Google Maps

Hi folks,

I watched a cool tutorial from Andrew Kramer on videoccopilot.net. This tutorial was about an Earth zoom using high quality satellite images from a provider like Google Maps. So I thought that this idea would be interesting to use a similar effect in my films opening sequence (Animation Unit). When I started looking into obtaining images from Google Maps, I found that the images are Royalty Free and can be used in an Online video, on the condition that each image is correctly attributed. So I have obtained some 'screen grabs' ready for working with in After Effects. This effect will be good to practice with anyway, even if the shot doesn't work for the project.

Here's the link for Google Maps Licensing Agreement: Licensing Agreement for Online Video.

That's all for the now.

Cheers

Week Plan 11/02/2013 and GU2 update

Hi folks.

My major project is coming together nicely, just need to keep on top of the paperwork. At the moment, scene breakdowns and storyboarding is taking place and should be completed by the end of this week. To make things easier, I have linked my script with my storyboard so that every line of dialogue and action is accounted for. Over the rest of the week, I plan to include a technical breakdown for each scene which will lead to me working out an accurate shooting schedule for the three days of filming.

On another note, my animation unit is halfway to a rough cut, I have scouted out some timelapse footage of Edinburgh which would be useful in establishing my location for the film. So I have been in contact with the person who shot the footage and has allowed me to use it. I am setting a personal deadline to complete this Unit by the end of February. This deadline will allow me to focus all my attention on the other things I am being assessed on.

Technical decisions: I have decided to use Premiere Pro CS6 to edit my major project, show reel and any other projects I take on this year as I find it works very well with the rest of the Adobe Creative Suite. In addition, I have located an excellent plug in for After Effects called Knoll Light Factory, this plugin generates realistic lens flares and lighting effects which will give a more professional look to my film and is a no brainer to use in my film.

Now as usual, the week plan:

• Complete Storyboarding with rough shooting schedule which can be moved on to the camera operator to look at and add any ideas.
• Keep in constant contact with the actors to make sure everything is going smoothly.
• Design a rough look for my website to be sent to my web developer to look at.
• Start the search for foley sounds, backing tracks and atmospheric noises.

That's it for the now.

Cheers

Actor Meeting Arrangements

Hi folks,

After a search through gumtree, Starnow and emailing people directly, I have found the actors I intend to work with in my film. Now I have arranged to have a meeting with both the actors on Thursday 21st February at 5pm. This meeting will have myself, my writer to discuss the roles, character breakdowns and the dates they would need to be in to film.

So far the project is coming together ok at the moment, but I can't be too complacent.

More info to follow on this.

Production meeting #1

Hi folks

Today was the first production meeting for damage. All members of the crew were present and crew contracts are now signed with production dates fixed (21st - 23rd march).

A basic swatch has been forwarded to my camera operator so he has a rough idea of the kind of shots I'm looking for. Character breakdowns are almost completed and ready to be sent to my actors once casting has been complete.

Now all I have to do is keep in contact with my crew and cast. Good communication.

That's it for production meeting #1. More meetings to follow.

Week plan 04/02/2013

Here's this weeks plan:

- find a suitable apartment location at a relatively decent price.
- schedule what scenes will be filmed on each day of production.
- continue learning visual effects suited to making my film better.

My major project is becoming a very tough job. But I will complete it...

Major Project Update

Hi folks,

heres a quick update on the major project...

I have completed character breakdowns and have received interest from potential actors for my film. The next part of the process is to cast the actors, arrange final dates. Due to the fact that we must work around class time, my original shooting dates (18 - 20th March) will not be suitable. So I am changing the filming dates to 21st to 23rd of March. All members part of the project will be notified. I am holding a production meeting tomorrow to discuss dates and sort out crew contracts.

I still have a month until I shoot, but I can feel the pressure setting in. If I keep at it, this project will pull off hopefully.

More info to follow

Cheers
Mike

Week plan 28/01/2013

Hi folks.

Here's a quick one.
Continued looking for actors by posting more ads in random places all over the internet. From this searching, I have had a reply from Napier university. I have forwarded details of the film and take it from there.

A treatment and budget has been completed for my animation unit and the first cut will be completed this weekend.

Week plan:
- update cv. Improve technical skills and interest skills as well as a design overhaul.
- review mock interview skills
- have a quick meeting with crew to organise contracts.

That's it for this week
Cheers