Looking back at the preliminary task, what do you think you have learnt from the progression from it to the full task?
From before our preliminary task, when none of us had any experience of filming or editing, to the end of our film, in which we edited and used many intricate programs, mentioned in the previous question, I think we have made huge progress. We took the different angles we used and expanded on them,whilst adding in new and exciting effects, sounds and concepts such as fade scenes and the 180 degree rule. During filming of the Preliminary task, we discovered new techniques of filming, for example using a tripod (useful for tracking shots), having the camera handheld (useful to induce fear and tension), and using a steady cam( To keep the camera perfectly level), to keep the camera perfectly in line with the scene. We took our camera work to another level, using hand held cameras to help our first scene look more shocking and tense. We learnt during filming that it was imperative that we use all the time available to discover new ways of filming, and new effects we could add to the film.
We developed our idea throughout the process, adding in a voiceover to the original script. We also used music - making programs with ease by the end of the film, making it easier for us to make new and innovative ideas using the effects at our disposal. We learned how to use these effects, camera angles, diegetic sound and light all to help us, and how they could be used in several different ways. For example, we used cuts of one of the characters sitting looking distressed, mixing them up to give an image that suggested the passing of time, with a poem - style voiceover giving a small but informative insight into what has resulted in the figure being a depressed, tired young man. The film shows the stereotypes of teenagers, and how they can be violent, but also shows how stress can build without anyone knowing, and how people can end up dead without families or friends knowing anything is wrong.
We also took advice from other groups in our media set, to get input from the people our film was aimed at, teenagers. This was helpful as it was directly relating to the film's audience. We took on this advice and listened carefully to feedback, and acted on it, ending up with a very plausible storyline. The idea progressed throughout, taking influence from other horror films and techniques of presenting them along the way. A big thing for us was the discovery of 'Motion'. Using this application, we managed to make our animated logo move, and also the credits of the film.
To conclude, I will say that I think all of us have learnt a lot from the experience , and it has been a very enjoyable one. We have learnt to film, edit, use technical applications and techniques such as voice overs to improve our product and had a lot of fun doing so.
Tuesday 11 May 2010
Evaluation. Q6
What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?
During the process of making the film clip, we learnt vast amounts about using cameras and several other pieces of equipment. First of all, we learnt how to turn on the camera, attach a battery and insert a tape. This simple information helped us start our filming. We learnt how to record, play back and pause, as well as how to log and capture our filming. Starting on our preliminary task, we made a simple film clip using a camera and tripod. We immediately entered in a tracking shot, before switching the position of the camera and employing over the shoulder shots and close ups. We then used the editing software, pretty blindly at first, until we got to grips with the process. We formed a film without a backing track or many effects, as it was quite soon into the section. However, we managed to capture all our film pretty much without problem.
For the filming, we used a video camera and a tripod, as it gave us greater mobility over the camera and allowed us to create different angles with greater ease. We used a microphone for both the voiceover and the Director's commentary, giving us much clearer sound quality, and several props, such as a bike and police tape, to help increase the mise en scene of a real - life chase scene. We made use of an abandoned, run - down house to symbolise an abandoned, run - down life, that of the victim in the product.
We used 'Final Cut Pro' editing software to edit all the film we took, using 'Motion' to help improve our logos and credits, and used 'Garageband'for the several effects and backing tracks in the clip. We learnt how to convert Final Cut documents into quicktime films, and discovered how to compress them into MPEG - 4 files, to reduce the memory the files take up. The technology also extended to using screengrabs from the film and converting them into still images, explaining the parts of the film step by step. These are the most effective shots in the clip to signify what our product is all about, as we took screenshots of the biker, runner, the area surrounding the chase scene and other key elements of the film. We also produced an effective voice over for use in the film clip, by using a microphone and camera, logging and capturing it, before removing the film to leave us with just the required sound.
We also used the technique mentioned previously to create a director's commentary. We recorded analysis of what we had done in terms of the film, such as shots, effects and music, and how we had edited to take only the best shots in terms of what we wished to create for the viewer. We left out some shots, as they didn't create what we wanted in terms of establishing the film's genre and style. We used only the shots that summed up best what were were trying to achieve.
During the process of making the film clip, we learnt vast amounts about using cameras and several other pieces of equipment. First of all, we learnt how to turn on the camera, attach a battery and insert a tape. This simple information helped us start our filming. We learnt how to record, play back and pause, as well as how to log and capture our filming. Starting on our preliminary task, we made a simple film clip using a camera and tripod. We immediately entered in a tracking shot, before switching the position of the camera and employing over the shoulder shots and close ups. We then used the editing software, pretty blindly at first, until we got to grips with the process. We formed a film without a backing track or many effects, as it was quite soon into the section. However, we managed to capture all our film pretty much without problem.
For the filming, we used a video camera and a tripod, as it gave us greater mobility over the camera and allowed us to create different angles with greater ease. We used a microphone for both the voiceover and the Director's commentary, giving us much clearer sound quality, and several props, such as a bike and police tape, to help increase the mise en scene of a real - life chase scene. We made use of an abandoned, run - down house to symbolise an abandoned, run - down life, that of the victim in the product.
We used 'Final Cut Pro' editing software to edit all the film we took, using 'Motion' to help improve our logos and credits, and used 'Garageband'for the several effects and backing tracks in the clip. We learnt how to convert Final Cut documents into quicktime films, and discovered how to compress them into MPEG - 4 files, to reduce the memory the files take up. The technology also extended to using screengrabs from the film and converting them into still images, explaining the parts of the film step by step. These are the most effective shots in the clip to signify what our product is all about, as we took screenshots of the biker, runner, the area surrounding the chase scene and other key elements of the film. We also produced an effective voice over for use in the film clip, by using a microphone and camera, logging and capturing it, before removing the film to leave us with just the required sound.
We also used the technique mentioned previously to create a director's commentary. We recorded analysis of what we had done in terms of the film, such as shots, effects and music, and how we had edited to take only the best shots in terms of what we wished to create for the viewer. We left out some shots, as they didn't create what we wanted in terms of establishing the film's genre and style. We used only the shots that summed up best what were were trying to achieve.
Evaluation. Q5
How did you attract/ address your audience?
At the beginning of the film, we start by showing the threatening text message, along with the reflection of the character in the mobile phone screen. This gives the viewer a clear indication of the dangerous situation, and the urgency. We used messages on screen using test tools to enter in more comples information, making sure that we kept the mysterious element.We used tracking shots to show the speed at which the characters were moving, and to make sure that the viewer knew the significance of these characters. The mise en scene of the area, with normal - looking houses, cars and surroundings, makes the film yet more interesting.
In our opening sequence, we used dark, mysterious music to ensure that the viewer knows from the very beginning what genre the film is. The camera work is slightly shaky, fixed on the phone, so we see that the phone is the most important object in the scene. The diegetic sound of the phone vibrating mixes well with the non - diegetic eerie music and effects. A key effect is used during the discovery of the text message, a dark, stomach - dropping effect. This shows that the message is an important point in the film, and the tone of music and effects give the correct impression that it is a dark symbol. This intrigues the audience, and makes them want to continue watching, to find out what this young man has done to make someone want him dead.
The shot of the text message is key, as we can also see the character's reflection on the screen, and his face is downcast, showing his despair and sadness. This is all contained within the first scene, before the viewer knows anything about the situation, so it is intriguing for anyone who watches it. We continue to employ the technique of just adding enough information for the viewer to understand what is happening, but not as much that the viewer gets bored.
The mise en scene backs up the image we aim to portray, one of a normal teenage boy. In the first shot the shot includes a plain table, with some chairs and a window in view. This emphasises the normality of the film, with normal houses, cars and furniture in show. The shot that follows shows the character in trouble with his head in his hands,looking upset and downhearted. The voice over that follows gives more information as to why the victim is in the set of circumstances that he has got himself into, without giving away the plot.
Throughout the clip we used editing to match key moments and shots in the film with important effects and the climaxes of the backing tracks. We used text images on screen to give the viewer the name of our production company and the name of the film, and also to emphasise the horror genre, using the title 'Lucifer's Chase' to build suspense and fear.
At the beginning of the film, we start by showing the threatening text message, along with the reflection of the character in the mobile phone screen. This gives the viewer a clear indication of the dangerous situation, and the urgency. We used messages on screen using test tools to enter in more comples information, making sure that we kept the mysterious element.We used tracking shots to show the speed at which the characters were moving, and to make sure that the viewer knew the significance of these characters. The mise en scene of the area, with normal - looking houses, cars and surroundings, makes the film yet more interesting.
In our opening sequence, we used dark, mysterious music to ensure that the viewer knows from the very beginning what genre the film is. The camera work is slightly shaky, fixed on the phone, so we see that the phone is the most important object in the scene. The diegetic sound of the phone vibrating mixes well with the non - diegetic eerie music and effects. A key effect is used during the discovery of the text message, a dark, stomach - dropping effect. This shows that the message is an important point in the film, and the tone of music and effects give the correct impression that it is a dark symbol. This intrigues the audience, and makes them want to continue watching, to find out what this young man has done to make someone want him dead.
The shot of the text message is key, as we can also see the character's reflection on the screen, and his face is downcast, showing his despair and sadness. This is all contained within the first scene, before the viewer knows anything about the situation, so it is intriguing for anyone who watches it. We continue to employ the technique of just adding enough information for the viewer to understand what is happening, but not as much that the viewer gets bored.
The mise en scene backs up the image we aim to portray, one of a normal teenage boy. In the first shot the shot includes a plain table, with some chairs and a window in view. This emphasises the normality of the film, with normal houses, cars and furniture in show. The shot that follows shows the character in trouble with his head in his hands,looking upset and downhearted. The voice over that follows gives more information as to why the victim is in the set of circumstances that he has got himself into, without giving away the plot.
Throughout the clip we used editing to match key moments and shots in the film with important effects and the climaxes of the backing tracks. We used text images on screen to give the viewer the name of our production company and the name of the film, and also to emphasise the horror genre, using the title 'Lucifer's Chase' to build suspense and fear.
Evaluation. Q4
Who would be the audience for your media product?
We would say that our product aims to appeal to teenagers and young men between the ages of 16 - 24, as it concerns teenagers and is a film of horror genre. However, the sub plot of threatening messages, depression and fear may interest those with a taste for cult films. The twist that it occurs during daylight may also attract those wanting a bit more than straight out violence. People who would watch our product would be those looking for a thrill with a tinge of mystery, so in that way it occupies quite a niche market. However, the quite typical idea of a chase could also make it potentially popular to the masses. We are in quite a unique position with our product, as it is both mystery and thriller. We have the mystery element which intrigues older, more philosophical film viewers, and we have younger, more action - crazy viewers who would enjoy the excitement of the tense music and the chase scene.
We would say that our film could be shown at both independent and chain cinemas, as it uses several different concepts that overlap the two styles of film. For example, it is a typical chase scene, as many Hollywood blockbuster films begin, however we use naturalistic filming styles such as handheld, have mise en scene of a normal Mancunian area, and naturalistic lighting, which could mean that it could be shown in independent 'art - house' cinemas. We would hope that we could attract quite a large fan base from this film, as it has a main storyline, of violence and threats, with a sub plot running through it, of depression and anger. I would hope that people would see the film as less of a violent chase, but a story of tragedy, based more on mental insecurity. This may make our product more appealing the older, 'poirot' generation, as this film is a modern take on mystery horrors, and could appeal to the original detective drama fan base.
We aimed to show that violence always has more than one side, and the victims are not always those who are blameless. We show, through the use of the voice over, that the victim knows he deserves the threats, but he is fearful for his life. The emotion on the victim's face shown in the phone's reflection shows that he knows that what he has done is serious, so this film may also be appealing to those who appreciate mystery and thriller films. We aim for a mass audience, as Horror films are almost universally popular. People aim to be scared by horror films, and I would hope that our product attempts to do just that. Our product will hopefully be appealing to many different social groups, such as teenagers and younger people, for the direct link that they share with the film, older people, for the mystery and sub plots that the film includes, and people who like independent style films, as this film has many of the characteristics needed to be such.
We would say that our product aims to appeal to teenagers and young men between the ages of 16 - 24, as it concerns teenagers and is a film of horror genre. However, the sub plot of threatening messages, depression and fear may interest those with a taste for cult films. The twist that it occurs during daylight may also attract those wanting a bit more than straight out violence. People who would watch our product would be those looking for a thrill with a tinge of mystery, so in that way it occupies quite a niche market. However, the quite typical idea of a chase could also make it potentially popular to the masses. We are in quite a unique position with our product, as it is both mystery and thriller. We have the mystery element which intrigues older, more philosophical film viewers, and we have younger, more action - crazy viewers who would enjoy the excitement of the tense music and the chase scene.
We would say that our film could be shown at both independent and chain cinemas, as it uses several different concepts that overlap the two styles of film. For example, it is a typical chase scene, as many Hollywood blockbuster films begin, however we use naturalistic filming styles such as handheld, have mise en scene of a normal Mancunian area, and naturalistic lighting, which could mean that it could be shown in independent 'art - house' cinemas. We would hope that we could attract quite a large fan base from this film, as it has a main storyline, of violence and threats, with a sub plot running through it, of depression and anger. I would hope that people would see the film as less of a violent chase, but a story of tragedy, based more on mental insecurity. This may make our product more appealing the older, 'poirot' generation, as this film is a modern take on mystery horrors, and could appeal to the original detective drama fan base.
We aimed to show that violence always has more than one side, and the victims are not always those who are blameless. We show, through the use of the voice over, that the victim knows he deserves the threats, but he is fearful for his life. The emotion on the victim's face shown in the phone's reflection shows that he knows that what he has done is serious, so this film may also be appealing to those who appreciate mystery and thriller films. We aim for a mass audience, as Horror films are almost universally popular. People aim to be scared by horror films, and I would hope that our product attempts to do just that. Our product will hopefully be appealing to many different social groups, such as teenagers and younger people, for the direct link that they share with the film, older people, for the mystery and sub plots that the film includes, and people who like independent style films, as this film has many of the characteristics needed to be such.
Evaluation. Q3
What kind of media institution would distribute your media product and why?
I think that independant film companies would be the most likely to market this product, as a low - budget horror/mystery movie. Films such as Shaun of the Dead and Billy Elliot, made by Britain's lowest budget film producers' 'Working Title' smaller section, 'WT2', are made using similar circumstances, using limited resources with a small budget. Another, named 'The Last independant film production company', has produced a few independant films, such as 'Waiting in Rhyme', 'Expresso' and 'Night walk' and would be the most likely avenue in which to distribute our product. We would expect that a British company would be the one to produce our product, as our film is fundamentally not an expensive Hollywood blockbuster, rather using simple filming and editing techniques to create a straightforward yet extremely effective film.
We would, however, consider approaching bigger film production companies such as 'Warner Brothers', 'Paramount' and 'Universal' to produce our film, as we think that our product has a key element of what a Blockbuster needs, the storyline that film - goers know and love, that of a chase. Film - goers love action in a film, and also like mystery. In this way, we capture a huge demographic, in terms of mystery and horror film lovers. Our film is appealing to many different groups of people, so it may be likely that a large film production company such as 'Universal' may be interested in producing our product. We tried to make sure while filming and editing, that we didn't exclude any groups that could and would appreciate our film.
We make use of the fact that our cast are teenage, and that young people will be able to relate easily to the situation of receiving unwanted messages, or other forms of communication. Nowadays most teenagers have at least one form of communication, whether mobile phone, social networking sites, or other messaging applications, and many people will be able to relate to being cyber - threatened. The sad fact is many people may have received death threats and we say to these people through our film that trying to run away is simply not the right thing to do. We aim to tell viewers that anyone experiencing something similar should talk to friends, family or other people in a position to help them, and not try to deal with situations such as this one on your own.
Our film also has some of the key characteristics of films that are shown in Blockbuster chain cinemas, such as the fact that it is a typical Hollywood chase scene, with the twist that it takes place in daytime. Our film is typically British, half of the film taking place in a normal looking room, the other half, in a park with an abandoned house. These ideas are naturalistic, with especially the abandoned house being something used to good effect in previous horror films, ie 'Saw', and 'The Shining'. When we filmed the clip, we tried to make sure that we left some information hidden, so it gives the viewer that extra sense of complete ignorance to what is going to happen, which in our view makes the outcome more exciting.
I think that independant film companies would be the most likely to market this product, as a low - budget horror/mystery movie. Films such as Shaun of the Dead and Billy Elliot, made by Britain's lowest budget film producers' 'Working Title' smaller section, 'WT2', are made using similar circumstances, using limited resources with a small budget. Another, named 'The Last independant film production company', has produced a few independant films, such as 'Waiting in Rhyme', 'Expresso' and 'Night walk' and would be the most likely avenue in which to distribute our product. We would expect that a British company would be the one to produce our product, as our film is fundamentally not an expensive Hollywood blockbuster, rather using simple filming and editing techniques to create a straightforward yet extremely effective film.
We would, however, consider approaching bigger film production companies such as 'Warner Brothers', 'Paramount' and 'Universal' to produce our film, as we think that our product has a key element of what a Blockbuster needs, the storyline that film - goers know and love, that of a chase. Film - goers love action in a film, and also like mystery. In this way, we capture a huge demographic, in terms of mystery and horror film lovers. Our film is appealing to many different groups of people, so it may be likely that a large film production company such as 'Universal' may be interested in producing our product. We tried to make sure while filming and editing, that we didn't exclude any groups that could and would appreciate our film.
We make use of the fact that our cast are teenage, and that young people will be able to relate easily to the situation of receiving unwanted messages, or other forms of communication. Nowadays most teenagers have at least one form of communication, whether mobile phone, social networking sites, or other messaging applications, and many people will be able to relate to being cyber - threatened. The sad fact is many people may have received death threats and we say to these people through our film that trying to run away is simply not the right thing to do. We aim to tell viewers that anyone experiencing something similar should talk to friends, family or other people in a position to help them, and not try to deal with situations such as this one on your own.
Our film also has some of the key characteristics of films that are shown in Blockbuster chain cinemas, such as the fact that it is a typical Hollywood chase scene, with the twist that it takes place in daytime. Our film is typically British, half of the film taking place in a normal looking room, the other half, in a park with an abandoned house. These ideas are naturalistic, with especially the abandoned house being something used to good effect in previous horror films, ie 'Saw', and 'The Shining'. When we filmed the clip, we tried to make sure that we left some information hidden, so it gives the viewer that extra sense of complete ignorance to what is going to happen, which in our view makes the outcome more exciting.
Evaluation. Q2
How does your media product represent particular social groups?
Our film heavily features teenagers, a social sterotype in modern times. In a way we indulge these sterotypes, with violence and 'attitude' being key themes running through the clip, however we also see the bravery and strength of teenagers, and how will to live can be a powerful force. We also see the lack of communication between the threatened character and anyone else, a common problem with teenagers of today. He simply uses instinct and tries to escape. This shows that teenagers need to be helped and guided by adults, as otherwise they may go off the rails and do something stupid. Our film also acts as representing adults and parents in a negative way, as none of them even know what is going on. We see that the main character feels alone, depressed and scared, and although this is a fictional situation, many people in similar situations are in reality sitting in houses, or on park benches all over the world feeling just as alone as our character, just as upset and just as scared.
We try to represent as many people as possible, for example, the mise en scene of a run down house, normal looking clothes, normal houses and cars show that our film represents working class people, and that we aren't American Millionaire producers, rather common British people. Our cast is made up of Caucasian teenage males, so we are representing normal teenage views and problems in our film. We use the mise en scene to also help reinforce the image that the film is reality, and is a situation that is actually taking place. If we had used a rich estate, i think the mood of the film would have been much less effective. We use a common area to help our genre and storyline take hold with the audience, and make it seem real.
We represent people with depression, and those who are paranoid, as when our character receives the threatening text message, he tells no one, ask no one for help, and his only thought is to escape. We show that people act irrationally in these kind of situations, and that people are always unpredictable, as everyone believes our character is fine, right up until he attempts to leave, and I don't think even he knows where he is intending to go, or even what he is trying to escape. We also represent people who believe that you should not stand for being threatened, and should tell someone who is in a position to help.
Our film heavily features teenagers, a social sterotype in modern times. In a way we indulge these sterotypes, with violence and 'attitude' being key themes running through the clip, however we also see the bravery and strength of teenagers, and how will to live can be a powerful force. We also see the lack of communication between the threatened character and anyone else, a common problem with teenagers of today. He simply uses instinct and tries to escape. This shows that teenagers need to be helped and guided by adults, as otherwise they may go off the rails and do something stupid. Our film also acts as representing adults and parents in a negative way, as none of them even know what is going on. We see that the main character feels alone, depressed and scared, and although this is a fictional situation, many people in similar situations are in reality sitting in houses, or on park benches all over the world feeling just as alone as our character, just as upset and just as scared.
We try to represent as many people as possible, for example, the mise en scene of a run down house, normal looking clothes, normal houses and cars show that our film represents working class people, and that we aren't American Millionaire producers, rather common British people. Our cast is made up of Caucasian teenage males, so we are representing normal teenage views and problems in our film. We use the mise en scene to also help reinforce the image that the film is reality, and is a situation that is actually taking place. If we had used a rich estate, i think the mood of the film would have been much less effective. We use a common area to help our genre and storyline take hold with the audience, and make it seem real.
We represent people with depression, and those who are paranoid, as when our character receives the threatening text message, he tells no one, ask no one for help, and his only thought is to escape. We show that people act irrationally in these kind of situations, and that people are always unpredictable, as everyone believes our character is fine, right up until he attempts to leave, and I don't think even he knows where he is intending to go, or even what he is trying to escape. We also represent people who believe that you should not stand for being threatened, and should tell someone who is in a position to help.
Screenshots.
This is the first shot of the chase sequence in the film. It is important, as it is an establishing shot, and introduces both the very normal surroundings and time of day.
This shows the biker from behind, and is slightly blurred. This shows the speed at which he is going, and also gives an impression of the character escaping, as he is in front of the viewer in the shot.
This shot is dark, and shows a large amount of the area in which we filmed, so gives the viewer more information on the background. It also shows the path which the biker and the chaser are both travelling down.
This is a screenshot from the tracking shot we employed, showing one of the characters speeding down a path onto the main road. This gives a sense of the motion involved, and the determination on his face shows his emotion, and that of the circumstances.
This shot shows the boy on his bike, with only a small bag on his back. this emphasises the shock of the situation, and how he has almost immediately attempted escape.
The body position of the chaser in this position shows the speed at which he moves. The wide shot shows the normality of the area, and also the similar circumstances surrounding the character's clothes and appearance, that of a normal teenage boy.
This photo is blurred, with only the outline of the character's bike in view. This creates an idea that the biker is extremely tired, and out of breath due to the exertion he and his adrenaline is putting on his body.
This shot shows the runner sprinting with no emotion on his face. It is slightly scary as he looks dead, but he is moving quickly. This relates to the kind of atmpsphere we wanted to create in our film, one of fear and mystery.
This shot is a wide shot, showing the background, and the gates to the abandoned house. We see him preparing to run, and you get a feel that this is a momentous part of the film.
This is a shot of our character looking distressed. This shows the severity of the situation and how he is genuinely worried for his life. We also had the mise en scene of his teenage clothes providing key realism.
This is one of the final shots of the film, showing one of our characters sprinting toward the other. We used slow motion for this scene in the film, as it is pivotal.
Evaluation. Q1
In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
Our video fundamentally replicates modern day films made using huge budgets with only limited resources, through using only what sources of information, expertise and equipment that we had available. Our film uses films such as 'The Silence Of The Lambs' and 'Shaun of the Dead' as inspiration, as they use daylight to almost enhance the fear created. In this way, we join with these iconic films to challenge the questionable notion that horrors must be based in darkened houses, or abandoned hotels in the dead of night. We try to offer an alternative to the films that are churned out of the machines that are Transatlantic Film corporations. We aimed to create a new breed of British film with the idea that you can combine two different genres, horror and mystery, and put a twist on the action sludge that Universal, Warner Brothers and Paramount put out to make a few million profit.
We use the key element of mystery to give the opening a slightly detective style, with the viewer only given enough information to keep them up to date with the story, but not enough to make the plot obvious. We place emphasis on the reality of the situation, in both the video and director's commentary, and the use of a mobile phone and it's diegetic vibration give the scene an even more natural feel. The voiceover show that it is very british, in particular mancunian, and shows that we are proud of our heritage, as we could have employed the use of an American style voice, like most Hollywood blockbuster films. We aim to create something British that may be able to match the days of 'Hammer' horror films in the 1930's. The fact that we use limited cast may provide a refreshing change to Hollywood monstrosities, for example, the film 'Troy' used 100+ in its cast just for the warriors involved.
We used editing software that is quite basic compared to software used by films produced by Blockbuster corporations. We used the software effectively to create a product that wasn't hindered by modern day restrictions put on smaller film companies such as budget and casting. We attempted to use the equipment we had to create a product that uses a combination of intuitive filming, careful editing and sound effects that worked well with our footage. The product we created is different to most films, even independant ones, as it was shot entirely in a normal, manchester park and shows real people and real situations. Even independant films tend to take on rather implausible story lines. We aimed to create something real, something people could leave and think to themselves, 'Wow, that's powerful stuff.'
Our video fundamentally replicates modern day films made using huge budgets with only limited resources, through using only what sources of information, expertise and equipment that we had available. Our film uses films such as 'The Silence Of The Lambs' and 'Shaun of the Dead' as inspiration, as they use daylight to almost enhance the fear created. In this way, we join with these iconic films to challenge the questionable notion that horrors must be based in darkened houses, or abandoned hotels in the dead of night. We try to offer an alternative to the films that are churned out of the machines that are Transatlantic Film corporations. We aimed to create a new breed of British film with the idea that you can combine two different genres, horror and mystery, and put a twist on the action sludge that Universal, Warner Brothers and Paramount put out to make a few million profit.
We use the key element of mystery to give the opening a slightly detective style, with the viewer only given enough information to keep them up to date with the story, but not enough to make the plot obvious. We place emphasis on the reality of the situation, in both the video and director's commentary, and the use of a mobile phone and it's diegetic vibration give the scene an even more natural feel. The voiceover show that it is very british, in particular mancunian, and shows that we are proud of our heritage, as we could have employed the use of an American style voice, like most Hollywood blockbuster films. We aim to create something British that may be able to match the days of 'Hammer' horror films in the 1930's. The fact that we use limited cast may provide a refreshing change to Hollywood monstrosities, for example, the film 'Troy' used 100+ in its cast just for the warriors involved.
We used editing software that is quite basic compared to software used by films produced by Blockbuster corporations. We used the software effectively to create a product that wasn't hindered by modern day restrictions put on smaller film companies such as budget and casting. We attempted to use the equipment we had to create a product that uses a combination of intuitive filming, careful editing and sound effects that worked well with our footage. The product we created is different to most films, even independant ones, as it was shot entirely in a normal, manchester park and shows real people and real situations. Even independant films tend to take on rather implausible story lines. We aimed to create something real, something people could leave and think to themselves, 'Wow, that's powerful stuff.'
Wednesday 24 March 2010
Shot List
At the beginning of the film, we use the presentation of a threatening text message as an introduction to the storyline. There is an effective shot where we can see David's reflection, and it shows the expression of fear on his face. We then have a scene made up on cuts of shots of David looking extremely distressed, which again reinforces the idea that he is in a lot of trouble, which is also shown through the use of a voiceover.
The shots we have decided to use are mainly mid-shots for the bike scene as David rides past the camera a number of times. We will use the same shots for Paul's role as he runs past each camera angle.
Long-shots will be used to show David riding into the abandoned house, and Paul following him.
We will also use a long-shot when capturing the crime scene area with the police tape.
Close-ups will be used throughout the filming process.
We used tracking shots to follow David and Paul as they make their way along the route we decided to use.
The shots we have decided to use are mainly mid-shots for the bike scene as David rides past the camera a number of times. We will use the same shots for Paul's role as he runs past each camera angle.
Long-shots will be used to show David riding into the abandoned house, and Paul following him.
We will also use a long-shot when capturing the crime scene area with the police tape.
Close-ups will be used throughout the filming process.
We used tracking shots to follow David and Paul as they make their way along the route we decided to use.
PEDAL
We also watch the 'Pedal' video to help us decide on shots we could use when filming the bike. There are various ways to record a moving bike, different angles, close-ups and mid-shots. We have taken into account the different effects have on the scene. This is a documentary - style video, and took into use many of the shots and themes that we were attempting to recreate in our video. They used many items of equipment similar to ours, including a fairly simplistic video camera, and fixed gear bicycles.
Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqTxNgEtL4I
Monday 22 March 2010
Shaun of the dead.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfDUv3ZjH2k
The three of us watched this trailer as we all thought it was a great movie, after watching this we decided to respond to it, using a chase sequence. We used a wide variety of angles and special effects, such as heavy breathing and a heartbeat to emphasise the fear, tension and physical strain in the video. We also implemented some dark, eerie music to complement the feel of the whole piece. The opening to Shaun of the dead is light, with the main characters being shown in the pub,and this is similar to our beginning, as we show a boy riding his bike, quite innocently, until the effects come in and we show that he is being chased.
Wednesday 10 February 2010
Evaluation Of Preliminary task.
My group and I learned many valuable skills in editing and camera work during the preliminary task, these skills include various camera angles and how to productively assemble and dissemble the camera during filming. we also began to edit our short film with various tools on Final Cut, such as; slow motion, frame cuts and how to add audio tracks.
Well during the filming and editing we got all of required shots and we were able to film quiet swiftly, there was also a lot of fun involved, David and guy were talking about humorous topics and it was rather enjoyable.
We could defiantly have improved the editing and been a little more adventurous however we felt that due to the content of the film not much editing was needed, however to learn the skills we really should have done more.
During the filming we performed a shot reverse shot, the camera was behind David whilst he was talking to Guy, this adds a personal, conversational touch. I then took the camera around the other side and filmed the conversation from behind Guy at shoulder height.
Well during the filming and editing we got all of required shots and we were able to film quiet swiftly, there was also a lot of fun involved, David and guy were talking about humorous topics and it was rather enjoyable.
We could defiantly have improved the editing and been a little more adventurous however we felt that due to the content of the film not much editing was needed, however to learn the skills we really should have done more.
During the filming we performed a shot reverse shot, the camera was behind David whilst he was talking to Guy, this adds a personal, conversational touch. I then took the camera around the other side and filmed the conversation from behind Guy at shoulder height.
Preliminary task
In the opening scene, we showed a typical pair of college students, relaxing on a bench. We used low angle shots to show power, with high angle shot being used to emphasise weakness. Eye line matches emphasised emotion on the boys' faces, and their physical features, with POV shots also used to emphasise this. Wide shots (establishing shots)were used to show the backdrop of the scene, and establish the film’s genre. In our Preliminary task we showed how matched shots and the 180 degree rule can be executed, through the use of camerawork.
The Usual Suspects
The opening sequence was quite slow and very descriptive, the cast listings appear as the camera slowly moves over a shot of dark water, and small streams of light are visible. This, along with the eerie music which is playing as the scene progresses,
builds suspense and the sense of something dangerous about to happen. The mise en scene sets the atmosphere extremely well, as we see the gangster's dark clothing, connoting danger, and his face is not shown. This creates suspense, and an unsettling fear of the character. We also have the diegetic sound of the man urinating on the flames, showing his intelligence and calm in the face of death. His speech is slow, and deliberate, and every word connotes power and danger. The victim in the shot knows that his death is imminent, and is brave, showing the power of Human courage. We then hear two gunshots that signal the man's death.
This Scene is violent, and gives a good indication of what is to come in the film.
Monday 1 February 2010
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