Indepdent Study

Subverting of Genre film

In our Road Film genre subversion, Small Indifferent Neena, the role I was assigned was sound designer. In this project, rather than focusing largely on sound effects, I wanted to play around with vocal audio. We utilized three different types of recording methods: voice over, lavalier mics, and a shotgun mic. Each had different pros & cons that I will be able to keep in mind for our next project. For example, some of the scenes with the shotgun mic still had ample amount of background noise despite the use of the foam over it. This teaches me that, for next time, I will have to pay more attention to this when playing back clips so as to either figure out a different method of recording or adjust the shotgun. In regards to the voice over, I love the clarity and quality of the audio. 

While editor was not my official job, this was my first time using color grading. I found it to be interesting and an effective way to convey a certain feeling within the film. There were some scenes in which the lighting was purposely edited to be a bit darker than in other portions. Those with more prominent lighting began when the main character began to become inspired by the other characters within specific scenes (i.e. the boys talking about sports). This, along with the music I chose, greatly shifted the meaning or vibe that I wanted viewers to pick up. As sound designer, I liked having this other element to play around with to get across a certain message or theme. Working with someone who has already chosen a color scheme for our next project will be exciting because we can work together to come up with a desired mood. 

There are many things I learned that I believe will allow me to improve future films. I intend to continue to use voice overs (they have definitely been my favorite thus far). Next time, I will pay more attention to filtering out excess or extremely prominent background noise that takes away from the quality of the sound. While I don't feel that the entire thing has been tainted (otherwise we would have re-done it), I do feel that there are specific scenes in which the sound quality is much better than others. I think this film served as a perfect practice for future projects because it emphasized issues regarding sound I had not previously taken into account.

Production Check #6

For our film, the next location we intend to shoot is the bowling alley. We have retrieved a release for ABC Lanes. I am excited to not only begin shooting here, but to begin collecting sound as well. I have many things planned - most of which will be in need of the use of a boom mic. The sounds I am most excited to record are bowling pins, the dropping off a bowling ball, and feet on the polished bowling alley floors (just before the lanes). Other interesting sounds could be the swivel of chairs (at the food bar where we may have our actors sit). I think these effects will add a layer of depth to the film. I intend to record lots of different sounds so as to allow each of us to have a variety to choose from when in the editing process. I do not know if music will be playing in the back of the alley, but so as to make sure we have clear sound when our actors deliver their lines, I will be using the lavalier mics. Hopefully things will go as planned, because I truly believe the sound effects within the bowling alley are bound to be the best within the film.

Independent Study #5

Production Check #5

In just our first day of filming, we were able to get through an entire page and a half of script. I  must admit that I was rather proud of us. Furthermore, the quality of our actors performances were phenomenal! I was able to capture their sound and the intonation of their voices when delivering lines smoothly in the second scene we recorded. This was the first time I had utilized the boom mic for a project rather than test. Unfortunately, I was not able to use it for sound effects of the car as desired (due to the battery being dead), but I was able to use it in our second scene. I can only imagine how difficult it would be to hold for longer scenes. However, due to the quality of sound that comes out of doing so, I can say I think it would be worth the shaky and tired arms.

This first round of filming had me thinking even more in depth about which mics would be best for certain scenes. I would love to be able to use the lavalier mics in the first scene (in which Jonah and June discuss school). Of course, if it does not turn out as expected the boom mic proves to be quite promising. 

For the particular scene pictured above, music will be playing in the background. Atop that, voice overs of other characters will be laced within. I am beyond excited to begin choosing a track (by an artist that creates his own music) that best fits the mood of the film. The last and final thing I look forward to is being able to collect ample sound affects. The noise of hands sliding across the steering wheel, doors shutting, wheels along pavement. Not only am I certain of the sounds I want for this scene, but also ones we have not yet recorded: the click of swift fingers upon keyboards, lockers closing, the knocking down of bowling pins. I aim to have impeccable sound within this film in order to enhance the mood & story line we wish to convey. Aside from all that I have listed I anticipate, I am proud of what we have accomplished thus far!

Independent Study #4

Production Check #4

After weeks of pre-production, our group is now ready to begin filming! Solid dates are a bit up in the air at the moment, but we have at least mapped out a general idea according to what our actors have stated would be best for them. We had a minor setback with our lead actress for June, but ended up finding a new one within the span of 30 minutes! Ariel Brown will now be our new June, which is exciting considering she enjoys acting and is eager to play this part. Anyhow, the tentative schedule is that we completed the car scene and the house scene on November 12 and the school scene on one of the days the following week (16th or perhaps the 18th). The other location, the bowling alley,is under the works but will likely be on a weekend as well.

One of the other POSSIBLE locations for Jonah's home (if needbe) is my home. Potential scenes in this location would be a brief scene in which he examines himself in the bathroom mirror. He would be concerned about the quality of his appearance and then leave through the front door, heading out to  the bowling alley.

 

Lastly, my vision for sound has only changed in the slightest. I have decided I would like to use a few original songs by Alex Finn, who will soon be signing a talent release for us. His music is mellow and relaxing, with occasional speed up in tempo. Faster songs can be utilized during the argument scene, while everything else can be used elsewhere. In terms of sound effects, I cannot wait to record & include the sound effects of the car and bowling alley. Without those elements, I think the film would be void of a critical aspect.