Good Websites for Editing sound- research

 What are some good websites for Editing sounds?

Welcome to NCH Software,  July 10, 2019

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Free
• Customer Service is easily accessible
• Free Trial without having to put card information in
• Not many app crashes

Cons:

• Trial doesn't last forever, so some features get locked behind a paywall
• A bit confusing for beginners when first using it.

I will be using this app, as not only are there lots of helpful tutorials to help me learn how to use this app. But also because it's free with many different features that make it easier to edit sound.

https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/whats-problem-nch-software-remove/

I found this website in search of any issues that could present themselves while using this app. And so far, all I see is that the bugs have been fixed, and now it is safe to use with minimal risks.

Tracktion Waveform Free Tutorial - How to Start Making Music March 20,2020

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Many features
• Free
• Lots of tutorials on how to use the app

Cons:

• App Crashes
• Multiple bugs on Windows
• No audio coming out of the computer
• Customer service is slow to reply
• very confusing to use, even with tutorials

When starting to research this app, I decided to check out the features. This led to over 10 app crashes. So this app does have a history of app crashes, which will be inconvenient when trying to focus on making the thunder sound.

How does this relate to our Swede?

The Matrix March 31, 1999

In this clip it has a thunderstorm diegetic sound in the background. Which is important for the setting of the scene. The thunderstorm is signifying the instability of the simulated reality and it helps to create a tense and dramatic feel to the scene (signifying that Neo is about to make a critical decision that could be life-altering for him). So I needed to research good apps in order to recreate that thunder storm with my crew Grey and Quentin. Grey is doing the rain while I will do the thunder. Quentin the editor will combine both sounds to make it sound as close to the scene as possible.

Actually Making The Actors Script- Implementation

 How did I make the Actors Script?

So if you check out my previous blog, you can check out the breakup of the script (aka what all you have to put inside the script. For our Swede with Neo and Morpheus, there were lots of subtle body movements and quirks specific to the character. To help my actors better embody the character that I want them to act as, I broke it down for them.

The Matrix March 31, 1999

References that I used to make the Script

Basic Elements of a Film Script for BEGINNERS! (How To Format, Read and Write a Screenplay!)

Using These Sources To Make The Script

Both sources gave me lots of knowledge on how to make the Script for the Matrix (one being more auditory while the other more visual). Combining the knowledge I have made my Script.

Actors Script

INT. ROOM 1313

Inside the room sits two figures. Outside you can hear the dull ROAR OF THUNDER which shakes the old building where they reside.

MORPHEUS

Do you want to know what it is?

Neo swallows and nods.

MORPHEUS

The Matrix is everywhere, it's all around us,

     here even in this room. You can see it out your

     window or on your television. You feel it when

           you go to work, or go to church or pay your taxes.

     It is the world that has been pulled over your   

eyes to blind you from the truth.                  

NEO

What truth?                                                  

MORPHEUS

      That you are a slave, Neo. Like everyone else, 

   you were born into that bondage, kept inside

     a prison that you cannot smell, taste, or touch.

A prison for your mind.                                

The LEATHER CHAIR CREAKS as he eases back into it.

MORPHEUS

              Unfortunately, no one can be told what the Matrix is.

 You have to see it for yourself.                      

Morpheus opens his hands to reveal. A red pill in his right hand and a blue pill in his left.

MORPHEUS

  This is your last chance. After you take this, 

 there is no going back.                                 

You take the blue pill and the story ends.    

 You wake up in your bed and you'll believe 

whatever you want to believe.                     

The pills in his open hands are reflected in the glasses.

MORPHEUS

You take the red pill and you stay            

 in Wonderland and I show you                

how deep the rabbit-hole goes.              

Neo is about to grab the red pill when Morpheus speaks making his hand pause mid air.

MORPHEUS

     Remember that all I am offering is the truth. 

Nothing more.                                           

Neo grabs the red pill and puts it in his mouth. He then grabs the water cup on the table and swallows the red pill. Morpheus then smiles.

THE END

Reflection

The hardest part of this was making sure every line was of equal distance and lined up. This part did turn out not as well as I thought so I will have to make a physical copy for my actors so they do not become confused. But overall this script is ready to send out in preparation of the upcoming Swede filming date.

How To Make The Actors Script- Research

 How To Make The Script In a Way That Is Easy To Understand For Our Actors?

The Matrix March 31, 1999

As I watched this scene, I noticed not only the character's body language but also their speech. So when rewatching this clip multiple times, I knew it was time to make a script for my actors.

Basic Elements of a Film Script for BEGINNERS! (How To Format, Read and Write a Screenplay!) 

Elements of a Film Script

What starts a scene?

Scene Header

The start of a scene is called a scene header. This establishes the time and the setting for the production. At the start of a scene header, you typically see 3 letters, those letters either being int. or ext., now they mean interior for int. and exterior for ext. (could also be formatted as I/E, meaning a combination of both). These letters help to specify the setting as equipment needed for filming outside vs inside can be very different depending on the situation.

Setting and Time

This is where the scene takes place. Can be big, small, but has to make things a little more specific. Like, where outside? Then, when specifying where the scene takes place then you must identify the time. Is it day? Is it night? These times can affect what equipment you need to bring (maybe you need better lighting at night). 

Action Lines

• Helps to give actors more detail about the scene and what is going on.
• Puts character name in all caps when first being introduced in the script
• Important sounds and props should also be put in all caps

Dialogue

1. When doing dialogue in a script, put the character's name in a line on its own
2. Then put their dialogue right under that
3. (Sometimes there can be an abbreviated dialogue note)

So what do these abbreviated dialogue notes stand for? There is (v.o.) which means voice over, (o.s.) and (o.c.) while they do sound similar they are completely different (o.s.) means off scene which means that the actor is talking but they are not necessarily inside of the same room or space, (o.c.) however means that the camera can pan over and the actor will be there (aka the actor is in the same room).

Parenthetical

Smaller and more specific ways to give directions to actors without taking up a whole action line. Can be used in other ways, like explaining to an actor on how to deliver their lines, can be used to tell the actor there needs to be a moment (like a slight pause, for example), or in helping the actor in clarifying what they are truly talking about (like the context behind the line they are supposed to be saying).

Transitions and Cuts

Transitions go at the bottom left corner of your scene. They help to establish the tone of the scene, the pacing, how they want it to be shot.

Summary and how this relates to or swede

Not all scripts will look the same there are different formats for every script. These elements of the script help the actors more accurately depict what you envisioned. By making this script it can help the actors be more organized in how and what they have to say. To lessen the amount of takes that we have to do and to also not make our swede look to crappy. Also by making this script we can better be equipped to film outside as the actors will be better informed on where and what time we will be filming. In this scene we have a bit of dialogue between Neo and Morpheus so by writing down who says what and when do they say it, this can make filming day much less confusing for actors. And by giving it to them beforehand it can help to lessen the amount of time fixing dialogue.

How to make props (research)

 Prop Making 

Blue Pill or Red Pill - The Matrix (2/9) Movie CLIP (1999) HD

As I was watching the clip that we are Swedeing, I noticed some key props like that fireplace and the table, and thought to myself, well, how could I make that? While directors do not normally make props, we are a small group, so I wanted to help out.  Sweded films are low-budget films, and I do not think a real fireplace will be suitable for our budget. So why not just use Styrofoam? Or better yet, cardboard? So I started researching, well, how do you make a fireplace and a table out of those materials?

How to make a faux fireplace with only polystyrine and a cardboard box

In this video, I can clearly see how to make a fireplace out of those materials. While it does not exactly look like the one from The Matrix, I can always just put my own spin on this design to make it look more film accurate. So far, after watching this video, I have been saving up packages and Styrofoam to hopefully start making the draft this weekend.

How to make a small Chair and Table with Cardboard ♻ Recycling Cardboard ideas

So, for this, I do think the table being that small isn't very convenient, but I will just have to do the work in the video, like 10x bigger and sturdier, as in the scene, the glass cup with the water must stay on top of it. But I will most likely make the smaller version of the table first to get a hang of the process. 

Director Hand Signs (Research)

 What hand signs should I know as the director?

Tutorial Floor Director May 17, 2017

As the filming date for my Swede gets closer, I wanted to know what other things I should know as a director when I stumbled upon hand signs. And after watching this video on the important hand signs you must know as the director, I have a pretty good understanding as to what I need to practice and teach my other group members as the days progress. Some features that aren't shown in the video but are necessary are how hand gestures reduce the noise on set, allowing for fewer retakes of the same scene. Also, it helps to make a set more organized, as the crew can clearly see what I want them to do, even without me having to speak (which will mess up the shot)

Even though this video was pretty good, I do think some hand signs were missing, but after some more digging (research), I found this.

Floor Manager Tutorial Video July 9, 2016

In this video, not only are they giving more hand signs, but this person is also giving a brief explanation of how to do each hand sign. Giving what hand to use, what angle, and the context of when to use the hand signs. So with these two videos combined and with some further practice, I do believe I will be able to use them effectively while also teaching my crew what each hand signs mean and what to do when they see me use them.

Casting (planning)

 How to find actors that will be good for our Swede

What Do Casting Directors Look For In An Actor June 11, 2018

Casting

So the film my group and I are Swedeing is The Matrix, specifically the red pill vs blue pill scene. So for this scene, I was looking for actors who could potentially get really into the role of Morpheus, who has an intense presence and a kind of aloof feel to their voice (like they already know everything kind of vibe). But the actor must also be willing to listen to directions and be available to come back in case of any emergencies, and we have to reshoot. Who is on time and prepared to be there for a few hours, as the scene might have lots of takes.

 So, for the role of Morpheus, I chose my good buddy Jeremiah, while he did get the role so far; that could change in the future, as the actor parts could always be replaced. The only reason I am unsure is because of availability issues. Also, Jeremiah is a good actor (he has a theater background) and will be able to get into character fairly quickly. He is a confident person who is also very hardworking and kind. So with all of these features, I do believe he will be great to act in our Swede.

For Neo, I decided to pick Marcus (who is the editor in my group). I do believe he will be up to the task of embodying Neo in our Swede while also being able to finish all the editing. But if not, as I previously stated, he could be replaced. In the scene we picked, Neo is unsure about what pill to pick and is kind of fidgety the whole scene, never really settling back into the seat that he is sitting in. Marcus, while he is a little bit spaced out sometimes, I do believe he could get it together when filming and that he will be able to embody Neo.

How do I become a better director? -Research

 How to be a better director?

Tips for Beginner Directors February 17, 2016 

In my last research blog, I was researching what goes into being a director now. I need to know how to really apply it to become better at directing. This video is going to give me some tips on becoming a better director as a beginner.

Directors vision

In film, we always hear about the director's vision, but what does that truly mean, and how do we as directors apply it in what we do? So in the video, it is stated that the director's vision is deciding what will make your film good, maybe it will be an exhilarating chase scene, or another scene that needs to be inspiring, or maybe you want to make your audience cry. As the director, you need to work out/find the purpose of each scene, every detail about it, and how to achieve that.

Ways to approach the film

There are many ways in which directors act, either being very particular in every detail with a clear image of how everything should go, or a flexible mentality where they let actors be able to improvise. Also, it's great to find people to collaborate with. A big part of this is finding people whom you actually enjoy working with, people whom you won't mind spending time with. Because if you don't, it could make the time on set much worse and negatively impact the final product.

What is directing about?

Directing isn't about being the smartest person on set; it's about assembling a team and being a leader throughout the production. It's about delegating jobs while also knowing how to clearly and effectively communicate your ideas as the director. It's about knowing when to go to the next shot or knowing if you actually need to do another take.

How does this relate to the Swede?

So for the Swede, I know to not overstep, while I do need to put my foot down on some things, I should be reasonable when I do. I know now that communication with my group members is vital in making a good swede. Because if all we do is fight, making this swede will be impossible. Every member should have a voice, while I do oversee everything, I should allow some constructive criticism from my group members. Also, collaborating, like letting other groups view our swede, will be good in understanding how our audience will view our swede.

What does being a director entail? - Research

 What do directors actually do?

What does a director actually do? June 9, 2025

Who are directors?

In this video, it states that directors are most closely related to a CEO of a company. Directors are in control of everyone and are the people who make the executive decisions. They have the final say in what goes on in the film and have to sign off on everything. They don't just "sit around," they actively have to problem solve and make solutions to problems on and off set. But even when directing everyone, the director should never take over everyone's jobs or else the film will be crappy (even though sweded films don't always look the best with the director doing all the work, it will be exceptionally bad)

What are their responsibilities?

In the video, it goes over what the director's responsibilities are and then gives a detailed explanation of what this responsibility entails.

1.) Directing actors

-No one but the director is allowed to talk to the actors and make adjustments to performances while on set. As the director, you should build rapport with actors and also help them find the character you want them to envision.

2.) The chief creative head for the film

-The director must oversee all aspects of the film from start to finish. The goal of the director is to convey the vision of the film. A director needs to have a vision while also knowing how to express it.

3.) Directors must do this one thing

Every director must know this one task, which is to view every shot, every take, and every scene through the perspective of the audience. It's their job to make sure that they find that experience and keep that perspective of the audience.

How can this help the Sweded film?

So with me now understanding what goes into being a director I will be able to be a better director when we start filming our Sweded. At first I did not really know what a director does other than just sitting there seeming to do nothing but after this video that changed my perspective as the director actually does a lot of work. Basically knowing a little or a lot about each job while also having to help actors and crew all at the same time. 

What even is a Swede??- Research

 What do Sweded films include?

DIY: Sweded Films EVPL Digital Program January 25, 2021

Rules of a Sweded Film

So, to better understand what is inside Sweded films, you must know the rules first. And in this video, I got to know the rules about Sweded films that I previously did not know existed. In the video, they went over 7 major rules of a Sweded film, those being:

1.) Must be based on an already produced film.

2.) Film should be less than 35 years old.

3.) SFX are limited to camera tricks & props that you do at the time

4.) No computer-generated graphics

5.) Sound effects can only be created by human means

6.) 2-8 minutes long.

7.) It should be hilarious

With these rules now, I can better understand what has to go into Swedes and also what we are not allowed to do. 

How a Sweded film looks

After the rules and some suggestions, the video showed an example of a Swede, where I could better envision those rules. It included all of the elements of the rules that they stated. Now, with the rules and the example shown to me, I am more confident in my ability to create a Sweded film.