Final Product
Thursday 10 February 2011
Saturday 15 January 2011
1) In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
An idea to present the main aspects I would like to talk about would be to present twelve distinct still frames taken from my opening sequence (similarly to ‘artofthetitle’). However I will be talking specifically about the aspects I consider to be the most important.
Title of the film/font/style
Title of the film/font/style
In every film that you would know especially in a ‘Blockbuster’ film you will find that the title name represents the idea and genre for the film. In my case ‘Wanted’ was the name for my film. I had thought about several names for my film before I came to the idea that the name I chose was the most suitable for my ‘Thriller’ genre. I used ‘Wanted’ as the name of the title for my opening sequence, the reason for this as it suited the idea of the film.
The title of the film was shown at the end, the reason for this was because I wanted the audience to focus on the idea of what was happening and to try and build up an idea of what may happen and what the film is about- however as I was limited to two minutes maximum I struggled to fit all the important factors in to the sequence to help foreshadow what may happen.
The font I decided to use was ‘Downcome’ I kept the writing white as this meant that it would be bold and would be easily read when visible. Although in most films they would use a simple/basic font for their titles, I decided to try the font I chose out and first I liked this but once the video was compressed and I watched it on big screen I did not feel that it was as effective as the simple fonts I could have chosen. I put this font infront of the black background and on a couple occasions over a certain scene like shown on frame 4.
I did not choose a basic font as I felt at the time it was a good idea to use a creative font. But if I were to redo this then I would definitely use simple fonts.
Similarly to my font style the film ‘Thriller- a cruel picture’ uses a font that is very similar to mine. To prepare the audience for a thriller film they have used a font that is simple yet has the effect that the letters are scrapped/wearing away which is similar to mine.
Setting and Location
When considering the idea of the ‘Thriller’ I had to look carefully at suitable locations around the area I live in. I spent some time on looking at the locations to figure out which ones would give me the best settings to create the scene. I had to make sure that the locations would give me enough variety of the correct level lightning and darkness, tree and bushes advantage. As I had used a lot of ‘Point Of View’ shots I had to make sure that I shot in suitable locations where it was possible for me to use objects such as trees, cars etc to create this effect. Another effective tool I used was the idea of an alley way, as down the alley there was limited light which meant that it was the right level of darkness which helped to reflect the idea of the film. The frame that shows an example of this is frame 3.
Costumes and Props
To properly achieve the idea of the ‘Thriller’ genre in a short time is important; a way I achieved this was by looking at both the appropriateness of props and costumes used. I considered ‘stereotypes’ when planning the male actors costume as I had to make sure that the characters appearance would be easily recognised. For the male actor, I looked closely at the ‘stereotype’ for male burglars. I found and from my own ideas and from secondary sources of what was thought of a male burglar’s appearance. They would wear and similarly what the male actor wore were ‘all black’, I.e. black hat, coat and gloves. The idea of the gloves would help present the idea of a crime as they would not want to leave finger marks. However when it came to the female actor, I wanted to ensure that she would have an ‘innocent’ appeal- by this the actor wore ‘average business wear’ (as the idea was her coming home from work- well that’s what your meant to think!).
Props can be used to attract the audience I have used two phones as the main prop as this is how the stalker/male actor contacts the female actor. This makes the audience feel uneasy and fearful. It also can play on the audiences mind when their alone and the phone rings, that is how I feltL. I used a car to
Camerawork and Editing
An important factor for ‘Thriller’ such films are the use of camera angles as these help to create the mood and effect of the characters in the film as well as the audience. When it came to filming and editing my opening sequence I had made sure that I would be using a variety of different shots and angles to portray the specified genre. I used a range of ‘high’ and ‘low’ angles, ‘Point of view’ shots in different locations as well as ‘close ups’, ‘extreme close ups’ as well as ‘following shots’ this was shot from inside of the car.
Used camera technique shots such as the ‘match on action’ shot as this broke up the location of the outside scenes with the inside of the house. This was also an effective shot as this was done when the female was unlocking the door and then she is shot walking through the door at a different angle. The angle I used for this was a ‘medium long shot’ as I wanted to be able to visualise the characters actions.
When editing the music I spent a lot of time making sure that the music was in pace with the actions and emotions portrayed by the actor. For example when the female actor picked up the phone and no one was on the other line the sound then changed in to the music that was suspenseful and made the sequence work well as it matched the actor’s emotions. Also towards the end of the opening the music changed to a more softer tone, although the music was softer there was still the hint of suspense and fear which would make the audience achieve the idea that something ‘not right’ was about to happen. I cut ‘in’ the music in time with the digetic sounds of the door bell, this was so it would was a good breaking point for the suspenseful music to change to the softer toned music.
This is similar to ‘Thriller/suspenseful’ musical film known as ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ where the female actor sings and then is interrupted by a mysterious voice that begins to start singing with her. The tone of the music soon changes when the female actor notices the mysterious voice who is the ‘Phantom’ and she then follows him. The music changes as the ‘Phantom’ is an important feature in the film.
This is similar to ‘Thriller/suspenseful’ musical film known as ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ where the female actor sings and then is interrupted by a mysterious voice that begins to start singing with her. The tone of the music soon changes when the female actor notices the mysterious voice who is the ‘Phantom’ and she then follows him. The music changes as the ‘Phantom’ is an important feature in the film.
The music changes to a loud sound of the piano which is very suspenseful for the audience.
Story and how the opening sets it up (actor’s introduction)
In order to achieve the idea of my film, I had to make sure that the start of the opening was effective.
I thought I would start the opening off by introducing the male actor; this was done in a discrete way as the audience weren’t to know who that actor was. I wanted the audience to use their own thoughts, until further on in the opening. This soon became clearer when certain shots were used. The way in which I achieved this was by using an effect that would make the scene flash (similar to either car lights from Police or ambulance). This helped to create a ‘foreshadow’ the events for later on in the film. Also as I used an ‘extreme close up’ the audience was not able to properly see the characters appearance to get a full picture or idea of who that may be.
I introduced the female actor straight after the male actor was introduced; this was done because the ‘innocent’ female actor was walking home. I shot this from a ‘medium long shot’. I filmed her at different intervals throughout her walk home; this was so that it would give the impression of the female actor to be ‘vulnerable’. An example of a film that I found where it helped me to understand more about women feeling vulnerable was called ‘Sleeping with the Enemy’. Although my film was not similar in the storyline but looking at the trailer and the actors emotions and actions represent a great example of female vulnerability and the power that men can have on women.
Genre and how the opening suggests it
For the opening in order for it to fit in the ‘Thriller’ genre I had to make sure that the story within the opening was effective and understandable to the viewers. Rather than making the point of the story and putting definite points in the opening that will present what exactly will happen later on in the film, I just used small clues/hints and the use of props to start the ideas of what could happen later on. I thought about the time when filming as I thought about the idea of when most crimes or burglaries and stalkers perform their actions around night time/or when it’s dark. The reason for this is that idea that they would be less likely to be caught or seen. Along with the idea of the night time/darkness I considered the lighting in areas, so that there lighting was not so prominent. These considerations gave the impression that the film will be suspenseful and mysterious. Towards the end of the film when the doorbell is rung and the female actor is taken from the house, the conventions from this would make the audience frightened and slightly threatened.
I was influenced greatly by the film ‘Panic Room’ as the similar characteristics to how the characters were feeling. However from the same directors at the ‘Panic Room’ which influenced me was the ‘Secrete Window’. The characters in the story show vulnerability from the storyline. One of the characters is very threatening towards the main actor ‘Jonny Depp’ who plays Mort Rainey, who had apparently stolen this mans story, however this mysterious man makes Mort life a misery.
Film trailer and film review:
Special FX
With the opening sequence I created I did not use any special effects apart from the ‘flashing’ on the first scene. However I did use ‘video transitions’ between each scene. I did this through the first several scenes where each scene ‘fading black’ into the other. This was also the same for the titles, where I split the first several scenes with a black background to show a few of the titles as this broke the journey of the female actor walking home. Although using special effects would have made my opening look exciting and interesting, I did not feel that it was necessary I was mainly focussing on the storyline and the variety of camera shots and angles as well the pace and the music.
Friday 14 January 2011
2) How does your media product represent particular social groups?
Meg Altmen
Suffering through a painful divorce from her husband.
Age: 35
Occupation: pharmaceutical millionaire
Likes: Having a drink and being with her daughter.
Aimee Hodges
Interested in learning people
Age: 19
Occupation: Pychologist
Likes: Reading & SocialisingMy opening was based on a female who was being watched by her every move. She was seen as innocent female but who knows ‘what happens behind closed doors’. As far as the audience know the female was an innocent woman who was being watched however inconspicuously she had something that had a value of importance to someone in particular (the male actor). This is similar to the actors in the thriller film ‘Panic Room’ starring Jodie Foster and Kristen Stewart. The similarities I found were between the female actors mainly. Reasons being the two actors in the ‘Panic Room’ also have something that a group of several burglars want in their case ‘money’. One night when the burglars think the house is empty they attempt to break in and get the money. However what they don’t know is that the mother and daughter are in fact in but their asleep. Basically the mother wakes up to the sounds of someone breaking in so she grabs her daughter and they make their way to the panic room- in time before the burglars reach it. In my ideas I felt that the female’s emotions/feelings were similar in both films as they both experience fear and attacks.
The differences between the two are the fact that I only created a short sequence and only so much happened in that in order to really see how the characters compare but there is enough footage in order to see that they both experience similar emotions. In terms of appearance and costume between the female actors there aren’t really any similarities however between the burglars and the male actor in my sequence there is.
The costume and appearance of the male actor in my sequence had a very
The characteristics followed by the idea of a burglar or someone committing a crime were used through my sequence through camera shots of the actor ‘watching’ the female on her walk home. Similarly to the ‘Panic Room’ there burglars were meant to have been keeping a close eye on the house and to have made sure that no one was in this films case the mother and daughter were not due to be moving in until the following day.
The Panic Room Trailer
3) What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
Evaluation activity 3
What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
The logo used at Pinewood is simple so I decided to follow the same idea and keep my logo simple. However I would improve this logo and add more of an effect or symbol to create more of an effect to represent the ‘High quality’ film that I wanted to achieve.
Discussion of your production company name and logo and the role of such companies
I used ‘Pinestar Productions’ as the name for the producers for my film.
I created this so that it had significance to a film studios called Pinewood Studios which situated in London.
Pinewood studios is a leading British film production location.
They provide fantastic facilities for filmmakers to hire.
Pinewood has been a leading location for film makers, television and commercials since the first opening of the studios in 1936.
They have been a base for long-running films such as James Bond and Carry On British films.
I used Pinewood studios as a type of influence. A reason for this is because a parts of a high quality film such as ‘Harry Potter and The deathly Hollows Part 1’ were filmed there.
With this I was hoping to achieve the idea that my film would be known as a high quality film.
This is Pinewood Studios logo
This is my draft design of a logo that I could have used. I used Pineapple shape bottom for 'Pine' and a bazaar star shape for the top for the 'star'. I used 'Psp' to shorten the name so that it would be easily recognised. I also thought that it was a pretty simple yet unique design.
Warner Bros. Entertainment is a ‘fully integrated, broad based entertainment company’. The company is a global leader in creation, production, distribution, licensing and marketing of all forms of creative content. Warner Bros works on every aspect involved in the entertainment industry this includes feature films, TV, and home entertainment production and worldwide distribution to DVD, digital distribution, animation, comic books, licensing, international cinemas and broadcasting.
Warner Bros have recently purchased Leavesden Studios which is situated in the UK.
Sources of information used:
What does a production company do?
Production companies are the ones who are responsible for supervising the filming throughout the whole process of producing a film until it is completed.
Importantly they hold the sole legal and financial responsibility for the movie- which means they need to ensure that the film is at a good quality and meets certain requirements before and after the film is completed. When the filming process has started on a day-to-day basis the production companies draft the business proposal and pitch the ideas to the studios. They are responsible for finding the writers of films and then they may write several different drafts of the screenplay. They have to make the up the budget and all aspects in the film that would be needed in order for the filming production commence.
During the production process they hire all key players for the film such as the directors and the actors and the film crew below the line crew i.e. lighting crew, sound crew etc. They make sure that the tasks and productions are kept on target and up to date and they have to take responsibility when problems occur or such events go wrong. So basically they work like the boss of the film.
During Post production the editors and directors ultimately report to the production company to make decisions about various and final cuts.
When the film is completed it is the production companies responsibility and role to take and present the final cut to the studios to receive feedback on the film (if the film is told it is unsatisfactory and needs to be fixed they have to take it back the film and make the changes). However if its told that the film is great and that its ready to be distributed then it can be.
The idea of a distributor and who that might be and why
A reliable company or individual who are responsible for releasing films out to the public are the Film Distributors.
An ideal Distributor would be ‘Summit Entertainment’ which is an independent film studio that is a worldwide theatrical motion picture developer, financing, production and a distribution studio which has international offices in London.
The film studios make the film license agreement with the Distribution Company. The distribution company has to carry out important tasks after they have signed the license agreement.
They have to determine how many copies of the film they should make before they distribute the film to the public. As well they have to screen the movie to possible buyers representing the theatres.
The films are then negotiated between the possible buyers and the distribution company- to understand what films should be leased and about the terms of the lease agreement. After the chosen film has been on show for a certain number of weeks (also known as the engagement) the theater send back the prints of the lease agreement back to the distribution company to make payment on the lease agreement.
It is very important for film distributors to feel confident that they are going to receive a return of investment from the films they have leased as they will lose money if not. The chances of losing money are minor if the film has used a well known high quality film studio, a well known actor or director as any of these will boost the chance of the distribution deal being secure.
Where the money might have come from for a film such as yours-
Budgeting films is typically divided into four sections: ‘Above-the-line’ (creative talent), ‘below-the-line’ (direct production costs), ‘post-production’ (editing, visual effects, etc), and ‘other’ (insurance, completion bond, etc).
To create a low budget film like the one I produced the most reliable and successful funders would be the UK Film Council. The UK Film Council supports filmmakers in the UK who are emerging or world-class and are capable of being creative, distinctive and entertaining with their work. They invest £17million a year from the Lottery fund to help with the development, production and completion of the films. Not only do they help move the project forward by assisting the filming process but they also offer advice and practical help with parts of developing and producing the film.
It is possible that I could use a Charity to help fund my film as a number of charities fund short films. However this would only be a suitable solution if the film was linked to the topic of the short film. An example of charity that supports this would be the ‘Welcome Trust’ which is the UK’s largest medical research charity that has an Arts award for funding projects that are inspired by biomedical science.
Not only does money have to be the way to fund films for young film makers. It is possible that you can gain the support and funding through getting in contact with companies that offer experience to those interested in film such as BBC young film makers who may offer experience to produce a short piece of film by using quality filming equipment.
Or even by holding ‘Fund raisers’ to raise the money for your film.
Extra information:
‘Mediabox’is a funding organization. They enable young people to create media projects and gain the experience. They also aim to give disadvantaged 13-19 year olds (25 if they have learning disabilities) who live in the UK the opportunity to create media projects and to make projects about issues that matter to them.
‘First Light’ administers over £5m each year and operates a number of youth funding schemes these schemes include:
The ‘Young Film Fund’ is funded from the Lottery helping five to 19 years old to make a short film with the professional support which estimated funds from £3,000-£30,000).
The UK Film council have helped fund the modern day version of the classic film ‘St Trinians’.
Why the various people are named in the titles- which jobs appear in titles and in what order and how have you reflected this?
A title sequence is the key way in which cinematic films or television program present their title. In a title sequence the titles that would be most frequently found are titles such as the key production, cast members, visual and sound effects. Titles are known as the ‘credits’. These are used for a few reasons, its a right for them to place names of all the people involved in the film. They want to promote the actors and well known directors and producers. The actual name of the title is important that it relates the film for example, a title ‘The Panic Room’ because the film is based around a panic room.
However in the opening, I created I used titles that included the names of the actors in the film, the directors, producers, the production company, the sound/music from the soundtrack and location. I only used five titles through the beginning scenes of the opening sequence. I have used the name of my ‘production company’ to start off my opening sequence.I did not include titles such as the Production designer such as ‘special effects’, ‘visual effects’, ‘sound effects’, ‘costumes’, ‘make-up artists’, ‘The writers’, ‘Story’ (based on who wrote the story, this is usually found on the screen as “story by”), ‘Casting directors’ and any ‘Production designs’.
Titles I used were ‘Produced by’ which was the first title that is seen on the opening sequence the reason for this was because it is the basic order in which film titles go it. This was followed by the ‘film director’, ‘Starring’, ‘Sound’ and ‘Location’. I did not include titles that I have previously spoke about that you would find in high budget films as for the opening I made I did not think it was necessary, however if I were to re-do this I would definitely add more names and titles as I know have realized the importance of them and how much people are involved in the whole process of film.I created my titles using ‘Dafont’ which allows you to chose a font and create words from it. Some titles used are simple yet effective rather than using complicated hard to read titles. If I were to re-do my titles I would use a simple title.
(Add print screens of the titles I created)
What your film is similar to 'institutionally' (name some films which would be released in a similar way)- the core aspects of the film ‘Panic Room’Eclipse trailers
The most common way for films to be advertised is by producing trailers. If I were to advertise my film I could either use ‘film festival’, which is an organized event in which films are presented in one or more theaters or screening venues. I could even use the Internet i.e. social networking sites such as Facebook as this is a widely used networking tool used. If a film was going to be distributed they would use a website to make a feature of the film and promote it via this. This is cheap method and effective way to advertise their films as you can also receive feedback on the types of people who would watch it.
Before the film 'Paranormal Activity' was released by Paramount onto larger screens it was their idea to advertise their film by a method called viral marketing. This is where it is advertised through word -of-mouth i.e using networking tools like e-mail and Twitter. Their idea was to encourage people who had seen the film to quote: 'Tweet their screams' by this they meant to write up their review of the film and feed back. Through tweeting their reviews they were limited for writing so they weren't given much room for criticism, which improved their chances of a larger limited release. Soon after the film company had many reviews from people this way, Paramount saw the success and decided to distribute the film out on to a larger scale. Paramount agreed that if they react 1million ' demands' they would release the film out nationally in their case it did. Viral marketing is a time consuming and can be a very effective method of advertising especially if it done the right way .
Large production companies arrange interviews with either the main actors/ actresses in their film or a few cast members to talk and promote their films. A lot of fans of the actors/ actresses would watch the interviews and even possibly comment. this will help the film companies to get ideas of fans comments.
The first titles represent the main and most important cast members in the film.
http://www.movieviral.com/2009/10/27/paranormal-activity-viral-marketing/
http://i09.com/5438043/paramounts-supernatural-plan-for-low+budget-films
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ilmvVa9721
Before the film 'Paranormal Activity' was released by Paramount onto larger screens it was their idea to advertise their film by a method called viral marketing. This is where it is advertised through word -of-mouth i.e using networking tools like e-mail and Twitter. Their idea was to encourage people who had seen the film to quote: 'Tweet their screams' by this they meant to write up their review of the film and feed back. Through tweeting their reviews they were limited for writing so they weren't given much room for criticism, which improved their chances of a larger limited release. Soon after the film company had many reviews from people this way, Paramount saw the success and decided to distribute the film out on to a larger scale. Paramount agreed that if they react 1million ' demands' they would release the film out nationally in their case it did. Viral marketing is a time consuming and can be a very effective method of advertising especially if it done the right way .
Large production companies arrange interviews with either the main actors/ actresses in their film or a few cast members to talk and promote their films. A lot of fans of the actors/ actresses would watch the interviews and even possibly comment. this will help the film companies to get ideas of fans comments.
The first titles represent the main and most important cast members in the film.
http://www.movieviral.com/2009/10/27/paranormal-activity-viral-marketing/
http://i09.com/5438043/paramounts-supernatural-plan-for-low+budget-films
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ilmvVa9721
Thursday 13 January 2011
4) Who would be the audience for your media product?
Target Market-
Holly Smith - 22
Job: Fashion Internship at Browns London
Fashion: Invidual and Indie
Favourite music: Indie, electro pop (Two Door Cinema Club) Favourite foods: Nando's and Cheese
Where you would shop: Urban Outfitters, H&M, Zara, Rockits (Vintage store), TOPSHOP
Favourite TV programme: Vampire Diaries, Only way is Essex, House
Ryan Arnold – 23
Job: Demon FM Radio also studying at Leicester University
Fashion: Indie and cool
Favourite Music: House, electro pop, all types.Favourite food: Dominoes Pizza
Where you would shop: Urban Outfitters, Zara Man, SuperDry
Favourite TV programme: Lost, Prison Break, Family Guy
Both clients like to go out and socialise especially as their at UNI!
I have chosen to adults around the ages (18-28+) as those customers who would most prefer to watch my film. From the questionnaire results they have shown 'Thriller' to being most popular and 'Rom Coms' second. However most of the people I asked that were in that age range preferred 'Thrillers'.
Example of Questionnaire and results:
What genre film are you?
Here is a basic questionnaire that is going to ask you questions on the type of films you prefer and what you think are important in the film.
What gender are you?
Male Female
What age group do you fit in?
16-18 19-21 22-24 25-27 28+
When was the last time you watched a film at the cinema?
A few days ago A week ago Last month A year ago Never
What was the genre of the last time of DVD you purchased?
Thriller Rom-Com Action Fantasy Horror Chick Flick
What genre do you prefer best?
Thriller Rom-Com Action Fantasy Horror Chick
If you were given the option to create an opening for a film what genre would you chose?
Thriller Rom-Com Action Fantasy Horror Chick
How important is an opening to a film to you?
.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
In an opening of a film what do you think is the most important factors? (I.e. Camera shots, plots, Characters)
............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
How important do you feel that the soundtrack is in a film?
.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Thank you for taking part in the questionnaire!
What genre film are you?
Results!
I asked 10 random people but equal number of sexes.
What gender are you?
Male | Female |
5 | 5 |
What age group do you fit in?
16-18 | 19-21 | 22-24 | 25-27 | 28+ |
2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
When was the last time you watched a film at the cinema?
A few days ago | A week ago | Last month | A year ago | Never |
2 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
When was the last time of DVD you purchased?
Thriller | Rom-Com | Action | Fantasy | Horror | Chick |
3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
What genre do you prefer best?
Thriller | Rom-Com | Action | Fantasy | Horror | Chick |
3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
If you were given the option to create an opening for a film what genre would you chose?
This is set out by how many people chose each genre.
Thriller | Rom-Com | Action | Fantasy | Horror | Chick |
5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
How important is an opening to a film to you?
Some comments I received: Without an interesting opening it may make you consider the film to be boring. If it doesn’t make sense then you may get bored. I like the opening as usually something exciting normally happens.
In an opening of a film what do you think is the most important factors? (I.e. Camera shots, plots, Characters)
Some comments I received: The music as it gives the introduction more of an excitement and sometimes you may like the song.
The setting/location at it sets the scene. If great and a variety of interesting shots are used then it would make the film looking interesting to watch as you would want to see what other exciting features will be presented.
How important do you feel that the soundtrack is in a film?
Some comments I received: The soundtrack is a important factor without the music the film would be boring. Usually when I hear songs I may recognise them later on and will like them and also may intrigue me into watching more of those films. If the music is related to the specific genre it helps create the type of moods that is wanted.
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