The document discusses the technologies used and lessons learned during the production of a film noir opening sequence. A Panasonic HD video camera was used for filming and a tripod was important for smooth camera movements and eliminating shakiness. Final Cut Pro software allowed editing footage into black and white, adding filters and titles. Sound effects from online sources and a film noir soundtrack enhanced the atmosphere. Lighting posed challenges but created the desired noir style. Overall the production process taught the importance of planning, equipment, and software for professional quality results.

1. 6. What have you learnt
about technologies from the
process of constructing the
product?
By Abbie Loosemore – R1-28

2. On the day of the shoot
On the day of filming we referred
to the shot list made during
planning. This was very important
to how successful the filming went
as we could work quickly and
efficiently in the time we had.
We managed to set up the desk well
with the props we wanted and we had
no problems with the costumes. By
organising who had to bring certain
items, we didn’t forget anything on
the day.
All of our equipment worked fine
and we were able to use the camera
and lighting effectively after our
preliminary task work and lighting
tests.

3. Cinematography
We used a Panasonic HD video camera to
shoot our opening sequence. I am pleased
with this camera as the footage is sharp
and looks professional and when filming we
experienced no problems with the camera.
The tripod was vital in the quality of our
footage as we used two panning shots and
by using a tripod we eliminated the risks
of having a ‘handheld’ effect.
We wanted to use an overhead pan shot, and
on the day of shooting, this proved
difficult as manoeuvring the camera from
that height, at that angle, without it
being poor quality, was difficult without
the proper equipment. We stood above the
desk and carefully passed the tripod over
the desk. This footage stands out as it is
not as smooth as our other shots, but it
still works well and we managed to achieve
the effect we wanted.

4. Lighting
We used a single hot light to replicate film
noir style lighting. We also used a torch and
a desk lamp to add light in other areas. We
blacked out the room so we could create the
exact effect we wanted. The hot light could
have been used on a stand, but we couldn’t
angle it in the way that we wanted so Calum
held the light in the position we wanted it
to cast the right shadows needed for effect.
The only risk in holding the light was that
it got very hot, very quickly, so we had to
be careful in-between takes not to leave it
on, and only to turn it on and touch it when
necessary.
With only one person able to do the lighting,
we were limited to the amount of shadows we
could create. We were still able to create
the film noir style lighting with one light,
but to improve, we would need more lights
coming from different directions etc.

5. As you can see we used
black paper to cover up
the artwork on the back
Mise-en-scene wall.
The props were very authentic of
the era and we were lucky in having
access to the typewriter and phone
though college. We used black
sheets to paper to cover up some
modern artwork on the wall behind
in case it ruined the continuity by
being in the frame. When watching
it back, the only errors we made
were the fact you can see plug
sockets in the wall behind him and
the typewriter doesn’t move when he
is typing. These are only minor
errors and if we were to do this
again, we would make the
adjustments needed to make sure
continuity errors like this
wouldn't happen.

6. Editing
We used Final Cut to edit our footage.
This advanced software enabled us to
achieve the professional film noir
look we wanted as we were able to use
filters to change our footage to black
and white. We were also able to alter
the contrast, and the levels of black
and white. This allowed us to have
more control over lighting and shadows
as we made the silhouettes stronger
and we could highlight specific areas
within the frame.
We also used final cut to make our
credits. We decided not to use after
effects as it would affect the quality
of our footage so we used fades within
final cut to make our credits appear
on the screen. This was a long
process, but we were happy with the
end result.

7. Sound
We used the same camera to record the narration as the
quality proved to be better than a microphone. We then
used final cut to edit it together, taking out certain
parts to create the final product.
We used sound effects found on the www.freesound.org
such as the traffic at the start of the film and the
gun shot. These enhance the ambiance of the film and
therefore the realism. We also wanted a gun shot that
sounded realistic, as if it came from a colt 45, and
this sound effect works well.
We used music imported from a film noir soundtrack CD
made by Hollywood Music. The tracks used we felt fitted
best with the action on screen and create the right
atmosphere, mysterious and seductive.
We had to make adjustments to sound levels as at times
the narration was overpowering and you couldn’t hear
the music. By altering this on final cut we were able
to make our opening sequence sound more professional.