SWC Filmmaking Club

Good Luck!

apollonickel-blog — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 19:38:17 -0500

As you know, I will be withdrawing from the Psycho project due to union issues. As of Monday I will not be directing or organizing any students in terms of remaining work. Any further progress will be decided on by the students still involved.

Hopefully everything will run smoothly for you if you so choose to continue. Make sure Facebook is used properly. Do not trust that everyone sees your message.

Meeting Tomorrow

apollonickel-blog — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 15:17:47 -0500

All senior directors (Gr 11 & 12) will meet at lunch in the Studio to discuss tomorrows filming, some new guidelines, a new helper, and our future. Bring your lunch if you brought one from home or wait to buy one. Come to the Studio at the bell.

All actors are doing well. Keep getting better! Know your lines by knowing your characters well.

Triumph and lessons learned

apollonickel-blog — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 20:22:32 -0500

We got the first shot filmed. Sorry for those who left before I got back. Credit goes to our directors Cal Jess and Stefan for setting us up for the scene. Kim and Jade helped a great deal and the actors were great. Thanks also goes to the crew for all the challenges we had.

We have a need for three cams for future shooting days. We always need the following: 3 camera people, one line person with clapper, and Jon said he has a couple mics we will hook up directly to Alastair’s laptop. It will make editing way easier with one sound track.

We are not filming tomorrow. We are filming on Monday after school so be ready for the Hardware scene. Come back to this site for more info.

If anyone has questions, please email me at swcpsycho@gmail.com

- Nickel

And here we go!

apollonickel-blog — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 23:01:46 -0400

We started the first day of recording with some genius skill from Ms. Grande and Mr. Glass. Great job! Norman and his mother will definitely freak our audience out. Our ending is complete. We need Jon, Keira, salter, ‘dub’(Mitch Witteveen) and Mitch Glass for one more day of voice overs. We need the VoiceOver scenes for when Marian is thinking in the car done. Take a look at our scripts to see the scenes I mean.

The most important thing right now is to get every director and actor on the Facebook page. I want the directors to post their notes for the actors immediately as of yesterday to the Facebook page so actors have something more than the script to go by. If you know of an actor who is not on the Facebook page, find them and make them get on it. I am leaving this up to the directors to make this work. Lauren, Salter, and Cal I am looking at you three in particular to get this done.

Actors need to prep for Nov 1 & 2. These are our initial practice days. I’m nick naming them Dariadays and Holly-days as we will concentrate on Lila scenes on Thursday and Marian scenes on Friday. Glass hopefully can make both days. Let me know if otherwise.

We are filming the Real Estate Office scene on Nov 8 in the schools main office after school. Jon, holly, Keira will be acting on camera.

I want to see if we can just film any room scenes without the studio cameras. That way the directors and actors can get together without me looking over their shoulders. Jade and Jon come see me as I want you there as my 'eyes’ if I am not there.

Kim has her sketches of how things will look and will be showing me her designs on Monday. The only two requirements is that Holly is keeping her hair long in a styled way and Mitch Glass will have a black turtle neck during the death scenes so account for this in your planning.

Please email me at the psycho gmail account if you have any questions. I did not post the Facebook page because I’ve noticed people outside our club are checking this site out. Keep the page for directors and actors only. And keep posts relevant only. Tom and Alastair I am looking in your direction! Hehe.

On Thursday all director groups must be present to discuss finalizing storyboards and what needs to be done. Write a list of what you cannot get for your scene that you need.

I am thinking we shoot a fair amount in Niagara on the Lake or St Catharines if we can help it. I want the grace united church to be the sheriff scene in front if a church. The more locations that look like a small town the better.

Stay tuned for more updates!
- Nickel

We are almost there!

apollonickel-blog — Sat, 20 Oct 2012 10:45:01 -0400

Oct 26 is our starting date. We are recording the Norman with Mother voice overs on that date in the studio.

Storyboards must be due on that date so we can structure a timeline. Even if one group screws up it will slow the rest of us down. Hopefully that will not happen.

Actors will have practice days to work with each other before we film. Please make sure everyone emails me days or times you absolutely can never make so I can schedule a good time for everyone.

This is a pretty exciting time. Stay focused and be ready to work hard and quick. Getting distracted can hurt any possibility of getting this very difficult process finished on time. We want to show this piece of work to everyone, but it will only work if each member of this team gets their work done and thinks for themselves. Don’t wait to be led.

Actors reschedule

apollonickel-blog — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 07:51:20 -0400

The actors’ meeting is rescheduled for this Friday. It will be short so don’t worry.
- Nickel

Deadline & Ideas

apollonickel-blog — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 22:04:05 -0400

Thanks to everyone who made the meeting on Friday. We got a number of things to think about:

1) Storyboards must be done by Oct 26 at the latest or we’re screwed. Don’t mess up the deadline!

2) Kiera Grande might be pulling double duty and not know it yet. Salter suggested that she give the Bates’ Mother voice a try. I agree with the idea. With the right coaching, it could be a home run idea!

3) Pomeroy believes she may have a friend willing to give us usage of an old house in St. David’s that looks really close to the Psycho house, complete with a freakin’ CREEPY basement. She showed me and I’m convinced that we need that house. If we get it we must shoot the end scenes with the house first as it is up for sale soon.

4) the motel exteriors will likely be shot at the Westlane Motel outside of Niagara Falls. It is abandoned. We still need permission to shoot there at night as police might wonder why we are all there in the middle of the night.

5) we are shooting this in modern style. This means the clothes and the cars will not be an issue. Any actors who have not had Salter take their pictures will need to be sent to Mitch immediately for Kim to have an idea for costumes.

6) see Nickel about the solution to the car-sinking scenes. We solved the problem when the meeting was over.

7) Music has been brought up as an issue. We did not decide whether the complete soundtrack should be used or if Jon can come up with some modern sounding material. Thoughts?

8) The production schedule will be coming very shortly. In the meantime I need all of the directors to see me in Room 121 after school to distribute the director manuals I have made for you to help with lighting, sound and other elements to moviemaking that can help you. Don’t forget to see me Monday before you leave.

9) For the actors: I want a meeting with all the actors to discuss what our ideas are and what they should expect. Directors do not need to stay for the meeting but can stay if they wish. Jade and Jon, I would like you to be there for that meeting. Monday after school in Room 121.
Final Cast List:
Mitch Glass as Norman Bates
Holly McPherson as Marion
Daria Lutz as Lila
Justin Gravestock as Det. Arbogast
Brett Greening as Sam
Dylan as Mr. Lowery
Jon as Cassidy
Salter as the Patrolman
Witteveen as California Charlie
Keira Grande as Caroline & Mother
Abby as Mrs Chambers
Ben Cobb as Sheriff Chambers
Mike Merry as Mechanic
Michaela Mc Govern as woman Customer
Elisa Toner as Dr. Richman
William as Coffee Boy
Lucas D as Police Guard
Kiera R as Police Guard
Jes McClelland as Police Guard
Cal McC as Summerfield
Alastair as Chief of Police
Tom Lilo as TV Man
Victoria T as District Attorney

and Ricky Allen as Young Man

Anyone having a concern or idea should email me at swcpsycho@gmail.com

Thanks everyone!
- Nickel

Reminder...

apollonickel-blog — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 11:18:07 -0400

We are meeting in the studio after school tomorrow in the studio to discuss finalizing of cast, jobs, storyboard due dates and scheduling.

Bring your script with you so we can go over any changes or ideas everyone has.

- Nickel

Decisions Made

apollonickel-blog — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 12:06:27 -0400

We have a tentative cast list for the major characters in Psycho.

Here’s the list so far:
Mitch Glass as Norman Bates
Holly McPherson as Marion Crane
Daria Lutz as Lila Crane
Brett Greening as Sam Loomis
Elisa Toner as Dr. Francis Richman
Mitch Witteveen as California Charlie
Mitch Salter as Patrolman
Abby Palmer as Mrs. Chambers
Justin Gravestock as Det. Arbogast
Dylan as Mr. Lowery
Kiera Grande as Caroline

Possibles:
Jon Kilic as Cassidy
Ben Cobb as Sheriff Chambers

We still have a couple minor non speaking roles we need to clear up. Any ideas are appreciated:
Mechanic
Woman customer (pg 58-60)
Summerfield (58)
District attorney
Police guard # 1
Police guard #2
Chief of Police
TV Man
Police guard #3
Coffee boy
Young man

Find these roles in the script and think about people you know. Think back to other auditioners for these roles. We still need a voice for Norman Bates’ mother.

Scene Breakdown for Storyboards:
Mitch*3 + Brett: 2-8 & 96-98 & 123-end
Cal, Jess & Stefan: 8-14 & 34-57
Dylan, Jahred & William: 14-34 & 58-82
Lauren, Alastair & Tom: 82-96 & 98-123

Ty and Holly can jump in a directing group if they wish. Ty will also have jobs with special effects and lighting as well as working with Jahred on sound on set shots.

Kim Hatcher is our Costume Expert. Don’t question her about character looks until the next meeting. I need time to address our needs with her. I will also be discussing issues with Dan Teagle and Julian Ozkur so don’t be surprised if they come around once in a while.

Next meeting will be after school on Friday. It will be in the studio. Bring any questions or concerns you have to that meeting. These questions may be crucial to the schedule we will be completing as this film will be shot for editing before 2013.

- Nickel

Auditions: Day 2

apollonickel-blog — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 23:05:59 -0400

Hello,

A great deal of progress has been made. From the producer end of things, I feel that we have a good idea who our main character actors will be.

One update is our addition of Jon and Jade. They are going to be my ‘eyes and mouthpiece’ in terms of cinematography. The director groups are still in charge of their scenes, but I want these two on set checking the shot quality and to give advice as to how to get the perfect look. They are essentially 'me’ while I keep my attention on all of the other jobs ( the big picture). The directors will still be in charge on the days of shooting, but take advantage of their advice. I’ve seen and trust their ability to help you in this task.

Please continue to storyboard the scenes so we can start a filming schedule as soon as possible. We are having a quick meeting after school on Tuesday in the studio to discuss the cast list.

Stay tuned this weekend for more info.
- Nickel

First Day of Psycho

apollonickel-blog — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 22:27:24 -0400

I’m really happy how auditions went so far. This group seems to be on the same page. Let’s make sure that we run everything even quicker than today for the next auditions.

Keep a lookout for Arbogast actors. Get your storyboards done a soon as possible.

Anyone who wants a specific job or a question to be answered, please talk to me at tomorrow’s auditions or email me at swcpsycho@gmail.com

- Nickel

Just One More Day...

apollonickel-blog — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 10:57:46 -0400

Sorry for those checking the site for group designation of scenes. Due to an unforeseen baby being born to one of my friends, I will require one more day to set these guidelines.

Sorry again for the inconvenience!

- Nickel

We Are Back, Psychos!

apollonickel-blog — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 16:46:11 -0400

Welcome back, SWC. We are making Psycho. Clear October 3 & 4 on your agenda as that is your audition days in the studio. Be ready to judge!

We are meeting Sept 27 after school to discuss progress on storyboards. Check here this weekend to see who has what scenes to direct.

If you have any questions or concerns, email me at swcpsycho@gmail.com

- Nickel

New Film for Spring!

apollonickel-blog — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:04:39 -0400

The Club will be meeting to work on their own films in the club from now until the end of the semester. Here are some dates to remember:

April 24 - Scripts and Storyboards

May 1 - Filming Day 1

May 8 - Filming Day 2

May 15 - Editing

May 22 - Viewing our completed movies!

Make sure you are aware of these dates and stay tuned for more frequent postings.

SWC Film Festival 2012

apollonickel-blog — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 10:14:50 -0500

Here’s the scoop:

Animation (Stop-Motion, Flash, Pixellation, Motion Graphics)

Documentary(Journalism, PSA, Documentary, Biography)

Drama

Music(Music Video, Concert or Studio Performance on Film)

Original Soundtrack Music

Grade 10 “The Next Great Filmmaker Contest”

Visit the SWCFF website for information, updates and applications. (arriving next week)

.MOV .M4V files accepted

The deadline for submitting your film is Friday, April 6^th at 3:00 p.m.

- Nickel

We're Back!

apollonickel-blog — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:55:17 -0500

Alrighty then, it’s been a while, but I still know how to get this done. We’re back to a full-course of movie-making goodies for you this semester. The important list is as follows:

1) SWC Film Festival is in May. MAKE YOUR MOVIES!

2) Toronto International Film Festival Workshop… Definitely a GO, so stay tuned!

3) SWC Movie Night - We are likely showing Shaolin Soccer, but a day would be good to pick this Friday

4) This Friday, bring your camera! We are going to do a small workshop in Room 117

As far as the school’s film festival goes, we are going to be competing by grade level. As film “experts” I would like to see this club make a good submission showing this year to promote and motivate our efforts.

Here are some things you should have in your films to beat the competition:

- foreground vs. background lighting and focusing

- unique camera angles (basic angles will not cut it in this competition)

- Immediate hook to grab audience (Do not wait for the audience to care about your build up)

Check out previous blogs of the things we talked about this year for other techniques and programs

Meeting Summary - 13/12/11

danteagle-deactivated20130510 — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:25:45 -0500

Hey guys.

Not everyone showed up today so we just touched base.

Essentially, we’re going to be starting a new project next week, so EVERYONE MUST SHOW UP. We’re going to split up into tiny groups, and start thinking about the new films we’ll be making over/after the holiday break. Deadlines for this project are going to be MANDATORY. So progress will be strictly tracked on this one.

Also, we’re going to be watching a movie just as the club next Tuesday, so bring snacks, whatever. Nickel’ll be posting a thing so you can vote for what movie we’re playing sometime in the next day or two, so stay tuned for that.

Hope y'all are well and keeping up with your homework. See you next week.

Dan Teagle
dteagle@cogeco.ca

Meeting Tomorrow!

apollonickel-blog — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 21:23:44 -0500

After school on Tuesday, we have a meeting. Be there!

Nickel

I Need Names!

apollonickel-blog — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 10:13:25 -0500

I was really happy to see how cool some of your videos turned out. Great to see our club producing. Send copies of your videos to Dan or Julian so they can post them. Remember, we need your videos to show the school during SWC Movie Night, so have them done by Tuesday. I also need names (first and last) so we can keep track of who is in the club, going on trips with us, and other groovy things (that sounded hip, I think I hurt myself). Email me your name and what Reason you want to do for the SWC Filmmaking Club commercial. - Nickel

Danny Boyle’s Frankenstein, with Benedict Cumberbatch of...

apollonickel-blog — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 21:32:36 -0500

Danny Boyle’s Frankenstein, with Benedict Cumberbatch of Sherlock, and Johnny Lee Miller