Thursday 6 May 2010
Feedback on what people thought of my film
This is a short interview with two 15 year old girls - my target audience. It gave me feedback on what they liked and how I could improve my thriller film.
Wednesday 5 May 2010
Positive and Negative Aspects of the Blog
Blogger is an easy way to do your coursework, you can upload pod casts to explain certain topics of the coursework, it is easier and interesting for the examiner to watch something rather than have it written down. You can upload pictures of your film production and finally upload your media film, this will make sure your film is easily accessible for the examiner.
The negative aspect of the blogger is that anyone and everyone can access you coursework, this can lead to plagiarism.
The privacy settings do not stop people from looking at your work. I have noticed some of my classmates have taken some of my ideas but have adapted it to their own work; for example people took my idea of writing about the health and safety regulations, the list of the production- characters - props - setting etc. Also in my blog I briefly mentioned the role of a distributor and one of my classmates decided to use this idea but adapt it to her own film. I do not feel comfortable knowing that people have took my ideas but have applied it to their own film. I think blogger should improve their privacy settings.
The negative aspect of the blogger is that anyone and everyone can access you coursework, this can lead to plagiarism.
The privacy settings do not stop people from looking at your work. I have noticed some of my classmates have taken some of my ideas but have adapted it to their own work; for example people took my idea of writing about the health and safety regulations, the list of the production- characters - props - setting etc. Also in my blog I briefly mentioned the role of a distributor and one of my classmates decided to use this idea but adapt it to her own film. I do not feel comfortable knowing that people have took my ideas but have applied it to their own film. I think blogger should improve their privacy settings.
Tuesday 30 March 2010
Dead End Evaluation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyimsavAiHg
Please copy this link, paste it and enlarge the YouTube video of my evaluation. If you cannot see some of the things I have written please copy and paste this link http://www.slideshare.net/SaimaJ/media-evaluation-3843956?from=ss_ embed
I put my PowerPoint presentation of my evaluation on slide share as well.
If you look down my blog you can see I put both of the slides on my blog.
If you cannot either of my presentations, I typed up my evaluation as well. I did my evaluation over half term so I was unable to convert my power point presentation to Mov (apple quick time) format. I wanted to do a media PowerPoint presentation because I thought it would be interesting to watch, unfortunately you cannot see everything in my presentation as the format is avi. I had to do my evaluation before the deadline which was the end of the holidays, therefore I could not go to school and convert it to apple quick time.
1. In what ways does your media film develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
My media product has developed from ideas on paper into an engaging thriller film. It has gone through 1 out of the 3 stages of the film industry process, of Film finance and production.
There are many conventions of a thriller genre for example, they tend to have an obvious antagonist and protagonist, the film is revolved around a criminal plot which can be based on real life situations/ story. The antagonist is usually on a race against time, it is fast paced and contains enigmas and cliff hangers, also it has elements of mystery. The colour of the film symbolically represents the themes in the film and music changes throughout the action.
My film has many of my researched conventions, for example the plot has a crime narrative- the drug dealing, is similar to the movie Shifty, where a drug dealer is caught between life and death. Also Shifty is a teenager just like Sara.
Most thriller movies use real life situations in their storyline, e.g child abuse - drug abuse and drug dealing. I used this convention as it would relate to my target audience (young teenagers are mostly around drug dealers).The film Untouchables was based on a real life event on the alcohol prohibition. I did not just pick the idea of drug dealing because it was an interesting idea, I wanted to highlight important issues, most teenagers are involved in either taking or selling drugs. This film shows the danger drugs can lead to. It starts from the point of view of the morally flawed protagonist.
There is slow suspenseful non - diegetic music throughout the action, similarly in thriller films there are slow music to build up tension for example The inside man (has slow music). The titles had their own background with the credits, moving from left to the centre of the screen.
Most thriller films have some credits running before the movie starts, e.g Se7ven. Film opening titles always are in colour, this suggests the themes of the movie, e.g in Vertigo opening title, the colour red is used. This represents murder-blood-romance which is all in the film. Our titles were in white but on a black background, this shows the film deals with the underground world, death and mourning - the colour black is worn in funerals. This shows I have understood what a thriller film is, as I have included a variety of conventions of real media products.
My film challenges some conventions of media thriller products, the film was shot in broad daylight, in murder and criminal situations, the scenes would be shot at night or with silhouette lighting and low key lighting. Due to health and safety reasons we did not shot at night. In thriller films when there are running scenes the music would change and become upbeat and faster, however in my film it was still slow. We did not change the music during the running scene because it did not match the previous music. Also in thriller films the main character is usually male however in my film the main character Sara is a female, a drug dealer tends to be a male, this challenges the stereotypical film roles of women and men -masculinity - are women not in lead thriller roles as they tend to be weaker than men?
The film that influenced my idea was Shifty, Shifty at heart is a good person but is obsessed with material objects, this led to his down fall. But the audience connected with him, it made them feel sympathetic towards him. Similarly Sara is a good person, I wanted the audience to feel sympathy for her. Her death was very significant as I knew the audience would want to see her killer be avenged, which is what would happen later in the film. This would engage them more to the film.
My film is an original drug dealing film, however it is still different from typical drug films, most drug films have the main character killed at the end of the film, however my character was killed in the beginning. In drug films women are usually the partner (lover) of a drug dealer, however in my film Sara is the drug dealer. The differences show that my film is unique.
2. How does your media product represent particular social groups?
My media film presents to a variety of teenagers of both gender, it appeals directly to them, (the thriller genre is popular amongst them). However it depends on their personality, the personality of a person determines how your media product represents to them. A person who is adventurous and loves excitement will be eager to watch a thriller, a person who is reserved and quiet would not like a thriller as it may not meet their specification of a good movie.
My media film is particularly representing a teenage social group who are outgoing and like a mystery packed with violence. I have shown the representation of gender through the role of my characters, women are shown as being strong (Sara's role as a drug dealer), confident and brave. She is not afraid of the conflict drug dealing raises. Men are represented both good and bad, you can see a police officer who fights crime this shows not all men are bad. The drug customer is shown as a bad, needy person who is obsessed with drugs and will do what it takes to get it, this shows he is mentally unwell.
It represents the problematic adolescence (young age group), drug dealing is an emotional issue, teenagers who sell drugs always have a reason to do it. This may be the only way of surviving, providing money for food and bills. Teenagers who take drugs may be pressurised or are in a false illusion that it takes their problems away. It raises awareness of the problematic adolescence. This representation tries to show the reality of these situations, it is realistic as the main character Sara is a teenager. Young people are shown in a negative way, it shows the stereotype of teenagers is true. Most teenagers are involved in violence or criminal activity, this is the reason why society labels them as criminals. Middle aged people are shown to be problematic as well, (the customer in the car). It shows most age groups are corrupt.
I presented a wide range of ethnic minorities, the main character Sara is a Muslim Bangladeshi girl, the Police officer is Catholic Irish and the customer in the car is a Scottish person. This shows any ethnic minority can be involved in the drug trade.
I represented working class people because it has been proven in Sociology that they commit the most crime. Middle class and High class people have everything they want/need so they do not need to commit crime. From the location and costume (house, roads) you can obviously see Sara is not wealthy. The house is very small and a high/middle class person would not wear high street clothes, they would only wear designer.
3. What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
Most films are made in the United Kingdom but are they are never seen or heard of as they do not have distributors. A distributor persuades the exhibitors (Cinemas and DVDs/Blu-Ray) to buy/rent their films. My film was produced by teenagers, it is unlikely that a large, well known distributor will take on my film and attempt to exhibit it. I would distribute my film this way because it is cheap to produce DVDs and Blu-Ray, It will increase my profit if people buy DvDs.
I will upload snippets of my film on an Internet service called Snap Films. I will use this method to promote my film to my target audience. Various media institutions will distribute my film such as Film 4 and channel 4. Film 4 seeks to develop the British film industry with fresh new British talents. (New directors, actors producers). Most of the films they distribute are shown on their channels. The film What's Eating Gilbert Grape was first released on film4 and later hit the cinema. This shows a film can get recognized and then be released in the cinema. I chose this company because it is very popular and cheaper for my audience (the channel is free).
My film will definitely be distributed by channel 4 as I have meet their demands, on what they and the public expect from the film. Their demands are that the film should be creative, experimental, it must appeal to a different range of cultural society. My film includes all of the above, it is creative as my storyline is unique. I experimented with different angle and camera shots, and it appeals to the cultural society as there are different minorities in my film. Sara is Asian - Bangladeshi, Paul is white - Irish and the customer in the car is white - Scottish. I chose this company because I want numerous film institutions to promote my film, the more it is shown the more people will hear about it and buy my DVD/Blu-Ray.
My film can be distributed by the Vail Film Festival as they specialise in short films, they will showcase a variety of films. This will immediately show large film industries the high quality small industries can produce. Community centres could show my film to youths who want to study media, it can encourage them, if they put their mind to something they can achieve it. It can be used in Media A-level and Gcse classes to show the reality of film making, they can analyze it and use some ideas for their own project.
If I wanted to extend my film (make a Dead End 2) I could use the metrodome microwave scheme, where they give me a budget and I have to make the film within a short time frame. I would use this film as it is a stable way of receiving funding for your film.
4. Who would be your audience for your media product and why?
The OCR criteria demands that our thriller film should be aimed at and audience of 15-18. This age group is perfect for my movie. I specifically choose the age 15.
From the results of my questionnaire I found out thrillers are commonly watched by people aged 15. All of them like thriller films, a large majority even said it was their favourite genre! I knew if I aimed my film at this age group, they would watch it, there would be a higher chance of my film succeeding in exhibitions. It would be popular amongst this age and young people will spread the word of how good my film is to friends and family. From the focus group I learnt young males favour car chases, I did not include car chases put I did have a car scene in my film, involving a car will attract males to it. Young women will also watch my film, as the main film is revolved around a female.
There are many other reasons why my target audience would watch my film, it involves fast pace action and dramatic music that matches the scene. Their costume is realistic - from my interview with Kiran and Safia they told me they liked the costume as most working class teenagers would wear clothes similar to mine. One of the main conventions of a thriller is that there is an antagonist and protagonist, since Sara died the main protagonist is the police officer, from the interview I learnt this engaged them more to the film. In my film I included everything young men and women like, for example there was car scenes, chase scenes and professional titles.
I am really glad the age group was set between 15-18, as it has given me the freedom to use violence and inappropriate language - (However I did not use inappropriate language in the opening as it was not a violent confrontation). If my film was aimed at a 12 year old audience, I would not be able to use as much violence or harsh language as a film that is targeted for the certificate of 15. Teenagers can relate to the storyline more. All the responses I got from my questionnaire and focus group made me decide I should aim my target audience at the age of 15.
5. How did you address your audience?
From my audience research the results gave me information on what my target audience likes and dislikes. There was a high percentage of 15 year old who liked the crime narrative, I addressed my audience by making my film a crime thriller, this sub genre will make them watch my film. From my focus group I learnt boys of this age enjoyed fast pace action and car scenes. I achieved this by having intense running scenes, for example Sara ran out of her house through her garden into the alleyway. The car scenes were effective I used different shot distances to show the action. This is how I will maintain their focus on the film.
Most teenagers around this age were engaged by a good storyline and music, my storyline was interesting as it is based on real life situations; the music was the same but I included various diegetic sounds which made the film more engaging. This will make them more interested in the film, thus they will continue to watch it. I was the young actress in the film, men who find me attractive will continue to watch the film, as they would want to see my past history and whether or not my murder will be avenged, When Transformers 2 was released most young males went to see it because it was staring Megan Fox. (I found this out from a general discussion in media about gender).
My target audience will continue to watch my film after the 2 minute opening as they were appealed by the suspense that was created within the film, the suspense was created by the low key lighting while Sara was getting changed. Also by the transitions from the different point of view shots, (Sara running then the customer driving).
My film holds the audience attention as they are surprised in the end, it would be boring if they could predict what would happen in the end, when Sara died it was unexpected. This will maintain the audiences attention and they will want to watch further on than the two minute opening. I have fulfilled the desires of teenagers by including everything they want in the film. My product is visually entertaining which will address our audience by giving them the 'thrill' they long for. After all if a thriller is not thrilling you then it is not doing its job. Everything that is in my film addresses to my target audience, I have considered their favourite aspects of a thriller movie. Also the location is realistic and it will interest people more as my film is very realistic.
In the end of the film there is a cliffhanger, (Sara dies and the drug customer drives off), this will give the audience a desire to find out what will happen next. Will he get cause and will Sara have justice? This cliffhanger will make sure the audience watches the film until the end.
6. What have you learnt about the technologies from the process of constructing this product?
Throughout this project I have learnt different technologies of the process of production. For example I have learnt how to use a Camera, tripod, microphone, Imac and Imovie software.
In the beginning I did not know how to use a camera as I have never used a digital camera, as I filmed constantly I finally learnt how to use the camera. It was quite easy when I learnt the functions of the buttons, on the dial there was a white button that was the record and stop recording button. There was a dial on the camera I used it to forward and rewind the tape, and I learnt how to put in/take away the tape, I had to press the eject button on the bottom of the camera and wait for the case to come up, then I took the tape out and pushed the case back in. I used a digital camera so my video quality would be good.
I have learnt how you should set up a camera on a tripod, you must make sure the legs are placed on the floor and clipped down, if you want a tilt, pan and steady camera shot you must move the lever. I used a tripod because it would help me achieve steady camera shots and other camera shots for example panning.
I have learnt if there is a lot of dialogue in your film/documentary, you must have a microphone above you. In my focus group I did not use a microphone I though the sound would have been recorded by the digital camera and it was, however there is a buzzing sound in the background and the voices are quite low. If i used a microphone the voices would have been louder and there would not have been the background buzzing sound. I learnt from this experience so when i was filming my final product, I used a microphone even thought there was little dialogue, I did not want to take any risks all of my dialogue came out clearly and loudly. I placed the microphone above the camera and it captured the dialogue.
It was very difficult to learn how to use Imac, as I have never used them before, my teacher gave us a tutorial on the basic features of Imacs, then showed us how to edit. I learnt how to use different transitions for scenes such as dissolve, overlap, fade in and out. I did not add any special effects e.g. black and white scenes and fast forward as it was not needed in my film. However I did experiment with them in my final film, it gave me more experience on the editing. The Imovie software has made it possible to make movies that look professional at an affordable budget. I also learnt how to carry the equipment correctly, for example a tripod must have all of legs closed and then should be leaned on your shoulder so it does not poke someone's eye, the camera was kept in a bag then put across our body so it will not fall.
I have used blogger for my coursework because it was set my the exam board, I can easily upload films and photos showing what I have done. They can easy access it.
I used YouTube so I could easily upload videos onto blogger, I had to make a YouTube account then download all my videos, before I could upload them to youtube I had to change the format to quicktime then click share on the web.
I used one true media to make a collage of my favourite Bollywood thriller films, I uploaded the picture then added music and the transition of the scene, it was very easy to do.
I used slide share as well, I made a PowerPoint presentation of my evaluation then uploaded it on this website, then embeded it onto my blog, I used this technology as I know it will be more interesting for people to look at it.
I have also used Word to make my questionnaire, I wanted to create it on word as I could add as many questions as I liked and I could set the layout the way I wanted.
7. Looking back at your preliminary task what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the product?
In media I have learnt so much, firstly I have learnt the dedication of teamwork, my group and I were in it together, nothing could have been possible without our hard work.
The preliminary exercise gave me and opportunity to become familiar with the equipment if I did not familiarise myself with the equipment, I would not be able to complete my media product to the best of my ability. In this task we filmed basic camera shots such as medium and over the shoulder shots. When we edited the task we imported the scenes and cut the parts that we did not need-(the camera shots that were wobbly or in a bad angle). We mostly added dissolve transitions and fade in. At this point we did not know how to add music, so when it is played the dialogue is jumbled up because of the scenes that were cut. I did not know how to upload my video onto blogger so I followed the instructions that were on blogger, after a couple of minutes I uploaded it!
Looking back on the preliminary task and my final product I can see how far I have progressed in both editing and filming. I have learnt how to achieve different angle and camera shots. For example there was a high angle shot when I was near the fence. For a point of view shot I would put the camera in my hands, and movie it when I was running. I never thought of doing this type of shot until after the preliminary exercise, I was discussing the different angle shots we could use; and a point of view shot came up while my group and I were talking. We decided to use this shot as it makes the audience feel involved in the action. I learnt how to cut scenes, add transitions, reduce the volume of certain sounds and add music. I constantly cut scenes in the preliminary exercise this helped me realize what to cut and keep in my final product. Transitions were very easy to add in specific scenes, some of my scenes were to short to add a transition so I had to delete the scene. Not only that, I learnt that you reduce the volume of sound by moving the sound line down, to add music I had to download it then add it to my film. If I wanted to increase/decrease the music I would put the music line up or down. I have learnt how to plan for my film, every detail counts. In depth I have researched the costume,props,location,costume,cost and health and safety. From the preliminary task I have learnt if you do not plan things then you have no control in production, you need to be in control to ensure you have created a good thriller.
From these two videos you can see how much I have learnt from the preliminary exercise. I have acquired life long skills and have learnt a lot, for example I know how to place the camera on the tripod and level it to make sure the camera angles come out straight. I know which parts I should cut, and the transitions I should add the make the scenes flow. Also I have learnt where to position the camera and tripod if i want a specific lighting, for example for silhouette lighting I should make sure the actor is in front of a window the bright light of the sun will create this effect. Before the preliminary exercise I did not know how to create these lighting effects.
Please copy this link, paste it and enlarge the YouTube video of my evaluation. If you cannot see some of the things I have written please copy and paste this link http://www.slideshare.net/SaimaJ/media-evaluation-3843956?from=ss_ embed
I put my PowerPoint presentation of my evaluation on slide share as well.
If you look down my blog you can see I put both of the slides on my blog.
If you cannot either of my presentations, I typed up my evaluation as well. I did my evaluation over half term so I was unable to convert my power point presentation to Mov (apple quick time) format. I wanted to do a media PowerPoint presentation because I thought it would be interesting to watch, unfortunately you cannot see everything in my presentation as the format is avi. I had to do my evaluation before the deadline which was the end of the holidays, therefore I could not go to school and convert it to apple quick time.
1. In what ways does your media film develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
My media product has developed from ideas on paper into an engaging thriller film. It has gone through 1 out of the 3 stages of the film industry process, of Film finance and production.
There are many conventions of a thriller genre for example, they tend to have an obvious antagonist and protagonist, the film is revolved around a criminal plot which can be based on real life situations/ story. The antagonist is usually on a race against time, it is fast paced and contains enigmas and cliff hangers, also it has elements of mystery. The colour of the film symbolically represents the themes in the film and music changes throughout the action.
My film has many of my researched conventions, for example the plot has a crime narrative- the drug dealing, is similar to the movie Shifty, where a drug dealer is caught between life and death. Also Shifty is a teenager just like Sara.
Most thriller movies use real life situations in their storyline, e.g child abuse - drug abuse and drug dealing. I used this convention as it would relate to my target audience (young teenagers are mostly around drug dealers).The film Untouchables was based on a real life event on the alcohol prohibition. I did not just pick the idea of drug dealing because it was an interesting idea, I wanted to highlight important issues, most teenagers are involved in either taking or selling drugs. This film shows the danger drugs can lead to. It starts from the point of view of the morally flawed protagonist.
There is slow suspenseful non - diegetic music throughout the action, similarly in thriller films there are slow music to build up tension for example The inside man (has slow music). The titles had their own background with the credits, moving from left to the centre of the screen.
Most thriller films have some credits running before the movie starts, e.g Se7ven. Film opening titles always are in colour, this suggests the themes of the movie, e.g in Vertigo opening title, the colour red is used. This represents murder-blood-romance which is all in the film. Our titles were in white but on a black background, this shows the film deals with the underground world, death and mourning - the colour black is worn in funerals. This shows I have understood what a thriller film is, as I have included a variety of conventions of real media products.
My film challenges some conventions of media thriller products, the film was shot in broad daylight, in murder and criminal situations, the scenes would be shot at night or with silhouette lighting and low key lighting. Due to health and safety reasons we did not shot at night. In thriller films when there are running scenes the music would change and become upbeat and faster, however in my film it was still slow. We did not change the music during the running scene because it did not match the previous music. Also in thriller films the main character is usually male however in my film the main character Sara is a female, a drug dealer tends to be a male, this challenges the stereotypical film roles of women and men -masculinity - are women not in lead thriller roles as they tend to be weaker than men?
The film that influenced my idea was Shifty, Shifty at heart is a good person but is obsessed with material objects, this led to his down fall. But the audience connected with him, it made them feel sympathetic towards him. Similarly Sara is a good person, I wanted the audience to feel sympathy for her. Her death was very significant as I knew the audience would want to see her killer be avenged, which is what would happen later in the film. This would engage them more to the film.
My film is an original drug dealing film, however it is still different from typical drug films, most drug films have the main character killed at the end of the film, however my character was killed in the beginning. In drug films women are usually the partner (lover) of a drug dealer, however in my film Sara is the drug dealer. The differences show that my film is unique.
2. How does your media product represent particular social groups?
My media film presents to a variety of teenagers of both gender, it appeals directly to them, (the thriller genre is popular amongst them). However it depends on their personality, the personality of a person determines how your media product represents to them. A person who is adventurous and loves excitement will be eager to watch a thriller, a person who is reserved and quiet would not like a thriller as it may not meet their specification of a good movie.
My media film is particularly representing a teenage social group who are outgoing and like a mystery packed with violence. I have shown the representation of gender through the role of my characters, women are shown as being strong (Sara's role as a drug dealer), confident and brave. She is not afraid of the conflict drug dealing raises. Men are represented both good and bad, you can see a police officer who fights crime this shows not all men are bad. The drug customer is shown as a bad, needy person who is obsessed with drugs and will do what it takes to get it, this shows he is mentally unwell.
It represents the problematic adolescence (young age group), drug dealing is an emotional issue, teenagers who sell drugs always have a reason to do it. This may be the only way of surviving, providing money for food and bills. Teenagers who take drugs may be pressurised or are in a false illusion that it takes their problems away. It raises awareness of the problematic adolescence. This representation tries to show the reality of these situations, it is realistic as the main character Sara is a teenager. Young people are shown in a negative way, it shows the stereotype of teenagers is true. Most teenagers are involved in violence or criminal activity, this is the reason why society labels them as criminals. Middle aged people are shown to be problematic as well, (the customer in the car). It shows most age groups are corrupt.
I presented a wide range of ethnic minorities, the main character Sara is a Muslim Bangladeshi girl, the Police officer is Catholic Irish and the customer in the car is a Scottish person. This shows any ethnic minority can be involved in the drug trade.
I represented working class people because it has been proven in Sociology that they commit the most crime. Middle class and High class people have everything they want/need so they do not need to commit crime. From the location and costume (house, roads) you can obviously see Sara is not wealthy. The house is very small and a high/middle class person would not wear high street clothes, they would only wear designer.
3. What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
Most films are made in the United Kingdom but are they are never seen or heard of as they do not have distributors. A distributor persuades the exhibitors (Cinemas and DVDs/Blu-Ray) to buy/rent their films. My film was produced by teenagers, it is unlikely that a large, well known distributor will take on my film and attempt to exhibit it. I would distribute my film this way because it is cheap to produce DVDs and Blu-Ray, It will increase my profit if people buy DvDs.
I will upload snippets of my film on an Internet service called Snap Films. I will use this method to promote my film to my target audience. Various media institutions will distribute my film such as Film 4 and channel 4. Film 4 seeks to develop the British film industry with fresh new British talents. (New directors, actors producers). Most of the films they distribute are shown on their channels. The film What's Eating Gilbert Grape was first released on film4 and later hit the cinema. This shows a film can get recognized and then be released in the cinema. I chose this company because it is very popular and cheaper for my audience (the channel is free).
My film will definitely be distributed by channel 4 as I have meet their demands, on what they and the public expect from the film. Their demands are that the film should be creative, experimental, it must appeal to a different range of cultural society. My film includes all of the above, it is creative as my storyline is unique. I experimented with different angle and camera shots, and it appeals to the cultural society as there are different minorities in my film. Sara is Asian - Bangladeshi, Paul is white - Irish and the customer in the car is white - Scottish. I chose this company because I want numerous film institutions to promote my film, the more it is shown the more people will hear about it and buy my DVD/Blu-Ray.
My film can be distributed by the Vail Film Festival as they specialise in short films, they will showcase a variety of films. This will immediately show large film industries the high quality small industries can produce. Community centres could show my film to youths who want to study media, it can encourage them, if they put their mind to something they can achieve it. It can be used in Media A-level and Gcse classes to show the reality of film making, they can analyze it and use some ideas for their own project.
If I wanted to extend my film (make a Dead End 2) I could use the metrodome microwave scheme, where they give me a budget and I have to make the film within a short time frame. I would use this film as it is a stable way of receiving funding for your film.
4. Who would be your audience for your media product and why?
The OCR criteria demands that our thriller film should be aimed at and audience of 15-18. This age group is perfect for my movie. I specifically choose the age 15.
From the results of my questionnaire I found out thrillers are commonly watched by people aged 15. All of them like thriller films, a large majority even said it was their favourite genre! I knew if I aimed my film at this age group, they would watch it, there would be a higher chance of my film succeeding in exhibitions. It would be popular amongst this age and young people will spread the word of how good my film is to friends and family. From the focus group I learnt young males favour car chases, I did not include car chases put I did have a car scene in my film, involving a car will attract males to it. Young women will also watch my film, as the main film is revolved around a female.
There are many other reasons why my target audience would watch my film, it involves fast pace action and dramatic music that matches the scene. Their costume is realistic - from my interview with Kiran and Safia they told me they liked the costume as most working class teenagers would wear clothes similar to mine. One of the main conventions of a thriller is that there is an antagonist and protagonist, since Sara died the main protagonist is the police officer, from the interview I learnt this engaged them more to the film. In my film I included everything young men and women like, for example there was car scenes, chase scenes and professional titles.
I am really glad the age group was set between 15-18, as it has given me the freedom to use violence and inappropriate language - (However I did not use inappropriate language in the opening as it was not a violent confrontation). If my film was aimed at a 12 year old audience, I would not be able to use as much violence or harsh language as a film that is targeted for the certificate of 15. Teenagers can relate to the storyline more. All the responses I got from my questionnaire and focus group made me decide I should aim my target audience at the age of 15.
5. How did you address your audience?
From my audience research the results gave me information on what my target audience likes and dislikes. There was a high percentage of 15 year old who liked the crime narrative, I addressed my audience by making my film a crime thriller, this sub genre will make them watch my film. From my focus group I learnt boys of this age enjoyed fast pace action and car scenes. I achieved this by having intense running scenes, for example Sara ran out of her house through her garden into the alleyway. The car scenes were effective I used different shot distances to show the action. This is how I will maintain their focus on the film.
Most teenagers around this age were engaged by a good storyline and music, my storyline was interesting as it is based on real life situations; the music was the same but I included various diegetic sounds which made the film more engaging. This will make them more interested in the film, thus they will continue to watch it. I was the young actress in the film, men who find me attractive will continue to watch the film, as they would want to see my past history and whether or not my murder will be avenged, When Transformers 2 was released most young males went to see it because it was staring Megan Fox. (I found this out from a general discussion in media about gender).
My target audience will continue to watch my film after the 2 minute opening as they were appealed by the suspense that was created within the film, the suspense was created by the low key lighting while Sara was getting changed. Also by the transitions from the different point of view shots, (Sara running then the customer driving).
My film holds the audience attention as they are surprised in the end, it would be boring if they could predict what would happen in the end, when Sara died it was unexpected. This will maintain the audiences attention and they will want to watch further on than the two minute opening. I have fulfilled the desires of teenagers by including everything they want in the film. My product is visually entertaining which will address our audience by giving them the 'thrill' they long for. After all if a thriller is not thrilling you then it is not doing its job. Everything that is in my film addresses to my target audience, I have considered their favourite aspects of a thriller movie. Also the location is realistic and it will interest people more as my film is very realistic.
In the end of the film there is a cliffhanger, (Sara dies and the drug customer drives off), this will give the audience a desire to find out what will happen next. Will he get cause and will Sara have justice? This cliffhanger will make sure the audience watches the film until the end.
6. What have you learnt about the technologies from the process of constructing this product?
Throughout this project I have learnt different technologies of the process of production. For example I have learnt how to use a Camera, tripod, microphone, Imac and Imovie software.
In the beginning I did not know how to use a camera as I have never used a digital camera, as I filmed constantly I finally learnt how to use the camera. It was quite easy when I learnt the functions of the buttons, on the dial there was a white button that was the record and stop recording button. There was a dial on the camera I used it to forward and rewind the tape, and I learnt how to put in/take away the tape, I had to press the eject button on the bottom of the camera and wait for the case to come up, then I took the tape out and pushed the case back in. I used a digital camera so my video quality would be good.
I have learnt how you should set up a camera on a tripod, you must make sure the legs are placed on the floor and clipped down, if you want a tilt, pan and steady camera shot you must move the lever. I used a tripod because it would help me achieve steady camera shots and other camera shots for example panning.
I have learnt if there is a lot of dialogue in your film/documentary, you must have a microphone above you. In my focus group I did not use a microphone I though the sound would have been recorded by the digital camera and it was, however there is a buzzing sound in the background and the voices are quite low. If i used a microphone the voices would have been louder and there would not have been the background buzzing sound. I learnt from this experience so when i was filming my final product, I used a microphone even thought there was little dialogue, I did not want to take any risks all of my dialogue came out clearly and loudly. I placed the microphone above the camera and it captured the dialogue.
It was very difficult to learn how to use Imac, as I have never used them before, my teacher gave us a tutorial on the basic features of Imacs, then showed us how to edit. I learnt how to use different transitions for scenes such as dissolve, overlap, fade in and out. I did not add any special effects e.g. black and white scenes and fast forward as it was not needed in my film. However I did experiment with them in my final film, it gave me more experience on the editing. The Imovie software has made it possible to make movies that look professional at an affordable budget. I also learnt how to carry the equipment correctly, for example a tripod must have all of legs closed and then should be leaned on your shoulder so it does not poke someone's eye, the camera was kept in a bag then put across our body so it will not fall.
I have used blogger for my coursework because it was set my the exam board, I can easily upload films and photos showing what I have done. They can easy access it.
I used YouTube so I could easily upload videos onto blogger, I had to make a YouTube account then download all my videos, before I could upload them to youtube I had to change the format to quicktime then click share on the web.
I used one true media to make a collage of my favourite Bollywood thriller films, I uploaded the picture then added music and the transition of the scene, it was very easy to do.
I used slide share as well, I made a PowerPoint presentation of my evaluation then uploaded it on this website, then embeded it onto my blog, I used this technology as I know it will be more interesting for people to look at it.
I have also used Word to make my questionnaire, I wanted to create it on word as I could add as many questions as I liked and I could set the layout the way I wanted.
7. Looking back at your preliminary task what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the product?
In media I have learnt so much, firstly I have learnt the dedication of teamwork, my group and I were in it together, nothing could have been possible without our hard work.
The preliminary exercise gave me and opportunity to become familiar with the equipment if I did not familiarise myself with the equipment, I would not be able to complete my media product to the best of my ability. In this task we filmed basic camera shots such as medium and over the shoulder shots. When we edited the task we imported the scenes and cut the parts that we did not need-(the camera shots that were wobbly or in a bad angle). We mostly added dissolve transitions and fade in. At this point we did not know how to add music, so when it is played the dialogue is jumbled up because of the scenes that were cut. I did not know how to upload my video onto blogger so I followed the instructions that were on blogger, after a couple of minutes I uploaded it!
Looking back on the preliminary task and my final product I can see how far I have progressed in both editing and filming. I have learnt how to achieve different angle and camera shots. For example there was a high angle shot when I was near the fence. For a point of view shot I would put the camera in my hands, and movie it when I was running. I never thought of doing this type of shot until after the preliminary exercise, I was discussing the different angle shots we could use; and a point of view shot came up while my group and I were talking. We decided to use this shot as it makes the audience feel involved in the action. I learnt how to cut scenes, add transitions, reduce the volume of certain sounds and add music. I constantly cut scenes in the preliminary exercise this helped me realize what to cut and keep in my final product. Transitions were very easy to add in specific scenes, some of my scenes were to short to add a transition so I had to delete the scene. Not only that, I learnt that you reduce the volume of sound by moving the sound line down, to add music I had to download it then add it to my film. If I wanted to increase/decrease the music I would put the music line up or down. I have learnt how to plan for my film, every detail counts. In depth I have researched the costume,props,location,costume,cost and health and safety. From the preliminary task I have learnt if you do not plan things then you have no control in production, you need to be in control to ensure you have created a good thriller.
From these two videos you can see how much I have learnt from the preliminary exercise. I have acquired life long skills and have learnt a lot, for example I know how to place the camera on the tripod and level it to make sure the camera angles come out straight. I know which parts I should cut, and the transitions I should add the make the scenes flow. Also I have learnt where to position the camera and tripod if i want a specific lighting, for example for silhouette lighting I should make sure the actor is in front of a window the bright light of the sun will create this effect. Before the preliminary exercise I did not know how to create these lighting effects.
Sunday 28 March 2010
Saturday 27 March 2010
Friday 26 March 2010
Sunday 21 March 2010
My personal view on what makes a thriller sucessful
Personal Opinion on Thrillers
I think that a thriller needs to packed with fast paced action, an antagonist should be identified in the end. This will keep me in suspense throughout the film. There should be a mystery/cliff hangers, this will build anticipation. Upbeat music should be used, this would engage me more with the film. I would not mind where the film is set as long as there is a crime at the narrative. All of these elements will keep my blood pumping and will thrill me. A successful thriller should always thrill you, e.g. In Memento all of these elements were present. The film was very successful as it thrilled me!
Friday 19 March 2010
Construction of the Production Music (MobyGratis and Freeplay music)
I used two websites to access free music. www.mobygratis.com and www.freeplaymusic.com
I signed up an account for mobygratis and within a couple of days, my membership was accepted, I made my group listen to a couple of songs I thought matched with the film. (List of Music). I have requested 3 songs, it has been two weeks and they still have not got back to me regarding the music.
I downloaded some music from freeplay music, that I thought would connect with the film. It was quick and will save time. It can be easily added onto out film. The music was called Darkstart and Darkstar 60
I signed up an account for mobygratis and within a couple of days, my membership was accepted, I made my group listen to a couple of songs I thought matched with the film. (List of Music). I have requested 3 songs, it has been two weeks and they still have not got back to me regarding the music.
I downloaded some music from freeplay music, that I thought would connect with the film. It was quick and will save time. It can be easily added onto out film. The music was called Darkstart and Darkstar 60
Constuction of Production - Changes we made from the storyboard/initial idea
We made few adjustments from the storyboard/initial idea, we wanted our film to last the full 2 minutes. Adding these adjustments will make sure our film lasts 2 minutes.
Extra Parts Added
You can see the girl (Sara) running in her back garden and climbing over the fence.
When the girl (Sara) gets in the car, the car will drive off, you will hear gunshots and will see her getting dragged out.
Besides that, every part of the storyboard is the same, we just added extra scenes. I wanted to add these scenes, as it will engage the audience more. It will raise suspense and make them wander why she is running. It will keep them on the 'edge of their seats,' when they find out she has been killed, and will have them watching into the end - if it was a long featured film.
My group and I decided that we are going to add a lot of dissolves and fade in, as we believe these transitions will make the film flow smoothly. We want different suspenseful music used throughout as it will excite the audience, and we are going to include non-diegetic sounds. We have also decided to use medium shots, point of view shots, over the shoulder shots and panning shots.
Extra Parts Added
You can see the girl (Sara) running in her back garden and climbing over the fence.
When the girl (Sara) gets in the car, the car will drive off, you will hear gunshots and will see her getting dragged out.
Besides that, every part of the storyboard is the same, we just added extra scenes. I wanted to add these scenes, as it will engage the audience more. It will raise suspense and make them wander why she is running. It will keep them on the 'edge of their seats,' when they find out she has been killed, and will have them watching into the end - if it was a long featured film.
My group and I decided that we are going to add a lot of dissolves and fade in, as we believe these transitions will make the film flow smoothly. We want different suspenseful music used throughout as it will excite the audience, and we are going to include non-diegetic sounds. We have also decided to use medium shots, point of view shots, over the shoulder shots and panning shots.
Construction of the Production - Filming + Editing
1st Filming day - Friday 19th March (11:00-12:30)
My group and I started to film on Friday, during our media lesson. We wanted to film the scene, where the police officer was knocking on the door. Also the chase between Sara and the police, but could not, as it was raining. We did not want to shoot in the rain because the other scenes would be sunny. The film will look unusual if the weather is different in certain scenes. Instead we filmed Sara (Me getting changed). I brushed my hair and put on my bangles, the phone rang I picked it up, then I ran to the window, then started to look for my package. Then we filmed me running down the stairs. I am quite happy, we did quite a bit of filming. We then went back to school and loaded the footage. Hopefully If the weather is sunny tomorrow, we are going to shoot the chase between the police officer and Sara.
2nd Filming day - Monday 22nd March (13:00-15:00)
It was sunny today! So my group and I went to Paul's house and filmed him knocking on the door - he was the police officer. Also we filmed me running into the garden, and climbing over the fence into an alleyway.We filmed the car scene today, the car pulled up and I got in, then the car drives down the road, finally you see me being pulled out of the car dead.We filmed the car scene today, the car pulled up and I got in, then the car drives down the road, finally you see me being pulled out of the car dead.
Finally we have finished filming. Now all we have to do is the editing.
1st Editing - Wednesday 24th March (13:00-15:00) My 1st time editing!
Patience was ill so I did most of the editing. I did the titles at the beginning, and imported the scenes and placed them in order, then from the imported clips, I deleted the parts that we did not need. Today was the first time I edited clips, Patience is more experienced with the Imac computers, since she was absent I had to edit, I did not want to waste any valuable time as the deadline is creeping up. I am very proud of myself, I have finally mastered how to edit! It seems easy and quick but it is not. It took me 2 hours to cut and put the scenes together.
2nd Editing day of our film - Friday 26th March (10:30-1:30)
Patience is back! She was feeling a lot better so she the transitions, from the title there was a fade in, many dissolves and overlaps were added. When the car is speeding down, Paul suggested from that point onwards, it should be in black and white, as it is the most significant part of the scene. However I did not think it was apporpriate, becuase black and white images are supposed to be in flashbacks or anything to do with the past.
We added music aswell from freeplay music, we included our non-diegetic sounds as well (police knocking on the door and the car speading up). I wanted to have a variety of non-diegetic sounds and diegetic sounds, as it will make it will engage the audience. While the car is speeding down I added a gunshot sound, then from that point everything was in black and white.
We have finally finshed our film.
My group and I started to film on Friday, during our media lesson. We wanted to film the scene, where the police officer was knocking on the door. Also the chase between Sara and the police, but could not, as it was raining. We did not want to shoot in the rain because the other scenes would be sunny. The film will look unusual if the weather is different in certain scenes. Instead we filmed Sara (Me getting changed). I brushed my hair and put on my bangles, the phone rang I picked it up, then I ran to the window, then started to look for my package. Then we filmed me running down the stairs. I am quite happy, we did quite a bit of filming. We then went back to school and loaded the footage. Hopefully If the weather is sunny tomorrow, we are going to shoot the chase between the police officer and Sara.
2nd Filming day - Monday 22nd March (13:00-15:00)
It was sunny today! So my group and I went to Paul's house and filmed him knocking on the door - he was the police officer. Also we filmed me running into the garden, and climbing over the fence into an alleyway.We filmed the car scene today, the car pulled up and I got in, then the car drives down the road, finally you see me being pulled out of the car dead.We filmed the car scene today, the car pulled up and I got in, then the car drives down the road, finally you see me being pulled out of the car dead.
Finally we have finished filming. Now all we have to do is the editing.
1st Editing - Wednesday 24th March (13:00-15:00) My 1st time editing!
Patience was ill so I did most of the editing. I did the titles at the beginning, and imported the scenes and placed them in order, then from the imported clips, I deleted the parts that we did not need. Today was the first time I edited clips, Patience is more experienced with the Imac computers, since she was absent I had to edit, I did not want to waste any valuable time as the deadline is creeping up. I am very proud of myself, I have finally mastered how to edit! It seems easy and quick but it is not. It took me 2 hours to cut and put the scenes together.
2nd Editing day of our film - Friday 26th March (10:30-1:30)
Patience is back! She was feeling a lot better so she the transitions, from the title there was a fade in, many dissolves and overlaps were added. When the car is speeding down, Paul suggested from that point onwards, it should be in black and white, as it is the most significant part of the scene. However I did not think it was apporpriate, becuase black and white images are supposed to be in flashbacks or anything to do with the past.
We added music aswell from freeplay music, we included our non-diegetic sounds as well (police knocking on the door and the car speading up). I wanted to have a variety of non-diegetic sounds and diegetic sounds, as it will make it will engage the audience. While the car is speeding down I added a gunshot sound, then from that point everything was in black and white.
We have finally finshed our film.
Thursday 18 March 2010
Construction of the Production - Cost of Production
The production process will not cost any money as the equipment is provided by school to film and edit.
Filming equipment
Camera- (Free) Provided by Robert Clack
Tripod - (Free) Provided by Robert Clack
Microphone -(Free) Provided by Robert Clack
Digital Camera - (Free) Provided by Robert Clack
Editing Equipment
Imac - (Free) Provided by Robert Clack
Location
House - We filmed at Paul's house so it was free.
Alleyway - We filmed in a public place so it was free.
Road - We filmed in a public place so it was free.
Car - Paul's brother let us film in his car so it was free.
Costume and Makeup
I did not spend money on costume or makeup, as I did my own makeup and wore my own clothes.
Paul did not spend any money on costume as he wore his brother's police vest and his own clothes.
Music
We got our music for free, from MobyGratis and freeplay music. If we composed our own music it would have taken a long time to complete, also no one in my group is very good at playing instruments. We did not choose a copyright song as it would have been very expensive to used. If we did not consult the copywriter's they could have possible sued my group and the school. We did not want any trouble, so we used downloaded free music, it is easy and cost effective.
Props
All of our props belonged to us, we did not have to buy any props.
Overall we did not spend any money on the film.
Filming equipment
Camera- (Free) Provided by Robert Clack
Tripod - (Free) Provided by Robert Clack
Microphone -(Free) Provided by Robert Clack
Digital Camera - (Free) Provided by Robert Clack
Editing Equipment
Imac - (Free) Provided by Robert Clack
Location
House - We filmed at Paul's house so it was free.
Alleyway - We filmed in a public place so it was free.
Road - We filmed in a public place so it was free.
Car - Paul's brother let us film in his car so it was free.
Costume and Makeup
I did not spend money on costume or makeup, as I did my own makeup and wore my own clothes.
Paul did not spend any money on costume as he wore his brother's police vest and his own clothes.
Music
We got our music for free, from MobyGratis and freeplay music. If we composed our own music it would have taken a long time to complete, also no one in my group is very good at playing instruments. We did not choose a copyright song as it would have been very expensive to used. If we did not consult the copywriter's they could have possible sued my group and the school. We did not want any trouble, so we used downloaded free music, it is easy and cost effective.
Props
All of our props belonged to us, we did not have to buy any props.
Overall we did not spend any money on the film.
Appropriate technical competencies
Holding a shot steady
Framing a shot
Using a variety of shot distances
Shooting appropriate material (for a thriller)
Editing
The editing was a long process, I have finally realized how hard the process is, especially when your on a tight deadline. Me and my group used many dissolves,overlaps and wash outs. The wash outs were only used when there was a point of view shot, of me running through the garden, this was effective as it quickly moved from the perspective of the drug customer to the drug dealer. When you saw me on the floor dead, it washed out to a close up of my face. I used dissolves and overlaps because they were the only transitions that made all the scenes flow together. It gave my film a polished look.
Use of Varied,captions,effect
The camera was placed on top of the tripod during the filming, except when there were point of view shots. It is important to have steady shots, as it will be easier for the audience to follow the actors. The steadiness of the camera will make the film look professional. I am glad I achieved many steady shots, as I believe the consumer will engage with it more.
Framing a shot
When the girl was getting changed, I placed the camera a few feet away from her, I made sure you could see her surroundings, as it tells the audience more about the character. There was back lighting, to build tension slowly up to the point of her running through the back garden. When there was a medium shot of me running, I was framed in the middle, so you can see my exact location. The point of view shot, tells the audience she is on the run from the police. This will make the audience question themselves, why is she on the run? What crime has she committed?
I wanted to film in broad daylight as the light symbolizes hope and innocence. Which is ironic as the girl is not innocent. Sara has hope to escape the police, what she wanted killed her. Her drug dealer occupation was aimed in making money, unfortunately her obsession for money lead to her own destruction.
Using a variety of shot distances
I am very proud to announce I have used numerous shot distances. In the beginning the camera was near me it was a medium shot. When the police officer was walking towards the house the camera was quite far -it was a long shot. The camera was obviously very close with me when I shot all point of view shots, it was held in my hand through the strap, to make sure it was secure and would not fall as I was running. when the camera was driving off, the camera was on the side of the car. It was a few feet away from it, as it drove of the camera grew more distant and distant from it. When I was dragged onto the floor the camera came closer to me by zooming up on me.
Shooting appropriate material (for a thriller)
From my audience research, (the focus group and the results from the questionnaire), I found out males like car chases. unfortunately I could not have any car chases with the police and the drug dealers customer, as we would have had to consult the council and they could take a long period to respond. It is unlikely they would give a 16 year old director permission to film car chases in local areas. We would also have to consult the Minister of Transport, to make sure roads are clear when we are filming, and this would cost money.
Instead I involved a normal car scene conversation, I think it adds the same effect as a car chase, because the last thing you expect is a customer to turn round and kill you. When I was running I think it added tension, it will make the audience feel the emotion of thrill, they will feel anticipated to see if i can escape from the police before he barges in. I have understood what a thriller movie is, and what aspects are needed to make a thriller film. I have shot appropriate material for a thriller, we did not film a murderer going on a killing spree as that plot is highly associated with horror films.
Editing
The editing was a long process, I have finally realized how hard the process is, especially when your on a tight deadline. Me and my group used many dissolves,overlaps and wash outs. The wash outs were only used when there was a point of view shot, of me running through the garden, this was effective as it quickly moved from the perspective of the drug customer to the drug dealer. When you saw me on the floor dead, it washed out to a close up of my face. I used dissolves and overlaps because they were the only transitions that made all the scenes flow together. It gave my film a polished look.
Use of Varied,captions,effect
The only captions I used were the candidate details and titles. Just before the movie starts, I had a faded black background with grey captions which said Jannath Production Present. These captions were reflected at the bottom, this made the film look professional, the other grey captions, of job titles were moved from right to left. At the end of the film, two large words came across the scene, expanding which showed the title of our film 'Dead End.' Not many people used this titles background effect, I think this made our film more interesting to watch, also it has taught the audience, the important people behind the film.
Mis-en-scene
Mis-en-scene was a very important aspect of our film. It tells the audience everything about the characters, and gives clues on what will happen in the film later on. Mie-en-scene is made up of 5 parts,
1. Settings and Props
2. Facial Expression and Body Language
3. Hair,Costume and Makeup
4. The positioning of object and characters within the frame
5. Lighting and Colour
Settings and Props
In the beginning you could easily see my surroundings - the props- you could see magazines perfume, the mirror I was looking into. You could easily see the setting I was in a bedroom.
Hair, Costume and Makeup
I straightened my hair and did my makeup. It was raining before so my hair went a bit wavy. I wore tights with black shoes and a floral dress.
Body language and Facial Expression
When I was searching for my bag of drugs, my eyes were open, my eyebrows were arched and my head was creased together. This facial expression showed that I was worried- worried because I could not find my drugs. While I was looking for the drugs my back was hunched, my arms were loose because it was easier to grab the drugs. All the objects were positioned at the bottom while I was positioned above it. The policeman's back was straight, his arms were by his side. This body language showed he has power.
Lighting and Colour
The scenes in the house are lit in back lighting, I used this lighting because it creates a tense atmosphere. I did not use any lighting for the outside scenes. I used the natural resources - sun. I wanted the film to be in normal colour as it would have looked odd having scenes in different colours. My group member wanted to use a black and white effect on some scenes of the film, I told him it would look odd as black and white images are used to tell the past/flashbacks.
Positioning of objects and characters within the frame
You could easily see I was in a alleyway there were broken fences and tins of rubbish. When there was a point of view shot of the drug dealer and drug customer, we were positioned at then end of the camera, so the audience could see the tins of rubbish. We were near each other to show we had a close deadly relationship. When the car was speeding off, the camera was in the centre, then when the car stopped the camera was on the side of the car.
Sound
Mis-en-scene
Mis-en-scene was a very important aspect of our film. It tells the audience everything about the characters, and gives clues on what will happen in the film later on. Mie-en-scene is made up of 5 parts,
1. Settings and Props
2. Facial Expression and Body Language
3. Hair,Costume and Makeup
4. The positioning of object and characters within the frame
5. Lighting and Colour
Settings and Props
In the beginning you could easily see my surroundings - the props- you could see magazines perfume, the mirror I was looking into. You could easily see the setting I was in a bedroom.
Hair, Costume and Makeup
I straightened my hair and did my makeup. It was raining before so my hair went a bit wavy. I wore tights with black shoes and a floral dress.
Body language and Facial Expression
When I was searching for my bag of drugs, my eyes were open, my eyebrows were arched and my head was creased together. This facial expression showed that I was worried- worried because I could not find my drugs. While I was looking for the drugs my back was hunched, my arms were loose because it was easier to grab the drugs. All the objects were positioned at the bottom while I was positioned above it. The policeman's back was straight, his arms were by his side. This body language showed he has power.
Lighting and Colour
The scenes in the house are lit in back lighting, I used this lighting because it creates a tense atmosphere. I did not use any lighting for the outside scenes. I used the natural resources - sun. I wanted the film to be in normal colour as it would have looked odd having scenes in different colours. My group member wanted to use a black and white effect on some scenes of the film, I told him it would look odd as black and white images are used to tell the past/flashbacks.
Positioning of objects and characters within the frame
You could easily see I was in a alleyway there were broken fences and tins of rubbish. When there was a point of view shot of the drug dealer and drug customer, we were positioned at then end of the camera, so the audience could see the tins of rubbish. We were near each other to show we had a close deadly relationship. When the car was speeding off, the camera was in the centre, then when the car stopped the camera was on the side of the car.
Sound
We used many non-deigetic and diegetic sounds.
Non-Diegetic Sounds
We made sure the music was low, when my phone was ringing and when she was talking. The volume of the music increased until you could see the police knocking on the door. We wanted the audience to hear the knock as well as Sara. To emphasise the fear of the criminal, (thus she quickly searching for her drugs). she was afraid that she would get caught. You can hear the car gearing this will make it more interesting for the audience to watch.
Diegetic Sounds
The only diegetic sounds I used was the gunshots, this continues onto the next scene you could hear the booming of the two gunshots, the music was low so the gunshots could be heard. This immediately engage them further, as they cannot see the person getting shot, this will make them wander who got shot? In the end they get their answer as I am pulled out of the car.
Wednesday 17 March 2010
Health and Safety (After I write this post, many of classmates decided to use my idea on health and safety, but applied it to their film)
Health and safety are essential for the film industry to run. It ensures that there are no hazards, which can harm people in the industry. There are many rules and regulations they have to abide by.
In my film, my industry is made up of four people Paul Willis, Patience Ncube, Dionne Zara and I. According to the Health and Safety Work Act (1974), the location manager, Production Manager or First Assistant Director, has to carry out Health and Safety risk assessment.
In my Industry each safety rule would have details of the person responsible for the rule, and will have instructions on how the rule should be followed.
I discussed what rules we should establish, to ensure we are safe during shooting and editing of the film. We decided to make notes of what to do if we are in a dangerous situation e.g. The film shooting was mainly at Paul's house, if there was a fire we would organise ourselves in a straight line, and escape thorough the nearest exit - back/front door, then call the fire brigade.
We made a list on the rules we should follow.(We did follow all these rules except the 2nd and fifth rule) - we did not shoot at night and we did not use any weapons.
Firstly, we should make sure the camera is tightly connected to the tripod, so it does not fall off. The tripod should have all of its legs on the floor, it should be clipped, so the camera does not fall. When you are carrying the tripod, close the legs (clip them up) so you do not poke a person's eye, hold it securely on your shoulder with both hands.
Secondly, if we are filming with weapons (gun/knife), we should consult the school - media teachers and find a location where there are no members of the public.
The third rule is, if we are filming on a road in a car we should consult the traffic authority. (Road Traffic rules must be accepted by us.
Our forth rule is, while we are filming in the car, everyone inside the car must wear a seat belt, even if your driving a small distance - which we are. The car must be insured and the person driving the car should have a licensee.
Our fifth rule is, if we are shooting at night, we must wear suitable clothing - yellow vests - so cars/motor bikes can be aware of us filming, this will decrease any chances of getting hit by a vehicle. We should have bright lights, so we can see what we are doing.
Our 6th rule is catering - We should buy our lunch from the supermarket instead of fast food take away, as they may not be hygienic.
Our 7th rule is that we should make sure, there are facilities that are easily assessed, such as the bathroom and clean water.
Our 8th rule is that while we are editing, we should take small breaks from the computer to reduce headaches, and cramps from our hands.
9th Rule - Litter should be disposed immediately in the bin - if it is recycle we should put it in the recycle bin.
10th rule - The equipment must be insured.
11th rule - First aid kit will be carried wherever we go, if someone hurts themselves we can easily treat them .
Tuesday 16 March 2010
Construction of Production - Script
Script
Throughout the opening we will have music playing, except when there is dialogue, the music will decrease as Sara - teenage girl is talking, then it will increase when she finishes.
Scene 1 - Sara is combing her hair, putting on her bangles and bracelet on. (Music is playing) Her phone rings (The Music decreases and you can hear her ring tone - her ring tone is from an unsigned artist who allows his songs to be downloaded). She picks up.
Sara: Hello, I'll be there in 10 minutes (She puts the phone down).
Scene 2 - She hears police sirens, looks out the window and you can see the police officer knocking. She starts stashing items into her bag and runs downstairs and through the garden. The police officer crashes down the door, and runs after her. (Music is playing)
Scene 3 - She jumps from her garden fence into the connected alleyway and runs, the police officer loses her. She runs down a road and a car pulls up. She gets inside the car and opens her bag, reveling the drug.
Sara: Where's the money, I thought we had a deal
Shifty: Yeah we do
Scene 4 - The car drives down the road, you hear gunshots, shifty pulls Sara out of the car and into the floor. He drives off and the police officer finally finds her dead on the floor. (The music gets louder at this point then fades away.
I wanted to use some dialogue, because if you are not a natural actor then you will not be able to talk realistically with emotion. Both Sara and Shifty are using colloquial language because they are both young, and typical teenagers usually use slang when they talk.
Monday 15 March 2010
Brainstorm of Titles For my Thriller Film
I have come up with a range of different titles such as :
Too Late To Run
Whisper
If I had one more chance
Catch me
Distance
Waqt - A race against time
Ehsas - The breath
Kismat - Destiny lies in your hands
The wrong path
Deceived
The Deal
Whisper
If I had one more chance
Catch me
Distance
Waqt - A race against time
Ehsas - The breath
Kismat - Destiny lies in your hands
The wrong path
Deceived
The Deal
Dead End
I used hindi words for some titles, as it makes the film seem more interesting, before the audience actually see it.
I used hindi words for some titles, as it makes the film seem more interesting, before the audience actually see it.
We finally choose the title dead end. It s short and catchy, my target audience can easily remember this title. It matches with my opening film, the girl has no way out of her destiny, she finally ends up dead.
Sunday 14 March 2010
Don - Bollywood Movie - I loved this film - I can understand the words because I am bengali-I have been brought up watching indian films
This film is an bollywood action thriller, it keeps you in suspense until the end, identity is mistaken and you can never be sure of who to trust. It is a blockbuster remake of a 1978 film called Don
. There is an over the shoulder shot of a man checking if Don has weapons, he takes Dons sunglasses case There is a medium shot of Don and another gangster. There is a medium shot of a women holding a gun. After that there is a close up shot of his watch, he presses a bottom, then on his sunglasses a red light appears up - case is with his oppositions bodyguard. There is a panning shot of Don kicking the women. More red lights lit up and the case explodes. While the bodyguard is fighting with Don their a medium shot, so you can see what is going on. Don manages to get a gun and point it against his opposition's neck. He says 'It's not possible to catch me, It impossible.' Then it cuts onto the titles. There are images of rectangles there is a graphic match from them shapes to buildings.
It cuts to a table, the camera pans around the table, it cuts to a guy talking, then pans to detective. It cuts to the man that was talking previously then onto close up shots of pictures. When Don's picture appears up it cuts to Don playing golf.
He is wearing a white shirt which is ironic, white stands for innocence and purity, he is a murderer - a very bad criminal.
It cuts to a table, the camera pans around the table, it cuts to a guy talking, then pans to detective. It cuts to the man that was talking previously then onto close up shots of pictures. When Don's picture appears up it cuts to Don playing golf.
He is wearing a white shirt which is ironic, white stands for innocence and purity, he is a murderer - a very bad criminal.
Friday 12 March 2010
Krishna Cottage (Bollywood thriller film)
The camera the cuts to the titles, the titles are flashed. When the titles finish, there is a long shot of ma college. It cuts to a tracking shot of people walking. Then cuts onto the men opening the door- low key lighting is present. There is a medium shot of an abandoned room, you can see the two men entering. There is a low angle shot of the principle the camera tilts down onto the book. There is a dulch tilt of the principal throwing the book. It cuts to a close up shot of the principal knocking down an object. The camera pans and you can see feet, the camera tilts up and there is nobody there. Finally the camera tilts down and you can see an object getting smashed.
Wednesday 10 March 2010
Thursday 4 March 2010
(Final Planning before filming) After I posted this idea many of my class mates decided to use this idea but apply it to their own film!
Group members
Saima Jannath (Me)
Paul Willis
Patience Ncube
Dionne Zara
Cast
Tennage girl - Saima Jannath (Me)
Police officer - Paul Willis
Drug dealer/ gangster - Paul's older brother
Props
Braclets/Bangles
Comb
Gun
Bag which contains drugs (talcum powder)
Handbag
Car
Mobile phone
Costume
Saima Jannath - Purple Cardigan, Flowery Dress, Black tights/leggings, black shoes/sandals, Bracelet,Bangles,Handbag.
Pauls - Black trousers, Yellow Police vest.
Settings
Paul's house - his room and garden
Alleyway
Road
Hair and Makeup
I would have my hair straight, with pink lip gloss and eyeliner. I want my makeup to look subtle because it will deceive the audience at the beginning. While I am getting dresses they will think I am a normal innocent teenage girl.
Filming Timetable
Monday - 1pm to 3pm
Wednesday - 9 to 10:30
Friday - 11 to 12:30
Equipment needed
Camera
Tripod
Tape
Group Role
We decided to split the group roles on the production process as it will save time. We choose our own jobs according to the experience we had.
Patience role is the editing and cameraman - she is very experienced with the imac and can edit quicker than Paul and I.
Paul - Is the actor and is the Co-Director
Saima - I am an actor, the director of the film.
Dionne - Is the Producer and costume manager
Saima Jannath (Me)
Paul Willis
Patience Ncube
Dionne Zara
Cast
Tennage girl - Saima Jannath (Me)
Police officer - Paul Willis
Drug dealer/ gangster - Paul's older brother
Props
Braclets/Bangles
Comb
Gun
Bag which contains drugs (talcum powder)
Handbag
Car
Mobile phone
Costume
Saima Jannath - Purple Cardigan, Flowery Dress, Black tights/leggings, black shoes/sandals, Bracelet,Bangles,Handbag.
Pauls - Black trousers, Yellow Police vest.
Settings
Paul's house - his room and garden
Alleyway
Road
Hair and Makeup
I would have my hair straight, with pink lip gloss and eyeliner. I want my makeup to look subtle because it will deceive the audience at the beginning. While I am getting dresses they will think I am a normal innocent teenage girl.
Filming Timetable
Monday - 1pm to 3pm
Wednesday - 9 to 10:30
Friday - 11 to 12:30
Equipment needed
Camera
Tripod
Tape
Group Role
We decided to split the group roles on the production process as it will save time. We choose our own jobs according to the experience we had.
Patience role is the editing and cameraman - she is very experienced with the imac and can edit quicker than Paul and I.
Paul - Is the actor and is the Co-Director
Saima - I am an actor, the director of the film.
Dionne - Is the Producer and costume manager
Sunday 28 February 2010
Preliminary Exercise
This task was compulsory for media, our teachers gave us a tutorial, and it enabled us to get more familiar with the equipment, (how to achieve different camera angles and shots). We learnt how to use the Imac computers for editing. Now we are experienced with the equipment, it is going to be easier for my group, to film and edit our 2 minute thriller opening. Also when we finish our 2 minute thriller the exam board can compare the preliminary exercise with the film, this is going to show them how much we have learnt about the film making process and editing, and how far we have come from the exercise.
Analysis of my Preliminary exercise
We used simple basic camera shots. There was a medium shot in the beginning, at the end of the medium shot, Paul accidentally tilted the camera, we tired to cut it out but then the scene was to short to load, so we had to keep it. The scene then dissolves onto a medium shot of Sir walking into the room, as he gets nearer the camera wobbles. It dissolves onto another medium shot of sir sitting down, then pans to the side. When he walks to the front of the classroom his whole body is cut out you can only see his arm. There is a close up shot of me crying, then dissolves onto me looking out the window. You can see half of my head and the field. We found it difficult to shoot, however at the end we got a hold of it. I am sure our final film will have no camera problems.
We should have added music because we cut many things out and the dialogue sounds unusual.
We should have added music because we cut many things out and the dialogue sounds unusual.
Monday 22 February 2010
Bourne Identity (2002)
Bourne Identity
I watched this movie at home, it was based on the novel by Robert Ludlum and directed by Doug Liman.
The film is about a man who is found in the sea with bullet wounds on the back of his body . He sufferers from amnesia and tries to find out his identity as well as trying to avoid people who want him dead.
His first clue is the projector of a laser which has the details of a Swiss bank account which is embedded in his hip. Before the movie was made Bourne Identity was a television series.
More Conventions of a Thriller
I have researched further, on thriller conventions, and have identified more conventions, which identify the fact that the film is a thriller film.
- These are the conventions -
Usually non-diegetic music is used in the beginning of the movie e.g. seven, vertigo, the inside man etc. - The opening titles, editing cuts are quick e.g se7en.
- The use of colour suggests the themes of the film e.g. red can represent murder/danger.
- A crime usually takes place in the narrative.
- Enigmas, Cliff hangers and Red Herrings are used to create more suspense for the audience.
- The film usually starts from the point of view of the protagonist or antagonist.
- The antagonist and protagonist are usually binary of opposition, e.g. In Hannibal there was an inspector and a serial killer.
- Usually identity is questioned e.g North by North West, Bourne Identity etc.
- Usually an innocent protagonist is drawn into a violent, criminal world by the antagonist, or police to go undercover and tackle the evil schemes of the protagonist.
- The protagonist is empowered by the antagonist with weapons and his henchmen - hit man, gangsters etc.
- Voyeurism - watching something when your not supposed to.
- Protagonist has a weakness which the antagonist takes the advantage of.
- Complex dilemma.
- Dramatic irony.
- There is a mystery.
- The editing is quick during the action but slow during the suspense of the film.
- The music fits with the scene, in action thriller scenes the music would be upbeat but in suspense scenes the music will be slow and deep.
- If the film was a noir film then the lighting would be dark, there would not be many bright lights or colours. The lighting depends on what effect the director wants to create. Low key lighting contrast dark and light areas known as chiaroscuro, this creates an atmosphere of danger and builds up tension. Back lighting creates silhouettes it gives a mysterious vibe, especially if it is used behind a character. It makes the character look powerful, he can see us (the audience) but we can not see him properly.
- The camera work depends on the situation, if car chases are taking place in thriller films then tracking shots are used to follow the action. During fighting scenes the camera usually pans. Point of view shot is effective during running scenes, it builds up tension.
Most people ask what are the difference between a murder mystery and a thriller, in a thriller you mostly know who the antagonist is, and you have to tackle obstacles to take him down. But in a murder mystery you do not know who the killer is until the protagonist unravels it.
The narrative of a thriller goes through 4 steps.
In the beginning of a thriller everything is Equilibrium - everything is normal and balanced, then a Disequilibrium occurs - events or actions that occur, to disrupt the balance and normality. Then a Resolution takes place - the problem is solved. Finally a new Equilibrium is established - where everything is normal and balanced again but it is different from the Equilibrium in the beginning.
In North By North West, Equilibrium - Thornhill's life is balanced and normal, Disequilibrium- he is mistaken for his identity, Resolution - he saves Eve, New Equilibrium - his life is normal and balanced but is married to Eve.
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