Once Upon A Time In America Case Study

Once upon a time in america case study from reecethompsoncns

Preliminary Task Evaluation

Question 1

Initially, our group decided to start by mind-mapping some ideas of the storyline/conversation topic and coming to a conclusion. The group decided that the conversation should start off in a dream state, and then fade into reality. We decided this as it meant we could use more effects during the editing and provided us with enough depth to make the finished product of the highest quality. After this, we started to decide on who would be assigned which role. Additionally we planned on the location of all the shots and where we would hold the conversation and what types of camera shots we would use in these locations. For example, we decided to use the corridors outside the media room, as they were long and almost had a vanishing point on them, allowing us to film low angle shots that gave the appearance of a never ending corridor, adding to our dream like world we was aiming for. Once we had all come to a decision, each individual produced their own storyboard to help the group understand how and where we would shoot the task.

After we had done this, we was asked to research different camera angles and shots. I feel this helped us during the production as it helped add a more professional look to it. It also kept the task from being repetitive and boring in it's aesthetics. It also helped the group decide on which camera shots would fit each part of the plot. 

Once we had researched and planned the task, we shot a rough draft of the film. We used this to help us decide which parts fit and which didn't. It also allowed the group to experiment with the dynamics of the camera shots/angles. The topic of the conversation was also developed during this stage. The group decided that the first character had been dreaming and was being woken up as they were late for class. The draft shot helped us in the production as it allowed the group to see what would produce a better quality of film.

Question 2

Previous to this preliminary task, I already had more advanced experience with cameras, as I have produced short films and videos for YouTube. This allowed me to share those experiences in this task. I feel this helped the group as it allowed us to produce a more high quality film. However, despite previous experience, I still experimented with different camera shots that I had not used before. This helped broaden my knowledge for further projects for school and for personal use. I feel that I have learnt a few skills that can be applied to our thriller task. 

Question 3

Before the production of our preliminary task, I had edited countless videos for my own short films and videos for YouTube. This gave me an advantage when editing together our final cut. However, the editing software we used for this (Adobe Premiere) was different to the one I had previously used (Sony Vegas Pro). This meant that I learnt a bit more about new software which I feel helps me for further projects when access to Sony Vegas may not be available. I felt very confident when editing and managed to get the clips together with no trouble. The only trouble I had was editing the audio, however I later managed to solve this with some troubleshooting. I did learn a new technique when editing, which was being able to use keyboard shortcuts to help make the process easier for me. This will help me in further projects and will carry over into personal products. The editing was also done on a Windows PC, which is similar to what I used so I didn't struggle navigating the software, as opposed to Apple Mac.

Question 4

I feel that the group worked well together and we all were able to share ideas. Although previously not knowing everyone, the task has helped us form a friendship and will help us when we come to producing a thriller. We were also very organised which helped the whole process immensely.

Preliminary Task Planning

Group 4:
Reece, Tom, Emily and Olivia

Roles:
Tom - Actor 1
Olivia - Actress 1
Reece - Camera
Emily - Camera

Locations:
CNS Gate
CNS Sixth Form Common Room
CNS Corridors
CNS Media Studies Room

Props:
None used

List of Shots:
Low Angle, Close - Actor running past camera
High Angle, Medium - Actor running into school
Pan Shot, Medium - Actor entering through doors
Low Angle, Medium - Actor running down corridor
Birds-eye - Actor running down corridor
Close up - Actor opening door
Over The Shoulder - Actor and Actress having conversation
POV - Actor waking up
High Angle - Actor and Actress conversation
Tracking - Actress walking out
Over the Shoulder - Actress walking out
Close up - Actress slamming door shut

Storyboard

(Needs to be scanned)

Working Title Fact File

Founded: 1983
Founders: Tim Bevan & Sarah Radclyffe (Eric Fellner is now co-owner)
Owners: Comcast Corporation
Headquarters: London, United Kingdom

Working Title are a UK based film company producing many British films such as Notting Hill, Johnny English and Anna Karenina. Although when started producing films for PolyGram, PolyGram soon folded into American company Universal Studios. Since then, Working Title films has built up it's reputation with blockbusters such as Rush, Senna and Les Miserables.

In 2010, Working Title launched it's own TV division, known as Working Title TV (WTTV), as a joint venture with parent company NBC Universal.

In 1999, WT2 was launched a subsidiary company to Working Title Pictures. The company is run by Natasha Wharton, and has helped produce films such as Billy Elliot and Shaun of The Dead.

Working Title are contractually entitled to produce any film with a budget up to £35 million.

Working Title have made a formula for their films which interests a broader audience. They use British ideas with American stars, drawing in an international audience and enhancing the reputation of British film.