Sunday, 28 December 2008
Wednesday, 10 December 2008
Shot List For Thriller Opening
Shot 1, 2 and 3
A variety of shots of the station and the surrounding area to establish the location. In these shots, the titles will run.
Shot 4
The final mid shot establishing the location of the run down derelict house.
Shot 5
The camera then cuts to inside the house to a man sitting by a window which faces the platform.
Shot 6
We then cut an over the shoulder shot of the man writing the letter although the words are unclear on the page.
Shot 7
From this over the shoulder shot, we cut to a frame of his hand turning off the radio- where the music is coming from. When the man clicks the radio off, it becomes silent.
Shot 8
From here, the camera then cuts to a view of the train tracks outside. This mid shot is static as we show a train approaching the station.
Shot 9
From this, it cuuts back into the house, focusing in on a blank wall, with a clock hanging on it.
Shot 10
We then cut back to a shot of the concrete floor of the platform. Onto this arrives the 2nd man in our opening. He is wearing distinctive boots, which is the first thing we see of him.
Shot 11
Medium shot of the train pulling away from the station, with the man following it as he walks down the platform.
Shot 12
The camera then cuts to a side-on shot looking across at the platform following his footsteps as he. The camera then stops, as he does.
Shot 13
The camera then goes to a close up shot of his side where he reveals a weapon concealed under his jacket.
Shot 14
The camera cuts back a medium shot from inside the house, looking out to the 2nd man walking towards the house
Shot 15
We then cut to a close up high angle shot of the 1st man writing the letter.
Shot 16
The camera will then cut to a medium shot of the 2nd Man’s side, from his shoulder to his waist as he knocks on the door.
Shot 18
CU shot through the window of the man watiing at the door
Shot 19
We will then cut back to the high angle close up shot of the 1st Man as he stops writing and puts his pen down to get up and answer the door.
Shot 20
The camera then stays focuses, as ink runs down the page.
Shot 21
The camera will then cut back outside for the final shot sequence which is an over the shoulder frame, in which the 2nd man is waiting at the door.
Shot 22
As the man opens the door, we are going to see the reaction on the 1st mans face as he quickly goes to shut the door again.
Shot 23
The camera then cuts to the 2nd man pushes the knife forward, into his side.
Shot 24
We then cut a CU shot of the 2nd man picking up the letter. We then watch him set fire to it.
A variety of shots of the station and the surrounding area to establish the location. In these shots, the titles will run.
Shot 4
The final mid shot establishing the location of the run down derelict house.
Shot 5
The camera then cuts to inside the house to a man sitting by a window which faces the platform.
Shot 6
We then cut an over the shoulder shot of the man writing the letter although the words are unclear on the page.
Shot 7
From this over the shoulder shot, we cut to a frame of his hand turning off the radio- where the music is coming from. When the man clicks the radio off, it becomes silent.
Shot 8
From here, the camera then cuts to a view of the train tracks outside. This mid shot is static as we show a train approaching the station.
Shot 9
From this, it cuuts back into the house, focusing in on a blank wall, with a clock hanging on it.
Shot 10
We then cut back to a shot of the concrete floor of the platform. Onto this arrives the 2nd man in our opening. He is wearing distinctive boots, which is the first thing we see of him.
Shot 11
Medium shot of the train pulling away from the station, with the man following it as he walks down the platform.
Shot 12
The camera then cuts to a side-on shot looking across at the platform following his footsteps as he. The camera then stops, as he does.
Shot 13
The camera then goes to a close up shot of his side where he reveals a weapon concealed under his jacket.
Shot 14
The camera cuts back a medium shot from inside the house, looking out to the 2nd man walking towards the house
Shot 15
We then cut to a close up high angle shot of the 1st man writing the letter.
Shot 16
The camera will then cut to a medium shot of the 2nd Man’s side, from his shoulder to his waist as he knocks on the door.
Shot 18
CU shot through the window of the man watiing at the door
Shot 19
We will then cut back to the high angle close up shot of the 1st Man as he stops writing and puts his pen down to get up and answer the door.
Shot 20
The camera then stays focuses, as ink runs down the page.
Shot 21
The camera will then cut back outside for the final shot sequence which is an over the shoulder frame, in which the 2nd man is waiting at the door.
Shot 22
As the man opens the door, we are going to see the reaction on the 1st mans face as he quickly goes to shut the door again.
Shot 23
The camera then cuts to the 2nd man pushes the knife forward, into his side.
Shot 24
We then cut a CU shot of the 2nd man picking up the letter. We then watch him set fire to it.
Friday, 5 December 2008
Thriller Opening Sound Tracks
*to be decided in the editing process
we have chosen the songs listed below to create tension and suspense. They all start off calmly and slowly build up in tempo and volume.
Biko by Bloc Party
Televators by The Mars Volta
Golden by Fall Out Boy
The King by Hard-Fi
Ghouls by We are Scientists
Girls & Boys by The Subways
ID by Kasabian
Running Battle by Kasabian
After we came up with these choices, we found out that the music soundtrack could not be copyrighted. This meant that we couldn't use any of the above. We thought about creating our own soundtrack using Ian's music skills, until we came across a website that provided with a very atsmospheric, non-copyrighted soundtrack using stringed instruments, that builds up for tension and holds notes for suspense in the desired way we had planned.
The soundtrack that we will use is called Subhonmr b2 34 string from www.freesound.org.
The soundtrack from the film 'The Chamber' inspired us to make this decision, as it expresses their soundtrack in the same way that we will express ours.
Another idea of a soundtrack we debated using was Grey Snow by Josh Woodword (from www.joshwoodward.com)
we have chosen the songs listed below to create tension and suspense. They all start off calmly and slowly build up in tempo and volume.
Biko by Bloc Party
Televators by The Mars Volta
Golden by Fall Out Boy
The King by Hard-Fi
Ghouls by We are Scientists
Girls & Boys by The Subways
ID by Kasabian
Running Battle by Kasabian
After we came up with these choices, we found out that the music soundtrack could not be copyrighted. This meant that we couldn't use any of the above. We thought about creating our own soundtrack using Ian's music skills, until we came across a website that provided with a very atsmospheric, non-copyrighted soundtrack using stringed instruments, that builds up for tension and holds notes for suspense in the desired way we had planned.
The soundtrack that we will use is called Subhonmr b2 34 string from www.freesound.org.
The soundtrack from the film 'The Chamber' inspired us to make this decision, as it expresses their soundtrack in the same way that we will express ours.
Another idea of a soundtrack we debated using was Grey Snow by Josh Woodword (from www.joshwoodward.com)
Wednesday, 3 December 2008
Preliminary Filming Project Evaluation
1. Editing and camera techniques
For our preliminary opening, we used the following techniques:
• We used titles to display the criteria needed for exam board. This included the title of the task, iur school name and its centre number, the name of our film and our own individual names and our candidate numbers.
• We overlaid our names on the final shot of our opening using the title designer in Adobe Premier Elements.
• We used the time stretch tool to prolong the shot. Also, we used the razor tool to cut the shots to right time. This was also in Adobe Premier Elements.
• We used the 180 degree rule, shot/reverse shot and match on action shots while filming. Also, we used a panning, birds eye, ECU’s, Over the shoulder and a high angle shots. These choices of camera angles and techniques help our audience to understand the action as they indicate where in the shot each character is, even if they are not visible in that shit. This can be explained for when the two characters are typing at their computers. The character 'Robert' faces from left to right of the camera shot, where as character 'Steve' faces from right to left of the damera shot. Therefore proving the shot/ reverse shot to be effective. Also match on action shot is used to assist the audience as a close up shot is inserted after each character have typed their dialogue, so the reader understands the dialogue that is being exchanged between each character and what the character is experiencing from their own individual perspective. The high angle shot of both characters typing at their computers is effective and each action that the characters are performing can be viewed simultaneously for increased audience awareness of each character.
2. New techniques that we used in the production of our opening
In the creation of our film in this task, we used many new programs in the creation of our production. These included Youtube to post the final cut, Adobe Premiere Elements to edit and compose this final cut, the digital video camera to shoot the scenes needed and the social networking site Blogger to evaluate and display our final production and post any planning we have done.
When using the camera, it was difficult to keep it steady when creating tracking shots, therefore we found it useful to use a tripod. When shooting the over the shoulder shots, the dialogue wasn't very clear so an extra close up shot had to be added in to clarify this dialogue. It would have been effective to have all this action in one shot rather than disect it. Also, the quality of the camera could have been better to create a more professional look. When working with Adobe Premiere Elements, we found it difficult to change the sound levels to create the right suspense and blending the sounds to make it sound natural rather than having loud voices for one shot and dead silence for another. Finally, we went to book a camera for the date we set to film, we often found that the cameras were all booked up, or had low battery. This created a problem as we had to wait an extra two weeks before we started filming and when we were filming, we had to be considerate towards the length of time we took when filming individual shots and shooting time overall. So increased skill of camera work and efficiency to comlete the task was of higher demand at times when filming. Also due to the camera being on low battery, we had to have the camera on a charger that was attatched to the wall. This limited camera movement and creativity and experiment of our shooting.
One of the many strengths of our production is the many shot types used in the sequence. Also, we worked well as a group by sharing ideas and the production roles in the shooting of the film and that we were actively communicating with each other about the planning, about how to create the look we were after for our film.
3. How successful was the final product against the brief set?
The brief that was set for our production consisted of the following the following:
• The inclusion of a shot of a hand opening a door and two or more people having a conversation. Once this has happened, one of the characters must leave the room.
• To include three different types of shots within the film. These must be the 180 degree rule, match on action and the shot/reverse shot.
We believe that our production matched all the criteria needed from the exam board. We decided to apply the dialogue in a unique way. We did this by using MSN Messenger to produce the dialogue between the two male characters, using the following shooting techniques to support this method:
We used the 180 rule throughout the films by keeping to one side of the room when filming. Also, the match on action when using the over the shoulder shots by having the two characters in the same frame, one typing the dialogue (vieved from over his shoulder)and the other who was recieving the dialogue using his computer and facing in the direction of the camera, ready to recieve this dialogue and return further dialogue over the next couple of shots in the sequence. Finally, we used the shot/reverse shot when the two characters were receiving the messages from each other. We showed this shows both actors in the shot, using the same principle that we used for the match on action technique.
For our preliminary opening, we used the following techniques:
• We used titles to display the criteria needed for exam board. This included the title of the task, iur school name and its centre number, the name of our film and our own individual names and our candidate numbers.
• We overlaid our names on the final shot of our opening using the title designer in Adobe Premier Elements.
• We used the time stretch tool to prolong the shot. Also, we used the razor tool to cut the shots to right time. This was also in Adobe Premier Elements.
• We used the 180 degree rule, shot/reverse shot and match on action shots while filming. Also, we used a panning, birds eye, ECU’s, Over the shoulder and a high angle shots. These choices of camera angles and techniques help our audience to understand the action as they indicate where in the shot each character is, even if they are not visible in that shit. This can be explained for when the two characters are typing at their computers. The character 'Robert' faces from left to right of the camera shot, where as character 'Steve' faces from right to left of the damera shot. Therefore proving the shot/ reverse shot to be effective. Also match on action shot is used to assist the audience as a close up shot is inserted after each character have typed their dialogue, so the reader understands the dialogue that is being exchanged between each character and what the character is experiencing from their own individual perspective. The high angle shot of both characters typing at their computers is effective and each action that the characters are performing can be viewed simultaneously for increased audience awareness of each character.
2. New techniques that we used in the production of our opening
In the creation of our film in this task, we used many new programs in the creation of our production. These included Youtube to post the final cut, Adobe Premiere Elements to edit and compose this final cut, the digital video camera to shoot the scenes needed and the social networking site Blogger to evaluate and display our final production and post any planning we have done.
When using the camera, it was difficult to keep it steady when creating tracking shots, therefore we found it useful to use a tripod. When shooting the over the shoulder shots, the dialogue wasn't very clear so an extra close up shot had to be added in to clarify this dialogue. It would have been effective to have all this action in one shot rather than disect it. Also, the quality of the camera could have been better to create a more professional look. When working with Adobe Premiere Elements, we found it difficult to change the sound levels to create the right suspense and blending the sounds to make it sound natural rather than having loud voices for one shot and dead silence for another. Finally, we went to book a camera for the date we set to film, we often found that the cameras were all booked up, or had low battery. This created a problem as we had to wait an extra two weeks before we started filming and when we were filming, we had to be considerate towards the length of time we took when filming individual shots and shooting time overall. So increased skill of camera work and efficiency to comlete the task was of higher demand at times when filming. Also due to the camera being on low battery, we had to have the camera on a charger that was attatched to the wall. This limited camera movement and creativity and experiment of our shooting.
One of the many strengths of our production is the many shot types used in the sequence. Also, we worked well as a group by sharing ideas and the production roles in the shooting of the film and that we were actively communicating with each other about the planning, about how to create the look we were after for our film.
3. How successful was the final product against the brief set?
The brief that was set for our production consisted of the following the following:
• The inclusion of a shot of a hand opening a door and two or more people having a conversation. Once this has happened, one of the characters must leave the room.
• To include three different types of shots within the film. These must be the 180 degree rule, match on action and the shot/reverse shot.
We believe that our production matched all the criteria needed from the exam board. We decided to apply the dialogue in a unique way. We did this by using MSN Messenger to produce the dialogue between the two male characters, using the following shooting techniques to support this method:
We used the 180 rule throughout the films by keeping to one side of the room when filming. Also, the match on action when using the over the shoulder shots by having the two characters in the same frame, one typing the dialogue (vieved from over his shoulder)and the other who was recieving the dialogue using his computer and facing in the direction of the camera, ready to recieve this dialogue and return further dialogue over the next couple of shots in the sequence. Finally, we used the shot/reverse shot when the two characters were receiving the messages from each other. We showed this shows both actors in the shot, using the same principle that we used for the match on action technique.
Wednesday, 26 November 2008
Monday, 24 November 2008
Sunday, 23 November 2008
Working Title Films
Working Title Films is a British film production company, based in London, England. The company was founded by Tim Bevan and Sarah Radclyffe in 1984. It produces feature films and some television productions. Eric Fellner and Bevan are the co-owners of the company now.
In 2004 it made a profit of £17.8 million pounds. As of 2007, all its films are distributed by Universal Pictures, which owns a 67% stake in the company, and many of its recent films are co-productions with StudioCanal. The remaining shares are owned by the company's founders, BBC Films, and private investors.
The film company also has a smaller low-budget film brand, WT2 (Working Title 2) which has produced films such as Billy Elliot (2000) and Shaun of the Dead (2004).
Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Industry: Film production
Parent: Universal Pictures BBC Films
In 2004 it made a profit of £17.8 million pounds. As of 2007, all its films are distributed by Universal Pictures, which owns a 67% stake in the company, and many of its recent films are co-productions with StudioCanal. The remaining shares are owned by the company's founders, BBC Films, and private investors.
The film company also has a smaller low-budget film brand, WT2 (Working Title 2) which has produced films such as Billy Elliot (2000) and Shaun of the Dead (2004).
Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Industry: Film production
Parent: Universal Pictures BBC Films
Preliminary Filming Project Script
Setting the scene: We will start the opening by using an ECU of the door handle as the first man turns it. Then we will focus on the Robert (man1) as he sits down opposite to other man (Steve(man 2)) in the opening. They will talk to each other using MSN Messenger. We will use a voice over which will speak the words on the computer monitor. While communicating, one of men’s computers abruptly shuts down and the monitor presents a screen saying ‘Will restart in 5, 4, 3……’
Then the man whose computer fails says ‘Why does it always shut down’. Then he leaves the room.
Script
Robert (man 1) sits downs at computer and logs on
Robert (man 1) “Have you got everything I need”
Steve (Man 2) “Yes, I have it on me”
Robert (Man 1) “Then where is it?”
Steve (Man 2) “Check your inbox!”
Then Robert’s (Man 1) computer crashes.
Robert storms out of the room with Steve looking at him confused.
Then the man whose computer fails says ‘Why does it always shut down’. Then he leaves the room.
Script
Robert (man 1) sits downs at computer and logs on
Robert (man 1) “Have you got everything I need”
Steve (Man 2) “Yes, I have it on me”
Robert (Man 1) “Then where is it?”
Steve (Man 2) “Check your inbox!”
Then Robert’s (Man 1) computer crashes.
Robert storms out of the room with Steve looking at him confused.
Preliminary Filming Storyboards and Shotlist
Storyboards
Shot list
Shot 1
ECU of Robert's hand as he turns the door handle and starts to open the door.
Shot 2
Medium tracking shot of Robert as he walks to his computer, sits down at his computer and sits down.
Shot 3
Close up of Robert typing a message to Steve who is sitting at the computer opposite to him.
Shot 4
An over the shoulder shot of Steve recieving the message from Robert that reads 'Do you have everything I need?'
Shot 5
Another over the shoulder shot, of Robert this time, as Steve's response is displayed on his computer, reading 'Yes i have it on me'
Shot 6
Return to Steve's computer with another over the shoulder shot displaying a message from Robert that says 'So where is it?'
Shot 7
Return to Robert's computer with an over the shoulder shot of Steve's response to Robert that says 'Check your inbox!'
Shot 8
This will be a medium shot from behind Robert as he gets disconnected from msn messenger following Steve's previous message.
Shot 9
A medium shot facing Robert with him looking annoyed following his disconnection from msn messenger.
Shot 10
A medium tracking shot of Robert getting up and leaving the room with Steve looking at him confused why he is leaving the room.
Shot list
Shot 1
ECU of Robert's hand as he turns the door handle and starts to open the door.
Shot 2
Medium tracking shot of Robert as he walks to his computer, sits down at his computer and sits down.
Shot 3
Close up of Robert typing a message to Steve who is sitting at the computer opposite to him.
Shot 4
An over the shoulder shot of Steve recieving the message from Robert that reads 'Do you have everything I need?'
Shot 5
Another over the shoulder shot, of Robert this time, as Steve's response is displayed on his computer, reading 'Yes i have it on me'
Shot 6
Return to Steve's computer with another over the shoulder shot displaying a message from Robert that says 'So where is it?'
Shot 7
Return to Robert's computer with an over the shoulder shot of Steve's response to Robert that says 'Check your inbox!'
Shot 8
This will be a medium shot from behind Robert as he gets disconnected from msn messenger following Steve's previous message.
Shot 9
A medium shot facing Robert with him looking annoyed following his disconnection from msn messenger.
Shot 10
A medium tracking shot of Robert getting up and leaving the room with Steve looking at him confused why he is leaving the room.
Friday, 7 November 2008
Media Filming Project Treatment
We have decided to shoot the opening in the sub-genre crime/thriller, much like other thrillers of its kind. For example, like in Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Leon etc. We aim to create a tense atmosphere which lends itself well to the genre. The way in which we will immediately establish the equilibrium is through the setting and by using music to build a tense atmosphere but without giving away the plot. The place we have haven chosen to shoot this opening is at Salhouse Train Station, mainly because of its deserted location, a convention used in many other thrillers.
Our film will begin with the first few shot of the station and the surrounding area to establish the location and enable us to use different camera shots, such as long shots and worms eye view. Within these, running titles will be added discreetly so the viewers attention is not distracted from the opening shots. Throughout, we plan to use a soundtrack which fades in, as the picture does, and which, by the low volume, sounds like it is being played out of shot from a distance. Within these shots, a dark and derelict house is shown. This is the frame that we end the title sequence with. The camera then cuts inside the house to a man sitting by a window which faces the platform. We plan to make these opening shots to set the scene last approximately 10 seconds long.
The character appears to be very socially isolated and lives alone in this dark, rundown house. He has recently broken away from a gang of organised criminals, and his involvement in a scene of organised crime and corruption. Throughout the opening, we are going to have subtle clues as to his past (for example; the letter, the character stepping off the train and his intent). His house is next to the platform at the quiet station, its location is secluded, overgrown and the interior of the house is damp and dirty. The walls are bare and empty and the floorboards creak as you step on them.
He is writing a letter and the camera focuses in to an over the shoulder shot of the letter and a CU of the page, although the words are unclear on the page. When we cut to this shot, initially the music increases in volume; as if it is coming from inside the man’s room. From this, we cut to a shot outside the house of the train approaching the platform, this is the point at which the music stops. This silence serves to make the atmosphere even more eerie than before. Another way we show the contrast between the inside of the house and the outside, as well as the soundtrack, is the lighting. Outside; we are only going to use natural light, which will contrast with the house, where there will be darker, more noir lighting.
From here, the camera then cuts to a mid-shot view of the train tracks outside. The soundtrack remains silent until you begin to here the sound of the train along the tracks. This noise builds to a crescendo as you watch the train approaching from the same camera view. This is the point at which the equilibrium is disrupted. It isn’t dramatic, but it is enough to change the atmosphere. The sound of the train approaching increases as it comes towards the camera. We then cutto a shot of the concrete floor of the platform. Onto this arrives the 2nd man in our opening. He is wearing distinctive boots, which is the first thing we see of him. We then go to a medium shot of the train pulling away from the station, with the man following it as he walks down the platform. The camera then cuts to a side-on shot looking across at the platform following his footsteps as he walks (like in the film ‘The Third Man’). The camera then stops, as does he from here, the camera then goes to a close up shot of his side where he reveals a weapon concealed under his jacket. The soundtrack remains silent. Also, when the camera focuses in, the background is slightly blurred- this is so the audience’s attention is drawn to the object.
After these shots in which the weapon is identified, this 2nd man continues to walk towards the house where the 1st man is located. The camera shows the 2nd man walking towards the house, focusing on his feet using a low angle shot. The camera cuts back a medium shot from inside the house, looking out to the 2nd man walking towards the house. the 1st man in the house writing the letter, with the use of over the shoulder, high angle, medium and long shots of the man from behind, with the edition of a high angle close up shot of the 1st man’s hands and the letter as he writes.
Once the man reaches the house, the camera will then cut to a close-up shot through the window of the man waiting at the door. We will then cut back to the high angle close up shot as he is writing the letter, within this shot we hear the knock at the door. Hearing this, Man 1 stops writing and puts his pen down to get up and answer the door. We then go to an over the shoulder shot of Man 1 opening the door and then quickly closing it when he sees whose there. To clarify, we cut to a CU shot of Man 2's foot in the door. We then go to a medium shot from the other side of the room in which Man 2 pushing the knife forward, into his side and walk through into the house. The lighting it going to be remain dark and we are going to have very low contrast to show the connotations of the events taking place in this scene. The camera then goes to a medium shot of the window placing the platform in which Man 2 walks across, momentarily blocking out the view of an outside streetlight. The camera then focuses on a shot of the letter with the ink running out of the pen, signifying Man 1's death.on this as ink begins to leak onto the page from the pen (like in the opening of ‘Don’t Look Now’ with the photo slide). We then cut to the 2nd man grabbing the letter and in a close up shot we watch him set fire to it - suggesting to the audience the connotations and possible consequences of the letter, also making the audience wonder exactly what it could say.
Aims and Objective
In our opening 2 minute film, we aim to include; some kind of narrative structure, suspense, opening titles and credits and, most importantly, identifiable codes and conventions of the thriller genre.
Our film will begin with the first few shot of the station and the surrounding area to establish the location and enable us to use different camera shots, such as long shots and worms eye view. Within these, running titles will be added discreetly so the viewers attention is not distracted from the opening shots. Throughout, we plan to use a soundtrack which fades in, as the picture does, and which, by the low volume, sounds like it is being played out of shot from a distance. Within these shots, a dark and derelict house is shown. This is the frame that we end the title sequence with. The camera then cuts inside the house to a man sitting by a window which faces the platform. We plan to make these opening shots to set the scene last approximately 10 seconds long.
The character appears to be very socially isolated and lives alone in this dark, rundown house. He has recently broken away from a gang of organised criminals, and his involvement in a scene of organised crime and corruption. Throughout the opening, we are going to have subtle clues as to his past (for example; the letter, the character stepping off the train and his intent). His house is next to the platform at the quiet station, its location is secluded, overgrown and the interior of the house is damp and dirty. The walls are bare and empty and the floorboards creak as you step on them.
He is writing a letter and the camera focuses in to an over the shoulder shot of the letter and a CU of the page, although the words are unclear on the page. When we cut to this shot, initially the music increases in volume; as if it is coming from inside the man’s room. From this, we cut to a shot outside the house of the train approaching the platform, this is the point at which the music stops. This silence serves to make the atmosphere even more eerie than before. Another way we show the contrast between the inside of the house and the outside, as well as the soundtrack, is the lighting. Outside; we are only going to use natural light, which will contrast with the house, where there will be darker, more noir lighting.
From here, the camera then cuts to a mid-shot view of the train tracks outside. The soundtrack remains silent until you begin to here the sound of the train along the tracks. This noise builds to a crescendo as you watch the train approaching from the same camera view. This is the point at which the equilibrium is disrupted. It isn’t dramatic, but it is enough to change the atmosphere. The sound of the train approaching increases as it comes towards the camera. We then cutto a shot of the concrete floor of the platform. Onto this arrives the 2nd man in our opening. He is wearing distinctive boots, which is the first thing we see of him. We then go to a medium shot of the train pulling away from the station, with the man following it as he walks down the platform. The camera then cuts to a side-on shot looking across at the platform following his footsteps as he walks (like in the film ‘The Third Man’). The camera then stops, as does he from here, the camera then goes to a close up shot of his side where he reveals a weapon concealed under his jacket. The soundtrack remains silent. Also, when the camera focuses in, the background is slightly blurred- this is so the audience’s attention is drawn to the object.
After these shots in which the weapon is identified, this 2nd man continues to walk towards the house where the 1st man is located. The camera shows the 2nd man walking towards the house, focusing on his feet using a low angle shot. The camera cuts back a medium shot from inside the house, looking out to the 2nd man walking towards the house. the 1st man in the house writing the letter, with the use of over the shoulder, high angle, medium and long shots of the man from behind, with the edition of a high angle close up shot of the 1st man’s hands and the letter as he writes.
Once the man reaches the house, the camera will then cut to a close-up shot through the window of the man waiting at the door. We will then cut back to the high angle close up shot as he is writing the letter, within this shot we hear the knock at the door. Hearing this, Man 1 stops writing and puts his pen down to get up and answer the door. We then go to an over the shoulder shot of Man 1 opening the door and then quickly closing it when he sees whose there. To clarify, we cut to a CU shot of Man 2's foot in the door. We then go to a medium shot from the other side of the room in which Man 2 pushing the knife forward, into his side and walk through into the house. The lighting it going to be remain dark and we are going to have very low contrast to show the connotations of the events taking place in this scene. The camera then goes to a medium shot of the window placing the platform in which Man 2 walks across, momentarily blocking out the view of an outside streetlight. The camera then focuses on a shot of the letter with the ink running out of the pen, signifying Man 1's death.on this as ink begins to leak onto the page from the pen (like in the opening of ‘Don’t Look Now’ with the photo slide). We then cut to the 2nd man grabbing the letter and in a close up shot we watch him set fire to it - suggesting to the audience the connotations and possible consequences of the letter, also making the audience wonder exactly what it could say.
Aims and Objective
In our opening 2 minute film, we aim to include; some kind of narrative structure, suspense, opening titles and credits and, most importantly, identifiable codes and conventions of the thriller genre.
Media Filming Project Props and Costumes
For our filming project, we had to think about the connotations of the props and costumes our characters will be using, and how they will come across to the audience. With our sub genre being crime thriller, we thought it would be fitting to have one dominant character (Man 2), and one not so dominant character (Man 1).
The setting where Man 1 will be located is an old run down house that used to be lived in by squatters, so the house is empty, has old floorboards and is in poor condition. We will add some furniture into the house to make it seem more of a home such as a desk and a chair, but the run down look we will want to maintain to link this to the character and lifestyle of Man 1. This meaning that the character is poor, personality is damaged and in relation to his past, which has been of hatred and misfortune. Also, we will include a pen, some paper and an envelope to the setting as Man 1 will be writing a letter during the opening. Man 1 will be wearing mostly red coloured clothes including a t-shirt and converse shoes, and he will also be wearing blue jeans. The meaning of Man 1 wearing red is to indicate that he may be in danger from Man 2, who will be carrying a knife, or that he is involved in a scenario where death and blood may occur later on in the film. Man 1 in the opening will be writing a letter, this letter will be linked to a past experience and current situation between Man 2 and an unknown character to the audience at this point. The audience however, will only see Man 1 writing, what he is writing will not be shown to the audience.
Man 2 however, will be a more dominant and confident figure, and this will subsequently be reflected in the clothes and props he will be using. The clothes he will be wearing will be black boots, blue jeans, a smart jacket (possibly leather) and an accessory such as a watch or a necklace, which will look expensive to show he is of higher authority than Man 1. Also to show his dominance and power, Man 2 will be carrying a knife in his pocket. All this will indicate that Man 2 is highly ranked in a form of gang, his high rank being suggested by the bold black boots, expensive accessory and the weapon. With a weapon in his possession, his intentions may be to kill Man 1, or which is the case, Man 2 will be a messenger between Man 1 and from another unknown character to the audience, of higher rank than Man 2.
Neither man’s faces will be shown, so the audience will only be influenced by what each character is wearing and the setting they are in. Nothing will be given away by facial expressions or looks.
The setting where Man 1 will be located is an old run down house that used to be lived in by squatters, so the house is empty, has old floorboards and is in poor condition. We will add some furniture into the house to make it seem more of a home such as a desk and a chair, but the run down look we will want to maintain to link this to the character and lifestyle of Man 1. This meaning that the character is poor, personality is damaged and in relation to his past, which has been of hatred and misfortune. Also, we will include a pen, some paper and an envelope to the setting as Man 1 will be writing a letter during the opening. Man 1 will be wearing mostly red coloured clothes including a t-shirt and converse shoes, and he will also be wearing blue jeans. The meaning of Man 1 wearing red is to indicate that he may be in danger from Man 2, who will be carrying a knife, or that he is involved in a scenario where death and blood may occur later on in the film. Man 1 in the opening will be writing a letter, this letter will be linked to a past experience and current situation between Man 2 and an unknown character to the audience at this point. The audience however, will only see Man 1 writing, what he is writing will not be shown to the audience.
Man 2 however, will be a more dominant and confident figure, and this will subsequently be reflected in the clothes and props he will be using. The clothes he will be wearing will be black boots, blue jeans, a smart jacket (possibly leather) and an accessory such as a watch or a necklace, which will look expensive to show he is of higher authority than Man 1. Also to show his dominance and power, Man 2 will be carrying a knife in his pocket. All this will indicate that Man 2 is highly ranked in a form of gang, his high rank being suggested by the bold black boots, expensive accessory and the weapon. With a weapon in his possession, his intentions may be to kill Man 1, or which is the case, Man 2 will be a messenger between Man 1 and from another unknown character to the audience, of higher rank than Man 2.
Neither man’s faces will be shown, so the audience will only be influenced by what each character is wearing and the setting they are in. Nothing will be given away by facial expressions or looks.
Tuesday, 4 November 2008
The Three Shooting Techniques
180 Degree Rule: This is a line between two or more actors that must not be crossed when shooting. The camera angles must differ to show the direction that specific character is facing, so if they are introduced on the left side of the screen, they must stay on the left side of the screen.
Match on Action: Is the smoothness between each shot, meaning how the action follows on through the shots. If a man opened a door and the previous shot was focusing on him walking through that door, the following shot would have to show him walking through that door from another angle.
Shot/Reverse Shot: This type of shot should reflect the character and what they can see. Say if a character was sitting in a classroom, the camera would show the character (perhaps facing the board at the front of the room), followed by what they see (being the board and what is on that board). Meaning that the shot follows the character and their eye line.
Match on Action: Is the smoothness between each shot, meaning how the action follows on through the shots. If a man opened a door and the previous shot was focusing on him walking through that door, the following shot would have to show him walking through that door from another angle.
Shot/Reverse Shot: This type of shot should reflect the character and what they can see. Say if a character was sitting in a classroom, the camera would show the character (perhaps facing the board at the front of the room), followed by what they see (being the board and what is on that board). Meaning that the shot follows the character and their eye line.
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
Media Cosmetic Advert Project
My product is an aftershave called 'Radience for Men'and the slogan was 'Light up Your Life'. I chose these because of the setting and desugn features I chose to advertise the product. I made the link in the advert between the use of colouring and lighting to the font and choice of key words that the buyer would remember and relate to the product. Therefore, the choice of bright colours on a dark background helped set a positive mood of green, to subtlely get across that this is a good and safe product to buy, and also the further colour development of blue with the intention to make the product itself stand out and create a sense of individuality and boldness about the product.
My target audience followed a demographic of a male audience 21 years of age and below. Features that I think defines this are the use of bright and bold colouring because the aspirations of a male 21 and under are about making a statement through individuality, confidence and achievement. The road is also key in the way that the product could define how you 'shape the road to your future' men of my target audience demographic and also you cannot get a full driving license until you are 18 in the UK, so there is potential to say live dangerously and let loose their personality and mould this road to their aspirations and who and what they want to be.
I had to think very carefully about my design decisions. These included representation, shot types, technology and connotations and effects. My choices of representation were based on catching the buyers attention and getting my product noticed. I think I achieved this well with my use of background and colour, as it allows plenty of flexability of connotation, from life paths in relation to the road, and personality in referral to the colouring.
My shot types I felt had to be clever in order to produce bold and smart connotations. Therefore the choice of a diagonal shot of the road and lamp post, combined with the lighting, was what I was after. I wanted to use the connotation of coming out of the darkness and trying something new, which is brought to life by the dark natural light in the background and the focus on the individual lamp post of the original photo. The lamp post itself on its own signifies a sense of individuality of the buyer, who has a choice of which 'road' to follow. As the lamp post uses its light to single out the product, the point that the picture is brightened in the presence of the product, can be introduced. So the timing of day was key to how effective these shots would be.
My effects were all about making the product stand out and linking the product to the buyers personality. The green shade linked to the words 'Light up your life', I wanted to assure the buyer that green is a sense of success and trust. However, the shade of blue inflicted on the product and onto the words 'Radience for men', was all about boldness, individuality and luring the buyer to the product. I wanted the blue shade to single these out because blue is an exciting and energetic colour, when linked to radience, invites the buyer to bring out and enhance their personality with buying this product.
Therefore the product is all about confidence, energy and success if someone was to buy this product.
Wednesday, 8 October 2008
Thriller Openings Analysis Of Saving Private Ryan, Speed And Notes From Psycho
Thriller Openings Notes
Notes taken when watching the films:
Speed
Elevator shaft, dramatic music that gradually builds up, titles, speed appears (big dramatic music in minor key, dark colours/blue/grey, moving shot down the elevator shaft, shot moves towards a door saying caution, suspense, music gradually builds down, high pitch noise holds, man (1) takes second look into a room then enters, camera focuses on a bag on the floor, see shoulder of a man (2), man (2) uses paper to hide a knife, stabs man (1) and quotes ‘nothing personal’.
Saving Private Ryan
Depressing/honorary music (brass instruments), titles, picture of USA flag, man walks through a park (group of people follow), Shows USA flag again then French flag, close up of mans face (sadness, memories?), string instruments enter, leads to graveyard of white crosses, walks up to one cross and falls to his knees crying (good friend or relative?), his son comforts him, shows line of crosses again (low angle shot), zooms closer to mans face (remembering, grieving?), sound of sea and planes.
Psycho
Titles, dramatic music, black and white, lines swoop across the screen, view of a city, location/date/time stated, busy traffic, music calms/gets quieter, swoops into a window, dark room, romantic setting with a couple, talk of secrecy (sets theme of), talk of the man leaving, talk of them meeting on his return, man speaks of debt and past relationships, fade out.
Speed
Shots:
>Tracking middle shot at eye level of elevator shaft.
>Close up of ‘caution’ on a door.
>Medium high angle shot looking down at a tool bag on the ground from inspector’s viewpoint.
>Close up of knife being shielded by a piece of paper.
Character:
>Innocence of a man only doing his job by asking for a work permit from the worker, only to get stabbed instead.
>Evil intent of the other by carrying out the kill, he doesn’t want to be found out. A sense of no remorse as the character is willing to kill anyone who is of threat to him and his plans.
Narrative structure:
The narrative structure sets a plot of insecurity due to the quick intense music and the close up shot of the word ‘caution’. There is a sudden feeling of things not being what they seem as a man takes a second look before entering through a door. Suspense is also created when the worker produces a document but seems to be using it to disguise an object he is holding underneath. A quick crash of music is displayed as a stabbing takes place, making the viewer link the word ‘caution’ to what has just happened. So in effect what appears to be a misunderstanding switches a focus to something is definitely wrong and fear of what the worker might be up to.
Lighting:
The lighting of the first scene is a mix of blue and grey which indicates suspense, intensity and that all is not well.
Sound:
The sounds that are heard such as the opening music is quick and bold, which confirms that the film will live up to its name of ‘speed’ and be action packed, thrilling and on edge
Mise-en-scene:
In the case of ‘speed’, the camera is close tracking to the key movements of the scene; the lighting is slightly darker to set the mood of intensity and the environment of the scene is restricted to a set area.
Saving Private Ryan
Shots:
The camera shots were close up shots to focus on the key character’s emotions and long shots to show his followers. At the graveyard, the shots changed to low angle shots to show the line of crosses.
Character:
The character in the opening scene is grieving the loss of his fellow soldiers who didn’t make it through the battle, so the mood is sad and reminiscent.
Narrative structure:
The narrative structure sets the tone of the scene as downhearted and as a remembrance of people who devoted their lives to serve their country. This theme is set by the cameras locking onto country flags, the key character walking to the graveyard to monitor his emotions and to the crosses symbolising soldiers’ lives and dedication.
Lighting:
The lighting of the opening is varied in a way that the sun made the day look bright as the USA won the battle, however it is darkened by the loss of soldiers’ lives, that is displayed on the main character’s face, so the light darken when the camera is focused on him.
Sound:
The sound consists of a typical army orchestra playing slow music that instruments take part in solos rather than a full flowing piece of music. This signifies recognition of independence and value to the force as well as them all working together as a team (made up of other instruments).
Mise-en-scene:
The mise-en-scene in ‘Saving Private Ryan’ sets the camera angles to focus on the emotion of the characters and what awaits them at the end of their tracks. The environment that the opening scene is set in is close in a way that he has relatives and friends around him to comfort him, but the trees in the park relates to his duties when fighting as the soldiers just like the trees all stand together.
Notes taken when watching the films:
Speed
Elevator shaft, dramatic music that gradually builds up, titles, speed appears (big dramatic music in minor key, dark colours/blue/grey, moving shot down the elevator shaft, shot moves towards a door saying caution, suspense, music gradually builds down, high pitch noise holds, man (1) takes second look into a room then enters, camera focuses on a bag on the floor, see shoulder of a man (2), man (2) uses paper to hide a knife, stabs man (1) and quotes ‘nothing personal’.
Saving Private Ryan
Depressing/honorary music (brass instruments), titles, picture of USA flag, man walks through a park (group of people follow), Shows USA flag again then French flag, close up of mans face (sadness, memories?), string instruments enter, leads to graveyard of white crosses, walks up to one cross and falls to his knees crying (good friend or relative?), his son comforts him, shows line of crosses again (low angle shot), zooms closer to mans face (remembering, grieving?), sound of sea and planes.
Psycho
Titles, dramatic music, black and white, lines swoop across the screen, view of a city, location/date/time stated, busy traffic, music calms/gets quieter, swoops into a window, dark room, romantic setting with a couple, talk of secrecy (sets theme of), talk of the man leaving, talk of them meeting on his return, man speaks of debt and past relationships, fade out.
Speed
Shots:
>Tracking middle shot at eye level of elevator shaft.
>Close up of ‘caution’ on a door.
>Medium high angle shot looking down at a tool bag on the ground from inspector’s viewpoint.
>Close up of knife being shielded by a piece of paper.
Character:
>Innocence of a man only doing his job by asking for a work permit from the worker, only to get stabbed instead.
>Evil intent of the other by carrying out the kill, he doesn’t want to be found out. A sense of no remorse as the character is willing to kill anyone who is of threat to him and his plans.
Narrative structure:
The narrative structure sets a plot of insecurity due to the quick intense music and the close up shot of the word ‘caution’. There is a sudden feeling of things not being what they seem as a man takes a second look before entering through a door. Suspense is also created when the worker produces a document but seems to be using it to disguise an object he is holding underneath. A quick crash of music is displayed as a stabbing takes place, making the viewer link the word ‘caution’ to what has just happened. So in effect what appears to be a misunderstanding switches a focus to something is definitely wrong and fear of what the worker might be up to.
Lighting:
The lighting of the first scene is a mix of blue and grey which indicates suspense, intensity and that all is not well.
Sound:
The sounds that are heard such as the opening music is quick and bold, which confirms that the film will live up to its name of ‘speed’ and be action packed, thrilling and on edge
Mise-en-scene:
In the case of ‘speed’, the camera is close tracking to the key movements of the scene; the lighting is slightly darker to set the mood of intensity and the environment of the scene is restricted to a set area.
Saving Private Ryan
Shots:
The camera shots were close up shots to focus on the key character’s emotions and long shots to show his followers. At the graveyard, the shots changed to low angle shots to show the line of crosses.
Character:
The character in the opening scene is grieving the loss of his fellow soldiers who didn’t make it through the battle, so the mood is sad and reminiscent.
Narrative structure:
The narrative structure sets the tone of the scene as downhearted and as a remembrance of people who devoted their lives to serve their country. This theme is set by the cameras locking onto country flags, the key character walking to the graveyard to monitor his emotions and to the crosses symbolising soldiers’ lives and dedication.
Lighting:
The lighting of the opening is varied in a way that the sun made the day look bright as the USA won the battle, however it is darkened by the loss of soldiers’ lives, that is displayed on the main character’s face, so the light darken when the camera is focused on him.
Sound:
The sound consists of a typical army orchestra playing slow music that instruments take part in solos rather than a full flowing piece of music. This signifies recognition of independence and value to the force as well as them all working together as a team (made up of other instruments).
Mise-en-scene:
The mise-en-scene in ‘Saving Private Ryan’ sets the camera angles to focus on the emotion of the characters and what awaits them at the end of their tracks. The environment that the opening scene is set in is close in a way that he has relatives and friends around him to comfort him, but the trees in the park relates to his duties when fighting as the soldiers just like the trees all stand together.
Sunday, 5 October 2008
'Leon' Trailer
Originally I wanted to add a scene from 'The Birds' when the birds group around a school whilst the children are singing. I think this would have been great because it builds tension brilliantly and uses camera shots effectively, such as when the camera cuts to the childrens climbing frame outside the school, each time adding one or two birds until the female character follows a bird in the sky to land on the climbing frame, to where the climbing frame is full of birds. I thought that shot increased tension and added surprise very effectively.
The embedding code from youtube was not available however, so I instead added the trailer to a film I have been studying in class called 'Leon'. I feel that this is still a good example of a video to do with thrillers because of the choice of shots and action that is included into the trailer, with the purpose to get viewers hooked, but not give too much of the film away. The trailer to 'Leon' uses this idea well due to the choice of music and how there is enough action to build up to show it is a thriller and intense, but not give away the key parts of the film.
The embedding code from youtube was not available however, so I instead added the trailer to a film I have been studying in class called 'Leon'. I feel that this is still a good example of a video to do with thrillers because of the choice of shots and action that is included into the trailer, with the purpose to get viewers hooked, but not give too much of the film away. The trailer to 'Leon' uses this idea well due to the choice of music and how there is enough action to build up to show it is a thriller and intense, but not give away the key parts of the film.
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