Construction

this page includes:

Production Diary
Production Company Ident / Film Title
Film Opening
RAW Footage
Rushes Log
Editing Process
Rough Cuts
Audience Feedback

Production Diary

During the first filming of our project, we encountered a challenge with the green screen setup. As we did not have access to a professional green screen, we improvised by using a painted pale green wallpaper instead. This allowed us to create the desired chroma key effect during the editing process. Ms Emma Goldie, the actress, seamlessly adapted to the new setup, and we used an iPad as a prompter for her to read the script. Additionally, we were fortunate to receive assistance from our classmate Woo Bin, who graciously helped our group by operating the clapperboard. Their contributions and cooperation were invaluable in ensuring the smooth progress of our production.

Filming Day - Scene 1: 31st of May

During the second filming of our project, we encountered several challenges and had to make adjustments to our original storyboard. In Scene 2 Shots 1 to 3, the camera was supposed to move along with the actors as they walked forward. However, lacking a professional wheeled cart for a camera dolly, we had to find alternative solutions. We decided to take two shots for these scenes - one with the camera handheld, moving together with the actors, and another with the camera mounted on a tripod to capture the actors while they moved forward.

Unfortunately, in Scene 2 Shot 4, we were unable to capture the desired angle due to limitations on the filming platform. As a result, we decided to change the shot to a medium shot of Phuong waving and an extremely long shot of Thuy waving back.

Filming Day - Scene 2 ~ Scene 4: 2nd of June

To adapt to the changes made earlier, Scene 2 Shot 6 was adjusted accordingly. Additionally, Scene 3 Shot 7, which required a smooth handheld 180-degree shot, proved to be challenging. As a result, we decided to remove that shot from the final film. Similarly, Scene 3 Shot 8 was modified to have Phuong's back facing the camera, aligning with the previous changes.

Due to time constraints and location limitations, Scene 3 Shots 11 to 15 had to be removed from the final film. We also felt it would be more logical for Thuy, rather than Phuong, to kick the ball toward the memorial placed along the fence. In Scene 4 Shot 7, the enclosed space in front of our actor restricted us from capturing any medium to long shots. Therefore, we adjusted the shot to a close-up.

First Draft - Ye Eun edit: 2nd of June

First Draft - Tri Nhan sound: 2nd of June

Throughout the production, we faced challenges related to weather conditions. The hot weather made filming physically demanding for the cast and crew. Moreover, the intense sunlight caused issues such as actors squinting their eyes, leading to retakes of some shots. In certain instances, the lighting conditions resulted in washed-out shots due to high exposure.Despite these challenges, our team remained resilient and adaptable, making the necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible outcome for our film.

I designed the news channel logo and created news headlines for the scene. To meet the desired length, I cut unnecessary footage from the film's opening. Removing the background for the news report scene was challenging due to the uneven green background. Color grading the whitewashed clips C0120 and C0130 was particularly tough, requiring careful adjustments. Despite the difficulties, I persevered and contributed to the overall quality of the film's opening.

Tri Nhan extracted and edited the audio recorded by wireless microphones, removing unnecessary sounds like background noise and conversations. Cutting certain sounds was challenging due to Minh Chau's voice being present in some shots. Finding suitable sound effects for the different shots proved difficult, resulting in a lack of sound effects in the first draft. Adjustments should be made in subsequent revisions to enhance the overall audio experience.

I performed additional color grading to adjust brightness and exposure levels. This improved the overall look of the film. In the news scene, I made significant changes by redesigning the channel logo and the news headline, adding a different background, and removing more green backgrounds. These enhancements elevated the scene, creating a more visually appealing and professional result.

Second Draft - Ye Eun edit: 3rd of June

Second Draft - Tri Nhan sound: 3rd of June

Tri Nhan added sound effects to the film, particularly in scenes where tension needed to be built. The sound effects worked well and were highly effective in creating jump scare shots.

I moved the news anchor to the center from 00:27 to 00:30, improving the composition but breaking the continuity with the previous version. Secondly, I adjusted the image sizes in the news report scene to fill the entire screen, creating a more immersive experience. I also applied a significant color grading change, focusing on high contrast, reduced whiteness, and increased warmth to maintain consistent brightness levels and establish a haunting atmosphere. Lastly, I scaled the final part of the film opening when Thuy says "I need help," enhancing tension. These modifications aimed to improve continuity, visuals, and storytelling in our film.

Third draft - Ye Eun edit: 4th of June

Tri Nhan addressed sound-related issues in the film. He deleted overly loud sound effects, ensuring a more balanced audio experience. Additionally, he added appropriate sound effects and music that better suited the film's opening. To enhance clarity, he replaced the audio with recordings from the wireless microphones. Tri Nhan also extracted ambient sound from a specific scene and applied it throughout the film opening to maintain consistent volume levels. Removing disturbing background noise during the final shot proved to be a challenging task.

Third draft - Tri Nhan sound: 4th of June

Fourth draft - Ye Eun edit: 5th of June

I focused on improving the news scene based on audience feedback. One of the key changes I made was removing all distracting green backgrounds, ensuring a clean and professional look. Additionally, I took into account the feedback about the timing of the title and ident, making necessary edits to create a more natural and seamless flow.

Fourth Draft- Tri Nhan sound: 5th of June

To maintain consistency, Tri Nhan re-recorded the news reporter line, as the gender of the character Thuy had changed. This ensured that the anchor referred to Thuy using the correct pronouns. Additionally, I fixed the last line spoken by Thuy by using the Denoise effect and increasing the audio levels, eliminating any distracting background noise.

Final FIlm Opening - Ye Eun edit: 19th of June

I made various edits to address feedback and improve the film's overall quality. Firstly, I deleted 10 seconds from the news report scene to eliminate unnecessary information. Additionally, I used fade-in and out effects to create smoother transitions in certain shots, as suggested by the teacher. Lastly, I made minor adjustments by deleting a few milliseconds in dialogue scenes to improve timing.

Tri Nhan maintained the ticking sound from “1 week later” until Phuong’s first dialogue. The music for the title has been changed to make it more fit to the theme and genre.

Final Film Opening - Tri Nhan sound: 19th of June

Production company Ident / Film title

Ident

First Draft

Too simple.
Not visually appealing.

Second Draft

Even though the ident does not have to match the theme of the film, this ident has too vivid red which makes our production company look like we produce violent films.
The animation of the ident is good.

Third Draft

The smoke effect in the letters is good.
But white is too common and has no unique point in our ident.

Final

The warm gray color is good and symbolizes our crew.
The smooth animation and transition of the ident increases the quality.

Timelapse of Tri Nhan making the Ident.

Title

First Draft

Does not suit our film theme and genre.
Too simple.

Second Draft

The red color does not suit our film theme and genre.

Third Draft

The river image does not match the narrative and theme of our film.

Final

The green river links to the narrative as our narrative includes deaths in the river.
The green matches the setting of the film, as it is murky.

Timelapse of Minh Chau making the Title.

Film Opening

BTS and Time Lapse

RAW Footage

Rushes Log

Editing Process

First Draft Editing (excluding sound editing)

Ye Eun

First Draft Sound Editing

Tri Nhan

Second Draft Editing (excluding sound editing)

Ye Eun

Second Draft Sound Editing

Tri Nhan

Third Draft Editing (excluding sound editing)

Ye Eun

Third Sound Editing

Tri Nhan

Fourth Draft Editing (excluding sound editing)

Ye Eun

Fourth Sound Editing

Tri Nhan

Final (excluding sound editing)

Ye Eun

Final Sound Editing

Tri Nhan

Rough Cuts

First Draft

Second Draft

Third Draft

Fourth Draft

Audience Feedback

Our crew screened the third draft of our film opening to 7 students in our school, including 3 14 year olds, 2 16year olds, and 2 17year old students. The feedback overall was very positive, however, we received negative feedback on sounds. They commented on the lack of sound effects and some dialogues that are hard to hear.

After receiving this feedback, I finalized our film opening by slowing the ident, and Tri Nhan added more sound effects and enhanced the quality of a few dialogues that were unclear to hear.