Understand special effects techniques
TASK 1: How many effects can you spot?
P1 Learners analyse a range of special effects techniques and their use in film and TV production using examples from a variety of audio-visual media products
EVIDENCE FOR P1 CONSISTS OF TASKS 1-6
Special vs visual effects
TASK 2: Note/discuss the difference between visual and special effects. Find three examples of each. Decide whether any of the special effects can be classified as • mechanised prop • stunt prop • scale model • prosthetic makeup • pyrotechnic
TASK 3: Find a still shot with an example of each of the above special effects in TV or film. Analyse the still with this information:
What type of effect is it (choose from TASK 2 types as listed above)?
Describe what happens?
What purpose does it have in the shot/story?
How is it made?
How is it made to look good/seamless/natural?
Extension task: What do you think was the planning process?
Which is the best? Why? Discuss which you would you like to create.
TASK 4: Look at the below links... how did they do that? Is it obvious? Which is the most effective? Discuss.
Jaws
WARNING - THE FILM THE TERMINATOR IS AN 18 ON VIDEO AND THIS SCENE FEATURES A BLADE ENTERING AN ARM. A FAKE ARM, OBVIOUSLY! NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED. Terminator
King Kong
Then watch this
Which is your favourite?
TASK 5: Knife throw! Practical task.
TASK 6: Miniature effects... take a look here...
Plan what you would like to do.
Be able to plan and test the chosen special effect, and the footage it will appear in
P2 Learners develop an idea for one special effect from the following list:
• mechanised prop
• stunt prop
• scale model
• prosthetic makeup
TASK 7: Choose a couple of effects from the above and brainstorm ideas. What might you be able to make look good?
Discuss your ideas and narrow it down with a partner to 3-4.
TASK 8
MAIN PRODUCTION TASK:
Your task is
to create a 30-45 second teaser trailer for a new ‘effects heavy’ movie to be
released in the summer of 2016.
We anticipate that at least half of your trailer will be
titles and graphics. So the short amount
of preview footage you create for your film needs to be of a high quality and
showcase some of your effects ability!
You will need to pick a genre for the film which is suitable
for effects – eg action-adventure, sci-fi, horror, fantasy or disaster. Your trailers will need to stay consistent
with the genre expectations of the audience.
Your trailer must
include the use of scale models as well as suitable make up and stunt or
mechanised props.
Every film shoot needs clear and distinct roles.
Planning is everything. Decide roles in your group. If a role is vacant, ensure it is shared. Discuss what is going to be needed. Many things can be done as a group - and you will copy materials for all your groups. Get print credits NOW!
You have four lessons every week for four weeks.
Week 1:
Planning
Week 2: Prep and testing
Week 3:
Shooting
Week 4: Post production
Each member of the group is also
responsible for their own post production including the role of; editor, visual effect, sound design, film grading.
Write the dates up in your diary now.
ROLES:
Production Manager
Responsible
for organizing logistics and scheduling the shoot, booking equipment, locations
management, permission forms and risk assessment.
Director
Responsible
for directing the drama and action – particularly with actors. The director needs to liaise with the
cinematographer to ensure the composition and look of the shots will convey
both the story and the impact of the effects.
Effects coordinator
Responsible
for ensuring that the special effects work before the shoot and on the set.
Making sure she special effects will integrate with any visual effects.
Art Director
Costume
design, set design and liaising with director, effects coordinator and cinematographer
to ensure the look of the film in consistent and appropriate.
Cinematographer
Responsible
for shooting the footage and ensuring the lighting is correct. Needs to plan the shots and equipment needed
and framing and movements are highly professional and suitable for the product.
Be able to plan and test a chosen special effect, and the footage it will appear in
P3 Learners plan one chosen special effect, and the sequence it will appear in, including:
a) storyboard - NOTE this is a merit task (see below)
b) relevant plans and/or sketches for the chosen special effect
c) mock ups relevant to the chosen special effect
d) detailed risk assessment for the special effect production
e) recce
f ) risk assessment for production of the footage
g) permission to use special effect
h) other relevant legal requirements
i) compliance with relevant health and safety requirements
j) following relevant safe working practices
M1 Learners produce a storyboard that shows relevant camera directions related to the sequence and chosen special effect. Learners produce detailed annotated sketches. Contingency plans are produced that are related to the footage in which the special effect will feature
P4 Learners follow safe working practices to a competent level by:
a) testing possible materials and techniques to ensure that they are feasible and appropriate for the creation of the special effect
b) ensuring that the special effect is safe for use during the production of the sequence
M2 Learners produce a special effect that is aesthetically appropriate and fits within the intentions of the sequence it is being used in
Be able to produce and test a planned special effect safely
P5 Learners produce a functional special effect to a good technical standard, following safe working practices
Be able to produce and edit footage containing the special effect planned for
P6 Learners produce and edit competent footage, containing use of the special effect planned for, by: a) setting up appropriate equipment
b) following storyboard
c) following safe working practices
d) following production process
M3 The footage produced by learners, containing use of the special effect planned for, is generally of a good technical standard and quality. The final edit of the footage, containing use of the special effect planned for, is generally of a good technical standard and quality
D2 Camera, lighting, mise en scène, sound and editing is used creatively by learners to enhance the impact of the special effect
NOTES
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Srt07MIrRRo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GE-hUAoqtqs - general special effects
http://filmescape.com/whats-the-difference-between-special-effects-visual-effects
http://mentalfloss.com/article/51578/10-movies-mind-boggling-miniature-effects
http://vashivisuals.com/visual-effects-low-budget-filmmaking/