Thursday, 12 May 2011
What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
With a universal company such as Sony producing highly demanded films such as Matilda and bringing in $33,459,416 as total domesticn gross, I would love for Sony Pictures to distribute my film. However, being more realistic, my opening sequence is a low budget independant film and therefore a British company such as Working Title would more likely distribute it.
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?
Through the production of 'Suspect' i feel alot more confident in our work than the work completed in our preliminary task. After realising how much more organised we had to be following the production of our main task, I think we arranged things much better this time around. We communicated better through this task and as it was a smaller group, found it easier to arrange times of meeting to film, edit and discuss. By allowing each member of our group to contribute in discussing what they want our opening sequence to look like, i think that the production went a lot smoother than the preliminary, as all members agreed and consequently, recieved the sequence that they desired. It is important to work closely in a team and share feedback on eachothers opinions and find a way to work together to ensure that all members feel included and I feel that our group worked well at this.
Blogging work was kept much more up to date than the previous task which also helped, as leaving the work load until the last minute can often end in rushing and uncompleted tasks.
After aiming to use more effects on the editing suite and use more of a variety in shot sizes and angles throughout filming, I feel that we reached these targets.
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| Titles used in our preliminary task were plain and did not fit the conventions aswell as our main task ones do. |
Blogging work was kept much more up to date than the previous task which also helped, as leaving the work load until the last minute can often end in rushing and uncompleted tasks.
After aiming to use more effects on the editing suite and use more of a variety in shot sizes and angles throughout filming, I feel that we reached these targets.
Tuesday, 3 May 2011
What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?
Moodboard of Technical Products used
By using the camera, we was issued a large responsiblity to use it correctly and allow no harm to come of it, therefore we was taught the correct way to use it and how to set up on the Tri-pod. The editing suite was the hardest out of all technologies to learn how to use. Luckily for myself and other candidates, we were aware of some basic skills needed for using the schools editing suite, however, more time was needed to learn the different available effects.
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
How did you attract/address your audience?
How we attracted an audience
One of the main unique selling points our opening sequence withholds is the positioning of the characters and camera. It is unique to view the sequence in position of one of the characters, as though the audience are right behind the stalker, the suspence builds as they are positioned to feel very included and present.
By using real life locations, 'Suspect' becomes easy to relate to for the audience. Including a real English school and the area around it, viewers feel able to emphasise with the characters as the vast majority would of experienced the very same of walking out of school for many years in their lives, whether it be recent or not. Sign posts, road markings and cars allow realism be introduced to the film and therefore becomes a unique selling point.
After discussing our target audience, then taking accessibility issues into consideration, we gathered a group of people to view our sequence and then asked for feedback. All interviewees came from Kings Langley School, and was of different ages.
When it comes to rating our opening sequence, and after analysing the bbfc guidlines (http://www.bbfc.co.uk/classification/guidelines), i dont feel that it would be of a high rating due to violence not actually being shown, only discussed. The film remains on the laws side as it follows the polices' investigation, rather than continuing with the criminal. No bad language, sexual scenes or ones that would discriminate against disabled or ethnic groups appear either.
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| Screen shot 1 of Suspect |
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| Screen Shot 2 of Suspect |
After discussing our target audience, then taking accessibility issues into consideration, we gathered a group of people to view our sequence and then asked for feedback. All interviewees came from Kings Langley School, and was of different ages.
When it comes to rating our opening sequence, and after analysing the bbfc guidlines (http://www.bbfc.co.uk/classification/guidelines), i dont feel that it would be of a high rating due to violence not actually being shown, only discussed. The film remains on the laws side as it follows the polices' investigation, rather than continuing with the criminal. No bad language, sexual scenes or ones that would discriminate against disabled or ethnic groups appear either.
Who would be the audience for your media product?
Attracting a sophisticated audience, i think our opening sequence would attract both viewers of a middle age aswell as late teenage as the characters featured are between 15-16 years old and the young audience could therefore relate to them. Also, i feel this film raises awareness to teenagers and the importance of being safe at all times, so parents of children would also feel inclined to watch the film. Any fans of mystery and crime dramas would be attracted to 'Suspect', males beween 24+ would particuarly be intrested in this production.
A male of age 34, for example, would most probably be intrested in our film. With a career involving the metropolitan police of London, and withholding a partner of similar age and taste, maybe with a job as a teacher or one that works in the health system, both counterparts of the couple would possibley be intrested in the film as they both work in similar walks of life as the characters that would be presented futher along in the film.
A male of age 34, for example, would most probably be intrested in our film. With a career involving the metropolitan police of London, and withholding a partner of similar age and taste, maybe with a job as a teacher or one that works in the health system, both counterparts of the couple would possibley be intrested in the film as they both work in similar walks of life as the characters that would be presented futher along in the film.
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| Potential Audience |
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| Potential Audience |
How does your media product represent particular social groups?
Social Groups
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| L.A Suspect |
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Our Opening Sequence, 'Suspect'  |
L.A suspect features over the sholder shots of one character following another, just like our opening sequence did. L.A suspect is also a crime drama film, so similarites with conventions such as that arose. The Mise-en-scene of costume represents the teenage age of the girls featured, and conveys them as being vunerable and oblivious to the people around her. Which suggests to the audience that all teenage girls are careless and uneducated of the dangers of being alone in society. This introduces peadophilic issues which arise in real life occurances, and is a difficult topic to approach. Stereotypical interpretations of a male being the kidnapper feature in our sequence, and we reflect a particuarly stereotypical view of it being a school girl that is kidnapped.
In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
Directors Commentry on 'Suspect'
A police investigation storyline following a kidnapping suggests a mystery drama genre, we used ideas from films produced such as 1997's 'L.A Confidential', North By Northwest (1959), The Usual Suspects (1995) and many others as these films followed the crime/drama/mystery genre which we as a group are intending to meet. In order to produce an opening sequence to meet this criteria, we presented the sequence by beggining straight into the story. We made the the storyline easy to understand by not only positioning the 'stalker' infront of the camera, following the school girl, but also by the voice over, which was used to explain what has happened and how the footage sent into the police station was crucial to finding the kidnapper and the girl kidnapped.
The narrative enigma remains unanswered in the opening sequence and in order for them to be answered, the entire film must be watched. The voice over explains that there have been many kidnappings of the late and with an escaped convict, the police are becoming extreamley worried that the convict is linked with the kidnappings and as a result, is the murderer of the bodies being found around the same area. The enigma would of been underpinned in the rest of the film as the plot is based on a police investigation. This therefore is very conventional to an opening sequence, as the narrative enigma is usually unfolded throughout the entire film, rather than given away in the opening as the gripping, attention drawing would be lost before the film has even properly began.
The camera work follows conventional shot sizes and angles throughout the sequence, as we wanted the sequence to be easy to follow. Despite this, we edited the sequence together quite quickly as following a girl walking down the road became quite time consuming to watch and relatively boring, also, we wanted the sequence to appear as home footage so we used a hand held camera for the following scene. This is very unconventional to a drama, but not so much for a mystery crime film.
Through the structure of the sequence, the characters are introduced to the audience as they say goodbye to eachother at the school gates. The stalker is not introduced as such as he remains unknown through the film, so the back of the stalker is only shown to the audience. It is conventional for the characters to be introduced in an non obvious way through films, however, conventions are broken when the kidnappers face is kept hidden. As he, argubley, is the main character or concept in this film, and is unidentified to the audience.
Characters dialogue is included in the sequence and is heard over the top of a low tempo, sombre music track which was used to create the intense atmosphere of the situation. It is conventional to have diegetic dialogue included and non diegetic music within a opening sequence, as it allows the audience to begin to identify with the characters aswell as be instantly introduced with the theme and overall atmosphere that the film is produced with. The voice over is slightly unconventional to this particular genre but it is not completely uncommon as films often use them in the opening sequence inorder to explain previous stories or characters backgrounds in order for the audience to follow the plot easily.
The mise-en-scene of our opening sequence follows the normal conventions as the characters are dressed in believable costume of the story line, the lighting is natural to the location and the character movement is natural. Characters make up is also conventional.
The last step made in editing our opening sequence was to position titles in. It is conventional for a opening sequence to include titles and upon analysing opening sequences of our choosen genre, we matched the titles we used to the same style that they used. Small, white typography was used in upper case to list the production company, actors, directors, etc, The text was positioned ontop of a black screen, these transitions was included equally throughout the sequence at seperate times. This was conventional to or genre. We found that small font presented better than large as it looked more professional.
A police investigation storyline following a kidnapping suggests a mystery drama genre, we used ideas from films produced such as 1997's 'L.A Confidential', North By Northwest (1959), The Usual Suspects (1995) and many others as these films followed the crime/drama/mystery genre which we as a group are intending to meet. In order to produce an opening sequence to meet this criteria, we presented the sequence by beggining straight into the story. We made the the storyline easy to understand by not only positioning the 'stalker' infront of the camera, following the school girl, but also by the voice over, which was used to explain what has happened and how the footage sent into the police station was crucial to finding the kidnapper and the girl kidnapped.
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| Stalker positioned behind the girl, infront of the camera |
The narrative enigma remains unanswered in the opening sequence and in order for them to be answered, the entire film must be watched. The voice over explains that there have been many kidnappings of the late and with an escaped convict, the police are becoming extreamley worried that the convict is linked with the kidnappings and as a result, is the murderer of the bodies being found around the same area. The enigma would of been underpinned in the rest of the film as the plot is based on a police investigation. This therefore is very conventional to an opening sequence, as the narrative enigma is usually unfolded throughout the entire film, rather than given away in the opening as the gripping, attention drawing would be lost before the film has even properly began.
The camera work follows conventional shot sizes and angles throughout the sequence, as we wanted the sequence to be easy to follow. Despite this, we edited the sequence together quite quickly as following a girl walking down the road became quite time consuming to watch and relatively boring, also, we wanted the sequence to appear as home footage so we used a hand held camera for the following scene. This is very unconventional to a drama, but not so much for a mystery crime film.
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| Variety of different shot sizes included |
Through the structure of the sequence, the characters are introduced to the audience as they say goodbye to eachother at the school gates. The stalker is not introduced as such as he remains unknown through the film, so the back of the stalker is only shown to the audience. It is conventional for the characters to be introduced in an non obvious way through films, however, conventions are broken when the kidnappers face is kept hidden. As he, argubley, is the main character or concept in this film, and is unidentified to the audience.
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| Kidnapper remains unknown |
Characters dialogue is included in the sequence and is heard over the top of a low tempo, sombre music track which was used to create the intense atmosphere of the situation. It is conventional to have diegetic dialogue included and non diegetic music within a opening sequence, as it allows the audience to begin to identify with the characters aswell as be instantly introduced with the theme and overall atmosphere that the film is produced with. The voice over is slightly unconventional to this particular genre but it is not completely uncommon as films often use them in the opening sequence inorder to explain previous stories or characters backgrounds in order for the audience to follow the plot easily.
The mise-en-scene of our opening sequence follows the normal conventions as the characters are dressed in believable costume of the story line, the lighting is natural to the location and the character movement is natural. Characters make up is also conventional.
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| Characters conventional costume to the setting |
The last step made in editing our opening sequence was to position titles in. It is conventional for a opening sequence to include titles and upon analysing opening sequences of our choosen genre, we matched the titles we used to the same style that they used. Small, white typography was used in upper case to list the production company, actors, directors, etc, The text was positioned ontop of a black screen, these transitions was included equally throughout the sequence at seperate times. This was conventional to or genre. We found that small font presented better than large as it looked more professional.
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| We found through research that small, upper case font positioned on a black screen was conventional for the titles in our genre |
Sunday, 24 April 2011
Final Opening Sequence
Link below will transfer you onto a website in order to view our opening sequence of, 'Suspect'.
http://youtu.be/mZKSK9mFFrQ
Unforchantly, due to a formatt change through the process of compression, the sequence is slightly out of sync. However, my teacher will send the clip through in its correct formatt.
Post Production
Post Production Report
The first step that needed to be taken in order to edit, was to capture the footage shot onto the schools editing suite. We then had to watch through the footage many times in order to decide which shots were to be used, we then produced a table for the logging rushes. In this we listed each clip we were planning to use and the even the ones which we we not. The description of each clip, scene number and shot number was included in the table. This activity became extreamely time consuming and relatively frusterating, however the outcome was positive as it made editing run alot smoother and less confussing than it would be if logging rushes were not completed.
The next step was to use the logging rushes to cut the footage to what we was going to use in the opening sequence, then drag them down onto the timeline. Once the footage was edited together, we included titles in, which listed actors names, our production company, along with the director, etc. Sound levels were then mixed and an uncopywrite music was loaded onto the opening sequence. We then asked a focus group to view the sequence and give us feedback.
The first step that needed to be taken in order to edit, was to capture the footage shot onto the schools editing suite. We then had to watch through the footage many times in order to decide which shots were to be used, we then produced a table for the logging rushes. In this we listed each clip we were planning to use and the even the ones which we we not. The description of each clip, scene number and shot number was included in the table. This activity became extreamely time consuming and relatively frusterating, however the outcome was positive as it made editing run alot smoother and less confussing than it would be if logging rushes were not completed.
The next step was to use the logging rushes to cut the footage to what we was going to use in the opening sequence, then drag them down onto the timeline. Once the footage was edited together, we included titles in, which listed actors names, our production company, along with the director, etc. Sound levels were then mixed and an uncopywrite music was loaded onto the opening sequence. We then asked a focus group to view the sequence and give us feedback.
Thursday, 21 April 2011
Production
Production Report
In order to complete our production of an opening sequence to a film, we as a group had to met to discuss issues which would arise throughout filming. The location of which we were going to film had previously been decided- outside Kings Langley School gates, so timing was now to be discussed. We produced a filming schedual which outlined all the shots in each scene that had to be shot, and distrubuted our free time between each shot. Timing was difficult as all three of us had lessons at different times which meant that we did not have much time to film, so we agreed to film throughout lunch times also. The position of the camera had to be discussed as the lighting would be natural which could affect the film, aswell as the effect the surroundings would have upon production.
Upon watching back on what was filmed, we decided as a team that the footage was not as good as it should be. The rules of continuity was not followed and the whole concept of the sequence was confussing as we all had different interpretations of what we thought we was producing. The original idea of the plot was to film from the kidnappers point of view in the opening sequence, then for the rest of the film to continue in third person of a police investigation. We decided that this was too complex and can be very misleading, so decided to restructure our sequence.
Following many group meetings in which we discussed exactly what we was setting out to complete this time, and invited many other students to become involved in the filming acting as extras, we refilmed. While filming this time, we shot each scene from many different angles and distances in order to have a mix of shot sizes and angles which would follow our conventions of our choosen genre. It also granted us the option of choice when it came to editing the sequence together, we could choose which angles we preffered and what we felt looked the best.
In order to complete our production of an opening sequence to a film, we as a group had to met to discuss issues which would arise throughout filming. The location of which we were going to film had previously been decided- outside Kings Langley School gates, so timing was now to be discussed. We produced a filming schedual which outlined all the shots in each scene that had to be shot, and distrubuted our free time between each shot. Timing was difficult as all three of us had lessons at different times which meant that we did not have much time to film, so we agreed to film throughout lunch times also. The position of the camera had to be discussed as the lighting would be natural which could affect the film, aswell as the effect the surroundings would have upon production.
Upon watching back on what was filmed, we decided as a team that the footage was not as good as it should be. The rules of continuity was not followed and the whole concept of the sequence was confussing as we all had different interpretations of what we thought we was producing. The original idea of the plot was to film from the kidnappers point of view in the opening sequence, then for the rest of the film to continue in third person of a police investigation. We decided that this was too complex and can be very misleading, so decided to restructure our sequence.
Following many group meetings in which we discussed exactly what we was setting out to complete this time, and invited many other students to become involved in the filming acting as extras, we refilmed. While filming this time, we shot each scene from many different angles and distances in order to have a mix of shot sizes and angles which would follow our conventions of our choosen genre. It also granted us the option of choice when it came to editing the sequence together, we could choose which angles we preffered and what we felt looked the best.
Tuesday, 8 February 2011
Pre Production documentation
Synopsis of film
Our film is based around the concept of an investigation following a man who’s known to a series of kidnappings that have hit the news recently. The plot will cover a group of investigators trying to discover the criminal through numerous traces of evidence and forensics. With the film being introduced in the opening sequence with personal footage from the kidnapper, discovered by police, they are trying to track down the kidnapper- name known, through the use of numerous investigations and suspect interviews. Bodies of young girls and teenagers are found throughout the film; however the murder still remains unfound.
Synopsis of opening sequence
There is footage from a handheld camera that follows two school girls out of the school gates and follows them. It cuts from different footage of the girls. The girls say goodbye to each other just outside of the school and it carrys on to follow one of the girls down the road, it shows the girl walking down the road and the camera is behind bushes and while the footage is showing there is a news report voice over the top and informing what has happened saying that a school has been kidnapped.
The Script
Voice Over: On the 12th of October, a teenage school girls went missing. At approximately 3.30pm, two 16 year old girls, both of which dressed in black school skirts and maroon blazers, were last seen walking outside of Kings Langley School gates. With a strong lead from a local neighbour, we are under the impression that the suspect is a middle aged man of medium build and around 5 foot 11 in height. The man dressed in dark clothing was seen wondering around Love Lane- the road on which Kings Langley School is situated on, looking suspicious with a video camera in his hands. When confronted by the neighbour whose name we are guarding for security reasons, the white male with dark “scruffy” hair dismissed our witness, explaining he was a health and safety investigator who was observing the wellbeing of the school.
With a recent rise in the number of school girls going missing in the Hertfordshire area, the police are urging any witnesses to step forward and share any information you may have. The growing concern over the number of girls being abducted is something that the community needs to be aware of. Bodies are being discovered weekly, within local woods, canals and back streets. Evidence suggests the murderer may have a mental condition, and health records show a patient from the surrounding area, matching the suspect’s description. This mental patient also withholds previous convictions of which we cannot discuss for legal reasons, however, let it be known to all that if you are under any suspicion or feel under threat, call your local police station as soon as possible. This kidnapper is out there, and although the murders may not be linked, it is important for him to be found before further peoples’ lives are put to risk. This home footage was sent to the Hertfordshire police station, showing the girls matching her description.
Crew List
Film Maker: George Cambridge
Director: George Cambridge
Actress One: Lauren Phillips
Actress Two: Charley Britton
Editors: George Cambridge, Lauren Phillips and Charley Britton
Costume Designers: Lauren Phillips and Charley Britton
Individual Pre production report
Final decisions were put into place through the pre production stage. Following a met with the head of media, we realised that the synopsis of the film as a whole was vague and we all had our own interpretations of it. The group met together to discuss the final plot and to divide the tasks equally between the four of us. We discussed the approriate location of where we would film and decided on the area of our own school as not only would it be easily accessable, it also fits in with our plot perfectly.
Technical detail
· To start off the shooting we will have a long shot of both CHARLEY and LAUREN walking out of the school gates. The camera will be positioned on the opposite side of the road diagonally facing CHARLEY and LAUREN. · The next shot will go back about 10yards and show CHARLEY and LAUREN furtherly walking towards the opposite side of the road. The camera will track their movement across the road and stop when they do.
· CHARLEY and LAUREN then split and go down different routes. The camera will follow LAUREN for a short amount of time establishing where she goes and then show CHARLEY heading off in another direction.
· The camera will then track CHARLEY from a distance following her movement. The camera will do this a couple of times getting closer with every shooting.
· As the camera reaches CHARLEY we will have a close up of her head turning round and screaming.
The location this will be shot in is outside the school gates we will take the footage when there are a decent amount of people walking out of the gates so it seems like it is the end of the school day. The lighting will all be natural due to the footage being taken outside. There will be no external lighting used. The camera movement will be handheld.
Shooting Scedual
The shooting scedual shows what date we filming, how the shots are going to be grouped together and the location and members of the group needed.
Treatment
Shot List
Storyboard
We did produce a storyboard, however unforchantely we did not scan the document before taking it out to the filming and therefore got lost by one memeber. This particular member agreed to produce a second story board as a result of loosing it, and promised that it would be done by the deadline. Unforchantely, this deadline was not met.
Monday, 7 February 2011
Focus Group
Focus Group
We took four people out of our target audience, 2 of each gender and a slight variety in age, described our opening sequence to them and recorded their feedback, the clip above shows me asking questions regarding our choosen genre, audience expectations and what they would expect to see if the opening sequence continued to a entire film, and most importantly we asked whether the plot captivates them, and if they would feel inclined after viewing the sequence, to watch the entire film.
Folowing these findings, the group met to discuss what what said during the focus group.
Tuesday, 1 February 2011
History Of My Chosen Genre
History of Mystery Drama films
Popular genre of fiction today us mystery, traced back to Ancient Greece, Mystery and Crime first came around in playwrightsn such as Sophocles and Euripides which plays combinded both mystery and drama.
ystery and crime stories are among the most popular forms of fiction today, and the popularity of the genre is no mystery to millions of readers worldwide.
There are many sub genres within this one genre, including Crime Fiction which deals with crime based storylines. Crime fiction was extreamly popular in the 1900, and was seen as the only serious genre around. Crime fiction novels and Motion Picture complemented each other well, catering the need of the average audience need for escapism into an idealist world, in which the "good guys" recieve rewards and are superior to the "baddies" who result in punnishment. Adaptations of crime fiction novels over the years into movies have been hugely successful.
With general cateogry Crime Film, Mystery Film comes under it as a sub-genre. Focusing on the detective and investigating side, Mystery Film presents plots around a crime scene and exploring the outcome.
The classic period of 1930's saw silent Charlie Chan films, acting as a detectiveb solving crimes. The popular genre continues today, with classic films produced such as The usual Suspects (1995), Se7en (1995), The Generals Daughter (1999), and many more.
Popular genre of fiction today us mystery, traced back to Ancient Greece, Mystery and Crime first came around in playwrightsn such as Sophocles and Euripides which plays combinded both mystery and drama.
ystery and crime stories are among the most popular forms of fiction today, and the popularity of the genre is no mystery to millions of readers worldwide.
There are many sub genres within this one genre, including Crime Fiction which deals with crime based storylines. Crime fiction was extreamly popular in the 1900, and was seen as the only serious genre around. Crime fiction novels and Motion Picture complemented each other well, catering the need of the average audience need for escapism into an idealist world, in which the "good guys" recieve rewards and are superior to the "baddies" who result in punnishment. Adaptations of crime fiction novels over the years into movies have been hugely successful.
With general cateogry Crime Film, Mystery Film comes under it as a sub-genre. Focusing on the detective and investigating side, Mystery Film presents plots around a crime scene and exploring the outcome.
The classic period of 1930's saw silent Charlie Chan films, acting as a detectiveb solving crimes. The popular genre continues today, with classic films produced such as The usual Suspects (1995), Se7en (1995), The Generals Daughter (1999), and many more.
Title Timeline
Se7en Opening Sequence
Upon analysing Se7ens opening sequence, i found that in order to remain with the films genre of a drama mystery, based around a investigation, the title sequence witheld depth behind the mystery. The title sequence was cut at a fast pace, using a variety of extreame close ups of objects and evidence, while the character remained unknown to the audience; creating a sense of mystery right from the start. The production company was listed early on in the title sequence, just three secounds in. New Line Cinema appeared on screen in white typography, eight seconds in reversed style typography in the same font and colour listed the producers name. The titles of producersm costume designers, music writers, etc all appear one by one gradually through the sequence.
The auditory code of dramatic music is played from beggining to end, with sound effects of a female screaming is also layered into the opening sequence.
By watching and analysing, I have discovered that is it important to influence the genre of the film from right at the beggining of the opening sequence through the choice of auditory codes, shot sizes, typography, camera movement aswell as the plot included.
Upon analysing Se7ens opening sequence, i found that in order to remain with the films genre of a drama mystery, based around a investigation, the title sequence witheld depth behind the mystery. The title sequence was cut at a fast pace, using a variety of extreame close ups of objects and evidence, while the character remained unknown to the audience; creating a sense of mystery right from the start. The production company was listed early on in the title sequence, just three secounds in. New Line Cinema appeared on screen in white typography, eight seconds in reversed style typography in the same font and colour listed the producers name. The titles of producersm costume designers, music writers, etc all appear one by one gradually through the sequence.
The auditory code of dramatic music is played from beggining to end, with sound effects of a female screaming is also layered into the opening sequence.
By watching and analysing, I have discovered that is it important to influence the genre of the film from right at the beggining of the opening sequence through the choice of auditory codes, shot sizes, typography, camera movement aswell as the plot included.
Monday, 24 January 2011
Group Meeting
The Discussion
Lauren: From looking at the research we conducted, Rom-Coms, Dramas and mysteries come out on top.
Charley: I think we should do a drama with a twist of mystery, as I think comedies will be too difficult for the timing we have, and are also hard to appeal to a large audience as humours vary.
Ben: I agree, I think it would be a good idea to shot a mystery drama with a variety of clever shot sizes.
George: Yeah these are all good ideas, I think we should consider basing the plot around a kidnapping of some sort in order to match our genre.
Lauren: Yes, that’s a good idea George. We should try and film something that will not only grip viewers through interest, but also to teach people the importance of staying safe while outside of home.
Charley: We could have a kidnapping of school children? I think using a hand held camera would look really affective on a mystery drama like this one.
George: Yes, we could shot school pupils leaving at the end of the day, perhaps Charley and Lauren could act as the girls that are going to be abducted.
Ben: These are great ideas! By using the school as a focus point on location, the filming will be quite easy for us. We should use a interesting effect on the camera to generate the right tone and impression of the overall genre of our opening sequence.
Lauren: Another idea we could discuss is if we are using a hand held camera, we could have the kidnapper as the narrator in the way that what the viewers see is through his eyes, in order for the audience to feel included.
Charley: We could do a ‘double take’ from the crowds of school children, back to Lauren and me, as when the kidnapper realises we are the ones he is after.
Ben: Yes, the variety of shot sizes and fast pace editing between shots will generate the excitement.
George: We should also use creative typography on our titles to link to the genre of the opening sequence. We also need to consider the music we are going to use, it must have a sense of mystery and drama to it.
Lauren: From looking at the research we conducted, Rom-Coms, Dramas and mysteries come out on top.
Charley: I think we should do a drama with a twist of mystery, as I think comedies will be too difficult for the timing we have, and are also hard to appeal to a large audience as humours vary.
Ben: I agree, I think it would be a good idea to shot a mystery drama with a variety of clever shot sizes.
George: Yeah these are all good ideas, I think we should consider basing the plot around a kidnapping of some sort in order to match our genre.
Lauren: Yes, that’s a good idea George. We should try and film something that will not only grip viewers through interest, but also to teach people the importance of staying safe while outside of home.
Charley: We could have a kidnapping of school children? I think using a hand held camera would look really affective on a mystery drama like this one.
George: Yes, we could shot school pupils leaving at the end of the day, perhaps Charley and Lauren could act as the girls that are going to be abducted.
Ben: These are great ideas! By using the school as a focus point on location, the filming will be quite easy for us. We should use a interesting effect on the camera to generate the right tone and impression of the overall genre of our opening sequence.
Lauren: Another idea we could discuss is if we are using a hand held camera, we could have the kidnapper as the narrator in the way that what the viewers see is through his eyes, in order for the audience to feel included.
Charley: We could do a ‘double take’ from the crowds of school children, back to Lauren and me, as when the kidnapper realises we are the ones he is after.
Ben: Yes, the variety of shot sizes and fast pace editing between shots will generate the excitement.
George: We should also use creative typography on our titles to link to the genre of the opening sequence. We also need to consider the music we are going to use, it must have a sense of mystery and drama to it.
Friday, 14 January 2011
Futher look at opening sequences
Upon analysing different opening sequences, i have noticed a number of things. All of which I have watched have included titles, the number varying however. The typography used also varied, with the majority using quite a simple style of font. An example of this is 'To Kill a Mocking Bird', http://www.artofthetitle.com/2008/09/10/to-kill-a-mockingbird/. Se7en’s title sequence uses a hand written style of typography which links well with the story line. I think that this was a clever decision made by Se7en’s title sequence designer as it gave the right impression to the audience of what to expect within the film. I feel it is an important factor to consider as it can reflect the tone that you are trying to portray the film as being.
Films such as ‘Casino Royale’ used colourful graphics within its opening titles, http://www.artofthetitle.com/2008/01/14/casino-royale/. I understand that they was trying to illustrate the genre of the film in a different way, by outlining what props were to be expected, i.e. guns. However I am not sure if I think it worked as well as they perhaps thought. There are no graphics like this within the movie, so I think it may have created the wrong expectations to the audience of the film.
Romantic comedy ‘Juno’ used cartoon style graphics to open the film. Despite looking good and working reasonably well, I am still not sure why the designers choose to do this. Again, there are no other traces of cartoon within the film, it is a ‘rom com’ and for this reason I am not sure why this idea was used. On the other hand, the film is about a teenage girl, so the cartoon opening of her could reflect the girls personality- perhaps she enjoys cartoons.
From watching past students opening titles, I have discovered that very few of them use interesting typography, one in which would link to the genre- alike Kyle Cooper pointed out as important in his interviews. I also noticed that overall, many past student decided to situate the titles of directors, producers, etc, at the bottom of the screen. Although the names should not over take the sequence, I think more recognition could be made as often they are in very small size font. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t_ygjLLVUQ&feature=BF&list=PLD6D3ADD7107903DC&index=2 This production crafted by students from Cherwell School positions the titles at the bottom of the screen in small, simple typography. Despite this, overall, I really enjoyed the opening sequence. I think the decision they made to use a black and white camera created the right type of atmosphere for the audience. The auditory code of the intense music played throughout also anchored with the setting, choice of camera angles and story line featured in order to appeal to its hybrid audience. The only other choice this group choose that I would argue against is the cross dissolve fading to a black screen on the last shot, in which “To be continued…” appears on screen. This is a opening sequence to a film, therefore this was not necessary.
I enjoyed watching http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=YSu5rfqfSPI&vq=medium as I think the music used linked well with the genre and the overall tone that the producers where trying to portray.
Films such as ‘Casino Royale’ used colourful graphics within its opening titles, http://www.artofthetitle.com/2008/01/14/casino-royale/. I understand that they was trying to illustrate the genre of the film in a different way, by outlining what props were to be expected, i.e. guns. However I am not sure if I think it worked as well as they perhaps thought. There are no graphics like this within the movie, so I think it may have created the wrong expectations to the audience of the film.
Romantic comedy ‘Juno’ used cartoon style graphics to open the film. Despite looking good and working reasonably well, I am still not sure why the designers choose to do this. Again, there are no other traces of cartoon within the film, it is a ‘rom com’ and for this reason I am not sure why this idea was used. On the other hand, the film is about a teenage girl, so the cartoon opening of her could reflect the girls personality- perhaps she enjoys cartoons.
From watching past students opening titles, I have discovered that very few of them use interesting typography, one in which would link to the genre- alike Kyle Cooper pointed out as important in his interviews. I also noticed that overall, many past student decided to situate the titles of directors, producers, etc, at the bottom of the screen. Although the names should not over take the sequence, I think more recognition could be made as often they are in very small size font. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t_ygjLLVUQ&feature=BF&list=PLD6D3ADD7107903DC&index=2 This production crafted by students from Cherwell School positions the titles at the bottom of the screen in small, simple typography. Despite this, overall, I really enjoyed the opening sequence. I think the decision they made to use a black and white camera created the right type of atmosphere for the audience. The auditory code of the intense music played throughout also anchored with the setting, choice of camera angles and story line featured in order to appeal to its hybrid audience. The only other choice this group choose that I would argue against is the cross dissolve fading to a black screen on the last shot, in which “To be continued…” appears on screen. This is a opening sequence to a film, therefore this was not necessary.
I enjoyed watching http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=YSu5rfqfSPI&vq=medium as I think the music used linked well with the genre and the overall tone that the producers where trying to portray.
Research into Opening Sequence Designs
Kyle Cooper's interviews
The two part interview with acclaimed title designer, art director and film maker Kyle Cooper, taught me what is important to consider when creating an opening sequence for a film. Kyle Cooper has had great success, producing title sequences for the spider man movies, Superman, and many others. During the interview, he discussed the importance of dub tailing seamlessly from the opening sequence, into the film. He also said that the sequence must create a expectation of the film itself, a tool to try and integrate is to use the type in order to create the overall tone of the film that you are trying to generate. Typography should link to the genre of story that you are trying to tell, try and use clever puns when you can-this will interest the viewer. Be influential in your title sequence, Kyle Cooper advised, as it can help pursue the viewers ambitions. Remember the importance, significance of your sequence and remember the different range of viewers.
Another piece of advice granted by this title designer is to not feel that you have to rely on using CGI. Investigate and see what you hand make-money and time can can be saved while creating just as clever images. I learnt of Cooper’s favourite sequences are those that encapsulate the characters obsessions, a example of this was ‘To Kill a Mocking Bird’. Typography came up as a important issue again, along with the music. Typography used should be integrated rather than appearing to be a after thought, when including it, always consider the shot in the background which will influence the positioning and movement of the text.
Finally, I learnt that you should use the time granted within the title sequence to advance the plot of the film. Tell a backing story which will overall manipulate the viewers viewing as a whole.
The findings of these interviews will influence my group with our production of a opening sequence. The production will be influenced as we will consider every aspect Kyle Cooper discussed, such as the importance of typography and the way it is displayed, to try and engage the audience by integrating characters obsessions so early on.
The two part interview with acclaimed title designer, art director and film maker Kyle Cooper, taught me what is important to consider when creating an opening sequence for a film. Kyle Cooper has had great success, producing title sequences for the spider man movies, Superman, and many others. During the interview, he discussed the importance of dub tailing seamlessly from the opening sequence, into the film. He also said that the sequence must create a expectation of the film itself, a tool to try and integrate is to use the type in order to create the overall tone of the film that you are trying to generate. Typography should link to the genre of story that you are trying to tell, try and use clever puns when you can-this will interest the viewer. Be influential in your title sequence, Kyle Cooper advised, as it can help pursue the viewers ambitions. Remember the importance, significance of your sequence and remember the different range of viewers.
Another piece of advice granted by this title designer is to not feel that you have to rely on using CGI. Investigate and see what you hand make-money and time can can be saved while creating just as clever images. I learnt of Cooper’s favourite sequences are those that encapsulate the characters obsessions, a example of this was ‘To Kill a Mocking Bird’. Typography came up as a important issue again, along with the music. Typography used should be integrated rather than appearing to be a after thought, when including it, always consider the shot in the background which will influence the positioning and movement of the text.
Finally, I learnt that you should use the time granted within the title sequence to advance the plot of the film. Tell a backing story which will overall manipulate the viewers viewing as a whole.
The findings of these interviews will influence my group with our production of a opening sequence. The production will be influenced as we will consider every aspect Kyle Cooper discussed, such as the importance of typography and the way it is displayed, to try and engage the audience by integrating characters obsessions so early on.
Friday, 7 January 2011
Choosing your genre
Choosing your genre
Task 1
According to http://financialedge.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0410/Movie-Genres-With-The-Best-ROI.aspx the most popular genres of films are:
• Action Adventure films tend to hit the headlines with a huge number of ticket sales. Record breaking ticket sales however are usually matched with a large budget, meaning these films bring in a lot of money, but not the best return on investment.
• Drama, Romance and Comedy come in second on the most popular genre of film. With less of a requirement for a high budget for special effects, a Drama, Romance or Comedy film can bring in a lot of return on investment if one is very successful. Despite this, there have been many box office failures in this category of genre.
• Documentaries come in third most popular to an audience. With little need of cast, crew, special effects and big name stars, documentaries are made at a small fraction of the cost that big- name Hollywood blockbusters need. This means that when a documentary film makes it big, the ROI can be astonishing.
• Horror and Thriller are also very popular among audiences. Horrors have had many hits with large ROI and very few misses.
Task 2
From the research conducted on the popularity of film genres, the top favourites have been highlighted.
With little budget and restricted time, space and equipment, an action or adventure film I feel would be too hard to produce, despite it coming in top in the box office ticket sales. Romance is an option to consider when deciding what genre our group will choose, however again I feel it would be hard to produce due to limitation on actors and the skills they withhold. The storyline within a romantic opening sequence is also limited, as there are few directions we would be able to go with it.
Comedy, we decided could be a huge failure as it is hard to match the humour of a large audience. People have their own sense of humour which makes it a niche market and consequently, a difficult one to appeal to. Documentaries would also be a difficult genre to choose as we would need to find a serious issue that we was all passionate about. Documentaries need their own footage, footage that we do not have. If we were too make it up, it would not look believable and as a result, would appear as a joke to the audience. Horror and Thriller genres would also be difficult for us to do with a low budget.
Task 3
As a group we conducted a questionnaire on a sample of forty people in a variety of ages in order to investigate the current favorite film genres and why, what an audience expects or what to see within an opening sequence and the genres of films audiences want to see more of. We carried out this research in order to gain a greater understanding of what film goers currently want cinemas to obtain, so that we can make decisions on our opening sequence to match the requirements of the audience.
From our questionnaires, we can learn that Comedies, Mystery/Thrillers and Dramas come out on top opposed to Horror, Romance, Sci-Fi’s, etc. Audiences want to feel captivated during the opening sequence to a film, obtain the feeling of suspense and want to watch more and are not overly fussed about character introductions, and would prefer to be put straight into the action. Interesting camera angles and movement was also listed as an important factor that audiences would like to see. On average, the majority voted that they either visit the cinema once a month with either friends or family.
This research is important to consider when deciding the genre and plot of our opening sequence as we want it to appeal to a large audience. With Comedies, Mystery/Thrillers and Dramas being the most popular, the demand is to go with one of those. By asking the sample what they want and expect from an opening sequence, we also gain knowledge on what to try and include which is the feeling of suspense, a variety of camera angles and movements.
Task 1
According to http://financialedge.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0410/Movie-Genres-With-The-Best-ROI.aspx the most popular genres of films are:
• Action Adventure films tend to hit the headlines with a huge number of ticket sales. Record breaking ticket sales however are usually matched with a large budget, meaning these films bring in a lot of money, but not the best return on investment.
• Drama, Romance and Comedy come in second on the most popular genre of film. With less of a requirement for a high budget for special effects, a Drama, Romance or Comedy film can bring in a lot of return on investment if one is very successful. Despite this, there have been many box office failures in this category of genre.
• Documentaries come in third most popular to an audience. With little need of cast, crew, special effects and big name stars, documentaries are made at a small fraction of the cost that big- name Hollywood blockbusters need. This means that when a documentary film makes it big, the ROI can be astonishing.
• Horror and Thriller are also very popular among audiences. Horrors have had many hits with large ROI and very few misses.
Task 2
From the research conducted on the popularity of film genres, the top favourites have been highlighted.
With little budget and restricted time, space and equipment, an action or adventure film I feel would be too hard to produce, despite it coming in top in the box office ticket sales. Romance is an option to consider when deciding what genre our group will choose, however again I feel it would be hard to produce due to limitation on actors and the skills they withhold. The storyline within a romantic opening sequence is also limited, as there are few directions we would be able to go with it.
Comedy, we decided could be a huge failure as it is hard to match the humour of a large audience. People have their own sense of humour which makes it a niche market and consequently, a difficult one to appeal to. Documentaries would also be a difficult genre to choose as we would need to find a serious issue that we was all passionate about. Documentaries need their own footage, footage that we do not have. If we were too make it up, it would not look believable and as a result, would appear as a joke to the audience. Horror and Thriller genres would also be difficult for us to do with a low budget.
Task 3
As a group we conducted a questionnaire on a sample of forty people in a variety of ages in order to investigate the current favorite film genres and why, what an audience expects or what to see within an opening sequence and the genres of films audiences want to see more of. We carried out this research in order to gain a greater understanding of what film goers currently want cinemas to obtain, so that we can make decisions on our opening sequence to match the requirements of the audience.
From our questionnaires, we can learn that Comedies, Mystery/Thrillers and Dramas come out on top opposed to Horror, Romance, Sci-Fi’s, etc. Audiences want to feel captivated during the opening sequence to a film, obtain the feeling of suspense and want to watch more and are not overly fussed about character introductions, and would prefer to be put straight into the action. Interesting camera angles and movement was also listed as an important factor that audiences would like to see. On average, the majority voted that they either visit the cinema once a month with either friends or family.
This research is important to consider when deciding the genre and plot of our opening sequence as we want it to appeal to a large audience. With Comedies, Mystery/Thrillers and Dramas being the most popular, the demand is to go with one of those. By asking the sample what they want and expect from an opening sequence, we also gain knowledge on what to try and include which is the feeling of suspense, a variety of camera angles and movements.
Thursday, 6 January 2011
Main Task: Conventions of a Opening Sequence
Conventions
http://www.artoftitle.com/ Has a number of different films on which have outlined to me the main conventions of a opening sequence. Which include:
I carried out this research into the conventions used in opening sequences in preparation to create my own opening sequence of a film. Therefore it is important to understand what is necessary to include, what is expected, etc. By conducting this investigation, I have learnt that I must include our production company’s name, the names of the main actor/actresses, moving images, use relevant colours to the genre and consider including a theme tune.
http://www.artoftitle.com/ Has a number of different films on which have outlined to me the main conventions of a opening sequence. Which include:
- The name of the production company of the film was listed.
- The main actors and actresses which would be most recognisable to the audience were shown
- A theme tune is played throughout connecting with the genre of the film.
- Names of key members of the technical team are shown, such as the director, producer and writer. Not all names are included as they are shown at the end of the film in the credits.
- Moving images are included of key scenes in order to get a insight and be introduced to main characters.
- They use animations that would fit the genre of the film e.g Casino Royale
- Relevant colours are used. For example in a horror film they would use mainly darker colours such as blacks and reds.
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| Example of these conventions are shown on the screen grabs above. |
Wednesday, 5 January 2011
Independent work towards targets
Targets
The targets i am going to set myself for the main task are:
1) Keep up to date with my blog. Update it as soon as work is done and follow all the guidlines set. I will do this my allocating time after each lesson in order to update it.
2) Improve level of filming. Use more of a variety of shot sizes and ensure the rules are abinded by. Make sure i make more of a input in filming than previous so i can learn how to do it better.
3) Think more through about the location we choose to film in. Look at a variety of places then choose which would be best.
4) Discuss the plot and script with the group in more detail to ensure we have made the right decision.
5) Communication within the team will be improved by arranging times of meet for filming, editing etc.
1) Keep up to date with my blog. Update it as soon as work is done and follow all the guidlines set. I will do this my allocating time after each lesson in order to update it.
2) Improve level of filming. Use more of a variety of shot sizes and ensure the rules are abinded by. Make sure i make more of a input in filming than previous so i can learn how to do it better.
3) Think more through about the location we choose to film in. Look at a variety of places then choose which would be best.
4) Discuss the plot and script with the group in more detail to ensure we have made the right decision.
5) Communication within the team will be improved by arranging times of meet for filming, editing etc.
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