CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS

19th december-5th january
MERRY CHRISTMAS

Shoot 3: How it went...

We completed our final shoot yesterday. We needed this shoot because we had some things to re-shoot and some new shots to complete. We had a half day from school and took full advantage. However none of us were very well which caused some problems

Favourite shot: the close up low angle of king-I had to sit in a really uncomfortable position btut it was worth it!!

Best part of the day: Having so much fun with everyone. It's like they're my own little media family!!

Worst part of the day: 4 sick people stuck in one tiny room-NOT GOOD
Everyone was coughing and spluttering and it was horrible, germs all over the place. but you gotta do what you gotta do

Overall the whole shooting experience has been great. I've enjoyed it so much. I think i have really stretched myself in my filming abilities.

xx

Shoot 2: How it went....

Shoot two went pretty good
We filmed all the stuff with lauras dad, and its looks BRILLIANT. We got so many angles and shots it's gonna look so effective. I thought the shot of him puttting thngs into the briefcase from his point of view was really effective and will look really cool when it's on the computer. It was lovely to meet King for the first time. He was so good at acting and picked up all the traits of the character immediately. He learn the script instantly and was really proffessional-whilst being really lovely.

Fave shot: the shot of King in the mirror

Best part of the day: Meeting king, and filming some of the briefcase bits

Worst part: Being crammed in the teeny cellar for about 5 hours!!!!!

Shoot 1: Reflections

The shoot went really well
we got MORE than enough footage to edit the girls part, and create some really effective match on actions

fave shot we took: the key board shot definately, it's really intersting but not invasive, i think it will really work well

fave bit of the day: filming the master shot, we were all so professional and got it all done

worst bit: When we/I started laughing. The lines was reading were so serious and I just got the giggles. In my defence Holly was laughing too-at the absolute rubbish i was typing, on the screen. None of it made sense!!
Can't wait to see the outtakes though-they'll be hilarious!!!!!


p.s. we've changed the storyline a small bit- no more 'Aunties' just an evil agony aunt but really a guy.
xx

Stage 2: Planning

Ok so we've started to plan our group film-and we've chosen a final idea
it's going to be based around the internet in which suicidal girls are preyed on by a character who goes by the pseudonym of 'Julie' to gain the trust of the girls, and eventually kills them. We've decided the editing and shooting style will be chopping and quick. We have also decided I will be the first victim and a friend of Laura's, called King, will be the main muderer.

Can't wait to get going now...

Stage 2: Test Shoot

I'll just fill you in our our stage two planning and how i contributed.
Firstly...

TEST SHOOT
Before going out on the shoot We needed to make sure we were prepared
Firstly we needed to check all of our equipment, that we had the necessary stuff to provide good test footage.
We also prepared a small script to ensure when screen testing both me and Laura, we had an adequate amount to say, and that what we said linked to our piece.

This is the test script we came up with for the female part:

Girl:

I've been doing a lot better this week.

My mum didn't drink this evening.You've really helped me.

Can I ask you a favour? (pause)

Would you come over this evening?

This worked well as it provided range, and gave us inspiration for our actual script.

Our test shoot-though missing one person, was successful as it gave us loads of inpiration for angles and shots for the real shoot. It gave us an idea of the lighting, and how the lighting in the cellar it pretty tricky, but we worked out that an eerie effect was created it lamps we placed in certain positions.
What I did: I shot a variety of different shotsin the cellar and in Laura's room, to give us variety, and show us what works and what doesn't. I tried to be experimental at this stage, because this is how you learn and choose what is right. I enjoyed the test shoot because it showed me that I can be more creative with my camera work.

Reflections of watching footage:

1. After watching the footage in the lesson, we realised some important factors to consider when doing our actual shoot, and made some observations and changes to the piece.
   It wasn't snappy enough (but we realised this towards the end of our takes after reviewing them).
2. We don't have enough continuity, so we need to change the action so that it involves continuity other than the conversation online.
3. We decided who would play the girl.
4. After watching the different shots of the murderer with the briefcase, we realised which lighting looked best, and discovered that a mixture of different shots and angles could look really effective. We can cut it up to make it SNAPPIER and show some more continuity by matching-on-action with sharpening knives etc.

Final Idea!!!

We are choosing an idea based around men preying on suicidal girls, killing them and making it look like suicide.

Synopsis- A murder organisation called "The Aunties" (possible title?) who victimise vulnerable, suicidal women/girls by setting up a help website where they are "agony aunts". they are really men. then they target certain women, get to know them, then find out where they live and kill them, making it look like suicide. The posts on the worry website are evidence of suicide.
This is our Final Idea

Stage 1

So we're getting started on our group project in my group with Laura and Holly. We've already planned our group idea and agreed on it but had already made a treatment for another idea so i thought i would put it down so you could see the contrast

PLANNING YOUR OPENING SEQUENCE
Please describe or explain the following:
1. The action: identify the event your idea is based around; what actually happens (discovery of a body, an illicit meeting, a witness seeing a crime being committed, a criminal act taking place, a telephone call, a chase, a short journey etc)?
My idea was based around two drug dealers in London who deal and take cocaine. The action in the opening sequence would be the dealers wrapping up packages of cocaine, and then you see/hear the dealers spiking one package with a poison of some sort to kill someone. They wrap three packages ready to post but you do not see which package is the poisoned one.

2. The theme(s): what should it make the audience think about or feel, what ‘issues’ will it raise (revenge, sexuality, voyeurism, stalking, obsession, greed etc)
Themes of death, drugs, London style and social scene, revenge, will make the audience feel angry and confused as they do not know who will be poisoned.

3. The narrative: how is it structured - classic narrative pattern or break with convention, real time or different time zones, flashbacks/forwards, dreams etc. Will there be dialogue? What about diegetic/ non-diegetic sound?
The narrative pattern will break the conventions, as it will use both real time and flash backs to try and piece together the story bit by bit. The aim is to be quite confusing to the audience, to make them think. . There will be dialogue between the two dealers about the drugs and about poisoning them. Any music that we have in the scene will be digetic as i feel non-digetic sound may make it feel quite Hollywood, and i think it should be quite gritty.

4. The character(s): who are they, identify their roles, what are their characteristics, including gender, appearance etc?
The only characters seen in the opening sequence are two drug dealers, in their mid/late-thirties. Both white males wearing plain darkish clothes in greys blues and khakis

5. The setting and choice of location: where is it set?
A London flat/house, showing the dealers must be pretty good and lead a averagely comfortable life. The flat would be nearer the centre of London. Nice looking from the outside but dingier from the inside.

6. The mise-en-scene: identify colours, lighting, dress codes, the overall visual look
High key lighting as it is in the middle of the day, I see bright-ish colours like reds and blues mixed in with whites and browns. Dress codes are pretty standard and casual. Needs to connote British street style.

7. The camera work: the style you are aiming for
Lots of movement shots: tracking, pans etc to create a better visual feeling. Jaunty angles to create a weird sense of something happening and confusion.

8. The editing: edited as a continuous sequence, use of cross cutting, use of montage, or combination?
Very choppy, and fast paced to reflect the British edgy-cool style of the piece. Use of montage when showing the making and separating of the cocaine.

9. Has your idea been ‘tested’ against the key criteria (the 8 questions)?
Yes, i feel it will work well

10. Group responses?
We all like the idea and think it can work well, as we would have the right location to shoot it, and we could use our dads as actors...

BLK feedback

Please keep up with your Stage 1 posting Amelia - you need to show how the project is developing from your own perspective.

No evidence for this so far on this blog. Try to avoid long-ish gaps between posts.Please see the main blog posts for advice on how to proceed with your individual blog if you're not sure what you should be doing.

Your evaluation and continuity sequence link? What's going on?

Preliminary Exercise: Continuity Sequences

Who Did You Work With and How Did You Manage the Task Between You?
I worked in a Group with Shaun, Mia and Loren. During the planning stage of the piece we split the work up equally so that we could all be busy doing things rather than waiting for one thing to be down, and then another. I worked closely on the 'shooting script', on the Script and Shaun did the drawing for the storyboard, whilst Mia helped and over looked both me and Loren. Obviously we all double checked with each other before going ahead with anything, so that the whole group was in agreement. This was very effective as we were able to get the job in hand done quickly, so that we could get started on the shooting and editing as quickly as possible. When shooting, as Loren and I were in most of the shots we did less camera work than Mia and Shaun, although we made sure we had done at least one shot. It worked well this way as there was no added fuss of switching the cameraman and sound technician each time which would have caused excess time and hassle. With the editing we would each do 15 minutes and a time and then change round. This worked very well.

Overall our group worked really well together, there were no arguments, no disagreements and we all really enjoyed our time. Everyone was really willing and happy to do whatever job they were given, and this meant that none of us were unhappy with decisions made.

How Did You Plan Your Sequence? What Processes Did You Use?
During the planning stage of our sequence we as a group decided which things we would be 'in charge of' as such and did them individually with group feedback. I worked on the shooting script and so had to reply on all the other members of my group as without a Storyboard or a script i couldn't have completed the shooting script.

The Script- Loren and Mia put together a quick script of our sequence ( which was going to be about 2 girls gossiping). We made sure the lines were short and snappy, to get a feel of a fast paced girly conversation.

Storyboard- We elected Shaun to draw up a rough storyboard so that we could get a feel for how our piece would run, and see it visually.

After doing both these things i was able to get on with the Shooting Script. The shooting script allowed us to come up with an appropriate shooting order for filming, not just filming in order of the sequence. We decided to shoot them (as we had discussed in class) by grouping them by locations and actors- i.e. all ones in the lobby at the start, then all the ones with me in them, then all the ones with Loren in. This made the best use of our time.

We did a run through of our sequence to check that everything was working right and then we were off.

What Technology Did You Use To Complete The Task, and How Did You Use It?
We used various technology and equipment throughout the task. The most vital part of our equipment would've been our Mini DV Canon Camera. We used the same one camera throughout which worked well.

Another vital part of our recording equipment was our microphone/headset sound gear. We used a mic plugged into the camera, which could be detachable to make it closer to the action. This made the conversation much clearer and therefore more understandable. Other equipment that we used during the shooting process was our tripod to keep the camera level and steady, and increase continuity of our shots. We used a clipboard to separate up different shots and takes between, to make it easier when it comes to the editing process.

As for the editing process we used an editing software called Premiere Pro. This allowed us to chop and edit our sequences quickly and easily, which made sure that we stuck to our schedule. The editing style we used is called non-linear editing which allows you to move clips around in different orders allowing you to be more flexible and versatile. We used 2 video tracks which made things a lot easier and clearer, especially when editing the conversation and all parts with girl one where one the first video track, and all parts with girl 2 were on the second. As the only sound we were using was dialogue we only needed one audio track.

I enjoyed using all the equipment. I found it particularly easy to use which surprised me, and it will be good as all the equipment we used we will be using for our real thing.

What Factors Did You Have To Take Into Account When Planning, Shooting and Editing?
Planning- When planning our shoot we had to take many factors into account. For example location. We had to shoot within the school premises as the brief had to include opening a door and walking across a room, and because it was during lesson times it made sense to film in the media block. This created a problem as all the other groups had the same idea. Luckily when filming it wasn't too much of a problem. Another thing to take into account when shooting was budget. Obviously our budget is ZERO and we we had to improvise with what we could make do with. Mia brought in an 'ugly' jumper which worked with our storyline, and since the scene was based around teenagers, me and Loren didn't need to do anything. Also when planning we had to consider whether our piece would be logical and make sense, for example if we had done a conversation about working on a farm but shot it in an office. Luckily ours was about gossiping teen girl, and we filmed it in a school so it all worked.

Shooting- With shooting factors we needed to take into account were similar to that of planning such as weather conditions if we were shooting outside. However most complications which could have arisen were because of continuity. Because we we're trying to make a sequence with continuity we had to be careful of various things. For example the framing in each shot had to be perfect. If you were filming a conversation (180 degree) then the shot of one person talking could not differ to the shot of the next time they talked. We did this by filming all the lines for one person, and then for the other. We also had to make sure our reactions were accurate to how you should react and so ran through the whole conversation. We often had to shoot many takes because of there not having the correct reactions, or because my head (in the shot) kept moving out of frame. Other stuff we had to be aware of was lighting, to keep it continuous throughout the piece. This was simple as we had no additional lighting apart from the room light. Another large problem which arose was everybody wanting to use the lobby at the same time, luckily we shot all our shots in the lobby first, whilst everyone else had left them until last. Also outside noise from the other classrooms meant we would have to wait between takes before filming so that we did have sound issues when editing.

Editing- The main factor to consider when editing was the continuity. Cutting the shots just right so that the sequence flowed smoothly and looked seamless.

How Successful Was Your Sequence? Please Identify What Worked Well and With Hindsight, What Would You Improve/Do Differently?
Brief:-Continuity task involving filming and editing a character opening a door, crossing a room and sitting down in a chair opposite another character, with whom she/he then exchanges a couple of lines of dialogue. This task should demonstrate match on action, shot/reverse shot and the 180 degree rule.

I think our sequence works well and is very successful, and we use all that is asked of us. We used a girl, opening a door, crossing a room and then having conversation and so fulfilled the brief entirely whilst adding our own little twist to int at the end by added the 3rd person. The conversation scene works well as we stick to the 180 degree rule, and it runs really smoothly without any skips or jumps. However next time when filming we would need to take larger pauses between sentences, because some this were hard to cut as we spoke almost on top of one another because we knew what each other was going to say. This made it extremely hard when editing and you had to be extremely careful when using the razor tool. We showed match-on-action when the girl goes to open the door and then there is a shot of her hand one the door, however there is a slight glitch with continuity as the hands are higher in the close shot, then they are in the long shot, but after getting feedback this wasn't too noticeable. The establishing shot at the beginning was only thought up once we were in the edit suite because we realised the shot we wanted to have wouldn't have worked as it would've meant that the girl went through the room twice. Instead we cut the shot down, so that it only showed Loren at the computer to establish that she was there, and the other girl was coming to see her and almost int erupting what she was doing, therefor our mistake was not all bad. The shot where girl 1 says "Oh my god Loren" works well because it create suspense by her dragging the chair across the room. However although it does create suspense, on the other and it takes slightly too long and changed the pace of the piece in that one bit. The bit at the end in which the girl comes through the door, and the other two girls are interrupted was quite spontaneous and we were not entirely sure if we were going to put this in, but we had time so we did. It was very awkward though because we needed to have the sound of the door for use to react to however we did not. So we had to cut the sound of a door from another shot and move it. It caused lots of excess problem but i think in the end worked really effectively.
Overall our piece looks seamless and professional. You do not notice the editing, which is the point after all.

What Have You Learnt From From Completing This Task? Looking Ahead, How Will This Learning Be Significant When Completing The Rest Of Your Foundation Coursework, Do You Think?

I have learnt that I am a lot more competent with all the technical stuff than I thought i was. I thought I would have forgotten everything about editing and Premiere Pro but it all came back to me and I really enjoyed it. I also learnt how HARD it is to get continuity editing right, and make it look plausible. It is really difficult and it is one of the things we're going to have to look very closely at when filming our group piece. It allowed us to make mistakes that we will now be able to correct in our real thing. It taught me to not rely on things such as locations and sound etc, as thing might always go wrong. I think in that respect it has taught me to be more wary about everything in a shoot, lighting sound and continuity.
I feel it also stregthened my ability to work in a group and has taught me not to be so bossy. This waas achieved by sharing work out easily
It also showed the importance of planning and a storyboard, because a few times shots that we wanted didn't work (such as the establishing shot).
I would make sure that in converstaion in a our piece we took longer pauses between each thing to make sure that we could get cutr off points right as this proved a problem for us.

I really onjoyed working on this project and cannot wait to get started on the real thing :)

Here is the Sequence
"Ugliest Jumper Ever"-By Loren, Shaun, Mia, Amelia

GROUPS!!!!

OK so we've been put in our groups and I'm with Holly and Laura-VERY EXCITED
Both of them will gel with me nicely as they are both very hard working and keen about film

Holly- My mole chum (private joke)
She is the most film obsessed person I know-she'll really help when it comes to research and comparisons for the film. She LOVES blogging which is another bonus (watch her preliminary task..I don't think she even needed to act :] )

Laura- Very close friend and very ginger. She is so hard working and determind to get 100% on this project. She, like me, tends to do too much work and way extra than you actually need-> not always a bad thing though

I am very excited to be working with two of my best friends and now just cant wait to get going!!!!!!!

xx

Martin Scorsese

On of the most influential directors of our time, Martin Scorsese (or 'Marty' to his friends) has produced some of the finest films in cinema history. Scorsese stands out as he not only is an Academy award winning directer, but he is President of the Film Foundation and a truly world class film historian. After attending the NYU Film school he began to produce and direct short films including his most famous 'The Big Shave' (1967). even in it earliest form the 'Scorsese style' was emerging and gave a feel for Italian-American life, fast paced editing and a troubled male protagonist. During the 70s he became friends with other directors such as Spielberg, and was introduced to Robert De Niro, who would star in 8 of his films, most famously 'Taxi Driver' in which he gave an 'intense' lead performance. However in his later career he has started working closely with actor Leonardo DiCaprio, who starred in 'The Departed' (2007) for which Scorsese won best director.

Directorial Trademarks:

1. Begins his films with segments taken from the middle or end of the story. Examples include Raging Bull (1980) Goodfellas (1990), Casino (1995),and The Last Waltz
2. Frequent use of slow motion, e.g. Mean Streets (1973), Taxi Driver (1976), Raging Bull (1980).
3. Use of freeze frames e.g. Goodfellas, The Departed
4. His lead characters are often sociopathic and/or want to be accepted in society
5. Use of sequences set to popular music or voice over, often involving aggressive camera movement and/or rapid editing.
6. Often uses long tracking shots e.g. Goodfellas. He is sometimes referred to as the 'King of the Tracking Shot'
7. Music wise, it tends to be diegetic, but uses lots of sound bridges
8. Usually set in New York, and often Italian Americans.

Overall he is a fantastic and very influential director, writer and producer, and most certainly one of the best

MOVIE NIGHT

During the half term my friends and I decided that we should broaden our knowledge of different films, and film genres. Hannah, and Laura (who both also do media) came to my house to watch the films. All is all we managed to watch an impressive 8 films over 24 hours of many different genres including: Action thriller, Biographical drama, psycho-sexual thriller, drama, rom-com drama, horror as well as psychological dramas which could be considered as a hybrid that fits into many categories. I really enjoyed this weekend because it enabled me to watch some films that i otherwise wouldn't want to .

Films we watched:
Walk the Line (James Mangold 2005) -Biographical picture (BIOPIC)

Mulholland Dr. (David Lynch 2001) - Psycho-sexual thriller

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (Michael Gondry 2004) -hybrid with psychological and drama themes

Magdalene Sisters (Peter Mullan 2002) - Drama (based on a true story)

The Shining (Stanley Kubrick 1980) -Horror/thriller

The Object of My Affection (Nicholas Hunter 1998) - Rom-com drama

Kill Bill Volumes 1 and 2 (Quentin Tarentino 2003, 2004) - Action/thriller

I really loved all 8 films for different reasons. However I definitely had favourites.
Magdalene Sisters was about 3 girls in the Magdalene Laundries an institution for 'fallen' women, where they have to atone for their sins through work and prayer. Rose, Bernadette and Margaret are all in their for different reasons, however Margaret was wrongly put in their because of being raped. This makes you empathise with her and feel anger towards her parents who send her away, and the nuns in the institution that treat her badly. The film was based on a true story and so when the horrible things happen to the girls you feel even worse because you know this was happening in real life. Because it was based on a true story, the visuals were very realistic and gritty, with dull colours and lighting. I found this film very moving and it really affected me (for instance when the nuns were being particularly cruel I felt like screaming at the TV screen). This is one of the best film I have seen in a while and I would definitely recommend it.

Brief Summary of the rest:
Walk the Line-I've watched it many times before and I already consider it one of my favourites because of the way both Witherspoon and Phoenix portray their characters so accurately
Mulholland Dr.-Personally I didn't like it. I found it far too confusing-i had to look up its meaning on the Internet!
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind-An extremely interesting movie and i loved the way that it worked backwards; I really enjoyed it
The Shining-A classic. And it lived up to all its hype. Suspense, tension and some extremely frightening scenes
The Object of my Affection- A sweet, yet rather gripping romantic drama which after watching 'The Shining' was a much needed break from all the confusing films and provided 2 hours in which no thought was needed and you could just watch the film
Kill Bill 1+2- Great action, almost humorous violence. I really didn't think I would like this sort of film but I did.

Script/Screen Writing

A script is a crucial part of the film, providing all the action, dialogue and location ideas for the film. I started to look at some websites and assess the elements that a script need to make is successful.

LEARN THE LINGO:
EXT-outside
INT-inside
SLUGLINE/SCENE HEADING-this comes at the top of the script and tells the reader where the scene takes place. Firstly you state whether you are indoors or outdoors, then the location and then maybe the time of day
e.g. EXT-BEACH-SUNSET
INT-BEDROOM-MORNING
it can also include information such as 'ESTABLISHING SHOT'
ACTION-this is what we actually see on the screen, and what the directions are.
EXTENSION- this is a technical code placed to the right of the characters names which dictates how the characters voice will be heard.
e.g. V.O.-voice over
O.S.- off screen
TRANSITION- the transition that will be used to change the scene
e.g.
CUT TO:
DISSOLVE TO:
QUICK CUT:
FADE TO:
FADE OUT

TIP
The only time you should use a Transition in a specific script is if it's integral to telling the story. For example using a dissolve to show time passed.

A script need to also include DIALOGUE and CHARACTER NAMES, occasionally SHOT TYPES

The Shining Script

I found a website which provides the entire script from 'The Shining' (1980). I decided to do this script because we will probably be making the opening to a horror film and i felt it would be appropriate.

-Script-

INT. BEDROOM - M.C.S.

(JACK at Bathroom door. )

JACK

Little pigs, little pigs, let me come in!

CUT TO:INT. BATHROOM - M.S.

(WENDY by open window. She moves L-R to basin.

CAMERA PANSwith her. She picks up knife and moves R-L to side of door..132.

CAMERA PANS with her. )

CUT TO:INT. BEDROOM - M.C.S.

(JACK at Bathroom door. )

JACK

Not by the hair on your chiny, chin, chin.

Then I'll huff, and I'll puff

CUT TO:M.S.

(JACK holding axe back to camera at Bathroom door. )

JACK (CONT'D)

and I'll blow your house in.

(He swings axe back.)

That part of the script i find particularly frightening and wil be good reseach for our own film opening.

INTERESTING FACT-Jack Nicholson's famous line "Here's Johnny" was ad lib and was not in the original script.

Keeping it in the Family

A Family Affair - Janet Leigh and Jamie Lee Curtis
Both these brilliant actresses starred in two of the most famous horror movies of their time 'Psycho' (Hitchcock 1960) and 'Halloween' (John Carpenter 1978); and funnily enough they're mother and daughter!

Psycho
Janet Leigh-Marion Crane
Janet Leigh played the curious, beautiful and morally ambiguous Marion Crane in Hitchcock's classic horror film. Often described as the first horror film, Psycho changed the face of horror. It used unconventional techniques such as the use of silence in replace for harrowing music. It made history by being the first film to kill of the lead girl in the first half of the film. Although Leigh was only in the film for a short amount of time her famous 'shower scene' become international, and gave her world fame. She gave an outstanding performance and won a Golden Globe for her role. However due to her role becoming one of the most famous characters in Hollywood history, Leigh became typecast and as a result her film career rapidly decreased.

Halloween
Jamie Lee Curtis-Laurie Strode.
A 17 yeah old in high school is reserved and considered a bookworm, who is the only teenage character in the film who is not killed. Halloween provided inspiration for many other horror films, by providing frightening sound motifs and good characters. Her role has been reprised many times by her and others. Jamie Lee stepped into her mothers shoes and shot to fame in the film 'Halloween'. This film was her big break and provided many other opportunities and films. However after this she became know as the 'scream queen' because of her numerous horror roles. Unlike her mother, however, she managed to overcome this to work with many different genres. Her role in films such as 'trading Places' established her a sex symbol, and leaving her horror queen image behind. She has proved herself to be a truly commited actress and won a Golden Globe for her role in 'True Lies'

QUEENS OF THE SCREAMS

Horror Conventions

Genre: Horror Convention List
Sounds-creaking floorboards and doors, whistling winds, evil laughs, rustling leaves, hailstones, thunder, banging on doors, hacking (axes) , echoes, crackling tvsignals, cries and screams, heavy breathing, silence. Music- eerie and quite to build up tension- a change in tempo, very high pitch
Motifs- e.g. Shower scene ‘Psycho’, Very low pitch squeaking e.g. ‘The Shining’, Halloween-all recognisable tunes and used in other horror, sudden changes in tempo and dynamics, often orchestral instruments, violins ( squeaking and daunting), organs etc.

Characters-psychopaths, killers, monsters, beautiful girl (dansel in distress often blond), hero, stupid one who also does the wrong thing, ghosts, detectives, possessed people, cute children (often kidnapped), cowardly witness, bully, police, the best friend

Iconography- blood, gore, knives, axes, guns, night, dark, full moon, halloween mask, creepy low key lighting, silhouettes, dark, shadowy, shakey camera movements, bad weather, night time, moon, stormy,Camera would vary from CU to LS to establish surrounding and she scared , photographs, candles, long dark corridors, low angles, head lights of a car.

Setting- forest, haunted/isolated buildings-very remote, old houses, hotels, basements, attics, alleys, dark places, countryside, long empty roads, night time, castles, mountains, the ordinary-school, home.

Themes-fear, trapped, pursuit, gore, premonitions, jealousy, betrayal, mystery, lust, revenge, anger, death, secrets, lies, love, passion, obsession, torture, mind games, wilderness, obsession, grief, suprise

Props-dagger, masks, blood, candles, cloaks, bikes.

Narrative-chase sequence, being trapped, most die;only a few survive or escape, high body count, murder, stalking, powerless law, serial killers, enigma, supernatural, torture, fear of the unknown, no form of contact

BUDGET

Budget is a serious thing you need to consider when making a movie
During the script development stage a rough budget will be drawn up and shown to producers and studios to see if the film can go ahead or not, then if all is agreed and it starts up, a final budget will be drawn up later during the pre-production stages. Usually lots of drafts are made to cut down costs as much as possible.

A budget is divided into 4 sections;
above-the-line (creative talent)
below-the-line (production costs)
post-production (editing, visual effects etc)
and other (insurance etc)
You need to take into account all the elements that comes together and all the different people that need to be paid
There are many different elements that need to be accounted for and people that need to be paid;

• Cast-often Hollywood stars, and they will want the big bucks (millions)
• Directors- will usually take around 7% of the final budget.
• Writer
• Production Costs
• Visual and Audio effects
• Screen play writer
• Story Rights-if the story is taking from a novel etc.

Example- Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life
Story rights and screenplay: $4 million
Producers: $4 million
Director (Jan de Bont): $5 million
Cast: $17.25 million
Angelina Jolie: $12 million
Extras: $250,000
Other (inc. Angelina's perks): $5 million
Production costs: $67 million
Set design and construction: $17.8 million
Visual Effects: $13 million
Music: $3.3 million
Editing: $3 million
Post Production costs: $1.5 million
Total: $118 million-WOAH

Low Budget filming

Low Budget Filming (such as we will be doing later on) is used by young or unknown directors to get there films out there on a limited budget. We will need to take this into account when we make out films.

We will not have money to by extensive amounts of props or rent locations to shoot on, so will we will have to improvise with creepy hallways in school, gardens at night times, and going to the local party shop for props (for example). Our finished look will not be perfect and polished with thousands of special effects so we will have to look into ways in which we can do Horror films on a low budget, which little effects.

One way of doing this would be like 'Blair Witch Project', one of the most notable low budget films in history. Costing a mere $22,000 to make and grossing over $248 million worldwide.

Memorable Characters

Eliza Doolittle

A wonderful character who worked on the streets on , and based on the sotry of Pygmalion, Eliza Doolittle blossomed to be one of the most memorable characters of all time. From the ugly duckling to the beautiful swan, from flower girl to lady, nobody can not love this character. Portrayed so beautifully by Audrey Hepburn, she comes out with many snappy one liners, which in her common London accent are often extrememyl comical. Her famous quotes such as 'The rain in Spain stays mainly on the plain' will stick in peoples heads forever. Her key iconography is her dirtiness at the beginning 'I ain't dirty! I washed my face and hands before I come, I did', then for the Ascot when she comes in wearing a beautiful dress and bonnet, but she must be herself which is shown when during the race, when everyone else is very demure she yells 'COME DOVER, MOVE YOUR BLOOMIN' ARSE'. Her beautiful songs about overcoming her problems and not being treated by dirt lift peoples spirits and instantly make them feel better. I think a portion of the audiences feel they can relate to her, often being in a word you don't really fit into and so they empathise with her character. In some respects she like many female prtagonists, wanting a better life and osomeone to love her, but there is something special about this one that has made her recognisable through many generations. She is a beautiful and timeless character and i think she won't ever be forgotten.

Memorable Characters

"Bond, James Bond"

Possibly the most famous and recognisable character in British film history spanning over 5 decades with numerous incredible British actors stepping into those famous shoes. Created in 1953 by Ian Fleming, he is well known for his suave charm and handsomeness. His way with the ladies, and his love of anything thrilling and full of action is also instantly recognisable. His key iconography codes are: his slick black tuxedo suit, his impressive weaponary, and of course that maritini (shaken, not stirred). This continiuty of the basic inconography have helped generations adapt to 6 differnt actors playing Bond, as well as updating him slightly each time to let younger audiences relate with Bond films too. Bond is a classic British icon, and by far one of the best characters of all time.

SOUND

Originally movies didn't have any sounds. They relied on a piano in the cinema screen to create to moods needed. The first feature film to be released with a soundtrack was 'The Jazz Singer' (1927). To have sound in a film was a massive revolution as it had never been done before. However this was because of the huge costs for cinemas and film companies to buy equipment. In spite of this audiences were so impressed with sound in films that it stimulated others to follow suit.

Diegetic sound- Sound within the films world belonging to the films diegesis. Creates a real world atmosphere. Sounds can be added on additionally, but is we can hear that they are withing the film world, and that is you were in that world those are the sounds you would hear then they are diegetic.

Non Diegetic- Additional sounds added that would not be present in the films world such as a narrator and additional music.

On Screen- you can see it and hear it at the same time
Off screen- you can't see it but you can hear it and you know it is off screen.

Foley track- Sounds effects made additionally and added on to sound diegetic for parallel effect. Foley artist are used to enhance and intensify a certain noise, for example in Jurassic park, when the dinosaur was hatching ice cream cones were broken up to sound like cracking, or in Psycho, Alfred Hitchcock tested out various different melons before finding the one that made the most realistic stabbing noise to use for the infamous shower scene.

Sound Bridges- This is when the sound from one scene will continue over into another scene-the images change but the sound remains the same. This helps the film to flow better and it becomes more coherent.

Parallel Sound -Also know as synchronous sound, this is when the sound, and what you see on screen match. For example a romantic song during a loving kiss, or the classic music from Psycho (again) in the shower scene.
Contrapuntal Sound- Also known as asynchronous sound, this is where the music or sound on screen does not match with the action, such as in trinspotting, or in the new Bond film 'Quantom of Solace' in which there is a fighting scene, however opera is being played.

OPENING SEQUENCE: One Fine Day

One Fine Day (Michael Hoffman, 1996) (from begininning to 3:05)

A classic rom-com staring George Clooney and Michelle Pfeiffer. This film is about two single parents who have possibly one of the most hectic days of their lives looking after their children whilst taking take of their fast paced careers. On top of this a blossoming romance starts to form, beneath all the bitterness. The opening sequence to this film is very calm and simple to contrast to the day to come.

The music starts very softly as non-diegetic sound (not that in the film world). The font is very long and thin on a plain black backdrop so that the screen is not clutter and is very soft and simple, which is reflected in the song. You can hear faint sounds of street noises like police cars and rain which are diegetic sound as you would expect to hear them if you were in the film.

The actors names appear on screen slightly bigger than the other names as they are 'the stars'. Michelle Pfeiffer and George Clooney, both very well known actors and so there are expectations that the film will be good. Suddenly a city skyline scrolls up into the black backdrop and we can see that wherever it is set is a large city, and on further inspection we can see it is New York as you can see the Empire State Building (if you didn't know this it wouldn't matter). This introduces the location. The camera tilts down and pans across an apartment building, while still showing credits. We see people in their homes relaxing, one playing a piano, and old couple playing cards. The music is very calm and slow which agrees with the actions of the other people in the buildings. However those people were not entirely in focus and so you know they will not be important in the story. The camera starts to zoom in on a particular window, and focuses in to show it is important. On a second look we see this is Michelle Pfeiffer. We instantly recognise her, and have seen her name in the credits before and can assume the camera will stop on her. Although she isn't doing much action she appears quite frantic and stressed. A cut to a shot actually inside her apartment rather than from her window draws you straight in to what she is doing. You can see she is very tired, and you can pressume it is late as it is dark outside. The rain reflects her mood well as it is very dreary. You then see a young boy through the window and she goes and kisses him on the head. We now know she is his mother

The song-"One Fine Day"

Originally by The Chiffons it was a very upbeat and happy song. This version is very slow and mellow because it is late at night, people are winding down, and Melanie (Michelle Pfeiffer) is tired. It also goes with the weather which is slow and dreary.
Lyrics like "one fine day, your gonna want me for you girl" show that there is going to be some romance involved, and we can determine that this will be between George Clooney and Michelle Pfeiffer.

This use of the song contrasts with the use of it at the end, in which it is up tempo and fun, because the hectic day is over and everthing is happy and the girl and the guy are together.
Here is the clip:

Opening Sequences

Top 10 things an Opening sequence should do...

• Should introduce character
• Introduce location/setting/time
• Engage audiences attention
• Should show the theme and genre of the film
• Introduce a narrative structure
• Should use convention of that genre
• Credits
• Estblish the iconography or sound motifs that will continue throughout
• Establish the mood with a soundtrack (or a lack of)
• Should show the overall pace of the film
• SHould give clues that relate to future stories

Key word: SHOULD-> because it might not..

POSTER ANALYSIS: The Other Boleyn Girl

'The Other Boleyn Girl' 2008

This film is about rivalry in the family, and the bond between sisters, whilst over looking on a beautiful 16Th century England. Both Anne and Mary fighting for the love of King Henry VIII rips them apart, due to Mary's naivety, and Anne's jealousy and determination. Both driven by their family's blind ambition, compete for the love of the handsome and passionate King.

Poster Analysis:

First things first: we recognise the three famous actors; (from left to right) Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson and Erice Bana. There names are written downwards, but still in the order they appear on the poster.

Johansson's character is in the middle-as the title suggests, and from some knowledge that the audience for this film would know, she is not Anne Boleyn, because from history pictures that we have seen Anne Boleyn was dark haired. Therefore we believe Johansson to be the OTHER Boleyn Girl. However when watching the film you find out that Portman's character is in fact the other Boleyn girl, and so is pushed to the side. The positioing of the titles and the characters on the poster is very crucial as it shows how Mary stand between Anne and the crown

"Two sisters divided
For the love of a King"

This is a very good tagline as it give enough away about the film without giving too much. From that you can assume, without knowing the story that the two sisters are Portman and Johansson, and Bana is the King. It shows there will be some kind of conflict ('divide') and will have romance in it ('love'). Very self explanatory and very clear.

Technical Stuff...

• MS.
• Slight low angle to make them seem more powerful.
• Low key lighting- we can only see what the film makers want us to see. This creates an enigma and lays the grounds for all the deceit in the film.
• Catch light each of their eyes.
• Font continues with the theme and genre as it is quite old fashioned.

Natalie Portman-Anne Boleyn.
In this poster she is wearing the 'Boleyn Necklace' which could mean she is more important in the family, and is the oldest. She has dark hair which has many connotations, including being evil and cunning. Usually in most films (with death) their are two girls, and the one with the dark hair dies, but the blond haired, more virginal girl survives, which is again true to this film. Very defiant glare shows that she will get what she wants. Her almost smirk shows she is more in control that her sister.

Scarlett Johansson-Mary Boleyn
She portrays all the common elements of 'traditional beauty'. Her blond hair signifies her virginal qualities, and her full lips show her youth. Her buxom cleavage and open decolletage shows her young skin and is a sign of beauty; she is the more attractive one of the sisters can be taken from this. Johansson has her head tilted up and has a thoughtful look on her face- she looks more naïve and younger and less in control than her sister.

Eric Bana- Henry VIII
Dark hair and eyes-would appear to match with better Anne Boleyn, rather than Mary. A pensive expression on his face shows he has many problems, and we can agree that this would be true as he was king and would have to run the England one of the most powerful at that time, on top of finding a wife (or six), a legitimate heir to the throne and ultimately love. His pensive stare could also be interpreted as a powerful stare, because he is in control but i believe that the girl are in fact the ones with the control in this story and so therefore his stare is not powerful. His head is tilted slightly away from the girl. This could show he is turning his head on his problems. Bana is closest to Johansson to show he loves her more than her sister, but his head is turned away to show he cannot have her.

Costume and colours are very important in this poster as they are used to represent the time and the status of the characters. The King has lots of rings and a fur around his neck which shows his power and status, and wealth. The vibrancy of the colours, especially in Anne's dress, draw out the richness of that era, and the life that these people led. Intricate detailing on Mary's corset, with materials such as velvet and silk. All in all very luxurious, with no expense spared. A rich and plush fabric behind the characters emphasises and anchors a sense of wealth.

Adaptations of Stephen King Novels

Stephen King famous for his brilliant horrow fiction novels (amongst other genres), has written many books that have notably been adapted for different puposed such as film and television.

Some famous examples are:
1976 Carrie
1980 The Shining
1983 Christine
1986 Maximum Overdrive (based on "Trucks" from Night Shift; directed by King)
1986 Stand By Me (based on his book "The Body", novella from Different Seasons)
1987 The Running Man (novel written as Richard Bachman Stephen Kings pseudonym)
1990 Misery
1994 The Shawshank Redemption
1999 The Green Mile
2004 Secret Window

...amongst numerous others

THR Homework: Casting

Plot 2

The Rectifier
Plot: Sci-fi thriller set in New York following a middle aged man suffereing from amnesia trying to get his life back, with only a government badge to tell him who he is. He finds out he was part of a top secret government organisation, however when trying to uncover why and who he is he is unrecognised and told he has fforged his badge, as the name on the badge is aparenty not him. After a long interrogation it is found out that the man/employee who owns the badge called Ed and the man with amnesia are genetically the same person.
It is discovered that he is a future version of this man Ed and has been sent forward two years in the future to deliver a message to save mankind.

Casting: I believe Denzel Washington would play this role brilliantly as he is known for his serious roles such as Philidelphia (1993), Malcolm X (1992) and the role which won him his Oscar in 2001 in Training Day.

THR Homework: Casting

To think about casting, and the stars role in a film we were told to each think up a film plot of any genre.

Plot 8
The Ferry
This was my plot. I chose a thriller set in America, New Jersey and Manhattan. A girl called Hannah Paterson works at a detectives unit in New Jersey specialising in homicide. A new case comes in or a serial killer from Manhattan who meets his victims on the ferry, lures them back to his flat and kills them. This news is spread all over both cities and everyone is very panicked. Meanwhile Hannah is dating a guy called Dan, very suave and very kind. Hannah starts too find more and more clues about the 'ferry killer' and starts to get very attached to the case when a girl about her age who looked like her dies. She becomes more and more involved with the case and her boss Doug warns her to calm down about it as it s affecting her judgement. Also her boyfriend Dan is telling her to calm down because the case is starting to affect her home life. She has found out how he kills his victims and decides to go under cover on the ferry to try and catch him. However when she's on the ferry she realises it is her boyfriend Dan who is the killer. He kidnaps her to the basement of the ferry where there are loads of pipes and the scene is dark with steam around. Just as he is about to slit her throat Doug comes and shoots him in the back and kills Dan.
I think Angelina Jolie would be perfect in the role of Hannah Paterson as she is known for playing serious roles such as Girl Interrupted (1999) and Changeling (coming soon) and strong women roles such as Tomb Raider(2001, 2003), Wanted (2008), as well as police women roles such as Bone Collector (1999). She is a fantastic actress as shown by her Oscar win in 2000 for Girl Interrupted, and I believe she would play this part very well. I believe the role of 'Dan' should go to someone good looking and suave such as Leonardo DiCaprio. His role in Catch Me if You Can (2002) has made an impression on me and I believe his is perfect in this part.

BLK feedback

Hi Amelia, no not quite right. Your matches on action come at 0.07, 1.51 and 2.12 where the action from the preceding shot is cut at exactly the right point to match up the action in the next shot. The one at 1.51 is the most obvious to look at.

The one you chose is an eyeline match (we see him look off screen, followed by a shot of what he is looking at from his eyeline)which connects the 2 shots and encourages the audience to get involved from his pov.

Match on action

Hi miss, could you please let me know if i have used match-on-action correctly in the oceans 11 clip, as I am still a little unsure.

Thanks x

Oceans 11: Continuity Editing

Oceans 11- Stephen Soderbergh, 2001



This scene, although not using an extremely varied amount of shot, uses techniques of continuity very well.
A LS of Rusty and Linus establishes they are in the lobby in the hotel. As the whole way through the film, Rusty is constantly eating, and now is no different, hence they have made him eat a prawn cocktail. A matched-cut to a MS allows us to focus on just those two characters rather than their surroundings. Rusty is looking around to check for people coming, and is trying to look cool and collected (whilst still eating of course), where as Linus is very shaky and nervous which is shown by him moving around within the shot more. At 0:31 we see Rusty is still eating prawns which helps with the continuity. Another matched-cut at 0:41, followed by a eye-line match to what he is looking at allows the audience to focus with him, and Ben drawn in from his POV. It is apparent Linus is looking at something as his eyes appear quite fixed. A tilt up shows an attractive woman walking down the stairs, which is emphasised by the dramatic music. A dissolve into the next shot is used to show the time passing as she walks down the stairs, rather than watching her actually walk down the stairs. A pan across of her walking reverts the audience back to the master shot of Linus and Rusty, and an eye-line match shows Rusty to be looking at the woman now known as 'Tess'.
This shot uses good continuity as it uses good editing techniques, and the producers were very careful to makes sure nothing looked weird (like Rusty's food) so that it created a seamless effect.
When Rusty recognises Tess (not appearing particularly happy about the fact she is there) , the audience want to know more. An ellipsis at 1:23is used. This is to cut out the time when Rusty would go to see Danny, because the audience are aware that he is going to see him.

My Best Friends Wedding: Continuity Editing

My Best Friends Wedding- P.J. Hogan, 1997

This scene uses a variety of shot types and angles, whilst using camera work to reflect the mood of the scene. It also follows all the techniques of good continuety.


This scene starts with a CU of Jules' face looking forwards, but not at the camera. From watching the film we know she is at the wedding of someone she is in love with and so we can determine that she is looking at the couple. By using a lot of CUs and MCUs it made you focus on the telephone converstation, and Jules' facial expressions, rather than the busy party going on behind her. The camera zooms out to reveal a lavish wedding with many guests, this is shown further by the fancy glasses and arrangements of flowers. Jules answers her phone and from the voice, as well as the look on her face we know that it is George, her best friend. By using a MS of Jules' it gives you enough background information whilst still providing facial expressions as well as movement. Jules' looks to her left and then the camera cuts to the direction of which it appears she was looking, which works very well. A cut to a MCU of her face shows a closer and more personal facial expression allowing the audience to interact closer to her and feel sorry for her . An MCU allows the audience to recognise each of the things George is saying to her one by one; the laveder gown, hair swept up. When he says "haven't touced you cake" the camera cuts back to the left of her again, and sees that her cake is infact untouched and she is drumming her fingers on the table. This time this shot appears as if someone is watching her because there is not a clear shot, the camera is seeing Jules through the people dancing, as someone who was sitting there would. A cut back to the master shot of Jules' face shows her facial expression , which works well as it shows her shock and confusion. Jules loks over to the band and wich cuts to a cutaway shot, of the band which emphasises that this is what she was looking at. A cut back to Jules' shows her about to stand, which the quickly cuts back to the shot on the left of her, where we believe someone is watching her. The camera move fluidly like her movement, and is very smooth. The camera cuts to a different view of her searching (MLS) which just enhances her behaviour of not knowing where to look, and almost makes the audience confused with her. As she walks she passes a couple dancing and then camera cuts to a MCU of her, which shows the same couple in the background which shows continuety. After frantically searching her eyes fix on something, and the camera cuts to a LS of George sitting and also talking on the telephone. Another MCU of Jules shows relief on her face, which makes the audience very happy. From 1:33 onwards the caerma work is a twist on a shot reverse shot, as the characters are far away, but are still in converstaion (Albeit on the phone) and the shots alternate between a MCU of Jules and a LS of George. The camera tilts as George stands up which makes it more realistic. Two OTS shots show perfect use of shot-reverse-shot during conversation. These 30 or so seconds stick perfectly to the 180 degree rule. The camera tracks out after he says "dancing" to fit the whole dancing sequence in(spin and all!) As she is dancing the camera moves in an out to create the impression she is more important in the shot. A cut to a CU of her face, and then a CU of his face show them both happen and enjoying themselves. Cut to a zoom out to get a feel of the room, and everyone dancing and having a good time. Which then leads in nicely to a MS of the singer in the band. Amall montage of different couples dacing (including George and Jules) show that weddings are a happy place,a dn make the audience feel happier (which rom-coms are meant to do.) We are shown character that had parts in the film so they are familiar to us. At 3:16 the camera arcs around the two of them showing them both smiling and laughing, and ends with a fade to black. This scene is very effective is generatnig emotion in the audience by its camera work and framing.

Sliding Doors: Parallel Editing

Sliding Doors- Peter Howitt, 1998

Sliding Doors is a film all about how one moment can change your life completely and make your life go off in completly different tangents. This happens to Helen when she misses the train. She begins to lead two parallel lives, one where she got on the train to catch her boyfriend cheating on her, leaves him and becomes an independant career woman. The other wher she misss then train and never catches him at all. Throughtout the film the two Helens' lives gradually drift further apart, but still connected by things you see in the background such as places and people.

The camera work for this film is very clever as it uses parallel shots to show that the two lives are happenning at the same time, but often they'll have the two Helens' being in the same place, at the same time, and so the audience will see two completely different and seperate shots, set in the same location, with the same things happenening in the background. It lets the audience become more aware of Helens situation, and makes them feel mor in the know

Here is one clip of which they use parallel editing very effectively

Sliding Doors: Continuity techniques

Sliding Doors-Peter Howitt, 1998

Continuity is extremely important in a film, as it is what makes the film real and believable. by create a seamless effect in the editing department, you shouldn't even be able to notice the editing, as so being more focussed on the story of the film

The shot starts with a clip of the band playing. The music continues to play throughout which keeps it believable. You see a MLS of Helen sitting at the bar looking sad and you can still see the band playing in the background. It then cuts to a two shot of James and his friend which shows they are going to be important in this scene. The shot pans across so that you can see Helen at the bar. James is talking and sees Helen and calls out her name. It then cuts to a MCU of Helen and her eye line matches that of James so we know she is looking at him. A cut to James introducing himself to her and looking in her direction. The camera stays within the 180 degree rule as it stays the side of the bar the whole time. The camera then track along the bar as James walk towards Helen. Helen is still smoking and drinking a beer which give the impression that this scene is happening in real time, rather than having taken hundreds of takes to make it perfect. Shot-reverse-shots of Helen and James atay within the 180 degree rule. You notice that in one shot behind helen a waiter is waiting with his tray for some drinks to be collected, and then the next shot of Helen you see the drinks get put onto the tray and be taken away, which helps create a seamless effect. During and OTS shot of Helen James truns around and points to the other end of the bar. A cutaway shot is used of James' friend to show what he was pointing to. This is also called a reaction shot. A couple more shot-reverse-shots for conversation between Helen and James cut to a MLS of the two of them Talking and laughing which gives more atmosphere to the surroundings. This sequence works well as it uses conversation techniques (with the camera work) well whilst not sticking rigidly to the rules (James turns around from the OTS shot).

BLK Feedback

Excellent analysis and reflections on your horror shot - super work Amelia!

Great choice of film clip and such a high standard of analysis notes too.

I had to change your text colour as I couldn't read it, you don't have to leave it like this if you want to change it again, but make sure its really clear and readable!

Your blog is great, it contains all the necessary features so far and your research is really coming on, well done.

Mood Board

This is a moodboard of some of my favourite films, of different genres including rom-com, period drama, thriller, biographical, drama and crime/gangster.

Films include: Entrapment, Walk the Line, Once upon a time in America, Million Dollar Baby, When Harry met Sally, High Society, Bone Collector, Sleeping with the Enemy, Oceans 11, Breakfast at Tiffany's, The other Boleyn Girl, Bridget Jones.

The Bone Collector: Clip Analysis

'The Bone Collector' (1999)

I chose this particular shot from 'The Bone Collector' as it has a variety of different shot types and uses different distances and angles very well to create chilling and creepy scene.

The clip starts with very low-key lighting, and the camera tracks forwards towards two silhouettes and a torch. The camera starts to fol ow to two people down the stairs when suddenly they are underneath a light and you can see a woman, who is then suddenly pushed against the rail of the stairs, close to the camera. This is a good effect as the two people have moved closer into the shot to make it a MCU which i think create more action. This shot also works well at establishing a woman with her mouth taped up (victim), and a dark man (killer) who shines a torch in her face, which is how we can see the both of them. The next shot starts at the bottom of the stairs looking at the killers feet which is effective as it is mysterious and creates an enigma about the murderer as you don't see his face. We know he is the killer rather than the woman because he is much more forceful, and she is screaming. This shot then tilts upwards and follows the killer walking the woman across the room. This is turns into a LS to establish the room to the audience now they are in a lighter area. The next shot of the woman is a CU which is used to show how scared the woman is. This shot the tilts up to show the killer securing her hands in place with old fashion hand-cuffs. Next an ELS helps to further establish the setting they are in, which looks eerie and dark, and the because of the steam, and the fact they went downstairs could perhaps imply they are underground. There is a spotlight on the victim to draw your attention to her. Another CU of the victim, but then a CU of the Killer. This is very significant because although he is wearing a mask, this is the first time we see the killers face in the movie. His mask has slits cut out of it which make him look edgy and weird, the scene almost appears to go in slow motion to emphasise this dramatic moment. Also their is dramatic music to enhance the frightening atmosphere.

(there is a small editing mistake in this version of the clip, sorry)

We then see the killer twisting a handle. The noise of this is particularly creepy as it is squeaking implying that it is old , which usually signifies something dangerous. This shot is almost an OTS shot as you can see the victims arm in the left hand corner.
At 1.03 there is a LS of the victim watching the killer. This shot is done on an angle and almost looks like someone is watching them. The use of a tilted angle low shot enhances the eeriness of the scene as it makes it less normal, and more creepy. A high angle shot at 1.09 does effectively the same job as the tilted angle, whilst giving some sort of an overview as to what is going on. The loud jolty noise is meant to scare the audience, and so they use a CU of the woman and show her scared expression. When the large pipe begins to turn round the audience are meant to feel very scared, as you do not know what is going to happen, and why the pipe is needed. The angle from which we look at the pipe, although is behind then woman, we still see what she would see as well and so we would assume we feel the same as her. There is then an ECU of the woman's eyes which is very chilling as you can see the fear in her eyes, which is shown by how wide her eyes are. It's also quite frightening because you can see blood on her head, and it enhances the scary atmosphere. Once the pipe is fully in front of her, there is a shot (MCU) in which the pipe takes up half the screen, and the woman the other half. This shot is effective as it shows the pipe to be something scary and dominant, and the woman looks weak and thin. As the audience we now begin to think what is going to happen, and perhaps something is going to come out of the pipe. At 1:35 the woman looks scared and starts to try to get away, and struggles in her restraints. This leads us to believe that she is perhaps looking at the killer, who is about to do something bad, we then see then killer grab her arm which heightens the suspense. A BCU of the woman shows her to be even more scared and her eyes are wide open. The use of a BCU is very effective as you can see her facial expression so clearly, and get you right in on the action. The scream indicates something bad has happened to the woman, but she is not dead because we see her later

I particularly like this clip because although it is a bit scary, it uses camera work and framing so effectively to build suspense and tension.

THR Feedback

Excellent work and Brilliant effort!!

Mrs T x

Once upon a time in America: Clip Analysis

Clip Analysis

I chose to analysis this bit of film because it contains different shot types and uses the camera to show the perspectives of people very well.



The shot starts with a VLS, and the boys walk into shot. The camera then tracks across and slightly cranes above. This establishes there location (a street in the rougher side of New York, and from the old fashioned cars and police on horses, we can assume it is around the 1920s/30s.) By seeing the bridge in the background we can now tell they are in Brooklyn. After a series of 2 more tracking shots there is a MS of all the boys. This is used rater than a LS because it shows all 4 of the boys but also shows their expressions after what the boy has said. Clearly 'Bugsy' is someone to be scared of as they all run in the opposite direction. Some very dramatic music starts to play which enhances the frightening atmosphere. They use a variation on a frame-within-a-frame, through the wheel of a car. Which gives a perspective from a witness at the scene. It uses a low-angle shot when he young boy is running (towards the camera) because when he is shot he falls to the ground,which then makes the shot central (rather than low) . CU of the other boy's face ('Noodles'). This is used to show his full facial expression , of which he is clearly upset as his friend has been shot. After Noodles has dragged his friend out of the road, their is a zoom into the two boys face. This is used to exagerrate the heartbreak, which is emphasised by the small boy giving his dying last words, and the audience sympathise because he is so young. Another CU is used to show the pained expression of Noodles. There is a BCU of Noodles' hand with his friends blood on it. He then clasps his hand to show the anger of his friend murder, and the brotherhood between their gang. The killer 'Bugsy' is walking through the streets. This is shown through a sequence of shots through the windows of cars, or between canisters to show the perspective/POV of the people hiding. This creates suspense and an enigma as you don't know where the boys are or where the killer will choose to go. An ECU of Noodles' eye shows his anguish. You can see the legs of the killerfrom the POV of Noodles through the spokes of the wheel. This is very ominous as you cannot see which way the killer will go and you empathisebecause you do not wat the killer to come near Noodles. The scene ends with Noodles stabbing the killer and being taken away by the police. This i upsetting as you have grown close to Noodles and don't want him to be taken away.
This scene is done in slow motion to draw the scene out to make the death seem more painful

This is one of my favourite scenes from this film as it creates so much emphatic emotion.

Tracking Shot

A tracking shot can be used effectively for the following reasons:

• to follow a particular character
• to give a feel for the surroundings

From research that I found I noted that continuous shots (long takes) has been around since film was invented as in those days they didn't have any edits. Alfred Hitchcock's 'Rope' (1948) was one of the first noticeable films to use long unedited takes (for story telling purposes).

"[Rope] was an entire film shot in real time created by seamless cutting together a series of long 8-10 minute shots made to look like one. In 1948 it was a bold and unprecedented experiment for Hitchcock. The film works because its takes place entirely in one room for 80 minutes, so there was limited movement and lighting changes."

I found 2 examples of tracking shots used effectively.

'Atonement' (2007)

This scene gives us an insight into life in the army during the time of the war. It is very powerful and emotive. It starts by following the central character (Robbie) walking along the beach taking in his vast surroundings. At the beginning of the shot he can smell the sea and so rushes in that direction as he believes he will be able to get a boat home. There is a CU of Robbie's face to show the shock of what he can see, the vast numbers of soldiers waiting around. The audience watching now follow Robbie as he walks through the crowds on the beach. This scene is less about seeing facial expressions, and more about establishing the surroundings around, and so LS's and MS's are used so that you can see a great deal more of the action. This scene is powerful as it shows the brutality of the war (horses being killed) but then also how the soldiers are just normal guys, looking for a way home (choir singing, swinging on carousel etc). The tracking shot makes the scene particularly upsetting and you see possibly thousands of soldier, most wounded and you feel a great amount of sympathy. I believe this is one of the most effective tracking shots as because it is so long (5 minutes) it allows to to conjure up lots of emotion, rather than perhaps lots of smaller shots of the beach. It slows the pace of the film tremendously, i believe, because it wants to make you think about the war and think about how it is affecting all these men. Also it helps to focus you and concentrate, as the beginning is made up of a series of flashbacks. From some pictures i have seen i think this was shot using a handheld camera.

'Boogie Nights' (1997)

This particular tracking shot is used at the beginning of the film to establish characters and it's surroundings. It gives you a taste of whats to come in the rest of the movie. The very start has a very peculiar camera technique as it goes upwards, and then sideways to read the words on the sign. I liked this bit as it was quirky and fun. The scene shows the lively night life of this south California town. As someone, who appears to be the nightclub owner greats people, we are slowly introduced to the central characters. It shows a fun environment where everyone is connected and knows each other. Unlike the scene in Atonement, in which it is used to slow the pace down, this clip actually keep the paced relatively quick by using a variation of CU's, MS's and LS's.

Video Clips

Mrs T Homework

Release of a film
identifying the audience and releasing a campaign suitable for them.
The you need to consider how much you want to spend on marketing in relatin to how much the movie can take in at the box office
Promotion:

• 3rd party
• publicity angles
• media partners-radio, newpapers, magazines
• actors-interviews with the media

media spend:

• outdoor posters.
• online
• TV
• Radio

Target Audience

For smaller films you have to identify and focus on the audience more. Look at past comparisons/films:

• look at the audiences and their ages, gender, and hobbies/activities

DO LOTS OF RESEARCH

ultimately advertising is a gamble as you can never be 100% sure of who you are specifically going to target.

45 years+ make decision while watching tv ->they take longer to decide on going to see a film and so you need to reinforce it through other media such as newspapers

15-16 year olds makes quicker decisions

All audiences need to be targeted differently

P&A Budget

Cost of prints, shipping, advertising cost-posters, press ads, tv spots, trailers in cinemas.

Where to advertise and how best to use the money. What are the audience and where will they see the adverts.

Tv is expensive and radio is considerably cheaper and can get to a big audience.

Marketing Plan

Many methods-advertising and press

Advertising is more expensive and includes adverts in magazines, newspapers, on tv and radio and the internet. Billboards and on the side of buses

Free forms of advertising include: press, support from director and cast in which you would set up interview for tv and radio. Word of mouth- screening of a film to an audience. Viral campaigns-something that promotes an interest in the films subject matter. Word of Mouth is crucial and can make or break a film. It's useful for specialised films which have a small budget.

Link Between

Convnce cinemas to take te film. Independant films are obviously harder-> you really need to sell it and ultimately find somewhere to put it.

Positioning and Audience

Define Audience-does the film have a specific genre and does it speak to a certain age group.

who directed the film? Specialised films often have audiences who are more in the know so you can target them specifically.

Competition

Film distribution is all about competition. You need to stand out and above the others. Why should i choose your film?

October half term-> good time to target younger audience

Holidays and weather is a factor-> in July/Aug you don't wanna put too many TV ads because people are outdoors-> big outdoor posters

Word of Mouth
CRITICAL

Sometimes, with some movies word of mouth will be very strong. Work with media partners to run advanced screening programs. The theory is that if 100 people each tell 10 people loads of people will know. Much cheaper way to advertise. Word of Mouth can create a strong momentum for the movie.

Film Trailers

A trailer is key for selling the film. It is the audiences first exposure to the film and what they're buying into. They're in the same environment and the same place, on the same screen they will be watching it in/on.

Digital Marketing

Viral marekting-> create something that becasue it is good enough, you will send it on to other people

Word of Mouth is best-> it means more to you

Test Screenings

Research is important. Done well in advance-> posters, concepts, trailers, visuals, meeting expectations. After-> screenings , filling in questionaires, focus groups-talk about the issues of a movie, and then after that the producers might consider changing one aspect of the movie (e.g. the end)

Persuading cinemas

To convince cinemas to take the film (specifically independant films) you really need to sell the films.

Opening Weekend

VERY importanant. All films open on a friday. 3 day figure is how much money a film makes of its first on Friday/Saturday/Sunday. Monday is make or break day- Holdovers are based on how much money you make that firstopening weekend and it determines how long the film will continue to play in the cinema.

Piracy

Piracy has escalated over the lst 5 years. In 2006 piracy counted for 20% of all DVD sales in the UK-> an alarming figure

It is a Big problem-> peopl think they are getting a bargain when in fact they are losing out on quality

http://www.launchingfilms.tv/