The project I am proposing is a documentary about the sacrifices bodybuilders take in order to prepare for a show. I will be focusing on my brother Matt Partington as he prepares for his competition in late April/early May. It currently has a working title of 'Matt Partington: The Iron doesn't lie'.
It will be predominantly aimed towards a sports audience. however, I hope with the theme of sacrifice and dedication it will be able to rope in a larger audience who enjoy being inspired to challenge themselves.
The documentary will follow my brother as he approaches his show. So you will see development and improvement in his physique whilst he discusses how he is feeling at different stages, and gives an insight into the diet he has to undergo.
Thursday, 25 November 2010
Friday, 7 May 2010
Group Project: Liam Richards The Making Of A Fighter
Liam Richards - The Making Of A Fighter from Simon Partington on Vimeo.
Above is the completed documentary on boxer Liam Richards by me and Edem King.
I'm proud of this piece of work because I think it has a professional feel to it as we took inspiration from shows such as Sky Sports 24/7 and UFC Primetime as well as All Access. Through doing research on programmes and documentaries on sport we quickly noticed similar shots that all directors like to use. There are a lot of slowed down shots and close ups of the fighters faces so we wanted to include this in our piece.
24/7 is also very good at showing fighters personalities in the feature, this makes more entertaining viewing and allows the audience a chance to get to know the fighter better. We were very keen for Liam to be himself on camera and let his personality come out. You can see that in the documentary in the parts were he is looking into the camera and blowing kisses. In the interview he comes across as very natural and relaxed, which is a big positive as we didn't have to retake any questions or even edit down his answers as everything he said was relevant to the question and interesting.
I think we use the soundtrack well. In this kind of programme instrumentals are usually used so you can intercut with soundbites or voiceovers, which is what we did with the former. Without lyrics in the track it makes the viewer focus more on the image on screen, which is ultimately the most important part.
It was a shame that we couldn't have more control over the lighting as we shot all in one day. In hindsight it would have been better to try and get Liam in the gym by himself when we could have experimented with the lighting around him to get some different shots and nice cutaways.
Another way we could have improved is again really down to time management. If we had filmed for example 3 sessions we would have a lot more footage to play with and could have varied the shots more.
A disappointing point is when accidentally used the same cutaway twice in questions following on from one another. We didn't notice this when we proof watched it and it only became apparent when we were writing the DVD.
I really like the mix of still images with video footage, it breaks everything up nicely and offers variation. Plus the images from his last fight were taken brilliantly by Patrick Bethel and fitted in perfectly with the theme of the piece.
Tuesday, 27 April 2010
Sky Sports 24/7 research
To help out with the group project Edem and I are doing, we researched '24/7' which is a show on Sky Sports which build up to the big fights in boxing. I was first drawn to 24/7 in the build up to the Hatton vs Mayweather superfight in December 2007.
I like this video a lot, it is an inspiring piece of work and in less than 4 minutes really establishes the mentality and differences of both fighters and holds your attention.
I like the idea of a voice-over as it matches up with the images and music very well. The inter-cutting of the fighters own interviews and comments with the voice-over also works really nice.
The change in speed of shots is very effective. For example when the fighters are preparing with their hand wraps the images are slowed then which builds tension with the voice-over. Then images which show each boxer's speed such as skipping, speed ball and target pads are put back to normal pace. The change in tempo of the piece is very effective as it keeps you guessing as to what will happen next making it more interesting.
Before I comment on the music of the promo I would like to discuss it in comparison with this one.
In the first video the music is very much in the background and it works nice as it doesn't take focus off the fighters and it works well with putting the interview and voice-over in. I like the fact that the music is an instrumental piece as well as, again it does not take focus off hearing what the fighters have to say.
The second video (Floyd Mayweather training compilation) has a very loud and dominating soundtrack which immediately gives a different feel to the video. The second video is packed with a lot more energy due to the soundtrack even though some of the images are still slowed down.
Both soundtracks work and I think after watching both videos a blanace of each would be nice to add variation to our video.
I like this video a lot, it is an inspiring piece of work and in less than 4 minutes really establishes the mentality and differences of both fighters and holds your attention.
I like the idea of a voice-over as it matches up with the images and music very well. The inter-cutting of the fighters own interviews and comments with the voice-over also works really nice.
The change in speed of shots is very effective. For example when the fighters are preparing with their hand wraps the images are slowed then which builds tension with the voice-over. Then images which show each boxer's speed such as skipping, speed ball and target pads are put back to normal pace. The change in tempo of the piece is very effective as it keeps you guessing as to what will happen next making it more interesting.
Before I comment on the music of the promo I would like to discuss it in comparison with this one.
In the first video the music is very much in the background and it works nice as it doesn't take focus off the fighters and it works well with putting the interview and voice-over in. I like the fact that the music is an instrumental piece as well as, again it does not take focus off hearing what the fighters have to say.
The second video (Floyd Mayweather training compilation) has a very loud and dominating soundtrack which immediately gives a different feel to the video. The second video is packed with a lot more energy due to the soundtrack even though some of the images are still slowed down.
Both soundtracks work and I think after watching both videos a blanace of each would be nice to add variation to our video.
Friday, 19 March 2010
Sound & Vision: Individual project proposal
In sound & vision our 7th entry into our portfolio is a 5-8min individual video project, the proposal had to be completed by the 17/3/10. Here is mine.
For my individual project I aim to do a video montage of football tricks and skills.
The montage will be set in various locations around West Wiltshire and will essentially follow the ball all the way. The ball will always enter from the left of the screen and exit to the left, this is to give the impression that the ball is on a continuous journey throughout the montage.
It will be set to music which I will compose using Logic. I aim to produce a samba style music piece as skills and tricks are notoriously associated with Brazilian football.
I have a huge interest in football so it will be an opportunity to express one of my loves in a artistic manner. Football is also a worldwide language therefore it is a popular topic to produce a video on.
I hope people will enjoy watching the video, but I also hope it will give them confidence to attempt some of the tricks themselves as it the video aims to show you don't have to be a pro or even a football freestyler to put the 'beautiful' in the beautiful game.
For my individual project I aim to do a video montage of football tricks and skills.
The montage will be set in various locations around West Wiltshire and will essentially follow the ball all the way. The ball will always enter from the left of the screen and exit to the left, this is to give the impression that the ball is on a continuous journey throughout the montage.
It will be set to music which I will compose using Logic. I aim to produce a samba style music piece as skills and tricks are notoriously associated with Brazilian football.
I have a huge interest in football so it will be an opportunity to express one of my loves in a artistic manner. Football is also a worldwide language therefore it is a popular topic to produce a video on.
I hope people will enjoy watching the video, but I also hope it will give them confidence to attempt some of the tricks themselves as it the video aims to show you don't have to be a pro or even a football freestyler to put the 'beautiful' in the beautiful game.
Tuesday, 9 March 2010
Storyboard for Maisy and Jim
Last Friday we were instructed to create a storyboard for a scene involving 2 characters. Edem, Mandy and I went to the location and took pictures of each shot we wanted to get.
It was a lot harder than I thought and certainly gave me more respect for film makers and directors as they are so many issues to consider when getting a shot. The position of the camera has to reflect who is the main person in the scene and the 180 degree rule is also a big factor to keep the shots consistent.
You also have to consider objects in the background of the shot especially windows. Also for the first time we were having to choreograph characters movement to give us a better idea of shots. This is difficult becase there has to be a reason behind each movement a character makes to add something to the story.
Below is a quick time video we made of our shots.
Embedding isn't working so click here for link.
It was a lot harder than I thought and certainly gave me more respect for film makers and directors as they are so many issues to consider when getting a shot. The position of the camera has to reflect who is the main person in the scene and the 180 degree rule is also a big factor to keep the shots consistent.
You also have to consider objects in the background of the shot especially windows. Also for the first time we were having to choreograph characters movement to give us a better idea of shots. This is difficult becase there has to be a reason behind each movement a character makes to add something to the story.
Below is a quick time video we made of our shots.
Embedding isn't working so click here for link.
Tuesday, 2 March 2010
Research into fight scenes
For our short movie 'Fightback' we will be using fight scenes to open and end the movie, so I decided to do some research to see what makes a successful movie fight scene
300 fight scene - unfortunately the embedding option has been disabled.
In the 300 scene the use of sound and speed of the images creates a heroic atmosphere. The sound is slightly distorted apart from the sound of the sword which is very clean and stands out. This immediately establishes the sword holder (King Leonidas) as the hero in the scene and shows him as the one with the power.
I like the way certain parts of the scene have been slowed down. it is especiialy effective at 1:00 to 1:07 as it is then speeds up with the movement of the sword.
The Rocky 4 fight scene is one of my favourites. The first thing you notice is the cheesy motivational music which is a key feature in all the Rocky films. We all know that the music is corny yet cannot help but be inspired by it and get carried away with the fight. The choice of shots is also interesting.
I like the shots of the corner teams breaking up the fight as well as the shots of the audience. It allows you to feel like you really are part of the Rocky corner as they show the same emotions you are feeling.
The crowd noise is also apparent in the scene. It really reflects whether or not Drago or Rocky are on top in the fight, and then the change of the crowd cheering Rocky is allied by the commentator to give it extra affect.
The round changes are also presented well with a weak transparent board showing the changes. This allows the audience to know how long the fight has been going on for without breaking up the flow.
For use in the final fight scene in Fightback we could use distorted sound and make the gloves and punches stand out above crowd noise. We could also slow down part of the scene before the knock out and possibly emphasise a heartbeat to increase the tension and hook the audience.
In Taken the camera shots during the fights interest me. Most of the fights have close up camera shots. Although this limits how much of the fight the audience can see, it gives the effect of being involved. The audience have to work hard to keep up with the fight and it shows the true realities because the choreography is not as obvious than if if it was film as a MS or WS.
This video is interesting as it gives an insight into how fight scenes are made. Obviously in creating a short movie with limited (or no) funding and time constraints we cannot take crash courses in martial arts or use green screens as they do in book of Eli. However, we can see how much work goes into creating the scene. It is important to run it through slowly a number of times before shooting the scene in normal time. We could always shoot the scene slower and speed it up in post production, this could make the picture seem jumpy though and may not be the effect we want. If possible I would prefer to shoot the fights in real time, but understand this will take spot on choreography and plenty of practice to do it safely.
300 fight scene - unfortunately the embedding option has been disabled.
In the 300 scene the use of sound and speed of the images creates a heroic atmosphere. The sound is slightly distorted apart from the sound of the sword which is very clean and stands out. This immediately establishes the sword holder (King Leonidas) as the hero in the scene and shows him as the one with the power.
I like the way certain parts of the scene have been slowed down. it is especiialy effective at 1:00 to 1:07 as it is then speeds up with the movement of the sword.
The Rocky 4 fight scene is one of my favourites. The first thing you notice is the cheesy motivational music which is a key feature in all the Rocky films. We all know that the music is corny yet cannot help but be inspired by it and get carried away with the fight. The choice of shots is also interesting.
I like the shots of the corner teams breaking up the fight as well as the shots of the audience. It allows you to feel like you really are part of the Rocky corner as they show the same emotions you are feeling.
The crowd noise is also apparent in the scene. It really reflects whether or not Drago or Rocky are on top in the fight, and then the change of the crowd cheering Rocky is allied by the commentator to give it extra affect.
The round changes are also presented well with a weak transparent board showing the changes. This allows the audience to know how long the fight has been going on for without breaking up the flow.
For use in the final fight scene in Fightback we could use distorted sound and make the gloves and punches stand out above crowd noise. We could also slow down part of the scene before the knock out and possibly emphasise a heartbeat to increase the tension and hook the audience.
In Taken the camera shots during the fights interest me. Most of the fights have close up camera shots. Although this limits how much of the fight the audience can see, it gives the effect of being involved. The audience have to work hard to keep up with the fight and it shows the true realities because the choreography is not as obvious than if if it was film as a MS or WS.
This video is interesting as it gives an insight into how fight scenes are made. Obviously in creating a short movie with limited (or no) funding and time constraints we cannot take crash courses in martial arts or use green screens as they do in book of Eli. However, we can see how much work goes into creating the scene. It is important to run it through slowly a number of times before shooting the scene in normal time. We could always shoot the scene slower and speed it up in post production, this could make the picture seem jumpy though and may not be the effect we want. If possible I would prefer to shoot the fights in real time, but understand this will take spot on choreography and plenty of practice to do it safely.
Thursday, 25 February 2010
Fightback - Location
Today I went to Contender Gym in Trowbridge to take photos of one of the locations we are looking to use in our short film. This was done to give us an idea of possible shots we could use when it comes to filming and will save time as we will not have to familiarise ourselves with the layout of the gym and get get right into filming.
From these photos you can see the range of equipment the gym has to offer, and also with a full size ring it opens up the opportunity to not just do training montages here, but also the end fight scene.
All the equipment is well positioned which allows us plenty of scope to set up the shots, and with the room being in a 'L' shape it allows us to experiment with different camera angles.
The photos on the wall are a nice touch, and will add character and a genuine feel to the scenes. The Gym itself is relatively new, being use for around about a year. However, it still has a traditional feel to it which makes it ideal for 2 Kings of the old school way, Stocky and Apollo to train in.
One potential drawback is the positioning of the ring, with 2 windows behind it. This has obvious implications for the light that will be coming through, so we may have to block out the windows or adapt to lighting conditions by filming in the evening.
There are also mirrors situated in the gym, and although there is not many we will need to set up our shots carefully so you don't catch a glimpse of any crew or cameras in the mirrors. This shouldn't be to much of an issue as they are positioned in the corner of the gym. It does also offers us the option of doing a section in the montage on 'stance work' were Stocky and Apollo check theirs in the mirror.
From these photos you can see the range of equipment the gym has to offer, and also with a full size ring it opens up the opportunity to not just do training montages here, but also the end fight scene.
All the equipment is well positioned which allows us plenty of scope to set up the shots, and with the room being in a 'L' shape it allows us to experiment with different camera angles.
The photos on the wall are a nice touch, and will add character and a genuine feel to the scenes. The Gym itself is relatively new, being use for around about a year. However, it still has a traditional feel to it which makes it ideal for 2 Kings of the old school way, Stocky and Apollo to train in.
One potential drawback is the positioning of the ring, with 2 windows behind it. This has obvious implications for the light that will be coming through, so we may have to block out the windows or adapt to lighting conditions by filming in the evening.
There are also mirrors situated in the gym, and although there is not many we will need to set up our shots carefully so you don't catch a glimpse of any crew or cameras in the mirrors. This shouldn't be to much of an issue as they are positioned in the corner of the gym. It does also offers us the option of doing a section in the montage on 'stance work' were Stocky and Apollo check theirs in the mirror.
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