Tuesday, 4 May 2010
Following some additional target audience research we discovered that some people were unsure of the genre of the film. We thus decided to include an additional scene which we hoped would help give the viewer a clearer idea of genre - spy thriller.
The new scene shows the chased man two days earlier at a computer downloading data onto a disc (the disc which is later retrieved by the protagonist). This should help make the film look more high-tech, as befitting a spy-thriller, and hopefully explain to the viewer why the chased man was carrying a disc.
In this extra scene we tried to create tension by:
- Using short, quick editing
- The actor looking worried and looking around
- Shot/reverse shot of the watch to help emphasise the fact that time is short
- The soundtrack is tense electronic music
The scene is presented as a prologue/flasback and to present that I used a increased brightness effect.
The scene also obeys the 180 degree rule
The new scene shows the chased man two days earlier at a computer downloading data onto a disc (the disc which is later retrieved by the protagonist). This should help make the film look more high-tech, as befitting a spy-thriller, and hopefully explain to the viewer why the chased man was carrying a disc.
In this extra scene we tried to create tension by:
- Using short, quick editing
- The actor looking worried and looking around
- Shot/reverse shot of the watch to help emphasise the fact that time is short
- The soundtrack is tense electronic music
The scene is presented as a prologue/flasback and to present that I used a increased brightness effect.
The scene also obeys the 180 degree rule
Wednesday, 31 March 2010
Saturday, 27 March 2010
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
Filming - 11th March
Our actors Jack Vasper and Dominic Carson on location on the day of filming
Me and Matthew McIntyre filming
Me filming part of the opening
The location of the filming
Shooting Schedule
Tuesday 2nd Lesson 3
Location: Media office
To Film: Frames 19 and 21
Equiptment: One camera
Props: Headset borrowed with permission from the German department.
iMac computer in office
Persons needed: Film Crew
Plus Matt Hopper
Thursday 11th March
Location: Small country lane between Guilsborough and West Haddon.
Permission?: No permission needed.
Risk assessemnt: There is little danger as it is a little used road, but to make sure we will mainly keep to the sides and add an extra member to the filming team purely to stand watch and make sure no cars are coming.
To Film: Frames 1-15 plus frames 18, 20, and 22
Equiptment: One school camera plus personal camera (for ‘behind the scenes’)
Props: Gun, CD in case.
Persons needed: Film Crew
Plus Dom and Jack to act and Jade as crew 'safety officer/photographer'
Location: Media office
To Film: Frames 19 and 21
Equiptment: One camera
Props: Headset borrowed with permission from the German department.
iMac computer in office
Persons needed: Film Crew
Plus Matt Hopper
Thursday 11th March
Location: Small country lane between Guilsborough and West Haddon.
Permission?: No permission needed.
Risk assessemnt: There is little danger as it is a little used road, but to make sure we will mainly keep to the sides and add an extra member to the filming team purely to stand watch and make sure no cars are coming.
To Film: Frames 1-15 plus frames 18, 20, and 22
Equiptment: One school camera plus personal camera (for ‘behind the scenes’)
Props: Gun, CD in case.
Persons needed: Film Crew
Plus Dom and Jack to act and Jade as crew 'safety officer/photographer'
Director's Treatment
Working Title of Film: Dom Carson – Secret Agent
Genre: Spy Thriller Target Audience: 15+ (Teen to adult)
Outline of Ideas: what will happen?
It will be the opening of a spy thriller. In the opening the main protagonist will be chasing a ‘bad guy’ and retrieving an important CD from him – it will end with him killing him.The credit sequence will follow directly on and show him walking away.
What are the generic features: Could be mise en scene; camerawork; narrative; editing; sound.
After analysing thriller films (particularly those of an espionage variety) we have decided to use a number of generic features – the chase itself; the costume of the protagonist (sunglasses, suit) are typical of a ‘Bond style’ hero; use of deliberately shaky camera; use of shorter scenes/quick editing
Locations: Are they accessible? Is permission needed?
The location shall be a little used side road – it is public so permission is not needed. We are aware of the safety risk of this and so we will include an extra person on our filming team to watch warn of traffic (if any).
What resources are needed? Actors? Props? Costumes etc
We will use two main actors for the opening, plus one extra for the title sequence.The props we shall need are a CD (in case) and a fake weapon (provided by a friend).Costumes shall be a suit and sunglasses for the hero, and a shirt tie and jeans for the target.
5 Key Shots and any special features:
1. Establishing shot – extreme long shot with framing
2. Reverse tracking close up of target (using a shaky camera) - showing fear
3. Over the shoulder of hero looking at target
4. Low angle point of view – target looking up at hero
5. High angle of target - showing comparitive weakness
Genre: Spy Thriller Target Audience: 15+ (Teen to adult)
Outline of Ideas: what will happen?
It will be the opening of a spy thriller. In the opening the main protagonist will be chasing a ‘bad guy’ and retrieving an important CD from him – it will end with him killing him.The credit sequence will follow directly on and show him walking away.
What are the generic features: Could be mise en scene; camerawork; narrative; editing; sound.
After analysing thriller films (particularly those of an espionage variety) we have decided to use a number of generic features – the chase itself; the costume of the protagonist (sunglasses, suit) are typical of a ‘Bond style’ hero; use of deliberately shaky camera; use of shorter scenes/quick editing
Locations: Are they accessible? Is permission needed?
The location shall be a little used side road – it is public so permission is not needed. We are aware of the safety risk of this and so we will include an extra person on our filming team to watch warn of traffic (if any).
What resources are needed? Actors? Props? Costumes etc
We will use two main actors for the opening, plus one extra for the title sequence.The props we shall need are a CD (in case) and a fake weapon (provided by a friend).Costumes shall be a suit and sunglasses for the hero, and a shirt tie and jeans for the target.
5 Key Shots and any special features:
1. Establishing shot – extreme long shot with framing
2. Reverse tracking close up of target (using a shaky camera) - showing fear
3. Over the shoulder of hero looking at target
4. Low angle point of view – target looking up at hero
5. High angle of target - showing comparitive weakness
Target Audience Questionnaire - Evaluation
From these results we can see that our audience like to watch films both at the cinema and on DVD.
The preferred genre of our audience is clearly thriller and they prefer the opening scene to contain action and to introduce the plot rather than include lengthy dialogue. So we shall aim to structure our opening to reflect this.
Our audience is most likely to watch a film because of its lead actor, so in our opening it is important to set up a main hero in order to suggest an established star.
The setting isn’t hugely important to our audience, but it is important to set the opening in a location that will complement the story.
Soundtrack is quit important to the audience, but not essential to the enjoyment.
The preferred genre of our audience is clearly thriller and they prefer the opening scene to contain action and to introduce the plot rather than include lengthy dialogue. So we shall aim to structure our opening to reflect this.
Our audience is most likely to watch a film because of its lead actor, so in our opening it is important to set up a main hero in order to suggest an established star.
The setting isn’t hugely important to our audience, but it is important to set the opening in a location that will complement the story.
Soundtrack is quit important to the audience, but not essential to the enjoyment.
Target Audience Questionnaire - Results
1. Weekly – 1
Fortnightly – 3
Monthly – 6
Every Few Months – 0
2. Cinema– 4Fortnightly – 3
Monthly – 6
Every Few Months – 0
DVD – 4
Download – 2
Download – 2
3. Science Fiction – 1
Action/Adventure – 2
Fantasy – 0
Thriller – 5
Romance – 0
Comedy – 1
Horror – 1
Family – 0
Other – 0
Action/Adventure – 2
Fantasy – 0
Thriller – 5
Romance – 0
Comedy – 1
Horror – 1
Family – 0
Other – 0
4. 1. Action
2. Plot
3. Character
4. Dialogue
5. Director -6
Main actor – 8
Production Company – 7
Writer – 4
Main actor – 8
Production Company – 7
Writer – 4
6. Average 6 --> Soundtrack is quite important
7. Yes – 8
No – 1
No Preference – 1
No – 1
No Preference – 1
8. Average – 5 -->Setting is quite important, but by no means essential
9. Dialogue is preferred to voice-over
Target Audience Questionnaire
1. How often do you go to the cinema?
Weekly [] Fortnightly [] Monthly [] Every Few Months [] Twice a yea r[] Once a year [] Fewer [] Never []
2. Do you prefer to buy DVDs, download films, or go to the cinema?___________________
3. Which genre do you prefer?
Sci-fi [] Action/adventure [] Thriller [] Romantic [] Comedy [] Horror [] family [] Other []
4. Put in order of importance the elements you look for in a film opening (Number from 1 [most important] to 4 [least important])
Action __ Plot __ Characters__ Dialogue __
5. How important on a scale of one to ten (where one is not at all and ten is extremely) are the following in making you watch a film?
Director__
Writer__
Main Actor__
Production Company__
6. How important is the soundtrack to your enjoyment of the film. Give an answer from one to ten where ten is extremely and one is notat all)
_________
7. Do you prefer there to be a scene before the titles?
Yes [] No [] No preference []
8. How important is the setting of the opening of a film? Give an answer from one to ten where ten is extremely and one is not at all)
________
9. In an opening of a film; do you prefer a voice-over narrative, dialogue, or both?
__________________________________________
Weekly [] Fortnightly [] Monthly [] Every Few Months [] Twice a yea r[] Once a year [] Fewer [] Never []
2. Do you prefer to buy DVDs, download films, or go to the cinema?___________________
3. Which genre do you prefer?
Sci-fi [] Action/adventure [] Thriller [] Romantic [] Comedy [] Horror [] family [] Other []
4. Put in order of importance the elements you look for in a film opening (Number from 1 [most important] to 4 [least important])
Action __ Plot __ Characters__ Dialogue __
5. How important on a scale of one to ten (where one is not at all and ten is extremely) are the following in making you watch a film?
Director__
Writer__
Main Actor__
Production Company__
6. How important is the soundtrack to your enjoyment of the film. Give an answer from one to ten where ten is extremely and one is notat all)
_________
7. Do you prefer there to be a scene before the titles?
Yes [] No [] No preference []
8. How important is the setting of the opening of a film? Give an answer from one to ten where ten is extremely and one is not at all)
________
9. In an opening of a film; do you prefer a voice-over narrative, dialogue, or both?
__________________________________________
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
Generic Features of Film Openings – Thriller
Structure
• All films we analysed followed the same pattern in the structure of their opening:
Production Company --> Small Scene --> Titles
Soundtrack
• A minimal soundtrack is used at the beginning, which then builds up to create tension as the action takes place.
• The soundtrack for the title sequence is different, and is usually faster and harder than the music used in the scene
• For example; in Enemy Of The State, only lakeside ambience was used at the start of the scene, but as the tension between the two characters built, an orchestral soundtrack slowly built until it reached a peak with the murder. Then, in contrast, a faced-paced electronic soundtrack was used for the title sequence.
Content
• The short scene sets up a conflict
• For example the murder in the opening of Enemy Of The State is vital to the events of the film
• In a character driven film the short scene could also demonstrate the abilities etc of the main character
• For example, whilst the opening chase of Quantum Of Solace is of little consequence to the plot, it demonstrates Bond’s abilities (also driving is a part of the character throughout the series)
• Can be used to set up either the protagonist or the antagonist
• For example in Quantum Of Solace Bond is shown as being the ‘good guy’, whereas in Enemy Of The State Reynolds is set up as being the ‘bad guy’
• All films we analysed followed the same pattern in the structure of their opening:
Production Company --> Small Scene --> Titles
Soundtrack
• A minimal soundtrack is used at the beginning, which then builds up to create tension as the action takes place.
• The soundtrack for the title sequence is different, and is usually faster and harder than the music used in the scene
• For example; in Enemy Of The State, only lakeside ambience was used at the start of the scene, but as the tension between the two characters built, an orchestral soundtrack slowly built until it reached a peak with the murder. Then, in contrast, a faced-paced electronic soundtrack was used for the title sequence.
Content
• The short scene sets up a conflict
• For example the murder in the opening of Enemy Of The State is vital to the events of the film
• In a character driven film the short scene could also demonstrate the abilities etc of the main character
• For example, whilst the opening chase of Quantum Of Solace is of little consequence to the plot, it demonstrates Bond’s abilities (also driving is a part of the character throughout the series)
• Can be used to set up either the protagonist or the antagonist
• For example in Quantum Of Solace Bond is shown as being the ‘good guy’, whereas in Enemy Of The State Reynolds is set up as being the ‘bad guy’
Saturday, 27 February 2010
Quantum Of Solace (2008) Dir. Marc Forster
• Production company animations – Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer [MGM] and Columbia- Big name companies mean lots of money for the film
• Master/Establishing shot – Extended Long Shot tracking forwards towards Italian mountain coastline – tunnel windows can be seen
• Quiet but tense orchestral soundtrack
• Quick shots of the body of a car in the tunnel – diagetic lighting from windows
• Sound of sports car
• Back to master shot – contrast of light/dark, calm/tense
• Mid-shot of car, similar car can be seen behind, suggests being followed
• Back to master shot – contrast of light/dark, calm/tense
• Close-up of car’s wheel spinning – shows speed
• Extreme Close-up of driver’s eyes – show concentration, build tension
• Close-up of driver changing gear – car speeds up, orchestra gets louder and faster. Shows the chase is beginning
• 45o Mid-shot of car overtaking in tunnel, again emphasising the high speed of the chase
• Quick Shot/Reverse/Shot of the two cars, shows the two main participants in the car chase
• Low Angle shot of car shows speed
• Point Of View through the chaser’s windscreen
• Close-up of car pedals/steering wheel show Bond’s skill at driving
• Throughout the tunnel scene the shots are short with quick transition to create tension, and make often use of shaky/handheld camera to put the viewer right in the action
• Mid-angle Long Shot of cars emerging from tunnel show the juxtaposition between the close dark of the tunnel and the light and openness of the outside
• Framing shot of the car driving out of the tunnel
• Over The Shoulder of driver in pursuit shows he is still in control
• Close Mid-shot of Bond’s face show he is calm
• Cars throw up dust – creates confusion
• High-Angle shot down quarry shows the extreme height and steepness of the drop – also foreshadows the police car’s fall
• High-Angle of pursuit car falling shows height of its drop, whist a Low-Angle shot
• Soundtrack stops after car falls, only sound of car falling can be heard. Shows a return to calm – the danger is over.
• Pan-up to Extended Long Shot of Siena, Italy (with subtitle) – establishing shot
• High angle of Bond pulling into courtyard shows city setting and relative safety
• Extended Long Shot (framed by tunnel sides) of car pulling into tunnel shows length and suggests the entrance to a secret facility
• High angle of man in car boot/Low Angle of Bond standing over him show Bond is in power, man is helpless
• First line spoken in film – freeze frame – spiky guitar line (Intro of theme song)
• Into title sequence – a neo-noir style animation of action shots of Bond, scattered with dancing women, and set in a desert suggest the content and setting of the film
• First title is production company(s)
• Main star (Daniel Craig) second – moderately big star
• Character name third – first mention of James Bond, also references Ian Fleming writer of the original books – shows film makers are acknowledging the roots of the series
• Co-stars are mentioned in order of importance (to storyline) – with the exception of Judi Dench who is mentioned separately as she is a extremely big name in film
• The director’s name is mentioned last – shows importance – the name should be remembered
• Master/Establishing shot – Extended Long Shot tracking forwards towards Italian mountain coastline – tunnel windows can be seen
• Quiet but tense orchestral soundtrack
• Quick shots of the body of a car in the tunnel – diagetic lighting from windows
• Sound of sports car
• Back to master shot – contrast of light/dark, calm/tense
• Mid-shot of car, similar car can be seen behind, suggests being followed
• Back to master shot – contrast of light/dark, calm/tense
• Close-up of car’s wheel spinning – shows speed
• Extreme Close-up of driver’s eyes – show concentration, build tension
• Close-up of driver changing gear – car speeds up, orchestra gets louder and faster. Shows the chase is beginning
• 45o Mid-shot of car overtaking in tunnel, again emphasising the high speed of the chase
• Quick Shot/Reverse/Shot of the two cars, shows the two main participants in the car chase
• Low Angle shot of car shows speed
• Point Of View through the chaser’s windscreen
• Close-up of car pedals/steering wheel show Bond’s skill at driving
• Throughout the tunnel scene the shots are short with quick transition to create tension, and make often use of shaky/handheld camera to put the viewer right in the action
• Mid-angle Long Shot of cars emerging from tunnel show the juxtaposition between the close dark of the tunnel and the light and openness of the outside
• Framing shot of the car driving out of the tunnel
• Over The Shoulder of driver in pursuit shows he is still in control
• Close Mid-shot of Bond’s face show he is calm
• Cars throw up dust – creates confusion
• High-Angle shot down quarry shows the extreme height and steepness of the drop – also foreshadows the police car’s fall
• High-Angle of pursuit car falling shows height of its drop, whist a Low-Angle shot
• Soundtrack stops after car falls, only sound of car falling can be heard. Shows a return to calm – the danger is over.
• Pan-up to Extended Long Shot of Siena, Italy (with subtitle) – establishing shot
• High angle of Bond pulling into courtyard shows city setting and relative safety
• Extended Long Shot (framed by tunnel sides) of car pulling into tunnel shows length and suggests the entrance to a secret facility
• High angle of man in car boot/Low Angle of Bond standing over him show Bond is in power, man is helpless
• First line spoken in film – freeze frame – spiky guitar line (Intro of theme song)
• Into title sequence – a neo-noir style animation of action shots of Bond, scattered with dancing women, and set in a desert suggest the content and setting of the film
• First title is production company(s)
• Main star (Daniel Craig) second – moderately big star
• Character name third – first mention of James Bond, also references Ian Fleming writer of the original books – shows film makers are acknowledging the roots of the series
• Co-stars are mentioned in order of importance (to storyline) – with the exception of Judi Dench who is mentioned separately as she is a extremely big name in film
• The director’s name is mentioned last – shows importance – the name should be remembered
Monday, 25 January 2010
Enemy Of The State (1998) Dir. Tony Scott
• Touchstone Pictures
• Jerry Bruckheimer (Producer) - Big name, could lure people in.
• Tony Scott (Director) - Another big name (Both names are assosiated with action/thrillers)
• Orchestral Soundtrack over previous titles
• Extreme Long Shot of car pulling into car park near lake (Establishing Shot)
• No soundtrack – only diagetic and foley noise
• Title – Location + Time (Shows film is going to be fast paced)
• Mid-Long Shot man in black suit watches
• Mid-long Shot Man in black blows into hand (He’s been waiting)
• Long-Shot The congressman (in the car) gets out and plays with his dog.
• Mid-Shot of suited man (Thomas Reynolds) beckoning – Main antagonist
• Two-shot shows worry on congressman’s face
• Extreme Long Shot shows the two men talking by the lake
• Dialogue reveals congressman is opposing a government surveillance bill
• Back Tracking two shot of the men walking
• Congressman sits while Reynolds stands – shows Reynold is more powerful.
• Shot Reverse Shot of the two men talking
• Reynolds grabs the congressman forcefully – cu of hand grabbing arm
• The orchestral score quietly comes back in - builds tension
• Long shot of two men in black following the congressman
• Close up as one grabs him by the throat
• Mid close up of Reynolds bowing his head
• Extreme close up of man in black planting evidence
• Long shot of car rolling into river, while dog barks
• Film title over panning ELS of Washington DC
• Will Smith and Gene Hackman – very high profile actors
• Jerry Bruckheimer and Tony Scott also big names in film
• Title over surveillance shots and cameras – quick montage editing - sets up the theme of surveillance and promises a fast pace
• Panning Establishing shots of Washington DC part of montage - shows location
• Jerry Bruckheimer (Producer) - Big name, could lure people in.
• Tony Scott (Director) - Another big name (Both names are assosiated with action/thrillers)
• Orchestral Soundtrack over previous titles
• Extreme Long Shot of car pulling into car park near lake (Establishing Shot)
• No soundtrack – only diagetic and foley noise
• Title – Location + Time (Shows film is going to be fast paced)
• Mid-Long Shot man in black suit watches
• Mid-long Shot Man in black blows into hand (He’s been waiting)
• Long-Shot The congressman (in the car) gets out and plays with his dog.
• Mid-Shot of suited man (Thomas Reynolds) beckoning – Main antagonist
• Two-shot shows worry on congressman’s face
• Extreme Long Shot shows the two men talking by the lake
• Dialogue reveals congressman is opposing a government surveillance bill
• Back Tracking two shot of the men walking
• Congressman sits while Reynolds stands – shows Reynold is more powerful.
• Shot Reverse Shot of the two men talking
• Reynolds grabs the congressman forcefully – cu of hand grabbing arm
• The orchestral score quietly comes back in - builds tension
• Long shot of two men in black following the congressman
• Close up as one grabs him by the throat
• Mid close up of Reynolds bowing his head
• Extreme close up of man in black planting evidence
• Long shot of car rolling into river, while dog barks
• Film title over panning ELS of Washington DC
• Will Smith and Gene Hackman – very high profile actors
• Jerry Bruckheimer and Tony Scott also big names in film
• Title over surveillance shots and cameras – quick montage editing - sets up the theme of surveillance and promises a fast pace
• Panning Establishing shots of Washington DC part of montage - shows location
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
