Production- Setting

During our filming we have used a variety of places to film. Such as using college class rooms and a professional studio. When we first decided on the plot of our trailer we then had to think what would be a good setting to shoot the scenes in and where are good places to shoot the scenes.

The picture to the right is one of the settings used in ‘Hostel’ this had similar tones and colours used in our filming of the torture scenes.

The majority of slasher horror films are shot in dark creepy locations, or places where it is hostile and dormant which increase the tension for the audience, as there is no escape for the victim. The first setting where we filmed our shots was in a studio. The background of the studio was very dull and had stains on the walls and resembled a torture chamber, and almost resembled the torture scenes in ‘Hostel’. We liked this location as there was little evidence on its location and adds suspense to the audience, where they wonder where the ‘torture chamber’ really is.

Our next location for filming was in college. We had some hold ups with this filming, as it was hard finding time to film in the classroom when there was no students present. We also found it difficult as when there was no one in the classrooms they were outside, and this sometimes affected our filming as you could vaguely hear the students walking past the classrooms. We also had problems with the lighting as the posters and boards in the classroom reflected the light drastically. We solved the problem by hanging up a black curtain, which didn’t show the light anymore, however it was then far too dark, so we solved this problem by following the character with the light. This means holding the lights up and turning them to the direction the actor walks in. This ended up being a good idea because this allowed the light to always be on the subject.

Update No. 13

We are currently working on the DVD of ‘Satan’s Mistress’. So far we are in the process of making the front cover to the DVD cover. We are also designing the disk cover too.

Raw Images

Skills acquired during the project

During this project, we used a vast array of different software packages. Some had been used before by us in AS work and some hadn't. It was pretty daunting when we had to use software like Final Cut Pro for the first time because we were all slightly unsure on how it worked.

During the planning of the project, our group used websites such as YouTube to get hold of visual information that would help us on the project, give us ideas and allow us to brainstorm. It was particularly useful when looking at other horror trailers, which really helped us with our ideas, we were now able to grasp an idea on what was conventional in horror trailers which we may not have noticed before. We also used search engines like Google to get hold of information on horror films, it was primarily useful when doing the textual analysis, and looking up information on specific films.

When we were doing research, we used YouTube and Google once again, to help us find information and come up with more ideas. When doing the audience analysis we started using a website called Survey Monkey, which none of us had used before. It allowed us to create questions and then collect the results and analyse them when we want. It was a brilliant thing to use, it was much better than having to manually look through results and then analyse them ourselves. In addition to that, it was useful to use because in the media industry a lot of research takes place online, and by doing questionnaires online, it's much more realistic to the media industry.

When it came to the production of the project, we had to use more software that we hadn't used before; Final Cut Pro. The first time we used it we all felt pretty intimidated by the thought of using it because it was such a massive piece of software, we were worried about doing something wrong, or not getting what we wanted, or not using the software properly. It took a while to get into it, it was also quite tricky because the lengths of clips had to be exact, so that was a job in itself, along with trying to get used to this new software. Now we have the skills the create a movie in Final Cut Pro, editing, importing, rendering, trimming and adding effects isn't as tricky as it first was, and we're still developing those skills. It was really interesting though, as it is something that's used widely in the media industry, it makes you realise the time and effort thats put into making a production.

Along with Final Cut Pro, we used CS3 photoshop. Something which we'd used before but were still a bit shaky with because we hadn't used it since AS. We got better using it though, the person who was best at it however was Ashley, and even as we still work on the project, he's the one that can put our photo ideas into play, although we all have our own input.

When filming the scenes for our movie trailer, we used cameras and other media equipment we had never used before. To shoot our scenes, we used a Canon EOS 7D, none of us had used a camera like this before so were all quite nervous we'd drop it the first time or use it incorrectly. Using the tripod with it made it not just easier to film, but it felt more professional. We used a steadicam so that we could film smoothly and walk at the same time. This was really good because it was more like what real film makers would use, other than just some college project. It also expanded our knowledge of filming in the media industry.

When we took pictures for the trailer we used a Canon EOS 400D. A camera which we were all fairly used to because of our previous coursework in AS. It was good to use it again though, along with the EOS 7D because we learnt more about lighting, and how much lighting is actually needed when creating a prodcution, this gave us more of an insight into what was needed when making a film or a photoshoot.

One of the overall things however which was new, especially to me, was the use of an Apple Mac. When I first started using it I had very little idea on how to use it and to make my way around the computer. Soon though it became more clear, and we developed more of an understanding of Macs. Personally, I think this is really useful especially for media projects as Macs are usually used in media projects. Also in this day and age, it's an important skill to have knowledge in both Macs and PC's as the information age is forever growing.

Happy New Year

HAPPY NEW YEAR from all of us at Dark Room Productions. We all hope you have a fantastic break and enjoyed you break. For us Christmas is too pretty for us, we want to get down and gritty and carry on with what we do best.  

Look out for the teaser trailer and posters and the magazine is due for release next week. What a great way to start a New Year.

Update No. 12

So glad Christmas is over, but we still have a few more weeks to go until were all back in the office., we hope you are all well. Dark Room Productions have not stopped working. As a wonderful gift, I was treated to various horror films old and good. So we have all been watching them analysing why we all love a good horror film.

Update No. 11

Terrible weather conditions has meant that we cannot get into the office today. Do not worry DRP will be back in no time at all. We have not been sledging in the snow, but opted instead for a nice warm bowl of popcorn and some horror movies.

Keep warm and keep safe.