Thursday 25 November 2010
Planning - Non diegetic sound ideas
Our group wanted the sound in our film opening to have a spooky feeling so it relates to the horror genre. However, because we are including a doll/baby in our opening, we thought we needed to come up with a sound that linked to this idea also.
The best idea we came up with was the music from a baby mobile. This is because we believed it will sound scary with the on screen footage we will be using. Also, it links to the idea of a doll/baby because mobiles are commonly used above a baby's cot to help them sleep. The video above is an example of a mobile which gives an idea of the sound it will create in out film.
Wednesday 17 November 2010
Planning - Camera Ideas
Corridor/stairs
Tracking > From one end to the other, creating anticipation.
CU's > Blood and dead bodies will create a scary feel, matching the horror/thriller genre.
LS > From the end of the corridor/stairs to the room with the baby/doll, establishing the setting.
Low Angle > At the beginning showing the corridor making it seem big and sinister.
Shaking of the camera > When the music changes and CU's of bodies appear, making the scene jumpy.
Dolls/baby's room
Tracking > Zooming in towards the cot/pram with the doll inside, suggesting the doll is significant.
CU's > Dolls face and blood on its face, making a spooky/horror atmosphere.
LS > The room with flickering light in the corner which should create a scary effect.
MS > The doll in its cot/pram.
Tracking > From one end to the other, creating anticipation.
CU's > Blood and dead bodies will create a scary feel, matching the horror/thriller genre.
LS > From the end of the corridor/stairs to the room with the baby/doll, establishing the setting.
Low Angle > At the beginning showing the corridor making it seem big and sinister.
Shaking of the camera > When the music changes and CU's of bodies appear, making the scene jumpy.
Dolls/baby's room
Tracking > Zooming in towards the cot/pram with the doll inside, suggesting the doll is significant.
CU's > Dolls face and blood on its face, making a spooky/horror atmosphere.
LS > The room with flickering light in the corner which should create a scary effect.
MS > The doll in its cot/pram.
Brainstorm - Initial Planning
My film opening ideas
Genre - Thriller/Horror
Audience - 15+
Camera
My group are going to use a variety of LS's of the corridor from one end to the other. CU's will be used of blood, the doll's face and dead bodies. MS's will also be used while tracking down the corridor and panning to show the setting cleary. The location will be down a dark corridor and then a bare dark room with a pram/cot with the doll inside.
Mise-en-scene
Blood, gore and darkness will commonly feature in my film opening. This is common of a horror because blood and gore create a sense of fear which is a key aim in a thriller/horror movie. Lighting such as spotlights will be used which will have a slight flicker. They will be placed in the corner of the room for effect so not all the screen is fully lit, allowing a sinister mood. Props such as a doll/manikins are used. These have been used before in horrors and often control an important part of the movie, meaning they can be scary. The location is in a dark corridor and room creating a typical horrific tone.
Editing
The editing will be smooth and conistent throughout, giving the opening a professional outlook. In the corridor, cut will be used when a scream sound enters, to cut to the next shot, which is an effect. The credits will be white on black so they can be easily read. They will smudge off screen for a blood like look. In the room with the doll cuts will be used to show the doll at different angles. A cut will be used at the end when the baby is shown up close to finish the scene.
Sound
Jack in the box/children mobile non diegetic music will be used in the background to create a weird narrative because it isnt the type of mucis that would go with a horror. More non diegetic music of screaming sound every time the camera shakes.
Diegetic music of the doll/baby screaming for a scary feel.
Genre - Thriller/Horror
Audience - 15+
Camera
My group are going to use a variety of LS's of the corridor from one end to the other. CU's will be used of blood, the doll's face and dead bodies. MS's will also be used while tracking down the corridor and panning to show the setting cleary. The location will be down a dark corridor and then a bare dark room with a pram/cot with the doll inside.
Mise-en-scene
Blood, gore and darkness will commonly feature in my film opening. This is common of a horror because blood and gore create a sense of fear which is a key aim in a thriller/horror movie. Lighting such as spotlights will be used which will have a slight flicker. They will be placed in the corner of the room for effect so not all the screen is fully lit, allowing a sinister mood. Props such as a doll/manikins are used. These have been used before in horrors and often control an important part of the movie, meaning they can be scary. The location is in a dark corridor and room creating a typical horrific tone.
Editing
The editing will be smooth and conistent throughout, giving the opening a professional outlook. In the corridor, cut will be used when a scream sound enters, to cut to the next shot, which is an effect. The credits will be white on black so they can be easily read. They will smudge off screen for a blood like look. In the room with the doll cuts will be used to show the doll at different angles. A cut will be used at the end when the baby is shown up close to finish the scene.
Sound
Jack in the box/children mobile non diegetic music will be used in the background to create a weird narrative because it isnt the type of mucis that would go with a horror. More non diegetic music of screaming sound every time the camera shakes.
Diegetic music of the doll/baby screaming for a scary feel.
Tuesday 16 November 2010
Marking other continuity tasks
In our groups, we marked other students continuity tasks, which helped us compare them to our work so see what things we did well and what we could of improved.
1. Demi, Stephanie, Alexandra and Sareena
I felt this was the best continuity task we analysed. We gave this group a high level 3 with a mark of 42. This is because they showed a proficient level of technical skills and ability. The dialogue was clear throughout the clip making it easy to understand, the camera was steady too, so it looked more professional. Also, the material shot was appropriate along with the typography.
To improve, I think the ending could of been done better by blacking out the screen rather than freezing with the character still visible. Also, in merging the dialogue and music, it did not flow particularly well.
Overall, this was well put together, with the brief being met.
2. Heather, Laura, Sam and Brogan
We awarded this group a level 3 with a total mark of 38. This is because they too showed a technical ability of a proficient standard. They showed a variety of shot distances when appropriate and the material displayed was also appropriate. Also, the camera was steady through the majority of the tasks
To improve the cuts could of been better as sometimes they didnt seem to flow very well. Another problem was in the dialogue where part of it disapears but you can still see the characters talking. Lastly, in one part the character looks directly into the camera lense which didnt look natural.
3. Jessica, Hannah, Serena and Luke
This group's work got a level 2 and a mark of 32. This is because my group felt they only showed a basic level of skill and technical ability. The scene seemed very rushed. This is because it did not finish well as the characters were laughing, seeming as if it was not over and needed editing. The diegetic sound was too quiet, making it very difficult to understand. Also the there was no non-deigetic sound included, making it seem boring to watch as no music ment no suspense. Lastly, the camera wasnt steady all the way through, decreasing its professionalism.
1. Demi, Stephanie, Alexandra and Sareena
I felt this was the best continuity task we analysed. We gave this group a high level 3 with a mark of 42. This is because they showed a proficient level of technical skills and ability. The dialogue was clear throughout the clip making it easy to understand, the camera was steady too, so it looked more professional. Also, the material shot was appropriate along with the typography.
To improve, I think the ending could of been done better by blacking out the screen rather than freezing with the character still visible. Also, in merging the dialogue and music, it did not flow particularly well.
Overall, this was well put together, with the brief being met.
2. Heather, Laura, Sam and Brogan
We awarded this group a level 3 with a total mark of 38. This is because they too showed a technical ability of a proficient standard. They showed a variety of shot distances when appropriate and the material displayed was also appropriate. Also, the camera was steady through the majority of the tasks
To improve the cuts could of been better as sometimes they didnt seem to flow very well. Another problem was in the dialogue where part of it disapears but you can still see the characters talking. Lastly, in one part the character looks directly into the camera lense which didnt look natural.
3. Jessica, Hannah, Serena and Luke
This group's work got a level 2 and a mark of 32. This is because my group felt they only showed a basic level of skill and technical ability. The scene seemed very rushed. This is because it did not finish well as the characters were laughing, seeming as if it was not over and needed editing. The diegetic sound was too quiet, making it very difficult to understand. Also the there was no non-deigetic sound included, making it seem boring to watch as no music ment no suspense. Lastly, the camera wasnt steady all the way through, decreasing its professionalism.
Continuity task
Our task was to storyboard and script continuity task. It had to be approximately 60 in length. We were given both basic and key skills which we had to try and include in the best way possible to achieve a good mark in our continuity task.
Evaluation
After completing my continuity task, I believe my group achieved a high level 3. This is because we showed evidence of profiiency throughout the task using a variety of techinical skills.Some of these skills were; a variety of shot distances; shooting material appropriate to the task and framing a shot, including and excluding the appropriate elements. Also, as a group we were able to complete all the basic rules that were expected of us, such as holding a shot steady, framing a shot accurately, editing so meaning is clear and there is a sense of continuity and making the sound clear for the audience. Furthermore, we included key skills within are continuity task. This consisted of showing a "shot-reverse-shot", not breaking the 180 degree rule when we were filming and lastly, including a correctly framed "two shot".To improve our work if we did it again, I believe the sound could of been clearer. This is because the dialogue in the clip seems very quiet, making it difficult to hear and understand.
Overall, I am pleased with my groups continuity-editing task because we have completed all of what was needed, fitting the specification we were given.
Monday 1 November 2010
Research - Summary of Analysis
Why is research important?
Research is important because it helps me to gain an understanding on a certain topic which I will need to know about to help me improve my work.
It also helps me to come up with new ideas and answers to key questions that I wouldnt have been able to answer before.
Lastly, carrying out research on a topic will give me examples to help me decide how I can plan and present my work to meet my brief as best as possible.
What have you learned from your research?
After carrying out my research of thrillers, I have learned many codes and conventions which make up this genre and the reasons why these conventions are specifically included. Common actions used in thrillers are low pitched music and sound affects to create tension amongst the audience to keep them alert. Little diegetic music is used in the opening of thrillers. However it is sometimes which is usually from the protagonist, establishing them as a significant character early in the film.
Mise-en-scene is also important and is normally the easiest way for the viewer to figure out the genre. Low key lighting is used which makes the screen dark, creating a sinister and mysterious affect, which is popular in horror sub genres. Also, colours such as red and black are used highly in thrillers. Red is used to connote danger and blood, suggesting violence in the narrative which is expected in this genre. Also, denots darkness, which connotes a sense of mystery and rebellion, again a common theme of a thriller. Moreover, the mise-en-scene uses props such as guns, cars etc to show danger, excitement and thrills in the storyline. Also, it will reasure the viewer of what they would expect. The protagonist is normally introduced and usually appears in more upper class attire, usually with good looks and charm to help him/her stand out.
Camera is another significant feature in a thriller movie because it presents everything how it should be seen. Directors often use a variety of shot distances. ECU's/CU's to be introduced to characters of something of relative importance in the film. MD's to show action such as fight scenes or scary scenes which are always present in thrillers. The last distances are the LS's/ELS's used to establish a setting or help to guide the audiecne through the film. Different angles are also used. High angles which present characters in a weak way while low angles are included to show a character in a dominant light. Lastly, camera movements such as tracking and panning also feature in this genre type. These help to follow the character in an important part of the storlyline or to grab the audiences attention to something that is on screen.
I found that cuts and jump cuts are the most common form of editing used in a thriller. This is because they can easily link bits of a scene together whilst making it flow the whole time. I found that doing this entertains the audience more as they are given more than one point-of-view keep them interacted which is important. Some thrillers such as Casino Royale use sound bridges inbetween cuts. I believed this worked well because the audience will still follow the film even though there is nothing on screen. This helps the linkage of shots and may also allows more time between cuts.
The research has also taught me what is bad in the thriller genre. This is because analysing past students work and comparing it with professional title sequences such as the award winn "Se7en" has easily helped pick out things which I should try and avoid in the own final product to give me the best chance of acheiving my target grade. Also, looking at all the examples both student and professional work, I can establish if the film is likely to be rated "18" or "15" due to their content.
Lastly, I believe the research I have done of the thriller genre has presented me with new ideas and changed my planning of a thriller for the better.
Research is important because it helps me to gain an understanding on a certain topic which I will need to know about to help me improve my work.
It also helps me to come up with new ideas and answers to key questions that I wouldnt have been able to answer before.
Lastly, carrying out research on a topic will give me examples to help me decide how I can plan and present my work to meet my brief as best as possible.
What have you learned from your research?
After carrying out my research of thrillers, I have learned many codes and conventions which make up this genre and the reasons why these conventions are specifically included. Common actions used in thrillers are low pitched music and sound affects to create tension amongst the audience to keep them alert. Little diegetic music is used in the opening of thrillers. However it is sometimes which is usually from the protagonist, establishing them as a significant character early in the film.
Mise-en-scene is also important and is normally the easiest way for the viewer to figure out the genre. Low key lighting is used which makes the screen dark, creating a sinister and mysterious affect, which is popular in horror sub genres. Also, colours such as red and black are used highly in thrillers. Red is used to connote danger and blood, suggesting violence in the narrative which is expected in this genre. Also, denots darkness, which connotes a sense of mystery and rebellion, again a common theme of a thriller. Moreover, the mise-en-scene uses props such as guns, cars etc to show danger, excitement and thrills in the storyline. Also, it will reasure the viewer of what they would expect. The protagonist is normally introduced and usually appears in more upper class attire, usually with good looks and charm to help him/her stand out.
Camera is another significant feature in a thriller movie because it presents everything how it should be seen. Directors often use a variety of shot distances. ECU's/CU's to be introduced to characters of something of relative importance in the film. MD's to show action such as fight scenes or scary scenes which are always present in thrillers. The last distances are the LS's/ELS's used to establish a setting or help to guide the audiecne through the film. Different angles are also used. High angles which present characters in a weak way while low angles are included to show a character in a dominant light. Lastly, camera movements such as tracking and panning also feature in this genre type. These help to follow the character in an important part of the storlyline or to grab the audiences attention to something that is on screen.
I found that cuts and jump cuts are the most common form of editing used in a thriller. This is because they can easily link bits of a scene together whilst making it flow the whole time. I found that doing this entertains the audience more as they are given more than one point-of-view keep them interacted which is important. Some thrillers such as Casino Royale use sound bridges inbetween cuts. I believed this worked well because the audience will still follow the film even though there is nothing on screen. This helps the linkage of shots and may also allows more time between cuts.
The research has also taught me what is bad in the thriller genre. This is because analysing past students work and comparing it with professional title sequences such as the award winn "Se7en" has easily helped pick out things which I should try and avoid in the own final product to give me the best chance of acheiving my target grade. Also, looking at all the examples both student and professional work, I can establish if the film is likely to be rated "18" or "15" due to their content.
Lastly, I believe the research I have done of the thriller genre has presented me with new ideas and changed my planning of a thriller for the better.
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