Research and Planning- Conventions of a Psychological Thriller.

As we have decided that the genre of our film is a psychological thriller, we wanted to gain more of an insight to the conventions of this type of genre to help expand our idea and include certain aspects of the research in to our film opening and our film synopsis to make it as effective as possible to portray the genre.

Psychological Thriller:

• Emphasis on the psychological mental state of character(s) and the struggle of emotions that they are caught up in.
• Is a sub genre to the 'thriller' film genre.
• Characters reality is usually blurred; unsure of what exactly is going on.
• There can be twists in the story which require the audience to question and think of what can possibly happen next.
• Lots of enigma.
• Can also bring aspects/conventions of horror film genre in to it and link the two together to create a 'psychological horror'.
• Suspense is built up gradually.
• Can sometimes have characters investigating a situation on a character with the psychological problem for example.

Research and Planning: Initial ideas for new film opening.

Research and Planning: Timing and camera angles

Here are the camera angles and timings of each scene of our film opening:

Research and Planning: Film Synopsis

A character who is packing her suitcase, leaves her house discreetly to deliver a box to an unknown character at the bridge. The unknown character then comes to the bridge and collects the gift box and is known as the 'collector'. The person who is delivering the box is known as the 'deliverer'. 

Certain deliveries are made for a murder and on each delivery box, there is a code on the edge of the lid. The code unlocks the database on the computer of the victims who have been killed and the 10 victims who need to be killed. They need to be killed because they are apart of a secret agent group organisation. She (deliverer) has packed her suitcase because she was originally apart of the secret agent group organisation, but she turned against them as she was blackmailed by the murderers who are part of a different agent organisations. Throughout the film, there is a team of murderers who will receive different deliveries which contain certain murder tools to kill the secret agents. The code on the box is the code for each victim to be accessed on the computer database to be killed. The first particular box contains a necklace which contains some sort of deathly chemical poison which will be used to kill a certain victim. At the end of the film, nine deliveries have been made, one delivery is left but they cant track them down, but that last person who needs to be killed can not be found... 

Research and Planning: film idea.

In today's media lesson, we had to come up with our final idea for the film opening. At first I found it extremely difficult to think of an effective idea which also needed to have the aspect of enigma within it. As a group, we discovered that some of our ideas were way too over complicated for just a two minute opening, so we simplified things and came up with the right idea for our group. Our genre is a thriller.

Here is the film opening idea that we are going to do: 

Research and Planning: First initial ideas for film opening.

In yesterday's lesson, as a group we all each contributed our ideas and brainstormed them to get a clearer picture. The main genres we decided we would like to do are going to be either romance or a thriller. We discussed story plots for both genres. We also took in to consideration different aspects such as locations and actors. It is extremely important that we organise this before we create our storyboard in order to know exactly where and what we must film to create a professional film opening. As we have discussed initial ideas now, we are all going to do further research such as looking at even more film openings that are appealing to what we want to do; also we will go and look at locations to see if they will be appropriate for our film opening. In order to make an effective opening we must film as professionally as we can, make sure we are organised and that we have good actors to film.

Research and Planning: Film Genres.

Films are given genres so people have an idea/expectation of what the story plot may contain. Genres also help categorise films so it easier to find a specific type of film that you want to watch.

Common Genres:
- Horror
-Romance
- Comedy
- Thriller
- Fantasy
- Documentary
- Teen
- Western
-War
-Action/Adventure
-Crime
- Sci-fi
Some films can consist of more than just one genre, for example a Rom-com(a combination of romance and comedy). An example of a rom com is 'Valentine's Day'.

Each different genre has it's conventions.
For example, the stereotypical conventions in a horror movie are :
- The setting is dull (reflects negativity)
- Story plots can involve hauntings and demonic possession presented in the film 'The Conjuring'. Story plots can also involve mindless killing in films such as 'Saw'.
- In a horror genre movie, you would expect the film to be frightening, unexpected, creepy, mysterious and jumpy perhaps.
- In horror movies you would always expect there to be a specific victim or group of victims that are usually targeted on by evil character(s) such as demons or monsters for example.
- In terms of film certification, horror movies are generally classified as 15 or 18 because the content is too inappropriate and overwhelming for younger audiences.
- In terms of camera shots and editing, the shots are short and jumpy to create a dramatic effect and  suspension.
- Music is usually dramatic and creepy


This image is from the horror film 'The Conjuring'. This image shows the setting of the film, as we can see it is very mysterious and threatening which are typical conventions of a horror genre movie.

Looking in to film genres has made me think about what genre I would like my own film opening to be. Out of all genres that I have researched, horror and crime appealed to me the most and hopefully I can apply the conventions of these genres in to my film opening once I have planned everything.

Research and Planning: Film Certification

Age Ratings

These age ratings are from http://www.bbfc.co.uk/. I researched these to give myself an idea of who my target audience will be for my film opening. The age rating guidelines are put in place to stop young children from viewing things that would be inappropriate to them and that may cause psychological issues.

Each age guideline has different aspects. For example a U film won't contain any swearing what so ever or any explicit scenes of violence or sexual activity. On the other hand, a 15 rated film will contain things such as strong violence, use of bad swear words and sexual activity. If there were no age ratings, anyone under the age of 18 could watch anything unsuitable which can cause all kinds of problems.

Research and Planning:Thoughts on the main task brief.

Task: The titles and opening of a new fiction film, to last a maximum of two minutes.
My thoughts on the task is that I know that research, planning and preparation for filming this opening will require a lot of work. I will begin by brainstorming some idea's I think off and once I have developed a structured idea, I will begin looking in to aspects such as location, make-up/costume and which things will need to be in or out of the mise en scene. Overall, I am excited about this task and hope to produce a professional opening sequence scene to a film. 

Research: Film Openings

Se7en

-Bedroom scene: Establishing shot/wide shot of bedroom

-Diagetic sound of ticking noise and off screen sounds within the film. The off screen sounds are fairly noisy which could suggest that this man lives in a city. Some of the noise is sirens which could also suggest crime(genre).

-The lighting is dark and the curtains are closed which suggests that it is night time. This is mysterious and the man on the bed seems vulnerable due to the lighting. 

-The lighting could possibly foreshadow an upcoming bad event

-The shot is filmed in the door frame of the bedroom (POV shot). This gives the feeling that someone is watching him and intruding in on his space. 

-The mise en scene links to the mans age and interests. The furniture looks basic and old, which could reflect his age. He also has a bookshelf with a lot of books which could suggests that he is a sophisticated, well educated man.

The Great Gatsby (2013) first opening 2 minutes

- The film begins with old fashioned music which instantly gives the audience an idea of which period the film is set in. However, it is uncertain so far on what the exact genre it is, whether it be romantic, tragic, drama etc.
-The first thing we see is a flashing green light surrounded in darkness. This is mysterious. The camera shot is zooming in on this green light and gradually we are able to see that there is a lake in between the camera and the light and that there are buildings where the light is coming from. The fact that the camera is zooming in on this light and the buildings is like inviting the audience to find out what is going on.
- There is a narration that begins, we don't know who it is though yet due to the camera shot still focusing on the flashing green light
- Suddenly it begins to snow, this is showing a time change. The light is still flashing though, suggesting that it always flashes no matter what.
-There is a theme of light and darkness because the darkness suddenly changes to light. This could foreshadow upcoming events.
-The camera shot switches to Nick and is a close up shot of him talking and the audience now know that he is the narrator.
-The non-diagetic music is mysterious and almost seems to reflect sadness.

Preliminary Task Final Video.

Preliminary Task Storyboard.

Preliminary Task Evaluation.

The camera which we used to film our preliminary task 

The brief that we were given for our task was simple and we had to make our own story line . As well as creating a basic story line, we had to include three important types of camera movement/angles. These were match on action, the 180 degree rule and shot reverse shot. Adapting these elements in to our preliminary task was not as straight forward as it seemed, but eventually we figured out how to do it.

In terms of planning, our group was fairly organised in ensuring that we had all props and costume ready in order to film. We filmed our preliminary task in our own time and we made sure that we had recorded all footage that we needed before the deadline. As a group we came up with  idea's together and brainstormed them on to paper. However, our idea's were too complex for the task  we had been set so we had to change our ideas quickly to something more simple- an interview. We created a script for the scene of dialogue in order to know what to exactly say for the scene.

Our storyboard was not very effective in terms of helping us with the filming. This was because the storyboard did not match up to the way we ended up filming. So, what we did was create the storyboard after we had filmed the footage so we knew exactly what to draw and write on to our storyboard.

The camera was easy to use once we had figured out how to use it. In order to create steady shots we used the tripod for certain parts of the filming, however most of the shots were filmed without the tripod. We could have used the microphone for filming the dialogue scene to have created a clearer sound.

Whilst filming, we did not come up with many problems. The only problem was that the room which we filmed the interview in was extremely small so it was difficult to film properly. To overcome this we had to re arrange the chairs and other furniture in the room.

The different camera lenses

From using the Apple Macs Final Cut Pro for editing our film, I learnt that creating a continuous fragment of film takes a lot of editing, cutting and a lot of time. Every lesson we worked on a specific part of our footage. I learnt how to insert transitions where appropriate in our film, we used dissolve and a blackout frame. We used transitions to create more effect in our film and to make the most of the editing software. Final Cut Pro allowed us to remove certain sounds that we didn't want in our footage and then we were able to overlap the visual footage that we used on to the sound that we did want. Something that I struggled with, was making some cuts able to flow but eventually I figured it out. We needed to 'shrink time' in our film, so in order to do that, we added a fade effect to show the passing of time. We did this to ensure that our film did not drag on too much. I found that it is better to have a short perfected film rather than a long, poorly edited film.

Editing on the Apple Macs- Final Cut Pro

Overall, on a scale of 1-10, I am a 7 in terms of happiness of the finished product. I think that the most effective shots are the shots which build up to the interview: showing the feet walking to the interview. This is because it will add curiosity to audiences as to what is happening, where is she going? why can't we see her face? who is she? Also, the shot reverse shot scene was effective because it just flowed so well and it is clear that two people are having a conversation with each other.

If I were to do this task again, I would have spent more time in planning everything out exactly how I want it to be in order to save time in the long run and therefore film effectively in the way I intended. I would also spend more time editing the film, like staying after schools or lunchtimes if needed. I would also make sure I have lots of footage to work with so it is not so difficult to cut and I wouldn't be wasting time by re filming parts.

I think that our group worked quite well together as a whole particularly in planning and organisation. In the team, I acted in the film yet did not film anything and I helped edit the film. At the beginning we all contributed our ideas and then decided as a group what we wanted for our film. We managed our time well and ensured that we met up outside of lesson time to film and discuss anything that we needed to go over.

Analysing The Lion King film. (Theory)

Some camera shots, angles and movements displayed throughout the film:

- Lots of establishing/long shots to show the exact setting the scene is in. Example: shots of dark places= Where Scar the bad character is. 

- Low angle shots were used when Mufassa( the king) is on top of the cliff to show his authority over the kingdom 

-Lots of close up shots were used to portray characters emotions across to the audience, eg: fright and anger 

- Zoom shots were used a lot throughout the film usually in scenes of danger 

- In order to set the location of the film, iconographic scenery of wilderness, exotic animals and plants were used to present that the film is set somewhere in Africa. 

Sound: 

- The music throughout the film matches the tone of the goings on. It adds effect to the characters emotions. 

- Some of the music is diagetic, as the characters actually sing at certain parts 

- The use of echo indicates loneliness and isolation 

Mise en scene: 

 - The cliff is the place of most importance as it is above everything else and only the good main characters go on to it. 

- There is a significant theme of light vs dark throughout the movie. When Scar(bad character) is present, he is always in shadows which reflects his character. Also Scar's appearance is very sharp and evil in comparison to others. 

- Mist is used in scenes of danger to create a spooky effect 

- The story is a cyclical narrative 

- Scenery is always natural throughout the whole film 

- The colours are vibrant which represent the African theme 

Editing: 

- Continual

- Transitions: dissolving in to different stages of Simba growing up in order to shrink time 

- Slow motion effect while Scar and Simba fight to make the scene more dramatic and over the top

Common features of continuity editing.

Establishing Shot

These types of shots are commonly used in film, they are good because as an audience we hardly ever used to them because the continuity is excellent.

Establishing shot:

This is used at the beginning of films and at the beginning of some scenes. This allows the audience to know where the action is happening.

Shot reverse shot: 

Shot Reverse Shot

This is mainly used in conversations in scenes. It allows the audience to see both characters communicating to one another.

180 degree rule:

180 Degree Rule

This term means where things are in a filmic space. The camera cannot cross over the imaginary axis connecting two subjects( crossing the line) ie: 2 people having a conversation.

Mise en scene

Mise en scene is a French term which means what is put in to a scene or frame. Whatever is put in or left out really does have a big effect in terms of the signals the scene is giving out. For example; a tree can made to look nice on a sunny day with bright green leaves and children playing underneath it. On the other hand, a tree can be made to look threatening if it has no leaves and the weather is dark. These different types of mise en scene are important in portraying a general mood/atmosphere in a scene. These aspects will add to our understanding as an audience to what is happening in the film or what may lie ahead in the upcoming scenes. 

Elements to consider in mise en scene:

- setting and props

- costume, hair and makeup 

- facial expressions and body language

- lighting and colour

- positioning of characters/objects within a scene 

Editing for our preliminary task.

Taking in to account what we learned in our theory media lesson, I applied my learning in to editing my preliminary film task. I learnt that even in a really short scene, a lot of shots are needed because it can be difficult to create good continuity if you have very few limited shots. Everything in editing and film shooting takes a lot of detail and precision so my group and I will ensure to present that through our task. 

Processes included in editing a film.

In today's theory media lesson, we learned about the directors and editors task in producing a professional looking final film. The directors role is to film as many shots as possible of each scene so the editor has a lot of footage to chose from. It is better to have too much footage than have hardly any footage to work with in editing. The editor must decide what footage they want to work with and which footage that they do not want to work with. Once that is completed, they must organise the chosen shots in to a coherent whole. Then the editor must make sure that shots follow on from each other and work for the audience for them to see a continuous story. 

Building blocks: 

-Editor looks at all individual shots available to create a particular scene 

- The film script can be used as a guide to help to construct the scenes how they should be 

- The scenes should be a continuous series of shots that show a moment that flows 

- Sometimes it is possible to shoot a scene in a single shot if the take is appropriate and flows very well 

- A sequence is made up of different scenes which fit together to present the story/narrative 

- Finally after all these processes re editing of the film will be completed  

A key term called 'continuity editing' means that the audience cannot notice good editing because the film is just so continuous. 

Some common features used in editing: 

- Establishing shot.

- 180 degree rule.

- Filming same scene but from different angles 

Some transitions: 

- Straight cut. 

- Dissolve. 

   

As a class we discussed how using lots of cuts in one particular scene can create a dramatic and snappy effect. For example, in horror movies when something bad is occurring.

Editing our preliminary task

In today's lesson, my group and I continued with editing our short film. We watched through all of our film footage to begin assembling a final piece (on Final Cut Pro). I noticed that continuity is extremely important in films, everything must be just right in each take in order for the scene to flow. We realized that our footage has continuity problems. This means that  we need to film certain parts again and this time make sure that they will have continuity. In order to make this work, we discussed and noted down the exact parts that we need to film again and how we would film them to produce good continuity. We also discussed how aspects such as lighting and clothing need to be exactly the same as in our other footage that we have. Another thing we need to include and show clearly is the 180 degree rule which we will be filming tomorrow. By taking all aspects in to consideration, this will hopefully help us to create a professional looking short film.

Different types of camera movements.

Setting and props in a film.

In Tuesday's Media lesson, we looked at analysing still images to see what the setting and props can communicate to the audience. The setting of a scene in a film is usually very detailed than that of a theatre.In terms of the process of film making, filmmakers can start and create their setting from scratch or an actual location can be found and altered if needed to suit the film. Props are also very important to the film as they can suggest the genre and time period of a film. For example if the film is set 70 years ago, the character may have a prop such as a type writer instead of a laptop which would be used in a modern day set period in a film. Props can suggest someones identity/job, for example a doctor would be in a setting which includes items which doctors use on a regular basis as part of their job. A key term that I learnt is 'incongruous', this means that something doesn't fit in with every thing else at all in a film.

Planning and idea's for preliminary task.

In today's lesson we continued on with our film planning. As a group we decided that our original idea for our short film was too complicated. We had to come up with a new idea and used the lesson fully to develop our new idea's. Our new idea was a lot more simple. Throughout the lesson we ensured that we had everything organised in order to produce a successful short film. We discovered that location is very important and that the exact filming location must be known before creating a storyboard. Also, continuity is very important in allowing a film to run smoothly and look well polished so we discussed how we would use it when we begin filming. Match on action, shot/reverse shot and the 180 degree rule must be included in our filming so we ensured that what we film will have these shots interpreted in to it.

Deconstructing a scene from a film.

Presenting genre's through still images.

These two compositios are what my group came up with. We used objects to portray a particular genre, our genre was romance. We learnt that the positioning of the objects is very important and that highlighting specific elements of the set up is very effective. The key part to our composition was the wedding ring on the table to show that a proposal was just about to take place.

First preliminary task brief

Some camera shots.

Long Shot

This type of shot is great for using at the beginning of a scene to allow the audience to know of the location in which the scene is happening. For example, it can sometimes use an iconic image such as the Eiffel Tower to let the audience know that the scene is set in Paris. 

Close Up Shot

This type of shot shows something that is going on in a scene closely. It can be used to highlight a particular/important object sometimes. This shot is useful in allowing the audience to be able to see clearly what a character may be doing.

 

 

 

 

Point Of View Shot

This shot allows the audience to view from a particular characters view point, this can be good at creating tension and allowing the audience to feel as if they are actually in the characters perspective.

Key Concepts in Media

Research/ideas for preliminary task.

We used youtube to look at video's similar to the task that we have been set to do. Also, we came up with our own idea's by visualising what we would like for our short film. 

The film making process.

In this lesson, we discussed as a class the importance of planning and understanding the things that need to be done when wanting to make a film. The process is so important because the final piece of film relies on all aspects of the process. Having planned everything out, you are then able to film professionally and successfully.

This is a mind map that my Media class and I created as a team, contributing ideas: