The post production to my Mary Ann Cotton project.

1. Post-Production Diary
8/3/23
As mentioned in the production diary, I will be making a start on the post-production at the same
time of me filming. Having the opening sequence to the third act at this moment in time, I will be
making a start on editing that now.
Jumping straight in with the sunset opening, from what was ten seconds has now been cut down to
two seconds of the camera looking up at the sun.
Unsure of what to do exactly with the audio yet from the
shot, with no dialogue, as of now I will be leaving that
alone. Worried about the siren appearing out of
nowhere at the end of the shot, cutting the clip down
some more as they sit, doing that has removed the siren
somewhat. Although it is still there, it isn’t as much of a
distraction now.
Moving onto the next clip, this is going to be a bit more difficult to complete right now as I don’t
have Coreys microphone audio at this moment in time. So unfortunately, I might have to wait to get
this part done.
Giving me something to do for now though, stabilizing. The footage isn’t that shaky, but I am still
going to look into it as it might give a better outcome to the clip.
Not sure exactly how to do this, a video has been found on YouTube that I will be using to help guide
me through the process. Here is the link:
https://www.google.com/search?q=stabilize+footage+davinci+resolve&oq=stabilise+footage+davi&
aqs=chrome.2.0i512j69i57j0i22i30l3j0i390l3.10779j1j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-
8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:9db2d5fb,vid:vYWOhynCGd0
Going with the first technique given, I think it worked? Maybe because of the shot not being too bad
as I had mentioned there isn’t too much of a difference.
Going through all of the options, in a
way I do feel like there is a difference
compared to the original to the
adjustments I’ve made, so will be
leaving it how it is in the screen
capture there.
Update on the audio though, just now
I have been sent over Coreys audio.
Only waiting on Martins from
yesterday now, which is currently
loading to be sent over, I can very soon make a start on the next part of the sequence.
Removing the audio from Monday, I have just realised I wont be needing any of Mondays footage
now with getting most of it yesterday. Although I could keep the audio and put it over yesterdays
footage if one sounds better with the other looking better. Only concern there is not being able to

2. sync the audio and footage up nicely, and with having so much to go through now it might not even
be worth the hassle.
Being a bit dumb here, I completely forgot we never re-filmed where they meet up and it is shared
of them being late to the meet.
Adding the audio back in, before properly making a start, to make things a tad
easier I have added each of the actors name to the sequence where there
audio has been placed to keep them separated and unconfused.
Picking out the clips that work for the scene
best, it seemed best to do it that way then
find where in the audio that scene had taken
place and edit from there.
Almost forgetting, Coreys audio has now been
synced up the other twos’ so now I can listen to the audio as if it were all in one. Looking for the
right section that links with the chosen footage, it should take too long to do as already the first
attempt at the scene is where the audio starts.
Not really being as difficult a task as I had imagined, the
audio has not been linked to its clips. So now, I will be
editing between the two to get the different shot angles.
Switching the placement of the clips, the
arrangement results a lot better with
Conner being the first to speak so the
camera focuses on him. Then as Corey
responds, the camera moves back to
show him speak as well as presenting the
bag.
With that as well, with all three being seen in the second part, it invites Martin into the
conversation.
With the shot changes though, there is a noticeable gap in the audio causing a distraction in the
transition.
Remembering a technique used when editing my podcast last
year, I would search for where in the audio it drops silent and
connect the audio from either side. More difficult now with
having to prevent messing up the sync between the sound and
footage. This time around, it has worked in my favour so no
issue so far.

3. Unable to do the same for the opening shot and
the first dialogue piece due to the winds affecting
the camera mic too much, a cross fade transition
has been placed instead.
Getting onto yesterday’s footage now, the rest
from Monday is having to be scrapped as none of it
can be used. Once again, I will be finding the clips I
would like to use before sorting the audio. The next
shot is only another establishing piece though so
should be over and done with soon enough.
Not really a fan of how
bland the shot looks, I
went through the
animation effects to
zoom in slightly, and have
the frame move from
right to left highlighting
what exactly the guys are
doing. Also, another cross
fade was placed between
this and the previous
shot.
Before settling on which
clip I would like to use and in
what order, the audio from the
microphones have been synced
up making both the decisions
and editing easier.
Making a small start on the
process, I will have to continue
tomorrow not having the time to
finish off.
13/3/23
Returning to the editing before
filming is continued, I had carried
on from where I had left off with the footage of Martin explaining the ritual to the group.
Still needing to select the clips I am
wanting to use, before doing that
though the audio had been synced to
the videos. Done with that now, I can
stitch together the sequence.
After piecing the audio together how I
would like it, I had started watching

4. over the whole sequence to make sure I was happy with the outcome. Finding the shot change to
appear too drastic from the set up to the explanation, adjustments were made equally between the
audio and video files with transitions also being placed.
Having a cross-
fade for the
mentioned shots,
this does help add
to the scene
allowing the jump
from the actors
setting up clearer
for the film.
Although I have
thought of a
change I would
like to make, and
that is to the set-
up shot.
Not really liking the result of the shot, I had recently imagined an alternative option, where the
camera is zoomed in Conner’s character placing the candle down, then the frame pans upwards to
Martin as he begins to speak of the ritual.
Aside from that, the other adjustments.
Going back to the shot change being
somewhat bland, a J-cut technique has been
used. Having Martin begin to explain before
we see him explaining, it’s not the clearest
attempt, but with me wanting to change the
way the scene is played out that will be fixed
once I have the right clips.
20/3/23
Not getting to finish the sequence I had last worked, completing that will be the aim for today.
Trying to finish off piecing the scene together, whilst mix matching the footage I have found an issue.
Whilst filming Martin explaining the ritual in a slit overview shot highlighting the characters listening
with the props laid out in front of them, Martin jumbled up his words causing everyone to snap out
of character. Rather than re-filming, I had told them to carry on.

5. Carrying from where they had left off, I have now removed the that from the footage but placing the
first half and the end half of the shot together... there is a noticeable jump in Conners face posture.
The screen captures inserted above are only a second apart from each other...
I have attempted taking the first clip,
extending it and taking that extended cut,
placing it in frame with the following shot,
cropping it in the middle to match it with
the shot underneath and letting in
playthrough as if it were untouched.
Not working to the extent I needed it to, I
can’t have the full clip play as Corey looks
up at the camera in one bit making the clip
unusable. Then, when I attempt finding an
end to the clip before that incident
happens, I can’t get the shot to sync with
the one below it. The heads jump into place making it obvious that there was a cut.
A cross fade transition has been trialled, but when watching it through the effect seems to glitch.
Doing it in different ways for every watch, I am not sure if that is the software itself, or it is
happening on film.
Removing it, further attempts will be made.
Zooming in on the
clips, I have set
them to focus
more on Martin
removing the
other two from
the frame
avoiding the slight
glitch issue. Only
thing now, is the
quality. Now that
the clip has been
zoomed in on,
they’re both a
little fuzzy.
I did have a go at finding the resolution edits but will leave that till later now as I need to finish
getting the sequence together.
21/3/23
Finally getting to the candles, most of my time has been spent finding the right audio. Adding the
clips to the sequence, I had found after too long of searching that I had removed the needed audio
from the microphone files. Going back and forth, I have managed to find it and it has now been
synced with the clips.

6. Got the preferred clips now, an issue with the first one is Conner breaking out of character. Thinking
about it now, it could work for the final cut with him failing to nip his finger. Although actually, the
needle has red on it preventing that from working. I could cut to where he is stabbing himself and
removes the needle but cutting from Corey complaining to the needle being handed to him, it feels
too sudden.
Wishing I had more time to carry on editing, unfortunately I have to leave where I am until
tomorrow or so.
22/3/23
Finding a solution to the unnecessary audio, that small section has been removed with the files
extended fill up the missing gap.
Knowing I am also needing to adjust the clip itself; another issue has been spotted.
You can see the red on the needle before Conner even pricks
himself. Going to try removing the first chunk of the clip, I worry
by doing this the video will then lose its momentum.
Trying it, the result isn’t as poor as I had thought. Now I am left
with the concern of Conner double stabbing himself to get the
nail varnish to mark his finger. It wouldn’t be as bad if we
couldn’t see the mark like the start of the video, but for the
second poke his finger turns towards to camera lens letting the
audience see there is no mark yet there is ‘blood’ on the prop.
After making the issue out to be bigger than it was, all I needed to do was cut to where the second
jab takes place without letting the audience know it was a second attempt. I guess I just liked the
build-up the longer shot resulted. Having to remove a good few seconds, it will have to do as is. And
with what is “as is”, is quite a good shot I believe.
For the bit where it is Marting turn to prick his finger, I am not going to bother trying to find and sync
up the microphone audio as it will be difficult due to not having the dialogue to search for. And since
there is no audio, sticking with what the camera had picked up fits well enough.
Having the clips ready for the chanting sequence, I will be adding in where they blow the candles out
quickly before I figure out how I want the scene to play out. And for that, I have to go through the
most recent audio as I am now done going through the recordings from the second day of filming.

7. Since I don’t have Conner’s audio and there isn’t really any dialogue if I am remembering correctly, I
might not even need to mess with the microphone files.
Editing where they blow the candles out now, I am having to combine two clips to turn it into one.
For the start of one, the quality is so clear on Conner but is ruined when panning to Corey, and it
doesn’t help with Corey messing up with the act. Whereas in the second chosen clip, the quality is
poor on Conner but there are no other issues.
Catching a quick jump, I have found the perfect frame to make it unnoticeable. Only thing I need to
do to perfect it, is zoom in slightly to adjust the second clip to remove the obvious switch in clip.
23/3/23
Reaching the last of the footage now, another reshoot is in need. Where the two candles re-light and
the third flickers, what would work better is leaving the third candle un-lit. It saves hassle and is
clearer to the audience that there is an issue as the flickering could be mistaken for the wind.
The camera movement is also quite rough, so I will be keeping the first part revealing Coreys light
but will start the filming from Martins and have the camera pan up then along to Conner.
Only having one more bit accessible to edit in now, before getting to that a transition effect has
been placed between Martin blowing out the candle and Coreys comment.
To help it look as though Corey
didn’t speak his dialogue straight
away, the darkness helps add to
illusion of the characters waiting for
the candles to re-light.
I had also chosen the dip to colour
effect as it fits with the character
blowing out the candle, as if the light from the candles had affected the camera lens.
Just realising, there isn’t any point in going over the remaining clips if I am wanting to change the
way it plays out. So that is me done until the next day of filming, which fingers crossed, should be
tomorrow.
16/4/23
As late as it is to continue editing, there has been too much going on recently. And what doesn’t
help is retrieving the last bits of audio only recently when I have also been trying to get filming
complete between working days. With a free full day today and tomorrow, I am aiming to get
everything done. If that works out, then even better.

8. With all of the
audio in place and
in sync now, I will
carry on piecing
the final scene
together rather
than pausing,
moving onto the
opening sequence
and returning.
Getting on with the editing, it has only took me half an hour or so to realise the audio is not in sync. I
have no idea how I didn’t realise, but it is a good thing I have now. I was getting worried as well as
there was chatting the in background of a few scenes and I was struggling to find certain bits as well.
Now to fix it.
Finding a twenty
second
difference, I am
now needing to
go back over what
has been
”synced” with the
footage. Luckily as
mentioned, I have
only gotten
through two clips
so far.
Unable to find the audio to the second version of the “scream” clip, now that the issue has been
resolved I can now include the mentioned clip and carry on.
Getting on with it, I have now reached another difficult point. Up to where Oliver is now finally
involved, the mics begin to get switched around giving extra audio files to work through. Surely it
won't be so much of an issue as long as I have everything together.
Sorting that out, there are instances where I am having to use the audio from the footage itself,
looking and sounding alright so far, I will be going back and “perfecting” it to the best of my abilities
once everything is pieced together.
Having to work backwards a bit now, I have gotten up to the scene we had to re-shoot due to no one
realising the audio recorder wasn’t in use for Corey. Getting the original clips and the updated ones, I
now have to go to the back of the audio file to find the exact dialogue.

9. Trying two versions of the
ghost revealing itself to
Corey, my options are to
keep shot of the ghost in
frame the whole time. Or I
could go with my original
idea of having the figure
disappear with the extra
shots taken. Wanting to go
with what works best, I will
give both a go.
Trying the shot where the
ghost vanishes, I like the
concept but can’t tell if it looks too choppy, or if that’s just me once again.
Shortening the two clips down to have them sync better with Corey looking up completely in the
first clip whereas he doesn’t look that far up in the second. Removing it so he is looking in the same
direction in both the result looks way better.
Leaving it as it was scripted, I am happy enough to move on.
On the section where Corey and Martin run off, I have decided to ignore the last of the audio files
and will be sticking with the camera audio for the last of it. That way we can hear what the camera
picks up rather than being able to hear the cast when they are in a far distance from the camera with
the dialogue continuing as if they are still right next to the camera.
And that is the third sequence
edited. Now the debate here, is
to go through and patch it up
now, or edit together the opening
scene just to have it edited... The
second option I am going to go
with, then it gives me a chance to
go back over what is already
edited with a fresh pair of eyes as
you do with a drawing.
To start off, as usual the audio
files have been stitched together
before anything else.

10. No idea how we didn’t catch this... but we’ve got a
mic on film.
Going straight to YouTube to see if there is
anything I can do about it, this video was found
providing three useful tips:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRDo8rt9g3Y
About to follow the first option with the effects,
turns out the effects needed are a part of the
subscription preventing me from using it.
Attempting the second method now, again I have been hit with the required subscription.
Becoming unnecessary now just to use the software, let's hope the third method works without any
sort of payment.
Figuring it out, it did start to work...
Until there was movement.
As a resort, I am on snipping between frames so I can go back over and remove the unwanted object
through every change in posture.
Struggling to make it look natural at the minute, I will be going through
every clip, going back and forth to adjust them till they look at least
semi-decent.

11. Happy enough with this, onto the next clip it is.
Yeahh... I am starting to doubt that this will work.
Not bothering with this method anymore, a new video
has been found giving tips on how to remove an object
that is in motion. Let's hope this is the one.
Finding it to be an extended tutorial on the third method,
I went ahead and followed it. Thinking I had gotten the
hang of it, the frames weren’t adjusting as I had thought.
With more to edit in, I will put a hold on the microphone issue for now and will return to it.
And that is all the
footage I have so
far edited in. I am
sure the middle
scene will be
completed
tomorrow, let's
just hope there
are no issues.
20/4/23
With nothing filmed as you will know from the production diary, I am going to go through and patch
up what I can with the opening and closing scenes.
For the shot revealing what is showing on the
screen panning slowly towards the lecturer, it
would have been best to get that with Emma
doing her dialogue so that way I could have kept
on going with the shot rather than the drastic cut
to the next bit.
Not wanting to remove either shot, a ’push’
transition has been added to see if that betters
the sequence.
Not really liking it still, I’ll figure it out soon
enough.
Putting a pause on the editing, there is something
I can go and film so that I am going to get done
now.
And I am back.
With an extra two shots now, that are more of just establishing shots, I will be adding them in now
before carrying on.
Working on the opening scene in anyways, the very first shot that is going to be is now being fitted
in.

12. Due to unwanted audio being amongst the clips, six seconds had been removed off of the second
clip’s audio and has replaced the track for the first clip so all you can hear is the wind.
Listening back a few more times, voices could still be heard so a snippet has been taken from one,
copied then pasted to take over as the full track for the shot.
Adding text to set the
scene more, there is a
debate on how I should
word this. Although it is
accurate, is specific the
best idea?
I do like the Sunderland
bit, establishing the city we’re in considering the location does change. But for the college title I am
not too sure.
Not big on the
repetition of
”Sunderland”.
Changing the title
option to have it
pop on and off screen in an
effect rather than the harsh
appearance and
disappearance.
Fitting the next sequence in
now, a few more adjustments
were made before I got back to where I had left off.

13. A few seconds of the
slideshow reveal was
cut down allowing the
dialogue to sync up
with the windy audio
from the clip prior.
With that, a cross
fade was placed on
top allowing a
smoother transition.
As well, a cross
dissolve was placed
between the two clips
giving a clearer transition.
As for the push transition, that has been removed and instead, the second clip had been zoomed in
on slightly allowing me to edit the clip, so it slides to the right following the movement of the clip
before that.
Wanting the
frame to focus on
the screen slightly
longer, a few
seconds had been
snipped,
duplicated and
placed together
with no disruption
of camera
movement.
With this, I am much happier with the result. Almost ready to move on, the only thing that is
bothering me slightly now is the fact I can’t add a transition for some reason to the first clip. I am
assuming that is due to the clip being too short but to that something will be sorted.
Adding a few more to push the dialogue seconds back, the very first snippet was extended allowing
me to place the cross-dissolve effect. Shortened back down, the clip had been placed giving what
was needed.
Making any adjustment that
I can, the audio was a big
one. For Emma’s files, the
audio was a lot quieter
compared to Conner’s and
Bens.
With the other two mics picking up the same as they do in the final scene, I assume the issue here
was due to their microphones being closer to their mouths, not really covered by anything. Whereas
with Emma she had hid her mic beneath her shirt.

14. So, to fix the issue, as of now Emma’s audio files have been turned up. Still needing to do something
about it, Conner’s and Ben’s dialogue are both clear. Where as there is a static sound in the
background of Emma’s. That and her dialogue sounds more autotune-y when the other files all
sound natural.
Messing around with the audio adjustments, I will have to come back to that when I have more time.
Before stopping, I listened again to the bell insert and don’t think it fits very well. So will either
adjust that more as well or go ahead and find a replacement. Unable to do it now though, the
editing will be continued as soon as possible.
24/4/23
Connecting the next shot
to where they walk out of
the class, an L-cut
transition has been created
having the walking
sequence begin before
they finish speaking in the
previous clip to give thee
sequence more of a kick
rather than the usual shot
to shot/scene to scene.
What is a bit annoying
now, is not being able to
sync up the next clip as I don’t have any of that sequence yet. Rather than moving straight onto the
final bit, I will go back over the opening scene till I am at a point where I am happy with it.
Focusing on the text to the establishing shot, the fonts are being played around with as I try to find
the most fitting one.
Going with the last one for now, the colours are being adjusted to see if that fits and helps the title
cards stand out better.

15. Definitely wanting to stick with the “Bebas Neue” San Serif Font, I am having a hard time going
through the colour options. Hence why now I am looking to see if I can put a border behind the text
to see if that works out for the best. I have attempted sizing up the text and adjusting the “tracking”
and line spacing. But I much prefer the placement as it is.
Using a solid block the same as I did plenty for my documentary project, one was placed behind the
text and edited to expand and disappear the same as the text
Struggling still with the colour options, I
have finally settled on the black and grey as
it stands out just enough with distracting
too much from the clip itself.
Moving onto the next sequence, my first
target is to fix the audio. Clueless on audio
editing, this tutorial is on being used
showing me how to remove unwanted background noise:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3T29hLPNVjM
What helps even more is the noise that they are on removing is the same muffle noise I am having
issues with. Only downside, after getting so far in I am starting to lose track of what I am supposed
to be doing and how to do it as when I press the icons same to the guy making the video, the
outcomes aren’t as similar as they should be causing me to want to try a new method. Even though,
when looking in the comments they all say how great the video is and that they struggled to find an
actual decent tutorial compared. So, I should continue to use it, but I have reached the point where I
am lost.
Using another video, they went with the same method used in the first tutorial watched. Trying it
out hoping maybe this time I’ll get it right, nope. Not sure how or why, but there just doesn’t seem
to be any difference when I am following the instructions made.
After finding a much simpler method with this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8oAJVE369g, the paid version is once again needed.
Struggling, to fix the audio issue, I have resolved to cutting out some of the gaps to remove where
there are only muffles. Going to have to add something over that, I will wait until the product alone
has been send over to the sound editor waiting on me before finding a backup track.
Also, getting to where the lecturer questions the students, time has been reduced by placing the

16. audio closer together with the camera not visually picking
up them getting questioned allowing me to play around a
bit.
And rather than the camera panning from the lecturer to
students as it originally was, the clips have been edited so
the first one of the lecturer has been zoomed in on
slightly allowing me to move the shot right to left quickly
giving a smoother transition rather than the long, slow
pan.
26/4/23
Not updating the diary yesterday, I did manage to get
more editing done patching up the first scene more. Clips
were extended and snipped, audio was adjusted to create
more l-cuts, shots were zoomed in on changing the
frame, transitions were swapped and finally the bell sound effect was switched to something more
fitting for the scene.
Not getting any further with the editing as of yet, filming has now finished so I am finally ready to
put together the middle scene. Only thing I am waiting on before I can truly make a start, is the
audio. Having two out of three, the third person has been asked for their audio file, it is just waiting
on them now.
1/4/23
Rather than going straight to re-filming, I have taken the audio and clips from the previous two
attempted shoots and will be syncing them up to try and go between for the editing of the scene
with it being a different person with the missing audio from each shoot.
And that is all of the clips linked.
Having the solution to go between the clips, another issue arises.

17. The difference in outfits.
My only option now, is to choose between the first set where Coreys audio is missing, or the second
set where Martins audio is gone.
My only real option is the first set, all the clips are there whereas the scene is cut short with the
second set. Luckily Corey can be heard as he is picked up slightly on Conner microphone, will just
have to deal with what I’ve got.
Before messing with frame adjustments as such, I will edit the clips, so they sync cutting out the long
pauses at the start and end of each shot.
As an attempt to
atleast be able to hear
Corey, I tried taking
his audio from the
second set and
placing it with the
first. Syncing up the
first shot as best as I
could, it may not look
perfect in the final cut
but it works from
what I can tell as of
now.
Going with that method for the next few clips, for one I did have to change it up a bit.
Due to the dialogue being different when comparing the clips, I am unable to use the audio from the
second set. And rather than moving on, Coreys lines were snipped from Conner’s audio file with the
volume increased. Not expecting this to work, I am pretty happy with the result of the shot.
With that, it might just be best to go back and have all of Coreys parts done this way. I will continue
first, get the last few bits sorted using this method and if I prefer it all the way I will go back and fix

18. it. For the first clip I know I won’t be able to turn the volume up though as a bus does interrupt the
shot.
Much happier
with the result, I
will go back
through, redo
most of the audio
before reframing
and stabilizing the
shots.
Comparing the
difference, I think for the
first half of the scene I
will stick with the first
method finding the audio
to be a lot clearer. Since I
do believe the audio
syncs up well with the
clip, there isn’t really any
point in changing it.
Going clip to clip now, I
have been patching up the frame placements. Realising just now I should probably be sorting the
stabilizing first.
Only getting halfway through the clips, I have gone back again to add the stabilize.
Although with the tool added, the clips are steadier, but they are now instead glitchy with the shot
warping in and out of blurriness.
Not zooming in as much for the first clip, the blurriness is slightly less noticeable but will have to do.
Getting onto the next few clips, there hasn’t been any more of that issue so must just be caused by
the movement of the camera.
Not bothering with the stabilizing for some clips, although they do need it, the tool seems to make
some of the clips worse with the blurriness to the point whilst rewatching one clip trying to fix it it
only hurt my eyes looking at it.
For those clips I am struggling with, the process is becoming frustrating. I even tried watching
another YouTube video to see if I was doing anything wrong, but no they gave the same instructions
that I had already proceeded with beforehand.
Getting to the last shot with the camera panning up to the sky before panning down in the following
clip, I was considering leaving it as is. But just having a look at the transitions to see if it adds
anything, there was two I found myself torn between. The simple ‘cross dissolve’, and the one I am
deciding to go with, ‘additive dissolve’.

19. With the additive transition, the screen brightens where the sun is found in the second clip creating
a smooth flash entrance and I quite like it.
Going over the whole product once again, this time I can edit the whole sequence clip by clip and
make any adjustments I can to better the film before releasing it and gathering opinions.
Returning to the first title card, the one used made the product feel more like a documentary.
Wanting to change that, I have trialled two more simple title cards.
First attempting the one placed at the bottom-middle of the screen, it works for the first few
seconds before the camera pans upwards causing disruption to the focus on the setting.
Trying the side one next, I do prefer it a lot more and will stick with that placement, the main thing I
do find to bother me now is the square block behind the text. It stands out too much for my liking, I
would prefer it to either blend slightly with the background more but still so you can read the text.
Either that or have a bold outlining behind the text so there isn’t really anything behind it.
Taking a duplicate of the text, it had
been placed behind the main text
with a darker colour with an
adjustment is size to help outline the
words. Although it does work, I still
don’t like it.
After adjusting the colours, font and
size, I am growing happier with the result. I think now all that puts me off, it the middle. The text

20. behind isn't creating the same impact
for every letter as it stands out at the
left on the left, right on the right. But
there is barely anything in the
middle.
Watching the playthrough though,
you can read it in time, it doesn’t
distract you too much from the clip itself, it belnds in but stands out at the same time, finding no
real issue I will leave it as is unless it is suggested by the watch party if people claim to not like it.
Getting through the first scene, transitions were swapped, stabilization was added to two clips and
frame placements were animated leaving me pleased to move on. Then getting onto the sequence
of the three heading out of college, I realised something that has made things a lot better.
Already having it in mind to add another L-cut between the overhead shot and the actually talking,
with the first line not exactly syncing with the clip at its best, I didn’t realise until now that line would
be adjusted to overlap the clip before it, removing the issue of it not syncing.
Shortening the clip down, the adjustment has been
made with the additional placement of the
stabilizer for that same clip.
Happy as well to remove some of the following clip
with the blotchiness, now to try sort it the best I
can.
Going through, I have
managed to make a few
subtle adjustments. But with
half of the shots at this
point, there isn’t really
anything I can do about the
messy camerawork.
Disliking the second scene a
lot, I do have to leave it as is
now and move onto
patching up the final
sequence.

21. And that is me, almost, done.
Rewatching whilst editing the third sequence, there is a lot I hate about the scene with some of the
clip jumps noticeable rushed. Extra dialogue would have helped a lot, but all of this I am able to learn
from for next time. Just a pain I can’t go back and re-shoot at this time. Doesn’t help as well I know
the bits I am finding trouble with are going to be brought up by those giving me their opinion on the
short. And although I am supposed to patch up what people like and dislike, it is almost as if there is
nothing I can do about it.
Going to write out the credits now, I will export it straight after ready to send over to the sound
people. Then coming back to make a second draft, I will place an uncopyrighted track over the
product, probably make a quick blooper reel to play with the credits or possibly even as a separate
product. And once that is exported, the short will be sent around to a few people with questions to
get their opinions.
New thing. To start off the short, I have redownloaded the kilbride production logo created for the
showreel, only with the showreel text removed.
And as a final update, I have exported the first draft being music-less completely. That draft has
been sent straight over to the freelance composer only having them now as the student had backed
out due to the delays.
I did end up re-exporting it to quickly remove one of the transitions at the start realising I didn’t like
it enough.
Besides from that being sent over now, I will have a look around on Pixabay for a track to go over the
logo at the start and a different, spookier track to play through the credits. Other than that, I need
something suspenseful for the ghost scenes and that is me done.
Not having anything original for the logo, I have considered using the showreel soundtrack just to
keep that familiarity. But when thinking about it, the track is too jumpy and doesn’t fit with the short
at all. So instead, a toned down, miscellaneous soundtrack will be the key theme.
Downloading one titled “Mysterious Horror intro” by ‘Stringer Bell’, I love the subtleness of it and
will be sticking with that to go alongside the logo.

22. Changing one thing as well,
the windy audio from the
walking sequence and been
copied and pasted over the
college establishing shot.
In the first draft, with two seconds of the audio being repeated basically, there was a noticeable
jumpy sound? Type thing? You will notice it in the first draft, but to cover that as said there, the
audio has now been replaced.
2/5/23
Just as a refreshment to know where I am up to with this project...
Having a few more days to get the last of it done, the first draft has now been sent over to the
voluntary music composer. Not sure how long he is going to take with it, but we have discussed
more about the sound with him already sending me a few examples playing over the clips, most I did
enjoy and do look forward to the final result he presents me with. The main thing we had to correct
was the end scene, unable to upload the video here unfortunately, but at the end of the film where
the ghost attacks, he had created a very techno track that sounded like it was made for an episode
of Doctor Who coming across alien-y. Luckily, we were able to improve on that and again, I look
forward to seeing what he comes up with.
Other than that now, I have duplicated the file to create a second draft, picking up from where I had
left off yesterday. With a fresh pair of eyes and ears this time, I am going back over the soundtracks
already placed to make sure I like them and improve any way I can.
Already, the opening sequence is on being replaced. Realising the Stringer Bell one didn’t fit as well
as I had originally thought, I had gone back to pixabay and tried the effect ‘Ambient #3’ produced by
‘GMBeat Official’. Thinking it would have been better, again it doesn’t fit well enough.
Another thing before I look for a new sound, looking back at yesterday's update I must have forgot
to mention the second audio file placed over the end sequence and credits. I’ll get back around to
that though one I am done with the opening sequence.
Coming across a new sound, ‘Logo Transparent’ by ‘Universfield’ is the keeper. Having no jingle, only
a smooth wind swipe type tune, I much prefer it and will be sticking with it.
Being a four second file, there is a small ‘ting’ where I want over a certain bit in the clip. So going
around that bit, I have managed to extend the file bringing more to the opening sequence.
So far, again clips have been adjusted, some reduced in duration others extended. The main change
made to this draft is the additional clip.

23. Adding only an extra ten seconds to the film, the candle’s relighting scene has been added onto. Not
liking how the shots seemed to skip to the next bit the same as most of the scenes do, by taking the
exact clip already placed, it was copied and reversed to show the camera panning down and back up
from the reveal of the candle being re-lit. Then to show more of Martins reaction, a clip capturing
the same scene was used to go from two of the cast members before moving onto the third.
The only thing here now is the difference between the two candle shots.
With the clips only seconds apart, the difference is annoyingly obvious, but it will have to do.
Adding a quick animation just now to have the prior scene slide to the right the same as the
following clip starts, it works more but the main off-putting thing now is the hand placement. In the
first clip, Martin rests his hand on his foot whereas in the next clip it is being used to cover the
candle.
Getting closer now to finishing up, I am at the music sequence near the end. Taking two sections out
of the track, one has been placed over Martin walking over to the ghost with the next bit playing
over the credits.
Needing something more suspenseful for the scene between that, a new track will be used.

24. Going through many many sound effects and tracks, it was difficult finding the most fitting files due
to most of the ones I did come across being too jingly in a way.
I believe I have gotten there with a mix of six additional sounds. I will rewatch the entire thing now
making sure I am as happy as I can be with the product.
Happy enough to call that my second draft, the product has now been exported ready to upload.
3/5/23
Going to go back over the product with fresh senses, this will be the final draft that will be sent
around for audience feedback unless the sound guy gets back to me any sooner. If not, the audio he
sends over will have to be added into the final outcome without the feedback.
And that is that done. The changes made involved a frame change, an increase and decrease in
duration for one or two clips, fade out sound effects were added to a few more audio files, and the
biggest change made was the addition of another clip. Adding to the set up of the ritual, a close-up
shot of the cast wiping their “blood” on the pound coins was placed making the sequnece a lot
better in my opinion. Even if the clip isn’t the cleanest.
And with that being it, I no longer need to update this diary and can finally move on!