Tuesday 28 April 2009

Hollie’s Evaluation



Our project was the opening sequence to a British serial killer film that we named ‘camerashy.’ I worked on it with Hannah Tabor and Robyn Taylor. I helped come up with the original idea and name for the film, with most of the inspiration coming from the opening sequence of the film seven as we liked the way it flicked across the information it was trying to convey quickly in a disjointed, almost fuzzy way, creating lots of enigmas which is what we want as it entices people to watch the film. I also created the original storyboards which we mostly stuck too, although as you can see certain parts where taken out, such as the scene with the teenagers laughing in town as we decided it wasn’t necessary as we already had enough footage to fill the criteria for the opening sequence (that it was over 2 minutes long), as well as creating a list dictating to us where the scenes should be shot, which angles we needed to include, where these angles would best fit into the film, how many of the same shot we where going to need etc. I also contributed to the filming (some of which we ended up cutting or changing), the editing and also put posts on the blog relating to the names we where thinking of for our project, our original ideas (shown on the storyboard I wrote up), costumes that would fit in with the image we where trying to demonstrate, a risk assessment for the filming that we where going to do in college, why good acting is important when trying to produce a good film, and representation.

Our opening sequence is a British serial killer film. It fulfils the requirements of an opening sequence as it creates lots of enigmas and leaves lots of mystery by making us question who the serial killer is, why they’re chasing this particular person, what their motives for killing are etc. When I asked people what they thought they’d find or usually found in the openings to serial killer films, I was met with similar responses such as; “eerie” or “frightening” music, glimpses of a weapon or some sort of sharp object, and someone usually running away from someone else in deserted surroundings. I think our sequence met all of this typical criteria, which is good as it makes the genre instantly recognisable to the audience and will be familiar to them, making them feel more comfortable and therefore more likely to continue watching. But the scene also mimics things a typical serial killer would do, such as cutting up newspaper clippings of their victims, as well as providing the audience with something a little bit different with its use of fast-paced editing which makes the scene look quite disjointed and jumpy. I also think that this use of something different would entice the audience to keep watching as, although audiences tend to like watching something that they’ve seen before and are familiar with, they also like something new and exciting therefore our opening sequence is the perfect mix.
Our opening sequence represents the social group of criminal and victim. The representation of the character that is a victim is achieved through the actor’s actions, such as running away and looking scared. The victim’s costume/appearance is young and casual which should immediately appeal to our target audience of teenagers or young adults, whilst also giving the audience a glimpse of what is to come later on in the film by displaying the main character (the serial killer) main goal (to kill people in this age bracket.) The dominant representation of the criminal is created through the use of, props, the setting, and actions, as the woods scene is filmed to create the impression that the killer is watching their victim, and the scene in the house is filmed using low-key lighting with newspapers and a scalpel as props to show the serial killer cutting up articles about their victims. The way the serial killer is filmed (which is just body parts such as a hand here and there) also adds to this representation, as it is quite a stereotypical way of showing a killer in this type of film.
Although I think either males or females could watch this sequence, it would probably be more likely to attract a male audience. I also think that the main audience for this product would be in the 16-25 age bracket and of British ethnicity. This is a good target audience to have, as the people within this group are probably the ones most likely to frequent the cinema and watch films at home, therefore it is right for the product financially as it is likely to bring in more money, and when we got feedback from a selection of our target audience over 80% of them said that they would go and see the film so it looks like the sequence has managed to attract a lot of the people we wanted it too.

I think although our entire sequence is filled with uncertainty an equilibrium is set up in the opening clip as the audience is given quite a quiet scene (although there is heavy breathing and footstep sounds there is no dialogue or music) and the scene is set due too extreme long shots and lots of clips in the woods. We are also introduced to one of the main characters in this scene as she is running through the woods. The loud music, which was described in our feedback as “eerie,” and more fast-paced, jumpy editing when the newspaper-cutting clip kicks in then disrupts this. I think the inclusion of enigmas in this scene is one of the main things that will attract people from our target audience to watch this clip and to want to keep watching the rest of the film. There are lots of unanswered questions, some of which I mentioned earlier, but even simple things like what the serial killer looks like will entice the audience to keep watching to get there answer. The alternative representation created in this sequence is that the main character (from the footage where given) looks like a young woman, but is, in stark contrast, also a serial killer, which is unexpected. The tension and suspension in this clip has been built up through a variety of media language; mainly the diegetic sounds (the music, heavy breathing and footsteps), but also the low-key lighting when it comes to the newspaper clipping scene, the fast-paced editing and shots which flick about, leaving the audience with an uneasy and uncertain feeling, and the close-up shots on certain body parts and props etc.


Various types of technology contributed to our finished media product. Before we even began filming we did lots of research through the internet (on youtube etc) and by watching DVD’s based on topics similar to ours so that we could make the best and most genuine looking product possible. We also relied on the internet to create and add posts to our blog (using blogger.com), and had to learn how to use the camcorder lent to us to make our film as well as learning the best angles to shoot from with it etc. Finally, to create our end product we had to learn how to edit our film, cutting out parts of the footage and moving the clips around to make it the best sequence it could possibly be. We also had to learn how to speed up/slow down the different scenes, and how to add our titles etc.

After looking back at our preliminary task I definitely believe that every aspect of our sequence is a lot better. The composition of the entire sequence, storyline, editing and transitions from scene to scene have vastly improved, we have actually used different lighting, different music and different sound effects whereas in the original task it was all filmed with the same lighting, and no music or sound effects were included other than the dialogue between the characters, and we have also included a much greater variety of shots and shot the scenes with the rule of thirds, as well as experimenting with fonts and being more creative in the way we represent and develop characters (not just using dialogue for example.)

Overall I think our opening sequence meets all the right criteria it needed too and that it has done its main job, which was to attract a lot of our target audience. Although we probably should have spent more time making it realistic and perhaps more mysterious and tense, we did the best we could with a limited amount of time, limited skills, and limited access to the things needed to make a really good film (or opening sequence.)

Hannah Evaluation

Camera Shy
For the foundation portfolio our group had to produce the opening sequence to a movie. The group consisted of Hollie, Robyn and me. During the course of the project there were a variety of different jobs which needed to be completed. There was research, publishing the blog, planning the project, camera, directing the project and editing along with various other jobs. I helped out in all of these areas.The group decided that our project is going to be a thriller as it would an interesting genre to produce. Also, on average thriller movies make at least 165.1 million dollars on each film. However it is not easy to make an effective movie. In order to ensure that the viewer can recognise the movies genre the film has to contain a certain amount of conventions. In our opening sequence we used a variety of conventions such as the scalpel which was used during the newspaper sequence, the traditional low key lighting to create tension and also the colours were dim so that the viewer new that this film was not cheerful. These were used effectively as shown in our audience testing, when participants were asked what the genre of the sequence was they all replied with either thriller or horror. Not only do these conventions show genre but they also indicate what the rest of the film will be like.However, in order to keep the viewer interested our project had to have some unique elements within it, so we added a twist. It is based on a serial killer; however it is not like your ordinary thriller where it turns out to be a male with a mental problem. Instead it is a female journalist. She has lived her whole life being surrounded by news, everything she has every heard has been bad news. The most recent stories are about teenagers. This is when her hatred begins. She believes that she has to rid the world of these “humans” and create a new generation… a perfect generation. Only 70% of the people we asked thought that the serial killer was a female.Our project emphasises the gap that exists between adults and teenagers in modern day society. This is shown within the first few seconds of the sequence when the young female is being chased through the park. The way in which we made it clear what age range she was we made sure that the costumes were present day clothes worn by teenagers. Also, the sequence contradicts the usual image of teenagers in modern day life as our character is vulnerable and scared of the fate that is in store for her. We represented them in this way as it gives you a hint of the type of victims. Within the clip there is also the “serial killer”. To give a hint that this was not your ordinary killer we ensured that the actress was wearing everyday clothes instead of the usual “scruffy” type used in the majority of thriller films.During the past decade the amount of horror movies produce has risen from 16 films in 1998 to 44 in 2008. The demand for horror movie has risen and as a result more companies would be more obliged to invest in our product. The British film council (the company behind 28 days later) might distribute our film as it is based and produced within the United Kingdom. However, ghost house pictures might be interested in our product as it would boost their annual income as they are a fairly new institute.
During the pre-production (planning stages) of the products we researched the age ranges that visit the cinema the most. We have used the BFI handbook to find out the figures for the regular cinemagoers. We found out that 41.5 % was between the ages of 15 up to 34.So in order to get more interest in our film we chose this age range. Also, it would be easier to produce as we are within the age range so we know what the viewers want. As well as that, it is produced for both genders and all ethnic groups. 60% of the people who watched our product said that they would watch it or possibly watch it.
Due the duration of the product there were various types of technology that were used to ensure that our project looked professional. At the beginning of the portfolio we had to research in order to make it genuine. In order to do this we used the internet to search for relevant information. The two main sites used were you tube and imdb.com. We used youtube to assess how other film producers did their opening sequence/ credits, by doing this we could get some ideas for our own. Imdb was used to give information on the storylines of movies, reviews and general information (actors, directors, release dates.) Also, we had to post information on a blog and for this we used blogger.com. On there we recorded all information and progression. During production we used video cameras, we learnt how to use them proper and what was the best way to record footage, either handheld or on a tripod. Once it had all been film we were shown how to edit our film. We learnt how to cut footage, add transitions, adjust the lighting and speed on shots and how to add titles. However one limitation was that there was a limit amount of effects in which we could use, so example you couldn’t do the same effects that are shown in films such as sin city and Schlinder's list where they make one colour stand out but the rest is dimmed down or in black and white.
This product is better than out preliminary task as it had more of a storyline to it and also the editing was smoother because we were now used to the editing software. As well as that it had more shots which made it more interesting and there was more going on in the shots.
In conclusion I believe that our product was good in the sense that it was planned out well and all the research was there, however, when it came down to the production it didn’t run as smoothly as it probably could have done. Also because we had to keep re-shooting it meant that the shots that we used at the end of the shooting were rushed. If we would have slowed down our product would have probably looked more professional.

Robyns evaluation



Camera Shy.
Our group had to produce an opening sequence to a film. In our group there were Me, Hannah and Hollie. We were all assigned different jobs during the project, which had to be completed. These included things such as research, production planning, filming, and so on. Each one of us helped out in these areas.The genre of our film is ‘thriller’. We chose this unanimously because in the film industry, they make 161.5 million dollars on each film; therefore it is a rather demanding type of film. We had to make sure that the viewers would understand the genre, so we had to have certain conventions: Such as props and lighting. We had a scalpel in the newspaper sequence, and low key lighting which hints that film is going to be a little scary! The audience knew what kind of film we were trying to portray, as the questionnaires come back with the right answers: Horror, or thriller.Unlike most typical horror films, with a male psycho killer, we had something new lined up. Our killer is a female, who is surrounded by news everyday. The latest news is about how teenagers are becoming more and more trouble, and how they are taunting people. Her hatred builds up to a point where she wants to get rid of them. So she feels it’s her job to do away with the whole generation, and make a perfect one.We emphasise the age gap between adults and teenagers in today’s society by the action that they do, and by the pace of the action. For example, in the first few seconds of the film, there is a girl running wearing modern ‘teenager’ clothes. This shows the youth, because she is scared and also because it’s what they wear. Whereas the “killer” is all slow paced. Like when she’s cutting out newspaper headings, or gluing things into the book, she does it to perfection. And she’s more or less in the same position all the way through. This shows that she isn’t as active as she once where as a child.In 2008 the demands for horror films have gone up, almost three times as much, since 1998. Going from 16 a year, to an outstanding 44!! As a result of this, plenty of major companies would be more than happy to invest in our film, such as “The British Film Council”, or “Ghost House”.
During our research of the age ranges, we discovered that 41.5% of people that regularly visit the cinema are between the ages of 15 and 34. As we are part of that group ourselves, we thought it would be easier to produce something which we knew something about: We know what we want in a film. 60% of our audience viewers said that they would possibly watch it, if it was made into a black buster!

We used the internet to gather some ideas on how to start our sequence, finish the sequence and also adding the credits in. We used www.youtube.com to see how other producers had done this, so we could get an idea of what to produce. We used www.imdb.com to get some ideas for storylines and to look at general reviews on other films with our genre. In order to update our ‘findings’ we had to produce a blog on www.blogger.com. We recorded our progression, and any other relevant information on it. We learned which way was best to record. For example, either handheld or on a tripod. After we had all of our footage, we then had to edit it. We had to cut the best bits, add transitions, change the lighting and add credits.
Our project is a lot better than the preliminary task, because we are used to the software, and can use varied effects to make it more interesting and we collected more shots, so we had more to work with.
Our project was well planned, and we had lots of research to help us with the ‘writing’ side of things. We were compatible as a group, so there was no arguing or tension between us. Unfortunately, the shots we did at the end, seemed pretty rushed, so that kind of set us back a bit, but overall, I think it’s Okay!

Monday 2 February 2009

Camera Shy

The things that worked well during our opening sequence were the music. This worked well because it fit in with the theme of ‘Teenagers’ and the younger generation. It also went with the ‘Killer’ section, because it was kind of eerie, and mysterious. Another thing that went well, was the running section. This was smooth and the pace was right. The sound of the leaves, which was recorded, was in time with the footsteps, and the movement of the leaves. The fades, which consisted of the taps, and the newspaper, worked because it was random and showed what the killers routine was. The handheld camera during the run was particularly effective, because it portrayed realism; you felt like you was running with her. The whole sequence created enigmas, because you never find out who the woman is, or what she;s doing.
The things that didn’t go too well, was the credits. We had to put them on whilst the film was playing, because we had run out of time. The credits could of stayed on a bit longer, so the audience could see what they actually said. Also, we couldn’t find a font which fit in with the theme. They were all ‘cheesy’ and cliché.
One thing that could be interpreted as a bad thing was the whole sequence was random, and the audience couldn’t understand what was going on. This could be bad, because they would lose interest, and not want to carry on watching it. However, it could be good, because they would want to carry on watching the film, to get what it was about.
The quality of the ‘production’ was terrible as we did not have the right editing software to make it professional. The lighting looks fake because the colour is dull, not darker.

Robyn.

Friday 16 January 2009

Sunday 11 January 2009

Storyboards

A storyboard shows you how individual camera shots are used to create a ‘narrative flow’ within the sequence. Each single shot is drawn as a ‘frame’ which is annotated with brief information about the settings, actions, and camera angles, shot types, camera movements and editing notes. The different frames connect together with words or symbols that create a ‘flow’ of the images.



The pre-production of the film is when the director and production designer will discuss what look and feel they want for the film which will lead to them planning the films set and costumes. A storyboard artist will then draw up the director’s rough ideas, creating a more detailed version and adding any necessary details, action, camera and lighting directions.

The director then discusses these detailed storyboards with the director of photography whose job is to achieve the ‘look’ that they want for the film on screen. They will discuss each specific shot, analysing the composition of the scene, camera placements, camera movements, lighting and the equipment needed for each shot.



The storyboard is an important piece of information for the film crew as it gives everyone a common outline which they can work from. Production is when the filming begins. Copies of the storyboard are given to the members of the crew so that everyone knows what is required for each shot in the way of placement of lights, camera movements, movement of actors etc.
The director may change his mind about ideas stemming from the storyboard once on the set as the storyboard is only being used as a guideline for shooting.



When it comes to special effect sequences most of the backdrop are added later either by computer or matte painting so it is vitally important that actors know exactly where they should be in the shot and what they have to react to. If the actors follow the storyboards with the director they are more likely to give a convincing performance. When the film reaches the post-production stage the storyboards are used as a visual reminder of what has been filmed and in what order. They are used by film editors, especially those working on special effect films, where each effect has to be perfectly timed to match what is going on around it. Non-linear digital editing is often used as it means that films can be swiftly edited on a computer desktop, however the storyboard remains a blueprint of the original intentions for the film and provides a framework against which all the changes can be judged.
Robyn

Saturday 3 January 2009

Representation

Another key aspect that has to be taken into account while doing our project is representation of age. In this category, there are 7 main groups. These are:
· Children
· Young people
· Young adults
· 30 year olds
· Adults
· 40/50 year olds
· Elder

The group which we are using in our project is young people. Within this section there are two main images that are associated with young people. These include:

· Teens who cause trouble knife crime, asbos, rude, rebellious, drug takers etc.
· Teens who are fun – attractive and happy, aiming for success etc.


Teens as troubles
In general young people are seen as a threat by adults as they are thought to be the next generation who will rise up to take power from them, causing threatening changes to society. One great example of this is the teddy boys in the late 1950’s early 60’s. This group of young boys were demonised in the papers and accused of causing the social meltdown this created a 'moral panic.' This was the media taking advantage of a certain group (which they continue to do) as teddy boys didn’t have the power to fight back against the accusations.



Teens as fun
If a product is targeted at teens which has a negative attitude towards them it is unikely that it will succeed. However with the right technique a film producer can turn an intended negative meaning into a positive one. One example of this is the 1947 film “the wild one”. The character Johnny Strabler (played by Marlon Brando) was meant to be seen as “a social evil” that had to be “stomped out”. It was even stated in the opening titles. However, the leather cap, leather jacket and Harley Davidson attracted young people as it was “cool”. As a result the sales of all three items rocketed as American teens wants to be just like their idol. This proves that there is more than one way to respond to a text.



The money maker
However, producers and directors have realised that if they change the representation of young people then it will become more appealing and make more profits. One of the most recent examples is the “clean teen” image which has been used by the Disney channel. This is shown in such things like the worldwide phenomenon “High school musical” and “Hannah Montana" which have moved from a film (High School Musical) and a programme (Hannah Montana) into a global brand with the release of merchandise and CD's etc to capitalise on the films success. In these shows the youngsters are shown in a positive ways which is meant to attract more viewers and act as a positive role model for other children. However, some teens become hostile towards this because they see it as “too good to be true” or "fake."



Teen appeal
A new technique is creating teen characters in programmes that appeal to other teens and make them want to emulate the people they are seeing on the screen. One example of this is the E4 show “skins.” This is aimed at older teens and young people and is written by a team that are the same age as their target audience (the youngest member is only 18 years old), therefore they know what their viewers want, what their interests are, etc. The actors are the same age as the characters they are playing so the audience will find them more relatable. There is also a teen consultant that is there to ensure authenticity. The characters shown are not “clean teen” but neither are they the rebellious type, they are just portraying the reality of what goes on in teens today.


Hollie

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Media Coursework - Film production/Destk top publishing