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| Newspaper Report on the Moors Murders |
Monday, 31 October 2016
Location, Props And Character Ideas?
Between all members of the group their was a general consensus that our film opening should have a dark theme. We also agreed upon the concept that the main character of the piece should be the antagonist. We were all divided between the genres of horror and thriller due to differing storyline ideas.
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Location Ideas: Parks, Houses, Flats, Schools, College, Tube, Canal, Offices, Shops
Prop Ideas: Fake Blood, Images, Wigs, Phones, Costumes, Technology
Character Ideas: Teenagers, Murderer, Psychopaths, Gender, Stalkers, Bullies, Victims, Heroes, Families
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Friday, 21 October 2016
Favourite Genres
Scene from Central Intelligence
Genre: Comedy – The generic conventions of a Comedy film are: usually the location is bright or in a natural light to show that the scenes are happy, and usually in a public i.e. high school, bars and homes. Objects that may hurt the character often used (used in slapstick comedy) and lastly, the characters usually are socially awkward or say unintelligent things. I like comedies because they make me happy and entertained as I watch the plot change, often these films might have a moral and therefore, I enjoy finding it out. Comedies help people escape from reality and to just relax because the content is funny and easy to understand.
Scene from Taken 2
Scene from Taken 2
Genre: Thriller – The generic conventions of a Thriller are: a battle against the protagonist and antagonist, a chain of bad events with building tension and suspense for the climax. Low key lighting, quick cuts, shadows, tension music, diegetic sounds of breathing and the antagonist will wear dark clothing. I like thrillers because the tension causes my heart to quicken, making me feel like I am experiencing danger without actually being in danger, also the unknown aspect of thrillers are exciting.

Scene from Mean Girls

Scene from Mean Girls
Genre: Chick Flick - designed to appeal to women, usually character will cry (happy or sad tears), strong female leading a group of women, usually in a high school environment (teen drama chick flick) with a group of girls, the colour pink is a theme, happy and relaxed ending – unrealistic, fairy-tale based story, upbeat and happy music which is popular with the audience at the time, technology is up to date in chick flicks such as blackberry’s, iPhone etc. This is to try and relate more to the teenage audience, the fashion and designer labels in chick flicks are iconic as they are trying to set apart the difference between some characters e.g. the rich to the less privileged, and lastly, this difference is also shown in the accessories of the wealthier characters such as their cars, bags and houses.
Genre identification
Genre: Gangster
The mise-en-scene gives this away because of costumes, dark brown suits with high collars give away the fashion and time it was set. Also the props such as the guns, and cards give it away.
Genre: Wild West
The scene is on dry land with a man in a cowboy costume on a horse, with a noose showing it is from old Western America.
As theres theres two fast moving cars, alongside a tank on road this suggests a chase, alongside the man thats jumping from one to another which suggests violence.
Genre: Romantic comedy
The position of the woman and man suggests it can be a romantic, and both of the actors are well known for their comedy roles.
Genre: War
The costumes are soldiers and they're carrying guns, in a ruined town which infers war
Genre: Teen/Teen drama
The way these group of girls are sit and the setting looks like a high school canteen
Genre: Animation
This is instantly shown by the image, the primary colours are appealing to younger audience.
Genre: Sci-fi
The shot of Earth instantly shows in sci-fi, alongside the costumes. Also the props are a spaceship in the background.
Sounds and key terms
SOUNDSCAPE
The Soundscape is the overall sound environment, what the sound is like as whole throughout the course of the film.
SOUND DESIGN
Sound design is the process of mixing, editing and creating sound for a film.
'SUSPEND DISBELIEF'
The state in which a viewer forgets they are watching a film, when they feel a part of the motion picture rather than a part of the audience. Sound can influence this greatly.
WILD TRACK
The Soundscape is the overall sound environment, what the sound is like as whole throughout the course of the film.
SOUND DESIGN
Sound design is the process of mixing, editing and creating sound for a film.
'SUSPEND DISBELIEF'
The state in which a viewer forgets they are watching a film, when they feel a part of the motion picture rather than a part of the audience. Sound can influence this greatly.
WILD TRACK
Recorded separately to the film but intended to be synchronised with the on screen action.
AMBIENT SOUND
Background sound in the scene.
VOICE-OVER
A narration of a scene in the film
DUBBING
In editing, a foreign language is 'dubbed', where translations are attatched over to match the lip movements of the characters as close as possible. Seen more in adverts than films, often they will simply have sub-titles.
SCORE
Music written for a film, which becomes a part of the films soundtrack along with other types of sound (such as sound effects), for exampleSkyfall for James Bond.
FOLEY
Sounds recorded to mirror events happening on screen, which weren't picked up or exaggerated enough during filming. For example, someone may record themselves running on wood and add it to a scene where someone is running in post-production to emphasise the footsteps.
SOUND BRIDGE
Sound editing which sets a mood.
SOUND MOTIF
A combination of music or sound effects that are associated with a particular character, setting or situation. An example is the famous Jawsmotif, which the audience hear everytime the shark is present in the film.
SYNCHRONOUS
Sound that matches what is unfolding on screen.
ASYNCHRONOUS
Sound that matches the action/scene, but is not perfectly synchronised.
AMBIENT SOUND
Background sound in the scene.
VOICE-OVER
A narration of a scene in the film
DUBBING
In editing, a foreign language is 'dubbed', where translations are attatched over to match the lip movements of the characters as close as possible. Seen more in adverts than films, often they will simply have sub-titles.
SCORE
Music written for a film, which becomes a part of the films soundtrack along with other types of sound (such as sound effects), for exampleSkyfall for James Bond.
FOLEY
Sounds recorded to mirror events happening on screen, which weren't picked up or exaggerated enough during filming. For example, someone may record themselves running on wood and add it to a scene where someone is running in post-production to emphasise the footsteps.
SOUND BRIDGE
Sound editing which sets a mood.
SOUND MOTIF
A combination of music or sound effects that are associated with a particular character, setting or situation. An example is the famous Jawsmotif, which the audience hear everytime the shark is present in the film.
SYNCHRONOUS
Sound that matches what is unfolding on screen.
ASYNCHRONOUS
Sound that matches the action/scene, but is not perfectly synchronised.
Favourite Type of Title Sequence
The four different types of film openings are Titles over Moving Images, Titles using Animation or Motion, Titles on a blank screen and Titles on still images
My favorite
type of title sequence is titles over Moving Images this is because I am more
engaged and want to find out what will happen when there’s NO dialogue because
it makes me curious, it always keeps me interested. I also prefer titles over
moving images because then there isn’t such a big focus on the credits because
that after a while can become tedious however, with titles over moving images
you can not only watch the credits but also get the sense of the location and
characters of the film which sets the mood. Lastly, titles over moving images
will often be a metaphor or give a little bit of the story and this helps set
me up for the tone of the film – this is what draws me in.
Pick your Favourite Film
Honey I Shrunk the Kids (1989)
Plot ideas – the two words ‘Honey’ and ‘Kids’ gives off the idea that the main characters’ are a family (and this is probably a family film) the word ‘honey’ if often used as a way of showing affection. Honey is a word that’s typically used between couples, but rarely by strangers. Since the title of the film ‘Honey I Shrunk the Kids’ is a direct message, it suggests that it was said by one of the parents, and in the film we find out it was the father who shrunk the kids. Therefore, it is immediately clear that one of the parents shrunk the children.
The focus on the title sequence is on the word ‘shrunk’ and the title sequence has a constant theme of miniature, shown through the animations – magnifying glass, the children in the opening title sequences are zapped by a gadget and they shrink, the children become smaller than the credits as the credits tower over the now miniature cartoon children who are in the shadow of the credits; this is further shown as the children look up at the credits; when something is tall and large we usually look up at it.
Throughout the title sequence the children are running, running away from harm because they are so little; things like the title credits and objects are dangerous to them as everything else is larger. This sets the mood for the film because as the audience we know get the feeling that the miniature children are going to face obstacles; setting an adventurous tone. Moreover, as the children are running we get a sense of fear but also excitement as they run however, this is also further set by the sound; the sound is fast paced which mirrors the feelings and thoughts of the children as the run frantically.
We can lastly, tell that this is a
family film because there are many household items in the title sequence such
as a toaster, vacuum and a family dog resting.
Plot ideas – the two words ‘Honey’ and ‘Kids’ gives off the idea that the main characters’ are a family (and this is probably a family film) the word ‘honey’ if often used as a way of showing affection. Honey is a word that’s typically used between couples, but rarely by strangers. Since the title of the film ‘Honey I Shrunk the Kids’ is a direct message, it suggests that it was said by one of the parents, and in the film we find out it was the father who shrunk the kids. Therefore, it is immediately clear that one of the parents shrunk the children.
The focus on the title sequence is on the word ‘shrunk’ and the title sequence has a constant theme of miniature, shown through the animations – magnifying glass, the children in the opening title sequences are zapped by a gadget and they shrink, the children become smaller than the credits as the credits tower over the now miniature cartoon children who are in the shadow of the credits; this is further shown as the children look up at the credits; when something is tall and large we usually look up at it.
Throughout the title sequence the children are running, running away from harm because they are so little; things like the title credits and objects are dangerous to them as everything else is larger. This sets the mood for the film because as the audience we know get the feeling that the miniature children are going to face obstacles; setting an adventurous tone. Moreover, as the children are running we get a sense of fear but also excitement as they run however, this is also further set by the sound; the sound is fast paced which mirrors the feelings and thoughts of the children as the run frantically.
Analyse Two Film Sequences
Enter the Void – This film sequence is
an example of tiles on a blank screen to create high contrast, popular because
it is low budget and it is a simple easy way to send out messages to the
audience. The conventions of titles on a blank screen are typefaces and simple
graphics on a black background.
Catch Me If You Can - This film sequence is an example of titles using Animation or Motion –made with CGI, the tiles move around on the screen and this became popular in the 1990’s as digital technology became more advanced. Catch Me If You Can’s title sequence is made up of simple illustrations, the scenes take the audience through a sneak peak of the movie and this helps sets the mood.
Catch Me If You Can - This film sequence is an example of titles using Animation or Motion –made with CGI, the tiles move around on the screen and this became popular in the 1990’s as digital technology became more advanced. Catch Me If You Can’s title sequence is made up of simple illustrations, the scenes take the audience through a sneak peak of the movie and this helps sets the mood.
Audience Research
Audience Research
Target audience is who you are aiming the film at; the people who will be showing interest in my film. Defining a target audience – where are my target audience located? Are they male/female or both? What is the average age? What are their common interests? What is their income range? And what common values do they share? Having a target audience helps make planning easier, if you know who your targeting then you can do the research to find out what they like therefore, making your film more successful.
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/V5BTQ7N
Target audience is who you are aiming the film at; the people who will be showing interest in my film. Defining a target audience – where are my target audience located? Are they male/female or both? What is the average age? What are their common interests? What is their income range? And what common values do they share? Having a target audience helps make planning easier, if you know who your targeting then you can do the research to find out what they like therefore, making your film more successful.
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/V5BTQ7N
Favourite title sequence
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phwOOmFYudU
Grease opening is a animated sequence which has an upbeat song which sets the mood of the film as being quite playful and joyful. It starts with introducing the studios 'Paramount pictures' over the moving image of a radio that is also moving along with the music. It then features the main protagonist, John Travolta as Danny, in bed in a messy bedroom, however his face isn't shown yet until he does his hair in the mirror. The name of the film is now shown right before revealising the first character, which is written in hair grease hence the name of the film 'Grease'. The fact that hes just woken up and looks very scruffy may show that his character is quite laid back and perhaps unkept. It then skips to random images of different types of people dancing along to the music, alongside a animation of Elvis which refers to the time and the ages the film was shot in. After this, the next protagonist is shown seems to be completely opposite to the first, as she's in a very tidy environment and is very neat. It then introduces her name Sandy, played by Olivia Newton-John. It then again skips to random scenes hinting the era the films in, such as old fashioned cars and Marilyn Monroe before showing the next character. The girls shown as quite boisterous and active as she swaps a pink turtle neck for a more revealing blouse, with short stylish hair. So far the opening has showed 3 characters and has given the impression it perhaps may be a musical from all the joyful moving images and times. For the other characters, they're shown less subtly and shown as a group instead of individually which shows how their role isn't so important as the others. Some of the animation is also exaggerated such as objects with eyes, like a car swallowing a man which again refers to how playful and cheering it is. Now majority of the characters have been met, it shows the difference between groups such as all the girls together in a car and all the boys together in a car. As they're both riding down the roads it has credits listed on the buildings and more names of characters, such as musicians and choreographers. The music eventually ends up dying out until the last animated scene which is of the high school, Rydell High, which then turns to real life image.
Credit order:
Paramount pictures - High reputation of good quality films
Title of film: Grease
Main protagonist: John Travolta
and.... Olivia Newton-John,
Stockard Channing, Jeff Conaway
Choregrapher: Patricia Birch
Music supervision: Bill Oakes
Associate producer: Neil A.Machlis
Produced on broadway: Kenneth Waissnan and Maxine Fox
Editor: John F.Burnett
Production designer: Phil Jefferies
Photography director: Bill Butler
Screenplay by: Bronte Woodard
Producers: Robert Stigwood and Allan Carr
Director: Randa Kleiser
Grease opening is a animated sequence which has an upbeat song which sets the mood of the film as being quite playful and joyful. It starts with introducing the studios 'Paramount pictures' over the moving image of a radio that is also moving along with the music. It then features the main protagonist, John Travolta as Danny, in bed in a messy bedroom, however his face isn't shown yet until he does his hair in the mirror. The name of the film is now shown right before revealising the first character, which is written in hair grease hence the name of the film 'Grease'. The fact that hes just woken up and looks very scruffy may show that his character is quite laid back and perhaps unkept. It then skips to random images of different types of people dancing along to the music, alongside a animation of Elvis which refers to the time and the ages the film was shot in. After this, the next protagonist is shown seems to be completely opposite to the first, as she's in a very tidy environment and is very neat. It then introduces her name Sandy, played by Olivia Newton-John. It then again skips to random scenes hinting the era the films in, such as old fashioned cars and Marilyn Monroe before showing the next character. The girls shown as quite boisterous and active as she swaps a pink turtle neck for a more revealing blouse, with short stylish hair. So far the opening has showed 3 characters and has given the impression it perhaps may be a musical from all the joyful moving images and times. For the other characters, they're shown less subtly and shown as a group instead of individually which shows how their role isn't so important as the others. Some of the animation is also exaggerated such as objects with eyes, like a car swallowing a man which again refers to how playful and cheering it is. Now majority of the characters have been met, it shows the difference between groups such as all the girls together in a car and all the boys together in a car. As they're both riding down the roads it has credits listed on the buildings and more names of characters, such as musicians and choreographers. The music eventually ends up dying out until the last animated scene which is of the high school, Rydell High, which then turns to real life image.
Credit order:
Paramount pictures - High reputation of good quality films
Title of film: Grease
Main protagonist: John Travolta
and.... Olivia Newton-John,
Stockard Channing, Jeff Conaway
Choregrapher: Patricia Birch
Music supervision: Bill Oakes
Associate producer: Neil A.Machlis
Produced on broadway: Kenneth Waissnan and Maxine Fox
Editor: John F.Burnett
Production designer: Phil Jefferies
Photography director: Bill Butler
Screenplay by: Bronte Woodard
Producers: Robert Stigwood and Allan Carr
Director: Randa Kleiser
What is Genre?
Genre means ‘type’ or
category’ – the main theme or style of art, music or literature, genres are used as a way to categorize different
products that share similar features or characteristics.
Genres are particularly important in the Media and Film industries because they:
- Help quickly establish
differences between different media forms.
- Help to establish certain
codes and conventions that film makers can follow in order to make
the product look a certain way, achieve a certain effect & attract a specific
audience.
- Help to establish certain
expectations and familiarity in audiences.
- Help to audiences to develop
personal tastes around genre and consumptions.
Sub-Genre: A sub-genre is smaller
elements of other genres and a sub division of a genre of literature, music,
film etc.
Genre Tropes: something familiar, i.e. a style or cliché and it has become so familiar that it is has become comical
Hybrid Genre: They share direct the conventions of more than one genre and it is also a direct mix of two genres
Codes
& Conventions: Codes
and conventions are ways in which equipment is used to tell a story in media
text for example, camera work. It’s a way to show beneath the surface of what
we see
Examples of different types of genres are: action, adventure, thrillers, comedy, documentary, war, animation, chick flicks, romance, urban drama + drama, Rom-com, sci-fi, horror and fantasy
Thursday, 20 October 2016
Re-make Of The Film Seven Title Sequence
Monday, 17 October 2016
Genre Shortlist
These are our shortlisted genre choices for our film production.
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| The Genre of Horror- conventions include, gruesome imagery, disturbing sounds and psychotic characters. |
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| The Genre of Crime- conventions include, weaponry, locations such as prisons and characters such as police officers. |
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| The Genre of Thriller- conventions include, violent action scenes, dark lighting and a protagonist and antagonist. |
Analysis Of The Use Of Sound In A Film Opening
Saw VII Opening Sequence
Sunday, 16 October 2016
Prelim Film Evaluation
Prelim Film
For our prelim film we first came up with a simple plot that allowed the audience to understand what was happening, we also created a storyboard using screenshots from our film to aid us when organizing our final cut of the film during the editing stage. The storyboard also allowed us to include any content that we may not have been able to add in the prelim. My role in the prelim film was acting and I took part in some editing. The skills that I struggled with were making sure I stayed in my acting role and not getting distracted, because due to a lack of time I had to improvise which became a disadvantage. I could have improved this by making sure I practiced my role more and getting comfortable with it. My editing skills were also a skill I lacked due to having no experience with Premiere Pro and After Affects however, with help from my other group members we worked it out. The skills I was good at were being able to work in a group which I thought was effective because there were always new ideas and new ways of improving something.
2. Cheinaz, Jasmine, Louanne, Rahma, Lewis from 283goswellg on Vimeo.
Saturday, 15 October 2016
Favorite Film Analysis
The Taking of Pelham 123-
The opening immediately starts of with the sound of a horn giving the idea of where the movie is based. Shortly after a quiet pause the song '99 problems' by Jay Z comes on while there are scenes of busy New York which shows me the location the movie is set in and also the fact that the song played is produced by a New York city based rapper it also gives me a sense of the location too. The music is very fast and intense which gives me an idea of the genre which is action and thriller. The music and camera is slowed down when certain actors are on the screen which highlights specific characters we need to look out for as they have a big role in the story. I think that was very smart of the director as it prevents confusion for the viewer. This is one of my favorite title sequences because all aspects of it got me to be interested and excited, there was a good balance of music and visuals which were used smartly which got my attention and engagement.
The opening immediately starts of with the sound of a horn giving the idea of where the movie is based. Shortly after a quiet pause the song '99 problems' by Jay Z comes on while there are scenes of busy New York which shows me the location the movie is set in and also the fact that the song played is produced by a New York city based rapper it also gives me a sense of the location too. The music is very fast and intense which gives me an idea of the genre which is action and thriller. The music and camera is slowed down when certain actors are on the screen which highlights specific characters we need to look out for as they have a big role in the story. I think that was very smart of the director as it prevents confusion for the viewer. This is one of my favorite title sequences because all aspects of it got me to be interested and excited, there was a good balance of music and visuals which were used smartly which got my attention and engagement.
Friday, 14 October 2016
Title Sequence Analysis: Macro, Micro, Order Of The Title Credits
Favourite Previous Student Work
Group 22: 2015-2016, Thabiti, Kenny, David, Tristen
The use of sound creates suspense and tension and the shaken camera movement evokes the sense of shock and desperateness. This is effective in establishing the mood of the scenario that is playing out on screen between the characters. This helps depict to the audience the genre and the theme of the piece. This was my favourite piece of previous student work because i was able to gain inspiration and influence from it. I look to use similar ideas in my own work going forward such as the use of lighting and abrupt movement of the camera.
The use of sound creates suspense and tension and the shaken camera movement evokes the sense of shock and desperateness. This is effective in establishing the mood of the scenario that is playing out on screen between the characters. This helps depict to the audience the genre and the theme of the piece. This was my favourite piece of previous student work because i was able to gain inspiration and influence from it. I look to use similar ideas in my own work going forward such as the use of lighting and abrupt movement of the camera.
Analyse 2 film title sequences -
The opening title sequence for The Warriors was really good as it instantly got my attention and made me want to watch the rest of the movie. The dramatic music was very intense and it kept me on my toes as I was curious to know why everything was so intense, also the title and credits were presented in red which immediately got my attention as red connotes blood which shows me there will be violence and action within the film. The mise en scene was very dark and gloomy which showed me there will be crime as in the night that is when crime is usually present. In the opening title sequence is displayed groups of characters wearing similar outfits to the people they were with which showed me that these are gangs, this again got y attention and my engagement as it showed me there will be a lot of action and crime.
The opening title sequence for Deadpool was my favourite due to a number of different factors. Firstly, as it began it shows that the institution is Marvel which rapidly got my attention as I am one of many who enjoy Marvel comic book heroes and the films they produce. Shortly after the camera slowly makes its way around a flipping car showing all the different things happening, I enjoyed this as it was very different to anything I've seen before and it already shows me action scene making me excited for more to come. Not only does it show me action but there are humorous visuals and credits included too which tells me this is also a comedy as well.
What makes a good title sequence according to Kyle Cooper?
Cooper says -
"It makes you thrilled to be in this theater at the moment, getting ready to see this movie. It makes you glad that you are nowhere else in this world except where you are getting ready to see something amazing"
Kyle Coopers interest in title sequences root from the impression he got from watching 'Dead Zone' and 'To Kill A Mocking Bird'. He liked the simple typography used in Dead zone and believed the music to be great as it plays out overtime creating mystery, these two factors made an impression on him as his interest in graphic design, film and typography "could somehow be the source of another vocation". His liking of the title sequence for To Kill A Mocking bird is due to the "beautifully photographed" marbles and how they distort the background, also the integrated typography. Cooper also says some of his favorite title sequences "encapsulate" the characters obsession which is very interesting as he includes that in the opening title sequence for Se7en where he uses the handwritten font which links to the serial killer as he keeps a journal.
Kyle Cooper states that sometimes studios may face problems after an audience test screening such as not having the budget to do another scene or the audience didn't understand a particular aspect of the film therefore the opening two and a half minutes are crucial as it can almost be another scene for the movie and important information can be included which initially got left out.
What is the purpose of a title sequence and film opening?
The purpose of a film opening is to give the viewer an idea of how the movie is going to be like, with the use of music and visuals the viewers can acknowledge the genre of the film and within those 2 minutes they can make the decision whether this film will be entertaining or not. For instance, in an action movie if the film starts off by showing high action visuals along with fast paced music this will immediately catch the audiences attention and make them intrigued, this will lead to the viewer having a positive experience when watching the movie making the film a success. Also with the use of a title sequence the audience are aware of who will be starring in the movie and they will notice who the main characters are, this is very important as the viewers will not then have to figure out who is who throughout the film leading them to be confused and overall not enjoy themselves. Furthermore by displaying the main characters the audience will have an idea of whether they will like the movie or not, for example by showing that a huge actor like Leonardo Dicaprio is starring in the film the audience will most likely think that the movie will be good as Leonardo Dicaprio has starred in many successful films and is also a worthy, and very long overdue, Oscar winner. Not only actors but institutions get credited too in the title sequence and by showing the audience a big institution like Warner Brothers are part of the film, this will instantly get the viewers approval as WB are a studio which have produced some of the most successful movies in the world. In concusion the title sequence is very important as it is meant to get the viewers attention and get them to be engaged in the film, by creating a good film opening it almost creates a suspending disbelief for the audience which will only lead to a positive experience when watching the movie.
Genre Conventions In Film Openings
Horror Genre Conventions-
Settings- Isolated places/small communities, places with dark history for example abandoned houses, hotels and asylums.
Technical Codes- Camerawork is very expressive and non-natural, high and low angles are used to convey fear and nightmares, POV is also used to display insight from the villainous characters perspective. Disturbing and unsettling sounds are used to emphasise key moments and editing is used to create tension and suspense.
Iconography- Visual style: often dark gloomy colours that link to horrific themes such as death and torture. Low-key lighting is used to create shadows and unfamiliar shapes in the blackness. Props such as weapons, masks and religious icons can be used to identify a certain type of character.
Narrative Structure- Tends to always be a protagonist who embarks on a mission to either stay alive or solve the problem they are in. Classic narrative structure of horrors either leaves room for a sequel or closure.
Character Types- The Protagonist, The Villain, The Stupid Teenager, The Creepy Child, Police Officers, Ghosts, Zombies, Demons and many more.
Themes- Insanity, Suicide, Supernatural, Religious, Good versus Evil, Nightmares, Madness and many more.
Settings- Isolated places/small communities, places with dark history for example abandoned houses, hotels and asylums.
Technical Codes- Camerawork is very expressive and non-natural, high and low angles are used to convey fear and nightmares, POV is also used to display insight from the villainous characters perspective. Disturbing and unsettling sounds are used to emphasise key moments and editing is used to create tension and suspense.
Iconography- Visual style: often dark gloomy colours that link to horrific themes such as death and torture. Low-key lighting is used to create shadows and unfamiliar shapes in the blackness. Props such as weapons, masks and religious icons can be used to identify a certain type of character.
Narrative Structure- Tends to always be a protagonist who embarks on a mission to either stay alive or solve the problem they are in. Classic narrative structure of horrors either leaves room for a sequel or closure.
Character Types- The Protagonist, The Villain, The Stupid Teenager, The Creepy Child, Police Officers, Ghosts, Zombies, Demons and many more.
Themes- Insanity, Suicide, Supernatural, Religious, Good versus Evil, Nightmares, Madness and many more.
Favourite Film Analysis
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory- The opening sequence uses titles over moving images. The type used is basic so it doesn't detract away the attention of the viewer from the luxurious candy and treats in the background, which are significant to the film plot itself. Light hearted music is used throughout the sequence and sets the tone and atmosphere for the proceedings that follow. The order of credits in the title sequence are as followed (Watch Video Below).
Thursday, 13 October 2016
What Makes A Good Title Sequence?
Forget the film watch the titles-
Kyle Cooper is accredited with revitalising the main title sequence as an art form. He believes that title sequences should dovetail seamlessly into the film and set and expectation and get you excited. In his film Seven the font is hand written because the character is a serial killer who keeps a journal. Kyle Cooper uses type to add to the overall tone and impression. Kyle Cooper cites his liking of the title sequence of Dead Zone because the simple typography and great music. He states this film sequence made him realise his interest in film typography and graphic design and that this could be a source for another vocation. He also expresses his liking of the title sequence of To Kill a Mocking Bird for it incapsulates the main characters obsession and because the form of the type is integrated rather than being an afterthought.
Kyle Cooper is accredited with revitalising the main title sequence as an art form. He believes that title sequences should dovetail seamlessly into the film and set and expectation and get you excited. In his film Seven the font is hand written because the character is a serial killer who keeps a journal. Kyle Cooper uses type to add to the overall tone and impression. Kyle Cooper cites his liking of the title sequence of Dead Zone because the simple typography and great music. He states this film sequence made him realise his interest in film typography and graphic design and that this could be a source for another vocation. He also expresses his liking of the title sequence of To Kill a Mocking Bird for it incapsulates the main characters obsession and because the form of the type is integrated rather than being an afterthought.
Story based main title sequences include specific backstory or a clear metaphor of what the film is about. The problem with audience test screening is the studio might not have enough budget to reshoot another scene if the test audience do not understand particular aspects. This is why title sequences become important for the studio. They use the 2 and a half minutes to become another scene for the movie and give information that may have been left out. In Dawn of the Dead the title sequence is used to set the storyline and becomes an integral part of the film. Kyle Cooper believes titles are important to film because designers can tell a story through the creation of content and title designs can tell a backstory.
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| Kyle Cooper- Forget the film watch the titles interview. |
The Importance Of Sound In Film
Sound is used in films to mirror the action and create suspending disbelief. The concept of forgetting that you are only watching something constructed and artificial creates a more engaging viewing and is key to setting the tone and atmosphere of the film. We watched a title sequence twice; once with sound and once without. This enabled us to understand the importance and relevance of sound in film. The screening without sound was disinteresting and boring however, with sound the viewing was more compelling and entertaining as a whole. This reasoning is where the idea that sound is (50%) half the product comes from and that without sound you only have a film that isn't as good as it could be.
Coraline Opening Sequence- Watch once with sound and then once without.
Coraline Opening Sequence- Watch once with sound and then once without.
What Is Genre?
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| Genre: Thriller- Conventions of this genre include music and sound used to create tension and suspension. I find this genre interesting due to the non-stop action which creates enticing viewing. |
The Order Of Title Sequences (Gone Girl)
No.1- Production company- 20th Century Fox
No.2- Distribution company- Regency
No.3- Film by- David Fincher
No.4- Actor- Ben Affleck
No.5- Actress- Rosamund Pike
No.6- Film title- Gone Girl
No.7- Actor- Neil Patrick Harris
No.8- Actor- Tyler Perry
No.9- Actress- Carrie Coon
No.10- Actor/Actress- Kim Dickens/Patrick Fugit
No.11- Actor/Actress- David Clennon/Lisa Banes
No.12- Casting by- Laray Mayfield
No.13- Sound design- Ren Klyce
No.14- Music by- Trent Reznor/Atticus Ross
No.15- Costume design- Trish Summerville
No.16- Film editor- Kirk Baxter
No.17- Production designer- Donald Graham Burt
No.18- Director of photography- Jeff Cronenweth
No.19- Executive producers- Leslie Dixon/Bruna Papandrea
No.20- Produced by- Arnon Milchan/Reese Witherspoon
No.21- Produced by- Ceà n Chaffin/Joshua Donen
No.22- Based on the novel by- Gillian Flynn
No.23- Screenplay by- Gillian Flynn
No.24- Director- David Fincher
Gone Girl Opening Title Sequence-
No.2- Distribution company- Regency
No.3- Film by- David Fincher
No.4- Actor- Ben Affleck
No.5- Actress- Rosamund Pike
No.6- Film title- Gone Girl
No.7- Actor- Neil Patrick Harris
No.8- Actor- Tyler Perry
No.9- Actress- Carrie Coon
No.10- Actor/Actress- Kim Dickens/Patrick Fugit
No.11- Actor/Actress- David Clennon/Lisa Banes
No.12- Casting by- Laray Mayfield
No.13- Sound design- Ren Klyce
No.14- Music by- Trent Reznor/Atticus Ross
No.15- Costume design- Trish Summerville
No.16- Film editor- Kirk Baxter
No.17- Production designer- Donald Graham Burt
No.18- Director of photography- Jeff Cronenweth
No.19- Executive producers- Leslie Dixon/Bruna Papandrea
No.20- Produced by- Arnon Milchan/Reese Witherspoon
No.21- Produced by- Ceà n Chaffin/Joshua Donen
No.22- Based on the novel by- Gillian Flynn
No.23- Screenplay by- Gillian Flynn
No.24- Director- David Fincher
Gone Girl Opening Title Sequence-
How important sound is
Sound is used to set the atmosphere of the film by giving a certain tone. It helps encourage the audience to think about what the film may be about, such as the plot and the different types of characters. The best type of sound will suspend belief which is making the audience feel as if they're in the film, instead of watching an artificial made up video. This is usually made by sound design, which is creating or mixing types of sound. This can fall under to categories; diegetic and non-diegetic. Diegetic is sound which occurs in the scene such as music playing on the radio, or wind whistling. Non-diegetic is sound which has been added over the scene such as dramatic music.
A film without sound causes the audience to be bored and disinterested, as it means they will have to focus more on the image to work out what is going on, writers such as Sarah Cordwell says that from the unity of image and sound, sound is worth 50%.
Only diegetic: The silence in these scenes causes a bit of tension however it also makes it drag and boring, as it becomes dull to watch.
Only non-diegetic: The music creates excitement and sets more of a tone on atmosphere, also sets out evil characters. However it makes the viewer have to concentrate more to see what's going on in the scene which is the very appropriate for someone who wants to be entertained.
Both: Both layers compliment each other very well and are as important as each other
A film without sound causes the audience to be bored and disinterested, as it means they will have to focus more on the image to work out what is going on, writers such as Sarah Cordwell says that from the unity of image and sound, sound is worth 50%.
Only diegetic: The silence in these scenes causes a bit of tension however it also makes it drag and boring, as it becomes dull to watch.
Only non-diegetic: The music creates excitement and sets more of a tone on atmosphere, also sets out evil characters. However it makes the viewer have to concentrate more to see what's going on in the scene which is the very appropriate for someone who wants to be entertained.
Both: Both layers compliment each other very well and are as important as each other
Wednesday, 12 October 2016
Audiences
An audience is a group of people who are present to spectate or listen, or experience something that is being presented to them. Target audience is more of a specified group of people that is being aimed at, such as a cartoon will be aimed at children.
For films, it is very useful for them to aim it at a target audience otherwise the film may be not presented correctly, and will cause disinterest for the viewers. Such as a group of adults wouldn't particularly enjoy a cartoon. Because of this, different genres appeal to different demographics.
Target audience: The particular group the film may be aimed at.
Tertiary audience: This is when the audience is already familiar with something hence why they're interested in the film. Such as a Justin Bieber fan may be interested in a horror film only because Justin Bieber is in it. They don't fit the typical demographic nor count as a primary or secondary audience.
Primary audience: This is the main audience the film is aimed at, such as a horror film aimed at 16-26 age group for the demographic of B2-E. It is the group the directors aim to please whilst producing the film.
Secondary audience: This type of audience see the film through being advised to, such as because of freinds or family. A good example of this would be when the primary audience of a animation, kids, get their parents to watch it with them. This makes the parents the secondary audience.
Demographics and Psychographics:
Demographics: a characteristic used to classify people for statistical purposes, such as age, race, or gender.
Psychographic: a way of dividing the audience in terms of social class, lifestyle and personality characteristics.
A: High class jobs, e.g bankers, managers, lawyers, doctors
B: Middle management, e.g teachers, creative and media people
C1: Office supervisors, nurses, white collar jobs
C2: Skilled manual workers, blue collar workers
D: Semi skilled workers, and unskilled manual workers
E: Unemployed, students, pensioners, casual workers
It's important for films to have a target audience in order to do the correct type of marketing and advertising.
Genre
What is Genre?
It helps give category to different types of films, such as films that involves relationships and love come under romance.
Codes and Convention:
Features which help us recognise the genre, such as a gun for action. It also allows an expectation to what may occur in the film.
Main features which help decide the genre are
- Shot types
- Colours
- Characters
- Lighting
- Locations & etc..
Mean girls
This picture shows a group of teenage girls sitting in a school canteen, which allows us to jump to the assumption that this genre is a chick-flick as its commonly going to involve drama and romance with these girls.
Fast and Furious 7
From seeing the man jumping from one car to another, it is clear to see it is an action film, alongside the tank that is next to the car which also shows violence and danger.
It helps give category to different types of films, such as films that involves relationships and love come under romance.
Codes and Convention:
Features which help us recognise the genre, such as a gun for action. It also allows an expectation to what may occur in the film.
Main features which help decide the genre are
- Shot types
- Colours
- Characters
- Lighting
- Locations & etc..
Mean girlsThis picture shows a group of teenage girls sitting in a school canteen, which allows us to jump to the assumption that this genre is a chick-flick as its commonly going to involve drama and romance with these girls.
Fast and Furious 7From seeing the man jumping from one car to another, it is clear to see it is an action film, alongside the tank that is next to the car which also shows violence and danger.
Tuesday, 11 October 2016
Kyle Cooper
Kyle Cooper is a very famous film opening director, he has made well known openings such as Seven and Spiderman as well as 100 more. He believes 3 things that make a good sequence are
-Location and props
-Typography
-Relations
He believes its important to set the atmosphere alongside high expectations, this draws them in by creating intrigue for the audience. He says "It makes you thrilled to be in this theatre at the moment, getting ready to see this movie. It makes you glad that you are nowhere else in this world except where you are getting ready to see something amazing."
Location and props:
Cooper says its better for the film to set high expectations in the opening so the audience doesn't lose interest and to do this, its better to have handmade props instead to show originality
Typography:
This should show the films genre, and have font that fits with it. Such as a horror film may have bloody writing to show violence and pain.
Relations:
If the film opening doesn't reflect the film itself, then it won't make sense and disinterest the audience. Therefore it should stay relevant to the storyline and protagonists but without giving too much away.
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