Importance of Sound
Music in our opening sequence played a large role, we used it to allow the audience to distinguish the moods in the movie. We used music to build tension and therefore creating an atmosphere the represents the setting showed on screen. Therefore our music choices had to be thought of carefully and I personally think that it was indeed. For example the use of Wake by Linkin Park for the dream scene helped to build enigma, give it a creepy/ haunted feel giving it a un-natural atmosphere connecting it with the convention of psychological thrillers, so music also helped the audience also identify the genre of the opening sequence. It also gradually went louder making it build tension. We also used Something In the Way by Nirvana after the character woke up, this was used to reflect how the character feels without her even explaining her self. This track showed that the character is feeling negative/ un-happy. To ensure that all the music reinforces the mood of the setting and characters we tried several tracks before our final choice, and after all the experimentation we came to an agreement that these tracks would be the most appropriate to our opening sequence.
Exploring sound
In conclusion to this as a group we understood the significance of sound to our final product. Therefore sound can be used the express different moods and distinguish the settings from one another. We explored different tracks to our opening sequence to support this fact.
(We attached these songs by importing it to the iTunes Library and then thought that dragging it to our iMovie file (opening sequence), we made sure that it was placed in the right place using the iMovie time line.)
(The original opening sequence)
* From 1 minuet 10 seconds we added different music to our clip, from a negative slow song to a happy lively song.
Here is the preview of it;
After adding a completely different song that is more upbeat and positive to the opening sequence, the mood completely changed from before and contradicted the music at the dream part. It made it seem more positive and indicated happiness rather than sadness and negativity. Therefore one track can completely change the meaning we want to give to the audience. This supported the fact that sound has a significant impact on a movie, as it builds the atmosphere and gives the audience a hind on what the story line is like, whether is a "happy" type or a sad "type".
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
Saturday, 3 April 2010
What I feel I have learnt in the progression from I to the full product?
During the preliminary task I used a variety of shots. For example I used over the shoulder shots during the conversation, medium shots, wide shorts and close ups. This allowed us to give the audience a clear view of what’s happening and change the form of shot depending on the situation, for example to show the angry emotions of the character we used extreme close-ups. During the preliminary task I mainly focused on using a variety of clear shots to demonstrate my ability in using different shots and angles. The techniques that we used were much more less complex to what we did in are opening sequence for example the main form of editing we used was straight cuts.
The above shot is a simple wide shot, establishing the setting to the audience, as the setting plays a big role in the narrative (school).
We used match on action, from where the girl goes to the door to her right inside, we did this to make it short and at the same time keep the interest
ofthe audience.
1- 2-
The above scene is a tracking shot to follow the characters steps and to also let the audience focus on the movement of the character.
This is my priliminary task;
At 1 minute 11 seconds of our opening sequence we adjusted the sound with the clip that the character presses the alarm making the audience think that as she presses the button music is played, this makes it more effective.
We used match on action, from where the girl goes to the door to her right inside, we did this to make it short and at the same time keep the interest
ofthe audience.
1- 2-
The above shots is an over the shoulder shot, to show the view from one character indicating it is a conversation.
The above shot is a close-up shot showing to the audience the emotions of the character.
The above scene is a tracking shot to follow the characters steps and to also let the audience focus on the movement of the character.
This is my priliminary task;
For my opening sequence I used a combination of special effects, sound and transitions that developed my skills from the prilimary task.
Here are the examples;
This is a wide shot establishing the setting, this also clearly shows the atmosphere of the thriller. We also used special effects to explain its negativity, as we used black and white effects and increased the volume of the birds to cleary demonstrate to the audience that its "scary".
This is a closeup used to identify the psychological character almost making her seem supernatural! We also used black and white effects to continue the negativity of the atmosphere, therefore the use of black and white effect was used through the dream during the oppening sequence.
This is a extreeme wide shot establishing the stting and also the character, we also used it to give the audience a feeling that this psychological/ "different" character is isolated.
During the opening sequence i also developed skills using transitions, the above screenshot shows a wide shot were we used a transition (fade in), we used this so that different shots could all connect rather than seem random. It also makes it look "dreamy", as dreams usually have an unrealistic factor.
For the scene were the character wakes up we used a close-up of her face, we used this so that the audience can identify the characters emotions after she experiences the "weird" dream.
At 1 minute 11 seconds of our opening sequence we adjusted the sound with the clip that the character presses the alarm making the audience think that as she presses the button music is played, this makes it more effective.
During the conversation above between both characters we used over the shoulder shots so that the audience can see the view from both characters as one of them is talking. We used this so that the audience can get a full perspective of what's happening. We also used it so that the audience can see the facial expressions of characters.
In the above shot we used steady-cam so that the camera would focus on the character and their movement, and at the same time also establish the setting. I also darkened the background so that it seems that time has passed by and she on her way back, this also increases the continuity of the scene.
In the above scene (character on the bus) we used a transition to link the dream with what is happening showing the audience that what she sees in her dream is repeated making the narrative more clear. Both clips fade in together, as you can see from the above screenshot.
Friday, 2 April 2010
How does your media product represent particular social groups?
Various British Age Certificates:
Universal: All ages admitted, there is nothing unsuitable for children.
Parental Guidance : General viewing, but certain scenes may be unsuitable for children under 8.
12 A: May be unsuitable for under 12s. Those aged under 12 are only admitted if accompanied by an adult at all times during the performance (onlu cinema related).
12: Suitable only for those aged 12 and over. No-one younger than 12 can rent or buy a 12 rated VHS, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, UMD or game.
15: Suitable only for those aged 15 and over. Nobody younger than 15 can see a 15 film in a cinema. No-one younger than 15 can rent or buy a 15 rated VHS, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, UMD or game. .
18: Suitable only for adults. Nobody younger than 18 may see an 18 film in a cinema. No-one younger than 18 can rent or buy an 18 rated VHS, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, UMD or game.
R18: For adults only. May only be shown at licensed cinemas or sold at sex shops, and only to people aged 18 or over.
The Age certification of our movie would be 15, this is because it is only suitable for people above 15 years and this fits with the target audience of the movie. As it is a psychological thriller it is therefore not appropriate for youngsters and children as it can affect them mentally. Also the story line is based on old teenagers 16-18 making it more relevant to viewers of that age, also it is not an 18 as it does not have anything sexual, or too violent, just blood and "scary" characters, this is part of the conventions of psychological thrillers.
Click here to see my audience primary research done before we started the production process, includes analysis of results.
Prom Night is a thriller movie with a very similar target audience, it is aimed at over 15's, specifically 16-18 year olds, which is very similar to our target audience. The movie makes it very clear who it is aimed at through the type of characters it has, the characters in the movie are mainly teenagers making it more relevant to those viewers and at the fact it revolves around prom which is experienced my teenagers.
This is the trailer of prom night;
As you can clearly see that the characters, basis of the narrative and setting all relates back to the audience. The trailer focuses on the young characters, and the lives of teenagers who have just finished high school and therefore allowing the target audience to relate to it. The film idea of Prom night is a young girl (Donna) in 2005 returns home to find her brother and father dead. She hides under the bed as, her former teacher, killed her mother in front of her. Three years later, she has been in therapy and she tells her therapist about the recurring dream of that night. Donna is now living with her aunt and uncle, and is about to graduate from high school. She and her friends are getting ready to attend their senior prom that night, from the arrival to her prom venue it all starts, when she finds her former teacher stalking her, and one by one her friends are killed by him. This is both a horror thriller and a psychological thriller as the girl experiences dreams that actually have a meaning, which is similar to what our main character experiences also as a teenager. However it lays a larger focus on the scary character that’s here to deliberately kill, therefore this movie may seem more gruesome. Therefore my movie is much more realistic.
The Attic movie is rated 16 according to Germany. This is because there is Frightening/Intense Scenes, Violence (the daughter kills her parents), little use of bad language, and minimal sexual scenes and use of drugs. It has a smilar target audience to mine, of older teenagers this is probably due to the fact that the main character who is mainly focused on is that age. The synopsis of the movie is; a girl (Emma) who has a strong aversion towards her family’s new house, especially the attic. After moving in, she becomes miserable and suspicious. The rest of her family also seems unhappy and unsettled. The situation gets to extreeme when one day Emma is in the attic alone. All of a sudden someone who looks like Emma’s identical twin sister attacks her viciously.
This is the trailer of The Attic movie:
Audience Profile
Age: 15-18.
This is because the age certificate is 15, so youngsters can not watch it, also it needs someone with a good level of maturity to understand the narrative. Also the characters are of that age making it more relavent to that particular age. Old people may not find it as entertaining as characters are young therefore can not relate or understand the characters.
Gender:
It is aimed at both genders, as it is not gender specific this also allows us to have wide marketing and does not limit the size of audience the movie receives.
Interests:
Technology (gadgets), listening to music, going out, socialising and internet. (Modern teenagers)
Dress Sense:
Fashionable but yet simple, the usual teenager like and also "emo" style teenagers.
Entertainment they are into:
Movies;
Thrillers, Horrors and Romantic movies.
Music;
No specific type, both R&B, Hip Hop and Rock fans would be into the movie, as it does not segment the audience.
Why would they like the movie?
As it is not completely unrealistic, there is no used of super natural characters, but more of psychological, suspicious characters. It also related to the audience using the; clothes, age of characters and the settings that are in are normal lives.
Types of people that would watch the movie:
Universal: All ages admitted, there is nothing unsuitable for children.
12: Suitable only for those aged 12 and over. No-one younger than 12 can rent or buy a 12 rated VHS, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, UMD or game.
15: Suitable only for those aged 15 and over. Nobody younger than 15 can see a 15 film in a cinema. No-one younger than 15 can rent or buy a 15 rated VHS, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, UMD or game. .
18: Suitable only for adults. Nobody younger than 18 may see an 18 film in a cinema. No-one younger than 18 can rent or buy an 18 rated VHS, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, UMD or game.
R18: For adults only. May only be shown at licensed cinemas or sold at sex shops, and only to people aged 18 or over. The Age certification of our movie would be 15, this is because it is only suitable for people above 15 years and this fits with the target audience of the movie. As it is a psychological thriller it is therefore not appropriate for youngsters and children as it can affect them mentally. Also the story line is based on old teenagers 16-18 making it more relevant to viewers of that age, also it is not an 18 as it does not have anything sexual, or too violent, just blood and "scary" characters, this is part of the conventions of psychological thrillers.
Click here to see my audience primary research done before we started the production process, includes analysis of results.
Prom Night is a thriller movie with a very similar target audience, it is aimed at over 15's, specifically 16-18 year olds, which is very similar to our target audience. The movie makes it very clear who it is aimed at through the type of characters it has, the characters in the movie are mainly teenagers making it more relevant to those viewers and at the fact it revolves around prom which is experienced my teenagers.
This is the trailer of prom night;
As you can clearly see that the characters, basis of the narrative and setting all relates back to the audience. The trailer focuses on the young characters, and the lives of teenagers who have just finished high school and therefore allowing the target audience to relate to it. The film idea of Prom night is a young girl (Donna) in 2005 returns home to find her brother and father dead. She hides under the bed as, her former teacher, killed her mother in front of her. Three years later, she has been in therapy and she tells her therapist about the recurring dream of that night. Donna is now living with her aunt and uncle, and is about to graduate from high school. She and her friends are getting ready to attend their senior prom that night, from the arrival to her prom venue it all starts, when she finds her former teacher stalking her, and one by one her friends are killed by him. This is both a horror thriller and a psychological thriller as the girl experiences dreams that actually have a meaning, which is similar to what our main character experiences also as a teenager. However it lays a larger focus on the scary character that’s here to deliberately kill, therefore this movie may seem more gruesome. Therefore my movie is much more realistic.
The Attic movie is rated 16 according to Germany. This is because there is Frightening/Intense Scenes, Violence (the daughter kills her parents), little use of bad language, and minimal sexual scenes and use of drugs. It has a smilar target audience to mine, of older teenagers this is probably due to the fact that the main character who is mainly focused on is that age. The synopsis of the movie is; a girl (Emma) who has a strong aversion towards her family’s new house, especially the attic. After moving in, she becomes miserable and suspicious. The rest of her family also seems unhappy and unsettled. The situation gets to extreeme when one day Emma is in the attic alone. All of a sudden someone who looks like Emma’s identical twin sister attacks her viciously.
This is the trailer of The Attic movie:
Audience Profile
Age: 15-18.
This is because the age certificate is 15, so youngsters can not watch it, also it needs someone with a good level of maturity to understand the narrative. Also the characters are of that age making it more relavent to that particular age. Old people may not find it as entertaining as characters are young therefore can not relate or understand the characters.
Gender:
It is aimed at both genders, as it is not gender specific this also allows us to have wide marketing and does not limit the size of audience the movie receives.
Interests:
Technology (gadgets), listening to music, going out, socialising and internet. (Modern teenagers)
Dress Sense:
Fashionable but yet simple, the usual teenager like and also "emo" style teenagers.
Entertainment they are into:
Movies;
Thrillers, Horrors and Romantic movies.
Music;
No specific type, both R&B, Hip Hop and Rock fans would be into the movie, as it does not segment the audience.
Why would they like the movie?
As it is not completely unrealistic, there is no used of super natural characters, but more of psychological, suspicious characters. It also related to the audience using the; clothes, age of characters and the settings that are in are normal lives.
Types of people that would watch the movie:
Thursday, 1 April 2010
How does my media product represent particular social groups?
Click here to see my characters profile
Click here to see the comparisons of our characters to other thriller Movie characters
Jessica Alba from The Eye movie is similar to Michelle Murray in my opening sequence as they both experience psychological issues that may seem abnormal or un-real. They also psychically have the same natural look that people can relate to and the calm actions. The only difference between both characters is that Jessica Alba is older and Michelle Murray is in her youth.
Daveigh Chase (Samara) from The Ring is similar to Natalie Keeny in my oppening sequence as they are both psycho characters, that may seem supernatural due to their abnormatlity and isolation. They also have phsysically the same appearance of being pale, with dark hair and extreemly simple dress.
Anna Kendrick from the movie Twilight is similar to Nadia Lalji in my opening sequence as she is young, bubbly and the typical teenage girl. They also have similar characteristics as they enjoy gossiping which supports the stereotype of girls, and can be annoying.
Click here to see the comparisons of our characters to other thriller Movie characters
Jessica Alba from The Eye movie is similar to Michelle Murray in my opening sequence as they both experience psychological issues that may seem abnormal or un-real. They also psychically have the same natural look that people can relate to and the calm actions. The only difference between both characters is that Jessica Alba is older and Michelle Murray is in her youth.
Daveigh Chase (Samara) from The Ring is similar to Natalie Keeny in my oppening sequence as they are both psycho characters, that may seem supernatural due to their abnormatlity and isolation. They also have phsysically the same appearance of being pale, with dark hair and extreemly simple dress.
Anna Kendrick from the movie Twilight is similar to Nadia Lalji in my opening sequence as she is young, bubbly and the typical teenage girl. They also have similar characteristics as they enjoy gossiping which supports the stereotype of girls, and can be annoying.
Wednesday, 31 March 2010
How Did I attract/ Address the audience?
.
The video above is my final oppening sequence for the thriller (Reinventing Your Exit)
Click here to view the analysis of the questionaire I did before making the oppening sequence
After finishing the opening sequence, we screened it to nine people, after that we collected feedback from them through a questionnaire. Here are the results;
The first question showed how many people enjoyed the opening sequence the majority chose 3, which is satisfactory the rest chose 4 which represents relatively good. Therefore the majority were satisfied and enjoyed the film, however not to the extreme excitement.
The below question was used to see if our movie would attract audiences. No one said they would not see the movie which shows that the majority is likely to watch our movie, which means we have successfully engaged our target audience.
The video above is my final oppening sequence for the thriller (Reinventing Your Exit)
Click here to view the analysis of the questionaire I did before making the oppening sequence
After finishing the opening sequence, we screened it to nine people, after that we collected feedback from them through a questionnaire. Here are the results;
The first question showed how many people enjoyed the opening sequence the majority chose 3, which is satisfactory the rest chose 4 which represents relatively good. Therefore the majority were satisfied and enjoyed the film, however not to the extreme excitement.
The above question showed that the majority understood the Narrative fully or a little. As it is an opening sequence we did not expect everyone to understand it as the beginning of the movies usually causes confusion to the audience. The result showed that our opening sequence is understandable which supports the fact the movie is simple rather than complex to the audience. 
What do you think of the effects?
-The effects were relatively good'
-Lovely'
-I think they set for something good to happen'
-Good'
-They're good'
-The music' (??????)
-Very effective at the beggining'
All the above answers are positive showing that we have used the effects features succesfully.
What could be improved?
-Clearer narrative'
-'The narrative'
-'Narrative clearer'
-'The talking interacting scene between chracters a little confusing'
-'Make narrative clearer'
-'The shot of the two people talking talk louder'
Majority of the participants wanted the narrative simpler and the scene with the characters talking simpler. Therefore through this we knew that if we had to improve it we would focus on the conversation scene to make it more understandable and louder against the loud background noises. The fact that the narrative may seem confusing is not a big problem as it is only the first couple of minutes of the whole movie so it is expected to make people slightly confused to make people more eager to sit down and see what will happen.
Youtube FeedBack
The above question asked the audience if they thought the opening sequence built suspense, most people thought it did or it partly did, therefore our opening sequence successfully gave the audience the impression instantly that it is a thriller.
The above question was very simple, we wanted to make sure that our opening sequence successfully engages the audience, majority said that it did, and the rest it grabbed their attention "a little", (only one person said it did not). Therefore the opening sequence engages the audience even though it is a couple of minutes, keeping them captivated and focuses on the narrative.
-The effects were relatively good'
-Lovely'
-I think they set for something good to happen'
-Good'
-They're good'
-The music' (??????)
-Very effective at the beggining'
All the above answers are positive showing that we have used the effects features succesfully.
What could be improved?
-Clearer narrative'
-'The narrative'
-'Narrative clearer'
-'The talking interacting scene between chracters a little confusing'
-'Make narrative clearer'
-'The shot of the two people talking talk louder'
Majority of the participants wanted the narrative simpler and the scene with the characters talking simpler. Therefore through this we knew that if we had to improve it we would focus on the conversation scene to make it more understandable and louder against the loud background noises. The fact that the narrative may seem confusing is not a big problem as it is only the first couple of minutes of the whole movie so it is expected to make people slightly confused to make people more eager to sit down and see what will happen.
Youtube FeedBack
The below question was used to see if our movie would attract audiences. No one said they would not see the movie which shows that the majority is likely to watch our movie, which means we have successfully engaged our target audience.
What Kind of Media Institution might distribute my media product and why?
The Eye is a thriller movie that is similar to our oppening sequence, especielly narrative wise.
The distributor company of this movie is Lions Gate, it is an Canadian entertainment company that has existed in different incarnations. It has distributed many movies and not just thriller anticipated movies showing how it is versatile. As of 2007, it is the most commercially successful independent film and television distribution company in North America. A company like this less likely to distribute our movie as our movie does not have a large budget and is British.
This is the trailer of The Eye Movie;
The fact that Jessica Alba is the main character in the movie itself tells the audience that it has been distributed by a well known established company as Jessica Alba is an A-list star making her very expensive to hire to star in a movie. Also there marketing techniques were heavy making it clearly that it is distributed by a strong American company that has the financial sources to do so.
27 Dresses is an American romantic comedy therefore it is very different to our opening sequence. Its distribution company is Fox 2000 Pictures, it is one of the six major American film studios as of 2010. It is also a large American company owned by News Corporation which is the second largest conglomerate, making it a successful distributer that has a lot of financial sources. Most movies that this company distributes are either "soft horrors", romantic comedies e.g. 27 dresses, and Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Therefore it would not be the ideal or matching distributer for our movie, especially as it is one of the six major American film studios and does not focus on our type genre (psychological thrillers).
This is 27 Dresses Trailer;
This trailer clearly shows that it is distributed by a major film company (Fox 2000 Picture) as it clearly shows the fact there are A-list stars in the movie, such as Kathrin Heigle and this itself identifies the movie by being high budget. Also it brings up the fact that it is from the producers of Devil Wears Prada which is also a well known successful movie, which all links back to the fact that it is clearly distributed by a well known established company that can afford to distribute a highly financed movie.
Donnie Darko is an America movie that was release in 2002 in the UK. It is a Sci-Fi thriller that revolves around a troubled teenager who is surrounded by visions of a large bunny rabbit that manipulates him to commit a series of crimes, after narrowly escaping a bizarre accident. Similarly to our opening sequence it revolves around a teenagers life making the target audience similar to ours, also the cast were mainly less known or established as actors at the time, making it also similar to ours, as the main focus does not surround around A-list stars, such as Jessica Alba in The Eye.
This is the trailer of the movie;
As you can see the movie is distributed by Pandora which is also the company that we chose to distribute our movie, this is a German independent production and distribution company that is not as "big" as Lionsgate or has a big share in the movie distribution business. As it is also a production company allowing us the co-produce the movie therefore helping us to finance the movie. We chose this company also to distribute our movie as it is international allowing the movie to be seen globally (At least around Europe) and as it distributes similar movies to ours making it more relevant to us as it has more experience in out specific genre. Also our movie does not have A-list stars or a large budget making a company like this more suitable. Also competition would be less fierce between the movies in the same distribution company unlike Lionsgate for example, as the distribute dozens at once limiting the focus on each film. (Pandora only accept independent films that are of a specific genre; including mystery, historical and experimental.)
The distributor company of this movie is Lions Gate, it is an Canadian entertainment company that has existed in different incarnations. It has distributed many movies and not just thriller anticipated movies showing how it is versatile. As of 2007, it is the most commercially successful independent film and television distribution company in North America. A company like this less likely to distribute our movie as our movie does not have a large budget and is British.
This is the trailer of The Eye Movie;
The fact that Jessica Alba is the main character in the movie itself tells the audience that it has been distributed by a well known established company as Jessica Alba is an A-list star making her very expensive to hire to star in a movie. Also there marketing techniques were heavy making it clearly that it is distributed by a strong American company that has the financial sources to do so.
27 Dresses is an American romantic comedy therefore it is very different to our opening sequence. Its distribution company is Fox 2000 Pictures, it is one of the six major American film studios as of 2010. It is also a large American company owned by News Corporation which is the second largest conglomerate, making it a successful distributer that has a lot of financial sources. Most movies that this company distributes are either "soft horrors", romantic comedies e.g. 27 dresses, and Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Therefore it would not be the ideal or matching distributer for our movie, especially as it is one of the six major American film studios and does not focus on our type genre (psychological thrillers).
This is 27 Dresses Trailer;
This trailer clearly shows that it is distributed by a major film company (Fox 2000 Picture) as it clearly shows the fact there are A-list stars in the movie, such as Kathrin Heigle and this itself identifies the movie by being high budget. Also it brings up the fact that it is from the producers of Devil Wears Prada which is also a well known successful movie, which all links back to the fact that it is clearly distributed by a well known established company that can afford to distribute a highly financed movie.
Donnie Darko is an America movie that was release in 2002 in the UK. It is a Sci-Fi thriller that revolves around a troubled teenager who is surrounded by visions of a large bunny rabbit that manipulates him to commit a series of crimes, after narrowly escaping a bizarre accident. Similarly to our opening sequence it revolves around a teenagers life making the target audience similar to ours, also the cast were mainly less known or established as actors at the time, making it also similar to ours, as the main focus does not surround around A-list stars, such as Jessica Alba in The Eye.
This is the trailer of the movie;
As you can see the movie is distributed by Pandora which is also the company that we chose to distribute our movie, this is a German independent production and distribution company that is not as "big" as Lionsgate or has a big share in the movie distribution business. As it is also a production company allowing us the co-produce the movie therefore helping us to finance the movie. We chose this company also to distribute our movie as it is international allowing the movie to be seen globally (At least around Europe) and as it distributes similar movies to ours making it more relevant to us as it has more experience in out specific genre. Also our movie does not have A-list stars or a large budget making a company like this more suitable. Also competition would be less fierce between the movies in the same distribution company unlike Lionsgate for example, as the distribute dozens at once limiting the focus on each film. (Pandora only accept independent films that are of a specific genre; including mystery, historical and experimental.)
Wednesday, 24 March 2010
In what Ways in which my media product uses, develops, or challenges forms and conventions of real media products?
Thriller films opening sequences are easily identified by the audience to be a thriller, through the use of conventions that almost stereotype it to thriller movies.
For example with the typical conventions that the audience expect to see like blood, rain, darkness, screaming, tears, weapons, heroes and psychological characters. However not all thriller opening sequences begin being very negative at dis-equilibrium but some start at equilibrium to portray a more positive image, and then the flow of the film changes to disequilibrium. My opening sequence had a lot of thriller film conventions like blood, darkness, and the "evil" character, therefore it supports the basis of thriller films opening sequences.
In comparison to The Eye thriller opening sequence;
The eye starts looking very scary, negative and unreal, this is similar to my opening sequence however The Eye also includes sounds like screams rather than music over it which I did in my opening sequence. Therefore both opening sequences portray fear in different ways, The Eye makes it obvious that something "bad" is happening to people but my opening sequence creates mystery in the audiences eyes as it is not that obvious of what is actually happening, however this may seem un-natural as music in circumstances like this would not be played at the background. The use of particular conventions in my opening sequence like blood, psychological character, empty space and darkness indicate that the film is a thriller and also shows it's similarity to other thrillers.
A complete change in mood occurs in The Eye opening sequence it becomes much more 'real' and positive, this completely contradicts the start of the opening sequence, however the use of pathetic fallacy restores the negative atmosphere portrayed at the start. This is also similar to my opening sequence as at the beginning it's at disequilibrium (which is the dream) and then as the character wakes up it becomes normal like any normal day a person experiences. This makes it much more realistic, the negativity is also restored as the character see's the setting she saw in the dream.
In comparison to Awake thriller opening sequence;
This opening sequence is very different to my opening sequence. It begins with text outlining a real life case, this is very different to typical thriller opening sequence as it usually starts with the action, text continues for the first 1 minute of the opening sequence. The text at the start gives an indication of what will be involved in the movie.
Slow negative music progresses after the text, this brings back the fact it is a thriller and is quite negative, i also used sound to create and atmosphere and negative/ mystery feel. After this it is all 'normal', with a natural atmosphere and you can hear characters talking.This thriller film sequence is completly at equilibrium, this challanges the typical conventions of thriller films, however this makes the story line less obvious and allows the audience to be suspicious of what could happen! Whereas my oppening sequence starts at complete dis-equilbrium, and then at equilbrium therefore both oppening sequences are very different.
Evidence of horror thriller conventions:
Black and white empty setting, with large old trees and black birds;
For example with the typical conventions that the audience expect to see like blood, rain, darkness, screaming, tears, weapons, heroes and psychological characters. However not all thriller opening sequences begin being very negative at dis-equilibrium but some start at equilibrium to portray a more positive image, and then the flow of the film changes to disequilibrium. My opening sequence had a lot of thriller film conventions like blood, darkness, and the "evil" character, therefore it supports the basis of thriller films opening sequences.
In comparison to The Eye thriller opening sequence;
The eye starts looking very scary, negative and unreal, this is similar to my opening sequence however The Eye also includes sounds like screams rather than music over it which I did in my opening sequence. Therefore both opening sequences portray fear in different ways, The Eye makes it obvious that something "bad" is happening to people but my opening sequence creates mystery in the audiences eyes as it is not that obvious of what is actually happening, however this may seem un-natural as music in circumstances like this would not be played at the background. The use of particular conventions in my opening sequence like blood, psychological character, empty space and darkness indicate that the film is a thriller and also shows it's similarity to other thrillers.
A complete change in mood occurs in The Eye opening sequence it becomes much more 'real' and positive, this completely contradicts the start of the opening sequence, however the use of pathetic fallacy restores the negative atmosphere portrayed at the start. This is also similar to my opening sequence as at the beginning it's at disequilibrium (which is the dream) and then as the character wakes up it becomes normal like any normal day a person experiences. This makes it much more realistic, the negativity is also restored as the character see's the setting she saw in the dream.
In comparison to Awake thriller opening sequence;
This opening sequence is very different to my opening sequence. It begins with text outlining a real life case, this is very different to typical thriller opening sequence as it usually starts with the action, text continues for the first 1 minute of the opening sequence. The text at the start gives an indication of what will be involved in the movie.
Evidence of horror thriller conventions:
Black and white empty setting, with large old trees and black birds;
An empty quite road, with just one "random" character in the middle indicating danger. It is dark and looks un-usual for something like that to happen.
The psychological character, with typical features such as pale skin, subtle features, and long black hair. Also her clothes are plain.
A big, dark, empy setting that looks un-naturel, with a random person standing alone with no arms revealed.
A "special" buliding, it is a mental institute which indicates negativity and sadness. Also it is blury which is also dreamy and can seem super naturel, it can also seem haunted.
Blood; A very typical convention of a horror thriller, it indicates death, re-birth, life, pain and also love!
Preliminary Task Essay
I have learnt a lot from my preliminary task as I now know the different kinds of shots used in videos or movies, and how you can use the camera to create a more professional recording. It also benefited me in my team work skills, as I worked in a group and we had to gather ideas and see which would be the most convenient and ideal, I also learnt new editing skills that can help me in the actual practical.
The three principles that we used in the camera shots were extremely useful and needed in are video, as it made us have better quality video, as we used professional skills. The 180 degree rule maintains the line of action that should not be crossed; it is like a boundary for the camera, so that there would be continuity. We used this when the two characters where sitting on the table having a conversation, this let the audience see that both characters are looking at one another on the same side of the shot and that they have direct contact with one another.
Shot reverse shot was used to show the dialogue sequence between both characters, to show the view of each character when they are talking/ arguing, so that the audience can have a full view of what is going on and let the audience to focus on both characters that are having the conversation.
We also used Match on action which is a technique used in film editing, it connects two different views of the same action, the same movement by carefully matching the movement across the two shots, film makers make the motion continue un interrupted. We used this when the main character was walking up the stairs and walking towards the table, this helped to not bore the audience and keep them watching rather than let them watch every step of the character, so it kept the audience engages.
Storyboarding was very helpful during the preliminary task. Firstly it helped put our idea on paper, to visualise it before taking it into action. The story board helped us know what we needed to do, including types of shot and affects so that we would have a plan of what we will do in order to accomplish the video we visualised, so that we would not go on set without having a clue of what we need to do. The storyboard was like a guide that we used to follow or even improve on.
In our preliminary task we used editing, we did this a lot in order to cut shots, and put them in order to create meaning to the audience, so that it would make sense and move in a flow. During editing we also deleted unneeded shots, and kept some unneeded shots for the credits. We also used editing for our match on action shots, in order to use the match on action technique we would need to connect two different parts of the same action together, and yet make it flow. We also used our editing techniques to add the remarks of the video, such as actors and the name of the video. We also added in most scenes high contrast, to define the colours in the scenes more and make it eye catching. We used transitions only twice so that it would not seem reparative and unprofessional. We used transitions at the start of the video, showing the main character fading out slightly when she is walking towards the door and entering the building. The second transition used was at the end of the video, which is towards the end of the credits; this made them fade slowly as if the characters are escaping off screen, this also made the audience aware that this is the end of the video, rather than ending it in a sudden, which is quite unprofessional.
We came up with this idea as a group and made sure that it would embody the three principles and yet make sense. We tried to make it as simple as possible so that it we would complete it by the deadline given, so we based it on two characters. The main character walks in temper towards the building and door which helped us use match on action which is one of the principles, and then we used the 180 degree rule and shot reverse shot to show a ‘random’ conversation happening between both characters. We wanted to make it humorous so we made the girl be angry at the girl for now reason, and interrupt her study time, and just go and shout at her saying ‘I know what you did’, the conversation continues from her to show the characters emotions with the use of close ups. This was very basic and only took us a lesson to gather the idea together, and finalise it.
The three principles that we used in the camera shots were extremely useful and needed in are video, as it made us have better quality video, as we used professional skills. The 180 degree rule maintains the line of action that should not be crossed; it is like a boundary for the camera, so that there would be continuity. We used this when the two characters where sitting on the table having a conversation, this let the audience see that both characters are looking at one another on the same side of the shot and that they have direct contact with one another.
Shot reverse shot was used to show the dialogue sequence between both characters, to show the view of each character when they are talking/ arguing, so that the audience can have a full view of what is going on and let the audience to focus on both characters that are having the conversation.
We also used Match on action which is a technique used in film editing, it connects two different views of the same action, the same movement by carefully matching the movement across the two shots, film makers make the motion continue un interrupted. We used this when the main character was walking up the stairs and walking towards the table, this helped to not bore the audience and keep them watching rather than let them watch every step of the character, so it kept the audience engages.
Storyboarding was very helpful during the preliminary task. Firstly it helped put our idea on paper, to visualise it before taking it into action. The story board helped us know what we needed to do, including types of shot and affects so that we would have a plan of what we will do in order to accomplish the video we visualised, so that we would not go on set without having a clue of what we need to do. The storyboard was like a guide that we used to follow or even improve on.
In our preliminary task we used editing, we did this a lot in order to cut shots, and put them in order to create meaning to the audience, so that it would make sense and move in a flow. During editing we also deleted unneeded shots, and kept some unneeded shots for the credits. We also used editing for our match on action shots, in order to use the match on action technique we would need to connect two different parts of the same action together, and yet make it flow. We also used our editing techniques to add the remarks of the video, such as actors and the name of the video. We also added in most scenes high contrast, to define the colours in the scenes more and make it eye catching. We used transitions only twice so that it would not seem reparative and unprofessional. We used transitions at the start of the video, showing the main character fading out slightly when she is walking towards the door and entering the building. The second transition used was at the end of the video, which is towards the end of the credits; this made them fade slowly as if the characters are escaping off screen, this also made the audience aware that this is the end of the video, rather than ending it in a sudden, which is quite unprofessional.
We came up with this idea as a group and made sure that it would embody the three principles and yet make sense. We tried to make it as simple as possible so that it we would complete it by the deadline given, so we based it on two characters. The main character walks in temper towards the building and door which helped us use match on action which is one of the principles, and then we used the 180 degree rule and shot reverse shot to show a ‘random’ conversation happening between both characters. We wanted to make it humorous so we made the girl be angry at the girl for now reason, and interrupt her study time, and just go and shout at her saying ‘I know what you did’, the conversation continues from her to show the characters emotions with the use of close ups. This was very basic and only took us a lesson to gather the idea together, and finalise it.
“The Eye” Textual analysis of thriller sequence
The Eye is horror, psychological thriller movie, in this essay I will be analysing the thriller sequence, through its editing, mise-en-sene, sound and camera shots. I analysed this thriller movie sequence as the thriller sequence I will construct is also a psychological horror thriller.
The thriller sequence of the movie starts with the production company, which introduces slowly the movies producers. We see the logo of the companies, but with sound at the same time, the music at the start is slow, negative and builds in tension gradually, this gives the audience the “horror” feeling already. The production companies are introduced on screen for 31 seconds, this get the user waiting eagerly to see what the movie is.
After this the screen is blank (completely black), for around 2-3 seconds, which forces the viewer to stay concentrating as nothing has yet happened. The screen is black; this shows negativity, a grim atmosphere, and lets the viewer thinks of what he or she may be expecting to see. The first proper scene that we see is a quick snap of an empty, dark field; this builds suspense for the viewer, the sequence begins with a lot of fast editing to capture the audiences’ attention. The fact that we do not see any faces of characters till 1 minute 47 seconds, this creates even more suspense and lets the viewer packed full of excitement as we see the sequence packed full of action, with hands, footsteps, and screams but yet no character is seen fully. Using Mise-en-sene we see quick shots of children running around the field screaming in fear, a bulb being put on, a “scary” setting, glass breaking and whispering, these all are conventions of a horror movie, therefore instantly the audience relates it to the horror genre and knows what to expect. This gets the audience filled with excitement as they are expecting to see something, especially after the super natural being appears and scares the girl. We see an extreme close up of a girl focusing on her eyes and tears, this shows the great level of emotion and fear in the girls eyes, but we still do not see her full face. This leaves the audience waiting to see who it is and therefore continue to watch the movie in great attention.
Conventions of a horror movie shown in the thriller;
The credits appear at the same time as when we see the character walking, so that we would identify who the main character is, and who else will be acting in the movie. The credits also appear depending on what is on screen, for example in the scene where she is playing the violin, the credits would say “music by ...” The credits are written in bold, white, Arial font, so it looks simple and yet easy to see in the dark background. The surprising thing is that the title of the movie does not appear in the thrillers sequence, which usually does not happen in movie sequences.
In the thriller sequence the main character introduces herself, rather than having the audience to try an understand her character. She speaks about herself, but not directly so that the audience hear her but she is not moving her mouth, as if she is speaking through her mind. This contradicts what happens at the start of the sequence and therefore challenges the audience and makes the viewer even more eager to know what will happen. Even though the opening sequence is around 5 minutes, the sequence is spread in about four different settings, the horror field and tent, the music theatre, on the street and a building. Therefore the thriller sequence is packed full of action, but it is yet minimal as it does not tell the storyline out, but gets the audience captured to the thriller.
The rain we see in the sequence when the main character enters a building (were her apartment is), restores the fact that it will not be all “happy”, as rain presents negativity and fear. The slow music that is played when the character is entering her apartment, builds suspense and fear for the viewer even though that nothing suspicious occurs or looks like it will occur. This lets the audience think to their self what may happen, and engage to the movie and even create assumptions of what may happen in the movie. The camera flow in the whole sequence is very smooth, and does not rush, but runs from one setting to another. The colours used in the sequence begin by being dark and dull, but when we are introduced the main character, its much brighter and the movie is seen in a different perspective.
This movie sequence is very different to many other movies, this is because it starts at disequilibrium in the first 1minuet 48 seconds, and then equilibrium, which make it very different to “typical” thriller movies, this itself can engage the audience to the movie and make them watch on.
Link to Movie’s first part; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wVU8CRESp4
(Analysed first 5minuets of it)
The thriller sequence of the movie starts with the production company, which introduces slowly the movies producers. We see the logo of the companies, but with sound at the same time, the music at the start is slow, negative and builds in tension gradually, this gives the audience the “horror” feeling already. The production companies are introduced on screen for 31 seconds, this get the user waiting eagerly to see what the movie is.
Conventions of a horror movie shown in the thriller;
However by 1 minute 32 seconds a complete change of mood in the sequence occurs. The setting is brighter, more natural and we see the “real world”. We get introduced to the main character; “Jessica Alba”, even the music in the background is smother and much more relaxed.
The credits appear at the same time as when we see the character walking, so that we would identify who the main character is, and who else will be acting in the movie. The credits also appear depending on what is on screen, for example in the scene where she is playing the violin, the credits would say “music by ...” The credits are written in bold, white, Arial font, so it looks simple and yet easy to see in the dark background. The surprising thing is that the title of the movie does not appear in the thrillers sequence, which usually does not happen in movie sequences.
In the thriller sequence the main character introduces herself, rather than having the audience to try an understand her character. She speaks about herself, but not directly so that the audience hear her but she is not moving her mouth, as if she is speaking through her mind. This contradicts what happens at the start of the sequence and therefore challenges the audience and makes the viewer even more eager to know what will happen. Even though the opening sequence is around 5 minutes, the sequence is spread in about four different settings, the horror field and tent, the music theatre, on the street and a building. Therefore the thriller sequence is packed full of action, but it is yet minimal as it does not tell the storyline out, but gets the audience captured to the thriller.
The rain we see in the sequence when the main character enters a building (were her apartment is), restores the fact that it will not be all “happy”, as rain presents negativity and fear. The slow music that is played when the character is entering her apartment, builds suspense and fear for the viewer even though that nothing suspicious occurs or looks like it will occur. This lets the audience think to their self what may happen, and engage to the movie and even create assumptions of what may happen in the movie. The camera flow in the whole sequence is very smooth, and does not rush, but runs from one setting to another. The colours used in the sequence begin by being dark and dull, but when we are introduced the main character, its much brighter and the movie is seen in a different perspective.
Link to Movie’s first part; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wVU8CRESp4
(Analysed first 5minuets of it)
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