Planning- Production Schedule



This is our planned production schedule which includes preparing for shooting and the days that we plan to shoot. It also includes the days that we wish to edit (depending on progress) during class as well as outside class.

Each week we have 3 lessons to complete our filming or editing. We are willing to come back out of lesson time to film or edit. We decided to start our filming Monday 11^th February where we have 2 hours to film. We decided that the filming will take at least two days to film so therefore planned to film during the 18^th February during half term. If extra time is needed we will have to consider when to film, but hopefully we do not reach that stage.



Planning - Storyboard

 

This is a rough sketch storyboard that we have produced we worked on what camera angles and what each shoot will be. However if we have any ideas comes into our minds while filming we will shoot them and decide when coming to editing which shots are best to use.



Storyboard p1








Storyboard p2

Pitch: Slideshow After Feedback/Final Outline

  PITCH NEEDS EDITING!!!!!!!

Pitch improvment from asmediaset


This is an improved various of our previous pitch. Our main criticism was on the plot of our action-thriller. It was named, 'to complicated', so we went back and rethought, coming up with similar ideas but a simpler concept. (Includes treatment for the whole film, target audience, location and props)

Pitch: Slideshow Before Feedback

Pitch 1 - Before Feedback from asmediaset

H/W Research 2: Thriller Conventions - Se7en

Se7en is a 1995 American mystery/crime-thriller, with horror and neo-noir elements.

The opening starts with a person writing in book a mysterious way, as well as putting things in it although we're not shown who's doing this therefore causing curiousity, reeling us in right away and gets our minds racing, making us want to know who the person is, why they are doing so, etc. This is an effect way to keep the audience interested. The are an array of shot types used to potray this well. There are also a lot of close ups of key props which help to create suspense. This is done throughout the movie.

In terms the type of editing used in Se7en during the title scene where the names were introduced, the editing was very jumpy and moved at a fast pace yet was very intersting to watch. Throughout the fim, there were many different type of cuts that portayed the idea of the film being a thiller well. It's use of prolonged shots helped to create tention and suspense as well as the rapid cuts between scenes.

The music in the title sequence is a fast paced electronic, upbeat soundtrack but throughout the film the sound is mostly omnious and diegetic which is usually very dominant within a thriller movie.

Research and Planning - First Ideas

After discussing with my group, we thought it'd be a good idea to incorporate different ideas from a variety of films such as Attack The Block and The Stepfather to create an action-thriller, but after further deliberation and feedback from our peers and teachers after our pitch, we came to realise it would indeed be difficult to portray so much in the little two minutes we're given to avail. Our original Title was '34 Hours', in which we'd hoped to include a wide range of plots but as pointed, it would be a struggle when trying to show all elements without it being confusing and misleading. Instead, we took a different approach and decide to strip back and stick to one main idea as advised by Dan. We went back and did some more research on other thriller film opening and came up with a much more simpler plot. Now that we've finalised our plans, we're confident in bringing our ideas to life.

Research - Foley/Soundtrack

The purpose of Foley is to complement or replace sound recorded on set at the time of the filming (known as field recording.) The soundscape of most films uses a combination of both. A Foley artist is the person who creates this sound art. Foley artists use creativity to make viewers believe that the sound effects are actually real.

Foley sounds are added to the film in post production after the film has been shot. The need for replacing or enhancing sounds in a film production arises from the fact that, very often, the original sounds captured during shooting are obstructed by noise or are not convincing enough to underscore the visual effect or action. 

Foley effects also add depth and realism to the audio quality for multimedia sources, and they simplify the synchronizing of sounds that would otherwise be tedious or downright impossible to manage.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OONaPcZ4EAs - An example of foley being used effectively.

In reference to our thriller opening, we are planning on using some of these Foley techniques in order to achieve realistic sound effects. For example, heavy footsteps, which we will record then add on in the editing stage.

 

Previously, we were given the chance to going out in our groups and record Foley sounds before coming back to add them onto our practice opening sequence that we'd edited individually named Arlington Road. This was useful as we were able to practise how to use the soundtrack software correctly, which again will be useful when we're editing our actual thriller opening.

 

Equipment. Health and Safety

Tutorial

During the health and safety tutorial lesson, we learnt that there are many steps that need to be executed correctly in order for a successful and safe experience when filming. The video camera we were using was the JVC GY-HM 100. We were taught how to use all the features on the camera as well as being shown how to achieve different angle shots well. An example would be when we were taught how to put the camera on focus in order to gain clear shots when filming.

We were also taught how to set up the tripod correctly so it was standing stably on its own, before being shown how to mantle then dismantle the video camera on and off the tripod. We were then taught how to insert the battery and remove it with ease, as well as being shown how to do the same with the SD cards. It's important that we do so correctly, simply because all our footage will captured then saved onto it but also so we don't damage the camera as it's extremely expensive.

Now that I've had this session I now feel confident in using the equipment properly and safely.

Audience Reaserch

When referring to thrillers, the target audience really depends on the kind of thriller movie is

being made. Like all genres, there are sub-genres. To make an accurate judgement, you'd have

to be specific on what kind of thriller film it is, however, when taking upon a generic thriller film,

the target audience would usually apply to the young adults demographic, ranging between the

ages of 18-25 as recent surveys show 75% of thriller-viewers were indeed students.

Planning For Thriller Opening

Here are some pictures of our planning for our Thriller Opening we decided on the plot and planned what sound, camera angles, mise en scene and editing we should consider using

Health And Safety Tutorial

Health And Safety Tutorial

In class we had a health and safety tutorial session in that session we were introduced to the equipment we were mostly going to use. In that lesson I learnt how to use the camera in a safe and responsible way. We were also taught the feature of a camera and how to get the best shot when filming. For example we were taught how to put the camera on automatic and manual mode depending on the time of the day you are shooting. We also were taught how to focus on the camera to get the best possible shot when filming. etc.

In addition we were taught how to set up tripods and the connect the camera on them securely, and remove them again.We were also taught how to use the tripod in a safe way because the tripods can be dangerous if you don't use them in a careful way.

In the health and safety tutorial we were taught how to use the battery in the safe way. We learnt how to place and remove the battery with out causing any damage to the camera. It is important that we know how to use the cameras in a safe way as it can be damaged quickly and also because the camera are really expensive.

Lastly we were taught how to insert and remove the SD card safely. This is important because it is were we save our filming will be saved on to apart from the hard drive.

After Knowing all these health and safety rules I knew how to use the equipment properly and now feel more confident in using the equipment with out damaging it.

Prelim- Evaluation

Evaluation On Prelim

I believe that the prelim was successful ,however there could be a few improvements
Improvements that could of had been made are things such as camera angles, editing, mise en scene and sound .In our prelim the synopsis was about two young students walking through corridor as a  stalker is following behind them. The students then go into a room and have a conversation.

Making the prelim was very effective because it was good practise in using the techniques we ere taught such as using camera, practising different camera angles etc. We used Final Cut Pro to edit the prelim, which helped me to learn different features about it, which help me to edit my thriller opening.

Camera
I think the use of the camera angles we used in our prelim was successful. We used different camera angles such as long shot as the students and stalker walk down corridor, panning as they walk into the room and lastly over shoulder as the two students have a conversation. We also used these camera angles correctly.

Editing
We did not have many editing techniques in our prelim and therefore think that the next time we film we should use more editing as it would be more effective. An example of an edit that we could use is
shot reverse shot when the two character were talking. This would of had been more effective as there two people were having a conversation and therefore having a shot reverse shot would of had a closer capture of there facial expression and will make the more scene more effective.

Mise En Scene
When making our prelim we did not need any props as it was a simple synopsis. However if we had the chance to do it again I think that we should use a prop such as a mask for the stalker. This is because it would be more effective as the identity of the stalker will not of had been revealed.

Sound
The only sound that we used in our prelim was the diegetic sound of the two students talking. I think that to improve our prelim it would be more effective if we used non diegetic sound such as back ground music, this will engage the audience into watching it.

Research- 180 Degree Rule

When you have established a scene and shown where the two or more characters are you have then also established the 180 degree rule. At that point you should place the camera within the 180 degree invisible line.

For example on the picture below there its a birds eye view of the two couples sitting down. The Line in the middle is the invisible 180 degree line. Therefore the camera should only stay on one side of the line, but you can move the camera anywhere within the the line with out crossing over the to the other side.

Breaking the 180 Degree

If you were to break the 180 degree rule and place two camera on either side as shown below, then the camera angle will show the character facing the same direction. Also the characters eye line will not match and therefore make the scene confusing for the audience.

However the 180 degree rule can be broken but you will have to show the camera move.

 

This video explains more in detail about the 180 degree rule

 

 

 

 

Research - Film Audiences

Film Audiences

"Audience data describes the gender, age, ethnicity, social group and region of the film audience as a whole and for particular popular film titles." 

Silence of the Lambs and No Country for Old Men

Thriller films such as; Silence of The Lambs and No Country for Old Men  target audiences of young males. With the certificates age 15/R rated 

   

The Sixth Sense and The Village

Thrillers with the sub-genre of a horror like M. Night Shyamalan Films who created films such as; The Sixth Sense and The Village. These films are targeted more to teenage girls and horror film fanatics,with the demographics being different from Silence of the lambs etc. for a more younger based audience.  

              

Legal Thrillers and Crime Thrillers 

Legal thrillers included films like Fracture, Runaway Jury and Crime thrillers like Memento, Se7en that target a more adult audience.

Classic Thrillers

Classic thrillers such as Pshyco and The Birds directed byAlfred Hitchcock who is well known for his 1960's thrillers that are rated PG, but are intended for adults of the time. 

The genetic target audiences for horror film are young adult demographic from 18-25. 

Research Timeline

                                                                       Timelines

Disturbia opening:

start
0:03            'Dreamworks' production company ident
0:34            'The montecito picture company' distribution company ident
4:47              FILM TITLE Disturbia


The shining opening:

start
0:03           'Warner bros pictures' production company ident
1:18           'A stanley Kurbick film'
1:25           JACK NICHOLSON actor1
1:30           SHELLY DUVAL       actor 2
1:35           'THE SHINING'  film title
1:40          featuring DANNY LLOYD
1:45          SCATMAN CROTHERS
1:50          BARRY NELSON
1:55         PHILIP STONE
2:00         JOE TURREL
2:05         ANNE jACKSON
2:10         TONY BURTON
2:15         JAN HARLAN 'Executive producer'
2:21        'Based up on a novel by' STEPHEN KING
2:29         the producer circle company
2:32         Screenplay by  STANLEY KUBRICK & DIANE JOHNSON
2:40         STANLEY KUBRICK Producer and director


There is a strict srtict order in which names and jobs appear because of the idea Hierarchy or fame for example because warner bros produced the film they are at the beginning of the opening then it states that it is a stanley kurbick film.

Research

                                     


                                                                     Disturbia

Disturbia is a 2007 American thriller slasher film that is partly inspired by Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window. Conventions of a Thriller films are essentially about the battle of good vs. evil. The two main characters are normally the protagonist (the good guy) and the antagonist (the bad guy) - In this case the protagonist was  kale Brecht (Shia LeBeouf) and the antagonist Mr.Turner (David Morse). Other than this this modernised thriller film does not follow the typical conventions of a thriller.
for example The protagonist is usually a brave male who seeks to remove injustice and/ or save an innocent female whose life is in danger - But in the film we see the character of Shia as an anti-social devient as he is put on house arrest however at the end he has to save his mother from the serial killer so part of this convention is as followed also another convention would be that The antagonist is normally a mystery however early on in the film we are introduced to the serial killer but because of the characters situation only his friends believe him. At the beginning of the story there is usually peace which is then disturbed by a particular event; at this point the storyline begins and a chain of bad events happen, engaging the audience. in this case at the beginning of the film Kale and his dad were fishing peacefully, on their way home from fishing kales father dies in a car crash. Overall Disturbia didnt follow the conventions of a thriller film in almost every aspect of the film , even the opening sequence only had three titles.

Reseach- How To Make Fake Scars

This video shows how to make a fake scars easily using equipment that we can simply get. All you need to use is shown in the videos which includes, tissue papper, water, black/red acrylic paint, petroleum jelly and a paint brush. This will influence my group beacuse as we are a making a low budget thriller opeing this will be ideal for us to use.

Reseach - Opening Of A Thriller – Conventions

Camera shots/movement;

This convention helps to give a film its thriller genre, as different camera angles create different senses of body language and emotions. Thriller films also use Camera Angles such as facial close up shots and mid shot,long shot etc.

Examples from Psycho



Close Up Shot



Mid Shot

Some Camera Movements also make the audience feel tense and also helps to make them feel like they are actually in the film. For example when the camera moves the camera about, they try to mimic the characters breathing ect.

Editing;

The other important convention that makes up a thriller is Editing, this gives films things like quick cuts. These quick cuts can also be seen in films such a psycho, when the women in the shower is getting stabbed there is a lot of fast cut, as it shows different angles of her being stabbed. This makes the film fast paced and makes it more tense.




Sound;

This contains very important elements which make up a thriller. For example themes, as the different music themes produce a different mood and feel for thriller films. Another sound element which is very important is high pitched sounds/orchestral stabs such as screeches. For example from the Psycho the orchestral stabs and screeches when the lady in the shower is being stabbed sets the mood of the thriller. This adds suspense and horror/thriller to the film to give it its thrilling genre. Other sound elements which are used to give the films their thrilling genres are; diegetic/ non-diegetic sounds, synchronous/asynchronous sounds, etc.

Mise-en-Scène;

Mise-en-Scène contains a few important elements which help add thriller to films and also help to add suspense as well. Lighting such as colour design has to be dark to help give the film a gloomy mood and helps to make the audience feel more suspense towards the film. Another thing which also makes and opening thrilling is props, as in thriller films there is a lot of sharp objects and weapons like glass, knives, guns etc. The set design/ location also helps the genre of the film stick to thriller, as the right set/location such as a gloomy warehouse or dark woods give a thrilling film as it shows mystery and suspense/tension towards the audience

Research - Target Audience

The target audience for thriller is also based on gender

 

As the pie chart shows that more men are interested in thriller than women. Even though there is not a huge percentage between the two sexes .

 Here are some example of different film typestypes in which gender is usally dominated by;

 

Psychological  Thrillers

The target audience of many psychological thrillers is 18+. This is because they include a lot of violence and some psychological issues which can be disturbing for many young viewers. They are usually give a warning on the back of the DVD cover which states why it is rated as it is for example contains extreme violence or sexual scenes etc. Psychological thrillers are targeted at men than women.

Example- Momento

Romantic Thriller

The story is usually relationship based with and aspect of a thriller in it. But there are not many type of romantic thrillers as it is hard to come up with the plot and may confuse may confuse the audience. However romantic thrillers are usually Female dominated.

Example Tue Romance

 

Supernatural Thrillers

Supernatural thriller usually involves twists into the plot; often the hero (usually the main character) has some kind of psychic ability. Supernatural thriller is usually watched by female audience.

 Example Paranormal Activity