The genre I chose to follow for my opening will be a ‘Thriller’ non-fiction. I need to ensure that my opening will be effective and a high quality in order for the audience to be interested and for it to grab their attention. In order to do this I am going to really focus on the variety camera shots/angles that I can use and as well as the music that I will use that it will perfectly suit the opening so that it creates tension and suspense. The idea of my opening is for the audience to start off by making their own accusations of what would happen towards the end of the opening and rest of the film.
The overall idea of my opening is going to be based on the thriller genre where a male character stalks a women who potentially has something that is very important to the male actor, however the audience are not aware of this at the time until further on the film.
The purpose of my opening will be to start off with introducing the characters and by not revealing so much of the male actor as this is to create the tension and suspense. The majority of these shots are ‘Point of View’ shots with a couple of ‘Medium close ups’ of the male actor to show his appearance.
I want to create the tension by using a similar idea to a stalker and the phone lines being the only way of communication for the male character and the female character.
I do not want to give too much away of the story in this opening so I mostly only showed the female characters vulnerability in her own house. I will not use dialogue between the two main characters that are introduced as I want to save this for further on the film as it would give too much away in the first two minutes. I want to keep it short and interesting and not overloaded with dialogue etc.
Story board:
WRITE ABOUT THE CHANGES:
Shot list: Because I did not use any dialogue and had used very few words, I had to make sure that I created an effective opening by using camera shots and angles to portray the 'Thriller' genre.
‘Extreme close up’- introducing male actor this will be shot inside the car, through the windscreen mirror. This is so the focus will be on the eyes, so it may signify the idea that hes watching or waiting for something.
‘Long shot’- Introducing the female actor. I will use a Long Shot so that the audience will see the location and surroundings. And will know that the female actor has come home from work.
Various ‘Point of view’ shots - 'High angle/long shot'- Throughout the minute or so various 'Point of view' shots will be used so relate to the 'Thriller' genre and to the idea of the female being watched/stalked/followed.
'High angle following shot', 'High angle/tilt/medium shot'- By using this type of angle used on actors would make the actor seem intimated or quiet however in my case for the film idea I will use this shot so that the male actor would be seen looking at the female walking. Also so that the actors actions will be seen.
'Medium/close up'shot
Walking out of alley shot?
‘Following/pan' shot- This will be performed from inside of the car when the female actor walks out of the alley way and walks in front of the car. This also reflects the 'Point of View' shots as the female actor is being watched.
'Medium/close up'shot
Walking out of alley shot?
‘Following/pan' shot- This will be performed from inside of the car when the female actor walks out of the alley way and walks in front of the car. This also reflects the 'Point of View' shots as the female actor is being watched.
'Medium/following' shot to a 'long' shot- This shot will have a similar effect to the previous stated shot however the shot will be closer to the females body to show more of her actions.
'Close up'- I will use a number of close up shots to really represent each characters emotions and actions.
'Match On Action'- I will use this technique when the female gets home and she opens the door and is seen walking through the otherside. This is so that it breaks up the scene and quickens it, I also find this a good and interesting technique.
'Tilt/medium shot','Medium close up', 'Low angle/medium close up'- This shot when the female gets another call, this type of shot would make the actor/character seem powerful however in my opening you would expect the women to feel slightly vulnerable but I do not want the women to show fear this too soon in the opening.
'Close up'- I will use a number of close up shots to really represent each characters emotions and actions.
'Match On Action'- I will use this technique when the female gets home and she opens the door and is seen walking through the otherside. This is so that it breaks up the scene and quickens it, I also find this a good and interesting technique.
'Tilt/medium shot','Medium close up', 'Low angle/medium close up'- This shot when the female gets another call, this type of shot would make the actor/character seem powerful however in my opening you would expect the women to feel slightly vulnerable but I do not want the women to show fear this too soon in the opening.
· 'Close up' (Of a puddle; perhaps if its raining to create more of an atmosphere - then suddenly being trodden through by the mysterious character, and a close up of the object/gun in his hand)
· 'Tilt' revealing the character walking from behind (from the feet to the back of the head)
· Various 'Point of view shots' or 'Over shoulder shots' to show what the character is viewing/looking at. (Such as: whilst walking, viewing the moon and seeing the trees pass by it - due to the movement of the character) a 'Dolly' movement can be used for this. Or using the 'point of view shot' and 'Passing Shot' to show another mysterious character, looking through the trees/twigs.
· 'High Angle' shot to make the character look vulnerable and as if someone or something is looking down on him. This shot will also be used to show the characters feet in movement, walking through the leaves on the ground.
· Blurred effect/out of focus to show the characters ‘point of view’ on the floor waking up.
· 'Depth of field' to focus on the 'gun' and hand resting on the ground.
· 'Flash Back' effect / 'Reverse' of the scenes just shown to go back and show the other mysterious character going to do exactly what was just shown, but instead, the first intended assassin turns around and suddenly hits the other around the head with his gun.
Production schedule:
Monday 15/11 – Planning final idea and research (Thinking up of a suitable idea that relates to my chosen genre which is a 'Thriller'. Research will be looking at existing film openings and looking back at books I have previously read which are all 'Thriller' genres)
Thursday 18/11 – Planning final idea and storyboard (Making sure that the idea I have is consistent and understandable, also with the camera shots and angles used that they will be suitable. Creating a storyboard with all sketches from each scene to show how each scene will be set and laid out and exactly what shot will be performed. This can change when actual filming. Also looking for Royalty Free music.
Friday 19/11 - Location viewing (I will spend some of my free time going out and about looking at suitable locations that are easily accessable and are safe and importantly meet the requirements of my chosen film idea).
Monday 22/11 – Prepare location and actors (Making sure that all the locations I have chosen are suitable and the weather is okay in order to film outside in, also preparing the actors so they know what time we will be meeting and what actions they will be performing and their costume and props are ready and available).
Thursday 25/11 – Plan timings etc for filming (Looking at the timings of when the actors are available and suits them to plan when to film. I have to consider this and make sure that the actors will be reliable and consistent with their timings.
Monday 29/11- Organise equipment and first night of filming outside (Get the equipment and props ready to be taken out. The first start of the actual filming process itself. How exciting!
Thursday 02/12 – Capture filming check for lighting quality (Using Adobe Premiere Pro I will capture all footage received and will place on the timeline to cut unnecessary sections out, and place in order for later on.
Friday 03/12 and Saturday 04/11 – Filming outside again for back up shots and rest of shots (Gettting the last parts of the scenes filmed and take back up shots of any ideas that I can think of at the time).
Monday 06/12 – Filming inside house (Filming inside the house, I will need to ensure that the house is quiet and that there will be no disruptions. Filming in the house will be easier I hope, as there will be no public or disruptions from cars etc.)
Thursday 09/12- Capture and edit film footage (Again on Adobe Premiere Pro I will capture the rest of the footage and will edit and cut all unnecessary sections out).
Friday 10/12 – Edit film (By finishing cutting the footage and adding video transitions).
Monday 13/12 – DEADLINE FOR MAIN TASK (All work WILL be completed and handed in)
These dates are guidelines for me to follow in order for me to ensure that I keep on track and meet the deadline.
First film night will be Monday 29th November 2010 in the evening around 5pm until 6pm depending on any errors or disruptions that may occur.
Production log:
From Monday 15th November 2010 until Thursday 25th November 2010 this period was spent preparing all the key aspects of the filming process i.e. the planning of the final idea and making sure that the idea works well and is understandable, researching ideas and camera angles/shots that I could use throughout my filming in order to portray the right emotions and atmosphere of the 'Thriller' genre at the same time looking at Royalty Free Music to use. During this time I also spend a few hours out of lesson time to look at different locations that would be suitable and would create the right atmosphere. I looked at locations during the light hours of the day and as well when it was dark, to decide when the best time would be in order for the footage and idea of the film to be suited. During the lesson time I had, I spent a majority of this time preparing and planning what I will be doing on the filming nights and organising the costumes etc. also sketching out the storyboard and scanning this.
On Monday 29th November 2010 this was the first night of filming (the night time suited the idea/theme of the opening genre best). The first footage I caught was the footage outside of the house, this was so that I could capture the footage in my next media lesson so that I could check the lighting quality and re-film certain parts if necessary. Fortunately the footage I caught was good quality and the lighting levels were right to how I wanted it to come out as. However I did not manage to shoot every aspect of the outside shots due to errors and complications so I had to save this for the weekend. From the footage I did manage to get I edited this and put in to place ready for post-production.
On the Friday 3rd December 2010 and Saturday 4th December I went back outside to film the rest of the footage, as well as back up shots. This was done in a couple of hours over both days, I was restricted for time though as the camera was low on battery.
The 6th December 2010 was the day I captured the whole of the inside out the house shots, which I finished successfully. It ran through well, and I managed to get plenty of back up shots.
Thursday 9th December and Friday 10th December 2010 was the start of the post-production process, I worked solidly on this for two days in order to finish it for the deadline, which I was sucessful at meeting. I worked very hard throughout the filming process and I enjoyed every minute of it.
From Monday 15th November 2010 until Thursday 25th November 2010 this period was spent preparing all the key aspects of the filming process i.e. the planning of the final idea and making sure that the idea works well and is understandable, researching ideas and camera angles/shots that I could use throughout my filming in order to portray the right emotions and atmosphere of the 'Thriller' genre at the same time looking at Royalty Free Music to use. During this time I also spend a few hours out of lesson time to look at different locations that would be suitable and would create the right atmosphere. I looked at locations during the light hours of the day and as well when it was dark, to decide when the best time would be in order for the footage and idea of the film to be suited. During the lesson time I had, I spent a majority of this time preparing and planning what I will be doing on the filming nights and organising the costumes etc. also sketching out the storyboard and scanning this.
On Monday 29th November 2010 this was the first night of filming (the night time suited the idea/theme of the opening genre best). The first footage I caught was the footage outside of the house, this was so that I could capture the footage in my next media lesson so that I could check the lighting quality and re-film certain parts if necessary. Fortunately the footage I caught was good quality and the lighting levels were right to how I wanted it to come out as. However I did not manage to shoot every aspect of the outside shots due to errors and complications so I had to save this for the weekend. From the footage I did manage to get I edited this and put in to place ready for post-production.
On the Friday 3rd December 2010 and Saturday 4th December I went back outside to film the rest of the footage, as well as back up shots. This was done in a couple of hours over both days, I was restricted for time though as the camera was low on battery.
The 6th December 2010 was the day I captured the whole of the inside out the house shots, which I finished successfully. It ran through well, and I managed to get plenty of back up shots.
Thursday 9th December and Friday 10th December 2010 was the start of the post-production process, I worked solidly on this for two days in order to finish it for the deadline, which I was sucessful at meeting. I worked very hard throughout the filming process and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Asset list:
- Sony HD Camera recorder with cable to charge overnight and when necessary.
- Large tripod for high angles and to support the camera for steady shots.
- Two actors; a Male and a Female.
- Costumes: Male (all black NO labels, or patterns etc) Female (Smart, work wear).
- Props (telephone, mobile, car and keys).
- Props (telephone, mobile, car and keys).
Location:
I am using Greenhithe station as a work basement for the female to walk out of. Also Greenhithe is the key location for all the footage. The alleyways, and streets which are well lit by streetlights and darkened to the sufficient level.
Script:
Female actor: “Hello..Hello..Who is this?..Hello?”
“What”
“Gasp”
Final Product
Good use of fading in and out titles
ReplyDeleteGreat variety of shots such as match-on-action, close ups and continuity editing
also fading in fading out and blending of the different movie clips are good!
music / drone in the background adds the the suspence of the film.
The timing of the music fits in well with the scences
Not very much speaking / monologue, which adds the the suspence of the film sequence.
The only critism i can make is that the natural sound from the filming in the background (in each scene at the beguinning)is cut quickly and sounds interuppted when changed from scene to scene
Overall, its a really good introduction to a film and makes me want to continue watching it to see what happens in the rest of the film!
Almost instantly i (the viewer) am drawn in simply by the music used, it creates a very aery and suspicious feel. I also really like the way that the scenes are cut very short and a black screen will appear, i feel that this is effective as you have to link each scene up on your own. I like the use of the lighting from the streetlights! This gives it a very natural feel and makes you feel as if your involved in the storyline aswell. I feel that the use of different shots is effective, such as the close ups which then reveals facial expression. I also think that the framing is good giving you a clear understanding of the surroundings.
ReplyDeleteThe only criticism i can give is that the sound of the phone on the table isn't heard very well and as this is an important factor, i think that this should be made more dramatic to create more tension.
However i feel that overall this is a really strong opening sequence and manages to grab the viewers attention very well!
I love the way you have used music to create tension and the short sharp clips work very well because everything is put into the right order, your timing is really good.
ReplyDeleteHere's some pointers to what you could improve if you were to maybe do it again
- the shots outside are quite dark so maybe consider the lighting
- when the girl looks at her phone yo could possibly show what she is looking at from her point of view.
Overall, you managed to create an opening that holds tension and it very much fits into the genre that you wanted it to. well done! :)
I really like how the music gradually gets louder it builds a lot of tension and makes you want to keep watching it because you know something is going to happen but not sure when it is going to happen.
ReplyDeleteI really like the point of view in the car where we see the girl cross over the road and it is like we are watching from his view follow her it gives a very eerie feeling because the girl doesn't know that she is being watched. i also think the camera was held very steady at that point.
The variety of shots used were really different which caught my attention a lot and i think that you used the match on action really well.
The only criticism i have is with mobile it would have been really good if we could see what she was seeing.
overall i really think this was a really good opening, throughout it you kept the tension going making me want to watch it more and more.
I Really like the titles, the font you have used really suits the plot and isn't too overpowering for the movie.
ReplyDeletewith the scenes, when no one is talking, if you had taken out the background fuzz so the music would stand out more.
The music is really good in creating that tension and the timing also works really well with the sequence.
I love that you have used lots of different shots and have kept the camera really steady :)
Hello Lauren.
ReplyDeleteI like the way that the shots flowed at the beginning when Aimee was walking around. I also like how the music flowed with your piece it made it really creepy. The shot angles where also good because they where all quite different to each-other. A few things you could improve on are:
Some of the shots outside where a bit dark and you should consider lighting.
The phone bit of the film was a little strange because you couldn't tell what the text said.
I think the piece was good though and I enjoyed watching it.
I think you built the tension well by buiding up the man to taking her. I like the music I think it really suited the footage. I think the fading was very clever in the first part. I liked the different angles you used to like the one from above her when shes about to go into the house.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing that you could improve on is the lighting.. maybe you could of shot somewhere where there was more lighting so it was clearer.
First off, I love the variety of camera shots you've used and the music you chose really adds tension.
ReplyDeleteThe timing of the shots are fit in well with the music which I thinks creates a dramatic effect.
The font you've used is easy to read and understand, and the short clips also add suspense.
the only things that would need improving are that:
-when she reads here texts, maybe give a p.o.v shot so the viewer can understand what's going on and maybe get an inside on the killer/murderer and how he/she will 'scare' his victims
-when shooting scenes outside, be aware of the lighting as some parts i wasn't sure if i was looking at the girl or the killer/murderer, but other than that i would watch this film :)
I really liked this one as it kept me looking at the screen all the time, you built the tension very well. The only criticism i would give would be that at times the camera was really dark and i couldn't see it. However, this was really good :-)
ReplyDeleteI love the snap shots of the eyes in the beginning because it draws me in as as a viewer. Also i like the way the music is in timing with the shots. so as the viwers were carried along with the story. Also another comment i would like to make is the type of shot variety she had in her film. i thought it was very creative.
ReplyDeleteThings i thought she could have improved on was the lighting in the dark because i couldnt really see the actor as she was acting in the film
Well Done! :)