanks again to Jamie Gibson (my narrator), the level 5's that threw chocolate coins on my head and Ryan Siggers for taking pictures and this video!

Today I furthered my knowledge of the studio lights, importance of setting up early and to never let Richard near chocolate coins. They seem to magically disappear...

MM&I - Progress

Good news on the narrator front! Managed to find someone who has replied and shown interest to be in my film. We are planning to record Wednesday afternoon in the studio.

The studio has been booked and I have been given the go-ahead to book out equipment and shoot on the beach on Saturday. Risk assessment forms have been signed. Shot lists have been finalised and uploaded onto the group VLE page. 

A few props however have been problematic to find. Went on a hunt in Uni today to find a Graduation cap and gown but turns out they rent theirs in and don't have any. Ebay is too expensive and no one has any spare on Facebook. So I'm making my own.

Made a Graduation cap out of cardboard and I am currently painting it black and I am just using a cloak as a robe. Since the shot is an MCU I should be able to get away with it.

UPDATE: Cap is now fully painted with a tassel on it. Looks quite realistic!

Friday I am recording the Sunderland house exterior.

Furthermore for the beach, I have checked tide times and weather which are also on the VLE. I have asked my crew to be there for 10 am (the tide is lowest at 11 but I'm giving them an hours grace to get lost, get on the bus, set up, etc.)

MM&I - The Cards

History

The first known documented tarot cards were created between 1430 and 1450 in northern Italy when additional cards with allegorical illustrations were added to the common four-suit pack. These new decks were originally called carte da trionfi, triumph cards, and the additional cards known simply as trionfi, which became "trumps" in English. The first literary evidence of the existence of carte da trionfi is a written statement in the court records in Florence, in 1440. The oldest surviving tarot cards are from fifteen fragmented decks painted in the mid 15th century for the Visconti-Sforza family, the rulers of Milan. -Dummett, Michael (1996). A Wicked Pack Of Cards. p. 25. ISBN 9780312162948. By the nineteenth century, many oculists were working with tarot and it was firmly established around the world by the late twentieth century.

That tarot is the most popular form of divination today. Unlike other methods of divination, which usually requires years of practice, anyone can learn to use the tarot after only a few weeks of practice. It is based on choosing cards randomly from a deck of 78 cards and laying them out in various patterns ('spreads'). An interpretation, called a reading, of the cards in the spread gives answers to the questions that have been asked.


Spreads

For my MM&I I will more than likely use the Past, Present and Future three card spread. It's the most simple and widely known spread and focuses on my past, present and future, just like my MM&I with my various flashbacks and flashforwards. 

When shuffling the cards, cards can be reversed, or the wrong way up. The interpretation for these can vary when reversed. I could list all the card meanings but this blog would go on forever!

My Prediction

X - The Wheel of Fortune (reversed)

You are reaching the end of an easy phase in your life and are about to embark on a more testing time. This will help you to build strength of character and you will be pleased by the way you cope with the challenges that are just around the corner.

VII - The Chariot

A struggle will test your character and stamina, requiring great reserves of energy. Nevertheless, the outcome will be positive and you will gain a great deal, both mentally and spiritually, from the experience. A relationship may be undergoing a testing time, in which firm control and steady nerves are needed. Sometimes this card refers to a financial difficulty, with the questioner trying to defend their position, keep their head above water or reclaim what is rightfully theirs. However, all will be well in the end.

IX - Nine of Cups (reversed)

Be careful because something that seems wonderful on the surface will not live up to expectations. Beware of chasing after impossible dreams or trusting someone who is known to be unreliable.

My Interpretation

The past card seems true, with me just leaving college which is relatively easy compared to the work we have to do at Uni and testing my confidence and skills working in a team (A levels were way more independent). Challenges just around the corner is more than likely my MM&I!

The present card again refers to Uni with it testing my confidence and skills working in a team, but the work we put into it will be worth it. The relationship one is slightly wrong as I am no longer in one but the part about control in my last relationship is true. Financial difficulty speaks for itself (Uni and student finance).

The future card links to my MM&I and the verse in the poem about the future ('darkness, lies') which is really spooky. Trusting someone who is unreliable has happened before so that also rings true. The dreams one I have no idea about.

MM&I - The Storyboard

MM&I - The House

One of my shots in my MM&I requires a Gothic house. I have researched many different houses in the North East I could film and it has been harder than I thought! My first best bet was Tunstall House in Hartlepool. 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/alanhowe/7659271668

However, when I researched it further, it looks like it has been demolished!! Such a shame for such a lovely building. I am also wanting a building that has a 'lived in' feel so yeah not ideal!

I then remembered the place I could have moved into for Uni but someone else bought the flat. It is Park Tower also in Hartlepool. 

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-29864646.html

It has history and is an idea but it is a bit too big and industrial. I want it in the countryside surrounded by forestry. I might use it as a backup idea.

I then found this beauty of a house in Newcastle. It is called The Banqueting House.

http://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/search-and-book/properties/the-banqueting-house-4863#tabs=Overview

You can even stay in it! I absolutely love it. The only possible trouble is asking permission to film and also getting there. Otherwise it is perfect. This is my main favourite! 

I then thought about houses in Sunderland (which I can get to on my bus pass). I found a very strange building called The Elephant Tea Rooms.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elephant_Tea_Rooms

I would obviously just film the top of the building and not the bank. It's a very strange building and is an idea. Even though it could be argued that it is not gothic, it has been described as 'Hindu-Gothic'. 

There also seems to be another like it in Sunderland. I'm not quite sure where this picture was took though.

https://knoji.com/high-victorian-gothic 

https://knoji.com/hindu-gothic-the-bizarre-architecture-of-the-elephant-tea-rooms

Apparently this one has Gothic gargoyles and niches on the building, but also with Indian elephants. I will definitely have to find out where this is first-hand!

I then remembered Cherry Knowle Asylum in Ryhope. I have been there once but never saw this building! It has been described as the most haunted hospital in the UK.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/phill_dvsn/2106093779

I have just found out it has been demolished. What a shame.

I also remember this. This is the Sunderland High School.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/theunderstudy/2581463895 

The only issue with this building is filming there since it is a High School and full of children. 

UPDATE: I have got permission to film here! :D Yay!

I have also found the Sunderland General Post Office.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/davewebster14/2674670401

Again, I'm not quite sure where this is so I will have to try and find it one day. However it looks like good news!

MM&I - The Poem

My Mam wrote me a poem just for my MM&I (I didn't ask for it but I'm not complaining!) So I had an idea of having someone to read it as a narration throughout the film. The poem has one line with an ellipsis at the end. I could read that line and someone else (preferably male) would read the rest. It sounds great in my head but I just need someone male with a nice reading voice now. I have sent an advertisement on Facebook looking for one so fingers crossed!

18

18 feels...

Like stepping stones, borders and decisions.

Put away childish things.

Alcohol, voting.

Responsibility, choking. 

We live in a world...

Where nothing is shocking.

Not injustice or gore.

They want to see more.

The future is...

Seen through a colour filter.

Joy, success.

Heading towards some happiness.

We cannot predict...

What will become of tomorrow.

The cards, the dice.

Promising paradise.

We are victims of...

Our own successes.

Applause, adulations.

Fulfil their expectations.

And first love...

Like a punch to the heart.

Something lost, something found.

See you around.

But the music though...

Is ours to perfect.

Dance Dance, drum and sing.

The voice, the lyric, everything.

Childhood...

Potential we should store in a flask.

Wasted energy, shyness device.

Why isn't everybody nice?

What is left to be dreamed...

A house, gothic, warm with cats.

Money earned and stored.

Effort, reward.

And what of the soul...

Souls tell stories.

Pointy shoes and thieving magpies.

Darkness, lies.

The last word...

The world wants to be filmed.

Make your own movie.

I will film you, filming me.

Create, be.

- Ruth Maher

I have recorded it to see if I could get it within the three minute mark. I have managed to get it to 1:53 which is about perfect as I will add credits at the end. I have managed to find someone at CCAD who would do the verses and I am waiting for him to quickly send me one of the verses to see what he sounds like.

MM&I - The Pitch