Stage 1: Research
Whilst researching, I was heavily reliant on looking at existing media texts as well as the various manga's that I enjoy ever so much. Whenever I thought up an idea that I thought might work, I noted it down in a small notepad that I carried with me in my backpack. These ideas were the ones that would either come around suddenly, or the ones that I was putting together over the course of a couple of days. I then moved onto the internet where I had the world at my fingertips to help me look for ideas. I started by looking into characters as I heavily believe great characters is what makes a story more interesting to an audience, so if there was anything I wanted to try and get right above all, then it was a fascinating character to portray the themes of my film. I started to look into the artwork of Rene Magritte, more specifically his piece called 'The Son of Man', and from there I started to put things together. In order to keep a track on my progress I noted it all down on Blogger bit by bit to remind me of all the ideas I had come up with at that point.
Stage 2: Planning
I focused a great deal of attention on creating my character, and through trial and error I was finally able to come up with my final character for my film, Mr Fantasy. Inspired by previous media texts, manga, artwork and even music, I had created the character that I was hoping I could. I then put my focus on creating the pre-visualizations inclusive of the script and storyboard. I worked on them both at the same time, writing one part of the script and then adapting that into the drawn out version of it. That way I would be able to see it come together piece by piece. I started the process by working on paper, however, I was quick to realize that working on my iPad was a much quicker and convenient way of going about making my storyboard. I used the OneNote app as it had an easy to use drawing/pencil tool that I could use with my Apple Pencil. The process was overall made easier as I capable of drawing to a somewhat okay standard. After finishing the script and storyboard, I decided to go hunting for a filming location and an actor. I decided the location rather quickly after taking a look at the convenience it would bring to the shoot as well as keeping in mind that I would be taking the heavy and expensive equipment there. As for the actor, I approached my friend who takes A-Level Drama with me, and I asked if he would be up to it, to which he told me that he was keen. I thought he would be able to capture the mannerisms and personality of Mr Fantasy to the extent that I was looking for. Everything was set in place for stage 3.
Stage 3: Construction
I discussed with the film technology specialist at school about what equipment I should be using and what equipment I would like to use. I specified that I wanted to use a Gimbal, and sure enough I was taught how to set it up as use it for the final shot of my film. I also needed the basic kit of a camera and a tripod and it was more than easy to get my hands on. I should point out that I specifically requested to not give me any additional lights as I was really pushing for a film consisting on all-natural lighting. The shoot was a total success and everything was finished by the end of the scheduled dates and timings. After filming, I edited using the software, Final Cut Pro, which allowed me to put together all of the clips which I had taken the weekend before. I made steady progress, with a peer analysis in-between starting and finishing, I was able to complete the final edit at a good pace. My next focus were the credits. I wanted to make them interesting, and so I used the software After Effects, in order to make more diverse and challenging credits throughout the opening. I had no prior experience with the software before and so I had to watch some YouTube tutorials on how to work the program so that I could mask the credits into the shots, which was an essential part of the title card shot. After getting familiar with the software, I was able to complete the credits and that marked the finished edit, all that was left for me to do was finalize and add the music. I spoke with a friend over the phone and I sent him some examples of sounds that I liked, to which we then worked together for a few hours until we came up with the final sound. I added in the music and it fit just the way that I wanted it to, I was ultimately very happy and that marked the finishing of my film.
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