Cuts & Transitions

Cuts & Transitions

It's very essential for a film maker to know where to add a cut & transitions. in between of the shots, for going to a next situation or scene. Every film director ensures adding a cut, and transition at the right place in the right time in the story, A cut & transition has it's own significance, and helps adding texture to your film. A cut whereas is also a part of the transition. During the shoot, or even in the pre-production stage where you write your screenplay the writer, and director makes sure that the pace of the story goes more interesting, and when to make your audience feel more curious as well, and enthrall them. As our cinema has developed, with different film making styles, various cuts & transitions had evoked with time as well. Putting a cut & Transition arbitrarily without knowing what's the meaning will make it futile. From different shots we add different cuts & transitions which makes a proper scene for a sequence, for the film to be complete. There are various kinds of cuts & transitions in a film. The most common type of transition is a cut, where one shot instantly replaces another shot showing a different scene, and also a common way to join two shots together as well. Cutting on Action is where the cut is added in between the action of the character, for example when the character is walking, or stunts is performed as well, etc. Then moving on to the next one is another common type of transitions that is the Fade in and Fade Out, in which Fade Out shows a black screen, and usually is used to conclude the ending of a film, whereas Fade In is just the opposite where it gives way to the pictures, and usually used in the beginning of the films, and also fades are used to imply on the major and intense scene. A dissolve where as is the overlapping of one shot to another, one,with disappearance of one shot, and the next shot applying on it. There is Cut Away, which is added in between of the on going situation, for example if you are showing your character something, the shot of your character's dialogues and a cut away is added in between to show the audience what are you talking about, it's also used to get into the head of your character as well, like an abrupt memory. Cross cut is another transition which is added in between two different locations, for example a phone conversation. It also helps increasing the curiosity of what will happen next, also showing what's in the mind of your character. Jump cut is another kind of transition which happens to show time transition for example, and are cuts between the same shot. Like a scene of a line in a bank decreasing, it also adds urgency in the scenes as well. Match cut is an artistic type of cut which helps matching one shot at one place with another shot as well. For example if your character is throwing an object, and in just the next scene the object matches something else. It's also between two different objects, compositions also, it also helps in time lapse.  Smash cuts are abrupt transitions, such as waking up from a nightmare, and also are uninvited as well. An iris is a stylistic transition, and is old fashioned as well, where the screen just circles one part of the subject with the rest in black. They are also mostly found in cartoon for example Bugs Bunny. There is also Wipe in which the transition pushes the shot away from the frame, with the next one appearing on screen, which is a contrast from one scene to another. Invisible cuts are like hidden cuts, for example if the candle blows out from a scene, and the character lights it once again. The L - cut hence is for the audio basically where your audio from one shots moves from the next shot.  J - cut is where used when the audio of the next scene come before in the present shot, for the audience hear in the audience's point of view. 

So hence, these are the different kinds of cuts & transitions used in a film with it's own significance, and artistic representation as well.

Importance of Recce

Importance of Recce

A film is shot in different kind of locations which can be indoor, or outdoor, in a greenroom, or in any real location. But during the pre production stage it's very essential for finding an appropriate place for shooting the film, and make it possible for the director's vision to come in reality. So for this particular stage 'Recce' is taken place. We have already spoken about the Location Manager who is en-charge of the responsibility for the location to be arranged before the date of the shoot, and during the 'Recce', a director, producer, production designer, cinematographer, and the location manager visits the specific location to see how will it support the film's scene. A recce is done for visual observation, and to also especially to point of potential problems which can occur during the shoot. Now for shooting in a location which is out of our control (outdoor), it's very vital to make sure that the place chosen for shooting the film won't over rule and come in between the shoot as a distraction. There are various potential problems which can occur such as, the weather conditions, the external distractions, like for example if there is a construction being taken place, the noise can distract your shoot, the electricity problems, such as if your shooting in a village how often there will be electricity problems, as your equipment's need to be charged, and generators can later be arranged, and many more. Shooting outdoor is tough, and a challenge as well because mother nature is unaware of the importance and money of the film. A recce is also done according to the film's budget. If it is selected, then only the Location Manager arranges it according to the schedule of the film. A production designer ensures that if sets need to be made for example, how spacious the area is, and every detail is checked such as the measurement of the ground, the space available in the area, and so on. Whereas on the other hand the director, and the cinematographer looks at the location for showing how the shots will be translated on screen, with the director deciding if he/she is satisfied or not with the area.
Looking at the lighting availability, the facilities, and overall aesthetics the location will be selected as well. Basically the examination of what can effect your particular location is known as 'Risk Assessment'. So during the recce the Risk assessment is also taken place.   Hence, Recce is an essential part of the pre production stage, and can help in a way to save your time, money, and have a perfect location for the film scene to enhance as well.

Choosing a Perfect Ending

Choosing a Perfect Ending

When an idea comes into the mind, you form it into a story with a proper narrative structure, and try your best for making your audience perceive what you want them to. We all know that a film's story with the other aspects is the soul of the film. The beginning of the film only itself should built up the curiosity for the audience that they are forced to sit onto the seats to know what will happen next. Every film director makes the film with their own creative and artistic representation, with what they find will be the best for the audience. But it's also essential at the very same time that the audience will feel it was worth sitting for a certain time period. The impact of the film is also mostly created by the ending, as the audience will have get the solution of the dramatic premise which was being created, and also the film should leave the audience as the director wanted the audience to leave the hall. The movies which have sequels connected to the first part will have the pressure to choose a perfect ending. Without the ending being impactful, and also amusing the audience will somewhere fail the film, and the viewer's will feel a bit disappointed as well. As a film maker you are taking your audience to another world, and making them believe that what is happening in front of them is real, so it's very essential for it to end the way the film was moving, not just abruptly. Most of the films with perfect ending left us scandalized, such like Kahaani. An audience enjoys the film more when their predictions go wrong till the end. And sometimes some endings are very simple and unique, so here the execution of the particular last sequence plays a vital role to be unique. 

It's important to remember that more interesting the story, with nearly perfect execution, including the background score, cinematography, editing, etc. the better the ending. The audience will be laborious for the ending of the film being perfect, and remember a film is incomplete without a perfect ending as well. 

My Short Film (college project)

Everyone has the right to live their life how they wish, even 'widows', who is kept away from the socitey, living a pale life, and forgot to live in the world of colors.

Now it's their 'HAQ' to live.

This is a film dedicated to them. Hope you all will enjoy.:)

We made, and had edited this film in 4 hours for our college project. There is no cut in between, and we made a Mise en scene.

Starring: Aakriti Bansal Narrated By: Vishal Vashisthl Vashisth Cinematography By: Anuj Malviya Edited By: Lakshay Anand Written & Directed By: Akanksha Sondhi

Please like, and Share.

For the link: Haq - Everyone has the right

Importance of an Art Director

Importance of an Art Director

A director gives his/her vision to the team, where the actor/actresses contributes their part in portraying the role of the character, the cinematographer executes by shooting the scene the way the mood, and the ambiance is with the help of the lighting, and so on. But what about the Art Director? The Art Director's contribution is also one of the most essential for the film, as the look of the movie is depended mostly upon them. According to the genre, and the story the set up will take place. For example if the story revolves around the century before we live in currently has a lot of research work, and also according to the Art director's talent the set will be built up as well. If the story takes place in future, that is the century after us, then the imagination of the Art director should contribute a lot with the director's vision. Basically the Art Director helps giving life to the visual ambiance, and look of the film from the director's vision. In my point of view, the art director is the one who mostly should intake what the imagination in the director's mind, and also give quality to the particular story. The audience also will enjoy the film more if it is visually appealing, as the film at the end of the day is seen, and heard by the audience. It's very important for giving the eyes of the audience a view which helps them get involved more in the story. It's but obvious that more beautiful the set up, and if I mean beautiful it is related to all kinds of genre, the better the shot will look in the frame of the camera, giving the scene a stunning look as well. One very vital point to remember that the job of the Art director is vast as well. The art director works across various departments such as the Location Manager, where he/she will recommend a location according to the particular scene, then also look at the Floor Plan if the arrangement is planned perfectly. The backbone of the storyboard is also the Art director. 

Being an Art director is not an easy job as you have to be creative, as well as technical at the same time. Research is very important for the art director to prepare the setting also. The characters will also have an alluring look because of the help of the background being set up. 

The budget is one of the main factor in art direction which is to be considered as according the what the producer has input in the film the sets, and locations will be set.

Mise En Scene

Mise En Scene

Everything appearing in front of the frame from elements such as props, set up, costumes, acting, as well as lighting, actors, etc. is a Mise en scene. A film is made up of different shots, and is sequenced later on according to the scenes, in the editing stage, and a film is made up by different Mise en scenes as well. Each aspect of a Mise en scene has a hidden meaning within a film. It's very essential for a film maker to understand the film space which will make the scene look more organizing and appealing after all the elements in the frame are arranged, and visually looks appealing as well. There are many elements in a Mise en scene. The first one is the Set up, which is related to the setting of your scene, and every element has a role and objective which is why it is placed in front of the camera, and in the scene as well. It also helps making the scene look visually appealing for the audience. This particular element also helps in establishing the setting of the scene that is where currently the story is moving. The Art director should ensure that the Setting of the scene is also done according to the director. Moving on to the next element is the costume which helps describing which time the story is based on, and also enhances the look of the character. In a Mise en scene the costume is also used as a prop and for a purpose in the narration in the film.  Lighting which is the next element of a Mise en scene is very essential as well as it also is used to convey the mood, and ambiance of the scene. It also helps in highlighting important objects or characters within the frame. Without lighting are frame will look flat, so this as well helps enhances the visual look of the film. Lighting are also best used in evoking the emotions, and reflecting the mental state of our character. The next element is the Acting of our actor/actress, as in how he/she portrays the character which is given to them. It's also very essential for this to be successful, as hence the story is moved on by the actors/actress's acting as well. This also is related to the element Body Language where the personality of your character also with feelings are conveyed, and cleared for the audience. Then comes the most important element which is the positing of the frame related to film space, where all the elements are positioned perfectly helping the frame to look arranged, as well as appealing. The characters/objects are positioned with an objective as well with significance in order to convey a meaning. 

A Mise en scene also establishes how different elements can work together, and make a scene look perfect helping the film to become a success. 

Choosing the Perfect Cast

Choosing the perfect cast

This stage is one of the most essential and critical as choosing the perfect cast for your film brings your story to live, and mostly your characters which you have created as well. Whenever as a film maker you plan to make your film after writing the story you imagine how your characters will be with their characterization as well. After stepping out of the imaginary world, into the real world as a film maker you start hunting for the perfect cast to suit the role of the character. A films story is enhanced by the cast and the acting as well. It's very difficult but at the same time worth it for being patient during this task. Some film makers choose new comers for giving fresh look on screen, and some chooses superstars as there film's name can be spread out on a wider range. But at the end of the day the actor's acting, and characterization suits a lot. The story is told through them only, and emotions evoked also by the help of the cast. With the help of the perfect casting your audience grasps the story, and as well as believes whatever is happening on screen is in reality. There might be phases where you just have one actor/actress in mind to cast, but unfortunately they do not agree for playing the role in the film, you must be pre planned and have options as well. Even there are casts which you might have a feeling that they won't be able to play the character, and it will go just the opposite as well.An actor/actress takes your audience to the other world through their talent, and also as a director you should make sure that they get into the character, and perform their role in a realistic manner.

It's very vital for a director to be satisfied with his or her cast chosen for the film. The film look look appealing, real, and as well as perfect on screen because of the cast. At the end of the day they take the film ahead.

Recognizing yourself as a Film maker

Recognizing yourself as a Film maker

Deciding to become a film maker, and portray your talent on screen is one thing, and Recognizing yourself as a Film Maker is another. After entering this field, and especially learning about film making during this journey you understand that where as a film maker you actually can fit in. For some people it is decided just before entering the field, and for the others it may happen when they are either during the journey of film making, and learning about it, or can experiment with different styles, and techniques later on recognizing themselves as a film maker. Every Film maker has a unique talent, and visualization which is executed on screen. Now, the word 'Unique' can be related to the story chosen for making a film, or the treatment, and execution, even the way of using the technical aspects of film making, and so on. Mostly every film maker in the industry is known because of the kind of genre they use in the film with the story picked up to make a movie, some film makers can make films on different genres, but mostly every film maker is known just for a particular genre or story used with the treatment and execution. Anyone can choose a common event or incidence but portraying the same incidence will surely be done in a different manner by different film makers with their own style of film making. A simple and common topic can be chosen and the treatment of the film will be different, which will then become successful, and this can be done by a witty director with their own styles of making a film. There are many directors in our film industry who has a style of film making because of which his/her identity is created. It same with the actors/actresses, that sometimes if they have portrayed a character with the genre romance, most of the time different directors having the same genre will take that particular actors/actresses, and it may become stereotype as well. But at the end as a film maker you have recognized yourself, and your work. Experimentation is no harm, but in most cases if film makers try to go out of their box creating something else it hardly becomes a success. Every story of a director will be different but the kind of 

lighting, characters, location, treatment will be somewhere similar as well. 

It's very essential to know at a certain point of time that what kind of films you make and what is different in your execution of the film than others. Because walking in facts will help you keep your foot on ground looking into the reality, and in the film industry you have to have your own identity by recognizing yourself as a film maker.

Floor Plan - A guide for shooting

Floor Plan - A guide for shooting

During the pre-production as a film maker you go through a lot of stages from the screenplay writing to the script breakdown, then the storyboarding, etc. There is also a very essential stage which needs to be covered that is the 'Floor Plan'. This particular part is usually used for higher budget films, and is the best guide for a director. It helps in establishing the relationship between rooms, spaces, and other physical features in the particular location. With the help of a floor plan the director can also visualize the shots which can be taken for the scene, and then translate it into reality. We all know that the pre production stage is mostly for everyone in the crew to understand what the director's vision is and then bring that out into reality with the help of the stages during the pre production. It's very essential for understanding how and at which position will the shot will be taken in the location with the amount of space being covered, and the positioning of the central characters or elements as well, basically film space can be analyzed before the production stage also, because of having a 'Floor Plan'. With the 'Floor Plan' it will help save a lot of time. The cameraman, and director will have a better understanding for the camera positioning as well and can also identify the problems which may occur and solve them before the production stage takes  A floor plan is basically a drawing showing the top view layout of the location for example a room, with the amount of space being covered and the size of the room with the lengths of the walls, including other elements such as furniture, etc. Floor Plans also may include notes for the construction and technical scouts also.

 

Example of a 'Floor Plan'

Floor Plan in a film can either be made or not made, but it is usually made for higher films budgets. It gives a lot of advantage to the crew with saving time also, and is the best guide for the director to understand the location in a much better way, and help imagining the shots to be taken in a certain manner. 

Blog Posts every THURSDAY!

This is to inform you all that now the blogs in 'Filmholic' will be posted just every 'Thursday'!

Will keep you all updated. Till then visit akankshasondhi.blogspot.com
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