This blog has been marked. SJA 08/05/11

ENVY- Opening Sequence (Final)

ENVY - Voice Over

Looking Back At Our Preliminary Task, What Do You Feel You Have Learnt In The Progression From It To The Full Product?

Since completing my preliminary task i believe that i have learnt a lot in terms of new skills such as editing, planning, analysing, composing shots, and using different media elements. When finishing my preliminary task, the basic rules were applied and wasn't particularly interesting. This may have been due to the fact that we had no transitions, video and sound sound effects, and a variety of sophisticated shots, which these all help build and add tension within the scene and is what the audience wants to see. However, know having experienced this new skills and using them in my new opening sequence of a thriller film, key differences are visible as greater tension and effect is created.

In addition, having learnt a variety of new technologies such as features on iMovie, LiveType, and Freesound, i was able to make my film much more interesting, and if i had the opportunity to go back to my preliminary task then i would definitely add these as it can make it a whole lot better.

Moreover, having looked backed on my preliminary task i believe that i have developed my continuiting editing which is an important process when making a film. For example, my films continuiting is clear that i have developed my skills as it creates an eerie atmosphere and can also reflect the 'Envy' which is wanted to be shown. In addition, within my preliminary task no sound was used which makes it a lot more harder for the audience to understand, however in our film the use of sound is very effective as it helps create tension and a scary atmosphere to fright the audience and leave them on the edge of their seat. Moreover, key processes such as Mis-en-scene were not thought about when creating my preliminary task as it was made at school. Mis-en-scene such as costume design is important as it helps the audience develop first impressions and suggestions that the audience may have of them. Within my film each character had a specific costume design which reflected the events in the film and levels of tension. For example, the killer was wearing a white shirt and grey hoodie which had visible blood stains and rips which easily suggests that she was the killer and had struggled to commit the murder. Moreover, the victim was wearing a black dress which shows that she is an outgoing and young female character but sadly ended her night not as she planned. Not much about the characters is revealed apart from the obvious mis-en-scene, but there is no dialogue which creates further suspense as the audience don't know who or why they have done this.

What Have You Learnt About Technologies From The Process Of Constructing This Product?

Throughout this piece of work i have learnt many new technologies which are very important in order to make our film effective. For example:

Blogger is an important new technology which helps us display our media product. For example Blogger is a blog which helps present any previous work and upcoming preparation towards the start of our project, research, planning and finally the evaluation. Blogger is an important part if our media as can show to people the effort and work which we have put in to make our film. Other technologies which are involved with Blogger can include uploading clips from the apple macs and cameras. This is an important element which I have learnt as it allows me to put short clips onto my blog from my film, take screenshots, annotate my own work, and make my blogger graphic and visual. In addition, being able to upload clips to blogs has helped me produce contact sheets. These consist of 9 key images which you have chosen to write about, and shots which you think are effective within the opening sequence.

The Apple Macs are very effective and include many key resources such as iMovie which help us make and produce our film. For example, we had uploaded our film to iMovie where we used a range of features such video effects, which enables us to use a variety of effects and make our film present an eerie atmosphere to our film.

Additionally on the Apple Macs an important feature is LiveType. LiveType is very useful as it allows us to import titles onto our film such as the director’s name, actors and the name of the film. We had combined this technology with a website called' DaFont' which has a vast range of font styles to choose from. On this website we chose a suitable font for our thriller titles, and we were then able to transfer this font to LiveType and effectivelly use this font.

Furthermore, as i was the least filmed character in our opening sequence i was able to take more controll of the tri-pod and camera. Being able to use this was very good as i was able to develop my camera working skills and express what i have learnt in previous years. For example, i was able to apply my other experience of the camera to my film which made it very effective. For instance,i used a variety of shot angles and shot types which helped create tension and an eerie atmosphere which we wanted to achieve. A specific example, is when the killer stands in the centre of the screen. I altered the camera making her in the direct centre of screen which puts all the attention on her. This can also be seen as an establishing shot as you are able to see the background and where this crime has been set.

How Did You Attract/ Address Your Audience

We have attracted our audience in a variety of ways, but our main way is by using characters of the same age, which helps the audience feel involved and relate their problems to issues within the film. For example the character may be going through a hard time, but someone from the audience could also be experiencing these issues. Our characters are also genuine and normal which you could mistake for a normal person, this could therefore mean that the audience may feel more comfortable and relaxed as they are not different.

Within the opening sequence we addressed the audience reasonably quickly but not completely. For example the opening sequence begins with the victim lying in the river, and an array of composed shots to show the audience the emotion and help create the atmosphere which is wanted to be sustained throughout the film. The opening shots allow the audience to see who the victim was and what type of character she was. Clever shots which help display this can include the one of the hand in the river. This shows the hand in the river, however key features are the bangles and bracelets on her arm. This Mis-En-Scene shows to the audience that she was a young and fashionable person. In addition, another way to emphasise how the victim is being addressed is by her clothes, for example the character is dressed all in black dress which can suggest that she was going out, perhaps somewhere nice and did expect her day to end this way.

Furthermore we had attracted and addressed our audience by posting our film onto our social newtorking websites such as Facebook. This picture shows Chartlotte posting the film onto her Facebook page, which is a very effective way of showing the audoence. For example, it allows a wide range of people to view as it can also be shared amongst other peoples peages. In addition, our age certification is 15, and we are 16 meaning that when we post these onto our social networking sites we will be appealing to the potential target audience that we want to achieve.

Additionally, besides the Facebook page i showed my film to a group of friends that didn't go to the school. They quoted:

James: The use of the different soundtracks creates an eerie atmosphere and builds tension upon the audience

Baz: The variety of shots allows the audience to feel emotion for the victim, and the shots lets the atmosphere become more tense. Also the darkness at the beginning creates apprehension which is good.

Who Would Be The Audience For Your Product?

The certificate of our film is 15, which therefore means that its aimed above the age of 15, however we are hoping to aim our film from the ages of 16-25 as we believe this will be the most suitable and interested audience. However we do hope to attract as many viewers as possible and we have hoped to this by not including stereotypes which wont appeal to the older generation.
Furthermore, by including both male and female characters equally, this increases the audience range attracting both male and female viewers as it wont seem to be a one gender film. However the characters within our film are within our guided age range, therefore we believe that this will be the main type of audience, as the audience can also feel involved and feel like they have relations due to them being the same age.

What Type Of Media Institution Might Distribute Your Media Product And Why?

There are a variety of media institutions which could suite our media product, however a few good ones include Hollywood Pictures, Spyglass Entertainment, and Polygram Filmed Entertainment. These selected few would be very appropriate for our film for what it entails.

Hollywood Pictures is one of The Walt Disney Company's several alternate movie divisions, which is very popular with big films and would help boost the recognition of our film. Hollywood Pictures have released many other succesful thriller films such as The Sixth Sense, Prime Evil, and Shadow Conspiracy.

Spyglass Entertainment is an American film and television production company, which has also released many other successful thriller films such as Instinct, The Insider, and also The Sixth Sense which them and Hollywood Pictures Co.Produced. This would be equally as good for our media

This is another production company which is a very successful british company. I specifically like this as its clever and looks really appealing. Lionsgate would also appeal heavily to my film as they have made many other films which are familiar to mine and would attract the same type of audience.

Hows Does Your Media Product Represent Particular Social Groups?

When filming we chose our film to stand out from the other typical murder scenes. We used non stereotypical elements of thriller films, as we thought it would create a much more mysterious and original feeling. For example, our murder scene consisted of a female victim, which can be seen as common however our on style and array of shots represents a deeper meaning than just a typical vulnerable women. In addition, we also used a female killer, this is the twist and which gives it a spark from other thrillers. Using a female victim is clever as it can shock the audience in a variety of ways, and make them question stereotypes of a women such as them being weaker and not having the strength to commit murder.

This is Amy who plays the victim within the oping sequence. When planning we decided to have a female victim as it shows that aspect of vulnerability which creates a sinister tone for the audience. But also, we decided to use Mis-En-Scene effectively such as costumes which help communicate and represent further sinister feelings and eerie moods. For example we dressed the victim in a black dress which has connotation's of death, mystery and evil. In particular we have stereotyped the victim as being vulnerable and female, however we believe that the audience will feel greater sympathy and sadness for the female as she wouldn't of been able to defend herself as good as grown man.

This character is Charlotte who plays the killer. The killer is not stereotypical which creates a larger effect and creates a question of despair as to why a female would of committed murder. For instance typically the women is the victim and the male is the murderer, however we have changed this which challenges the audiences stereotypes, and that a female killer can actually be overpowering and violent. This character has no significant Mis-en-scene like the black costume of the victim, but i feel that this creates further questions such as to why this one is not dressed up but the other one is?. The killer is wearing a grey zip up hoody which can be used to hide identity, however the colour used is grey and is still easily visible. The blood and rips on the top of the killer, shows to the audience that she must of gone through a struggle and violent scene to of committed the murder.

Additionally, as you can see in this picture, we were inspired by the TV series Wallander. There are many comparisons but with our own twist. The similarities show the blood on both of there faces and their scared faces. We also took the idea of having a female killer like Wallander as we thought it would go against common stereotypes of women and men. Challenging stereotypes can be very effective and keep the audience interested which is very important. Other similarities include the type of setting in the background. For example, we went for the forest location which can have many eerie and scary connotations which is ideal for the scary atmosphere which we wanted to create. Moreover, there costumes are different, this is an obvious difference but we believe that our choice of Mis-En-Scene was better. For instance, our female character is wearing a white t-shirt and an old, worn, grey hooded jumper. These clothes do not go with the common perception of a killer such as wearing all black and disguised, but our costume challenges the stereotype and makes it more original.

In What Ways Does Your Media Product Use, Develop Or Challenge Forms And Conventions Of Real Media Products?

When creating our film we used a variety of media products, and were influenced by a range of media. A piece of media which we was influenced the most by was existing films such as Brick and Wallander. Theses pieces of media have many key aspects which we have been inspired by, and gave us help to make our film also effective. We have used these to our suitability and adopted them to become very effective with our specific genre. For example, we took the idea of the girl lying in water from Brick, but have tweaked with our own idea and using key Mis-En-Scene which helps towards creating atmosphere and a key mood to the audience. For instance, within our opening we used a female victim just like Brick but we have also used a female murderer just like Wallander. We thought by using a female killer will create more of an eerie atmosphere, and won’t be the typical male killer which is often used. Also our victim has some key connotations which have vital meanings. For instance the victim is dressed all in black; this has meaning of mystery, sinister, and death. This can foreshadow further unhappiness throughout the film and not a smooth and happy storyline.

Our media product is simple but also at the same time effective, we have used an array of cleverly composed shot types and angles which help communicate the mood and emotions. We used a variety of shot styles from the film Brick such as close ups; medium close ups, and high and low angles. These shots create tension and help display a deeper meaning towards the audience, a key shot which had influenced us from the film Brick was our opening shot. We chose to use the shot from Brick of the women’s hand lying in the river, we believe that this is very effective and creates a sense of despair and loneliness. This entails the victims hand in the river with significant ripples in the water which help towards the mysterious atmosphere. Additionally the film Wallander had inspired us and helped us with some other key shots. For example the dropping of knife helped us, but we used our own perspective and own effect.

Your mark

Hi Jack,

I have just gone back through your blog to give it a final mark for Research & Planning. I am so pleased to see that you have realised that you needed to spend some time outside of lessons getting your blog posts sorted out Jack. Your blog is now looking really organised and up to standard. This is good you see, and I really hope your new approach continues now throughout your A Levels.

Current mark: 15/20
Level: High 3
Grade: B

To improve:
Just make sure your storyboards display properly on your blog.
Use the Shot Lists template I emailed to you before half term to enter in the notes for this post, and then upload the document to your blog.
'Casting' post - ?

SJA

Shot List

Shot List for Media Studies

Group Members: JACK DEVONPORT, CHARLOTTE HANNAH, AMY MARTIN

Title of Production: ENVY

Shot number: Brief description of the action
Description of Shot Type and Camera Movement
(What is going to happen in this shot?)

1 The opening sequence will begin with a black screen with an added effect of 'Fade In' and 'Fade Out'> During this black screen there will be screaming and as if the murder is taking place. This will make the audience question to what is happening, as they will only see a black screen. These sound effects will be made from natural sounds and from the computer, this combination will hopefully make it not sound cheap and low level, but realistic

2 The black screen remains for a few shots, were a few titles and logo's will appear and inform the audience the companies involved. This black screen will create atmosphere, and the black screen will connote death and something sinister.

3 The soundtrack will begin to fade in on the last black screen, but the soundtrack won’t be too loud as we wont to capture the natural sounds such as the trees and the significant river, which will also give an eerie feeling

4 The first shot will appear through the black screen of the victim lying in the river. This shot is successfully composed, and the angle of the camera can suggest to the audience that it is the victim looking around, and from her point of view. This shot is of her arm lying flat on the river with her hand in the water. We used the river to an effect and caused ripples next to her fingers, which creates an anxious mood, as she may not be dead. Also within this shot, Mis-en-Scene is used effectively, for instance the audience don't know who has been killed but the bracelets on her arm, suggest to the audience that it is a female and perhaps young.

5 After this shot has been shown, we then fade it back into a dark screen. This suggests that the victim has now died and her eyes have closed.

6 Then we use an array of effective and composed shots to show the audience who the character is and the effects of the murder. The first shot of the sequence shows the victims head on the floor with her hair in the water. There are added effects such as blood dripping on her face and her eyes flickering which creates further anxiousness.

7 Other shots include off her feet in the water, her whole body front and back, and other her hand. These shots are effectively composed and aspects such as rule of thirds have been taken into account. The majority of these shot are close ups, which shows detail to the audience and allows them to see the emotion of the victim

8 This shot shows the weapon used to kill the victim. The knife is very significant and is easily seen due to the light shining on it and reflecting the sunlight through the water. This is well composed as it shows the blood coming of the knife within the water, which could also suggest that whoever's blood it is, is also fading away. Additionally within this shot, there is a reflection in the background of a figure moving around which can also propose that it is the killer

9 The next shot after this will shot will be another high angle shot, but of killer looking down upon the victim. This will be a key shot as it will be the first time that audience see the killer and the victim together, and releases plenty of key information. The high angle shot is effective as it suggests authority and power to the murder, and that they are of a much higher status

10 There will then be another shot of these two but at a different angle. This time we will be able to see the setting and the murder looking over the victim. The killer will have their back to camera which will create mystery and suspense as they are still questioning to what the killer looks like. As the killer is standing there, we see that she now has the knife back in her hand and is very significant, but due to the angle of the shot the knife is pointing down upon the victim

11 After this variety of shots on the victim, the camera then focuses mainly on the killer and them leaving the setting. A key shot is a mid-angle shot of the killer dropping the knife. This was inspired by Wallander, where the character is walking and then drops the knife on the floor. After this a quick close up is shown of the knife stuck in the ground with blood dripping from it

12 There will then be a range of shots and different angles showing the killers emotions and expression and of her leaving the setting. An example of a shot is a tracking shot, this is used when she is briskly walking across the Field and the camera tracks her from a side angle. Another shot is of her walking straight, however the camera is hidden behind the tree which creates that effect of her being watched and followed, which also creates an apprehensive mood

13 All of this shots used are to show the killer travelling home, and near to the end of the opening sequence, but there are other shots such as the killer arriving home and disposing her clothes. This is where the audience then see the third character, who is the boyfriend of the killer

Shot List for Media Studies[1]

Locations

Many of these shots are actual locations which have been taken from our film. These shots have been taken from the river which is an important part of the opening sequence. During these locations we see the victim lying in the river, and the killer moving around these locations in various shots. We also use some of these shots as establishing shots, as they tell the audience about the setting and it builds an early atmosphere. Another location which is important, is the house. This location is used just as much as the park, but is equally significant. For example, we find out who the third character is and what role he has to play.

Script

Within our opening sequence, we have not decied to use any diologue, as we feel that it will create a more apprehensive and eerier atmosphere. However to replace this we inlcude a soundtrack which will go in the background and help the lift the tension when needed and create a eerier mood which we will hope remains throughout the film. Additionally, by not having any dioluge it miniises the information given to the audience about the character at an early stage, which is good as it makes them question, and want to know more about the character.

Shooting Schedule

This is our shooting schedule, a shooting schedule is a project plan of each day's shooting for a film production, which would often be created and managed by the assistant director. A shooting shedule is an important peice of planning as it allows you to know where and when you have to be, which is important for organisation.

What Titles

Within an opening sequence a variety of titles, images and logos appear, which are used to inform the audience who they are.

1) The first title which appears says 'Polygram Filmed Entertainment Represents'. This title allows the audience to see the companies which make the film, and the companies which invested the money to make the film.

2) The second most obvious title which appears is the 'Actors'. For example in this film Fargo, the first actress which appears is called Frances McDormand. These titles of actors are often shown in hierarchy and the ones which have the most authority and popularity within the film.

3) After the names of 'Actors', the 'Film Title' appears. This title of has the biggest amount of space and is very bold to catch the audience's eye. This also appears on the screen for the longest amount of time, but it is often the last title which appears as it gets the audience ready for the film to begin

4) In the opening sequence of Fargo, other key titles such as 'Music' and 'Editing' are not mentioned, however they are most probable saved for the credits. However in other films they are, examples of more titles includes 'Costume Design', this is the person who created and came up with the costumes for the characters which will reflect their personality and roles.

5) Other roles include who it was 'Edited' by. This is an important title as an editor has a very important role of making the film. An editor is someone who manages the cutting of the clips and any special effects, which will create tension.

6) There are still plenty of other roles and titles which are included, but are not always mentioned. These can be the 'Production Designer', 'Executive Producer', and the 'Writer'

Sound

Within the opening sequence of a thriller film, the soundtrack plays a huge part in setting the tone, and building up atmosphere to affect the audience. Some examples of soundtracks which are used in thriller movies include:

1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imamcajBEJs

This link is taken from the film Inception which was released recently. This music from Inception clearly sets the tone for the film, for example it begins quiet and calm with a repeating sound, but gradually raises the tempo and becomes much louder. The instruments used to compose this soundtrack sound as if they have come from an orchestra. This makes the feel much more surreal and eerie, as it is not fake and made by a computer programme.

2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpJQ-HX3F8g

This link has been taken from the film The Twilight Zone. This soundtrack has many concepts which give an eerie effect and create an anxius effect on the audience. This soundtrack is now very typical, with the constant beat which gradually gets louder, and also the queit sound in background. However, this is also abstract and slightly different, the sound which appears at 0.40, i feel is very effective and sounds as if someone is getting followed.

3) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGtE5cga0zg&feature=fvst

This soundtrack has been taken from the film 28 Days Later, this soundtrack is slightly different as it does not follow the typical sounds and moods of the others, however this is unique and different. For example, it begins to follow that same trend but when the sound drops it turns into rock and a much more faster and upbeat peice of music. Additionally within this soundtrack, there are vocals, this is what makes it that significantly different and abstract as the vocals create an eerie mood.

Potential Font Titles

This is a potential font that we may include for our opening sequence. The name of the film which we have chosen is 'ENVY', we believe that the word envy will link in well with the genre which we have chosen the story line. For example the word 'ENVY', means a feeling of discontent and resentment aroused by and in conjunction with desire for the possessions or qualities of another. This will link very effectively, as our film is based on envy and jealously.

Additionally, the font of the title will be all in capital letters with a black colour, however there is a twist. The beginning letter 'E', will be the opposite way which will create a sense of something has gone wrong. Which may therefore suggest that the film has something a bit peculiar and irregular.

Furthermore, here is another font title which we have looked at. This font title has basic capital lettering, but is very unique and could be suitable for our film. The letters looked like they have been individually stuck onto a piece of paper or a collage, also the lettering and square around it almost looks slightly pixelated and rough, which could have connotations to our film, such as everything doesn't run smoothly and something bad may happen.

Moreover, here is another font title which could also be suitable for our film, and is relevant to the story line. For example, the effects on this font are very effective and could represent some key events in our story. For example, the lettering is inconsistent in terms of size and shape, also the letter is covered with black marks and scratches which can suggest there is violence within the film, and that there is a uneasy atmosphere.

Storyboard

These images are our storyboards, storyboards are very important as they allow us to see a structured plan of our shots. Also they ensure that we stay organized and we know what to do and when to do it. The storyboards also ensure that we don’t miss out any key and important shots, which may be a significant part of our opening sequence.
CAJ 1

Ideas

This image shows our planning and initial ideas. Some examples of initial ideas include:

• Filming at either Brighton or Campsite
• Having the film titles written with a finger against a steamed window
• A murder scene, caused by a female killer
• Mysterious and atmospheric music
• Fast paced shots
• Black screens
• Slow titles appearing from darkness

This image also shows our planning, and nine key shots which will be the structure of our opening sequence. For instance, the first image shows that hand in the water. This will be used as a very key and effective shot, it will contain the hand lying in the water and a slight movement of the finger, which will create the water to ripple, and make atmosphere very tense. Also the second image shows a close up of the victims face, this allows the audience to capture emotions and what she was like. Moreover, other shots include the dropping of the knife, this shot is important as it will let the audience know what was used to kill the victim.

Character Props

These are key and significant props which will be used in the opening sequence of our thriller. The first image shows the killers clothing, which is a hooded grey jumper and a white top. These clothes are distinctive as they represent the killer, and have significant clues such as the blood, and dirt marks. These clues can suggest they she was the murderer, and also helps the audience understand about her character.

Moreover, the other image is of her purse. This image is also a vital bit of information, as it clearly shows to the audience her identity and who she was. Also, the image clearly shows a credit card and a picture of her, which lets the audience see who she was, and what type of character she was.

Additionally, another key prop used within our opening sequence is the knife. This is very important as it plays a huge part within our sequence, such as the murder of the girl, but also for the murder of the other girl. During the opening sequence we see a variety of shots, which are used to represent the knife and what it portrays. An effective shot is when the girl drops the knife, after this a close up is quickly shown which shows detail of the knife including the blood dripping from it.

Feedback on research & planning

Hi Jack,

I have been looking right back through your blog, as it will be marked for a FINAL time starting from this Monday feb 7th.

I was quite concerned last time I looked through it - as there were too many posts missing. This suggested to Ms Ingram and myself that you were probably not going home and investing enough time and effort in your A level Coursework - and not really using your study periods effectively enough. You need reminding that every hour of class should create about an hour's worth of work outside of class for students in A levels. Jack, you need to understand that - this is what's required of you. I don't feel that your blog shows this at the moment.

I can see that you made the effort to come back to several posts in the research section and complete / improve. This is good to see. it would have been so much easier for you if they had been done properly in the first place...

Your Analysis posts for Research are better now - and more visual, but I am concerned that you have still got missing posts in your research section.

Here is the work you need to complete before I mark for a final time on Monday:

Research:

Post 3 - check it's done properly

4 - Come back to this - Ms Ingram did a lesson on it

11 - Wallander - STILL not done despite reminders from JIN and myself??

15 - Conventions of an opening sequence - You need to make this a good / visual post. make a collage of screen shots from various films in your genre. SHOW rather than tell your understanding of the conventions

16 - Read my comments - sort out new pics of the actual locations you have used

17-18 - Audience research - why is this still missing???

Planning:

Jack - this really worries me. You have had 3 weeks now to work on planning. You have been out and about filming - and yet there's virtually nothing in your blog for planning. You have lots to do.

All 11 Planning posts need to be done (properly) ready for Monday 7th. I can only see 3 there at the moment.

Post 9 - Character descriptions - needs improving and images of the characters.

I cannot say that you are currently reaching your target grade Jack. if you need support, seek it from one of us... but I actually suspect it's a case of lack of time and effort - rather than a lack of understanding...

SJA Feb 4th

Initial Ideas

These video clips are potential ideas for our own opening sequence. The first video shows a low angle shot which mainly focuses on the arm in the water. We then thought that adding the idea of the finger moving creating a ripple on the water, would create a suspicions and anxious effect on the reader and also creating the atmosphere which we will want.

Furthermore, the second video clip shows the same shot of the arm in the water, however there is a reflection. This reflection would be the killer; this will let the audience in on some key information but not enough to know who it is.

Character Profiles and Casting

Character Profiles

Amy Martin

Amy will play the character that is a victim of a murder. During the beginning of the film we don’t know much about her and why she has died, but as the film progresses we pick up on key information that explains why someone has gone to this extreme. Amy is a young adult who looks like she was going somewhere nice, we suggest this as she is wearing dress and high heals, but ends her night with something that she didn’t expect. What the audience see is her dead, and lying in a river, but her personality is someone of an outgoing and cheerful person who likes to spend time out. The story goes that she was out with her friends, but gets splits up and comes across an old friends which Charlotte plays. These girls had have some conflict before, but Charlotte had gone to the extreme of killing her.

Charlotte Hannah

Charlotte is the murderer of Amy. Charlotte is also a young adult, who has gone to some effort to commit murder. During the opening sequence we don’t know why she killed Amy, but as time moves on we find out that it is because of jealously. The story goes that she has gone to this effort because of jealousy, and she simply couldn't take enough. But we as the audience then realise that is was over that Character played by Jack, but then later on he kills Charlotte as he couldn't believe what she had done. We particulary used a female character to go against common stereotypes, which we hope will create a sense of mystery.

Jack Devonport

Jack doesn’t appear much through the opening sequence, but we understand that he has something to do with the murder. Charlotte kills Amy because she is jealous of him and Amy, but as the film goes on Jack kills Charlotte as he cant take the stress.

Questionaire

This is the questionnaire which we used, and we have found out that this is a very useful piece of research. For example in most of the questions we saw that they had the same ideas as us, however others such as question 6 proved to be different from what we thought. This has helped a lot as we have to satisfy the audience, and we now know what to include and not to include in order to satisfy and please the viewer. A questionnaire is also a successful piece of research as it is diverse and shows a variety of different opinions, which is good as it lets us know and come up with a solution that can accommodate everyone.

Questionnaire

These Graphs are evidence of our questionairre. They show what other people thought about our ideas, and helps us a lot as we know what will satisfy the audience.

The speed of the opening sequence is very important because sets the speed and tone for the rest of the film. The data shows that the majority of the questionairres chose a fast paced, this is OK as our initial ideas of our sequence were going to fast, as it also creates a large amount of tension

Also the location is very important as it sets the scene and different locations can represent different things. For example the park with a river which recieved the most amout of votes, gives of a sinister and eerier feeling, and a apprehensive mood. Where as the Brighton Pier may come accross to the audience as a fun and happy mood, which will not go well with our chosen genre.

The music also sets the atmosphere and plays a big part in making the audience feel anxious, but also at the same time interested which therefore makes them want to watch on. The data shows that contempary music was the most popular, which is what we wanted as it will fit in the most effectivelly.

Additionally, noises such breathing or natural wind can play an important role, for instance heavy breathing can sugest a lot of emotion to the audience, whether they are out of breath or scared.

Synopsis

Beginning
The beginning of the film will start with the camera showing a female character murdered, who is lying in a river. The cause of this will be due to Charlotte another character, killing her because of jelously. This part of the film is very important and an array of cleverly composed shots will be made, to show the emotion and the struggle which she went through. The opening sequence of the film will be located in a lonely and deserted park, surrounded by trees and grey skys. This setting will hopefully add to the mood, and make the audience feel apprehensive but also interested to see whats next. The camera shots will be used effectivelly to show the victims appearance and current emotion, such as the blood and bruising.

Middle
In the moddle of the film, this is where they the audience use their clues and ideas in the begginning of the film and start to join them together. For instacen we understand why the female had gone to all the effort of killing the girl in the first place, but also what part the boy male character has to play. The clever compsosed shots and eerie atmosphere will remain throughout, constantly keeping the audience intreged to whats going to happen next.

End
The end of the film is just as important, as it allows the audience to what the characters are really like. In this case, the male character 'Jack' decides that he couldnt take it anymore, and the stress of knowing that hes freind had been murdered, which drives him to the edge of also killing Charlotte who was the original killer of the girl.

Double Indemnity

The film Double Indemnity, was directed Billy Wilder in 1944. The film is about an insurance rep that lets him be talked into a murder/insurance fraud scheme that arouses an insurance investigator's suspicions. In addition the film title Double Indemnity means 'a clause in an insurance policy that provides for double the face value of the policy in the case of accidental death', but this is a common theme throughout the film in is mention frequently.

The Film begins with a male character walking away from the audience, and is represented in the middle of the screen, suggesting that he is the centre of attention. In addition, the audience are shown him walking away in a silhouette effect which creates suspicion to who he is. The film titles are also shown during this point, for example the titles are all displayed in white bold capital letters with a shadow, to enforce the title such as 'Double Indemnity' which is very noticeable, and fade in and fade out effect has been used. Additionally also the dark lighting creates a hidden and secretive mood, which strongly relates to the character as he is dressed in a long dark coat which is often related with spies and secretive people.

As the silhouette goes, the next shot shoes a car speeding down, driving past 'Los Angeles Railway Maintenance Dept.'. By the director showing this it gives the audience some idea where it is being set, however it doesn’t reveal too much and still keeps the audience watching it. Additionally, we wonder who is driving the car and where it is going. We question this because the car is driving very fast and swerving around and in between cars, which can suggest that who ever driving could either be in a rush or escaping from somewhere. Evidence of this is when the car drives straight through the red light, which can show they are desperate and isn’t paying attention around other things. As the car speeds up and more is revealed, the tempo and speed of the music increase and fits in well with the pace of the car.

Furthermore, as the character gets out the car, as an audience we immediately question whether that is the same man used in the silhouette. We suggest this because the same hat and black clothing, but also a significant thing is the way he is walking. for example in the titles the man was walking with crutches, but when he walks out the car is walking with a limp and looks injured. This makes us think that he is the same man but just without he's crutches and lets we know a bit better about character.

Memento

Analysing the opening sequence

The film memento was released in 2000 and was directed by Christopher Nolan and written by Jonathan Nolan, and the stars included Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss and Joe Pantoliano. In this film the main character who is Guy Pearce suffers from short term memory loss after him being hit over the head when his wife was under attack. Guy who plays the character Leonard uses a variety of notes, tattoos and photos to hunt for the man who he thinks killed his wife.

The word memento can be described as keepsake or souvenir of remembrance of the past. In the film Leonard keeps a selection of photo cards in his hand so he can look at them and constantly remind himself of who is who and whether he knows them. In addition, the character has a number of tattoos on his body which show facts about his killer, such as his name and what he does so he doesn’t forget. The pictures and notes are the mementos as they keep the character constantly reminded of past events.

The title of the film is shown at the beginning of the film and is shown in a blue font with a black background which contrasts well. Then as the time moves on, the intro is a shot of a man sitting there which a photo in his hand and as he shakes it, it begins to fade away. This shot can suggest that the photo is a memento and as he shakes it his memory is being lost and fading away. In addition, it can imply that the photo is the only thing he has left, and it’s incomplete as the image is slightly faded and the audience can’t see the whole picture anymore. Although the title of the film is shown just at the beginning, the continuous showing of his ‘mementos’ refer to the title of the film.

The setting of the film is not established to the audience early on as the intro of the man shaking the photo takes up quite a lot of time. This can make the audience feel anxious and un-peculiar, as it is strange and the audience may question why is a man shaking a photo. In addition the audience are not shown the setting and location early on, because it can lure the audience in and make them want to carry on. Also to begin the majority of shots are displayed in black and white, this can also make the audience uneasy and can add to the physiological thriller atmosphere. Then the audience are shown with a quick glimpse of a man dead on a floor, the shot is set up so the audience can’t see the character’s face but the back of them with blood up the walls and over its back, which can make the audience tense and concerned to what may happen in the future of the film. As the character was introduced in this strange and incomplete way, it can suggest that he is incomplete, and it can leave the audience questioning whether there is something wrong with him, and can foreshadow something later on in the film.

Key props used in the film are the mementos, for example Leonard (the main character) constantly carries his notes and photos around with him, as they help him remember things. Additionally the character also has another key prop which he carries around with him and that is a gun. The gun can make the audience fear and become apprehensive, as Leonard may kill someone accidently and not remember who he is killing and whether he actually did kill someone.

Throughout the film camera work is effectively used and then made better by editing. An example is close up of a shot reverse shot, this shot shows the man’s face and he’s expressions but then reverses to a man lying dead on the floor. This use of the camera can suggest that Leonard had killed the man on the floor, as the camera only shows them to. This can then instantly set a mood for the rest of the film and make the audience have impressions of Leonard, as psycho, killer and a mental case. Furthermore, successful editing was used when Leonard was having flashbacks. This was effective has the audience automatically known that he was having a flashback, and the editing and effects had made it add an apprehensive, hesitant and chaotic atmosphere.

Wallander

Wallander
The opening image is a very clever and nicely composed shot, which tracks across the sky looking onto fields. This image instead of zooming into and focusing on an object, it moves onto which is a well-structured shot. The colours used are very dull, which helps create the ideal atmosphere for the opening sequence. Also, the second image used is very effective and successfully composed, this shows the two girls walking away from the murder with their backs to the camera and staying focused, looking straight forward in front of them. This shot then quickly flicks to another shot of inside the car, this shot is close up in the car, and however it is very effective as you can see the girls walking, through the front windscreen and in the back of the focus pool.

The shot from their back, then later on changes to the side, this has been taking on a track, and allows the audience to see a close up shot of their facial expressions, and allows the audience to grasp their emotion, and see clearly the blood on their face. Moreover this shot is clever, as it shows a piece of identity from then. This shows the audience that he was a taxi driver and looks like a young man. The blood on the front of the wind screen creates tension, and also helps the audience know who the killers are, as you can see them walking.

Moreover, another image is of the character dropping the knife. This image is very good, and successful close up is used. This close up allows us to see the blood on the knife and evidence that they are the killers. Moreover, the black gloves and fingernails and the dirt on her hands, can represent a sinister and deathly mood. The action of her dropping the knife is very sharp, which reflects to the sharpness of the knife, but also the sound of her dropping it is sharp and tense. This shot is synced with the music, for example when the knife is dropped the music comes into play, the music gives us a slow and eerie feeling which would have been wanted to be achieved. Additionally, this is also synced when the knife is dropped; the next shot is the start of the titles, but the sharpness and blade of the knife sync well with the letter 'W'.

Furthermore, the opening sequence shows a variety of shots which are effectively and have been cleverly thought about in terms of composition and rule of thirds etc. Mis-en-scene such as clothing has also been used to create a thriller effect. For instance the girls are dressed in black, who connotes darkness and death, but also the main girl which the camera is focused on has red streaks in her hair, this also may suggest anger and death. Their clothing is black, however it not out of the ordinary, and looks like what a common teenager would wear, which also doesn’t release much information to the audience. Other Mis-en-scene can include the props; the major prop used is the knife, which also has blood on it helps to continue the mood of uneasiness. In addition, sound is important, non-diegetic sounds such as the sound of the air and wind is effective, but also the breathing as is creates an apprehensive feeling.

Kiss Me Deadly

The film Kiss Me Deadly was directed by Robert Aldrich in the year 1955. This film is under the genre of thriller and is also a film-noir, which has a strong atmospheric mood.

In the film cinematography is shown throughout, with some variety of camera shots and angles. For example the film begins with a female character running away from someone or something, this is shown by the women running towards the camera, and looks as if it has been repeated three times but on the third she steps in front of a car and it stops. During the opening sequence the majority of the shots are close ups, this doesn't reveal much to the audience at any early stage therefore it makes them carry on watching. In addition a shot of the women running away shows the rule of thirds, for example the woman is represented in the middle of the frame, which suggests to the audience that she is the centre of attention. However compared to the background she looks very small and also shows that she is vulnerable. The little variety it also reminds us that not a lot of information is being given out. The opening of a character is important as it gives the audience a quick and general perception of what they are like. For example, during the opening sequence we see that she might be in trouble or scared, the opening shots are very effective as they help the audience understand her character, but we find out that she was from a lunatic home and is wanted.

Furthermore the costumes and colour gives us information and clues to what is happening. For instance the woman is running down the road with no shoes on but also only a coat and nothing on underneath. This builds suspicion as we wonder why she is like this and perhaps whether she has been raped or a prostitute. Additionally, as the car pulls over we learn more about him just through his appearance. For instance the man was driving a white convertible which suggests that he is wealthy, but also as he is wearing smart clothes adds to the suggestion that he is wealthy. Moving on, the colour is an important part in this although the film is in black and white. For instance the black helps provide that dark and anxious atmosphere, and helps the audience follow an uneasy mood. Also white stands out particularly well as it contrasts effectively, this makes it easy to notice things such as the car, but also smoke which alone gives an uncanny and mysterious feel.

Within the film sound is important as it can suggest what the characters are like. For instance the film begins with the women running down the road, however she is exhausted and completely out of breath. The sound which is being given off is her heavy breathing, this sounds OK at the beginning but as it moves on it becomes over exaggerated and perhaps cheesy. However it does help towards the tone as we question why is she breathing like this and running away. Moreover there is some editing in this but not much, for example the titles of the films move up the screen and white titles against the black background contrast effectively. In addition, there aren't many fast paced shots but the ones that are, are at the very beginning, but from then onwards it slows right down as they are driving in the car and only close up shots are used.

Brick

The film 'Brick' was written and directed by 'Rian Johnson', and came out in the year 2005. the film is about a teenage loner who pushes his way into the underworld of a high school crime ring to investigate the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend. this thriller opening creates plenty of media language and mystery.

This opening begins with a male character kneeling down against a wall, the camera looks at his feet and then his eyes. As the camera looks into his eyes, it makes the audience think who is, where is he and whether he is good or bad. soon after this an establishing medium-long shot is used which is also very effective. for instance this shot allows the audience to picture what is happening, but also to get into the mood of what is being shown. in addition this shot shows rule of thirdsm the male character is shown on the left of the frame, the tunnel or sewer in the middle, and a dead girl on the floor on the right. In this shot the tunnel plays a big part, as the tunnel is dark and the setting is grey, this creates an eerie and bleak atmosphere and questions whether he is the murderer.

Furthermore, another shot shows the women lying down on the floor and only her legs are visable. This shot shows what has been caused and gives the aduaince an idea of what kind of women she was. the shot shoes her legs, her red/brown shoes and also a bit of her brown dress. this dress looks as if it was white but has got dirty due to her being in the river and is also wet, which can suggest that she was perhaps drowned. this idea can be evidently shown by the water next to her, but also as her dress looks torn at the bottom. during this phase of shots, after everytime she was shown a shot reverse shot was used onto the man, which can imply that he was the killer. Moreover, the rule of thirds is effectivelly used which creates the audience to focus and admire the shots. The rule of thirds is a composed shot where the frame can be divided into three, also this feature can make the audience focus specifically onto something which may be the center of attention, but also make things uneasy.

In this opening sequence the colours begin to be dull such as black grey and dark blue. however when the girl is shown the colours begin to brighten up. for example the girl is wearing a long dress which i think was oringinally white but turned brown due to the dirty water. also she is wearing a white jumper and a set of blue bracelets, which are contrasted to the white clothes and dirty water, however the colourful bracelt and imply that she was young and perhaps the boyfriend of the man. in addition as the girl is wearing a dress and nice clothes which could suggest that she was going somewhere and didnt intend on being the way she is now. the setting of this film changes fast throughtout the opening. for example it begins in the sewer, but then changes to a school where a shot shows the girl before she was murdered putting something in a locker. soon after this is turns to the boy before the incident, where he goes the locker and takes out a little note. moreover, the boy is then shown in a telephone box ringing the girl. this creates suspision and a mystery as at first we dont know who he is ringing and where he is, but a car drives past and drops a ciggarette. this prop is key to the film and is a clue to the boy, the ciggarette has an arrow on it which points to a sign or another phone box. the opening sequence near enough stops here, but we wonder what the ciggarette clue has to do with the story and whats going to happen next.