Media Production Tips!

Diegesis

Is a way of combining diegetic and non-diegetic material to create meaning for the image or moving text.

Diegetic material - Usually sounds that exist in the world its self. This may be Dialogue or natural sounds, such as thunder, or birds etc.

Non Diegetic material - Usually sounds added for the audience. Sounds such as, atmospheric music, soundtrack or voiceovers etc.

Some types of sound are both diegetic and non diegetic. For example there may be a piece of dialogue as a characters thoughts, in a voice over technique. But would be non diegetic in the sense that other characters cannot hear it.

An example of film that contains a lot of Diegetic sound and Non Diegetic would be a Thriller. As atmospheric music is a must, but natural sounds such as footsteps or birds etc can also give an effect.

An example of film that is mainly Diegetic is Documentaries etc. As they contain a lot of dialogue and real noises, to keep us aware its reality.

An example of film that uses mostly Non Diegetic sound would be Nick and Norahs Infinite playlist. As the film has a large soundtrack.

Micro and Macro origination

Micro Macro elements - to shoot material that is appropriate to your film. And that relates to the genre of film you are making. Also other details such as: music, style of titles, dialogue, setting up and pace.

Pre Production is highly important! it gives you a guide presenting all your initial and final ideas that you need to create your film!

For example, if you were making a romance film, a three stage process:

First, study romantic comedy conventions using the micro macro strategy. Second, spend time developing a romantic comedy narrative. Third, spend time planning to shoot and edit material that looks right for the genre!

Camera Work And Framing

Using a tripod in filming is a must, as a steady shot is not as simple as you think. Most of your shots should be using a tripod, unless a handheld/realistic effect is required.

Its best to stay clear of zooming, as it makes your camera work seem un professional, and is rarely used in the industry.

A widescreen framing setting is advised as film uses fewer close ups than television.

For film it is suggested that mostly mid-shots and long-shots are best, a few close ups used sparingly.

The rule of thirds is a good way to get some exciting shots, that are thought about and will impress your audience.

Combining shot types and distances is essential to the 'language of film', for example, Long shots to mid shots, to close ups are sometimes a good way to display action. And over the shoulder shots etc are good ways to display a conversation to your audience.

Camera angle is a good subject to think on, making sure your subject is not interfered by other interesting subjects in the back ground. And the use of power, for example, a high angle makes your subject look less powerful, a low angle shot makes your subject look more powerful.

simple tips:

• practice shots before recording.
• shoot far more footage than you need to make editing easier.
• test microphones before filming, so you dont accidentally end up with a silent movie!
• switch off date and time on camera.
• be prepared to take several takes of each shot.
• be a perfectionist, if something goes wrong, redo it!
• make sure all your batteries get re-charged.

Mis En Scene

Mis en scene is an expression commonly used for film, meaning, all production aspects.

Its important to chose all details very carefully. And when i say details i mean:

costumes, lighting, props and location, to create that ultimate atmosphere and overall feel to

your film. As students we are often victims to simple mistakes such as, costume changes, hair cut mid sequence, poor acting, poor lighting and un realistic props etc.

Lighting

Most media students cant get access to industry standard professional lighting or equipment and this can sometimes limit there creativity. However there are certain techniques that can overcome some of these problems, here are 5 tips:

• Use natural light - sunlight, in shadow, mist, through rain (depending on the effect you need). Keeping in mind your patience and time scale on waiting for certain weather conditions.
• Use cheap and cheerful artificial light - as long as you have done your risk assessment you can use candles, firelight, torches, car headlights, security lights, neon signs and street lighting.
• create colour filters - shine light through, coloured liquid, vases and ornaments.
• position light source for effect - lighting scenes from different angles etc. can create different kinds of atmosphere, so experiment with this.
• Ultimately, lighting a scene is a scientific process.

Combining sound, image and titles

it can be hard to put footage together with sound and titles. You will need to look at every aspect and detail of your title, including finding a good time length for the title that will please your audience. Also where to place the titles near shots etc is also a factor to take into account.

using music to add ambience to the beginning of your film. Think very carefully about the semiotic value, keeping to the tone and pace of the film, and thinking about what your music represents. its a good idea to test music in the earlier stage of post production.