Editing the Commercial

 Today in my AICE Media Studies class, I was not able to edit my commercial. When I came into class today the teacher told the class that there was an issue with the computers. The editing software we were supposed to use, Pinnacle Studio, wasn’t working on the majority of the computers in the classroom. Due to this, the entire class is behind on editing. However, the teacher also informed us that the class would be getting new laptops to replace the older ones that were having issues. This will be really helpful so I can start the editing process with my team. For now, while we wait for the laptops, we are doing smaller assignments. I also made the decision to start on a plan for editing so we are ready when we get the laptops. This will ensure that we do not fall behind and finish editing reasonably quickly.

 While we may not have been able to edit during this class, we did edit quite a bit last class. Last class we finished our filming with a good amount of class left. We then went back to class and dumped the rest of our footage onto the computers. Since the computers were working at the time, we were able to dump our footage. We decided to put the footage on a flash drive as well so we had access to it incase anything happened during editing. Pinnacle Studio was also working, so we began the editing process. I then opened Pinnacle Studio to move the footage onto the editing software. Importing was not very difficult and didn’t take a long time. I then looked at the different features that we could use on Pinnacle Studio to edit. We soon started doing some editing. One of the first things we did was ask our teacher to help teach us to use a split screen. We had decided early on to have a split screen in one of our shots but we were not quite sure how to edit the footage to make a split screen. The teacher sat down with us and showed us in detail how to make a split screen. It was actually reasonably easy to do a split screen. Just as we were finishing the split screen, the computer began to have issues. We had to shut the computer down due to the issue and class soon ended.

 Since we were not able to edit we instead worked on a plan for our editing process. We discussed different elements we wanted to include in the commercial. We figured out what transitions we wanted to use and the types lighting and sound we were going to use to. We spent a while discussing the music that would be in the background during the commercial. We planned out the order of the footage and what order we planned to edit the footage in. Due to this we will be able to edit immediately when we get the laptops and won’t have to worry about these things. Overall the issues with the current computers were both positive and negative. While we weren’t able to edit because of the issue, it gave us time to plan out the editing process which will be beneficial for when we begin editing. The plan will make sure we stay on task and finish the editing process effectively and quickly.

Filming the Commercial

 Today in my AICE Media Studies class my group and I started filming our commercial. We had already planned out where we were going to film and the order in which we were filming each shot while making our storyboard. This made it a lot easier when we started because we knew where to begin and which shots to do first. This ensured that we didn’t waste any time and didn’t forget any shots. I first went to my class and signed out a camera and tripod to use for filming. Then Leila and I went to go change into our costumes since we are the actors. Meanwhile, the rest of our group went down to the track to set up for filming. My role in the filming process consisted of being a co-director and an actor. The filming process was quite enjoyable for the most part. There were a few times that other people on the track would walk into the shot or talk to loudly during the voiceovers so we would have to redo the shots. However, filming was still pretty fun overall.

 On the first day of filming, I signed out a camera and tripod before checking to make sure the camera was fully charged. Then I helped make sure our group had everything we needed to bring to the track so we wouldn’t have to return to the classroom for anything. Once we were ready I went and changed into my costume for filming. Once ready I walked down to the track to meet up with my group who had gone ahead to start setting up. Then the filming process started. Since we had decided to film the shots in order of our commercials sequence of events, we started with the establishing shots and worked our way down the list. I also suggested that we should save the voiceovers till the end just incase we ran out of time to film. Along with being one of the actors, I helped co-direct the filming. This was really helpful because I could give my opinion on certain ideas and help the director. Since we were able to film all our shots before class ended, we decided to head back to class and dump our footage onto a computer to begin looking over the footage.

 On the second day of filming, I suggested that we check to make sure all the shots were good. We had noticed that a large portion of our shots hadn’t actually filmed or needed to be redone. Therefore, we had to retake the shots. After planning out the shots we had to redo, I checked out a camera and tripod and we headed down to the track to film. Once there we noticed that it was a lot less crowded which made filming much easier since people weren’t walking in and out of frame in the background. I still had the same roles as before and we quickly got to filming. I made sure we had ample footage before we went back to the classroom when we had finished filming.  The filming was a lot more fun that day since we had less to film and didn’t have to worry about other people so it went by much faster. Once back in class, we dumped the new footage onto a computer and checked all the footage. All in all, filming our commercial was very fun and a great experience where I learned a lot about just how much work goes into something as simple as a commercial.

Storyboard

Today in AICE Media Studies, my group and I planned our storyboard for our commercial. While three people were planning the storyboard, Leila was typing the blog. Story boarding was a fun, but tedious process. My group and I met before to brainstorm a general plan for the commercial. We decided to storyboard a commercial that focus on track and field athletes and Gatorade. Also, we made a storyboard for our backup plan of a soccer and tennis commercial. The following conventions will be used in the Gatorade commercial of track and field athletes:

Camera Angles:
High Angle
Low Angle
Eye Level

Camera Shots:
Established Shots
Wide Shot
Long Shot
Medium Shot
Medium Close Up
Two-Shot
Close Up

Camera Movements:
Pan
Tilt
Zoom

Sound:
Ambient Sound
Voice Over
Diegetic Sounds
Non-Diegetic Sound

Editing/Transitions:
Split Screen
Action Match
Eye-Line Match
Insert/Cutaway
Jump Cut
Montage

Editing Lesson

 Today in my AICE Media Studies class we learned about how to use our cameras for filming and how to edit our footage. We first learned how to use a Cannon camera and how to attach it to a tripod. We also learned exactly how to set up a tripod so it is stable and at the height we need it at to film. As well as, how to allow movement on the tripod to film a pan or tilt. Additionally, we learned how to “dump” footage onto a computer from a camera. To do this we put the SD card in the computer and a file should pop up. Then we go to DCIM to view the footage on the SD card. From there, we highlight the clips and drag them to a folder that we made for the commercial, before ejecting the SD card. Then click on the software platform, Pinnacle Studio, which is where the footage will be edited.

 Once on Pinnacle Studio, we go to import and click on the plus sign next to desktop. We then find our folder and the footage should be inside. We press “start import” and move the raw footage, unedited footage to AV track 2. There should be three tracks listed 1-3; the first is for titles, the second is for footage, and the third is for music. After the clips load, the play bar can be used to view parts of each clip as well as to cut unwanted footage. To cut footage we move the play bar to before the unwanted footage and then click on the razor blade icon to split the clip. To reverse anything that has been done we can use the back button or go to file and then undo. Next, we open the effects editor where we can add effects and transitions. To detach sound we simply can press track, right click and then detached audio. Then transfer audio to track and delete the audio. We can also press mute to remove sound for the entire track.

 To add titles to the commercial, we go into editing and press “t”, which will then add a text box where we can type, change fonts, change colors, etc. Next press “Okay” and let it load before moving it to AV track 1. After letting it load again, we can hit double click to edit and use motion. Go to file, save, and same it to your folder so it can be edited later. To turn the commercial in press “export”, then “NPEG4”. Once done with that, select preset SD-S quality, then start the export. We also learned about rendering, which is when all the aspects come together to make a smooth product. Overall, the information that we learned today is incredibly useful and important.

Planning blog for Gatorade commercial

Today in AICE Media Studies my group and I planned out our commercial. Together we decided important things such as where we will film the commercial, as well as, the props and costumes needed for our commercial. We also made a schedule to organize the dates of when we will do each step in making our commercial. While we were deciding our locations for filming we came to the conclusion that it would be best to make a backup plan, since we only have one day to film. We also established each of our roles in the filming process so we would be more prepared to film. We concluded on Leila and myself doing the acting while Hannah and Hailey did any necessary voiceovers and filmed the shots. We finished our plan for the commercial but it is possible that minor things may change as we continue.

Props:

Since my group and I decided to produce a Gatorade commercial, our main prop is a Gatorade drink. Other props we will include are a soccer ball, tennis racket and tennis balls.

Costumes:

In our commercial, we will have two of our group members as the subject. Our actors would wear athletic clothes. They would either wear athletic shorts or athletic leggings with light color tank top or a cotton t-shirt. They would also wear running shoes or tennis shoes. We might have our actors wear sweat bands or headbands to keep their hair out of their face. If we could not obtain sweat bands or headbands, our actors would wear their hair in a ponytail.

Schedule: 

On 10/8/19, our group researches conventions and codes of sports drink commercials.

On 10/11/19, our group establishes the props, costumes, schedule, location list, and backup plan.

On 10/15/19, our group will create the storyboard for the 30 seconds commercial.

On 10/22/19, our group will film and record the necessary shots for our commercial.

On 10/24/19, our group will edit and add the final touches to the commercial.

Location List:

Our main location is the track field. At the track field, we will film our two actors before, during and after running the track. This would help emphasize the need of Gatorade to have energy at practice. Also, we would film our two actors kicking a soccer ball or doing soccer drills.

Our second location is the stairwell in front of the media center. At this location, we will film our two actors playing basketball and hitting a tennis ball against the wall. This would help us show athletes from different sports can gain energy from Gatorade.

Backup Plan:

If the weather is not good or preferable, then our location will be the area by the stairwell closest to building 5 or the grass area between the auditorium and building 5. We would quickly film our actors passing a soccer ball. If one of our members are absent, then one of the actors would take over the position of camerawoman.

Research Blogs: Commercial Conventions

Today in AICE Media Studies, we were assigned to produce a commercial of a product of a popular brand or a PSA about vaping prevention. My group and I decided to produce a commercial about Gatorade because we found it was easiest to do on our school's campus. There are four people in the group: Hannah, Emma, Leila and Hailey.

In Gatorade commercials, the elements of the commercial usually create a dramatic and serious tone. Most of the subjects in the commercials are wearing sports uniforms. For example, track athletes usually wear shorts, tank tops, and sweat bands on their head and around their arms. Most of the time, the commercial would film an exhausted athlete. This would emphasize the importance and the effects of the product. The establishing shot would usually establish the location of the practice. For example, they would have the establishing shot at a track field for a track athlete. Also,  sports commercials would consists of long shots and medium close ups to emphasize the athletes' actions.

The lighting in sports commercials is usually harsh, bright stage light of an athlete.This helps develop a serious tone because it makes the commercial more dramatic. The lighting design produces more shadows to make the product more appealing on screen. The color design of the commercials usually consists of dull colors with a pop of brighter colors such as reds, oranges, blues i.e., to emphasize the the product.

The sound in sports commercials is usually a voice-over expressing the feelings of the athletes. Diegetic sounds and ambient sounds are usually louder than they would normally be. For example, walking/running, the sounds of breathing, and the sound of someone drinking. In the commercials, dialogue is usually muffled but is still present. Sometimes there is an influencer giving a motivating speech or there are sounds of sport crowds in the background.

This is an example of the all the elements used in a sports commercial.

Introductory

 Hello! My name is Emma and I am currently in tenth grade at a high school in Florida. I am in the Cambridge AICE Magnet Program. I am taking three AICE classes this year: AICE European History, AICE English, and AICE Media Studies. This blog is for my AICE Media Studies class. Currently, I am also taking Calculus Honors, French 2, Chemistry Honors, and Theatre Honors. I enjoy all my classes, and make sure to balance more difficult classes with classes such as Theatre. I am also in after school clubs which include Surfrider club and Interact club. I enjoy taking part in clubs and organizations which help with worldwide issues and more specifically issues involving the ocean and environment.

 When I am not busy with school I enjoy reading and Mixed Martial Arts. I really love fantasy books and like being able to step away from the real world to be swept into a world created in a book. I also love to do Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) which I have done for around 7 years. Not only does it teach me self defense but it also helps with things like confidence, patience, and discipline. It is extremely  fun and helps me relax and takes away stress. When I am not doing these things I spend a lot of time volunteering as I enjoy helping others. As I said before, I am very passionate in protecting and preserving the environment which is why I take part in events such as beach cleanups and work with organizations like Oceana and 1000 Mermaids. Both these organizations work to protect reefs and wildlife in our oceans. I am currently working on getting my divers license to help plant corals on artificial reefs that have been made by 1000 Mermaids.

 After school and in my free time, I really enjoy hanging out with my close group of friends. We do everything from going to concerts to just hanging out and baking together. I love to travel and explore which is why I am extremely excited for winter break when I’ll be going to South Africa to visit family. I’m really excited to continue with this blog and for what is to come in the school year. Thank you for taking the time to read my first post and I hope to post more during the school year. Until I post again, have a terrific day!