Candidate Number: 3050
Center Number: 20704
Wednesday 15 December 2010
Thursday 9 December 2010
Evaluation
In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
Our production makes use of the standardised camera and editing work of real media products including things such as high and low angle shots. Close ups, medium shots. There is also use of cut’s, jump cuts, fades, etc. Another convention of horror films we decided to use was monster fodder, a character with little or no development that is killed at the start of the film to increase tension within the film and audience. It can also create a hook making the audience want to see if the antagonist gets their comeuppance. However we did break two conventions of stereotypical horror films firstly the “monster fodder” is a white male from my research a high frequency of monster fodder tends to be either females or someone of an ethnic minority. The second convention we decided to break was including a female antagonist as it may increase the appeal, in films of the splatter genre the antagonist is stereotypically a white male. We feel this change may increase appeal as females who are normally excluded by the splatter genre may be able to identify with the female antagonists whilst males will still enjoy the blood and gore of this subgenre.
Amanda played by Shawnee Smith was a large influence in the creation of antagonist.
How does your media product represent particular social groups?
Our production puts a large emphasis on strong independent female characters challenging and subverting the genre. It also flips the idea of a strong male character upside down using a white male character as “monster fodder” unlike stereotypical films that use young teenage girls or ethnic minorities.
What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
We would preferably like an international partnership between lionsgate and twisted pictures. lionsgate would take a pivotal role in the distribution of our product as they have experience distributing films of the horror genre, they also often take small horror films and help develop them become franchises good examples of this include saw which was a large influence in the creation of our opening most of the inspiration of which was from saw 2, along with other movies such as hostel. It would also be a convenient time to pitch our opening to twisted pictures as their main export the saw franchise has ended after seven films.
The logos of our choice of institution.
Lionsgate
Twisted Pictures
Who would be the audience for your media product?
For our media product our emphasis was on attracting the teenage market. This is because the teen audience are the highest group of movie goers. The following graph and quote from the office of national statistics proves this statement:
“Teenagers and young adults went to the cinema most frequently. In the UK in 2008, just over four in ten (41 per cent) of those aged 15 to 24, along with 31 per cent of those aged 7 to 14 and 22 per cent of those aged 25 to 34, reported attending the cinema at least once a month.”
Article
Because of this statistical information making our audience the majority will lead to the highest viewing figures and effectively the most profit, the only thing to take in consideration would be achieving a classification of 15 from the BBFC to access the entire of our audience we may need to consider reducing the amount of graphic violence on screen. However due to our genre we will be likely to draw in the 25 to 34 age group.
However the uses and gratifications suggests people use the media to satisfy particular needs Blumler and McQuail identified four basic needs which people use to satisfy:
• Diversion – As Watson (2008) notes we use the media to escape from our routines and problems or to ease worries and tensions, for example women may compensate for the lack of romance in their marriages by reading romantic novels. Some people may even develop alternative lives and identities using the media.
• Our media product can act as a tool of diversion by entertainment purposes alone giving the viewer another world to escape into. It also may allow an element of catharsis allowing viewers to project their anger onto the situation on the film by identifying with it.
• Personal Relationships – Watson states that people may choose to identify with characters due to the decline in social contact a person has through an average day. Watson states that most people know more about the characters on a soap opera than their next door neighbour.
• Our media product can allow people to connect and understand the emotions of our characters. If this standalone product was developed into a franchise viewers may form a relationship with the characters creating a fan base and generating mass sales.
• Personal Identity – People may use the media to make over or modify their identity.
• Due to our product subverting stereotypes of the horror genre a female audience may identity with her sense of power, authority and pride.
• Surveillance – People use the media to obtain information and news about the social world in order to help them make their minds up on particular issues.
• Our media product demonstrates a issue that is quite often in the dark female on male violence and murder often women murders are represented as rather butch or mentally unstable however our killer is calm, cold and calculating.
This means that most people are able to utalize our product for one reason or another and our target audience may only be a small proportion of our actual audience.
How did you attract / address your audience?
From our questionnaire we decided to create key elements of the story and things such as setting around our participants responses and thus have decided to introduce the antagonist at the start of our movie. We also decided to use an urban location, an abandoned house converted into a dungeon appealing to two demographics of our audience both of them also the biggest. We could also further attract our audience due to the fact we have tried to challenge the stereotypical aspects of horror films, most importantly the female antagonist. This could lead to the film attracting both males and females as the female audiences could be attracted by the subverted stereotypes and the male audience for the blood and gore of the stereotypical splatter movie.
What have you learnt about technologies and the process of constructing this product?
• I have come to the realization that media products are very hard to produce and require a roster of talented professionals and state of the art equipment to produce the masterpieces they do.
• Whilst working behind the camera I have learnt a numerous types of shots and angles and the effect they create on the viewer.
• Also editing techniques such as fades and wipes along with altering the pace of editing which will either cause tension or relaxation for the viewer this will make my production look exiting and professional. I have also learnt how to time my cuts better to aid the continuity of the story. Because of this I have gained experience with the editing programs Pinnacle, Final Cut Express and iMovie.
• I have also learnt about the impact music can have on the viewer as I am in charge of writing mixing and mastering all the music for our production I have gained experience with programs such as Garageband and Reason.
• Another technique I experienced is the inclusion of special effects in editing, unfortunately this wasn’t used in the production as we all had a consensus that getting the right footage during filming was fundamental rather than trying to fix poor footage in post the action of re-filming is evident of this agreement.
Examples of Final Cut and Garageband.
Looking back on the preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the final product?
• After my preliminary task I feel I have learnt many new skills concerning the production and filming of multimedia products.
• Whilst filming I have experienced the process of allowing me to spontaneously solve problems and utilize my creativity to explore new camera angles such as point of view shots and Dutch angles
• Also editing techniques such as fades and wipes along with altering the pace of editing which will either cause tension or relaxation for the viewer this will make my production look exiting and professional. I have also learnt how to time my cuts better to aid the continuity of the story. Because of this I have gained experience with the editing programs Pinnacle, Final Cut Express and iMovie.
• I have also learnt about the impact music can have on the viewer as I am in charge of writing mixing and mastering all the music for our production I have gained experience with programs such as Garageband and Reason.
• I have also learnt much about the infrastructure of the film industry from the stages a film must go through to get into the cinema; I have also leant about the different types of distributors which launch films to specific target audiences.
The contrast between the preliminary and main tasks.
Our production makes use of the standardised camera and editing work of real media products including things such as high and low angle shots. Close ups, medium shots. There is also use of cut’s, jump cuts, fades, etc. Another convention of horror films we decided to use was monster fodder, a character with little or no development that is killed at the start of the film to increase tension within the film and audience. It can also create a hook making the audience want to see if the antagonist gets their comeuppance. However we did break two conventions of stereotypical horror films firstly the “monster fodder” is a white male from my research a high frequency of monster fodder tends to be either females or someone of an ethnic minority. The second convention we decided to break was including a female antagonist as it may increase the appeal, in films of the splatter genre the antagonist is stereotypically a white male. We feel this change may increase appeal as females who are normally excluded by the splatter genre may be able to identify with the female antagonists whilst males will still enjoy the blood and gore of this subgenre.
Amanda played by Shawnee Smith was a large influence in the creation of antagonist.
How does your media product represent particular social groups?
Our production puts a large emphasis on strong independent female characters challenging and subverting the genre. It also flips the idea of a strong male character upside down using a white male character as “monster fodder” unlike stereotypical films that use young teenage girls or ethnic minorities.
What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
We would preferably like an international partnership between lionsgate and twisted pictures. lionsgate would take a pivotal role in the distribution of our product as they have experience distributing films of the horror genre, they also often take small horror films and help develop them become franchises good examples of this include saw which was a large influence in the creation of our opening most of the inspiration of which was from saw 2, along with other movies such as hostel. It would also be a convenient time to pitch our opening to twisted pictures as their main export the saw franchise has ended after seven films.
The logos of our choice of institution.Lionsgate
Twisted Pictures
Who would be the audience for your media product?
For our media product our emphasis was on attracting the teenage market. This is because the teen audience are the highest group of movie goers. The following graph and quote from the office of national statistics proves this statement:
“Teenagers and young adults went to the cinema most frequently. In the UK in 2008, just over four in ten (41 per cent) of those aged 15 to 24, along with 31 per cent of those aged 7 to 14 and 22 per cent of those aged 25 to 34, reported attending the cinema at least once a month.”
Article
Because of this statistical information making our audience the majority will lead to the highest viewing figures and effectively the most profit, the only thing to take in consideration would be achieving a classification of 15 from the BBFC to access the entire of our audience we may need to consider reducing the amount of graphic violence on screen. However due to our genre we will be likely to draw in the 25 to 34 age group.
However the uses and gratifications suggests people use the media to satisfy particular needs Blumler and McQuail identified four basic needs which people use to satisfy:
• Diversion – As Watson (2008) notes we use the media to escape from our routines and problems or to ease worries and tensions, for example women may compensate for the lack of romance in their marriages by reading romantic novels. Some people may even develop alternative lives and identities using the media.
• Our media product can act as a tool of diversion by entertainment purposes alone giving the viewer another world to escape into. It also may allow an element of catharsis allowing viewers to project their anger onto the situation on the film by identifying with it.
• Personal Relationships – Watson states that people may choose to identify with characters due to the decline in social contact a person has through an average day. Watson states that most people know more about the characters on a soap opera than their next door neighbour.
• Our media product can allow people to connect and understand the emotions of our characters. If this standalone product was developed into a franchise viewers may form a relationship with the characters creating a fan base and generating mass sales.
• Personal Identity – People may use the media to make over or modify their identity.
• Due to our product subverting stereotypes of the horror genre a female audience may identity with her sense of power, authority and pride.
• Surveillance – People use the media to obtain information and news about the social world in order to help them make their minds up on particular issues.
• Our media product demonstrates a issue that is quite often in the dark female on male violence and murder often women murders are represented as rather butch or mentally unstable however our killer is calm, cold and calculating.
This means that most people are able to utalize our product for one reason or another and our target audience may only be a small proportion of our actual audience.
How did you attract / address your audience?
From our questionnaire we decided to create key elements of the story and things such as setting around our participants responses and thus have decided to introduce the antagonist at the start of our movie. We also decided to use an urban location, an abandoned house converted into a dungeon appealing to two demographics of our audience both of them also the biggest. We could also further attract our audience due to the fact we have tried to challenge the stereotypical aspects of horror films, most importantly the female antagonist. This could lead to the film attracting both males and females as the female audiences could be attracted by the subverted stereotypes and the male audience for the blood and gore of the stereotypical splatter movie.
What have you learnt about technologies and the process of constructing this product?
• I have come to the realization that media products are very hard to produce and require a roster of talented professionals and state of the art equipment to produce the masterpieces they do.
• Whilst working behind the camera I have learnt a numerous types of shots and angles and the effect they create on the viewer.
• Also editing techniques such as fades and wipes along with altering the pace of editing which will either cause tension or relaxation for the viewer this will make my production look exiting and professional. I have also learnt how to time my cuts better to aid the continuity of the story. Because of this I have gained experience with the editing programs Pinnacle, Final Cut Express and iMovie.
• I have also learnt about the impact music can have on the viewer as I am in charge of writing mixing and mastering all the music for our production I have gained experience with programs such as Garageband and Reason.
• Another technique I experienced is the inclusion of special effects in editing, unfortunately this wasn’t used in the production as we all had a consensus that getting the right footage during filming was fundamental rather than trying to fix poor footage in post the action of re-filming is evident of this agreement.
Examples of Final Cut and Garageband.Looking back on the preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the final product?
• After my preliminary task I feel I have learnt many new skills concerning the production and filming of multimedia products.
• Whilst filming I have experienced the process of allowing me to spontaneously solve problems and utilize my creativity to explore new camera angles such as point of view shots and Dutch angles
• Also editing techniques such as fades and wipes along with altering the pace of editing which will either cause tension or relaxation for the viewer this will make my production look exiting and professional. I have also learnt how to time my cuts better to aid the continuity of the story. Because of this I have gained experience with the editing programs Pinnacle, Final Cut Express and iMovie.
• I have also learnt about the impact music can have on the viewer as I am in charge of writing mixing and mastering all the music for our production I have gained experience with programs such as Garageband and Reason.
• I have also learnt much about the infrastructure of the film industry from the stages a film must go through to get into the cinema; I have also leant about the different types of distributors which launch films to specific target audiences.
The contrast between the preliminary and main tasks.
Wednesday 1 December 2010
AS Media Coursework Version 3 Final Cut
From the second edit we decided to re-film as every member of the group had changes they wanted to introduce and the original source footage would not accommodate these needs. We decided to change location to allow us more space to film and the ability to access more shot types. The new location is also a homemade dungeon and stays along the lines of what the audience wanted in the initial research. We also decided to change some of the dialogue for example the fact the monster fodder knows the antagonists name creates a mysterious back story and a hook for the viewer to want to watch the rest of the film.
AS Media Coursework Version 2
In the second edit we tried to fix a few things from first version such as miss timed panning shots, we also played upon the idea of decreasing the amount of blood and gore. We also tried some new music.
Tuesday 23 November 2010
Storyboard
Due to not being able to scan the large piece of paper the storyboards where drawn on they read across all three pages as if they were placed side by side from the right side of the first row on page one to the left of the first row on page two.
Friday 19 November 2010
Shot Log
Extreme close up: Scott's eyes
Close up: Scott's face
Med shot: Torso
Long shot: full body and background
POV shot: pans left, pans right,
Low angle shot: Scott struggling to free himself
Low angle med shot: Vicky
Med shot: Scott
Long shot: Scott, Vicky’s legs pass through the screen
OTS shot: tray of instruments
Med shot: Vicky starts putting on scrubs
Med shot: Scott rambling
Low angle shot, Vicky rearranging instruments
Close up: Scott shouting
Low angle shot: Vicky turns towards Scott
High angle shot: Scott as Vicky walks to and slaps him
Close up: Scott spitting blood
Close up: Scott as Vicky gags him
Close up: profile of both of them
High angle shot: Scott’s arm being cut
Low angle shot: Vicky ranting
Low angle shot: Vicky cleaning the knife/selecting new weapon
High angle shot: Scott’s stomach being sliced
Close up: Scott writhing in pain
Low angle shot: Vicky getting ice-pick
OTS shot: Vicky with the ice-pick
Close up: Scott's face
Med shot: Torso
Long shot: full body and background
POV shot: pans left, pans right,
Low angle shot: Scott struggling to free himself
Low angle med shot: Vicky
Med shot: Scott
Long shot: Scott, Vicky’s legs pass through the screen
OTS shot: tray of instruments
Med shot: Vicky starts putting on scrubs
Med shot: Scott rambling
Low angle shot, Vicky rearranging instruments
Close up: Scott shouting
Low angle shot: Vicky turns towards Scott
High angle shot: Scott as Vicky walks to and slaps him
Close up: Scott spitting blood
Close up: Scott as Vicky gags him
Close up: profile of both of them
High angle shot: Scott’s arm being cut
Low angle shot: Vicky ranting
Low angle shot: Vicky cleaning the knife/selecting new weapon
High angle shot: Scott’s stomach being sliced
Close up: Scott writhing in pain
Low angle shot: Vicky getting ice-pick
OTS shot: Vicky with the ice-pick
Wednesday 17 November 2010
Thursday 11 November 2010
Script
A male and female are walking down an empty street in the early evening time, dressed in smart casual clothes chatting. They stop outside of a house with one light left on.
MALE: Well this was a fun night, I had a good time
FEMALE: giggles. You sound surprised
MALE: chuckles. Oh no, I didn’t mean it like that
FEMALE: It’s ok, I know what you mean. Do you want to come in for half an hour? If you don’t mind I’d like to talk to you more about your job.
MALE: Erm, yeah alright, it’s not too late for me. I have work in the morning.
Female leads male into the house, the door shuts and at the same time we hear a bang of some sort. Snap cut.
Fade into a POV shot, groggy, blurred vision. Eyes keep opening and closing until character regains full consciousness.
Looks around, sees female leaning on the door watching him calmly. Male is panicking, trying to move out of his chair but can’t.
FEMALE: (Calmly) it’s no use, they all try this, getting a bit old now.
MALE: What are you doing? Untie me.
Female ignores him, strolls over to the clothes she has laid out.
MALE: Oi! I said untie me, I don’t know what kind of game you’re playing, But I’m not gonna to be a part of it.
She still ignores him as she is putting on the medical scrubs as we now see.
MALE: "FUCKING" UNTIE ME!
Female sharply turns to him and hits him around the face;
Blood spat from his mouth.
Female ties a gag around the male’s mouth.
FEMALE: Do you ever shut up? I Mean do all men talk this much or is it just the really stupid ones? You’re all the same, pathetic, cruel beings who think that all women are their servants. Well that’s going to change very soon; we’ll make sure of that.
Female slices his shoulder with a small knife. Male screams and starts to panic even more as blood stains his white shirt.
FEMALE: Men need to know what they’re dealing with and they’re need to know their place and I am the spark to kick off the revolution and you my dear boy, are one of the first casualties.
FEMALE: (Whispers in his ear) Feeling high and mighty now? (Normal volume) Well?
Female continues to repeat the phrase “Well” in exceeding levels of aggression.
MALE: Well this was a fun night, I had a good time
FEMALE: giggles. You sound surprised
MALE: chuckles. Oh no, I didn’t mean it like that
FEMALE: It’s ok, I know what you mean. Do you want to come in for half an hour? If you don’t mind I’d like to talk to you more about your job.
MALE: Erm, yeah alright, it’s not too late for me. I have work in the morning.
Female leads male into the house, the door shuts and at the same time we hear a bang of some sort. Snap cut.
Fade into a POV shot, groggy, blurred vision. Eyes keep opening and closing until character regains full consciousness.
Looks around, sees female leaning on the door watching him calmly. Male is panicking, trying to move out of his chair but can’t.
FEMALE: (Calmly) it’s no use, they all try this, getting a bit old now.
MALE: What are you doing? Untie me.
Female ignores him, strolls over to the clothes she has laid out.
MALE: Oi! I said untie me, I don’t know what kind of game you’re playing, But I’m not gonna to be a part of it.
She still ignores him as she is putting on the medical scrubs as we now see.
MALE: "FUCKING" UNTIE ME!
Female sharply turns to him and hits him around the face;
Blood spat from his mouth.
Female ties a gag around the male’s mouth.
FEMALE: Do you ever shut up? I Mean do all men talk this much or is it just the really stupid ones? You’re all the same, pathetic, cruel beings who think that all women are their servants. Well that’s going to change very soon; we’ll make sure of that.
Female slices his shoulder with a small knife. Male screams and starts to panic even more as blood stains his white shirt.
FEMALE: Men need to know what they’re dealing with and they’re need to know their place and I am the spark to kick off the revolution and you my dear boy, are one of the first casualties.
FEMALE: (Whispers in his ear) Feeling high and mighty now? (Normal volume) Well?
Female continues to repeat the phrase “Well” in exceeding levels of aggression.
Wednesday 3 November 2010
Props List
Cheap Clothes – These will be used for numerous reasons firstly they will covered in blood and ruined this was decided to save money as we only have a small budget. Secondly it adds to the monster fodder it makes him look weaker and insignificant as he cannot afford anything better and will also make him look like a immigrant this will make him seem even less powerful as he will not be fully aware of his surroundings and not have many connections in his outside life.
Chair – The monster fodder will wake up tied to a chair. A chair was chosen as it restricts movement other ideas where considered such as tying the monster fodder to ceiling beams but this was considered the most effective and safe way to restrain the monster fodder.
Rope / Ties – These will be used to tie the monster fodder to the chair they will also look effective on camera and could be considered to be iconographic of horror films.
Apron – This will makeup part of the antagonists costume it was chose for two main reasons firstly it can be splattered with blood and add a “butcher” element to the antagonist
Dust Mask – was chosen to add stylistic elements to the character adding to his D.I.Y surgeon feel. It also removes all emotion from the character making them seem cold unreceptive and inhuman.
Surgical Gloves – will be used to add a aesthetic look to the character they also have practical reasons within the film such as keeping the antagonists hands clean and for the purposes of not leaving any finger prints.
Tools – The antagonist will have various tools for killing ideas include hand saws, pliers and clippers.
Fake Blood Rig:
Fake Blood – Homemade fake blood will be used as it is cost effective and a large supply can be made.
Food Bags – Will be used to contain the fake blood. They will be concealed under the actors clothes and multiple ones can be made for various shots and angles or even put in other areas of the body.
Tea Towels / Wood – These will be used to protect the actor, will be concealed and play no part in the movie.
Chair – The monster fodder will wake up tied to a chair. A chair was chosen as it restricts movement other ideas where considered such as tying the monster fodder to ceiling beams but this was considered the most effective and safe way to restrain the monster fodder.
Rope / Ties – These will be used to tie the monster fodder to the chair they will also look effective on camera and could be considered to be iconographic of horror films.
Apron – This will makeup part of the antagonists costume it was chose for two main reasons firstly it can be splattered with blood and add a “butcher” element to the antagonist
Dust Mask – was chosen to add stylistic elements to the character adding to his D.I.Y surgeon feel. It also removes all emotion from the character making them seem cold unreceptive and inhuman.
Surgical Gloves – will be used to add a aesthetic look to the character they also have practical reasons within the film such as keeping the antagonists hands clean and for the purposes of not leaving any finger prints.
Tools – The antagonist will have various tools for killing ideas include hand saws, pliers and clippers.
Fake Blood Rig:
Fake Blood – Homemade fake blood will be used as it is cost effective and a large supply can be made.
Food Bags – Will be used to contain the fake blood. They will be concealed under the actors clothes and multiple ones can be made for various shots and angles or even put in other areas of the body.
Tea Towels / Wood – These will be used to protect the actor, will be concealed and play no part in the movie.
Thursday 14 October 2010
Location Planning
Part One - The Outdoor Kidnap
Part Two - The Torture Room
We have decided that the torture room will be constructed in a garage to please our target audience as they said their favourite settings where urban environments abandoned houses and dungeons. Thus we can do a effective combination of all three with a few changes to the set taking some items out and adding others to make the shot more effective, lighting is also another important aspect that will be adjusted before shooting as low key lighting can add a element of anxiety and tension to the film.
The rusty top of this boiler can be used for a very effective shot either the main antagonist can throw the monster fodder ontop of it and a shot of the monster fodders hand trying to grip onto it can be used.
Or it can be used for the antagonist to place their instruments of torture on this will work specificity well if the instruments used are very shiny and clean as it will add a juxtaposition within the shot making it look like the antagonists tools are treasured more than anything even more than their torture room.
The above light can also be used very effectively to add a a similar feel to the opening of saw 2. Adding a cramped claustrophobic feel, alternativley it could be used to change the lighting throughout the film changing it from low to high key lighting.
This switch will also make a effective shot as once again it is broken and almost feels like it could be a pastiche to something out of Frankenstein.
Part Two - The Torture Room
We have decided that the torture room will be constructed in a garage to please our target audience as they said their favourite settings where urban environments abandoned houses and dungeons. Thus we can do a effective combination of all three with a few changes to the set taking some items out and adding others to make the shot more effective, lighting is also another important aspect that will be adjusted before shooting as low key lighting can add a element of anxiety and tension to the film.
The rusty top of this boiler can be used for a very effective shot either the main antagonist can throw the monster fodder ontop of it and a shot of the monster fodders hand trying to grip onto it can be used.
Or it can be used for the antagonist to place their instruments of torture on this will work specificity well if the instruments used are very shiny and clean as it will add a juxtaposition within the shot making it look like the antagonists tools are treasured more than anything even more than their torture room.
The above light can also be used very effectively to add a a similar feel to the opening of saw 2. Adding a cramped claustrophobic feel, alternativley it could be used to change the lighting throughout the film changing it from low to high key lighting.
This switch will also make a effective shot as once again it is broken and almost feels like it could be a pastiche to something out of Frankenstein.
Wednesday 13 October 2010
Group And Job Roles
Vicky Ahmed
Casting, Wardrobe And Script – Vicky has been chosen for the role of casting due to the fact that she is also a performing arts student and will know people who will be willing to take part in our opening and do a effective job. Because of Vicky's experience of preforming arts she also has experience with applying makeup and has decided to write the script as her creative writing skills are greater because of her english A level along with her knowledge of what will look effective on screen or stage from her preforming arts.
Ryan Tustin
Camera, Photography, Lighting, Cinematography - Ryan will be incharge of the previous due to the fact he has the most experience with filming having made several similar opening scenes and trailers. He is a avid film watcher and will have a good sense of what will translate well to screen.
Joshua Crawley
Props, Locations Manager, Music And Editor - I will be incharge of these roles due to the fact i am a organised individual and will be dependable to gather all the resources needed for filming along with organising the actors and managing the set. I am also incharge of music and editing as i have experience with proffesional programmes such as Gargeband, Cubase and Logic and Imovie, Pinnicle and Final Cut within the editing side. I have also gained experience with special effects.You can see the video below as evidence the only thing that is lacking are props.
Casting, Wardrobe And Script – Vicky has been chosen for the role of casting due to the fact that she is also a performing arts student and will know people who will be willing to take part in our opening and do a effective job. Because of Vicky's experience of preforming arts she also has experience with applying makeup and has decided to write the script as her creative writing skills are greater because of her english A level along with her knowledge of what will look effective on screen or stage from her preforming arts.
Ryan Tustin
Camera, Photography, Lighting, Cinematography - Ryan will be incharge of the previous due to the fact he has the most experience with filming having made several similar opening scenes and trailers. He is a avid film watcher and will have a good sense of what will translate well to screen.
Joshua Crawley
Props, Locations Manager, Music And Editor - I will be incharge of these roles due to the fact i am a organised individual and will be dependable to gather all the resources needed for filming along with organising the actors and managing the set. I am also incharge of music and editing as i have experience with proffesional programmes such as Gargeband, Cubase and Logic and Imovie, Pinnicle and Final Cut within the editing side. I have also gained experience with special effects.You can see the video below as evidence the only thing that is lacking are props.
Thursday 7 October 2010
Initial Planning Mind Map
After the research portio was completed our group carried out a initial planning section and created a mind map we decided to include topics that had proved popuilar from out research and other idea's that cropped up during a discussion of what we are going to film.
Friday 1 October 2010
What do you think of the music in horror films?
This graph shows that music has a effect on the viewer whilst watching the film but only one person listens to it in their spare time this shows that music should be included but it shouldn't be top priority, i can compose the music myself because of this.
When Do You Prefer The Villain To Be Introduced In A Horror Film?
The graph below shows that most people prefer the villain to be introduced towards the start of the film compared to a small majority who wish to be surprised or guess who he is during the film. This will suit us perfectley as we are only creating the opening to a film and thus the antagonist will be introduced at the start.
What Setting Do You Prefer For A Horror Film?
The pie chart above shows that dungeons and suburban area’s are the favourite areas for a horror film. We have decided to please the majority of the audience by converting a garage into a dungeon this falls under three of the categories dungeon, abbandonned house and suburban area.
What Subgenre Of Horror Film Do You Enjoy?
The above graph shows that males prefer splatter movies where as females prefer vampire and zombie movies. It also shows 5% more boys like horror movies more than girls. Because of these results we have planned to create a film of the splatter subgenre as two thirds of our group are part of this demographic this means that we will be able to identify with this genre easily and be able to create somthing we would want to watch regardless of our knowledge about media.
Questionnaire
The following questionnaire was used to gain research towards my target audiences preferences when watching horror films. It covers the aspects of setting, timeline, genre and music with this information i can make a relevant horror film aimed at my target audience. I surveyed 10 boys and 10 girls from the ages of 16, 17 and 18 this was my target demographic.
Horror Film Survey
1) Are you: Male __ or Female __
2) How old are you? ___
3) Which subgenre of horror film do you most enjoy?
Slasher __
Splatter__
Psychological Horror __
Vampire / Zombie / Werewolf __
Teen Horror __
Super Natural Thriller __
I do not like horror films __
4) How often do you watch horror films?
Every Day __
Every Week __
Every Month __
Every 3 Months __
Every 6 Months __
Once a Year __
5) Which setting do you prefer within a horror film?
Forest___
Abandoned House __
Abandoned City __
Dungeon __
Parks and suburban areas__
6) When do you prefer the villain to be introduced in a horror film?
Near the start __
In the middle __
Near the end __
7) Do you like to know the villains back story?
Yes ___
No I like the mystery __
8) What do you think of the music in horror films?
It helps build the scene __
I listen to it in my leisure time __
It has no effect one me __
Horror Film Survey
1) Are you: Male __ or Female __
2) How old are you? ___
3) Which subgenre of horror film do you most enjoy?
Slasher __
Splatter__
Psychological Horror __
Vampire / Zombie / Werewolf __
Teen Horror __
Super Natural Thriller __
I do not like horror films __
4) How often do you watch horror films?
Every Day __
Every Week __
Every Month __
Every 3 Months __
Every 6 Months __
Once a Year __
5) Which setting do you prefer within a horror film?
Forest___
Abandoned House __
Abandoned City __
Dungeon __
Parks and suburban areas__
6) When do you prefer the villain to be introduced in a horror film?
Near the start __
In the middle __
Near the end __
7) Do you like to know the villains back story?
Yes ___
No I like the mystery __
8) What do you think of the music in horror films?
It helps build the scene __
I listen to it in my leisure time __
It has no effect one me __
Horror Film Distributors
Brain Damage Films is an independent distributor that distributes horror films both world wide and independently it produces it’s own content as well as distributing the work of independent directors.
Saw is distributed by Lions Gate Entertainment a Canadian distributor the distributors first big box office hit was American psycho in 2000 it has since gone on to distribute films such as dogma and saw.
28 days later was distributed by Fox Searchlight pictures a branch of fox that specialises in indie and British films it has had large success with drama films such as slumdog millionaire.
Dimension Films is the distributor of Scream and is a motion picture unit currently a part of The Weinstein Company. It was formerly used as Bob Weinstein's label within Miramax Films, to produce and release genre films. The Weinstein Brothers took this label with them when they departed the Disney-owned Miramax in October 2005. The studio's movie franchises include the later Halloween films, Children of the Corn, Scream, Spy Kids and Scary Movie.
The logo’s for lionsgate entertainment, dimension films and fox searchlight pictures.
Saw is distributed by Lions Gate Entertainment a Canadian distributor the distributors first big box office hit was American psycho in 2000 it has since gone on to distribute films such as dogma and saw.
28 days later was distributed by Fox Searchlight pictures a branch of fox that specialises in indie and British films it has had large success with drama films such as slumdog millionaire.
Dimension Films is the distributor of Scream and is a motion picture unit currently a part of The Weinstein Company. It was formerly used as Bob Weinstein's label within Miramax Films, to produce and release genre films. The Weinstein Brothers took this label with them when they departed the Disney-owned Miramax in October 2005. The studio's movie franchises include the later Halloween films, Children of the Corn, Scream, Spy Kids and Scary Movie.
The logo’s for lionsgate entertainment, dimension films and fox searchlight pictures.
Thursday 30 September 2010
Target Audience Reseach
28 Days Later
28 Days Later Trailer
Saw 2
Saw 2 Trailer
Scream
Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Texas Chainsaw Massacre Trailer
28 Days Later Trailer
Saw 2
Saw 2 Trailer
Scream
Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Texas Chainsaw Massacre Trailer
Opening Titles Within Horror Films
The titles fade in from black making the viewer feel disorientated and possibly dizzy.
Once it has faded in the scream title is very plain and simple but is on a slight angle and the white writing on the black background create a sense of mystery, there is a slight juxtaposition between the font and the colour as white is very innocent and pure but the font is rather disjointed and dirty.
The title then changes to the colour red this takes away the innocence of the white titles and connotes blood and danger unbalancing the titles equilibrium.
The titles then burst towards the viewer making them feel as if they have been pushed into it could also connote as the red mist a uncontrollable sense of rage a person gets which can possibly lead to murder.
What Makes an effective horror opening sequence?
From my research i have found that the following areas make a effective opening sequence:
Camera Angles – Can be used to set the scene using establishing shots, Establish whether characters are weak or powerful by using high and low angle shots, or emphasize certain points of interest or cause tension for example the extreme close up of the protagonists eye in saw.
Editing – Fast cuts can be used to create tension or action, where as dissolves and fades can support a intransitives narrative or a characters death.
Lighting – High key lighting can be used to make a scene feel very normal and friendly where as low key lighting can cause a sense of mystery and tension.
Sound – can be used to create a sense of anxiety or make the startle the viewer a good example to this is the 28 days later opening the Non-Diegetic music builds and then startles the viewer with a Diegetic car alarm.
Iconography – is used vitally within the opening sequence it is often used to identify the genre of the film, props such as knives and masks are common with horror films.
Characters – are the main focal point of the story they can either promote the narrative of the film or be used create tension such as “monster fodder ” the majority of horror films will have a antagonist a protagonist and a final girl.
Settings – Of isolation are often used to unbalance a films equilibrium horror films are usually set in abandoned places such as the mansion in the woods in scream or post apocalyptical London in 28 days later.
Themes – Common themes within horror films are death and the supernatural they often make the characters binary opposites for example the psychopathic male killer in scream and a teenage girl in scream.
Structure – The job a of a horror film opening is to unbalance the sense of equilibrium this is often done by killing of some “monster fodder ” within the first few minuets.
Camera Angles – Can be used to set the scene using establishing shots, Establish whether characters are weak or powerful by using high and low angle shots, or emphasize certain points of interest or cause tension for example the extreme close up of the protagonists eye in saw.
Editing – Fast cuts can be used to create tension or action, where as dissolves and fades can support a intransitives narrative or a characters death.
Lighting – High key lighting can be used to make a scene feel very normal and friendly where as low key lighting can cause a sense of mystery and tension.
Sound – can be used to create a sense of anxiety or make the startle the viewer a good example to this is the 28 days later opening the Non-Diegetic music builds and then startles the viewer with a Diegetic car alarm.
Iconography – is used vitally within the opening sequence it is often used to identify the genre of the film, props such as knives and masks are common with horror films.
Characters – are the main focal point of the story they can either promote the narrative of the film or be used create tension such as “monster fodder ” the majority of horror films will have a antagonist a protagonist and a final girl.
Settings – Of isolation are often used to unbalance a films equilibrium horror films are usually set in abandoned places such as the mansion in the woods in scream or post apocalyptical London in 28 days later.
Themes – Common themes within horror films are death and the supernatural they often make the characters binary opposites for example the psychopathic male killer in scream and a teenage girl in scream.
Structure – The job a of a horror film opening is to unbalance the sense of equilibrium this is often done by killing of some “monster fodder ” within the first few minuets.
Case Study 4: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)
Micro Features
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre makes very effective use of micro features.
Firstly the use of lighting in the police report is very effective as it is black and white footage there is a lot of creepy low key lighting used typical of horror films particularly once inside the house where the some of the murders where committed.
After the police report the song “Sweet Home Alabama” by “Lynyrd Skynyrd” is used to balance the equilibrium again, another reason it may have been used is to identify the country the film is based in. It is also used as diegetic sound to make it seem like the teens are relaxed and enjoying themselves.
The group of friends are also casually dressed, their clothing offers them little protection and adds to their vulnerability.
One effective camera movement within the opening is when the camera zooms out through the head of the girl that had shot her self it adds a sense of gore to the film and give the feeling of the statement “let the games begin.”
Macro Features
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a horror movie of the slasher genre, it focuses around a psychotic killer who prays on a innocent group of teenagers killing them one by one.
The opening of the film is set on a dusty rural road in Texas, this adds a sense of isolation to the group of teenagers cutting them off from any help from the outside world making them feel weak and powerless.
Most of the horror iconography in the opening is contained within the black and white footage at the start of the film to set up the plot, good examples of iconography in this segment are the skeletal torso pulled out of the river, bags of teeth on a autopsy desk and the films defining prop a chainsaw, the chainsaw is used for a number of reasons firstly the intimidation factor the revving of the chainsaw will cause tension and fear within the character and the viewer and is also a very brutal and over the top way of killing someone adding to the psychotic element of the antagonist.
This film also follows Tordov’s narrative structure after the police file the movie starts of in a sense of equilibrium with a group of teens enjoying them selves riding down the road until they almost run over a girl they pick her up and whilst in the car she becomes very Erratic until she pull a gun out and shoots herself. This unbalances the equilibrium for more to come until its restored.
Case Study 3: Scream
The opening of scream uses it's micro and macro features very effectivley along with a pastiche or satirism of others.
Micro features:
Scream makes a very effective use of micro features to create a interesting opening to the movie.
One very effective shot within scream is a low angle tracking shot of a door this makes you feel as if you personally are backing away from it . This makes the viewer identify with the protagonist and makes the feel very vulnerable.
Mise en scene is used effectively also, as the antagonist has very iconic clothing and items of horror films making him a trademark villain from the minuet you see him you know he is a “bad guy .” The teenager is dressed very plainly and this goes along with the start of the opening.
As with all music in horror films, Non-Diegetic music build to a climax and as it end the victim is killed.
The character also has a very deep voice in the first few phone calls he sounds very friendly but his voice becomes more distressed with later class this shows he is loosing his patience with the victim and also identifies him as a male.
Macro features:
Scream is a horror movie of the slasher genre, where there is a psychotic killer who prays on a innocent group of teenagers.
Scream is set at a isolated American house in the woods this is a very stereotypical setting for a horror film but makes the victim feel very isolated and alone reducing their power within the movie.
There is numerous iconography within the scream film but the two most notable are the kitchen knives which will either be used by the antagonist to kill or the protagonist to defend themselves. Secondly the antagonists mask is very useful as it takes away his identity and emotions and adding his black cloak adds to the effect of making him seem inhuman even more.
The film starts out in a very normal ordinary way, with a young girls cooking popcorn to eat whilst watching a movie, the movie starts to go out of balance with every call this girl gets, until; the antagonist states that he is watching the girls this single act throws the equilibrium out the window. The popcorn bursting is also a visual representation of how the equilibrium has become unbalanced.
Micro features:
Scream makes a very effective use of micro features to create a interesting opening to the movie.
One very effective shot within scream is a low angle tracking shot of a door this makes you feel as if you personally are backing away from it . This makes the viewer identify with the protagonist and makes the feel very vulnerable.
Mise en scene is used effectively also, as the antagonist has very iconic clothing and items of horror films making him a trademark villain from the minuet you see him you know he is a “bad guy .” The teenager is dressed very plainly and this goes along with the start of the opening.
As with all music in horror films, Non-Diegetic music build to a climax and as it end the victim is killed.
The character also has a very deep voice in the first few phone calls he sounds very friendly but his voice becomes more distressed with later class this shows he is loosing his patience with the victim and also identifies him as a male.
Macro features:
Scream is a horror movie of the slasher genre, where there is a psychotic killer who prays on a innocent group of teenagers.
Scream is set at a isolated American house in the woods this is a very stereotypical setting for a horror film but makes the victim feel very isolated and alone reducing their power within the movie.
There is numerous iconography within the scream film but the two most notable are the kitchen knives which will either be used by the antagonist to kill or the protagonist to defend themselves. Secondly the antagonists mask is very useful as it takes away his identity and emotions and adding his black cloak adds to the effect of making him seem inhuman even more.
The film starts out in a very normal ordinary way, with a young girls cooking popcorn to eat whilst watching a movie, the movie starts to go out of balance with every call this girl gets, until; the antagonist states that he is watching the girls this single act throws the equilibrium out the window. The popcorn bursting is also a visual representation of how the equilibrium has become unbalanced.
Case Study 2: Saw ll
The opening to Saw 2 Makes a very effective use of micro and macro features:
Micro features
Saw 2 makes a very effective use of camera angles in its opening sequence most notably there are a numerous amount of high angle shots used on the protagonist, these make him seem powerless in the situation that he is in.
Also extreme close ups of the protagonists eye and the nails in the death masks are used to make the viewer feel uncomfortable.
At the start of the opening many slow fades are used to make the viewer feel they are in the protagonists situation and are waking up from anaesthesia. Once the protagonist sets the timer of on the death mask many fast cuts of the protagonist and the timer are used to create a sense of tension and anxiety.
This clip uses Diegetic and Non-Diegetic sound very effectively to create tension ask the ticking of the death masks timer speeds up the Non-Diegetic background music also does.
The protagonist has also had his clothing removed this makes him look very vulnerable.
Macro features
Saw two is a sequel to the original saw film, it has now become a franchise and is on its 8th movie.
Saw is a splatter movie sub genre this means horror is created from shock factor and gore.
The film opens in a dark, filthy basement it is a small enclosed space adding a sense of claustrophobia to the opening sequence. This unbalances the films equilibrium from the start.
The opening character has little or no development and is “monster fodder. ”
The character is strapped into a “death mask” this is very iconic of horror films, this on prop includes the majority of iconography in horror films, sharp objects and masks, the sharp objects connote death and masks are used to make the character seem inhuman
Micro features
Saw 2 makes a very effective use of camera angles in its opening sequence most notably there are a numerous amount of high angle shots used on the protagonist, these make him seem powerless in the situation that he is in.
Also extreme close ups of the protagonists eye and the nails in the death masks are used to make the viewer feel uncomfortable.
At the start of the opening many slow fades are used to make the viewer feel they are in the protagonists situation and are waking up from anaesthesia. Once the protagonist sets the timer of on the death mask many fast cuts of the protagonist and the timer are used to create a sense of tension and anxiety.
This clip uses Diegetic and Non-Diegetic sound very effectively to create tension ask the ticking of the death masks timer speeds up the Non-Diegetic background music also does.
The protagonist has also had his clothing removed this makes him look very vulnerable.
Macro features
Saw two is a sequel to the original saw film, it has now become a franchise and is on its 8th movie.
Saw is a splatter movie sub genre this means horror is created from shock factor and gore.
The film opens in a dark, filthy basement it is a small enclosed space adding a sense of claustrophobia to the opening sequence. This unbalances the films equilibrium from the start.
The opening character has little or no development and is “monster fodder. ”
The character is strapped into a “death mask” this is very iconic of horror films, this on prop includes the majority of iconography in horror films, sharp objects and masks, the sharp objects connote death and masks are used to make the character seem inhuman
Case Study 1: 28 Days Later
The opening of 28 days later is makes very effective use of micro and macro features.
Micro features
In the opening camera angles are used to create a sense of isolation, using numerous high angle shots to make the character seem powerless and insignificant.
This opening uses natural lighting which is very unusual in horror films but the film opens as the sun is setting this creates a atmosphere of fear as the protagonist is not only abandoned but has to survive a pitch black night on his own taking away his sight effectively, making him in a worse off position than if he had awoken in the day.
Putting the protagonist wear medical scrubs also makes him feel vulnerable along with the full frontal nudity shot of him at the start of the opening, as he has no option on what to wear and medical scrubs are very light weight and offer him little protection from the environment let alone zombies.
The sense of equilibrium is further distorted when the protagonist arrives at a church which has graffiti written on the walls which says “the end is F*cking nigh ” The fact the church has been defaced becomes even worse when it has been defaced with swear words.
Parallel music is also used effectively as it builds in tension using a drone of two notes and more instruments enter building up the texture of the music.
Macro features
28 days later is a horror film of the zombie subgenre.
The Movie is set in a abandoned hospital and London in a zombie apocalypse, shots of notable landmarks establish the setting.
The notion of abandonment is synonymous with horror as there is not protection for the character making them seem very vulnerable.
The main character is a young man, this is unusual for a horror film as women are usually portrayed as a the victims in horror films. He wakes up in a abandoned hospital missing what caused the zombie apocalypse, this throws the film out of equilibrium from the start.
The whole plot of the movie is for the character to get back to equilibrium surviving numerous zombie attacks and to find civilization again.
Some very effective iconography is used during the opening notably the city of London is flooded with rubbish creating a feel of pestilence. It makes you feel as if the city is infected along with the people who have become zombies. Also the wall of missing people creates a sense of despair and hopelessness as you know none of the missing people are no longer alive.
One of the opening shots from 28 days later. The protagonist is dressed very vulnerably with light weight medical scrubs and only a carrier bag to hold his possessions.
Micro features
In the opening camera angles are used to create a sense of isolation, using numerous high angle shots to make the character seem powerless and insignificant.
This opening uses natural lighting which is very unusual in horror films but the film opens as the sun is setting this creates a atmosphere of fear as the protagonist is not only abandoned but has to survive a pitch black night on his own taking away his sight effectively, making him in a worse off position than if he had awoken in the day.
Putting the protagonist wear medical scrubs also makes him feel vulnerable along with the full frontal nudity shot of him at the start of the opening, as he has no option on what to wear and medical scrubs are very light weight and offer him little protection from the environment let alone zombies.
The sense of equilibrium is further distorted when the protagonist arrives at a church which has graffiti written on the walls which says “the end is F*cking nigh ” The fact the church has been defaced becomes even worse when it has been defaced with swear words.
Parallel music is also used effectively as it builds in tension using a drone of two notes and more instruments enter building up the texture of the music.
Macro features
28 days later is a horror film of the zombie subgenre.
The Movie is set in a abandoned hospital and London in a zombie apocalypse, shots of notable landmarks establish the setting.
The notion of abandonment is synonymous with horror as there is not protection for the character making them seem very vulnerable.
The main character is a young man, this is unusual for a horror film as women are usually portrayed as a the victims in horror films. He wakes up in a abandoned hospital missing what caused the zombie apocalypse, this throws the film out of equilibrium from the start.
The whole plot of the movie is for the character to get back to equilibrium surviving numerous zombie attacks and to find civilization again.
Some very effective iconography is used during the opening notably the city of London is flooded with rubbish creating a feel of pestilence. It makes you feel as if the city is infected along with the people who have become zombies. Also the wall of missing people creates a sense of despair and hopelessness as you know none of the missing people are no longer alive.
One of the opening shots from 28 days later. The protagonist is dressed very vulnerably with light weight medical scrubs and only a carrier bag to hold his possessions.
Characteristics Of The Horror Genre
Characters – Most of the characters within a film are very stereotypical:
The Antagonist – The bad guy or villain, the antagonist can be of two forms a supernatural entity / monster or a psychopathic killer, the main role of the antagonist is to kill the other characters before the end of the movie but the majority of the time he never succeeds.
The Protagonist – The victim or good character within a film, this character is usually female. If so she will be the final female, the final female is a female character that survives either to the end of the film or just until it climaxes.
The Helper – A character who aids the protagonist or gives advice to the protagonist, often killed before the end of the movie.
“Monster Fodder” – Standard stock characters that have been placed in the movie only to be killed by the antagonist at the start of the movie to build tension these are usually “stock characters ” such as a the captain of the football team in a teen horror.
Iconography – Specific elements of mise en scene related to the genre of the film.
Weaponry – Props that can be used to harm or kill other characters often used by the antagonist or the protagonist to protect themselves. Weapons in horror films are normally household items such as kitchen knives or tools such as hammers this is because the protagonist would usually be to powerful and kill the antagonist on sight if they had a gun.
Costumes and Makeup – Within horror films the antagonist is wearing a mask 9 times out of 10, this is because it will obscure their face and make the emotionless and inhuman. Characters are normally dressed in everyday clothes which become torn and blood stained by the end of the film. Also makeup is used on the actors frequently in gore films as they need to create situations which would normally kill or badly wound people, this is obviously inhumane and unfeasible to do to the actors portraying the characters.
Setting – The setting of a horror film is very important to the storyline and the subgenre for example it would be hard to set a psychological horror in a toy shop compared to one se in a abandoned hospital.
Isolated Environment – Isolated environments are often used to make the protagonist seem very vulnerable as they cannot call for help or the police in this situation and must face the antagonist alone. Good examples of this are the woods, houses in the country and underground caves.
Suburban Environment – The suburban environment is used to make the situation more practical for the character as they have all the conventions of the modern world to help them, yet are still powerless. This environment is usually good if the antagonist is a supernatural being and is to powerful to be effected by the law a good example of this is predator 2 where the predator has a cloaking device so it may hid within the city whilst stalking and killing it’s prey
Traits and subgenres – There are many traits of horror films but these all fall into different categories such as:
Slasher films the stereotypical film where a masked psychotic killer preys on a group of teenage girls with a weapon such as a knife.
Psychological horror where the antagonist who will menaces the protagonist with psychological threats before a final attack.
Splatter films where the horror focuses on graphic portrayals of gore, these films use excessive amounts of blood and guts.
Vampire films – A supernatural vampire preys on female victims sucking their blood.
Zombie films – The come back to life and begin to attack the living.
Werewolf / Mummy films –as above but the protagonist is menaced by another supernatural character.
Teen Horror – A group of teenagers are targeted by a killer.
Super Natural Thriller – A ghost story which focuses on the haunting of the ghosts victims there are often a few deaths to build tension.
Themes – Films often use thematic devices to draw a audience in, themes are often “binary oppositions ” or opposites for example:
Known Vs. Unknown
Life Vs. Death
The Natural Vs. The Unatural
Human Normality Vs. The Unconsious Self
Social Order Vs. Social Disorder
Sanity Vs. Insanity
Health Vs. Disease
Narrative of horror films
The narrative of a north American horror film is usually linear and has a clear start middle and end and can often make use of the flashback technique or a intransitive narrative.
There will often be use of the classic three part structure there will be a set up which sets the story a confrontation where “monster fodder ” is killed and a resolution where the antagonist is killed or the problem solved.
The Antagonist – The bad guy or villain, the antagonist can be of two forms a supernatural entity / monster or a psychopathic killer, the main role of the antagonist is to kill the other characters before the end of the movie but the majority of the time he never succeeds.
The Protagonist – The victim or good character within a film, this character is usually female. If so she will be the final female, the final female is a female character that survives either to the end of the film or just until it climaxes.
The Helper – A character who aids the protagonist or gives advice to the protagonist, often killed before the end of the movie.
“Monster Fodder” – Standard stock characters that have been placed in the movie only to be killed by the antagonist at the start of the movie to build tension these are usually “stock characters ” such as a the captain of the football team in a teen horror.
Iconography – Specific elements of mise en scene related to the genre of the film.
Weaponry – Props that can be used to harm or kill other characters often used by the antagonist or the protagonist to protect themselves. Weapons in horror films are normally household items such as kitchen knives or tools such as hammers this is because the protagonist would usually be to powerful and kill the antagonist on sight if they had a gun.
Costumes and Makeup – Within horror films the antagonist is wearing a mask 9 times out of 10, this is because it will obscure their face and make the emotionless and inhuman. Characters are normally dressed in everyday clothes which become torn and blood stained by the end of the film. Also makeup is used on the actors frequently in gore films as they need to create situations which would normally kill or badly wound people, this is obviously inhumane and unfeasible to do to the actors portraying the characters.
Setting – The setting of a horror film is very important to the storyline and the subgenre for example it would be hard to set a psychological horror in a toy shop compared to one se in a abandoned hospital.
Isolated Environment – Isolated environments are often used to make the protagonist seem very vulnerable as they cannot call for help or the police in this situation and must face the antagonist alone. Good examples of this are the woods, houses in the country and underground caves.
Suburban Environment – The suburban environment is used to make the situation more practical for the character as they have all the conventions of the modern world to help them, yet are still powerless. This environment is usually good if the antagonist is a supernatural being and is to powerful to be effected by the law a good example of this is predator 2 where the predator has a cloaking device so it may hid within the city whilst stalking and killing it’s prey
Traits and subgenres – There are many traits of horror films but these all fall into different categories such as:
Slasher films the stereotypical film where a masked psychotic killer preys on a group of teenage girls with a weapon such as a knife.
Psychological horror where the antagonist who will menaces the protagonist with psychological threats before a final attack.
Splatter films where the horror focuses on graphic portrayals of gore, these films use excessive amounts of blood and guts.
Vampire films – A supernatural vampire preys on female victims sucking their blood.
Zombie films – The come back to life and begin to attack the living.
Werewolf / Mummy films –as above but the protagonist is menaced by another supernatural character.
Teen Horror – A group of teenagers are targeted by a killer.
Super Natural Thriller – A ghost story which focuses on the haunting of the ghosts victims there are often a few deaths to build tension.
Themes – Films often use thematic devices to draw a audience in, themes are often “binary oppositions ” or opposites for example:
Known Vs. Unknown
Life Vs. Death
The Natural Vs. The Unatural
Human Normality Vs. The Unconsious Self
Social Order Vs. Social Disorder
Sanity Vs. Insanity
Health Vs. Disease
Narrative of horror films
The narrative of a north American horror film is usually linear and has a clear start middle and end and can often make use of the flashback technique or a intransitive narrative.
There will often be use of the classic three part structure there will be a set up which sets the story a confrontation where “monster fodder ” is killed and a resolution where the antagonist is killed or the problem solved.
My Chosen Genre
I have chosen to create a film within the horror genre my reasons for this are that firstly a horror film is very identifiable as i has unique iconography for example there is always a weapon within a horror film either the antagonist or the protagonist using it to kill or defend themselves.
The antagonist or monster will also have their face covered or obstructed in someway although it can be done with lighting often a mask if worn, taking away a antagonists face makes them seem inhuman and emotionless.
Secondly i have chosen to do a horror film as the target audience for them are teenagers, due to the fact all the actors will be teenagers it will be easier for them to identify with.
The genre also leaves me room to experiment with things such as camera angles, props, lighting and spooky music.
Finally horror movies are very cost effective, there are only a few props such as weapons and masks that need to be used and the setting is usual a open forest or house which are easy to find.
The antagonist or monster will also have their face covered or obstructed in someway although it can be done with lighting often a mask if worn, taking away a antagonists face makes them seem inhuman and emotionless.
Secondly i have chosen to do a horror film as the target audience for them are teenagers, due to the fact all the actors will be teenagers it will be easier for them to identify with.
The genre also leaves me room to experiment with things such as camera angles, props, lighting and spooky music.
Finally horror movies are very cost effective, there are only a few props such as weapons and masks that need to be used and the setting is usual a open forest or house which are easy to find.
Wednesday 29 September 2010
Examples Of Effective Film Openings Part 3: Casino Royale
Micro features
The film opens with a black and white shot of a building using a “dutch ” angle along with low key lighting these creates at tense atmosphere.
Because of the low key lighting the man leaving the car is represented as a “bad guy.”
Then some sinister non diegetic music begins to play adding more tension to the opening.
The “bad guy ” enters a lift, there is a close up of the floor counter in the lift to create a sense of anticipation and excitement.
The “bad guy ” enters the office and bon swivels round sitting at his desk, a shot reverse shot then takes place as bon and the villain have a conversation.
As the conversation climaxes with bond pulling out his gun the light becomes over exposed and intense.
You then hear a diegetic gunshot, this tells you that the villain has been killed.
Bond and the villain are wearing suits this connotes that they are professional and classy.
Macro features
This film has been made to reboot the franchise as it is the first movie with the Daniel Craig as the new “bond.”
There is then a title over the opening shot that’s says “Prague ” Czech Republic, this gives away the location as it would be unrecognisable if the director wants to keep the “gritty ” opening theme as no landmarks could be shown in full colour.
As the the two characters converse there is a flashback, this can also be called a intransitive narrative, it tells a previous story whilst explaining the current plot because after the flashback you know that this man is bonds second kill so he will achieve “double 0 ” status.
As bond shoots the guy the trademark “down the barrel shot ” occurs this is synonymous with all bond films as soon as you see this shot you know your watching a bond film.
The credits are themed towards the film as they contain animation of card suits as the title is named casino royal.
The iconic "down the barrel" shot.
The film opens with a black and white shot of a building using a “dutch ” angle along with low key lighting these creates at tense atmosphere.
Because of the low key lighting the man leaving the car is represented as a “bad guy.”
Then some sinister non diegetic music begins to play adding more tension to the opening.
The “bad guy ” enters a lift, there is a close up of the floor counter in the lift to create a sense of anticipation and excitement.
The “bad guy ” enters the office and bon swivels round sitting at his desk, a shot reverse shot then takes place as bon and the villain have a conversation.
As the conversation climaxes with bond pulling out his gun the light becomes over exposed and intense.
You then hear a diegetic gunshot, this tells you that the villain has been killed.
Bond and the villain are wearing suits this connotes that they are professional and classy.
Macro features
This film has been made to reboot the franchise as it is the first movie with the Daniel Craig as the new “bond.”
There is then a title over the opening shot that’s says “Prague ” Czech Republic, this gives away the location as it would be unrecognisable if the director wants to keep the “gritty ” opening theme as no landmarks could be shown in full colour.
As the the two characters converse there is a flashback, this can also be called a intransitive narrative, it tells a previous story whilst explaining the current plot because after the flashback you know that this man is bonds second kill so he will achieve “double 0 ” status.
As bond shoots the guy the trademark “down the barrel shot ” occurs this is synonymous with all bond films as soon as you see this shot you know your watching a bond film.
The credits are themed towards the film as they contain animation of card suits as the title is named casino royal.
The iconic "down the barrel" shot.
Examples Of Effective Film Openings Part 2: Borat
Micro features
The film opens with traditional plain titles in Kazak, with English subtitles poorly placed over them, this gives the feeling this is a cultural film / documentary with a low production budget.
An example of the foreign subtitled opening of Borat. This gives the film a international low budget feel adding to the fact it is a cross cultural documentary.
Along with the titles there is some cultural music to add to the effect it is a foreign documentary.
Through out most of the introduction there is handheld tracking shot of Borat going backwards as he introduces Kusic’s landmarks. this adds to making the user believe this is a documentary.
Through out the opening high key lighting is used to make the film seem very natural and friendly.
Finally there is a shot of Borat reporting from his local TV station this matches up with his role as a reporter and confirms he is a professional makes the plot more effective as he is going to be doing his job in America.
Macro features
There is a opening shot of a eastern European village which is later identified as Kusic in Kazakhstan later on by Borat.
Within Kusic there are a lot of improvised shacks along with a few rusted cars a donkeys this shows that Kusic is not a developed town and it’s people are somewhat backward technologically.
A Intransitive narrative is used whilst Borat is walking to add to the fact the film is supposed to be a documentary.
Borat’s mankini identifies that this film is not a documentary but in fact a comedy or a mockumentary.
Another point that can be made about the manikini is being a very vivid colour it is more likely to bring attention to it this makes it seem even more comical. Along with the fact he is wearing shoes and socks this add's to the idiotic element of his character.
The film opens with traditional plain titles in Kazak, with English subtitles poorly placed over them, this gives the feeling this is a cultural film / documentary with a low production budget.
An example of the foreign subtitled opening of Borat. This gives the film a international low budget feel adding to the fact it is a cross cultural documentary.
Along with the titles there is some cultural music to add to the effect it is a foreign documentary.
Through out most of the introduction there is handheld tracking shot of Borat going backwards as he introduces Kusic’s landmarks. this adds to making the user believe this is a documentary.
Through out the opening high key lighting is used to make the film seem very natural and friendly.
Finally there is a shot of Borat reporting from his local TV station this matches up with his role as a reporter and confirms he is a professional makes the plot more effective as he is going to be doing his job in America.
Macro features
There is a opening shot of a eastern European village which is later identified as Kusic in Kazakhstan later on by Borat.
Within Kusic there are a lot of improvised shacks along with a few rusted cars a donkeys this shows that Kusic is not a developed town and it’s people are somewhat backward technologically.
A Intransitive narrative is used whilst Borat is walking to add to the fact the film is supposed to be a documentary.
Borat’s mankini identifies that this film is not a documentary but in fact a comedy or a mockumentary.
Another point that can be made about the manikini is being a very vivid colour it is more likely to bring attention to it this makes it seem even more comical. Along with the fact he is wearing shoes and socks this add's to the idiotic element of his character.
Examples Of Effective Film Openings Part 1: The Emperors New Groove
The Opening of The Emperor's New Groove:
Uses micro and macro features very effectivley within it's opening. Below is a account of some of the more prevelant ones:
Micro features:
In the opening shot of the jungle, low key lighting is used and the darkness connotes that it is night time.
There is also a Non Diegetic voice over from emperor kuzco, which tells his back story as he is a lama and cannot speak any language you presume this is his thoughts, there is also a slight about of reverb on his voice making it seem reminiscent.
Halfway through the voice over flashback editing is used to show you a clip of kuzco as a human which matches with the “dreamy ” voice over.
Gold is also used as a representation of kuzco’s wealth in particular his gold comb with diamonds puts this point across effectively.
Along with the flashback of kuzco’s past funky music is used, to connote it was happy time for him.
Macro features:
The film opens with a establishing shot of a jungle.
The setting then changes to a Mayan or Aztec city.
The opening credits co-inside with the funky music as they a bright and colourful this adds to the happy mood.
This happy mood and light story book type tale makes this film a effective family film.
Finally the film leaves of on a hook making the viewer want to figure out the story of how kuzco becomes a lama.
Uses micro and macro features very effectivley within it's opening. Below is a account of some of the more prevelant ones:
Micro features:
In the opening shot of the jungle, low key lighting is used and the darkness connotes that it is night time.
There is also a Non Diegetic voice over from emperor kuzco, which tells his back story as he is a lama and cannot speak any language you presume this is his thoughts, there is also a slight about of reverb on his voice making it seem reminiscent.
Halfway through the voice over flashback editing is used to show you a clip of kuzco as a human which matches with the “dreamy ” voice over.
Gold is also used as a representation of kuzco’s wealth in particular his gold comb with diamonds puts this point across effectively.
Along with the flashback of kuzco’s past funky music is used, to connote it was happy time for him.
Macro features:
The film opens with a establishing shot of a jungle.
The setting then changes to a Mayan or Aztec city.
The opening credits co-inside with the funky music as they a bright and colourful this adds to the happy mood.
This happy mood and light story book type tale makes this film a effective family film.
Finally the film leaves of on a hook making the viewer want to figure out the story of how kuzco becomes a lama.
Sunday 26 September 2010
What Makes A Good Opening To A Film?
There are two things that make a good opening to a film micro features and macro features.
Macro features are vital elements or facts about the film the viewer needs to know which are based around genre and narrative:
Also things such as as settings are needed to make sense of the film a appropriate setting must be chosen for the film to make sense for example it would be very confusing if high school music was set in a jungle.
Characters need to be introduced early as the audience needs to make a connection with them to understand their story and enjoy the film.
Story and genre of film are also important, without this the viewer could be confused, for a example if there is no indication of genre someone may go and see horror instead of a comedy and be rather angry that they have wasted their money. Iconography is used to display the genre effectively for example gangster films should contain guns, suits and drugs.
The narrative of the film which usually starts in equilibrium and quickly becomes unbalanced, a good example of this would be within a sci-fi movie the earth starts of as normal in equilibrium and then becomes quickly unbalanced when the earth discovers aliens.
This usually unbalance creates a hook making the viewer want to see the entirety of the film.
Micro features are also important to the opening of a film, these are important features in the film hat also makes the viewer continue watching.
These include things like mise en scene a encompassing term for; setting and props, hair and make up, facial expressions and body language, lighting and colour and the position of the character and objects within the frame.
There are also aspects like lighting and colour which are useful for setting the mood in a film for example horror films are very dark this is for two reasons it firstly it creates a sense of tension and anxiety nothing is more scary than when it cannot be seen. Secondly in older films when special effects where not advanced it prevents the monster from becoming a man in a suit taking away any fear of the monster.
Editing is also a important micro feature, it can be used effectively. For example very rapid cuts cant create a sense of anxiety, where as a wipe or fade can be used to imply a intransitive narrative.
Camera angles may also used be very effectively within a opening for example a establishing shot can be used to set the scene for example a shot of the statue of liberty will show the film is set around New York in America, they can also be used to emphasise things for example using a extreme close-up make the viewer feel uncomfortable as people do not often get this close to objects. Finally high and low angle shots can be used to emphasize or diminish a characters power, changing the equilibrium of the scene.
Macro features are vital elements or facts about the film the viewer needs to know which are based around genre and narrative:
Also things such as as settings are needed to make sense of the film a appropriate setting must be chosen for the film to make sense for example it would be very confusing if high school music was set in a jungle.
Characters need to be introduced early as the audience needs to make a connection with them to understand their story and enjoy the film.
Story and genre of film are also important, without this the viewer could be confused, for a example if there is no indication of genre someone may go and see horror instead of a comedy and be rather angry that they have wasted their money. Iconography is used to display the genre effectively for example gangster films should contain guns, suits and drugs.
The narrative of the film which usually starts in equilibrium and quickly becomes unbalanced, a good example of this would be within a sci-fi movie the earth starts of as normal in equilibrium and then becomes quickly unbalanced when the earth discovers aliens.
This usually unbalance creates a hook making the viewer want to see the entirety of the film.
Micro features are also important to the opening of a film, these are important features in the film hat also makes the viewer continue watching.
These include things like mise en scene a encompassing term for; setting and props, hair and make up, facial expressions and body language, lighting and colour and the position of the character and objects within the frame.
There are also aspects like lighting and colour which are useful for setting the mood in a film for example horror films are very dark this is for two reasons it firstly it creates a sense of tension and anxiety nothing is more scary than when it cannot be seen. Secondly in older films when special effects where not advanced it prevents the monster from becoming a man in a suit taking away any fear of the monster.
Editing is also a important micro feature, it can be used effectively. For example very rapid cuts cant create a sense of anxiety, where as a wipe or fade can be used to imply a intransitive narrative.
Camera angles may also used be very effectively within a opening for example a establishing shot can be used to set the scene for example a shot of the statue of liberty will show the film is set around New York in America, they can also be used to emphasise things for example using a extreme close-up make the viewer feel uncomfortable as people do not often get this close to objects. Finally high and low angle shots can be used to emphasize or diminish a characters power, changing the equilibrium of the scene.
Main Task Brief
I have been briefed to produce the titles and opening to a new fiction film, to last a maximum of two minuets. I have decided to work as part of a group of three people, each person will be given a specific role to follow. This Blog will outline the primary and secondary research that I have undertaken into film openings, the genre I have chosen and target audiences.
Thursday 16 September 2010
Preliminary Task
Below is my preliminary task we where briefed to film one actor walking into a room and having a conversation with another. I belive we did a good job considering this was the first time we had filmed together. I took place directing the other actor whilst acting the other part myself. Ryan and Vicky both worked together using the camera deciding the shots and angles to be used. This turned out rather well but one thing i was disapointed with where the handheld shots although relativley still those using a tipod looked much better after the edit. I was incharge of editing i feel i did a rather good job apart from one or two cuts that where slightly out and contained unwanted sounds.
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