Sunday, 16 March 2014
Friday, 7 March 2014
AS Evaluation- Question 7
Looking back at your preliminary task,what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?
Before filming the final sequence, my group performed a preliminary task to make ourselves aware of the different equipment we would be using in the final stages. This included the use of a camera, tripod and the actual editing software. From this, my group gained a larger insight on the equipment being used. This will make filming run smoothly and as a group, the production stage would be stress free.
The overall purpose of this task was to learn how to use the different equipment correctly. I needed to learn how to use a camera, to film frames that would be used correctly. The use of a tripod needed to be practised, as I didn't want frames such as midshots or closeups to appear shaky. After filming this, I also learned how to use Fincalm Cut Pro X. This was helpful, as editing would take less time and everybody in the group would have some knowledge on how to use it.
The preliminary task can be viewed here
The preliminary task was extremely helpful. As well as learning how to use the the camera, tripod and editing software, I learned how to perform different angles/shots correctly which was an important skill to learn for when filming occured. This task helped me with creating my thriller as skills that I would have found difficult beforehand, had been practised. From doing this task, filming ran smoothly and quickly as we did not have to figure out how to use the equipment by ourselves. I could have easily used the equipment incorrectly when filming the final sequence if I hadn't performed this task, beforehand. Fundamentally, this task was very rewarding as each group member had an understanding of the equipment and camera angles that would be used when filming and editing the final sequence. I believe that taking part in this task helped make my overall sequence a success.
Before filming the final sequence, my group performed a preliminary task to make ourselves aware of the different equipment we would be using in the final stages. This included the use of a camera, tripod and the actual editing software. From this, my group gained a larger insight on the equipment being used. This will make filming run smoothly and as a group, the production stage would be stress free.
The overall purpose of this task was to learn how to use the different equipment correctly. I needed to learn how to use a camera, to film frames that would be used correctly. The use of a tripod needed to be practised, as I didn't want frames such as midshots or closeups to appear shaky. After filming this, I also learned how to use Fincalm Cut Pro X. This was helpful, as editing would take less time and everybody in the group would have some knowledge on how to use it.
The preliminary task can be viewed here
The preliminary task was extremely helpful. As well as learning how to use the the camera, tripod and editing software, I learned how to perform different angles/shots correctly which was an important skill to learn for when filming occured. This task helped me with creating my thriller as skills that I would have found difficult beforehand, had been practised. From doing this task, filming ran smoothly and quickly as we did not have to figure out how to use the equipment by ourselves. I could have easily used the equipment incorrectly when filming the final sequence if I hadn't performed this task, beforehand. Fundamentally, this task was very rewarding as each group member had an understanding of the equipment and camera angles that would be used when filming and editing the final sequence. I believe that taking part in this task helped make my overall sequence a success.
AS Evaluation- Question 6
What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?
Monday, 3 March 2014
AS Evaluation- Question 2
How does your media product represent particular social groups?
My thriller production contains a range of different characters that can challenge and represent social groups. Linking to this, characters used show an obvious representation of good vs bad. The main character/killer is a bride. As she is a woman, her power is highlighted to the audience as typically, a man is the killer. This character represents negativity and the problems surrounding the ruined event. She is a stereotypical bride as she is seeking revenge on her groom, the fact she is wearing white goes against a typical convention. Her hair and make up is messy, contrasting to the typical conventions of brides being clean cut. She is a stereotypical killer as in other productions, they hold a back story. This engages the audience with the narrative and characters used, and appeal to the audience as she is a powerful woman killer, which is unseen within typical thriller films.
These characters were included to make a stronger narrative. These characters have elements that are stereotypical, making them appeal to social groups. This creates a wider audience that engage with these added characters. Male and female social groups are also challenged within this sequence as gender isn't represented in a stereotypical way. This is because a woman is the killer and a man is the victim. This is reversed in other thriller productions. However, this appeals to a wider audience as the characters represent a certain uniqueness. Female social groups would prefer to watch this thriller because of the use of different characters. This idea contrasts to the stereotype of women disliking thriller films. Consequently, my thriller production would appeal to both male and female social groups.
My thriller production contains a range of different characters that can challenge and represent social groups. Linking to this, characters used show an obvious representation of good vs bad. The main character/killer is a bride. As she is a woman, her power is highlighted to the audience as typically, a man is the killer. This character represents negativity and the problems surrounding the ruined event. She is a stereotypical bride as she is seeking revenge on her groom, the fact she is wearing white goes against a typical convention. Her hair and make up is messy, contrasting to the typical conventions of brides being clean cut. She is a stereotypical killer as in other productions, they hold a back story. This engages the audience with the narrative and characters used, and appeal to the audience as she is a powerful woman killer, which is unseen within typical thriller films.
The main victim is a groom, that left the bride on the wedding. He represents the bride's main problem and plays the role of the victim. He is stereotypical as ultimately, he needs to pay a price for his wrong decisions, this causes him to become the main target. He is emotionally stronger than the killer. Keeping this in mind, he also challenges stereotypes as he isn't a blonde female. I decided to do this because the victim is strong and his gender is highlighted. The fact the female killer goes against a male, makes her seem more brutal and aggressive to the audience.
These characters were included to make a stronger narrative. These characters have elements that are stereotypical, making them appeal to social groups. This creates a wider audience that engage with these added characters. Male and female social groups are also challenged within this sequence as gender isn't represented in a stereotypical way. This is because a woman is the killer and a man is the victim. This is reversed in other thriller productions. However, this appeals to a wider audience as the characters represent a certain uniqueness. Female social groups would prefer to watch this thriller because of the use of different characters. This idea contrasts to the stereotype of women disliking thriller films. Consequently, my thriller production would appeal to both male and female social groups.
AS Evaluation- Question 1
In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
My final narrative includes a couple that are about to get married, however the man abandons his fiance on their wedding day and starts a new life. The bride doesn't deal with this situation well and her mental state deteriorates. She decides to blame all the guests and his family and sets out to murder them. Her identity is unknown to them as she wears a veil and wedding dress. This creates suspense and shock, as the audience is unaware of her identity, too.
Before making my sequence, I researched the codes and conventions used within other thrillers. Many films need to contain specific codes and conventions that make them typical of the thriller genre. Examples of this include cinematography, mise en scene, setting, iconography, sound and editing. An example of a film that I took inspiration from is 'The Shinning'. This film is an extremely popular thriller film and contains the typical shock/surprise/suspense elements. Previously, I have analysed the well known 'Here's Johnny' scene and identified that it contained many different micro elements that are typically seen within thriller productions.
The first example that I found is that the room was low lit showing the negativity and lack of hope, making the audience feel empathy for the character that cannot escape. Low key lighting is conventionally used in thrillers to create the sense of an enigma and to incise the audience. The atmosphere is immediately tense, causing the audience to feel suspense and on edge for what is to come.
The scene from 'The Shinning' also uses iconography, as an ax is used as a dangerous weapon, slashing through the door, which contrasts to the vulnerable female victim. The large ax tears through the door easily, showing the power and brutal actions of the weapon. A woman is typically used as a victim within thriller films to show the female stereotype of vulnerability and innocence, therefore the audience feel empathy for her.
This also links to mise en scene and the positioning of characters element as the victim is placed behind a towering door. This further causes the audience to feel empathy for her, and care for her safety.
My opening sequence is successful to the thriller genre as many conventional micro elements are used as I followed the generic conventions. This includes the use of cinematography. Below are examples of shots that I used within my opening sequence.
Here, a panning shot is used to introduce the dark setting. This causes suspense as the panning shot shows the setting and then the killer sat on the bed, last. The audience are introduced to the setting, causing them to engage with the narrative. This shot shows the ruined event, and how devastated the bride/killer is by the situation. The use of iconography is shown through this panning shot, making the frame more believable. The atmosphere caused by this shot is eerie and tense, as the killer's room/shrine is revealed to the audience, showing her negative mindset.
In some points within the sequence, POV shots are used in flashbacks. This causes the frames to look more real and the audience are part of the action. The use of POV further makes the frames look personal and that they have actually happened. This type of camera work is used in films such as Paranormal Activty, to make the production seem real. This scares the audience as they are confused and are unaware if the situation is real or not.
I believed that extreme close ups should be used within my production. This is because, if used on characters, the audience are engaged as this technique can show a character's emotion. I used this shot when showing the bride/killer's facial features. We see from this that her make up is mess up and she is not a conventional bride. Her emotions are negative, and through the eye, the audience can see deep into her soul. The audience sympathise with her, as she is emotional over a ruined, negative event that happened to her. Fundamentally, this shot shows how sinister the killer can be as she is ready to murder those around her.
Positioning of characters is shown especially in the ending. This is used successfully at the end scene when the bride/killer faces her main victim. The audience are unaware of what will happen after this. Over this, a loud sound effect is used to surprise the audience. I believe that the use of this causes a positive end effect, as the audience would want to keep watching from the intriguing ending. In this scene also, iconography is used as the killer holds a knife. This causes her to seem more sinister, contrasting with her gender. Fundamentally, all of these elements causes the bride to become a conventional killer, terrifying the audience further.
Make up and costume, an element of mise en scene, is also included within my opening sequence. I believed that this was extremely important to focus on as, characters become more believable causing the sequence to become successful. Costume and make up are highly focused on within successful thriller films as the characters need to be believable. Overall, victims need to be portrayed to the audience to show innocence, such as a blonde female that is typically used. And killers need to be portrayed evidently also, for example, wearing black and hiding in the shadows, usually masked to hide there face, making their identity unknown. The killer in my sequence wears a crumpled wedding dress, showing that she is still obsessed with the event that never happened. She hides her identity with the veil over her face, creeping up on her victims, scaring the audience also. The make up she wears is ruined and her hair is a mess, showing her mental state and deranged mind. The audience feel empathy for her however, the killer terrifies them also as the costume and makeup cause her too look creepy and shows her negative mindset, showing her craziness can result in murder.
My media product has been created from ideas that each of the group members had from research from other successful media productions. From a range od ideas that had been taken from other films, my sequence challenges the forms and conventions used. My thriller sequence contains a high amount of suspense and a sense of enigma, as my sequence engages the audience from adding these elements into the narrative. My chosen narrative is also extremely unique and had not been seen before within other thriller productions. The storyline is based around a ruined wedding and the bride's deteriorating mental state. Therefore, my narrative also contains a pyschological theme, causing audience members that are intreseted in subplots to watch it. As well as this, the protagonist/killer is a unique character and challenges other killers. This is because she is a powerful woman, which can confuse the audience as typically, men are the killers. This shows the woman's power/strength, causing her to seem more terrifying. Consequently, this will cause a wider audience as a woman is the killer. This makes women watch the production and appeals to men, also.
Wednesday, 12 February 2014
AS Evaluation- Question 3
What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
Thriller Comparison
Overall, I believe that I have created a successful thriller sequence. This is because, I incoproated conventional micro elements for example, costume within mise en scene. before doing so, I also researched into all of these elements, and how they were added to other successful thriller films. Lastly, I made sure that my sequence appealed to my tagert audience by adding these elemtns and researching other films. The use of my unique narrative also added to this, as the audience are engaged to this and my unique characters added.
I believe that the micro element used that best shows my creativity is the use of mise en scene. This is firstly because of make up and costume. The wedding dress highlighted the bride/killer's importance within the sequence. This showed that she was once innocent. The fact she murders victims in this costume, further highlights her deteriorating mental state. Her make up and hair is also messed up, showing her negative emotions and the fact she is broken.
Setting is another aspect of mise en scene. Within my sequence, the main setting is the dark secluded room. I believe this is creative as the bride's negative outlook makes the audience engage with her character. She is shut off from the rest of civilisation, which causes her negative mind set to be shown explicitly. Aswell as this, another element of mise en scene is lighting. Low key lighting was used alongside this setting. The darker lighting caused suspense as the audience were unaware of what would happen next, causing them to worry more. The dark lighting also showed the bride's mindset and negative emotions, causing the audience to engage with her further. This type of lighting is conventionally used in thriller productions to cause suspense and makes the audience fear for the worst.
The bride's body language/facial expressions are highlighted all throughout. When she is sat in the room, she seems miserable and pained as she reflects on the negative events that unfolded around her. This causes the audience to sympathise with her on some level. Her body language when she murders victims contrasts to this. She appears strong and menacing, showing that she strives for revenge and she enjoys killing these people. From this element, her character appears more sinister. She frightens the audience as she has the power to make them feel for her and against her.
I believe that the micro element used that best shows my creativity is the use of mise en scene. This is firstly because of make up and costume. The wedding dress highlighted the bride/killer's importance within the sequence. This showed that she was once innocent. The fact she murders victims in this costume, further highlights her deteriorating mental state. Her make up and hair is also messed up, showing her negative emotions and the fact she is broken.
Setting is another aspect of mise en scene. Within my sequence, the main setting is the dark secluded room. I believe this is creative as the bride's negative outlook makes the audience engage with her character. She is shut off from the rest of civilisation, which causes her negative mind set to be shown explicitly. Aswell as this, another element of mise en scene is lighting. Low key lighting was used alongside this setting. The darker lighting caused suspense as the audience were unaware of what would happen next, causing them to worry more. The dark lighting also showed the bride's mindset and negative emotions, causing the audience to engage with her further. This type of lighting is conventionally used in thriller productions to cause suspense and makes the audience fear for the worst.
The bride's body language/facial expressions are highlighted all throughout. When she is sat in the room, she seems miserable and pained as she reflects on the negative events that unfolded around her. This causes the audience to sympathise with her on some level. Her body language when she murders victims contrasts to this. She appears strong and menacing, showing that she strives for revenge and she enjoys killing these people. From this element, her character appears more sinister. She frightens the audience as she has the power to make them feel for her and against her.
An influence of mine was the film 'Orphan'. This film is popular and is conventional within the thriller genre. This is an influence of mine as the storyline and characters are unique and contains conventional micro elements that help make the film a success.
The narrative is based around an orphan that appears to be a innocent, young girl. She is fostered by a new, welcoming family. However, she isn't as she seems and is actually and older woman in a child's body. As can be seen, the narrative is extremely unique. I believe the successfulness of this film is because of the unique narrative. This influenced me as I made my storyline more unique, wanting to appeal to a wider audience.
The orphan is an extremely unsuspecting killer as she is a female child. This causes her to become more sinister as she tricks the audience as she is believed to be something she isn't. The fact that she is so brutal, also makes the audience feel sympathy towards the family/victims for being so open and unaware. This overall influenced me, as I wanted the characters added to my thriller to be unique. The audience should engage with the characters and feel certain emotions towards them such as fear or sympathy. I made my killer a woman, as she is unsuspecting yet surprising and sinister. She too tricks the audience, causing them to feel tense and uneasy.
Audience feedback
Feedback from an audience is extremely important when having made a production. This is because, it needs to be known to you that your film will make a profit and that your chosen target audience would watch the film. Lastly, you'd need to be assured that your chosen micro elements applied to films succeeded and appealed to the target audience.
I recieved feedback for my sequence by forming a focus group. From this, people within the group discussed the positive points that they saw within my sequence. I also gained constructive critisism which can help me improve, next time. Overall, this source of feedback helped as the group was made up of my chosen target audience of 15+. Aswell as this, I formed a questionnaire that I gave people aged 15+ to fill out. This was extremely helpful as I gained more knowledge as to what my audience liked about my sequence. I asked questions such as 'do you think this sequence contains a high element of shock/surprise/suspense?' and I asked 'would you want to see more of this, if made into a full film?' I found questions like this important, as I could view if my production would make a profit and appeal to it's audience. Feedback such as this is considered benefitial for production companies and the industry. This is because, this feedback allows the company to see if their production would sell at the box office. Further from this, large industries that produce these films, make blockbusters, which expands their target audience as film success can spread worldwide.
Here are three positive comments that I recieved:
1) 'Good use of costume, it makes the opening more appealing to watch.'
This can be refering to the wedding dress used. I thought the costume used was extremely important and helped show the character of the bride in her destressed state.
2) 'Full of suspense. The music helps this.'
I analysed many different music pieces before choosing the appropriate non diegetic sound to play within scenes high in suspense. Suspense helps draw the audience in, as they start to engage with the narrative.
3) 'Unique plot, haven't seen this kind of sequence before.'
I aimed to create a narrative that was extremely unique. Although I added conventional micro elements for example, low key lighting, I didn't want to use the traditional thriller sequence. This is because, it has been viewed by many audiences, and another conventional narrative can disencourage them.
I also recieved constructive comments from this feedback:
1) 'Could add more shock rather than just suspense'
Although I believe that shocking frames and ideas are added, I could have added more of the shock/surprise element to engage the audience futher.
2) 'Less dialogue, more sound effects.'
In the beginning, I believed that dialogue was needed for the frames to make sense to the audience. However from feedback like this, I found that clearer frames and more sound could do this equally.
3) 'End scene was confusing'
The sequence ended with the groom and his knew partner sat on the sofa. Luckily, this is only the opening sequence therefore, this would be explained in the rest of the film.
Overall, I believe that I have followed the aims of the brief. This is because my opening sequence contains micro elements that are seen within other successful thriller films. Therefore, I used influences to create a strong opening sequence that would appeal to my chosen target audience. I have made a post containing my final sequence here. From this, it can be seen that the brief was followed as I created a two minute thriller secrets, containing researched conventional micro elements such as cinematography that would appeal to my target audience.
I recieved feedback for my sequence by forming a focus group. From this, people within the group discussed the positive points that they saw within my sequence. I also gained constructive critisism which can help me improve, next time. Overall, this source of feedback helped as the group was made up of my chosen target audience of 15+. Aswell as this, I formed a questionnaire that I gave people aged 15+ to fill out. This was extremely helpful as I gained more knowledge as to what my audience liked about my sequence. I asked questions such as 'do you think this sequence contains a high element of shock/surprise/suspense?' and I asked 'would you want to see more of this, if made into a full film?' I found questions like this important, as I could view if my production would make a profit and appeal to it's audience. Feedback such as this is considered benefitial for production companies and the industry. This is because, this feedback allows the company to see if their production would sell at the box office. Further from this, large industries that produce these films, make blockbusters, which expands their target audience as film success can spread worldwide.
Here are three positive comments that I recieved:
1) 'Good use of costume, it makes the opening more appealing to watch.'
This can be refering to the wedding dress used. I thought the costume used was extremely important and helped show the character of the bride in her destressed state.
2) 'Full of suspense. The music helps this.'
I analysed many different music pieces before choosing the appropriate non diegetic sound to play within scenes high in suspense. Suspense helps draw the audience in, as they start to engage with the narrative.
3) 'Unique plot, haven't seen this kind of sequence before.'
I aimed to create a narrative that was extremely unique. Although I added conventional micro elements for example, low key lighting, I didn't want to use the traditional thriller sequence. This is because, it has been viewed by many audiences, and another conventional narrative can disencourage them.
I also recieved constructive comments from this feedback:
1) 'Could add more shock rather than just suspense'
Although I believe that shocking frames and ideas are added, I could have added more of the shock/surprise element to engage the audience futher.
2) 'Less dialogue, more sound effects.'
In the beginning, I believed that dialogue was needed for the frames to make sense to the audience. However from feedback like this, I found that clearer frames and more sound could do this equally.
3) 'End scene was confusing'
The sequence ended with the groom and his knew partner sat on the sofa. Luckily, this is only the opening sequence therefore, this would be explained in the rest of the film.
Overall, I believe that I have followed the aims of the brief. This is because my opening sequence contains micro elements that are seen within other successful thriller films. Therefore, I used influences to create a strong opening sequence that would appeal to my chosen target audience. I have made a post containing my final sequence here. From this, it can be seen that the brief was followed as I created a two minute thriller secrets, containing researched conventional micro elements such as cinematography that would appeal to my target audience.
AS Thriller Evaluation
My initial brief was to create a two minute opening sequence that contained codes and conventions typical of the thriller genre. This had to be created in groups. My group members were Amber-Louise Reed Johnson and Jazz Chrystie and myself. Within the production, group members had to be allocated to certain roles. Consequently, filming and editing would run smoothly and quickly as everybody in the group would have an assigned job. Firstly, Jazz was made the producer as he purchased all props needed and did not have a huge acting role therefore, he could supervise the making of the sequence. Jazz was also the mise en scene coordinator. Mise en scene is a huge contributer within the media industry and the making of a production. Amber was appointed the director of photography and filmed the whole sequence, this is because she was skilled with the equipment that would be used, for example the camera. Amber was also the sound producer and was responsible for sounds used within the sequence. She was succesful and filled this role well as she found conventional sounds before hand, and knew how to apply the. Lastly, Amber was the editor as she had experience using Final Cut Pro X therefore, she could edit the final sequence successfully. Within the sequence, we needed more than one actor therefore, the whole group had an acting part in some point of the sequence. I believe that this was a positive aspect as we could act as the characters we had created, therefore we knew first hand want we wanted the character to be like. From this also, the audience would engage with more believable characters.
My roles included directing, main acting and screen play writing. Firstly, I was in charge of directing other actors and the technical crew therefore, I had to be available to instruct others to make filming run smoothly and quickly. The role of a screen play writer is extremely important and I was appointed this role as I was the main creator of the narrative and storyboard. The opening sequence was made from detailed notes I made on each frame. From this, I learned how to make a well planned sequence and my team skills strengthened. I also learned how to instruct others rather than to be instructed. Overall, my group worked well together as we all knew our specific jobs that had to be done within these allocated roles. To improve next time and strenthen our group skills, we could have planned the filming schedule more sufficiently and should have made sure that the days were appropriate for everybody. However, because of well planned frames, there were no arguments.
My roles included directing, main acting and screen play writing. Firstly, I was in charge of directing other actors and the technical crew therefore, I had to be available to instruct others to make filming run smoothly and quickly. The role of a screen play writer is extremely important and I was appointed this role as I was the main creator of the narrative and storyboard. The opening sequence was made from detailed notes I made on each frame. From this, I learned how to make a well planned sequence and my team skills strengthened. I also learned how to instruct others rather than to be instructed. Overall, my group worked well together as we all knew our specific jobs that had to be done within these allocated roles. To improve next time and strenthen our group skills, we could have planned the filming schedule more sufficiently and should have made sure that the days were appropriate for everybody. However, because of well planned frames, there were no arguments.
Sunday, 29 December 2013
Rough cut- Miss Miller
Within our group, we produced a rough cut of of opening sequence that would be presented. From doing this, we can gain comments and opinions from peers, which will make us better our opening sequence from taking comments on board. Following on from this, we will also be able to edit out any mistakes that were made. Our rough cut can be watched here.
Audience feedback is crucial, as we need to be aware of what they want to see and what they don't want to see and how to engage them with the narrative. From showing the peers our rough cut, we can change certain elements, based on the audience's opinion. This further links to our target audience of 15+ as our rough cut was shown to that age group. From doing this, we discover what our chosen age certificate like and dislike about our opening sequence. The audience may also gain a deeper understanding of why certain elements are added into the sequence. Fundamentally, grades can be heightened as the audience are an influence and their opinions are considered.
Presenting our rough cut means that we can discover different successes and identifies what should be kept and what she be deleted. Furthermore, this was extremely helpful as any further steps are decided if we were confused before which overall, helps us proceed in the editing process.
Positive points gained were:
Good use of contrapuntal sound.
Clear narrative.
Good use of iconography and costume (wedding dress).
Variety of shots.
Good use of music and sound effects.
The shooting is appropriate to the task.
Transactions between frames.
Good use of conventions.
Plot twist.
Good acting.
Good font for narrative.
Creates suspense.
Negative points gained were:
Clear dialogue.
Sound chops and changes too often in the middle.
Use more suspenseful music leading up to the final killing scene.
More conventional thriller music
Less dialogue.
More low key lighting
Clearer narrative at the end of the scene
Shorter transitions
Thriller font, less neat.
Transitions are not needed.
Soundtrack only when needed.
Audience feedback is crucial, as we need to be aware of what they want to see and what they don't want to see and how to engage them with the narrative. From showing the peers our rough cut, we can change certain elements, based on the audience's opinion. This further links to our target audience of 15+ as our rough cut was shown to that age group. From doing this, we discover what our chosen age certificate like and dislike about our opening sequence. The audience may also gain a deeper understanding of why certain elements are added into the sequence. Fundamentally, grades can be heightened as the audience are an influence and their opinions are considered.
Presenting our rough cut means that we can discover different successes and identifies what should be kept and what she be deleted. Furthermore, this was extremely helpful as any further steps are decided if we were confused before which overall, helps us proceed in the editing process.
Positive points gained were:
Good use of contrapuntal sound.
Clear narrative.
Good use of iconography and costume (wedding dress).
Variety of shots.
Good use of music and sound effects.
The shooting is appropriate to the task.
Transactions between frames.
Good use of conventions.
Plot twist.
Good acting.
Good font for narrative.
Creates suspense.
Negative points gained were:
Clear dialogue.
Sound chops and changes too often in the middle.
Use more suspenseful music leading up to the final killing scene.
More conventional thriller music
Less dialogue.
More low key lighting
Clearer narrative at the end of the scene
Shorter transitions
Thriller font, less neat.
Transitions are not needed.
Soundtrack only when needed.
Sunday, 22 December 2013
Sound discussion- Miss Miller
Sound within every film overall is extremely important. As without sound, the storyline would be confusing and would not make sense to the audience. Thriller films should conventionally, scare the audience and make them feel certain emotions such as fright and sadness. Sound adds to this as different sounds can be used to surprise the audience such as screams, put them in suspense by the use of eerie music or make the audience understand the sequence by using dialogue. Overall, sounds are needed to link to what they are watching, which will cause them to feel negative emotions and engage with the narrative.
Contrapuntal sound will be used through scenes of the bride playing a wedding CD of what was meant to be a song at her wedding, 'Every breath you take' by The Police. Although this song is known to be reminiscent and positive/based on love, the mood is also quite negative. The audience will listen to the music and will gain a sense of negativity which links to what they are seeing on the screen. Also, the song relates back to a happy memory, which contrasts to what the audience see on screen. The audience will build a relationship with the character as they would want to understand the narrative and that the wedding day was ruined. This is conventional to the thriller genre as music is played to create a negative atmosphere, and come sometimes contradict what the audience see on screen, causing them to engage with the narratives and characters within the scene.
The next sound used is wedding bells, which is a non-diegetic technique. This will be used when there are close ups of the bride crying and again when the groom/victim is walking up the stairs.. This relates back to the wedding day, but links to the sequence as the wedding failed however, the audience are not sure why making the engage with the narrative and characters. From eerie wedding bells, the audience will feel suspense and sadness, as the day was not a success and they are scared and excited to find out why. The eerie wedding bells are played as the victim is walking up the stairs, as he was the groom, the sound highlights the mistakes he has made and may foreshadow his death. This is conventional to the thriller genre as this sound engages the audience as suspense rises, and the audience feel tense and engaged by the mood set by the music.
Non-Diegetic sound is used through eerie music soundtrack which will play through most of the sequence, for example, when the bride is in a dark secluded room. This signifys the bride's emotions to the audience, causing them to feel empathy for her and the audience/character bond to strengthen. The tone of the music causes the audience to be left in suspense, and again emphasise with the bride as she is alone in a room, after realisation of the narrative and the ruined event. From this sound, the audience see first hand the bride's deteriorating mental state. The music would imply how the killer is feeling, causing the audience to be placed in her position or allows them to see how dangerous or harmful she can be. Eerie music is conventional to the thriller genre as it builds suspense and this non-diegetic sound is commonly added before a negative event takes places, making the audience more shocked afterwards.
Silence will be used at the end when the killer is behind the door. Leading up to this, sound and dialogue was running all the way through, however leading up to the big event, silence is added to contrast with the other sound techniques, highlighting the scene's importance. Silence makes the scene more tense, making the audience feel the same and left worried for the victim's safety as that is where the opening sequence ends. Silence is used in the conventional thriller and is extremely popular as it intensifies the audience's emotions and the overall tone of the sequence and is a well known sound technique to create a negative ambience.
The chosen sounds for the opening sequence are effective as they are all conventional to the thriller genre and engage the audience with the overall narrative and characters. The use of eerie music for example, highlights characters feelings, causing the audience to feel empathy towards them. Fundamentally, these sounds build tension and suspense and furthermore shock the audience when linked with correct scenes, as they maked the sequence more interesting for the audience.
Opening scene analysis- Miss Georgiou
The purpose of an opening sequence is to create the idea of a narrative and to introduce the genre. Also, the opening should interest the audience to make them to want to continue watching. An opening sequence should contain Mise-En-Scene, characters, suspense and an enigma. In this post, I will be analysing the Halloween opening sequence and will discuss the cinematography used, editing, the use of sound, conventions, the narrative and the representation of characters.
Cinematography:
The Point of View camera shot is used when the killer is killing the victim. This specific shot gives the audience an in depth view of the situation and shows how the characters think and feel. The point of view shot is very personal, which could link to the killer's relationship to the victim as we later discover that they are siblings. The point of view shot is typical to a thriller as it used to involve the audience and make the scene look less structured and adds an eerie theme.
Handheld camera work is used when the killer walks through the door. This is used to make the scene more personal and to make the audience feel uneasy, like we are the prey as this killer is in charge. Also, this foreshadows the killers identity as he confidently walks through the house, highlighting the fact that he lives there. This links to a conventional thriller as the handheld aspect causes the killer to seem very strong and a higher and more terrifying status as apposed the the victim.
An eye level shot is used when the boyfriend leaves. This causes the audience to worry about his girlfriend's fate as she is upstairs alone as he leaves. Also, the killer is close to him in this shot therefore, we worry about him too. This shot also confuses the audience and foreshadows the brother being the killer as the boyfriend looking straight at the killer, not suspecting a thing. This links to the typical thriller as this shot creates a sense of fear and suspense.
Zooming out is used at the end when the parents and killer are standing outside the house. Zooming out causes the house to now look small, highlighting the fact that the sister is dead inside. As the house and family are now looking small, it could highlight the killers past and that he may kill again. Also, the effect of zooming out shows that family meant nothing to the killer and highlights the death of his sister. This links to the conventional thriller as zooming out can be used to make certain objects look small and to create as sense of misfortune.
Editing:
A jump cut is used when the killer takes the mask off. This could either highlight the end of something terrible i.e the killing of his sister or the beginning of him going on a murdering rampage and the mask being a motif. This further worries the audience and causes the feeling of uneasiness. The jump cut helps the mask signifying danger and the killer taking the mask off causes him to become a child again for when his parents return. This links to the conventional thriller as the editing used helps to show the motif of hidden identity and the killer's thoughts and actions, causing the audience to react to what the see on screen.
Timing of shots is used when the killer goes to stab the victim. The pace was slow but was then picked up as the girl was being stabbed. The slow pace builds suspense and the audience worries for the victim.The picked up pace as the girl is stabbed makes the whole situation worse and makes the girl's death more violent and meaningful. This surprises the audience as the editing was a slow pace before hand.
This links to the conventional thriller as timing of shots is typically used in death scenes and chase scenes to make the mood tense and shocking, making the audience feel the same.
Sound:
Parallel sound is used when the victim screams. Parallel sound means that the sound fits what the audience is seeing. Therefore, we would typically hear screams if a person was being hurt. Furthermore, the audience feels empathy towards the victim and realise how tragic her death is and sense the power in which the killer possesses. This relates to the typical thriller as parallel sound is used to highlight the situation and the significance of the character's death.
Contrapuntal sound is used when the girl is singing. This type of sound is the opposite to parallel. This is used when the sound does not link to what the audience sees on screen. Therefore, we do not expect her to sing before she gets killed. We could also debate that the contrapuntal sound foreshadows the killer being the brother as that is the complete opposite of what we thought would happen. This highlights the lack of safety in her own home and the fact she believes she was safe but she is not and that her brother is the killer. The audience feels uneasy about this as the setting and typical female character it too familiar. The audience is now aligned with the victim as both she and the audience are unaware that her brother is the killer. This links to a typical thriller as the use of different aspects are used to make the audience connect with characters in this case, sound.
Diegetic sound is used when we hear the clock. This creates suspense as the audience
want to know what will happen next and the clock sound creates a nervous and tense atmosphere.The sound of the clock could also mean counting down to her death which makes the audience fear for the victim. This is linked to a conventional thriller as without the sound, the scene would be pointless and would have a lack of effectiveness. This relates to the conventional thriller genre as this certain sound builds suspense and fear.
Conventions:
The dark settings for example the house, signal a lack of hope and loneliness. The fact that the house is dark and the killer is the brother shows a lack of trust and shows the audience that everything isn't as it seems. This relates to a conventional thriller as typically, settings like houses are uses to create a lack of safety or to create a sense of fake normality to the audience. The fact that the setting is dark is also conventional as it adds to the lack of safety and our amount of empathy for the victim.
Another convention used is the use of costume for example, the masked killer. This highlights that the killer's identity is hidden adding a mysterious theme and causes the audience to worry. The characters in the opening sequence act normally towards the character which therefore shows their closeness and can later link the killer to being the victim's brother. This relates to the conventional thriller opening as more often that not the killer's identity is hidden as it adds to the feeling of suspense and would surprise the audience when the killer's identity is found.
Narrative:
The enigma is that the killer is a child as that is surprising and isn't really used in thrillers often. The fact the child is the killer raises different questions and theories for example, the point of view camera work is too high up for the killer to be a child. But, it is most likely that the child was the killer as he is holding the knife at the end, wearing the costume and the characters for example victim's boyfriend, allows him to walk around the house openly. This is conventional to the thriller genre as the enigma is strange and makes the audience want to continue to watch the film once the enigma is presented in the opening sequence.
The mask is used again highlighting the killer's hidden identity. The killer turns out to be the child and when the child wears the mask, the he seems to be taken over. Therefore, the audience would want to continue watching as the mask and child are presented in the opening, therefore the film will follow his story and the audience would want to find out more about him. This links to a conventional thriller as the mask signifies what is yet to come and foreshadows death and a lack of safety and possibly the child finding safety and a wanting to murder people.
Lastly, the setting for the opening sequence is an American, suburban house which we believe will be safe and would portray as sense of innocence. But it does the opposite and creates a sense of false security. This makes us feel sorry for the victim and highlights that everything isn't as it seems. Also, as the house is typical is shows that everything else is the opposite, foreshadowing that the meaning of family means nothing to killer and he goes against it. This is conventional to the thriller genre as the use of a normal setting scares the audience as they may believe that this could happen to them.
Representation of characters:
The use of the couple is stereotypical. They are obliviant to the killer showing their status compared to the killer's as showing a sense of uncertainty and lack of security when the couple are in the house. The are typical to the thriller genre as usually a couple is added in some way or the idea of the romance sub-plot. The male of the relationship knows the killer as he acknowledges him in the hall, foreshadowing that the killer is the girlfriend's brother. The female is the typically pretty and has blonde hair, showing her as being innocent and the typical target.
The parents arrive at the end at the typical American house, which furthermore creates a sense of fake normality as we see that they come home after the killing of their daughter. The parents are confused at the situation as are the audience.
We discover that the boy is the killer which is new to us as he is a child that has just murdered his sister. The killer usually has an air of confidence and brutalness which the boy strangely now needs to possess as the killer. The child wears a stereotypical clown mask, which is ironically childlike and almost shows that he is hiding who he is to his family and the audience and in fact, he is not childlike, he is a killer which confuses the parents at the end. The hidden identity relates to the conventional thriller as the audience and characters which are the parents in this case, are surprises and are left wanting to know who the killer is.
To conclude, from this research I have identified what a good opening sequence to a thriller should include and this research has helped me and influenced me to make my own thriller. I uncovered different micro elements that are extremely important to a narrative such a representation of characters and the belief that characters should be conventional yet unique/interesting to the audience and have a back story. Also, I now realise what my opening should contain which I didn't really before therefore, I now have a much clearer outlook due to my detailed analysis.
The Point of View camera shot is used when the killer is killing the victim. This specific shot gives the audience an in depth view of the situation and shows how the characters think and feel. The point of view shot is very personal, which could link to the killer's relationship to the victim as we later discover that they are siblings. The point of view shot is typical to a thriller as it used to involve the audience and make the scene look less structured and adds an eerie theme.
Handheld camera work is used when the killer walks through the door. This is used to make the scene more personal and to make the audience feel uneasy, like we are the prey as this killer is in charge. Also, this foreshadows the killers identity as he confidently walks through the house, highlighting the fact that he lives there. This links to a conventional thriller as the handheld aspect causes the killer to seem very strong and a higher and more terrifying status as apposed the the victim.
An eye level shot is used when the boyfriend leaves. This causes the audience to worry about his girlfriend's fate as she is upstairs alone as he leaves. Also, the killer is close to him in this shot therefore, we worry about him too. This shot also confuses the audience and foreshadows the brother being the killer as the boyfriend looking straight at the killer, not suspecting a thing. This links to the typical thriller as this shot creates a sense of fear and suspense.
Zooming out is used at the end when the parents and killer are standing outside the house. Zooming out causes the house to now look small, highlighting the fact that the sister is dead inside. As the house and family are now looking small, it could highlight the killers past and that he may kill again. Also, the effect of zooming out shows that family meant nothing to the killer and highlights the death of his sister. This links to the conventional thriller as zooming out can be used to make certain objects look small and to create as sense of misfortune.
Editing:
A jump cut is used when the killer takes the mask off. This could either highlight the end of something terrible i.e the killing of his sister or the beginning of him going on a murdering rampage and the mask being a motif. This further worries the audience and causes the feeling of uneasiness. The jump cut helps the mask signifying danger and the killer taking the mask off causes him to become a child again for when his parents return. This links to the conventional thriller as the editing used helps to show the motif of hidden identity and the killer's thoughts and actions, causing the audience to react to what the see on screen.
Timing of shots is used when the killer goes to stab the victim. The pace was slow but was then picked up as the girl was being stabbed. The slow pace builds suspense and the audience worries for the victim.The picked up pace as the girl is stabbed makes the whole situation worse and makes the girl's death more violent and meaningful. This surprises the audience as the editing was a slow pace before hand.
This links to the conventional thriller as timing of shots is typically used in death scenes and chase scenes to make the mood tense and shocking, making the audience feel the same.
Sound:
Parallel sound is used when the victim screams. Parallel sound means that the sound fits what the audience is seeing. Therefore, we would typically hear screams if a person was being hurt. Furthermore, the audience feels empathy towards the victim and realise how tragic her death is and sense the power in which the killer possesses. This relates to the typical thriller as parallel sound is used to highlight the situation and the significance of the character's death.
Contrapuntal sound is used when the girl is singing. This type of sound is the opposite to parallel. This is used when the sound does not link to what the audience sees on screen. Therefore, we do not expect her to sing before she gets killed. We could also debate that the contrapuntal sound foreshadows the killer being the brother as that is the complete opposite of what we thought would happen. This highlights the lack of safety in her own home and the fact she believes she was safe but she is not and that her brother is the killer. The audience feels uneasy about this as the setting and typical female character it too familiar. The audience is now aligned with the victim as both she and the audience are unaware that her brother is the killer. This links to a typical thriller as the use of different aspects are used to make the audience connect with characters in this case, sound.
Diegetic sound is used when we hear the clock. This creates suspense as the audience
want to know what will happen next and the clock sound creates a nervous and tense atmosphere.The sound of the clock could also mean counting down to her death which makes the audience fear for the victim. This is linked to a conventional thriller as without the sound, the scene would be pointless and would have a lack of effectiveness. This relates to the conventional thriller genre as this certain sound builds suspense and fear.
Conventions:
The dark settings for example the house, signal a lack of hope and loneliness. The fact that the house is dark and the killer is the brother shows a lack of trust and shows the audience that everything isn't as it seems. This relates to a conventional thriller as typically, settings like houses are uses to create a lack of safety or to create a sense of fake normality to the audience. The fact that the setting is dark is also conventional as it adds to the lack of safety and our amount of empathy for the victim.
Another convention used is the use of costume for example, the masked killer. This highlights that the killer's identity is hidden adding a mysterious theme and causes the audience to worry. The characters in the opening sequence act normally towards the character which therefore shows their closeness and can later link the killer to being the victim's brother. This relates to the conventional thriller opening as more often that not the killer's identity is hidden as it adds to the feeling of suspense and would surprise the audience when the killer's identity is found.
Narrative:
The enigma is that the killer is a child as that is surprising and isn't really used in thrillers often. The fact the child is the killer raises different questions and theories for example, the point of view camera work is too high up for the killer to be a child. But, it is most likely that the child was the killer as he is holding the knife at the end, wearing the costume and the characters for example victim's boyfriend, allows him to walk around the house openly. This is conventional to the thriller genre as the enigma is strange and makes the audience want to continue to watch the film once the enigma is presented in the opening sequence.
The mask is used again highlighting the killer's hidden identity. The killer turns out to be the child and when the child wears the mask, the he seems to be taken over. Therefore, the audience would want to continue watching as the mask and child are presented in the opening, therefore the film will follow his story and the audience would want to find out more about him. This links to a conventional thriller as the mask signifies what is yet to come and foreshadows death and a lack of safety and possibly the child finding safety and a wanting to murder people.
Lastly, the setting for the opening sequence is an American, suburban house which we believe will be safe and would portray as sense of innocence. But it does the opposite and creates a sense of false security. This makes us feel sorry for the victim and highlights that everything isn't as it seems. Also, as the house is typical is shows that everything else is the opposite, foreshadowing that the meaning of family means nothing to killer and he goes against it. This is conventional to the thriller genre as the use of a normal setting scares the audience as they may believe that this could happen to them.
Representation of characters:
The use of the couple is stereotypical. They are obliviant to the killer showing their status compared to the killer's as showing a sense of uncertainty and lack of security when the couple are in the house. The are typical to the thriller genre as usually a couple is added in some way or the idea of the romance sub-plot. The male of the relationship knows the killer as he acknowledges him in the hall, foreshadowing that the killer is the girlfriend's brother. The female is the typically pretty and has blonde hair, showing her as being innocent and the typical target.
The parents arrive at the end at the typical American house, which furthermore creates a sense of fake normality as we see that they come home after the killing of their daughter. The parents are confused at the situation as are the audience.
We discover that the boy is the killer which is new to us as he is a child that has just murdered his sister. The killer usually has an air of confidence and brutalness which the boy strangely now needs to possess as the killer. The child wears a stereotypical clown mask, which is ironically childlike and almost shows that he is hiding who he is to his family and the audience and in fact, he is not childlike, he is a killer which confuses the parents at the end. The hidden identity relates to the conventional thriller as the audience and characters which are the parents in this case, are surprises and are left wanting to know who the killer is.
To conclude, from this research I have identified what a good opening sequence to a thriller should include and this research has helped me and influenced me to make my own thriller. I uncovered different micro elements that are extremely important to a narrative such a representation of characters and the belief that characters should be conventional yet unique/interesting to the audience and have a back story. Also, I now realise what my opening should contain which I didn't really before therefore, I now have a much clearer outlook due to my detailed analysis.
Tuesday, 10 December 2013
Opening scenaration- Miss Miller
In this post I will be discussing the narrative of my opening sequence. Overall, the narrative is about a groom that leaves on the wedding day, which is not explained why in the opening, adding to the mystery. The bride is left heartbroken, on what was meant to be the happiest day of her life. Because of this, she cuts herself off from her loved ones, and sits by herself in a dark, secluded room. Because of this, her mental state deteriorates. As her mind starts to wonder, she becomes crazier by the day and starts to blame everybody at the wedding for what went wrong, she sets out to kill them.
The first frame shows the bride sat in her wedding dress and veil in a dark secluded room. This is the first frame, and to show the setting and the bride, a panning shot will be used. Panning shows the whole room and shows the atmosphere as it will be dark and miserable, highlighting the narrative and the character's emotions to the audience. As this is the first scene, it should make an impression, and should make the audience continue to watch the rest. The music played will contribute to this as it is eerie, making the frame filled with suspense. The use of low key lighting in this scene highlights the bride's mental state and negative thoughts, causing the audience to engage with the narrative and characters.
After this, there is a flashback frame were the bride prepares for the wedding with her bridesmaid. The lighting in this frame is bright, causing the bride's emotions to be signalled to audience, lighting is a useful device to use to portray this and is conventional to the thriller genre. The frame will be filmed handheld, highlight the flashback and a possible wedding video. Flashback and happy memories are shown through the use of sound, as wedding bells and positive dialogue can be heard.
Next, we see the bride watching the balloons. Here, the audience sees the use of iconography through the ruined wedding props. The balloons have writing on them such as 'Eternal love' and 'together forever' highlight the sense of irony, further making the audience emphasise with the character. A canted angle is used in this frame to show instability and uneasiness, making the audience feel the same and also portrays the character's emotions.
After this, we see a flashback of the groom and friends preparing for the wedding, this is shown through cinematography and the use of handheld camera work to suggest flashbacks. Lighting also contributes to this as it is high key, showing brightness and hope. This makes the audience suspicious as this is not typical in thriller genres, this foreshadows danger and a sense of false safety and the idea that what is to follow is unknown to the audience and character which links them together.
After this, there is a flashback frame were the bride prepares for the wedding with her bridesmaid. The lighting in this frame is bright, causing the bride's emotions to be signalled to audience, lighting is a useful device to use to portray this and is conventional to the thriller genre. The frame will be filmed handheld, highlight the flashback and a possible wedding video. Flashback and happy memories are shown through the use of sound, as wedding bells and positive dialogue can be heard.
Next, we see the bride watching the balloons. Here, the audience sees the use of iconography through the ruined wedding props. The balloons have writing on them such as 'Eternal love' and 'together forever' highlight the sense of irony, further making the audience emphasise with the character. A canted angle is used in this frame to show instability and uneasiness, making the audience feel the same and also portrays the character's emotions.
After this, we see a flashback of the groom and friends preparing for the wedding, this is shown through cinematography and the use of handheld camera work to suggest flashbacks. Lighting also contributes to this as it is high key, showing brightness and hope. This makes the audience suspicious as this is not typical in thriller genres, this foreshadows danger and a sense of false safety and the idea that what is to follow is unknown to the audience and character which links them together.
Following from this, we see an extreme close up of the bride's eye after the groom says 'how do I look?' This is ironic and shows she is watching over him, making the audience feel uneasiness when usually, this should be comforting. The camera shots helps to show that the bride is untraditional as there is make up streaming down her face. Furthermore, the audience will emphasise with the character, as they start to realise the negative effects that the ruined event had on her.
She is flicking through the wedding album (this is where we were going to include credits) and is crossing off all of the faces with a knife or sharp object (the audience is unaware why but mostly guesses that she has killed these people) she has flash backs of killing each person she crosses off and flashback of her wedding to highlight her mental state. Through this, different sounds would be used for example church bells and the vicar saying wedding vows would be played to create an eerie atmosphere also, contrapuntal sound would be used as a song would play in the background.
After the killing flashbacks, the audience is returned back to the book in the next frame as the bride circles the grooms face. This shows and implied murder, and the audience are left in suspense. Eerie and tense music is played, to create that ambience and to make the audience engage with the narrative. The audience are put in the killer's mind set and are unsure who they support as both the killer and victim have done wrong.
In the next frame, a long shot is used to show the victim in his house with his new partner. The groom walks up the stairs and is unaware of what is to follow. Low key lighting is used to show his uncertainty as it portrays a lack of hope and safety and overall foreshadows a possible death. Eerie church bells are played to highlight the ruined event and to show the significance of his mistakes.
The very last frame includes the bride/killer appearing at the door as the victim opens it. Mise en scene is incorporated to this as she is positioned so close to him, it highlights the lack of escape and hope, making the audience feel uncomfortable and fearful. Low key lighting is used once more to show the negativity of the situation and both the bride/killer and the groom/victim's shared emotions. Overall, silence is is used also to increase suspense and the victim's fear. This scares the audience as silence can be conventional to the thriller genre to show the ending of something such as, the end of a life.
These elements have made my sequence conventional to the thriller genre as they have been used popularly, and have helped make thriller films a success. An example of this is the use of sound, as using the correct sound sets a certain atmosphere such as tense, and can make the audience connect with the characters and understand the overall narrative. Lastly, low key lighting is hugely conventional, and highlights different characters emotions to the audience and shows a range of different negative situations that can occur.
After the killing flashbacks, the audience is returned back to the book in the next frame as the bride circles the grooms face. This shows and implied murder, and the audience are left in suspense. Eerie and tense music is played, to create that ambience and to make the audience engage with the narrative. The audience are put in the killer's mind set and are unsure who they support as both the killer and victim have done wrong.
In the next frame, a long shot is used to show the victim in his house with his new partner. The groom walks up the stairs and is unaware of what is to follow. Low key lighting is used to show his uncertainty as it portrays a lack of hope and safety and overall foreshadows a possible death. Eerie church bells are played to highlight the ruined event and to show the significance of his mistakes.
The very last frame includes the bride/killer appearing at the door as the victim opens it. Mise en scene is incorporated to this as she is positioned so close to him, it highlights the lack of escape and hope, making the audience feel uncomfortable and fearful. Low key lighting is used once more to show the negativity of the situation and both the bride/killer and the groom/victim's shared emotions. Overall, silence is is used also to increase suspense and the victim's fear. This scares the audience as silence can be conventional to the thriller genre to show the ending of something such as, the end of a life.
These elements have made my sequence conventional to the thriller genre as they have been used popularly, and have helped make thriller films a success. An example of this is the use of sound, as using the correct sound sets a certain atmosphere such as tense, and can make the audience connect with the characters and understand the overall narrative. Lastly, low key lighting is hugely conventional, and highlights different characters emotions to the audience and shows a range of different negative situations that can occur.
Monday, 2 December 2013
Inspirations- Miss Miller
Before creating a film, it is important to have an element of inspiration. From inspirations, it is possible to take a few ideas and make them your own to create something unique and creative. In relation to my own thriller, I have taken inspiration from a number of different thriller films which I have spoken a great detail about in the past.
Firstly, I took inspiration from the film 'Orphan'. This is because the character is unknown, as the killer is an older woman trapped in a child's body. This is very unsuspecting and intrigues the audience. Furthermore, this causes the audience's interest for the characters and narrative to increase. Because of this, I decided that the killer needed to be interesting and needed a back story. This film inspired me as the importance of the audience/character relationship was highlighted. I analysed this film when I created a post based on editing styles (which can be read here). The editing styles used where typical of the thriller genre, therefore they inspired me to used them in my thriller opening.
I also took inspiration from the film 'The Shinning'. Overall, it is my favourite thriller film and is arguably known to be the best thriller of all time. Knowing this, the analysis and research of this film should be included. Therefore I decided to analyse this film (here) as it is a good inspiration to have because of the popularity this film possesses. The setting is extremely fitting to the thriller genre as it is dark and secluded. The mental state and wildness of the character can be represented through the setting which inspired me. The killer in my opening sequence is driven mad, and I think this can be shown through the setting. Also, within the post I analysed an extremely well known scene. The scene incorporates tense but excitement building music, which can be used to interest the audience. The scene also includes iconography (a hammer) highlighting a sense of fear and danger. These aspects are conventional to thriller genre and provide a tense atmosphere in which the audience responds to.
I also analysed the film Prom night and discussed the use of cinematography within a clip (can be read here). The film in the beginning, creates a sense of normality and builds false hope as they are all getting ready for a party. Within my sequence, I incorporate this by adding in flashbacks of people preparing for the wedding. This is an inspiration for me as it creates a sense of normality/a possible light hearted atmosphere. But as the film is a thriller, this raises suspicion and the audience continues to feel uneasy. Furthermore, through the film, the audience emphasise with the characters the analysed shows show why this can be. This includes close ups of the victims face, to show the audience her negative emotions and highlights the negative and frightening aspects of the situation.
My research resulted in being extremely helpful through the planning stage/getting ideas for a narrative. We chose popular, well known thriller films and took aspects of them and made them our own. As they are popular films, they inspire us and furthermore show what makes a thriller film so successful. As ideas were sparked from popular thriller films, the audience would be able to enjoy the sequence more.
Firstly, I took inspiration from the film 'Orphan'. This is because the character is unknown, as the killer is an older woman trapped in a child's body. This is very unsuspecting and intrigues the audience. Furthermore, this causes the audience's interest for the characters and narrative to increase. Because of this, I decided that the killer needed to be interesting and needed a back story. This film inspired me as the importance of the audience/character relationship was highlighted. I analysed this film when I created a post based on editing styles (which can be read here). The editing styles used where typical of the thriller genre, therefore they inspired me to used them in my thriller opening.
I also took inspiration from the film 'The Shinning'. Overall, it is my favourite thriller film and is arguably known to be the best thriller of all time. Knowing this, the analysis and research of this film should be included. Therefore I decided to analyse this film (here) as it is a good inspiration to have because of the popularity this film possesses. The setting is extremely fitting to the thriller genre as it is dark and secluded. The mental state and wildness of the character can be represented through the setting which inspired me. The killer in my opening sequence is driven mad, and I think this can be shown through the setting. Also, within the post I analysed an extremely well known scene. The scene incorporates tense but excitement building music, which can be used to interest the audience. The scene also includes iconography (a hammer) highlighting a sense of fear and danger. These aspects are conventional to thriller genre and provide a tense atmosphere in which the audience responds to.
I also analysed the film Prom night and discussed the use of cinematography within a clip (can be read here). The film in the beginning, creates a sense of normality and builds false hope as they are all getting ready for a party. Within my sequence, I incorporate this by adding in flashbacks of people preparing for the wedding. This is an inspiration for me as it creates a sense of normality/a possible light hearted atmosphere. But as the film is a thriller, this raises suspicion and the audience continues to feel uneasy. Furthermore, through the film, the audience emphasise with the characters the analysed shows show why this can be. This includes close ups of the victims face, to show the audience her negative emotions and highlights the negative and frightening aspects of the situation.
My research resulted in being extremely helpful through the planning stage/getting ideas for a narrative. We chose popular, well known thriller films and took aspects of them and made them our own. As they are popular films, they inspire us and furthermore show what makes a thriller film so successful. As ideas were sparked from popular thriller films, the audience would be able to enjoy the sequence more.
Sunday, 1 December 2013
Risk assessment and filming schedule- Miss Georgiou
Risk assessments.
Before filming, it is crucial to have a planned risk assessment to avoid any mistakes and highlights the importance of health and safety. I have made a planned assessment of all the negative aspects that could occur and how to avoid them.
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The first hhazardto avoid is trailing wires from the different equipment. We can prevent this by using gaffer tape to secure any leads, preventing anybody to trip over then leads leading to injury. Next, we realised that our use of a weapon as iconography can be a hazard. Handling the knife can be a hazard and to prevent this, we uncovered that we should use a fake knife when filming to prevent any hazards. The use of fake blood can also be considered a hazard seeing at it can be knocked over, and spilled on any of the equipment or costumes, accidently. To prevent this from happening and to stop any possible damage, we will make sure that the bottle is closed at all times and is stored away properly. Lastly, we became aware that filming in a church may not go to plan. To prevent anything, we will either be cautious and ask for permission or film outside.
Before filming, it is crucial to have a planned risk assessment to avoid any mistakes and highlights the importance of health and safety. I have made a planned assessment of all the negative aspects that could occur and how to avoid them.
The first hhazardto avoid is trailing wires from the different equipment. We can prevent this by using gaffer tape to secure any leads, preventing anybody to trip over then leads leading to injury. Next, we realised that our use of a weapon as iconography can be a hazard. Handling the knife can be a hazard and to prevent this, we uncovered that we should use a fake knife when filming to prevent any hazards. The use of fake blood can also be considered a hazard seeing at it can be knocked over, and spilled on any of the equipment or costumes, accidently. To prevent this from happening and to stop any possible damage, we will make sure that the bottle is closed at all times and is stored away properly. Lastly, we became aware that filming in a church may not go to plan. To prevent anything, we will either be cautious and ask for permission or film outside.
Planning schedules.
Before filming, it is also important to make a planned schedule. This is so that every member of the crew is aware of where they need to be, and so that everything goes to plan. Below is my filming schedule. Some of the shots were filmed before others and didn't fit this plan completely, due to lighting at different times of the day.
Before filming, it is also important to make a planned schedule. This is so that every member of the crew is aware of where they need to be, and so that everything goes to plan. Below is my filming schedule. Some of the shots were filmed before others and didn't fit this plan completely, due to lighting at different times of the day.
To conclude, the use of a risk assessment will prevent any hazards that may harm a member of the crew or that can potentially ruin any equipment. Lastly, the use of a filming schedule will help the production of the sequence run smoothly, as filming will be well organised.
Shot
|
Date
& time
|
Location
|
Content
/Action
|
Shot
type & Duration
|
Costume/
hair/ make up
|
Iconography
|
Personnel
|
Equipment
|
1
|
21/11/2013
between 3.00pm-6.30pm |
A dark secluded bedroom and
|
The bride alone in the dark secluded
room, reminiscing on the ruined wedding
|
Five seconds-ten seconds |
Wedding dress, and veil.
|
|||
2
|
21/11/2013 between 3.00pm-6.30pm
|
A brightly lit room.
|
Flashback to preparing for the wedding.
|
Handheld. (continues for a number of shots)
|
Wedding dress, bridesmaid dress, neat hair and make up
|
Wedding balloons
|
Two actresses, director, director of photography, costume and makeup
|
Camera
|
3
|
21/11/2013
between 3.00pm-6.30pm |
A dark secluded bedroom.
|
The brides eye, to show negative emotions
|
Messy, badly applied make-up
|
||||
4
|
26/11/2013
between 4.30pm-7.00pm |
Living room
|
||||||
5
|
||||||||
6
|
***
|
Dark, secluded room
|
||||||
7
|
||||||||
8
|
26/11/2013 between 4.30pm-7.00pm
|
Outside, window from the kitchen
|
The bride looking into the wedding, implied going to kill the victim
|
Extreme close up
|
Wedding dress, veil and smeared make up.
|
Actress, producer, director of photography
|
Camera and tripod
|
|
9
|
26/11/2013 between 4.30pm-7.00pm
|
A living room.
|
"Groom" run away with the bridesmaid and are watching TV together
|
Casual clothes
|
||||
10
|
***
|
Dark, secluded room.
|
Bride circle's the groom's face in the wedding book.
|
Close up
|
Wedding dress and veil.
|
Pen and wedding book
|
Actress, director of photography
|
Camera and tripod
|
11
|
26/11/2013
4.30pm-7.00pm |
Bathroom/outside the bathroom door
|
"Groom" opens the bathroom door to find the killer standing there.
|
Wedding dress, veil, messy hair and smeared make up
Victim is wearing casual clothes. |
||||
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