individual feedback on our footage

positives- the use of editing overall was good especially the slow motion and credits.
              - good use of effects
             - good use of slow motions
             - the sound fits well
             - good shots
              -good effects on titles
              - shot types and content
              -titles are well thought about
              - the shot through the trees
              - empathetic music
              - was emotional gripping, tense, confusing, realistic well filmed, well edited, well acted.

           

negative- the music didn't fit in as well as it could have sounded more like action than thriller.
             - sound doesnt fit
             - music could be more tense
            - sounds more like action
             - more variety of shots could be added
             - credits

what we have learnt from feedback

To improve our shots we will make the opening clearer and have more shots of the person in the bed to show that he is sleeping we will also add sound to make the antagonists point of view more understandable.
steady shots will also help to improve the quality of the filming, use a tripod when needed.

From T2-50 the steady shots held when the character was moving, ie when getting in his bed was effective  it gives a clear image of the mise-en-scene.

We agreed with most of the feedback but some was unnecessary  because we made it clear that we still need to ad sound and with the sound, the clip will obviously be clearer and identify different points of view.

Next week we will need to get some extra filming on the home scene and re film the part where Ben comes out of the elevator in a more steady shot using a tripod.

rough cut

We need to add sound.

The audience may not understand the concept of the opening sequence as it has no sound to it. The sound should help identify the idea of it being a dream and will create an atmosphere that relates to the genre.

End of Filming

This week we finished the filming for our thriller. In the last lesson we filmed the shots of the dead bodies in the D block with other students from our class as the bodies. On Thursday night Ben took the camera home and filmed the final shot of the film in his bedroom. In today's lesson we are cutting our shots together for the rough cut deadline on Wednesday.

Plan for the next few days

PLAN!!

Today -Update blog, maybe start sound
Tomorrow - finish filming within building (D block, lifts) and lying down scene, edit them in order
Tomorrow (evening) - film bed scene
Friday - bring camera back 9am

First day filming

We began filming today and managed to get some perfect shots of clouds in the sky due to good weather. We only recorded some of the shots we need as we could ot use our whole cast in this lesson. We will film the remaining shots we need later on and will begin editing what we have already recorded. As well as filming some exterior shots we also filmed the lift in D block. We are extremely pleased with the shots of the clouds and sky we have filmed.

Top Tips for Filming

• Take script and description of shots with you at all times
• Always check the location before using it
• Always carry a backup plan for anything that might go wrong
• Know how to use the camera
• Check if characters are available before using them
• Plan out what you will film on what day and time

Conventions of Sub Genres

Psychological

Unusual happenings - extraordinary
Misleading story - plot twists/tricks
Clever character - thinking ahead of everyone else
Isolated character
Film works up to a final shocking reveal
Characters have a fascination or fear of death
Danger on a mental level rather than a physical level
Characters try and find their own purpose
Characters in conflict with their mind - they don't know what is true
2 or more characters preying on each others sanity

Example of a Psychological thriller

Memento directed by Christopher Nolan

Throughout the clip we saw, the main convention which was highly noticeable was the fact that the main character is isolated from the other characters. This is because he has a bad condition of memory loss which alienates him and makes him weak and vulnerable. The main character has a fascination, or obsession with his wife's death, and he is determined to avenge her. Also, the main character has conflict with his own mind due to his memory loss, and this causes repetition of him killing people who h suspects killed his wife, and he won't stop until he finds the real killer. In this film, there is quite a mature cast of characters, this is because the director is common for types of films like this. The plot is non linear which means it is quite difficult to understand because it of the flashback's in nearly every scene, and this can confuse the audience. They probably did this so the audience can relate to the main character's feelings of memory loss, so us as the audience can get a better understanding of what he is like.

Political

Uses many locations - often focuses on different cultures or countries
'False Heroes' - characters we think are good who are revealed not to be
'Helper' - character who provides the protagonist with something useful
Threat is set against a backdrop of political power struggle
Plots are designed to give political power to someone while opponents try and prevent this
Innocent people drawn into the political world
Trying to prove innocence

Action

More screen time main characters - protagonist, helps the audience relate to the characters
High position of authority - usually the antagonist, "false heroes"
Location change
Introduced to characters without fully knowing
Nothing developed straight away
Isolated character
Not knowing anything/unknown plot
Don't get the reason with fights and chases
Antagonist - group
                                = Protagonist outnumbered
Protagonist - one
Variety of characters
Organised (OCD level)
Isolate themselves
Normal setting
Violence - innocent people dying
Usually family issues
Variety of locations
Weakness
Clues
Family issues
Mature cast - expensive budget
Protagonist has talent - athletic

Crime

More screen time for the main character
Basic locations
Protagonist vulnerable due to family (also creates a driving force)
Crime being planned
Mysterious music - build tension
Binary opposite
Based on protagonist
Suspension music
Young adult cast
Older cast turn up
Protagonist introduced
No antagonist yet
Protagonist has issue
Misleading narrative
Opposite sex distraction
Randomly killing people
Isolated crime scene

Test Footage

 

These shots are some of the basic shots that will be used in the opening sequence.

The correct props aren't included in this clip because of the weather.

There is a variety of shots used to portray different things and atmospheres

childrens film evaluation

positives-

conversation editing

the use of special effects

good background
Good use of photoshop
Good mise-en-scene



Negatives 
random black scene

continuity editing is poor

body parts are missing

sound missing and isn't empathetic

Editing of people
More titles. More detail

 green -happy about 

red - not happy about

How can we improve on our negatives?

We can improve on our negatives by planning our tine so we have enough time to make sure the editing is more fluent and that the sound matches the images. 

Shot List and Storyboard

Shot List

 

Story Board

Notes on Amar's presentation

script writing
story boarding
test shooting
shooting
editing
............................. layers build throughout each stage

don't rely on memory > write down ideas in a simple way
divide script into locations

EXT (exterior e.g. car park)
INT (interior e.g bedroom)

find locations nd diagnose problems
make notes on what you see and hear
always have a shot list and a script < annotate it include INT and EXT
identify props/ costumes  helps edit process

shooting schedule
organize day and time
what restrictions do you have?
if organized you can shoot on time and possibly shoot more.
more options when editing
print off any notes or any of the work above and carry with you at all times.

Call Sheets

A call sheet is a chart issued to the cast and crew of a film production, which lists the production schedule. The sheet also includes contact information for other members of the cast and crew. They are often issued at the beginning of the week because the schedule changes throughout the week and also it is difficult to plan further ahead.

Here is an example of a call sheet for the production of Sherlock Holmes, and from the chart we can see the time, date and location indicated for everyone. We can also see the addresses and contact details for the director and the whole production team. Underneath those, there is a chart which shows the actors, which role they play and what time and page/lines they have to go over. It also shows the dates of when they should be there.

10 second sections explaining the 2 min opening

1-10 seconds:
The protagonist will be in bed sleeping in his bedroom
 mise en scene: dark bedroom
sound: rain and thunder
shot type: establishing then mid shot.

10-20 seconds:
Transition of  a fade out from the character sleeping to entering his dream
 colouring stays the same the character is laying on the grass looking up into the sky
mise en scene: field with trees and a clear sky
sound: (maybe voice over) music
shot type: point of view looking up at the sky. the camera slowly spins around to give
clear image as the title appears in the form of clouds.

20-30 seconds:
The clouds continue to show and then he looks around him and sees his friends laying
beside him. the character shuts his eyes and falls asleep
mise en scene: field and sky and as the protagonist closes hes eyes a blackout forms in
the shape of an eye either by using black paper over the camera or editing.
sound: music and sound effects of a natural environment
shot type: continued in point of view ... establishing shot, close up.

30-40 seconds:
colouring changes to black and white to change the imagery and to show a different
 storyline. character slowly gets up and starts walking around feeling slightly
unconscious. as character gets a bit dizzy the cameraangle changes to show the
protagonist and spins around him to give a clear image and to engage the audience in
giving them a glance of how he is feeling. the caracter is looking at himself in a
confused way. looks at his hands and body.
mise en scene: field trees etc. the same as  before but all in black and white
sound: empathetic music to match the mood of the character.
Shot type: establishing shot as camera spins around

40-50 seconds:
the camera changes point of view to the antagonists point of view hiding behind a tree.
Mise en scene: same setting
sound: pause music and hears heavy breathing or a sound effet of sticks snaping on the
floor to make it seem as if he is stepping on them coming from the antagonist
Shot type: establishing shots close ups and point of view.

50-60 seconds:
protagonist starts walking around the feild only to find a dead person lying dead on the
floor he continues to walk slowly looking scared.
Mise en scene:same setting and starts to show some building as the character is walking
into a building (long road college)
Sound: some sound effects and maybe a voice over Echoing to set the atmosphere.
shot type: mid shots, tracking and long shots.

60-70 seconds:
the character continues to walk and look around slowly entering the building and sees
some more dead bodies.
mise en scene: inside the college, elevator, corridors, rooms.
Sound: sound effects and faded music.
Shot type: mis shots, long shots, close ups.

70-80 seconds: 
protagonist steps over the dead bodies feeling more and more frightened and looking
lost. he waits impatiently for the elevator to open as he starts to get the feeling that
someone is watching him. then the antagonist point of view is shown again but this
time is from behind a do.


                        
                      
 
                     
                  

This name was chosen to represent our company logo because  skyscrapers are known to be something big wich is a good way to represent our company. The writing is chosen to be in a glowing type of colour that stands out from the sky and reflects into the sea to portray a type of image that would attract all ages over the world .The idea of the two lights at the bottom were taken from the "21st century" company logo. The lights make the image stronger and make the tittle seem more important as it stands out more.

This to start of was just a simple image of google of skyskrapers which was then later on edited on a programme called gimp. The contrast slightly changed, the writing was added and smudged a little as its reflected on the sea to make it seem more realistic. A glowing effect to the skyscrapers was also added onto the image  to contrast with the lights inthe corners. The editing was kept to a standard level so that it doesnt look too tacky but also looks good enough to represent modern times and the 21st century.

Thriller Ideas

IDEAS:

Genre: Psychological
Title: Envisage (pictures in ones mind)
Characters: 3-4
Plot: Main character is laying in bed sleeping, then finds himself to be laying down on a field looking up at the sky and his surrounding which include his friends. He then falls asleep and after a little while he wakes up and see's everything around him is gone. He gets up and investigates what's happened, but as he gets up he feels dizzy and walks around slightly unconscious of his surroundings. This is all filmed as a point of view shot. The camera shot is changed from the protagonist point of view to the antagonists point of view who is hiding, whilst showing shots of the protagonists actions and to build up tension (POV establishing shot). As the story progresses, the protagonist will be searching for people he knows, but when he finds them they're dead. He only finds each friend one at a time. As he is finding his friends, the antagonist gradually gets closer to him. Then after finding everyone he cares about, the antagonist goes after him, but before the antagonist kills him, the protagonist wakes up only to find that it was all a dream.
Effects: Voice over, a couple of transitions, music.
Possible locations: Field, bedroom, places around college.

Mood Board:
The film Inception could relate to our plot due to the fact it's all about dreaming.

Cast and Crew

cast: 3-4 characters, male main character, students at long road. 

crew: Ben, Harry, Samanda

Mise-en-scene

Lighting: natural lighting to create realism

Costume: protagonist is wearing formal clothing (trousers, shirt) his friends also wearing formal clothing to show the stereotypical thriller characters which make them seem unlikely to be a hero but they are.

Antagonist is wearing scruffy clothes to create a binary opposite against the protagonist.

Set: the scenes will be set in a bedroom, to show that the protagonist is comfortable and safe when sleeping. When the dream begins, we will set it on the field to show that they're outgoing and like to have fun when they're not working. We'll also use the forest bit at the back of long road to represent a hidden mysterious area. The forest can also present the stereotypical genre of a thriller.

Make-up: none used

Colour: black and white to show a different mood to the scene, natural colour for the rest of the scene.

Props: bed

company logos

An example of a company logo that is used in the thriller film die hard is 20th century fox.
This Logo helps to indicate the type of film that is going to be shown. The logo adds on other details i.e a character from the film to make it more interesting and seem more creative.
the 20th century logo helps us to understand that the film is modern and the lighting in the logo makes it seem very important as the loud instrumental makes it seem royal . The background also creates an effect to it to attract the audience and again to indicate the genre of the film.

company logo

Feedback on previous openings

Marking Criteria

>> holding a shot steady where appropriate 

>>Framing a shot including and excluding elements

>> Using a variety of shot distances as appropriate

>> shooting material appropriate to the task

>> selecting mise-en-scene include colour, figure,lighting etc

>>Editing so that meaning is apparent to the viewer 

>> using varied shot transitions + effects.

>>using sound with images

                 >>Using titles appropriately

This video has a good variety of effective shots i.e close ups extreme close ups over the shoulder etc.
the sound/ music is also very effective as the beat and tempo create suspense to the actions.
the lighting adds onto the atmosphere and makes the thriller seem more realistic along with the titles that go with the theme, the font and colour helps to indicate the genre. The ending is filmed very well and attracts the audience attention as the character is close up to the camera which makes the audience seem like they are more involved in the film.

something that could have been improved was the length of the titles because they lasted a little too long and more action should have been involved to make the opening more clearer.

The Recruit

Crime Thriller Conventions

• The protagonist usually has a troubled past for example a missing father
• Good looking protagonist
• Female character who the protagonist is clearly attracted to
• Story centers around a secret organization 
• Gadgets
• Older wise character who might become a father figure to the protagonist
• Binary opposite characters
• Music that builds tension
• Well known actors
• Contrast of younger and older characters who are similar
• Dark, mysterious and shadowy lighting

Characters

Main character is first introduced when lying in bed

what we learn about him :

- good liar

- good at technology

- athletic

- as the film goes on we learn more about his past ( his father) - the plot becomes clearer

- he becomes more educated about the C.I.A 

- creates a connection with the recruiter  who seems to know everything about him

- becomes more curious as to what happened to his father

- gets attracted to a another of the new recruits 

Filming and Editing Techniques 

the beginning - edited quick shots of the documents ( that later on appear during the film where the main character is sat at the computer researching about his father)

- quick shots to represent the speed of the action

- shots of all angles to show power between the characters

- close-ups and extreme close-ups to emphasise on the characters features

- voice over where the recruiter character is explaining why people have joined the C.I.A

these are typical to a thriller genre because they build suspense and tension towards the audience, making them want to find out more as the film goes on.