Luke Pietnik - The Finished Film

So, here's the finished film. This is slightly re-vamped, because time constraints originally forced us to cut corners somewhat. Oh, and I should say, the videos are all viewable on my youtube channel, at http://www.youtube.com/lukepietnik if you want to see them larger. As well as the film, I've also uploaded and embedded some extra goodies:



Out-takes:



ThespWatch, with Luke Pietnik:



Looking Back:



And finally, the last video blog:



Enjoy everyone, and cheers!

Luke Pietnik - Completion

What a week. We cut it fine, but the film is complete. Today it was presented and shown in front of the group. It was good to see the various other projects, as it's easy to forget that so many other people are striving to finish their own films, too. It went down well all in all, the main critisism from our tutor being that it seemed a little slow, and could perhaps have done with a tighter edit.

I'm extremely proud of what I achieved in terms of sound design, and I think everyone else did a really good job, too. There was a fun 'ballot' at the end of today's session, and our film was voted the most popular group project film of the class. I think it captured the group's imagination. I know it did mine.

I will upload the film to youtube at some point, after some minor tweaks. Until then though, here's something to wet your appetite:



I don't know if this blog is still being assessed, the hand-in now past, but I'll keep posting various videos and/or bits of artwork, just for the sake of completism.

Thank you Max, Cat, Scott, Danny, Helen, Ross and Hollie. You were all brilliant.

Luke Pietnik - Filling You In

I haven't posted on this blog in 9 days (what!?). So with that in mind, let me fill you in. Ehem.

Shooting has been incredibly tight, all manner of problems interfering with our schedule, just a few being other uni projects, work, light, illness, squabbling, equipment trouble and hunger. Persevering, we finished shooting on Sunday, although we're currently without a montage, which might be replaced with either photos or a caption which describes the length of time that has elapsed.

We've got about a day to finish the edit, the film being roughly half done at the present time. I'm confident that we'll get it all completed, my soundtrack work running parallel to the picture edit. As Cath finishes one sequence, I'm sound editing the previous one, which is an efficient system that cuts down on time.

There is a rather tongue-in-cheek video blog to come, some of which I'm not sure I can post on youtube without fear of arrest or assault.

Anyway, amidst my pairs project and indeed, my dedicated sound project, I'm sure I'll be able to finish all the work off tomorrow, with time to spare.

Luke Pietnik - Video Blog Two

Here's the second production blog, albeit a little late:



We started filming (as you'll have seen, if you've just watched the video) and although we had problems getting everyone together and the ball rolling, it went well. I'm getting more and more confident about the project now. The rushes and edited material we have so far look pretty good, too.

More soon...

Luke Pietnik - Spinning Plates

I think it's fair to say that we're all finding it hard at the moment, and it's only going to get harder over the next couple of weeks.

We've finished casting, and I'm fairly happy with who we've chosen. Ross, who auditioned yesterday (video blog soon, hopefully), was very enthusiastic about the project, and put up with out amateurish organisation throughout the meeting.

We started on a rough schedule later in the day, and are now worried that in the minimal time we have when all three cast members are available to shoot together, we're not going to finish the film. We're going to do a far more detailed breakdown of the next 16 days, and hopefully edit as we shoot.

We're filming today with Helen. We're going to shoot the scenes in which Jenny is alone, or simply talking to Alice on the phone. Hopefully, when we're finished we'll get the tape to an editing suite and start cutting it together. If we're extra-ordinarily lucky, I might be able to do some sound dubbing, too.

I'm glad Max is looking at other possibilities in terms of music to accompany the end credits. If anything, it's an after-thought, but one that might reinforce the tone of the film for our audience. There's a song that I had in mind for the montage, but that we could, if we intend to use Danny's instrumental, play over the credits. It's a bit soppy, but so is the film:



More soon. Wish us luck!

Luke Pietnik - Sounds of the Future

Building on the content of my last post, I thought I'd delve into the world of sound. There's been very little talk of that, which seems odd, as I'll be designing and editing all the sound on this project. It is as much a part of any film as are the visuals.

As well as basic foley and spot effects for things like footsteps and general ambiences, our film requires some rather other-worldy, futuristic sound design. Gareth's TMD (Temporal Manipulation Device) should have a distinctive, ambient hum. His materialisations should also signify a mystical crossing, from one time to another. Building on the content of my last post, I thought I'd use those three programmes as examples.

Quantum Leap employs a range of sound effects including those of Al's Handlink and, of course, the actual Leap effect, linked here:

>> Quantum Leap Sound <<

The sound is recognisable, and fits the explosive light burst on screen very well. The sounds give an over-all continuity to the concepts and technology within the world of the show.

The beam sound from Star Trek is also instantly recongnisable, and has become iconic, often mimicked and re-created. Even in later incarnations of the series, the sound effect, while updated, has remained largely the same:

>> Star Trek Sound <<

Finally, it's my favourite show again, yes, Doctor Who. The TARDIS sound effect is one of the most prolific in TV history. Created by the Radiophonic Workshop, the effect was achieved by scraping a front door key along the wires inside a piano. This recording was then taken and reversed, reverb and distortion were added to it, and out came the most peculiar noise, once described as 'the sound of the universe':

>> TARDIS Sound <<

It's going to be my responsibilty, then, to design a sound that makes us think of the future, of time and space, and of course, of the void that seperates Gareth and Jenny. I'm keen, rather than dragging all the sounds from a library, to create them myself from various elements. It's a personal goal.

Right. Generate tone...

Luke Pietnik - Realising Space-Time

One of our major concerns throughout pre-production has been how to realise Gareth's materialisations. Max, heavily skeptical about in-shot transitions and effects, thought his appearances should be off-screen. However, I think we all wanted that shot, that extra-ordinary moment when Gareth passes from one world to another. As well as adding spectacle, it also emphasises Jenny's growing trust in Gareth, and the power possessed by the people of his time.

So, we looked to sci-fi for inspiration. I often sighted Quantum Leap as a major influence on me when it comes to materialisation effects. The flare is, as far as I'm aware, rotoscoped onto each frame, and animated.






The effects, as well as adding verisimilitude, help to 'hide the join' between the locked off shots of the environment, and Sam Beckett within that environment.

Another obvious effect to discuss is that of the Star Trek Transporter Beam.


The overlayed effect adds another level to the shot, more interesting than the ordinary and mundane jump cut or fade transition.

It's easy to forget that while we imagine Gareth traverses space, he also travels through time, and one of the most famous time travel special effects is also one of the most simple. The TARDIS.


Initially realised with just a simple cross fade transition, the sound effect and simple flashing light motif make The TARDIS' materialisation an iconic moment, whenever it occurs. With the advent of computer technology, the TARDIS effect has evolved somewhat since the show's return to our screens in 2005. A CGI skeleton underpins the fading box, and throbs beneath it.

Having done a few tests, I'm confident we can achieve something stylish, consistent and effective. Any scenery or minor lighting changes in the time between our locked off shots can be masked and shrouded by glow and blur effects.

Max, worry no longer.

Luke Pietnik - Video Blog One

Here's the first, hopefully, of several video blogs, that covers our brief meeting and audition with Helen. Enjoy:

Luke Pietnik - The Happy Strife

Having been told on Friday that our script - then 19 pages long - needed to be edited down, we spent a couple of hours after our morning session scribbling on a copy, noting down what sections we could cut. Over the weekend, the script was gradually reduced to just over 12 pages. After that, there were only a few minor spelling and formatting corrections to make, and we now have a final draft.

Our attention has since turned to casting. Cat sent an e-mail to one of the heads of the drama faculty we visited the other day. She left a contact number with them, and we have recently been contacted by two actors, male and female, who are interested in playing characters in our film. Tomorrow, we are to meet and talk to them about the film.

We're a man down at the moment, it seems, as Scott has unexpectedly fallen ill, poor lad. I'm sure he'll be back on his feet soon, though. Until then, we've got to start gearing up, hopefully, for filming.

Get well soon, Scott.

Luke Pietnik - Casting the Future

How dare you Max! I will not tolerate slandour like that, not to mention grammar! - Ha! Yes, hello again everybody, it's your favourite busybody blog admin, Luke Pietnik. Tomorrow is the casting session, and almost everything is in place. I'm going to take in my Mini DV Camcorder and film some of what happens, then perhaps post an edited video here.

I have also prepared some script extracts and character treatments to show to the actors, hopefully helping them along. I think the hardest part is going to be choosing the appropriate actor for each role. I'm sure we'll reason wisely, though. I'll probably post tomorrow regarding our progress. Until then...

Fear not.

Luke Pietnik - Fun With Photoshop

Yes, it's me again, the head! (sorry). I haven't heard from the others yet, but I think we may be meeting tomorrow. Sorry about the continual posts, but I thought I'd stick up these designs I had a go at, for the business/message cards that Gareth carries:


You'll notice I used the same black spiral motif on both, to give the company an identifyable brand or insigia. We'll probably print these onto card for use in the film, and try our best not to crease or damage them.

Swish!

Luke Pietnik - Will This Do?

OK, so you're probably going to be a little apprehensive about using this in the film, guys. Never the less, I think this is the closest thing we'll get to a 'designed' prop. Yes, earlier on, I spent a bit of time creating this:


I found an old iPod Nano box, took out the cardboard middle and covered all the logos and apple watermarks with white stickers. I then designed a front 'face' in Photoshop and printed it off on glossy paper. I had to saw off some bits from the back to get it to fit on, then put in the front and cardboard middle and selotaped it up.


I'll be the first to admit it's not perfect, both in terms of proportion and design, but I reckon it'll serve. As long as we abstain from extreme close-ups and keep it tucked away in Gareth's hand, we'll get away with it.

Anyway, those are my views, and if you guys have anything better, brilliant. But what do you think, will it work?

Hmm...

Luke Pietnik - Finishing Pre-Production

The script is finished for now, so we're going to start casting very, very soon. I started work on some designs for the business/memo cards which are vital to the plot, and have e-mailed them to the rest of the group.

I have also, like the young Walter Murch that I am (Haha!), started playing around with various sounds that will accompany Gareth's materialisations, and act as a motif for his character. In addition, I've started thinking about the various ambiences and effects I'll need to add with regard to the location of each scene.

The 'device' remains elusive, none of us having managed to create or find one as yet. As soon as we've managed to get that out of the way though, we'll pretty much be ready to film.

As the deadline draws closer, I'm anxious but optimistic about this production, and have faith in m'colleagues.

We few, we happy few...

Luke Pietnik - My Two Penneth

It's been a hectic few days for everyone, but we're getting to grips with the task ahead of us now. A very rough, first draft of the script has been completed. I imagine we'll have the final draft by next week. Going with the current trend, I thought I'd throw in my outlook on the 'device' that Gareth will use to navigate the space/time continuum.

I don't think the prop should be an Earthly, 20th century device. Quirky and interesting as this idea is, I think the device should represent Gareth's world. If nothing else, this will emphasise the isolation of Gareth from his own time when he breaks it. I also think that inserting an anachronistic or fantastical element into a domestic setting often creates an interesting juxtaposition.

In Red Dwarf 'Back to Earth', for example, the crew utilise a device known as the psi-scan, that helps them traverse 21st century Earth.


It helps, among other things, to emphasise the crew's natural segregation from this time period.

Likewise, the enigmatic Al from Quantum Leap has a hand-held device.


It helps us identify his connection to the world beyond the characters and times Sam Beckett inhabits. It also gives him an identifyable silhouette.

I am keen to employ a similar device in our own film. If we have a sturdy enough prop, the sound effects will do the rest.

Beep.

Luke Pietnik - Considering Our Options

It's Thursday, and things are beginning to gear up somewhat. I'm trying to arrange, with Max's help, a meeting for tomorrow. It's a busy time for all of us, so it's difficult to pin everyone down and decide on a time. However, we're building up our research and, amongst ourselves, making general decisions about how we want this film to be.

Thanks for the post below Scott, it's an interesting idea, using domestic or quite ordinary objects as a means of travelling through time. I'd say Doctor Who pretty much pioneered that idea (but then, I would say that). We could employ the same technique, modelling Gareth's time manipulation device on something like a TV remote. On the other hand, perhaps injecting an element of futuristic, science fiction design might add to the wonder with which Jenny experiences Gareth's appearance.

There is a budgetary issue, of course. We have little or no money for special or visual effects, which is why a domestic item might be neccesary. If we are to design a prop and create it, we have a number of options. We could buy something that is vaguely the right shape and then spray or treat it until we have what we need. Alternatively, one of us could actually manufacture a device using bits of things - junk, old phones, etc. There is another option in liaising with the design and technology department in the university and asking them to make us a prop.

I'm going to make a list of the things we need to discuss for tomorrow's meeting, including props and minor details, so we can clear them up once and for all.

Right, now where's that super glue...

Luke Pietnik - The Words and Stuff

Cath is right. The script, at the moment, is the most important thing. Danny apparently made a start on the script last night, but said he thought he needed some plot. More than that, he will need some help writing it. I recommended he download the script writing software CeltX, which is an invaluable program for anyone trying to write scripts at a reasonable speed.

I think what we should do is, at our next meeting, which might be on Friday, discuss the script, and try to plot it. By that I mean, write down what key events should happen in each scene, and decide on key bits of dialogue. Once that's sorted out, two or three of us can try and work together to help Danny on the actual shooting script, working in CeltX. Then we'll show a first draft to the whole group, who can discuss it and suggest improvements or additions.

I might also write some character treatments before then to work from. They will help us decide on the characters' motivations, and what they might or might not do in certain situations. Once we've got most of a first draft, we can begin scouting for locations and casting.

So that's our main game plan, really. I told Max I was free on Friday, and he suggested Friday might be good for him, also. However, when I spoke to Scott about it, he said he and Max might be shooting their pairs project/film. So it's up in the air at the moment, but I'll be speaking to Mr. Voyse today, and hopefully we'll clear it all up. Rest assured, we will be meeting soon. All of us.

Ambiguity, be gone!

Luke Pietnik - Viewing List

Using wikipedia and a couple of other reference sites, I formulated a kind of viewing list. These films and television programmes are potentially useful to look at:

Films:

Back to the Future
The Butterfly Effect
Click
Donnie Darko
Frequently Asked Questions About Time Travel
Groundhog Day
I’ll Never Forget You
Love Story 2050
Millennium
Out of Time
Slipstream
Terminator
Timecop
Planet of the Apes

Television:

Doctor Who
Crime Traveller
Futurama
Goodnight Sweetheart
Life on Mars
Ashes to Ashes
Quantum Leap
Sliders
Sapphire and Steel
Red Dwarf
Heroes
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

Between us, we should be able to research these texts, influencing how we handle the film.

Luke Pietnik - Film Research

So here's the trailer for 'The Time Traveller's Wife':



Although our film does involve a relationship which plays on the concept of time travel, to go as far as this film does would be rather difficult in 10 minutes. Our film has a lot more humour, and sticks to a basically linear relative time-span, seen through the eyes of our female protagonist. Gareth, while able to travel to different periods in time, does not meet Jenny at different points in her life, young and old. The feelings of sadness and isolation in our film are more to do with the fact that Gareth returns to the future, not against his will, but because that's where he belongs. Or does he?

Another film which plays with the concept of time is 'The Time Machine' made in 2002 and based on the science fiction novel by HG Wells:



The book has been adapted for film several times, but the latest version is the most thought-provoking and intelligent. There is a relationship between the main character and a female from the future, and there is obviously a rift between the two. This relationship is underplayed, however, and serves mainly as a motivation for the bravery of the hero.

Our film focuses mainly on a relationship, the time travel concept acting as a hook to grab the audience. Gareth might as well have been a man who steps off a plane or ferry with a message from a long-lost aunt. But bringing big concepts like the traversing of time adds scope and intrugue.

These films are useful to look at because wether they got it right or wrong, we can always take something useful from them.

Luke Pietnik - Pitch and Putt

Well, thank you Cath, and to a lesser extent Max, for those insightful updates. As Mr. Voyse mentioned, the pitch was today, and our idea seemed to go down rather well. We were told it's a very well-rounded story, but that it needs to be cast well, because it is character driven. I'm confident that if we see enough actors, we'll get some good performances and chemistry.

Another new development is that we have a new recruit in Scott Marshall. Scott requested that he be put in our group, which is rather encouraging really. We thought that to somewhat take the load off Cath and Dan, Scott could, as well as generally helping us out, adopt both the Director and Producer roles. He was up for it, and said he'd be doing some research work, to be posted on this blog.

That's really all for now. We still don't have a title for the film, and the script is yet to be started. Still, that's something to look forward to...