The Henchmen Movie Opening

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73DqgGz8UDM

The Creative Critical Reflection

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riLQ-VzzCAA&t=6s

Wrapping Up

I have finished all of my filming, and I'm now editing the project to perfection. My final shot; which depicts the henchmen speaking into the radio is phenomenal in terms of how the shots were taken. Extra close ups, and close ups in this final shot significantly added to the dramatic element. The ending of the opening when the title “the Henchmen” comes on screen I plan to add a sound effect for dramatic effect. Also I'm toying with the idea of adding a snapping sound when the spy is taken down.

In the editing of my project I'm keeping in mind talking points for my director's commentary. I have already been creating my director's commentary script, and I will be recording it this weekend. I plan to do the director's commentary in the form of a podcast, so I won't have to re edit the video to fit the format of a director's commentary showing the video.

During filming my backyard neighbors dog suddenly came out and started to bark at us. Although this was completely unintentional I was able to get a interesting shot of the spy sneaking around and a pan over to the dog barking. I am not certain if I'm going to use that clip but it did come out well, and was unscripted (it was also lucky it was a big black dog).

Overall I enjoyed the creation of the foundation portfolio project. It called for me to be creative, and create a movie opening. I'm proud of the work I was able to accomplish, especially because I chose to work alone on this large assignment. I believe by the time I'm done editing I will have a great opening on my hands.

Filming Part 2

My desire to apply credits blended into the environment (as mentioned in a previous post) was executed phenomenally. I used my mother's label maker to print out me and my friends names, and stuck them to the side of my house. I used camera movement wisely, as I panned and paused as the subject of the scene snuck past the names on the wall. My friend, Austin, another AICE Media Studies AS level student, shot the names on the wall as he pointed out when I did it I was shaking too much.  

We were filming at around 2:30pm, and after about 30 minutes of outside shooting in 90 degree weather one of my actors, Ryder, began to flip out. He nearly abandoned the cause, but after a short break inside we were able to finish up the shooting.

I included angles I had spoken of in my previous posts along with lots of camera movement. Close ups, mid shots, and over the shoulder shots featured in my opening all culminated in making a great introductory sequence. I used more tilts and pans than I intended to use, however I feel as if they really added to the dramatic value of the clip.  

Filming was an enjoyable experience, and not really any issues were encountered. Every shot was done in only a handful of takes, and I'm happy with how my actors portrayed my characters for the most part. I didn't get as much footage as I would've liked to, so my opening will probably be on the shorter, regardless of that I believe after it's completed it will have accomplished what I set out to do.

Filming Part 1

I have finally commenced my filming. I determined that all I really needed in order for my opening is just a plain wall, so I decided to film on the side of my house. I also got a couple of my friends over to my house, and casted them for my opening.

In planning my filming I realized how I should be creating specific wardrobes for my characters. My friend, Ryder, whom I chose to be the spy in my opening was amendable to take on the spy stereotype of slicked back hair, so we gelled it back. Additionally after digging around my closet I came across a beige trench coat, which seemed reminiscent of something a spy would wear. After running the jacket by my friends they approved of it, and agreed it should be worn in the scene by the spy. I also put the spy in sunglasses as it seems that's typical for a spy. My other friend (Jose, the one that takes the spy down and talks into the radio at the end of the clip) was already wearing a white long sleeve and black pants, so I decided that's acceptable for his role. He's also in AICE Media Studies, (A level) and he provided me with some advice in the process of filming. He helped me in developing his character (which is the main protagonist of the actual film) and to direct a few shots.

Going into filming I planned on the spy character stealthily taking down guards, as he sneaks around. However in the setting in which we were filming having a guard standing there would seem awkward I felt. Instead I just had him sneaking around, crouching, and looking into the windows of my house. Also I planned on the spy being shot but I couldn't come up with a proper prop gun, so I decided the henchmen would just sneak up on him and take him out. Although I am slightly disappointed I had to make these changes I feel like my opening is still going to be overall good.

Filming Specifics

Although I have a pretty decent understanding of what I'm doing I will take this blog post to outline my opening clip.

The scene commences with a shot of a spy sneaking around. I desired to include a nice, wide establishing shot however I see no way to actually film it, so I am going to avoid doing it. As the spy sneaks around creative shots are taken in angles such as over the shoulder, mid shot, and long shots. This paired with some amount of camera movement following the spy creates a great introduction to my opening. Within this scene is where I plan to implement credits, blended into the environment. Eventually in this scene the main subject is suddenly killed, and at that point A close up shot of his killer, the henchmen, is shown for a few seconds he then picks up a radio off the spy. A cut then takes place transitioning us to a different scene. Within this scene the henchmen speaks into the radio, in collusion with the spies headquarters. This shot will probably be dimly lit, and will bring the movie opening to an ending title screen with the name of the the film “The Henchmen”.

I plan to film this school week either at my house, a friends house, or school; any option would work fine for my opening. Also I plan to use my friends phones camera due to the fact it's of higher quality than mine.

My Expectations

My expectations in this period of filming preparation are of optimism, yet are realistic and well managed. I realize my limitations to create a movie opening some of which are a limited budget, and a upcoming due date. However with all this in mind I do believe I will create a good movie opening, and directors commentary.

In filming I expect things to go smoothly. I have a fairly firm vision of what I wish to exactly accomplish and I believe I can execute the proper steps to get there. If I stick to the plan, stay concentrated, and try not to change anything last minute (as I am one to do) filming will go off without a hitch.

Any challenges I may face in the creation of this will be dealt with to the best of my abilities. I am alone in creating this, and understand my limited capability to using editing softwares. I will try my best to keep any editing aspirations I wish to include out because of lack of know how to do it. Lastly I need to remember, and keep in mind, the scale of my production. It's such a minor production that I spent absolutely no cash whatsoever. Although I can dream of a world where I'd be able to put on a real, cinematic, movie theatre like movie it just can't happen. Even though it's also characteristic of the genre to have an over the top intro, it just simply can't be done.

Stylistic Options

In the midst of actually filming my movie opening I decided to review my plan. My goal in creating my opening is to demonstrate skills I picked up during this school year regarding film. Over the course of the year we discussed many techniques used across a wide array of film. Bringing as many of these elements as possible into my opening would make it it's very best.

Just the other day I viewed Split (2016) directed by M. Night Shyamalan. After the exciting yet brief opening of that film the title of the movie is shown. I feel this strategic use of the title, paired with an non diegetic sound effect, would also apply itself well to my film. Reading this list also aided in my decision for my opening to end with my movie title. At the end of the clip when he is talking on the radio he should say “hello” through it after silence, all the while the camera zooms in. After that dramatic “hello” it immediately goes to the title screen. This would all harmonize to create a great dramatic ending to my opening.

Although I feel it may greatly improve the overall quality and delivery of my opening I am hesitant to include lots of undertone music. I have limited skill using music production softwares, so Such simplistic music will do well for my scene as a very background building ambiance.  I plan to create lowkey undertone music for my production.