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