Behind the scenes: First day of filming

Monday 30th February 2015- First day of filming.

Today myself, Nadiye, Katy and Chloe went to the local coffee shop Costa to film a scene for our opening scene. Nadiye, Katy and Chloe took it in turns filming and deciding which camera angles would be effective and help show me in appropriate viewpoints and angles. On the first day of filming we filmed my scene which will be played near the beginning as its a key scene which will inform the audience of whats happening in the opening and whats to come. Hopefully this will  leave the viewers gripped to the edges of their seats!

Location:
We chose to use this location as a place where the characters Tara and Ellie were going to meet and sort out their friendship.                              
We thought it would be successful as its an effective ordinary place.
We used the Coffee shop as its a local area, which has ordinary people who aren't involved with the film in it. In a thriller there is usually a scene where there are many people in shot but not main characters. We thought the location would be good here as its a place where friends would meet up which makes it reliable and not make the audience feel confused and feel as if that wouldn't happen.

Mise En Scene:

Mae(The character) wore a khaki puffer jacket, black jeans, black top, black shoes and a watch. I wanted to look quite innocent and interesting but also conform to a thriller genre. I wore the watch as a prop to show the audience i have been waiting and watching the clock.  We also show my bag to position the viewers to see its a normal day and I had been out and about. There is a mysterious storyline in this scene so I didn't want to dress really vibrant and not succeed in our theme/genre.
I bought a drink to use as a prop to make the location seem more reliable. The use of it being a christmas cup represents winter and coldness which is usually the weather type in a thriller film with parts of horror included.

Timing:
We chose to film at 14:30 as we thought it would be a lot quieter around our local coffee shop. We were lucky in which it was quiet meaning there won't be much background noise in our recordings. Seeing as its December it gets dark much quicker now so we ensured we got it done earlier in the afternoon so the lighting is successful. However there was a dimming lighting which helps conform to the mysterious thriller theme/genre.

It took myself a while to be able to get into character, as it was quite embarrassing with people walking past. However once I was in character I felt much more comfortable in acting my scene.

Camera and shots:
We are using Katy's Nikon D3200 camera for filming and borrowing a tripod from the school. Katy's Camera has a really good focus to get effective shots. The tripod also work really well in maintaining a steady shot/focus. You can tell we are using a tripod as there isn't lots of annoying movement in the shots.  
Our close up shots included showing my face and emotions, and a close up shot of me calling Tara to show the audience what I was doing and where I was.
We used a range of shots, such as close up, mid shot, behind the shoulder shot and match on action. These will hopefully help us pick up marks in our film.

Sound:
During the mid shot where Ellie (myself) is on the phone we will use a soundtrack of Tara's voicemail to inform the audience of what is happening. There is diegetic sound of myself(Ellie) talking on the phone as we want the audience to know what I'm saying and what is happening in the scene. We will also use non-diegetic sound in the background of a scary mysterious tune when I'm walking into the coffee shop as noone knows what I'm about to do.

We will be using Adobe Premier Plus to put all our footage together and get a effective finished scene.

Research on our practical task genre:

THRILLER
My group and I decided that our film was going to have a certificate of a 15. We decided this by taking into consideration the general certificate of Thrillers varying at 15-18.

A thriller targeting ages 18+ contains very graphic and violent scene which would not be suitable for anyone under the age of eighteen. This information is portrayed on the back of a dvd box or presented on screen when introducing the film. They will usually say what this film contains and who it is unsuitable for.

Our film will be aimed widely at the male gender audience. This is due to them having an interest in violence, aggression and crime. Violence is shown in our film when Rosemary suffocates Tara. Females would probably find this harder to view as they dislike the aggression in films. They would prefer to watch a romantic film with no violent gory scenes. Audiences tend to be able to relate to films, implying women are able to relate to romantic movies. Overall, our film will have a higher male viewer proportion to females, however females may also see like to see the film as there is female characters in it. Its interesting to see how they are presented in a certain genre and how they act in that certain film.

There are many films which have similar story lines to ours. For example:  Psycho, The Professional, Taken and House At The End Of The Street. These films all include mystery murders and have a 15 certificate.

Thriller Font Analysis:

The font used in Thriller movies are usually bold and eye catching. There is also different connotations behind the colour of the font to suggest death and blood.

In The Hunger Games the title is presented in capitals, bold and yellow. The connotations behind the bold capital title makes me think of a strong brave story line including fighting and violence. However, the yellow title suggests cowardliness and weakness. Having said that though the yellow title may just be used to complement the picture                                               on the front cover.




The Inception Title is also shown as bold and in capital letters. The use of the red title has the connotations of blood, death, murder and action. The colour of the title has away of positioning the audience to engage the film. The spaces between the letters I feel are effective as they look really striking and individual.





Titles give the viewers information and clues about the film before the play button is pressed. Here, the orphan has been written with poor writing to connote a child's handwriting. The fierce, sharp edges to the letters also connote sharp objects like knifes which link to murder. It looks like its been engraved by an intense object rather than by pen or pencil.




Black and red titles connote murder, death and aggression. This is used to capture the audience's fears  by giving information us information about the film. This then makes you want to watch it even more.

Seven, I feel has a engaging effective title in the opening as it creates tension and anxiousness. The twisted letters and words connote mystery and scare. They also look like they have been carved into a call suggesting a sharp object such as a knife. The white in the title stands out boldly against the brown background as the white is bright and eye catching. It conforms a thriller film as it looks quite creepy but also captivating.

Research and Planning Targets

Well done Mae - an excellent effort so far.  To improve your analysis of film openings revisit some posts and consider the following foci:

What shot/couple of shots stand out for you in the trailer and why?
How does the sound/music make us feel towards characters and locations?
How is this trailer similar or different to other trailers in the genre?
Are there any editing techniques you can comment on if you haven't already (cross-cutting, pace, prevalence - which is when a character is given slightly more screen time than another or the final shot.)

Well done so far!

Our Film Brainstorm

My group has decided and agreed that our opening two minutes will be a Thriller with parts which include the genre Horror.

Our Idea:
Four friends are represented as fairly close, however two friends don't seem to be getting along quite so well. Character 1 and character 2 organise to meet up to sort our their differences however, character 1 mysteriously gets killed leaving character 2 unaware of where she is and why she's not there. The other two friends who are presented as shady and quite. They are more involved with the disappearance than anyone else.

Characters: 
Tara-The victim of the murder.  -Played by:Nadiye Killick
Ellie-Friend who goes to meet Tara in a cafe. - Played by: Mae Fisher
Rosemary-Responsible for assault of Tara.  -Played by: Chloe Bennett
Bella-Tries to help Rosemary cover up the murder/partner in crime.  -Played by: Katy Welch

Props:
Phone for conversations and text messages
Plastic/Gun/Knife for murder scene
Fake blood and latex for wounds
Dog-murder scene/innocent dog walk

Ideas For Film Names:
We feel by using a short and engaging title it would make our film more effective and captivating.
Missing
The Dead
Murder Alley
Friendship Group?
Help

Techniques: 
Adobe Premier Elements
Video camera (GoPro)
Tripod
Photoshop(DVD front cover)

Thriller Certificates:

 Thrillers would usually have the certificate 15 or 18 due to the use of strong language, sexual scenes, violence and mature content.

A 15 certificate is advised for people aged 15 and over. It would be inappropriate for anyone under the age of 15 to watch the film and illegal to let anyone under the age of 15 view the film at the cinema.  In a 15 film there is usually very strong language with the occasional use of heaviest language. In a 15 violence would be fairly strong and shown often, however there wouldn't be as much gore and blood shown than in an 18. It would focus on the pain of the injury and different camera shots to embrace the pain. There is unlikely to be any sexual violence in a 15 as its more aimed at the 18 certificate.

An 18 certificate is usually made for the adult audience and more mature viewers. There would be huge amounts of inappropriate language and would be used aggressively and directly towards someone or something. An 18 would have violence in strong detail and the use of blood and gore would be far much more emphasised than in a 15. There would be scenes of sexual violence and abuse which would be shown quite graphically but also unnecessary. A thriller certificated at 18 would also include dramatic genres including horror and drama. Horror is used effectively to give suspense and make the film become scary and spooky.

THRILLER!

A thriller involves a exciting plot, usually involving crime and scare.

The targeted audience for a thriller is 15+, this is usually due to the crime involved in the film and the parts of the film which could be classed as horror.                                                                                                                     

Thriller films include Taken, House At The End Of The Street, The Shining, The Roommate, Orphan, Carrie and Lockout.                                    

I enjoy thrillers as they have suspense and excitement. I find them captivating and enthusiastic.                                                                              

Cliche- Typical things in Thrillers are gun scenes, kidnapping, drug use,  alcohol, expensive cars, explosions, scary scenes and action scenes.          

Conventions- The non diegetic sound will be a soundtrack with music creating tension, shadows, quick cuts, diegetic sound of breathing/characters 'running out of time', protagonist in mercy of antagonist and dark lighting. 

The antagonist in the film will usually have a hidden identity which will be revealed later in the film. For example in 'The Call' you don't know why the character Michael Foster kidnapped Leah but at the end you understand why he did it. 

The protagonist is usually a brave masculine male who saves the day at the end of the showing, however this is not always the case. Again in 'The Call' the main police officer who tracks down Michael Foster is in fact a woman. 

The storyline is usually relatable to the audience, it positions you to feel like this could happen to yourself which creates fright and terror. 

Camera Angles- Usually when showing the antagonist it will be at a low angle hiding their face to keep their identity hidden. The protagonist would be shown in close ups to show their emotions and bravery. There would also be a lot of establishing shots to set the scene and show the audience the surroundings.

Editing- Jump cuts showing lots of things occurring, cross cutting builds suspense. 

Sound- Non diegetic sound builds suspense and tension. 

Love Rosie Analysis:

Love rosie opens with a romantic soundtrack and a medium shot of Rosie looking upset. Her eyes have become watery and it looks like she is about to cry. There is then a voiceover which states "start from the beginning" this implies we are about to be told a story.

There is a two shot of two children on bouncing balls. They are both smiling which suggests they are or have just become friends. The diegetic sound is of them talking to each other nicely.
There is then a close up shot of Rosie handing something to Alex under the table which suggests its secretive. Its empathising on the relationship between the two.

There is then a close up of them pointing at a globe, with the non diegetic sound (voiceover) "we share our dreams". This shows the audience that they are presented as best friends who inspire to stay friends forever and spend their lives together.

The long shot of the two in a den shows the adventurous exciting side to the two characters. Their body language also shows they are only young but quite affectionate towards each other but just as best friends. This positions the audience to feel something will progress during the film. Rosie and Alex are also given prevalence at this stage as we are trying to empathise with the main characters.




The close up of the two holding hands makes the audience sympathise with them as it comes across as cute and lovable. It positions the audience to want them to end up together and think to far into the film already.

There is then a mid shot showing Rosie as an older women surrounded by people at what looks like a wedding. The diegetic sound is her telling her speech and quoting "The most happiest day of her life, however there is then a close up of her crying which seems that its the complete opposite from what she just said.

It then dissolves into twelve years earlier at Rosie's 18th. Herself and Alex are at a night club with loud music in the background (diegetic sound). There is close ups showing shots of vodka and mid shots showing the hundreds of people in the club. It enables the audience to see her having a good time with Alex and think something may progress from this.

The close up of Alex and Rosie getting really close and kiss makes the audience feel excited for what is to come and if the two are going to end up together. The music in the background also fits well as its quite upbeat and exciting.



Unfortunately, Rosie falls of her chair and the diegetic sound of her screaming kills the romantic moment. She is then shown from a log angle passed out on the floor. It positions the audience to feel annoyed that something probably won't happen between the two tonight as she is unable to control herself.

During the Love Rosie opening Rosie is given the most prevalence as the produces want you to empathise with her and connect with her character. However Alex has also got a lot of screen time as you are learning about their friendship and relationship throughout the opening and duration of the film.

Just Go With It Analysis:

The film opens with a long shot of a temple, implying there is a ceremony/wedding. It looks very Americanised with the use of the white limo outside, suggesting to the audience it's going to be a American comedy. There is non-diegetic sound which sounds quite exciting and happy linking to a happy ceremony. Characters running into the building are also dressed in appropriate wedding attire. 

There is then a mid shot which shows the surroundings, of a dressing room and six women standing around. They are wearing rather large bouncy dresses which may come across as entertaining. There is diegetic sound coming from the characters as they are in conversation. "You look beautiful" is said by one of the bridesmaids which you think can't be serious as the bride looks quite funny and entertaining.

There is a close up shot of the sister in law to be, looking happy and cheerful. However the other bridesmaid in the background is pulling a face to suggest she's weird and unusual. The prop of the big nose also makes you think they may be making fun of her. "She is so annoying...and so ugly"this positions the audience to feel the other women aren't very nice and acting nice to her face when really they are being rude behind her back. It makes you empathise with her as you feel sympathy towards her.

There is then a close up of Danny, who is presented with crazy curly hair, a big nose and not the nicest suit. The diegetic sound is of the women calling his family "goofy", saying he's "well trained" and talking about "what happened with Erik last night?". Danny hears all this and realised how disloyal she has been and that she is only in it for the money. The camera them slowly zooms into Danny as he is crying and has been completely heart broken. He is given prevalence as they want the audience to empathise with Danny and feel sorry for him.

It then zooms out becoming a two shot of him and his cousin who is presented with crazy curly hair and spots all over his face. It makes the situation become humorous as the film is a comedy not a emotional romantic drama. 

The long shot of Danny walking away shows that he has been hurt by the situation and won't go back to his fiancé. 

There is then a medium shot showing Danny in a nightclub/bar trying to get over the heartbreak by drinking alcohol. He himself is the voiceover talking about the situation and what is about to happen. Its effective as the audience are able to understand it from his point of view. There is then shot reverse shot of Danny talking to a attractive young lady. She is shown to be wearing a tight top and skirt which men and Danny may find attractive. 

The close up shot of the two characters touching hands shows their may be chemistry between to two but also suggests a 'One night stand'. The diegetic sound "shall we get out of here" implies they are going to leave to go back to a room together. The high angle shot then shows them walking out her leading him by the hand. It shows she has authority and power in the relationship.  It enables the audience to feel happy for Danny as he is able to get over the situation which occurred earlier in the day.

During the opening of Just Go With It, Danny is given prevalence as the produces want us to empathise with him and feel sympathy towards him. He is also the main character and the film is based around his life. 

3 Days to Kill Analysis:

3 days to kill opens with a two shot which encompasses the view of two formally dressed characters. The diegetic sound in this clip is the women's shoes walking towards the two men. The sounds made by the women are loud and present in the scene.

There is then an over the shoulder shot framing the image and introducing the agent. Its effective as you are able to see they are in conversation while being presented with the female character.

While the characters are discussing there are close up shots of all three characters tightly framing them and showing detail and emotions within them. There is dialogue in this scene as the characters are having conversations with each other. It positions the audience to understand who they are after and what the film may be based on.

When they first introduce the 'Albino' there is a short burst of music (stings) which enables us to understand that he's a key character but also as the music was fairly low and creepy it made him come across as dangerous and a threat.

There is a quick scene where its showing the surroundings and where the 'Albino' may be with the use of non-diegetic sound as the sound source isn't visible on screen or been implied to be present in the action. This is effective as it makes the audience understand that you are seeing things which the other characters can't as there voice is still in the background.

When introducing the other agent the camera movement tilts up showing the audience the character. Its effective as you're waiting to see what he will be like and what he will look like.

The mid shot, pan out and stings all work effectively when showing the scene with many dead people as the mid shot shows the surroundings, the panning out shows the more and more people who have been killed and the burst of music helps you understand the type of film and what has happened.

G321 Preliminary Task

Strengths:
I think our video is successful as we have used key camera shots and rules such as shot reverse shot, match on action and the 180 degree rule.

We inserted a soundtrack of a school bell ringing which gave the effect and understanding that we are in a school type environment.

The match on action shot is successful as it shows our character walking down the stairs at different angles. We see from a fairly low angle looking up to a close up of the characters feet and then a medium shot showing the surroundings.

The shot reverse shot in our clip woks effectively as we used an over the shoulder shot to show the conversation between the two characters. By using the shot reverse shot it helps show the audience that they are not talking to themselves and by achieving the 180 degree rule it doesn't change sides and leave the viewers confused.

From our previous task, the characters took the role of acting  more seriously and didn't make the video look amateur. The soundtrack is also relevant in this scene so doesn't leave the audience unbalanced.

My favorite shot in this scene is when the two
characters are saying goodbye to each other. This is successful as it achieves the rules of thirds. The character we are looking at automatically takes our attention as she is positioned appropriately.







Weaknesses: 
There are also parts to our clip which aren't successful. Four seconds in our brunette character leans back as if she is leaving the scene and makes it misleading for the audience. She is then the main character in the next bit which is confusing as to why she is there. You can also see the characters laughing which suggests they haven't taken it seriously enough as they should.





Another weakness in our clip is that we haven't
achieved the rule of thirds the whole way through.
Here in this print screen you automatically look at the opened door not the character standing on the right, this is due to our positioning not being appropriate and faulting the video. To improve we need to make sure we are following the rules on continuity in filming to enable us to have a successful clip by the end.

Rules Of Continuity In Filming

Continuity in filming is a style of film editing and cutting to sustain the attention from the audience. However there are some guidelines that involve the 180 degree rule, match on action and shot reverse shot.

The 180 Degree Rule-
In film the 180 degree rule is the guideline relating the on screen relationship between two characters or an object in the shot. The axis line connects the characters together, and by keeping the camera on the same side of the axis throughout, the first character will always frame right of the second character. The second character will then always frame left from the first character. If the camera passes over the line there will be a jump cut which will break the 180 degree rule and also confuse the audience.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bba7raSvvRo

This clip helped me understand the 180 degree rule as it showed how the camera staying on one side of the axis presents the characters in the same position. It doesn't make the character look as if he is talking to himself and confuse the audience.


Match On Action-
Match on action is an editing process for continuity editing, showing how one shot cuts to another shot showing the action at different views. Doesn't match two separate things its a continuous of the same action. While editing you can crop faults to enable its showing the same in the scene as the other shot but at a different view.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mv93covb53w

This video helps me understand match on action better. The front on shot of the guy about to close the door then the view from inside the room would have been taken twice to be able to get the two different angles. Also so you couldn't see the camera man in the background.

Shot Reverse Shot-
Shot reverse shot is when you see a character look at another character and then shown character two looking at character one. It looks like they are looking at each other.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLkUHZ1qips

This clip shows how shot reverse shot works and that the characters are looking at each other. The over the shoulder shot is used effectively however makes you realise that its taken more that once as you would be able to see the camera equipment otherwise.