When filming at Shanice's house it took us a while to get used to using the camera again as we had to think carefully about how to set it up. After we set up we began to get our props together for the scene we would film (Ishmail in his house). Overall the filming went smoothly but we had to think carefully about the lighting and the angles we filmed at making sure the lighting stayed the same.
During filming in the dressing room scene, we had to redo many shot as we forgot some of the things that was needed to be included (e.g. the sign 'Mezza' on the dressing room door). As we went along we had new ideas, but at the same time we tried to stick to the storyboard. During filming the scene, the camera was hand held (point of view) so the camera had to be held steadily. We decided to have Ishmail holding the camera as he was the right height and it was at his characters point of view.
We filmed Meron coming through the backstage door scene. We had to gather around 7 people to be her fans (screaming for her at the backstage door). We had to film when these people when they were available, so we took out more time to book the camera. As well as finding the right day, we had to find the right time to film as the fans would have to make a lot of noise. The location chosen for this scene was near a class room, so we had to wait and film quickly as people were walking in and out of the class room. Overall this duration of filming went well.
Finally, while filming the whole opening we included outtake parts and backstage clips, for example, of Meron singing, interviews of how the filming is going and clips the that are not seen in the final opening. We hope to capture and edit the extra clips, to put on our blogs.
The filming process went well overall and we are glad with the outcome.
Saturday, 12 December 2009
Thursday, 19 November 2009
Production Schedule
This is our Production Schedule, where we specify, where we film, when when we film, what we film & who is included in the filming.
1. The first day of filming
Date: Friday 27th November
Time:4pm-5.30pm
Location: Shanice's House
We will be filming the scene of the man at his home. The character will be played by Ishmail. He will have to wear black/dark clothes (Black hoodie, black jeans, big boots) to show loneliness and no personality, it also makes him look suspicious (when wearing a hoodie).
The props we will be using on this date is,
- Big boots
- Black bag (with tools)
- Radio
- Pictures of celebrities
- A piece of black hair
- Clock
2. The second day of filming
Date: Thursday 3rd December
Time: 11.30pm-1.45pm
Location: Shanice House
We will be filming anything we have forgotten to include during our media lesson (As the teacher said we can use her lesson to film).
3. The third day of filming
Date: Tuesday 4th December
Time: 2pm-4.15pm
Location: The Brit schools Make-Up room
We will be filming the scene when the celebrity is backstage in her dressing room waiting for her body guard to come back. The celebrity is played by Meron (as she is the most suitable for the part). The singer (celebrity) in the film is very glamours /wearing sunglasses, high heals, expensive designer clothes. She acts very much like a diva (being bossy & knowing what she wants).
The props used for this scene are:
- Microphone
- Make-Up bag
- Water bottle
- Fruit Bowl
- Documents/papers
- A sign to say 'Mezza' on the dressing room door.
4. The fourth day of filming
Date: Tuesday 8th December
Time: 2pm-3.30pm
Location: The stairs at the Media editing suite & The Brit schools Make-Up Room (corridor).
During this time we will be filming the scene when Mezza comes in from outside and fans are screaming for her. He bodyguard the escorts her through the corridors, to her changing room. She then tell him to go and find out what time she is going on stage.
The prop used for this scene is:
- Fans (screaming out 'Mezza' as she comes in from backstage).
By Meron, Ishmail & Shanice.
1. The first day of filming
Date: Friday 27th November
Time:4pm-5.30pm
Location: Shanice's House
We will be filming the scene of the man at his home. The character will be played by Ishmail. He will have to wear black/dark clothes (Black hoodie, black jeans, big boots) to show loneliness and no personality, it also makes him look suspicious (when wearing a hoodie).
The props we will be using on this date is,
- Big boots
- Black bag (with tools)
- Radio
- Pictures of celebrities
- A piece of black hair
- Clock
2. The second day of filming
Date: Thursday 3rd December
Time: 11.30pm-1.45pm
Location: Shanice House
We will be filming anything we have forgotten to include during our media lesson (As the teacher said we can use her lesson to film).
3. The third day of filming
Date: Tuesday 4th December
Time: 2pm-4.15pm
Location: The Brit schools Make-Up room
We will be filming the scene when the celebrity is backstage in her dressing room waiting for her body guard to come back. The celebrity is played by Meron (as she is the most suitable for the part). The singer (celebrity) in the film is very glamours /wearing sunglasses, high heals, expensive designer clothes. She acts very much like a diva (being bossy & knowing what she wants).
The props used for this scene are:
- Microphone
- Make-Up bag
- Water bottle
- Fruit Bowl
- Documents/papers
- A sign to say 'Mezza' on the dressing room door.
4. The fourth day of filming
Date: Tuesday 8th December
Time: 2pm-3.30pm
Location: The stairs at the Media editing suite & The Brit schools Make-Up Room (corridor).
During this time we will be filming the scene when Mezza comes in from outside and fans are screaming for her. He bodyguard the escorts her through the corridors, to her changing room. She then tell him to go and find out what time she is going on stage.
The prop used for this scene is:
- Fans (screaming out 'Mezza' as she comes in from backstage).
By Meron, Ishmail & Shanice.
Target Audience
Our thriller is based on the serial murders of young female stars, so it should generally appeal to fans of these types of celebrities, who tend to be young men and women, so this our target audience- A young audience ranging from teenagers to young adults (roughly 15- 25 year olds). However it may also appeal to older adults who are interested in this kind of plot. A suitable age rating for this thriller is 15.
It would be a mainstream film because the idea is that the celebrities in this film are international stars; even the singer we see in the opening of the thriller, who is British.
This film would be promoted on magazines, t.v channels and radio stations with a similar target audience, in order to create a buzz about the film particularly amongst the younger generation.
By Meron Addis
It would be a mainstream film because the idea is that the celebrities in this film are international stars; even the singer we see in the opening of the thriller, who is British.
This film would be promoted on magazines, t.v channels and radio stations with a similar target audience, in order to create a buzz about the film particularly amongst the younger generation.
By Meron Addis
Props List
For the filming of our Thriller opening, we will need a multiple of props to help bring the theme across (Thriller) and to bring out the key elements of what we are trying to put across during the opening of the film.
The props we will need to include in our filming will be:
- Big Boots - will be worn by the man in the film
- Black bag (with tools inside) - to show that the man is coming from somewhere where he has used weapons.
- Radio - for when the news report come on, to report about the murder
- Clock - to show the time he reaches in, which then relate to the time the murder took place.
- Posters of celebrities - that he has murdered or tortured, (the will have red 'X' on them, to show they have a victim.
- A piece of black hair - of he singer (celebrity) he has just been to.
- Microphone - to show that the girl is a singer
- Make-Up bag - which will be all over the dressing table, to show shes going to do something important and to show that she like to look good.
- Water bottle - to go on the dressing table
- Fruit Bowl -to go on the dressing table
- Document papers - for when she want to find out tour dates as the man walks through the door.
By Meron Addis
The props we will need to include in our filming will be:
- Big Boots - will be worn by the man in the film
- Black bag (with tools inside) - to show that the man is coming from somewhere where he has used weapons.
- Radio - for when the news report come on, to report about the murder
- Clock - to show the time he reaches in, which then relate to the time the murder took place.
- Posters of celebrities - that he has murdered or tortured, (the will have red 'X' on them, to show they have a victim.
- A piece of black hair - of he singer (celebrity) he has just been to.
- Microphone - to show that the girl is a singer
- Make-Up bag - which will be all over the dressing table, to show shes going to do something important and to show that she like to look good.
- Water bottle - to go on the dressing table
- Fruit Bowl -to go on the dressing table
- Document papers - for when she want to find out tour dates as the man walks through the door.
By Meron Addis
Character Profile
There are four main characters in our opening thriller:
1. The celebrity in our thriller is called Mezza, she is about 19 years old and is very diva-like. She is a successful singer who is into her looks. She is also very demanding, especially over her bodyguard.
2. Not much is known about the killers personal life. All we know is that he lives by himself in his flat with pictures of his victims faces on the wall. He wears heavy black clothing to keep himself anonymous. Throughout our whole piece, we never see his face.
3. Mezza's bodyguard is a big, kind hearted character who would do literally anything for her, even if they do sound impossible. He is also pushed around a little by Mezza.
4. News reporter (voice)
By Ishmail Salmon
Location Infomation
For our thriller opening we had to decide on a location. Based on our story line we decided that backstage of a theatre venue would be most suitable for the dressing room scene. Theatre's we have in mind is The Fairfield Halls, Battersea Arts Centre, The Warehouse Theatre or the Brit Schools make up room. We chose these venues because they will have the right format of a dressing room (i.e. with the lights around the mirrors and dressing table). To be able to film with permission in these venues, we will have to get into contact with the right people (as some of them may have showcases/events going on at this time).
In the scene where the fans are outside, we decided to film it backstage of the venue we are successful with. If we get into a professional theatre backstage we will use their corridors to film Meron walking. If we end up with the Brit make up room, we will film outside the Media editing suite (with Meron walking down the stairs) and outside of the make up room.
For the scene with the man at his home, the location was at Shanice's house as her house could be transformed to look the part and she had most of the background furniture (e.g. the sofa, white walls and some of the props).
In the scene where the fans are outside, we decided to film it backstage of the venue we are successful with. If we get into a professional theatre backstage we will use their corridors to film Meron walking. If we end up with the Brit make up room, we will film outside the Media editing suite (with Meron walking down the stairs) and outside of the make up room.
For the scene with the man at his home, the location was at Shanice's house as her house could be transformed to look the part and she had most of the background furniture (e.g. the sofa, white walls and some of the props).
Serial Celeb - Storyboard
This is the Storyboard for our opening thriller - Serial Celeb, where the shots are named and there is a description of each shot.
By Shanice Smith
Storyboard 1:
Storyboard 2:
Storyboard 3:
Storyboard 4:
By Shanice Smith
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
Thiller Opening - Shot List
For our Thriller opening we will have specific shots we use (throughout), which are the following:
1. Close up shot - on the big boots of the murderer as the door opens.
2. Mid-shot - As he drops his bag on the floor
3. Close up - washes his hands under the tap
4. Close up - He turns on the radio (a red light comes on, to indicate the radio is on).
5. Long shot (from the back) - He walks across kitchen, to the living room (to the sofa).
6. Mid-Close up - of him sitting, with is head down (His face is not revealed, as there's a shadow)
7. Eye Level/panning shot- focus at his pictures (of his victims, he has killed in the past). He looks along the line, to the next victim.
8. (Flash back) mid-shot/high angle - The celebrity comes in through a backstage door
9. Mid-close up shot - of the man sitting in the same position, looking down
10. (Flash back) High angle/point of view - a view as if he's watching watch her and her body guard walk down the corridor
11. Mid shot - of the man sitting, he then reaches for his pocket
12. Close up of him putting his hand in his pocket
13. (Flash back) 2 shot - celebrity tells the body guard to go an get the running order for her, she then walks into her changing room.
14. Mid shot - He is now holding and looking at piece of someones hair.
15. (Flash back) Personal point of view - he walks towards her door (with her name on it), with his shadow outline on the door.
16. Over the shoulder shot - He stands up and puts the hair on the picture
17. (Flash back) Mid shot - The camera is looking through the mirror (while she looks in the mirror) the door opens (mid way).
18. Mid-close up - she turns around, with dialogue saying ' James, What took you so long? Have you confirmed our tour dates yet?'
19. Black out, and with a black surrounding, the picture drops with her face and hair on it. The title comes up.
1. Close up shot - on the big boots of the murderer as the door opens.
2. Mid-shot - As he drops his bag on the floor
3. Close up - washes his hands under the tap
4. Close up - He turns on the radio (a red light comes on, to indicate the radio is on).
5. Long shot (from the back) - He walks across kitchen, to the living room (to the sofa).
6. Mid-Close up - of him sitting, with is head down (His face is not revealed, as there's a shadow)
7. Eye Level/panning shot- focus at his pictures (of his victims, he has killed in the past). He looks along the line, to the next victim.
8. (Flash back) mid-shot/high angle - The celebrity comes in through a backstage door
9. Mid-close up shot - of the man sitting in the same position, looking down
10. (Flash back) High angle/point of view - a view as if he's watching watch her and her body guard walk down the corridor
11. Mid shot - of the man sitting, he then reaches for his pocket
12. Close up of him putting his hand in his pocket
13. (Flash back) 2 shot - celebrity tells the body guard to go an get the running order for her, she then walks into her changing room.
14. Mid shot - He is now holding and looking at piece of someones hair.
15. (Flash back) Personal point of view - he walks towards her door (with her name on it), with his shadow outline on the door.
16. Over the shoulder shot - He stands up and puts the hair on the picture
17. (Flash back) Mid shot - The camera is looking through the mirror (while she looks in the mirror) the door opens (mid way).
18. Mid-close up - she turns around, with dialogue saying ' James, What took you so long? Have you confirmed our tour dates yet?'
19. Black out, and with a black surrounding, the picture drops with her face and hair on it. The title comes up.
Thriller Opening - Overview
For our thriller openings, I am in a group with Meron and Ishmail. Together we planned and put together ideas of what out thriller opening could be about.
We came up with our final idea which is about a mysterious man that murders famous female Singer, Celebrities.
He reaches inside his home (we want to give the impression that he is coming in from doing something suspicious) and put down his bag, washes his hands, and tuns on the radio. When the radio is switched on, the news update is on. The reporter reports that there has been a murder of a well known singer. While the man sits alone in the dark on his sofa, flash backs occur.
The first flash back is of a celebrity with her bodyguard, walking through backstage doors (while her fans are outside, screaming for her). She then tell her bodyguard to go an get something for her. At this point the celebrity is all alone in her dressing room.
A shadow then appears in front of her door, he then enters in. The celebrity then turns and See's him and asks him 'Have you sorted out the Tour dates yet?'.
After, there is then a black out (where her picture drops on the floor, in a black surrounding). The titles then come up.
We had to present our ideas to the rest of our class mates, then receive feedback and ways of improvement. Changes we made to our idea was from having a TV News report to just hearing the news on the radio. This change was suggested because it wasn't going to be easy to make a TV studio. Presenting our idea helped improve our planning , because we received a lot of feedback/new and improved ideas to take into consideration. It also got us thinking about making our ideas possible to do practically.
We came up with our final idea which is about a mysterious man that murders famous female Singer, Celebrities.
He reaches inside his home (we want to give the impression that he is coming in from doing something suspicious) and put down his bag, washes his hands, and tuns on the radio. When the radio is switched on, the news update is on. The reporter reports that there has been a murder of a well known singer. While the man sits alone in the dark on his sofa, flash backs occur.
The first flash back is of a celebrity with her bodyguard, walking through backstage doors (while her fans are outside, screaming for her). She then tell her bodyguard to go an get something for her. At this point the celebrity is all alone in her dressing room.
A shadow then appears in front of her door, he then enters in. The celebrity then turns and See's him and asks him 'Have you sorted out the Tour dates yet?'.
After, there is then a black out (where her picture drops on the floor, in a black surrounding). The titles then come up.
We had to present our ideas to the rest of our class mates, then receive feedback and ways of improvement. Changes we made to our idea was from having a TV News report to just hearing the news on the radio. This change was suggested because it wasn't going to be easy to make a TV studio. Presenting our idea helped improve our planning , because we received a lot of feedback/new and improved ideas to take into consideration. It also got us thinking about making our ideas possible to do practically.
Thursday, 29 October 2009
"This is the Place" - A Short Thriller
"This is the Place" Is a (short) thriller/suspense film. I think it is a very good example of a short Thriller Film (opening), as it includes all the codes and conventions of a thriller film, including the shots (over the shoulder, close up, long shot etc), the music (which makes me watch in suspense to find out the plot), and the story line (which I think is clever and will engage the audience; making them want to watch more).
Thriller Music
Thriller music is included in Thrillers to bring tension and suspense to the film/moment. When the music is playing you expect something is going to happen (it sets the mood for the forthcoming action).
It's usually a slow orchestral track featuring strings, synthesizer sounds, oriental sounding percussion's, very melodic piano & smooth drums (if included). Action Thriller films tend to have fast music in the background as there's a lot of action etc going on.
Trailers usually have the slow orchestral music in the background as it intense the audience and makes them want to see more, its like a teaser.
It's usually a slow orchestral track featuring strings, synthesizer sounds, oriental sounding percussion's, very melodic piano & smooth drums (if included). Action Thriller films tend to have fast music in the background as there's a lot of action etc going on.
Trailers usually have the slow orchestral music in the background as it intense the audience and makes them want to see more, its like a teaser.
Production Companies
Production companies ( which can be big or small) are always in charge of the development/physical development of the film (or a radio show, a TV programme or performing arts). Some companies take responsibility of raising the funds by selling it to a film studio or showing it at a theatrical venue (an example of a theatrical distribution company is 21st Century Film Corporation, the are also a production company).
An example of a Production Company is Universal Pictures
Universal Pictures is based in the USA although they are located all around America (California).
Its first founder was Carl Laemmle. Universal pictures produce many different genres of films including thriller films such as Jaws. It is very well know for the good production outcomes and high quality films, also by the well known actors they work with.
The film Jaws was made in 1975 and is a horror/thriller film. It was directed by Steven Spielberg. The film became well known and popular for its good production (making all the sharks etc, seem real to the audience). The whole production has been done well including the music, effects and the making of it.
This is an opening video for Universal Pictures.
An example of a Production Company is Universal Pictures
Universal Pictures is based in the USA although they are located all around America (California).
Its first founder was Carl Laemmle. Universal pictures produce many different genres of films including thriller films such as Jaws. It is very well know for the good production outcomes and high quality films, also by the well known actors they work with.
The film Jaws was made in 1975 and is a horror/thriller film. It was directed by Steven Spielberg. The film became well known and popular for its good production (making all the sharks etc, seem real to the audience). The whole production has been done well including the music, effects and the making of it.
This is an opening video for Universal Pictures.
Saturday, 17 October 2009
Target Audience
Target Audience
Within the Thriller genre, the target audience can vary. It can depend on the kind of thriller film.
But for a gernenic thriller film the target audience can be from 16-25 (most of them being students). Although there may be people outside of the target audience that watch Thriller films.
Also most of the main characters are young adults which can lead to the target audience being 16-25. I would expect males to be more intersted and drawn towards the Thriller genre, although females can be drawn to thriller films (e.g. Romantic Thrillers)
Crime Thrillers (such as Memento, Se7en) target mainly a mature audience because violence, sex and drugs can be involved in it. Theres are certain sensorships for kids, because they can't do those certain things a Crime Thriller would include (because it would be illegal).
Classic Thrillers (any Alfred Hitchcock film) are aimed at adults but are rated PG.
Thrillers that include horror elements, would aim at younger and more female based. Films by M. Night Shyamalan such as The Sixth Sense, Signs etc are close to the horror genre (and horror films target teenage girls, from my research I have found this out).
Thursday, 15 October 2009
Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt
American actor and producer Brad Pitt, was born on the 18 December 1963. He has be a part of many successful Thriller movies.
He has been nominated for 2 Oscars, hes had 23 wins and 43 nominations. He has won and has been nominated for awards in many categories.
In 1995, he acted in the crime thriller Seven and the science fiction film Twelve Monkeys, Which then earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting actor and an Academy Award nomination. In Seven many said "This is screen acting at his best", where Brad Pitt turns into a determined, energetic, creditable job as the eager young detective.
Sub-Genre - Sci-Fi Thrillers
Sub-Genre
Sci-Fi Thrillers
Most thrillers have the combination of most other genres including horror, conspiracy, and psychological tricks used to increase tension. Combinations are very diverse, including Sci-Fi Thrillers (Science Fiction Thrillers)
In Sci-Fi Thrillers it's usually set in the future, or in a historical past that denies facts of known information of history. Also they can have settings from outer space involving Aliens. Sci-Fi Thrillers will include stories that involve technology or scientific rules (e.g. time travel), discovery, new technology (e.g. Robots) or of new and different political or social systems.
An example of a Sci-Fi Thriller is Alien (1979)
When you watch the trailer immediately you know its a Sci-Fi Thriller as it captures the audiences attention from the start and has a setting with spaceships and aliens. There includes quickly moving shots, which makes the audience watch carefully (engaging), flashing lights and dark colours (Black and Green), These also put the audience on the edge and lets them know its going to be a scary film. Also by the way it splits up its shots going into the short sentences (where there's information about the film and persuading lyrics), they use bold white writing with a bold green outline surrounded by a black background, this makes the font stand out. The black can signify the darkness/space, the green can signify the aliens.
Alien is a perfect example of a Sci-Fi Thriller because of all the generic conventions it includes. It is very similar to the Thriller genre because of the way it creates suspense and tension! Shots used within the trailer are close up shots, where you can see the details of the characters expressions, and it shows the important objects used at the time (e.g. The spaceship). They also use long shot where you can see the setting of where they are.
180 Rule
180 Degree Rule
In professional filming the 180 Degree Rule applies while filming (with a digital video camera) two characters (for example having a conversation) where there is an imaginary axis. The camera stays within 180 degrees on one side of the axis. If the camera goes around to the other side of the axis the characters right/left will change (which can be quite confusing) it is called crossing the line. The shot from the opposite side, is called a reverse angle.
The characters should always have the same right and left, which is why we stay 180 degrees within the axis. The 180 Degree Rule is often used in conversations where Shot Reverse Shot is required and it is an important element required for a style of film editing called continuity editing. This way in dialogue you can always identify who is speaking or responding using their facial expressions.
Wednesday, 14 October 2009
Prelim Task - The Text
This is the video of our prelim task, where we exercised particular techniques such as, close up, over the shoulder shots & shot return shot, this is in preparation for our Thriller opening.
I have learnt a lot from this task and I am pleased with our outcome because I think some of our shots were good, for example the close up of the text. We had the chance to get used to using the camera and practicing different shots. I learnt that you can do/add so much more effects to the films using Final Cut Pro.
I think I performed well within the task because I contributed to ideas, worked as a team and worked hard within my role. Although I'm not an actress, I tried my best when it came to it, to make the film interesting and believable. We also had a fair share of editing our film.
Next time I would make sure we use the tripod much more, to steady out shots to make it look more professional. It now makes me look forward to filming our Thriller openings and doing research on Thrillers to get a good idea of interesting Thriller opening.
I before I started AS Media I had experience of using a camera (e.g. filming events/myself singing). I had never used the camera we used for our task, so it was a good experience getting used to a HD camera. I have had little experience editing such as using Windows Movie Maker. I now have experience in using Final Cut Pro (editing/cutting/putting together short films) and I now have the skills for using a professional camera and filming.
In addition to my up and coming Thriller film, very good camera shot will be needed and good acting will be needed because this with capture the audience in the right way. My Thriller will have to included the appropriate music to engage the audience and help bring tension to the story.
The Text - Shanice, Ellen & Matt
I have learnt a lot from this task and I am pleased with our outcome because I think some of our shots were good, for example the close up of the text. We had the chance to get used to using the camera and practicing different shots. I learnt that you can do/add so much more effects to the films using Final Cut Pro.
I think I performed well within the task because I contributed to ideas, worked as a team and worked hard within my role. Although I'm not an actress, I tried my best when it came to it, to make the film interesting and believable. We also had a fair share of editing our film.
Next time I would make sure we use the tripod much more, to steady out shots to make it look more professional. It now makes me look forward to filming our Thriller openings and doing research on Thrillers to get a good idea of interesting Thriller opening.
I before I started AS Media I had experience of using a camera (e.g. filming events/myself singing). I had never used the camera we used for our task, so it was a good experience getting used to a HD camera. I have had little experience editing such as using Windows Movie Maker. I now have experience in using Final Cut Pro (editing/cutting/putting together short films) and I now have the skills for using a professional camera and filming.
In addition to my up and coming Thriller film, very good camera shot will be needed and good acting will be needed because this with capture the audience in the right way. My Thriller will have to included the appropriate music to engage the audience and help bring tension to the story.
The Text - Shanice, Ellen & Matt
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
Independant Research - Thriller Directors - Alred Hitchcock
Alfred Hitchcock (13 August 1899 – 29 April 1980)Alfred, also known as 'The Master of Suspense' was a successful British filmmaker/director and producer in creating suspense in Thriller genres. He was one of the most popular and most recognised filmmakers, his works are still popular today.
At a very young age he regularly visited the cinemas and read many journals and his interest grew from there. He once said that "Even my failures make money and become classics a year after I make them.". Hitchcock made films that would engage the audience a capture their emotions straight away. Throughout his filming career his filming was diverse and crossed many genres such as, Thrillers, Romantic, Comedy and Drama.
Famous films Hitchcock has made are films such as
The Birds (1963)
Starring: Rod Taylor and Tippi Hedren
Terror strikes out of nowhere when birds begin mysteriously attacking anyone and anything in their way.
Psycho (1960)
Starring: Anthony Perkins and Janet Leigh
The seminal horror film of a young man tormented by his past-- and his mother.
Suspicion (1941)
Starring: Cary Grant and Joan Fontaine
Lots of suspense and fine-drawn tension in this mystery of a wealthy woman who suspects her playboy husband wants to murder her.
Other films he has produced/directed are, Jamaica Inn, Mr & Mrs Smith & many more!
Editing Our Prelim Task - 'The Text'
Today we was in the editing suite, editing our prelim task films. This was my first time using Final Cut Pro. I got the basic knowledge of how to import and edit videos. It can be straight forward once you know what your doing.
When editing the film we found that we didn't film the 'Shot, Reverse, Shot' technique properly because we missed out the last shot (our shot reverse shot wasn't clear). Also we had to make certain shots longer than how they were filmed (to make it clear of what was being shown). We managed to use effects in Final Cut Pro, such as a Fade Out. We used this at the beginning and end of our film, which makes it look more professional. We added a title at the start of the film, where the name our our film would appear.
By the end of the lesson my group (Ellen, Matt & Myself) had completed the task set. We added/made a soundtrack to the short film (which we enjoyed doing because we could experiment with all the sound effects we had and add them into the film)!
I enjoyed this task overall because i now have a basic understanding of how to edit a video in Final Cut Pro! It also make me look forward to doing more filming and editing.
When editing the film we found that we didn't film the 'Shot, Reverse, Shot' technique properly because we missed out the last shot (our shot reverse shot wasn't clear). Also we had to make certain shots longer than how they were filmed (to make it clear of what was being shown). We managed to use effects in Final Cut Pro, such as a Fade Out. We used this at the beginning and end of our film, which makes it look more professional. We added a title at the start of the film, where the name our our film would appear.
By the end of the lesson my group (Ellen, Matt & Myself) had completed the task set. We added/made a soundtrack to the short film (which we enjoyed doing because we could experiment with all the sound effects we had and add them into the film)!
I enjoyed this task overall because i now have a basic understanding of how to edit a video in Final Cut Pro! It also make me look forward to doing more filming and editing.
Saturday, 3 October 2009
Memento - Opening Sequence
Film: Memento (2002)
Starring Actor: Guy Pearce
Director: Christopher Nolan
I studied the opening sequence of 'Memento' and from the titles i knew it would be a thriller film. As the titles appeared, there was a close up of pictures from a brutal murder scene (which gave it away that it was a thriller) and as time went by the picture disappeared and became less clear. As the titles were shown non-diegetic music is played using various dynamics.
The opening is also in reverse of the what happened (the outcome/ending). Then the story goes to the beginning, which will then lead on to solving the mystery of why he murdered.
Shots used within the opening are close up shots, where you can see the details of the characters expressions, and it shows the important objects used at the time. It also shows you that the character is important in the story. Other shots used are over the shoulder shots. This is used when he shoots the victim. This shows that he has power and authority, he intimidates the victim. But when theres close up shots of the main character it shows that hes quite venerable
As well as the still shots, tracking is used when both characters are walking and talking in a conversation.
The generic theme is that a murder has taken place and the main story line has started from the end instead of the beginning.
The film is very realistic and believable, for example the murder scene at the start where threes a gun, blood and bullets on the floor. It suprises the audience that the opening is a murder scene and make them want to see more to find out the full story.
Starring Actor: Guy Pearce
Director: Christopher Nolan
I studied the opening sequence of 'Memento' and from the titles i knew it would be a thriller film. As the titles appeared, there was a close up of pictures from a brutal murder scene (which gave it away that it was a thriller) and as time went by the picture disappeared and became less clear. As the titles were shown non-diegetic music is played using various dynamics.
The opening is also in reverse of the what happened (the outcome/ending). Then the story goes to the beginning, which will then lead on to solving the mystery of why he murdered.
The generic theme is that a murder has taken place and the main story line has started from the end instead of the beginning.
The film is very realistic and believable, for example the murder scene at the start where threes a gun, blood and bullets on the floor. It suprises the audience that the opening is a murder scene and make them want to see more to find out the full story.
Thursday, 1 October 2009
Prelim Task - 'The Text'
For our Prelim Task, in groups we had to film someone walking though a door & be in a conversation. techniques we were required to use were
Action Match shot
for example when someone walks through the door, the camera zooms up on the handle. then in a new shot the camera is on the other side of the door.
Shot Reverse Shot
This technique is used in conversations
180 Rule
This technique is used for activities e.g football. Its important that you get your angles right.
In my Group there was Matt, Ellen and myself. We made a prelim called 'The Text'. While sitting down as a group, planning our story line and camera techniques we would use, We made notes of what of what we would do. Firstly we decided that Matt would film/direct the film and Ellen and myself would act.
The script of our Prelim Task:
1. close up of the phone (Text)
2. Put the phone away into pocket (Close up)
3. Open the door (Close up, on handle)
4. Open the door, Walk down corridor (focusing on the feet)
5. Medium Close up from a low angle of Ellen on the stairs
6. In the distance, Shanice walk down the stairs next to eLLEN
7. Over the shoulder shot. Shanice says "Are you alright"
8. Over the shoulder shot. Ellen Says "She did it, she actually did it"
9. Behind/Mid Shot. Shanice puts her arm around Ellen
10. Medium close up shot, zooming out into a Long shot with Shanice and Ellen walking away in to the distance (Fade out).
After planning we got filming!
The filming went well and as planned because we worked as a team and followed our script. The type of shots we used were: Tracking, Over the Shoulder, Low Angle & Mid Shot.
The filming went as planned although we made minor changes with our shots. For example when Ellen sits on the stairs, it was meant to be a close up shot but instead it was a Medium shot. Also we found it hard to do some of the over the shoulder shots (in Shot Reverse Shot) because on the stair case there was not a lot of room to go behind the person. A technical difficulty we came across was that we lost some of our work at times and had to re-record it.
I enjoyed this task because once again we had the chance to use the cameras, and it makes me look forward future tasks. Within the group we got along well and made positive contributions to ideas. I got used to the idea that it isn't so much about the story line but the techniques and use of the camera was important.
Tuesday, 29 September 2009
Se7en - Opening Sequence
In my media class we analysed the opening of the Thriller film 'Se7en'(1995)starring the actor(s) Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman and Gwyneth Paltrow. The Director: David Fincher.
My first impression of the film (introduction) was that i knew it would be a film where you have to watch closely on whats going on and be on a close look out! Immediately i felt suspicious of the film about what was going to happen. By the way the characters portrayed themselves in some cases immediately gave out their personalities.
Titles
The titles are presented/signify a Horror Film! The Font Makes it looks like a thriller also unsettling. Its obvious that the titles are highly edited! The sounds and images in the titles seem obsessive, hostile environment, unpredictable with lots of dark colours.Shots
Many shots were used in the opening sequence, at first it looked as if there was someone watching the character. As the cameras followed what he (Morgan Freeman) was doing the audience could immediately get an idea of what the character is like.
Themes
Sound
Mise-En-Scene
Morgan F. addresses his personality showing that he's caring. As it is set in the city, you know that they are never alone which brings out the realism of the film.
-Over the shoulder shot
-Panning
- Tilting
As the camera looks up from a low angle to show the audience watch actions the character is making
-Two shot
Movement
- Tracking
Tracking is used when Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman are walking and talking from a low angle. Again it looks as if someone is watching them and tracking is portraying that the conversation is important.
Themes
The opening setting is at a crime scene, so immediately we are let into action.
The generic themes in 'Se7en' show that Morgan F. is a dominant independent character, that knows and is very much into what he's doing! He portrays this by the setting of his home, he has a single bed, he's very clean and lives alone.
Sound
Non Diegetic at the introduction. There's a lot of natural sounds (E.g. Rain), which is a good effect as it will make the film more realistic and believable.
Mise-En-Scene
Morgan F. addresses his personality showing that he's caring. As it is set in the city, you know that they are never alone which brings out the realism of the film.
Thriller Films - Opening
A Thriller is a genre of fiction, some thriller writers explain it as "the sudden rush of emotions, the excitement, sense of suspense, apprehension, and exhilaration that drive the narrative, sometimes subtly with peaks and lulls, sometimes at a constant, breakneck pace."
A Thriller is not only what their stories are about, but also how they are told. its got to be up to High standards, always keeping the audience engaged. Also non-stop action, plot twists that both surprise and excite, settings that are both vibrant and exotic, and an intense pace that never lets up until the the main plot is let out! The plot of a thriller is usually driven by the villain, who makes obstacles that the hero must overcome.
Codes & Conventions:
The conventions of the thriller genre involve sound and editing e.g. quick cuts and camera angle, the music that gives tension. It can be to do with lighting, mainly shadows, mirrors and stairs. The codes and conventions are what the audiences expect to see in a thriller. In some/ a lot of the thriller movies they include action, adventure, sci- fi etc which is called Sub-Genres. This gives the audience more to look out for and can make the film much more exciting! What audiences expect to see is what producers need to include in attracting their audience.
Locations, Set Designs, Costumes and Props
Thrillers often take place in exotic settings such as foreign cities, deserts, polar regions, or high seas. but it often depends o the type of thriller film (for example a Crime Thriller can be set in a crime scene in a busy city etc). Thrillers always tend to have hero's, they may be ordinary citizens, Strong Men (that are used to danger). On the other hand women hero's have become common for example the female main character in the movie Alien (1979). Characters in Thriller films usually wear dark casual clothing's or a suite, which signifies that they are normal citizens working and living their lives. This all helps to make the thriller realistic.
Other Sub Genres of thriller films are:
-Action Thriller
-Sci-Fi
-Conspiricy Thriller
-Crime Thriller
-Political Thriller
Examples of famous Thriller films are:
-Phone Booth
-The Bourne Identitiy
-Jurassic Park
-The Da Vinci Code
-Angels & Demons
A Thriller is not only what their stories are about, but also how they are told. its got to be up to High standards, always keeping the audience engaged. Also non-stop action, plot twists that both surprise and excite, settings that are both vibrant and exotic, and an intense pace that never lets up until the the main plot is let out! The plot of a thriller is usually driven by the villain, who makes obstacles that the hero must overcome.
Codes & Conventions:
The conventions of the thriller genre involve sound and editing e.g. quick cuts and camera angle, the music that gives tension. It can be to do with lighting, mainly shadows, mirrors and stairs. The codes and conventions are what the audiences expect to see in a thriller. In some/ a lot of the thriller movies they include action, adventure, sci- fi etc which is called Sub-Genres. This gives the audience more to look out for and can make the film much more exciting! What audiences expect to see is what producers need to include in attracting their audience.
Locations, Set Designs, Costumes and Props
Thrillers often take place in exotic settings such as foreign cities, deserts, polar regions, or high seas. but it often depends o the type of thriller film (for example a Crime Thriller can be set in a crime scene in a busy city etc). Thrillers always tend to have hero's, they may be ordinary citizens, Strong Men (that are used to danger). On the other hand women hero's have become common for example the female main character in the movie Alien (1979). Characters in Thriller films usually wear dark casual clothing's or a suite, which signifies that they are normal citizens working and living their lives. This all helps to make the thriller realistic.
Other Sub Genres of thriller films are:
-Action Thriller
-Sci-Fi
-Conspiricy Thriller
-Crime Thriller
-Political Thriller
Examples of famous Thriller films are:
-Phone Booth
-The Bourne Identitiy
-Jurassic Park
-The Da Vinci Code
-Angels & Demons
Type Of Shots (1st Media Lesson)
In Media, I recently had a lesson on the type of shots that are used in the Media profession, and the type of shots we will be using.
Example of shots mensioned were:
Close up shots
Over the Shoulder Shots
Two shot
Low angle
Worms eye view, Long shots
Zooming
and Many More!
Example of shots mensioned were:
Close up shots
Over the Shoulder Shots
Two shot
Low angle
Worms eye view, Long shots
Zooming
and Many More!
Evaluation – Filming Around The School
Evaluation – Filming Around The School
Today In Media we were set a task, to be in groups of 3, to film a journey in school (Brit)of our choice using a tripod and camera. This task enabled us to get used to using the camera and working in groups. In my group there was Nikki, James & myself.
I have been now been reminded how to use a camera, as I use one at home. When working in groups you realise that everyone has an idea and we have to work as a team to decide on one result.
I enjoyed the task because it helped me to explore the different times of shots and experiencing how to direct. The types of shots we used were, close up shots, over the shoulder shots, two shot, low angle, worms eye view, Long shots & zooming.
I now look forward to the future of this course in making thriller Films!
Today In Media we were set a task, to be in groups of 3, to film a journey in school (Brit)of our choice using a tripod and camera. This task enabled us to get used to using the camera and working in groups. In my group there was Nikki, James & myself.
I have been now been reminded how to use a camera, as I use one at home. When working in groups you realise that everyone has an idea and we have to work as a team to decide on one result.
I enjoyed the task because it helped me to explore the different times of shots and experiencing how to direct. The types of shots we used were, close up shots, over the shoulder shots, two shot, low angle, worms eye view, Long shots & zooming.
I now look forward to the future of this course in making thriller Films!
Monday, 28 September 2009
Hi - Introduction To Shanice
Hi,
My name Is Shanice, I'm currently a Music student at Brit and have chosen to study AS Media! I Chose to study Media because I do a lot of it in my spare time and wanted to learn more in preparation for my future. Also I like technology, designing, analysing and the Media! The course helps me with certain areas within my music course and I have been considering studying it at University! I will benefit from both practical and theory sides of the course as it offers film making, analysing etc and will increase my knowledge.
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