Interviews on our three ideas

We asked Henry what he thought of Idea 1

We then asked Henry what he thought of Idea 2.

We then asked what Henry thought of Idea 3.

Finally we asked his overall view and which idea he liked past.

Thriller Opening Pitch

Idea 3

To do this me and Emily used wordle, this is a variety of words which describe idea 3.

Idea 2

To do this me and Emily used wordle, this is a variety of words which describe idea 2.

Idea 1

To do this me and Emily used wordle, this is a variety of words which describe idea 1.

Thriller Opening Planning

I am in a group with Emily Thompson, we have come up with 3 idea's and wrote basic notes on each.

Idea 1

Action Thriller

Girl running being chased by hooded figure, can’t see his face, guy on bike sees them running, and see’s the distress on girls face, bikes towards her, she gets on back of bike, they bike off see hooded figure from behind looking at them as they leave.

Idea 2

Psychological Thriller

Early, frosty morning  just as sun is rising near an open field, car pulls up, people get out and take a body out back of car, eyrie music, dump body in field, flash back of her struggling, view of sunrise sped up as passing time, person comes along walking dog comes across body

Idea 3

Detective Thriller

Detective in office, busy city, phone rings, he answers, hear someone on the other side of the phone reporting a missing person, investigation starts, flash back of someone struggling whilst the detective is on the phone, who is the abductor? Ray bans aviators on table picks them up to walk out room, title.

The Thriller Genre

The thriller genre can be used for literature, film, video gaming and TV programmes. It is normally used to create tension, suspension and excitement. Thriller films dramatically change the viewers mood by making them more anxious, heightening suspense, terrifying them and growing their anticipation. Fight/chase scenes are very common in thriller films as well as the ‘cover-up’ of important information. Thrillers range from crimes e.g. kidnappings to mystery e.g. investigations. A thriller normally consists of the audience being on ‘the edge of their seats’ due to climax built up during the film, programme, etc. Tension is usually created by the character(s) being in some sort of danger, perhaps leading towards a death or a crime being committed to build the danger.

The dictionary’s definition of ‘Thriller’ is;

“Exciting or sensational story, play, etc. Involving crime or espionage (spying/spies)”

Thriller Sub-genres

-Conspiracy

-Crime

-Diaster

-Legal

-Medical

-Mystery

-Political

-Psychological

-Religious

-Supernatural

Preliminary

By Emily Dougall, Emily Thompson, Emily Olver & Lucy Bland

Evaluation 

Our preliminary was very different to previous students which normally consist of a deal or exchange, our piece gives humour. Overall I think our prelim was successful, we used a range of camera shots and angles. Our prelim has positives and negatives and also improvements.

At the beginning when Emily is walking out to the bench, I think this is the strongest part as we were able to use a variety of camera shots and angles, which showed our understanding of the different shots/angles. It also flows really well with no dramatic cuts which show our editing ability. I also think the black and white worked really well, fitting with the image and the music. The music ‘Chamillionaire’ also worked really well, as it was in the time with the movement and the image of the four boys, making it humorous.

To be able to improve this piece I think we need to be more careful and to check what may be in view, such as at 0:32 to 0:36 an apple is in the background of the shot, which spoils the image slightly. As well as at 0:36-0:41 a PE lesson is in view, by putting it in  black and white it does put the PE lesson out of focus slightly. One thing we did not include is dialogue, if we were to include any speech it would improve our piece as we would have fitted the whole criteria and an over the shoulder shot meaning more camera shots would have been used.

From doing this prelim I am now more aware of how to use the cameras and editing software. I also now understand a basic outline of how films, programmes and adverts are created. I am also more confident with the filming/editing equipment meaning my thriller opening will hopefully be more successful.

BBFC and Universal Pictures

BBFC is the company which has to make the decisions of the rating of films, the decision is based on violence, sexual intercourse, use of drugs and alcohol, nudity and language.

 

             Universal- suitable for all

A U has to be suitable for primary school children to view, meaning no use of bad language, drugs, no dangerous behaviour. Everything has to be mild, such as nudity and violence. Sexual behaviour can only be basic, only kissing and approriate references e.g. making love.

Parental Guidence

A PG is simular to a U, the only difference is, is that parents may want to consider not allowing their children to view the film as it may upset them, especially younger children. Everytthing else is the same apart from the reference to drugs may be used but only in an anti-drug manner.

 12 and 12A

12 and 12A have the same criteria. The difference is, is a 12A means, under 12's may go into the film accompanied by an adult, but the bbfc have recommended it is not suitable for children under 13, however it is the parents/adults judgement. Language, sexual behaviour ect, maybe used but only in a mild way.

 

15

No one under the age of 15 may view in the cinema, buy or rent.

Most criteria must be mild, or not influence the audience such as suicide. Violence is allowed to be shown a lot more in a 15, and stronger language can be used.

18

Only suitable for adults.

Only people of the age of 18 can view at the cinema, by or rent.

 

 

R18

Only to be shown in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops, and to adults of not less than 18.

R18 is a special and legally restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults.

Universal Pictures

 Universal pictures or NBCUniversal is one of six major movie studios, which has produced thriller films such as Psucho and Skeletion Key. It was found in New York by Carl Buttman in 1912 and is one of the oldest American movie studios. Universal pictures has created some famous characters such as Johnny English.

Psycho (1998) Shower Scene Analysis

In 1998 Psycho the American horror film originally made in 1960 by Alfred Hitchcock was remade by Gus Van Sant. Both films were adapted from a 1959 novel by Robert Bloch. Both Hitchcock and Van Sant capture the shower scene with extreme emotion and anxiety.

Throughout the scene there are a variety of camera shots, angles and editing techniques, mainly close ups and reaction shots. These are used to show more emotion, and to make it more intense and almost uncomfortable as you get vibes and emotions from the victim. The scene has used a lot of editing of shots together, to make it more dramatic. The most common editing technique used is a jump cut, which is an abrupt cut between shots, making a dramatic effect, as well as fading in and out to create the sense of chaos.

One significant shot is the CU which is taken from a low angle and central to the frame of the shower head. This is showing the perspective of the victim, symbolizing purity and the sense of being clean. It also establishes the setting of the scene, which is repeated throughout the scene to create tension and to remind the viewers of the setting. Due to the shower curtain being drawn, leaving the victim without a clue what is the other side, which reflects her ignorance. The only sound used in this shot is a diegetic sound this is the water from the shower, making it more realistic and believable but also drowning out any outside noises such as the killer approaching.

 Another important shot is a MS, and centred to the screen. The camera pan’s slowly to the left putting the victim to the side of the shot, but clearly showing a figure appearing into the bathroom. The victim is facing the camera, making her unaware of what is going on external of the shower. As well as the camera panning it is also zooming in towards the figure, once again the water is covering up any sound the killer maybe giving out. The MS carries on when the killer is revealed, the killer is in centre shot, due to the lighting her face is hidden making it more tense and mysterious, however some sort of light is being shown from the right and hitting her left hand almost highlighting the knife she is holding. 

The next critical moment is when the victim realises she is not alone in the room. She begins to scream and the camera flashes onto the weapon in a CU centred in the screen, using the ‘Golden Mean’ composition exaggerating the knife.  The shot then suddenly flashes back to the victim, but zooms into an ECU of her mouth. Due to the editing it creates tension, panic and fear to the viewers. The long scream adds discomfort and an alarming feel towards the viewer. As the shots flash back from one to another quite quickly, putting strain upon the watchers.

Another memorable shot is a MS, taken from a high angle. This is putting more of an image together, informing the viewers of what exactly is going on, so they have more of an idea. The shower pole is directly over the killers eyes, so you are still unaware of what she looks likes as her face is hidden. This shows the victim fighting back and fighting for her life. Also non-diegetic sound has been added this makes the viewer feel anxious, pressurised and taunted, the music is almost haunting.

Another expressive frame is the MCU, taken from eye level. The victim is in the centre of the shot, however to the left of it is her arm almost grabbing for life. As she slides down the side of the shower, she reaches her arm out in desperation and hope. This gives the impression she still has emotion and feeling. She is so weak, all she can do is force her arm out to try and induce some support. Also from looking at her eye’s a sense of a helpless, traumatised women hoping for some sort of release. The judgement you make is that it’s the end; the background sound begins to die down just as she does.

The most effective part I personally think is the connection between the pupil, the drain and the eye. An ECU is used to show the pupil dilating to show the victim dying. The music is still being used in the background, but is a lot quieter and deeper; this gives a sense of darkness and an ending. Another ECU is used and the camera pans along the legs towards the drain, this means we see the blood mixing in with the water from the shower, reminding us the shower is still on. The camera then gets to the drain, as it shows the blood draining away it is symbolizing her life draining away and it being the end, you can also hear the sound of the water flowing down the plug, making it more dramatic and realistic. The camera zooms in slowly then fades into an ECU of the victim’s eye. The camera is slowly spinning round whilst zooming out, this is still reflecting to the water and blood ‘spinning’ down the drain. Overall these three shots have been edited together to create the effect of Montage, meaning the audience are able to make a meaning from the sequence of images edited together.

One suggestive shot is after a pan from the bathroom to the bedroom, where the camera then focuses in a MCU of a newspaper sat on the bedside table. Due to the way the paper is folded you are unable to read the entire headline. But it is clear there is a map on the front page partly highlighted. Mise-en-scene is used in this shot. Not only is a prop used a perhaps a fatal prop but the setting is made clearer. The newspaper reads ‘Angeles’ meaning it is set in L.A. America. The fact not all the newspaper is shown and a proportion of the map is highlighted, leaves mystery as if something is hidden making the viewer confused and anxious.

Narrative Theories

Narrative is the order, structure and duration of event's in which a story is told.

Theories

Tzvetan Torodov

Equilibrium -> Disequilibrium -> New Equilibrium

Start = Harmony/ social order/ stability

Next = Disruption/ disharmony/ chaos

Finally = Restoration or harmony by hero

Roland Barthess

Enigma code – a narrative device that engages the audience by presenting a puzzle

Action code – events that solve the enigma

Cultural - a device which the audience can recognise as being part of a culture.

Symbolic - a connotation the deeper, complex meaning behind an object or someone. Association secondary meanings.

Semic – a denotation the way in which the characters, setting, actions and events take place on meaning

Binary Opposition

The theory, that the text constructs meaning through the use of opposites.

E.g.

Good VS Bad

Hero VS Villain

Rich VS Poor

Note's on Genre

The different types of Genre's

There is three different types of genre, they are:

Major Genre

-        Obvious

-        Easy to define

-        Dominant

-        Important category

Examples of major genres

-        Thriller

-        Comedy

-        Romance

-        Horror

-        Sci-fi

-        Western

Subgenre

-        Minor category/ sub vision

Examples of Subgenre’s

-        Crime

-        Medical

-        Political

-        Religious

-        Mystery

Hybrid genre/ generic hybrid

-        combination of major genre

Examples of Subgenres

-        Romance/ Comedy

-        Western/ horror

Concept

-        Audience

-        Analyse

-        Identity

-        Mainstream

-        Storyline

-        Target

-        Sell

-        Formula which works

-        Advertisers

-        Expect

-        Historical

-        Stars

ISL Work Week 3

The Bourne Identity

This still image is An extreme long shot (ELS) this is helping to give more of a clearer picture of what is going on, it is showing us where the boat is and the weather. The camera is also angled at eye-level, giving it a realistic look as it is the angle we are all used to. The image obviously shows that it’s a boat, out at sea on a night with bad weather conditions. From this image I get the impression, that the boat is a working boat, possibly fishing as there seems to be crates on the boat. The lighting is dim in this shot, this is to show that it is set at night time with bad weather.

This is a Mid Shot(MS) this still gives a clear picture of what is going on. The camera angle is a high angle. This shot is actually in the boat, at this point the camera is swaying to add effect that they are clearly on a ship. The men are playing a card game, involving money so they were gambling. This is increasing my impression of the ship being a working ship, as these guys seem to be possible workers on the ship, entertaining themselves whilst on a break or after work. The lighting in this is almost like a spot light on the table, drawing attention to the middle of the room, rather than what is going on outside of the table.

This is a medium close up (MCU), this shot gets the emotion from the face but the emotion would be made more clear if it was a close up (CU). The camera is at an eye-level angle making it more realistic and not putting any level of power on the character as a high or low angle shot would. The expression on his face is showing that perhaps he is winning the card game. The lighting is same as the previous shot, its focusing on the man rather than the surroundings. The surroundings also seem to be less in focus, drawing more attention to the guy.

This is also a medium close up (MCU), showing us his face expression. The shot is more realistic again due to the eye-level angle.  This image is still showing on the ship but due to the big, waterproof jacket and the bucket in his hands gives me more of the impression it’s a working ship. The raincoat links to the first shot, showing us at the same time/place due to the weather. The lighting was dim, but lightening effects have been added, informing us it is a storm.

This is a long shot(LS) so it is clearly shown what is going on and where. We can see that there is a body floating about in the sea. The angle is eye-level once again for realistic views. The shot is showing the sea again, but instead of the boat a figure is floating in the sea. The waves are increasing the storm image, by making the sea look rough. When the camera moves to this shot and flash of lightening is used to create worry, tension and panic. It is labelling that whatever has happened is not good.

ISL Work Week 2

Glossary

Transitions- The way two shots are joined together to keep pace in the film.

Dissolve- One shot fades into another. This can indicate time passing or movement from one loacation to another.

Fade to black/white- One shot fades in or out to our from black or white. To create flashbacks or time passing.

Fade in/out- A shot faded out/in to a black screen. Can show chaos, progression or time or even peaceful.

Cross-Cutting- Action cuts between two sequences to create links, parrallels or contrasts between the two storylines and their settings. Its used to create tension.

Wipe- A line moves across the screen, from one shot to another.

Jump Cut- An abrupt cut between shots. Creates a dramatic effect.

Visual Effects- Ranges from using black and white to computer generated images.

Diegetic Sound- Heard on and recorded from the location of the film, e.g. speech.

Non-diegetic Sound- The sound is added when being edited, e.g. sound effects.

Montage- Allowing the audience to make meaning from the sequencing of images. Used to show passing of time and progression of a character of relationship.

Shot Reverse Shot- Edits together two shots from two different camera positions to give the impression of a conversation.

Match on Action- When shots are edited together to shot how actions progress through time.

ISL Work Week 1

Glossary

Extreme Long Shot(ELS) – This shot is normally used as an “establishing” shot, meaning the first shot of a new scene. It also helps show the scale of the action. It displays the subjects surroundings.

Long Shot(LS) – The subject normally takes up the whole frame, from head to toe. IT can also be used to show a character in its environment.

Mid Shot(MS) – This shot shows the upper body, from hiops up. Almost as if you are having a conversation. This shot works best perhaps for giving information e.g. news presenting. The shot still leaves room for hand gestures or movement.

Medium Close Up(MCU) – This is half way between a mid shot and a close up. This shows the face more clearly without getting uncomfortably close.

Close Up(CU) – Usually consists of a close up of the face. It helps to establish detail and emotion, sharing their feelings with the viewer.

Extreme Close Up(ECU)  - This is similar to the close up, in the way it shows detail and emotion. This shot is usually used in dramatic, tense scenes.

Cut Away(CA) – Normally used to “buffer” between shots. It can add interest/information. Or just to simply help the editing process.

Two Shot – To establish the relationship between two people.. The shot indicates they will provide equal input.

Over the Shoulder Shot – This is shot is framed from behind a person looking at the subject, but still being about 1/3 in the frame. This is commonly used during conversation.

Noddy Shot – Normally used in interviews. This is a shot of a person reacting to what the subject is saying, perhaps by nodding.

Point of View Shot(POV) – This is showing the subjects perspective. It is normally edited so you know who’s (POV) it is. For example, a wide shot is used, followed by a point of view shot, then an over the shoulder, finishing with another point of view shot.

Low Angle Shot – The shot is taken from below, looking up at the subject, Giving a sense of power, leaving the viewer helpless.

High Angle Shot – The shot is taken from above, looking down at the subject. Giving a sense of lack of power, leaving the viewer feeling powerful.

Pan – The camera moves on a tripod from left to right, following the subject. Giving a sense of action or speed.

Tracking Shot – The camera moves on a dolly so the camera can follow the subject. This is normally used for action shots, such as car chases.

Tilt – The camera vertically pans, up and down. This can give a sense of size and height.

Canted/Dutch Angle Shot – The camera position is not straight towards the subject. This gives a sense of chaos.

Zoom In/Out – The camera either zooms in or out on a key detail. It highlights significant objects to the audience.

Steadicam/Handheld – The camera follows the action. Giving the viewer a sense of realism.

Crane Shot – The crane can track, pan and tilt. The camera takes a shot from above, giving a sense of size.

Aerial Shot – The camera is positioned in a plane. Gives a sense of location, scale and size.

Composition – Where objects are placed/arranged in a shot.

Rule of Thirds – A grid over the top is placed over the top. Points of interest occur where the lines cross.

The Golden Mean – Imagine a diagonal line over the shot. Points of interest occur along the line.

Framing – What you choose to include in the shot and what you choose to leave out. Leaving something’s out create tension as the object may be important.