My Sweded Film

What is a Sweded Film?
A sweded film is an amateur recreation of a famous film using limited resources and technology. They are much shorter than the original film and use budget props to mimic the source material.

How to make a Sweded Film:

• Before we started we had to decide on a popular film that we would base our sweded film on. As a group, we decided on Titanic. 
• We then selected 5 iconic scenes from the film that we would attempt to recreate with the limited resources that were available to us. 
• After deciding on the scenes, we then needed to find actors that were willing to feature in our sweded film.
• We proceeded to film our 5 chosen scenes using an iPhone, by recording one scene at a time. 

After all the scenes were filmed, we then began editing the scenes by joining all of them together to create one video and then adding in the famous 'Titanic music' to correspond with our scenes.

Our Sweded Film: 

Analysis of our Sweded Film:

The first scene that we chose to recreate was the scene where Jack wins a ticket to go on the Titanic. This scene was used to demonstrate the excitement of being able to go on the Titanic, while also outlining the beginning of Jack's journey. The second scene that we filmed was the scene where Jack and Rose meet for the first time, illustrating how they are very different from each other as Jack is an ordinary working class boy whereas Rose had been brought up in an upper class family. The third scene that we chose to film is where Jack and Rose are standing at the front of the deck of the ship whilst imagining that they were flying. We chose this scene as it is the most iconic scene in the whole movie and is also easy to reenact. The fourth scene we filmed is during the sinking of the ship, when Jack struggles to hold on any longer and lets go. We chose to film this scene as it is yet another iconic scene in the movie as it shows heartbreak and emotion while demonstrating how much the characters love each other. The fifth and final scene that we chose to film is of Rose as an old lady, telling her granddaughter her story of when she was on the Titanic. We chose this scene as it summed up the movie and showed how even after all those years Rose never stopped loving Jack. To conclude, I believe my group were successful in creating our sweded film as we were able to effectively sum up the film in 5 scenes and with the limited materials that were available for our use. 

Introduction to Cameras - How to set up a Camera

In order to set up a camera ready for filming you need 3 things:

• A dolly
• A tripod 
• A camera

The Dolly 

The dolly is a three-legged camera stand which has wheels on the end of each leg in order to allow the camera to move easily to film in different areas. Each leg has a release button, which is pressed to open it out fully. 

The Tripod 

The tripod has three legs that insert into the dolly at each point. To extend the tripod legs, each screw needs to be untightened to release each leg in order to get the correct height. To secure the tripod into the dolly, the latch from the dolly needs to be placed over the clip on the base of the tripod to hold it into place. The breaks of the tripod should also be kept on to stop the tripod from moving out of place. 

The Camera

The camera should be clipped securely into it's holder on the top of the tripod. The SD card should be inserted into the camera to allow filming to be recorded. The camera should also be adjusted into the correct position for filming using the stick which is used to pan the camera round. 

Camera Techniques

Wide Shot - A shot where the subject takes up the majority of the frame. It also shows the subjects surroundings.

Close Up - In a close up shot, a certain feature or part of the subject takes up most of the frame. It is most commonly used to show detail and emphasise the characters facial expression.

Mid Shot - A shot taken from a medium distance.

Medium close up - A shot that shows the face and shoulders. It is halfway between a mid shot and a close up.

Over the shoulder Shot - This shot is done from behind the shoulder of the person looking at the subject. This is used to indicate the position of each person.

Point-of-view Shot - This camera technique shows a view from the subjects perspective. The subject whose point of view it is is usually made obvious.

Tracking Shot - This type of shot is commonly used to make it seem like the subject is being followed.

Tilt - This is a vertical camera movement in which the camera points up or down from a still position. It is often used to give a character more power than another.

Pan - The panning camera technique is a swivelling camera movement done by moving the camera from left to right, usually on a tripod in a fixed location. A pan is also used to track the subjects movement.

How is gender presented positively and stereotypically in the sequence from Skyfall?

In the sequence from Skyfall, mise en scene is used to show how James Bond is in control as his assistant 'Money Penny' waits for him in the car. The stereotype of how women are bad drivers is also  presented through Money Penny as she smashes both of the car mirrors at which point Bond then takes control of the steering wheel, showing how once again Bond is in control. However, M is also presented as someone who is in charge, although she is portrayed to look masculine through her short hair. This implies how in order to have power, women must act like men to sustain an authoritative position.

Sound is also used to show how James Bond is an action hero, as non diegetic sound is used through fast paced action music to show how he is going to catch the villain. There is also a diegetic voice over from M which demonstrates how she is in charge as she gives Bond instructions on what he should do. Dialogue is also used by Bond as he tells Money Penny to 'keep her head down.' This implies how Bond is in control due to his male gender as he is the one giving instructions.

Additionally, there is a wide shot from behind M when she is standing at the front of her office, which shows how she is in control of everyone who works there. This can be depicted as when everyone else is working she overlooks them, demonstrating her high authority. There is also a medium close up of Bond when he is on the motorbike, showing how serious he is and the determination in his face.  The tracking shots and close ups that are captured by the camera present Bond as the action hero, as he is the character that the camera mainly follows.

Lastly, editing is used as there is cross cutting between two scenes to show how they are happening at the same time. The fact that M is in the office behind the scenes while Bond is the one who is where all the action is happening demonstrates the stereotype of men going out to work and women staying at home. The quick cuts are used to reinforce how James Bond is the hero as they show him overcoming danger. The eye line match that shows Bond taking the steering wheel shows how he is taking control and that Money Penny isn't capable of controlling the car.

The effectiveness of a Storyboard

What is a storyboard?
A storyboard is a sequence of drawings, typically with some directions and dialogue, representing the shots planned for a film or television production.

Why do you need a storyboard?

• A storyboard is the best way to share your vision to others.
• It makes production much easier as it is a starting point or suggested thoroughline around which you can plan your coverage. 
• It saves you time as it will make the creation process go more smoothly. 

How to make a storyboard?

1. Create blank slides 
2. Add your script
3. Sketch your story 

Prezi of our Thriller Film Opening Sequence

Editing Techniques

Jump Cut - A 30 degree jump in the action that moves the scene forward by a split second. Helps the conversation flow.

Slow Motion and Montage - A montage is a series of shots that condense time. Works well with sound. Also adds comedy to the scene.

Split Screen - Shows two things happening at the same time in different places. Shows different scenes are connected.

Wipe, Fade and Dissolve - Transitions that link one scene to another.

Still/ Freeze Frame - Used to show a characters facial expressions and motivations alongside a non-diegetic voiceover. Freeze frames are used to demonstrate the significance of certain scenes.

Rhythmic Editing - Used to cut something in time with the music. The faster the music the faster the cuts e.g. action films.

Quick Cuts - Used to speed up the action.

Shot Reverse Shot - Used to show a conversation and cut between characters.

Cutting on Action/ Match on Action - A quick cut that shows action and allows a scene to progress. E.g. fighting, catching something, running.

Cut Away/ Kuleshov Effect - The middle shot is taken away and the meaning is changed.

Flashback - Used to show the past or a characters motivations.

Match Cut - Cuts from one scene to another by matching the action. Mainly used as scene transitions.

Sound Bridge - A piece of sound that links two scenes together. One way of doing this is by hearing the sound before you see whats happening in the next scene.

Pace - Slow pace or fast pace. Slow pace builds suspense and builds on dialogue. Fast pace films are for action films.

Camera Time - The amount of time the camera spends on a particular character. Shows their importance.

Sound Techniques

Diegetic sound - Sound that is in the scene that the actors can hear.

Non-Diegetic sound - Sound that the actors cannot hear.

Synchronous sound - Sound that matches the action but added in afterwards as a sound effect.

Asynchronous sound - Sound that doesn't match the scene - voiceovers that reveal flashback information.

Contrapuntal sounds - Sound that contrasts with the action and change/ alter the meaning of the scene.