Week 10: Progress Continued

As an extension on assessment two (treatment and synopsis) had been granted, I had the opportunity to watch the rushes once again. I further analysed the conceptual framework of the film in order to complete the treatment. Also several grammatical changes have been made based on Toula's draft scrip feedback.


The group will edit on Monday!

Week Ten

Class for this week was cancelled. It was a group consensus that it would be beneficial for the group to continue work on the project in the form of finalising the work for the next assessment due on the Thursday. We are all to work on finishing our one line and one paragraph synopsis, as well as finalise our treatments. We agreed that this would be beneficial, as editing needs to be finalised in order to complete the final assessment and the reflection.

Week 10: Progress

Due to the public holiday, class was cancelled today. Nonetheless I stayed home and worked on the 1 line and 1 page synopsis, in addition to the 4 page treatment due on Thursday. Once this is handed in, editing must be finalised in order to complete the final assessment and the reflection.

Week Nine

This week Dimi and I, as the cinematographer filmed the remaining two scenes of the film. Before filming could proceed we had to make sure that all we were given the all clear to go ahead, making sure that all the appropriate paper work was filled out and signed, such as the Indemnity Form for the Site Visit and the Agreement for Use of the Site.

Some minor complications regarding the set up of the camera equipment which I was in charge was encountered as the stand for the camera was not fully operational, with one leg refusing to stay in place. This was detrimental to our filming as stillness was an essential element in the scenes. We were able to temporarily find a way to fix the stand for the filming.

One of the things we had to work around was constant interruptions of gym members walking into the scenes. To counter act this we made sure to film several takes so that in the editing process this would not prove a hindrance.

The final scene, which is a home scene, required me to be in front of the camera acting instead of operating it. We overcame this, by allowing Dimi to operate the camera. I had to make sure to correctly instruct Dimi on how to operate the camera.

Filming for the day was successful, and is now ready to officially entre the editing stage of our film.

Week 9: Progress

Last night, Sandra the cinematographer and I filmed the final two scenes of the film. Upon arival to the gym I spoke with the manager and he signed the neccessary paperwork (including the Indemnity Form for the Site Visit and the Agreement for Use of the Site), while Sandra set the camera up. The gym had no V energy drinks left, so we changed the script, so that the character asks for a can of V but is handed a can of 'Slash' energy drink instead.

As we were mindful not to film anybody else in the shot (including other gym members), we had the difficulty of attempting to film as individuals were frequently walking on set. The first two takes were successful, however we shot a third (and we will choose which one to intergrate in the movie during post production editing).

The last scene, which features Sandra walking in too her home after a long day and consuming a cup of tea was shot within two takes. As Sandra was acting in this scene, I filmed her.

I also took it upon myself to get all  Personal Release forms signed by the actors.

As a group we are officially in Post Production Stage and will edit during the week.

Week Eight

Today was the first day of filming, and we successfully completed the task of filming the first two scenes from the script. The first scene was played by Afiyat. Her character walks into the lecture room with a cup of coffee in hand. Everything seems blurry at first until Afiyat takes her first sip of coffee, then suddenly everything comes into focus. Afiyat walks out of class on to the corridor on his way to the bathroom where she passes Ali at the vending machine.

This scene was shot over a series of sessions, because as the cinematographer I wanted to adequately capture what the script was trying to portray. I worked in conjunction with Dimi (Director) to obtain the desired objective.

The second scene consists of Ali standing in front of the vending machine, trying to decide which snack will start his day. He settles on a snickers bar but when the machine gets stuck he gets frustrated and begins banging and screaming. Once the machine begins working again, Ali is all happy and back to normal after taking a bite.

One of the problems encountered was that the original vending machine which we had based the script on had been changed; therefore it contained no chocolates products as the script suggested.

As a team we were able to agree upon that fact that we just had to make adjustments to the script in order t make it work.

Despite the above problem, filming was successful, and further dates and times will need to be allocated for additional filming of the script (scenes 3 and 4).

Week 8: Progress

Today, we successfully filmed the first two scenes. The first scene, where Afiyat walks into the classroom in a daze holding a coffee, was filmed several times (approximately 4), in order to get a take that purposely followed the script. Sandra did an excellent job in following my directions on takes that needed to be re-shot.

In the first scene which merges into the second scene, Afiyat crosses path with the second actor- Ali on his way to the vending machine.

It is in this scene (the second one) that the team encountered a problem. The vending machine in the Prince Centre did not have any chocolate bars left- therefore the second actor had to purchase a chocolate drink instead. (I had no choice but to change the script due to this factor).

Despite this problem, the scenes filmed today (the first 2) were successful and the last 3 will be filmed next week (as the actors in these scenes are not available to act today).

Easter Break: Progress

Today, the team met at the Prince Centre at 12pm to begin filming. Once again filming was postponed as the Sandra, Afiyat and I felt that the script needed further attention. As a group, we all decided that the scenes and actors needed to be changed in order to create a more appealing and humourous production.

Originally, I had assigned Sam (who was replaced by Ali) to act in the first main scene: In the classroom; whilst Afiyat acted in the following scene: At the vending machine. To enhance the comedic mood throughout the story, the two actors were swapped: Afiyat acting in the first scene, while Ali hits the vending machine in anticipation in the following scene.

As a team, we also established that it will be hard to link the second main scene with the third (as they are two different locations) therefore I proposed that we link the scenes with an interface ( a black screen with text on it stating "Somewhere Across Town...").

Furthermore, throughout the caffeine consumption campaign, the team will be using 'ADRO MAN' (a superman like figure) as its mascot. Nonetheless, I suggested that instead of a voice over in each scene, Adro Man should present the facts.

These script changes have been made and we will be filming next week.

Easter Break.

During the Easter break, I conducted an interview with The Marketing Director of Mercedes Benz, Josephine Maxwell. The aim of this interview was to obtain feedback from an industry professional on the Ideas that we had already eventuated.

I wanted to gain feedback on the team mascot which I originally suggested should take on a similar resemblance to Austin Powers, as his appearance was very suggestive of someone who could have possibly consumed one too many coffees in his life time.

Josephine’s suggested feedback was that this was indeed a great idea, as the teams mascot should be quirky and eye catching, as this is what our target market would best respond to. She proceeded to outline line that it is an industry trend now that mascots are given a superhero persona.

Along with this, I also took it upon myself to test out the Campaign name “Caffeine Curious” which we had initially decided to upon, though collectively as a group we weren’t 100% content with it. Josephine’s suggestion was that the chosen name was indeed average, and that we should continue the process to find a more alluring name. She suggested the tag line “Pure Adrenaline”, which I was extremely happy with and couldn’t wait to share it with the team.

The outcome of this interview was very successful and I believe will serve instrumental to the team’s success in the development of the short film.

Week 7: Progress

Due to technical difficulties with the camera that we had originally hired (and the other cameras were hired by other students), we could not begin filming today or this week. In class, Toula assigned the available cameras to each group (giving us the opportunity to film over the Easter break).

Due to these difficulties, one of the actors was not available to be filmed-therefore we found another male actor named Ali Husseine, who took over the role of Sam Elshiamy.

All paperwork including Personal Releases (by the actors) and requests for permission to use several sites to film were filled out, and signed. I had the responsibility of ensuring that this paperwork was correctly filled by the gym Krunch Fitness and my parents (for the use of my house), however will be signed when we film.

Week Seven

This week we encountered the difficulty of not being able to commence filming as originally planned, due a limited amount in resources as the camera was unavailable, as there are only 2 working camera kits and four groups.

In order to resolve any future inconveniences Toula proceeded to draw up a timetable so that the equipment could be assessable to every team and not cause any further complications. It was decide upon that we would therefore film during the Easter break.

Another difficulty encountered was due to the Easter long weekend break. Originally Sam Elshiamy was scheduled to film scene two but could not do so, so we were faced with the task of having to find another actor in time for filming to commence. Ali Husseine was deciding upon as a substitute candidate. To rectify this problem all the paperwork concerning the Personal Releases (by the actors) had to be resigned.

Week Seven

This week we encountered the difficulty of not being able to commence filming as originally planned, due a limited amount in resources as the camera was unavailable, as there are only 2 working camera kits and four groups.

In order to resolve any future inconveniences Toula proceeded to draw up a timetable so that the equipment could be assessable to every team and not cause any further complications. It was decide upon that we would therefore film during the Easter break.

Another difficulty encountered was due to the Easter long weekend break. Originally Sam Elshiamy was scheduled to film scene two but could not do so, so we were faced with the task of having to find another actor in time for filming to commence. Ali Husseine was deciding upon as a substitute candidate. To rectify this problem all the paperwork concerning the Personal Releases (by the actors) had to be resigned.

Week 6: Progress

Today I showed the team the draft script that I constructed last week. As a group we sat and synthesized the script, considering the difficulties that may arise while filming. We considered each scene and discussed if it could be filmed in a way that will highlight elements of humour. We confirmed that our characters actions and dialogue will be exaggerated, thus, creating humor (that is not corny).

As a group, we finalised the 4 main scenes: In the classroom where a male actor will consume a coffee; At the vending machine where a female actor will attempt to purchase a chocolate; at a gym where a male actor will consume an energy drink before training and at home where a female actor will attempt to relax whilst consuming a cup of tea.

The group and I confirmed that as the character consumes the caffeinated product in each scene, the frame will freeze and a voice over will follow. This voice over will state facts including how much caffeine is in the particular product.

We also discussed the characters. I have recruited 2 male characters (as the two female characters in the film will be played by Sandra and Afiyat). One of the male character's name is Sam Elshaimy. He is an 18 year old student, who is currently studying Science and Engineering at college. I felt that he was an excellent candidate as he consumes caffeinated products and is a member of Generation Y. The second male character is 22 years old. His name is Charbel Abdelsater and is a part-time tafe student and tradesman who is body conscious. He aspires to go to the gym 6 times a week and consumes energy drinks whilst training. He too is a member of Generation Y that consumes caffeine- therefore will be a great actor.

The group assigned each character to a specific scene: SAM in the classroom; AFIYAT in the vending machine; CHARBEL at the gym and SANDRA at home.

Furthermore, specific locations were decided upon. The classroom and vending machine scene will be filmed on UTS:Insearch premises, while the gym scene will be filmed at Krunch Fitness in Earlwood. The home scene will be filmed at my house.

Sandra (the cinematographer) and I also discussed what camera shots and angles will be used in each scene. We agreed that when she is acting in the 6th scene, I will take on the role of cinematographer, while Afiyat assists with sound.

I believe that after we receive permission for our locations, we are READY TO FILM NEXT WEEK! :)

Week Six

This week the group set down to synthesise the film script, taking into account difficulties that might me encountered whilst filming. The script had to be deconstructed scene by scene to make sure that all the factors considered were able to be achieved and in a manner which we originally discussed should contain a humorous aspect. We conclude that this would be achieved through the over exaggeration in actions by the characters.

Furthermore, we discussed how to incorporate the scenes where we wanted to inform the audience of the correct daily intake specifics to each product consumed on screen by the four different characters. We confirmed that they best way to perform this was through the application of a freeze frame throughout each scene. A voiceover would then follow, which would then state this statistics.

In addition to specific locations, the actors to play the characters were also decided upon. The classroom and the vending machine scenes would be filmed at UTS: Insearch, this would be played by Sam and Afiyat. While the gym scene would be filmed at Krunch Fitness in Earlwood, and home scene will be filmed at Dimi’s house due to location convenience.

As the cinematographer, I along with Dimi the director, discussed camera shots and angles that would be used in each scene. As I would be acting in the final scene, we agreed that Dimi would take over my role to continue filming.

Hopefully we will be ready to get the go ahead to film next week.

Week 5: Progress

During Monday's presentation, Toula and the class provided the group with constructive feedback regarding the film. Toula affirmed that we need to add various elements (eg. dialogue and exaggeration by actors) to create humor throughout the film.


Furthermore, the team considered that the films primary target audience is Gen Y as this category is composed of both females and males aged between 18-27 (1983–1992).

By finalizing the film's target audience, Sandra, Afiyat and I had the ability to brainstorm the distribution platforms that will be utilized. It has been concluded that the film will be distributed online, via youtube, facebook and the campaign website. I also suggested that the film should have physical presence (as it could be distributed via DVD and used as a promotional marketing tool).

By using this feedback, I was able to construct a draft script, which i will show the girls on Monday.

Week Five

This week we were made to present our finding and progress with Toula and our fellow team members. At the end of the presentation Toula and the class provide us with constructive feedback regarding the film and it execution.

Toula asserted that in order to create a successful film we need to add various elements (eg. dialogue and exaggeration by actors) to create humour as this would be an element that our target audience would appreciate hance react to.

We concluded that our target audience is Generation Y as this category is composed of both females and males aged between 18-27 (1983–1992).

We were also able to brainstorm various platforms which we would use to promote and distribute our film. We conclude that these mediums would include online, via Youtube, Facebook and the campaign website, and DVD which would later be used as a promotional marketing tool.

We are hoping to be able to construct an initial draft script based on this feedback.

Week 4: Progress

This week, the team prepared a short presentation for Toula (which is due next week). Sandra, Afiyat and I discussed our films essential idea and concluded that as our social awareness campaign focuses on the topic of caffeine consumption among students, the film will correlate with this so we can include the film as a campaign tool.

Therefore, the film will also explore caffeine consumption and the benefits/risks that come with it. The project will follow the lives of university students going about their ordinary lives. Instead of focusing on one person, the film will follow caffeine products consumed by a variety of students throughout the day.

MUCH LIKE THE YOUI CAR INSURANCE AD, WHERE THE CAMERA FOLLOWS A VARIETY OF TRANSPORT SYSTEMS RATHER THAN A PARTICULAR INDIVIDUAL

The film may start with the camera following a student grabbing a coffee outside his first class for the day, as he sips it the frame will freeze and information about his caffeine consumption will be displayed on one side of the screen. Then the camera may focus on and follow the class member walking past who pulls out a chocolate bar and the same pattern continues. Many techniques will be applied to effectively create the appropriate visual effects such as blurriness, sound, etc.

Furthermore, as our primary target market consists of those of Gen Y, our general style will have a touch of young, quirky, humorous and stylistic elegance that will effectively appeal to this audience.

During next weeks presentation, Toula and the class will provide the team with constructive feedback regarding the film's essential idea. Based on this feedback, all ideas will be finalised, so I can create the script. 

Week Four

This week we brainstormed ideas and prepared a short presentation for Toula and the class. This was done in order to gain feedback on the progression of our project, and to see how we could further improve upon the various aspects and elements of the film such as sound effects, lighting effects, and general effects to represent caffeine consumption withdrawals.

As part of this we have decided to take inspiration from the commercial for Youi car insurance, where the camera follows the main actor and unravels the different manors in which various individuals utilize their cars. We have decided that our film will take on a similar technique, in order to be able to display a variety of different symptoms that result from caffeine withdrawals. Furthermore this will also help us to illustrate a variety of products that the audience might not be aware of, in regards to containing caffeine. For example, I have learnt that the redskins I am addicted to, contain traces of caffeine, and that might be the reason for my addiction.

Week 3: Progress Continued...

As previosusly mentioned, this week each group memeber finalised their role. After synthasing my research on my role I can affirm that my role inclines me to direct the making/production of the film. I must visualize the screenplay in order to control the film. It is my job to contribute through various artistic and dramatical aspects and also guide and direct the technical crew. Although I have most control, I dont have absolute creative control and will work with the group to finalise all decisions.

As the director, I am responsible for overseeing the creative aspects of film in regards to the tone appropriate for its audience. I have to discuss camera angles, lens effects, lighting and set design with the cinematographer. I am also involved in hiring crew members with the producer.

As I am taking on the role of the scriptwriter as well, I will be involved in writing the story as well as helping the cinematographer create the storyboard to illustrate sequences and concepts.

Essentially, as the script writer i will create concepts, narration and dialogues for the short film that will produced as part of our campaign. I will also be in charge of manipulating the script with the assistance of the producer.

Week Three...Continued

SANDRA: CINEMATOGRAPHER/SOUND RECORDIST

My key responsibility is to make sure that all required film equipment is effectively managed and ready for use when required. I also have the duty to find creative ways to bring the story to life and the fullest realisation. I will be in charge of selecting locations that are adequate for filming the desired scene. As cinematographer I must create the initial storyboard in correlation to the director’s view. With this, I have to ensure all camera angles and technically aesthetics are created as proposed in the storyboard.

As the sound recordist, my responsibility is to ensure that location is clear for shooting in regards to sound management, making sure that clear sound is established during shoot. I will make sure that correct microphone equipment is on hand for production. I along with the director will be in charge of choosing suitable soundtracks for the project that drives the story through the dialogue.

Week 3: Progress

After handing in the first assessment, I could concentrate on the final assessment. This week the group established their company identity and finalised the campaign topic. After careful consideration the team affirmed that the film should be a platform used in the campaign. Therefore the film will illustrate the effects of high levels of caffeine among generation Y (as that is our campaign subject matter and target market).

Over the weekend I was watching CNN news and thought we could manipulate the format of a breaking news story(with marquee text at the bottom of the page). For homework, I will check UTS online for information that Toula has posted on Documentaries.

This week we also finalised our roles and responsibilities, after thorough research. I will be taking on the role of Producer and Script Writer, and will discuss what the roles entail in my next post.

Week Three

This week we were able to finalise our company identity as well as finalise our campaign topic, (Caffeine Awareness Campaign).

After deciding upon creating a caffeine consumption awareness campaign, we have decided that our short film would consist on illustrating the various effects that are apparent when one’s diet is too dependent on high levels of caffeine consumption. This film will be utilized as a vehicle for creating social awareness on our campaign website.

Week 2: Progress

Although in class the team began brainstorming ideas for the final project, again I have postponed my thoughts on it till next week as I am focusing on the WebDoc Review due next week.

Nonetheless, over the weekend that has just passed, the team decided upon crew roles and responsibilities. This process was determined as each member considered their strengths (which were noted from last semesters film production: 'Eternal Memory'.)

It can be concluded that, as I am creative and confident when it comes to directing and writing a script, I took on the role of Director and Script Writer. Furthermore, Sandra's familiarity with the camera and sound (from last semester) meant that she was happy to take on the role of Cinematographer and Sound Recordist.  Afiyat, on the other hand, feels that she has what it takes to be a producer and film editor, as she is also creative, therefore took on the role as Producer and Editor.

After further research on the responsibilities of each role, this factor will be finalised next week after we hand the first assessment in.

Week Two

This week we have decided that in order progress further in the group project, we would need to established roles and responsibilities. We have decided to take a logical approach with the roles that each group member would undertake.

As Dimi is very creative and confident when it comes to writing and directing, these being the roles she undertook last semester, she was made Writer / Director. I took upon myself the role of cinematographer and sound recordist, as I am the one that is the most acquainted with the camera and sound recording aspects, these being the roles that I undertook in semester three, and where my strengths lie. The final role of producer and editor would be taken up by Afiyat as this as the role that she found herself to be the most comfortable with.

Week 1: Progress

This week, the group was established- it consists of 3 members:
Myself, Sandra Teruzzi and Afiyat Mustaq.

The groups company name was decided on: Noir Inc. 

Due to the requirements of this course, I also created the teams email: noir.inc@live.com, and set up this blog so each team member will have the opportunity to post their thoughts weekly.

I kept in mind that we have an assessment due in week 3, therefore I have postponed my thoughts on the final project till that week.

Week One

This week we were made to establish groups and decide upon group members and the responsibilities that each would undertake. After much consideration we had established that our group would consist of Afiyat Mustaq, Dimi Lygdas, and me (Sandra Teruzzi).

We came up with a group consensus to sit down and come up with a company name, as this would be an integral part of our project and vital for a company persona. After much deliberation the name Noir Inc. was decided upon.

As part of establishing Noir Inc. the group email and blog were set up to, this will later be utilized as an important component of the company.