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.