Extended Major Project – Snakes in the Grass – Synopsis

Synopsis

Violently mugged on his way home from work one day, The Youngun becomes frustrated by the lack of support received by the local police as yet another brutal act of violence gets swept under the carpet. Disillusioned with the society in which he lives he begins taking matters into his own hands by psychotically and violently lashing out at the very society that has failed its people time and again.

Primary Characters

The Young’un – Hope (Lead Character)

The Policeman – Authority/Corruption

The Corporation – Capitalism

The Yootz – Disaffected Youth

The Driver – Public Transport

The ShopKeeper – Consumerism

The Tramp – Symbol of a failed society

The Boss – Hard Work/Low Pay

The General – Warlike Mentality/Violence

The Priest – Institutions

Each of these sets of characters is symbolic of a floor in modern society whilst i understand that he symbols i use are a little presumptuous but  hopefully they will get the point across.  Most of these characters will not make it onto the screen, as I will only have time to film the opening scene and maybe another one afterwards. These scenes will not be interactive and will be purely cinematic, but the reason i have shown the other characters is to back up the concept itself and the symbolic nature of my characters.

Synopsis of Study – Extended Major Project

I am spearheading the production of a new movie entitled Snakes in the Grass.  I will have complete control of the production of this movie from the initial research stage through to the final edit and production of a fully functioning DVD. For this particular unit I am going to make a title sequence that will be no more than 1 minute in length along with the opening scene for the movie that will be roughly 3 minutes in length.

I have chosen this direction of study as I feel I need to focus on developing work for my portfolio.  That is what is important to me at this stage of my development, as I dont feel I have enough high quality work in my portfolio.  So i am really going to try and produce something stylish and professional.  Secondly, I am avoiding my initial idea of making it interactive as I feel by making it interactive I am detracting away from what I actually want to do.  The interactive element is very interesting but I think it is something I will leave for a later date because i got into a bit of a muddle with my last piece and I do not want that to happen again!

The actual practical elements of this film will allow me to develop further the skills I have previously learnt, whilst introducing me to an array of other disciplines such as illustration.  The title sequence will allow me to focus on the motion graphics side of things, and the film will allow me to develop my film skills in areas i am not very proficient such as lighting and sound, leaving me with the necessary skills to find a job in the area I love. I understand that this means I will be judged as a film maker and I am confident that I will sufficiently meet the criteria required of me by pushing the boundries of my skill.

Interactive Installation: Development and Experimentation

Here are three examples of how the immersive experience may lend itself to the viewer.  I have carried out three experiments that each offer an insight into a different element of the immersive experience.

Sound Manipulation

This explores the relationship between image and sound, and how the users experience may differ.  I will record my friend singing a song from three angles.  wide Left, Central and Wide Right.  the sound will shift from left to right depending on where the user is based in front of the screen.

To make the surround sound im going to use Soundtrack Pro, part of the Final Cut Suite!  With this you can take sound, recorded in stereo, and spacialise it into surround sound. Here are some screen shots pf how the space changes depending on the shot used.

ECU

CU

MS

ECU Surround Sound Test

The balance of sound shifted closer ot the moniter.  The dialogue was alot more prominent than the music in the background.

CU Surround Sound Test

I changed the balance of musical sound so that the dialogue and music were even.  This was to see how the balance would affect the dialogue and spacial awareness.

MS Surround Sound Test

This was more musical than the other two tests.  the balance of sound was more musical to simulate the depth of space in my installation.  This one was actually the most effective because the low volume on the dialogue meant you had to really focus on what they were saying, highlighting the surround sound effect the most.

These tests we merely going to act as an experiment in sound balance and to see if by spacializing the sound im using, it would enhance the effect.  Sadly i cant combine this with my actual big screen projection as my MAX MSP Demo has expired but I would love to see how they fit together once i set up my installation, with the visuals that will accompany it!

Image Manipulation

I want to gain an insight into how diverse imagery can help create an immersive experience. Or even just how having a user controlled flow of imagery gives them a sense of control.  These images are only still, and are only from local wildlife but it is important to give the user a sense of control over what tyhe are seeing, to bridge the gap between them and the screen.

Diverse Projections

This will be a test into how we can affect the users experience by using a different method of projection.  Perhaps i could use more than one screen, perhaps I could use three to make a panoramic view.  Much like the film Napoleon (1927), which i mention in the earlier parts of my research project!  I may well stitch together three streams of footage to make a panoramic landscape.  the important thing is how we can induce a sense of immersion by essentially submerging the viewers sense of sight.

I have also recorded my friend Mischa playing a song he recorded.  I filmed him from three angles, almost like a tri angle.  These could be projected onto three different screens which the viewer can walk around. Only an idea, and may not be effective as such.  But here goes?!

This latest video is a cheap simulation of how i may use three screens to project the footage of Mischa on to.  And by rotating the three screen i am hoping to simulatate someone moving around the screen.  Its very cheap and not effective at all in portraying anything useful, but its nice to see all three screen s playing in sync.

This is a tryptych test of panoramic view.  I used three screens set at alongside each other, each one having a constant stream of footage of the conversatipon.  This could actually look pretty good as a large scale installation, and the effect of which is lost on such small screens.  but its the idea that counts, and i think this is something that could be taken further!

Im gonna try and play with the sound of these aswell, so that when the user moves around the tryptych the sound will adjust accordingly! Sweet!

Specialist unit – Learning Agreement

Course: Level: 6

Unit Reference: N/A

Credit points: 30

Weighting 2.0

Tutor(s): Liam Birtles, Phil Beards

Assignment Brief

In this unit I am required to produce a piece of work that will help consolidate, refine and extend the previous knowledge that I have acquired to this point.  My goal is to use this unit to explore editing techniques & user experience.

Design Brief

I am going to create an immersive sketch with the working title ‘Get Your Wallet Out’. The catalyst for this project will be the creation of an immersive experience through an installation. I am required to produce a fully functioning DVD with extras mockumenting the production of this creative sketch.

Synopsis of Study

My ultimate goal is to one-day produce a fully interactive film with a fully interactive narrative and natural communication between the audience and the characters in the production. I will produce a working prototype of a user-controlled piece of film, and document peoples responses to this prototype. In this unit I am hoping to achieve two things. I would like to use this as the platform on which to build upon my editing skills. I am aiming to create something that looks cinematic, so will incorporate various elements in post production to achieve this. It is in my method and execution of making this film, and the editing techniques I use that I would like to be graded on, as this is where my strengths lie. I am focusing also on creating an immersive installation, with the goal of personalising the experience for the user.  This is for a couple of reasons.  One is to explore the notion of a user-controlled narrative in the practical sense, and the other is to explore the effect that a user controlled piece may have on the viewer/user. This project is an exploration of how we can bridge the gap between the user and the medium. And how we may one day do away with traditional forms of film.

I guess my idea for this was born out of frustration with modern day cinema.  I don’t find it engaging, I don’t find it new and it does not evoke enough thought or emotion for me to become engrosed with the characters or stories being told.  Perhaps this is because I have been raised in the age of new media, and traditional forms of narrative are becoming redundant and/or obsolete for me.  We need to explore new methods and go where no narrative or user has ever gone before.  We must not forget where current technology has taken us, as it would be careless and ignorant to do so, but for me, interactive environments and immersive narratives are the way of the future.  These ideas have been touched on in the computer games industry but not in enough depth.

With regards to how this unit will fit into my grand scheme of things, I will produce a prototype of a user-controlled piece of film. My reasoning for this is simple and my goal is clear.  I want to touch on the relationship between the user and the medium and how varying forms of interaction affect the users experience, and to build upon these outcomes in the extended major unit where I will be making an interactive story with the working title, ‘Snakes in the Grass’.

I would like to have a career in post-production when I finish university so primarily this project will allow me to learn new skills, and create something that will fit nicely into my portfolio. That is why I am focusing solely on film based work as it is the ideal platform on which to learn my trade.

Snakes in the Grass is based around personal experiences of mine and I will be making the first two scenes, with the first scene splitting into two possible outcomes.  These experiences are simple, with the idea being that the average user can relate to them.  For example, I was once mugged at knifepoint, and it was not very pleasant. This is the basis of my first scene. I want my story to be simple and realistic, so not to detract form the importance of the interaction in the first place.  I want the users decision to be genuine and the reaction instinctive. The prototype may not be so effective as it is a lot more experimental, but based on the outcomes of this unit It will enhance my approach to my extended major project.

Aims:

A1 To confirm and develop my systematic understanding of key aspects of digital media, previously acquired in Level 5.

A2 To encourage the acquisition of detailed knowledge, some of which is at or informed by the forefront of developments within the subject including aspects of current research, or equivalent scholarship.

A3 To develop my critical awareness and understanding of historical, contemporary and personal practice within the broad context of the field.

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this unit I will be able to demonstrate:

LO1 - That you have transferred my systematic understanding of key aspects of digital media, previously acquired in Level 5.

LO2 - The acquisition of detailed knowledge, some of which is at or informed by the forefront of developments within the subject including aspects of current research, or equivalent scholarship.

LO3 - Through written work demonstrate that I developed my critical awareness and understanding of historical, contemporary and personal practice within the broad context of the field.

Assessment Requirements:

A prototype design as defined in your Learning Agreement.

Film Production Techniques, Development of Concept & Final Installation – 75% (Tutor Assessed)

A written report for one of the projects, (Maximum 1500 words) supporting the conceptual, contextual and production issues involved in the completion of practical work. 25% (Tutor Assessed)

Assessment Criteria (specific criteria related to the learning outcomes and linked to the statement of generic assessment criteria matrix):

Evidence of knowledge of key contextual and theoretical issues – Knowledge concerned with contemporary practice acquired from Level 5 and applied and developed to a higher level (LO1)

Evidence of critical concepts represented in the breadth and depth of subject knowledge – The contexts of production (LO2, LO3)

Evidence of realisation through the application of technical knowledge and skills – Documentation of the project, its planning and execution (LO1)

Evidence of understanding through critical evaluation and reflection – Relevance of research and relationship of theory to practice (LO3)

Transferable Skills

Level 5 – Professional Unit

Editing Techniques – Sound Editing, Colour Grading

Level 5 – Interface Design Principles

Workflow – Research, Development, Presentation

Level 5 – Kinetic Type

Motion Graphics

Reference Material:

Reservoir Dogs(1994) – Quentin Tarrantino

The Coen Brothers Collection

Webography

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interactive_film

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interactive_movie

http://clikthrough.com

http://www.vimeo.com/channels/moth

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science

http://www.a1freesoundeffects.com

Action plan

5^th to 11^th October

Specialist Unit commences

12^th to 18^th October

Finalise Idea and Direction of Study

19^th to 25^th October

Commence initial Research and Idea Development

26^th to 1^st November

Continue initial Research and Idea Development

Explore Existing forms of user-controlled narratives

2^nd to 8^th November

Finalize research and commence line of development based on outcomes of research – technology/narrative/interaction etc

9^th to 15^th November

Begin Storyboard and Narrative Development

Commence Experimentation with Narratives & Technology

16^th to 22^nd November

Finish Storyboard commence filming narrative

23^rd to 29^th November

Edit Footage into manageable blocks ready for use.

30^th to 6^th December

Apply Footage to technology and interaction based on research and development

7^th to 10^th December

Write Essay of Analysis

Make Documentry of user response

Final Critique

Get Your Wallet Out – Interactive Film – Evaluation

This unit was part of a rounded theme for my entire third years work. My general intention for the year was to develop work suitable for my portfolio, and explore the concept of interactive film through various forms as this is something of interest to me.  This unit was an exploration into how we may build a bridge, or develop the relationship between the user and on screen media such as film. I think building a personal relationship, be it psychological and/or physical, between the user and the medium would give these technologies a new direction and enrich the experience for the viewer.  We are beginning to see new methods of interaction in the gaming industry with the Nintendo Wii providing a high profile example, but this is the early stages of its development and is therefore not as effective at this stage as it will be in years to come.

My goal was to produce a film with an immersive experience whilst applying and developing my editing skills in a way that suited the overall experience. The idea was only an experiment, and an analysis of user interaction, so the potential outcomes were not previously defined.  By creating something of an interactive nature, I had hoped it would enrich the experience, or at least give the user some sense of control over what they were seeing and hearing. I wanted to create a space that the user could move around in and within this given space the camera angle and sound would change, giving an accurate reflection of the users position within it.  The application was always going to be rather crude, but it was the concept and outcomes that were of massive importance.  Whilst I always intended on making something that looked professional, for me it was the development of my editing skills that was the primary aim, with my immersive theme giving me the purpose and direction needed.

The idea itself was something I really enjoyed making and developing.  I love every aspect of producing a film from the development of the initial concept all the way through to authoring the final DVD so applying myself was never going to be an issue.  I wanted this piece of work to be instantly applicable to my portfolio but I honestly don’t think any of the outcomes are really decent.  My idea became so broad and convoluted that it did not develop any particular aspect in enough depth.

My choice of content for the scene was debatable. I had an idea of what I wanted my installation to be.  I wanted a confined space that the viewer could move around in and a scene that was simple and diverse, like a conversation.  The elements of a conversation such as lighting, sound and imagery could be spacialised and I thought this would be suitable, given the type of installation I was hoping to create. Most types of scene have pre defined editing styles, editing speeds and a general cinematic feel to it.  For example, an action scene would generally have fast editing and tight composition, as highlighted in my blog with the climactic sequence from 28 Days Later.  By choosing a scene that was based around dialogue I was ensuring that I had complete control over the artistic direction, with no obligation to lend myself towards previously defined styles.  This also ensured that the viewers experience of the scene within the installation was diverse, and again not previously defined based on obligatory editing techniques.  However, I do admit that my scene is a little bland and this gave added importance to my final outcome.

In planning the film I experimented with various transitions and camera shots, and how these related to what the users actions might be.  I made another variation of my scene using more stylistic shots from an array of angles.  Whilst I really enjoyed using the variety of shots, it was clear to me that these shots would have no relation to the position of the viewer in the installation, so it would have been impossible to build a relationship between the user and the medium.  So my choice of shot was of great importance and I took a lot of influence from the Coen Brothers.   Their use of very symmetrical and balanced cinematography is consistent with their work and they frequently use very simple techniques to create a mood or tension, without over stylizing.  I tried to ensure when planning and filming my footage that there was an underlying degree of symmetry incorporated into it, so that when the viewer would move around the given space, the footage would reflect their position, or at least make the transition seemless.  The balance of footage is consistent throughout the three versions of my scene, and this helps highlight the fact they are all the same, and in complete sync with one another.  I was trying to create a rounded experience within my film and I think that I did a reasonably good job in producing something that was balanced.

The installation that I made was in no way immersive and was rather disappointing.  Not because of the elements that were in it, but in how it was presented. The pressure pads I created were very cheap and far too fragile to allow the viewer to use the installation as I intended. I wanted what was essentially a room, with surround sound and three pressure pads which someone could move around in freely.  What I ended up with was a projector, three pressure pads that you could barely step on and sound that was playing out of bedroom speakers.  So whilst I am happy with everything I made, except the sound, it was my practical application that let me down.  Overall the editing techniques used were decent, but they weren’t great.  I found it difficult to get the colour balance right on a some of the shots, and I think this was to do with the positioning of the lighting during filming.

Whilst the installation was the platform on which I would apply my film, it was the creation and development of the film alongside my abstract concept that I hope to be judged on mostly.   Throughout the production of my film there were actually very few issues I encountered that hindered my progression. I reached a stage where I had developed my idea enough, gathered my footage and edited my scenes and really needed to begin experimentation. There were difficulties in finding space to work in for a large part of the term and I think this drove me to focus more on editing techniques than installation work.  Many of my editing ‘experiments’ were done to simulate different installations, and how by changing different elements within my film I could enhance or decrease the sense of immersion. The poor sound is the other major aspect of disappointment, and was a direct result of poor planning by me.  I am no sound technician, but my mistakes were basic and in hindsight I cannot believe I over looked the importance of sound in my piece, especially during the installation phase of production. At this level of production these mistakes are inexcusable and will ultimately cost me the grade I was hoping for. In my opinion the installation wa so bad that my only choice was to have such ridiculous feedback in my mocumentry to add a comical touch to the failed experiment.

It kept slipping in and out of focus based on the actors movement and this made a large part of the footage for one of the actors useless.  So on one or two occasion I lacked the necessary footage to completely sync with the dialogue. This is where my creative strengths shone as I had to do some mighty fine adjustments to the footage to ensure this. Whilst the actors were consistent, there are several moments when I had to slightly speed up or slow down the footage so it would fit with the dialogue, and whilst it is not noticeable, I feel the task should not be taken lightly.  Good editing often goes un-noticed and I hope this is not the case.

Overall I am happy with the DVD I produced.  It is in keeping with what I wanted to achieve and actually looks quite nice.  Whilst I made only a couple of errors in the production of this piece, they ultimately proved costly and I must guard against making the same mistakes again in my production sequal, ‘Snakes in the Grass’.  Where I will be exploring the psychological elements of interactive film, in keeping with my work so far. In my next piece I am going to ensure I plan my time efficiently and keep up the high workload, whilst planning my footage to the smallest detail.  No oversights in sound, imagery or lighting as I want to excuses as to why my work is not as effective as it should be.

Making Of – Installation Evaluation

The making of my film was constructed in a very tongue in cheek way.  This is in keeping with the general them of the film and the outtakes.  The editing used is relatively simple and i used some of the complementary footage from my filming session to display the structure of my shoot and various techniques used in a manner of ways. This also allows me to offer some form of analysis to reinforce my presentation on the crit.  I don’t want to miss any key points so I touched on all the elements of vital importance.  But at this stage it is important to highlight the fact that although my reasoning is sincere and it was meant to be a serious evaluation it is very  tongue in cheek….in a subtle way.

Get Your Wallet Out – The Final Version

This is the final version of my film without the installation.  I feel it works very nicely and there is not alot I can say that has not already been said.  The sound levels for each shot are different to reflect the position in screen so the dialogue is quieter on the MS and gets progressively louder on the CU and ECU!  This is to give a decent example of how this scene may well actually be put together as if it were in a feature length film.

Installation – The Backend! Done and Dusted!

This is the final layout for how my Max MSP script will structure my installation.  With a little help I have refined what i was doing although the instructions have essentially remained the same.  I have taken out the gates that allowed me to switch between the different clips and replaced them with a simple three way switch…with each one of the switches attached to one of the pressure pads!  This works better as the instruction to the output is more simple and instantaneous.

Installation – Volume Controls – Almost But Not Quite

Below are three attempts at trying to manipulate the volume controls. None of them work, but i am sure i am barking up the right tree somewhere. I have attempted to control the volume so that it does not sound strange when the user is playing with my installation. It would sound strange because three sound clips would be playing over the top of each other. What i wanted was the sound for the two clips that are not playing to mute when the other clip is playing. This is to ensure that when the viewer jumps between the different clips the sound can jump to the exact same spot as the clip before. However, this whole idea seemed simple enough but was actually harder to achieve, and i was unable to get my head round MSP enough to make it work. Here are some examples of things i tried!

Installation – Software and Application Development

Through more research and some professional advice I have developed my previous attempt of creating this installation.  This is actually relatively simple, in terms of structure and content. It is just a series of methodical instructions that relay commands on my behalf.  For instance, I have my three feeds of footage now playing at the same time, and they are all linked to one start button.  I also have a button that resets all my three feeds back to the first frame, this is so that I can ensure my piece runs in sync with one another. With regards to the visual element of my film, its all lining up nicely.

One concern of mine, and i’m sure ill be able to fix it is that although it plays all three streams of footage, it plays all three streams of sound aswell.  And whilst, apart from two minor blips, it is all in sync, the additional layers of sound create an unwanted resonance within my work, and it all sounds rather messy. So what ill need to do is somehow relay a command so that when i select a clip to play through my key, it lowers the volume of the other two sound clips.  I wont be able to stop playing them, as it will be difficult to line them up again, should i return to that particular clip. So i must workout how to control the volume within this matrix. A good step of progress though!  Today was a good day!