As our film is about teenagers we decided to use our friends and matt and I to star in our opening sequence. The reason for this is because having the actors and actresses the same age of the Hollywood demographic allows the audience to connect and relate more.
Callum Wardle: Although I am a director and editor for the film, I am also apart of the acting team in order to create a bigger group size. Compared to the rest of the group I am small in comparison and so I make an easy target for our tall antagonist. I will also need less screen time to show my lack of importance. My characters main purpose is to keep the story in the right direction. By this I mean I guide what is happening on screen for a successful outcome.
Matt Lloyd: Matt is also pat of the editing and directing team an so he will only have a small role, he is only used to increase the numbers. Matt will be able to demonstrate his opinions both on and off the screen. His main purpose for on screen is to show Alice's dominance as she is has a female lead. One of Matts purpose is to direct both in front of the camera and behind it. He will
Alfie Bryce-Clegg: Alfie will be playing a typical white middle class boy which is easily conveyed through his clothing, trainers jeans and a hoodie. He is also extremely available and so he can film whenever. This is good because if we need to re-film a take, then we know he will be available even if it is short notice.
Alice Buckton-Perkins: Alice will be wearing similar clothing, typical white middle class. She is the main role in this opening sequence and so she will have the most screen time and be dominate in the all of her shots. She fits the Final Girl theory as she is responsible as well as mature and will be able to demonstrate these characteristics on screen. As we have a Final Girl theory we want to to show her dominance in the opening sequence as a lead female role is unconventional which we hope will intrigue the audience.
Thursday, 22 December 2016
Tuesday, 20 December 2016
Paranormal Activity: editing and lighting anlysis
Editing:
Paranormal activity is shot on a handheld camera and laptops. The handheld camera gives a realistic view that the audience can relate to. When using the handheld cameras it gives the scene a much more realistic view as the camera shakes connoting drama and action. Using the laptops to film the events in the house is an understandable way of capturing the events as if that was to occur to a normal person. Therefore the audience can relate to the family which will enhance the horror. There are also short takes of scenes during the trailer to create tension which is also parallel to the information given to the audience. This combination of features creates drama as it evokes a chaotic scene in which the audience can feel apart of. After the short takes to build the tension there are collection of long takes. This is done so the audience are anticipating a jump scare which will affect them more as the are on edge.
Lighting:
The opening scene of the trailer is very dark which creates fear, this is done because of the fear of the unknown. The dark lighting is parallel to the on scene images as both create a uncomfortable experience. The next scene of the police arriving at the neighbors house is also at night creating a mystery and and enigma surrounding the issue. The audience begin to assume a crime has been committed which is associate the colour black with negatives. This is in contrast to the next scene as it is much brighter suggesting purity. We associate the colour white peaceful and tranquil experiences which ironic as we meet the boy for the first time during the day. This contrasts as the day suggests purity but the boy is the beginning of the the horror for the family. The light in this scene is also natural suggesting innocent and normality that the audience can connect with. If the audience can bond with the characters on screen then they will relate and empathize with what is happening. Creating this rapport is crucial as the audience need to relate to the characters.
Paranormal activity is shot on a handheld camera and laptops. The handheld camera gives a realistic view that the audience can relate to. When using the handheld cameras it gives the scene a much more realistic view as the camera shakes connoting drama and action. Using the laptops to film the events in the house is an understandable way of capturing the events as if that was to occur to a normal person. Therefore the audience can relate to the family which will enhance the horror. There are also short takes of scenes during the trailer to create tension which is also parallel to the information given to the audience. This combination of features creates drama as it evokes a chaotic scene in which the audience can feel apart of. After the short takes to build the tension there are collection of long takes. This is done so the audience are anticipating a jump scare which will affect them more as the are on edge.
Lighting:
The opening scene of the trailer is very dark which creates fear, this is done because of the fear of the unknown. The dark lighting is parallel to the on scene images as both create a uncomfortable experience. The next scene of the police arriving at the neighbors house is also at night creating a mystery and and enigma surrounding the issue. The audience begin to assume a crime has been committed which is associate the colour black with negatives. This is in contrast to the next scene as it is much brighter suggesting purity. We associate the colour white peaceful and tranquil experiences which ironic as we meet the boy for the first time during the day. This contrasts as the day suggests purity but the boy is the beginning of the the horror for the family. The light in this scene is also natural suggesting innocent and normality that the audience can connect with. If the audience can bond with the characters on screen then they will relate and empathize with what is happening. Creating this rapport is crucial as the audience need to relate to the characters.
Thursday, 8 December 2016
Scream: costume and sound analysis
Costume:
The protagonist in the Scream wears a very distinctive outfit, this is the case so he is very recognizable so wen people see the costume, people immediately think of the Scream. The design of the costume is very simplistic as it is all black. The colour black is used to convey evil and death as we usually associate darker colours with negative images. The colour black can also represent the unknown or uncertainty which is most definable the case as we are presented with a masked murderer. However, this contrasts the white mask as we usually associate the colour with being pure. This colour is connected to good as angels war the colour white suggesting the purity of the colour. The peaceful colour contradicts both the rest of the outfit, black, and the intentions of the character.
Sound:
We are immediately shown a phone call with an ambiguous caller on the other end. The initial phone ringing creates and mystery intriguing the audience instantly. This is done by the produces to hook the audience from the very start and so they watch the film. Once the phone is picked up we here an inviting voice which makes us as the audience feel comfortable as well as the character as she continues the conversation. The audience start to wonder who the caller is and we wonder if he'll be the antagonist. Character A, the one receiving the call, hangs up but the phone rings again creation slight tension that will climax later on in the scene. The establishing shot of the house outside has a swing in the foreground which we can hear rocking. This ambient sound is used to create an unsettling tone and feel to this situation, foreshadowing later events. Character A starts to cook popcorn just as her phone begins to ring again. This is showing the tension in the air and just when the the scene reaches the climax the popcorn explodes signifying this. This is done to hype up the atmosphere and create a more dramatic experience for the audience. During one of the phone calls character A pulls out a knife from its holder creating a quick slicing sound to disturb us. Thus also foreshadows later events when the antagonist is killing his victims.
The protagonist in the Scream wears a very distinctive outfit, this is the case so he is very recognizable so wen people see the costume, people immediately think of the Scream. The design of the costume is very simplistic as it is all black. The colour black is used to convey evil and death as we usually associate darker colours with negative images. The colour black can also represent the unknown or uncertainty which is most definable the case as we are presented with a masked murderer. However, this contrasts the white mask as we usually associate the colour with being pure. This colour is connected to good as angels war the colour white suggesting the purity of the colour. The peaceful colour contradicts both the rest of the outfit, black, and the intentions of the character.
Sound:
We are immediately shown a phone call with an ambiguous caller on the other end. The initial phone ringing creates and mystery intriguing the audience instantly. This is done by the produces to hook the audience from the very start and so they watch the film. Once the phone is picked up we here an inviting voice which makes us as the audience feel comfortable as well as the character as she continues the conversation. The audience start to wonder who the caller is and we wonder if he'll be the antagonist. Character A, the one receiving the call, hangs up but the phone rings again creation slight tension that will climax later on in the scene. The establishing shot of the house outside has a swing in the foreground which we can hear rocking. This ambient sound is used to create an unsettling tone and feel to this situation, foreshadowing later events. Character A starts to cook popcorn just as her phone begins to ring again. This is showing the tension in the air and just when the the scene reaches the climax the popcorn explodes signifying this. This is done to hype up the atmosphere and create a more dramatic experience for the audience. During one of the phone calls character A pulls out a knife from its holder creating a quick slicing sound to disturb us. Thus also foreshadows later events when the antagonist is killing his victims.
Wednesday, 7 December 2016
Horror survey results
We will use this information to alter and improve our film to suit our audience to create a successful opening sequence. We have a range of ages 12 to 26 plus. This is useful as it gives us a range of ideas we can use for different age groups, therefore the audience will widen.
What is your favorite sub-genre?
My group and I will have to make our opening sequence believable and realistic as it proves that people find it scarier and so will enjoy our film more making it a success.
What is your favorite sub-genre?
Our survey results show that the audience particularly enjoy a psychological sub genre. In order to make a successful film,we need to, as a group, incorporate a psychological aspects into it. This will include both long and short takes to create tension and create a scarier experience for the audience. The audience does not enjoy body horror as nobody selected it. Therefore we shall avoid this to ensure a successful film.
What type of setting scares you?
The audience are favorable over abandoned areas as 37.21% chose it as their preferred location by a significant amount. My group and I will ensure we incorporate this into our opening sequence as it is liked by so many.
Is a more realistic horror film scarier?
What aspects of horror do you enjoy the most?
The audience do not enjoy gore 3.61% so the group and I will have to keep it to a minimum. However, people enjoy suspense building as they enjoy the tension therefore the group will have to create this. The target audience also fevers an interesting story line which will needed to captivate the audience.
Who do you prefer as the main character?
The gender of the main character is not preferred which is beneficial to my group and I as we can explore a range of ideas to make a successful film. This includes the final girl theory and female gaze theory.
How do horror film make you feel?
The audience watch horror films in order to be scared which is clear by our survey results. Therefore my group and I will have to try and make it as scary as possible to excite the audience. We will do this through short takes to create tension and long takes to create suspense.
Nightmare on Elm Street: editing and lighting analysis
Editing:
There is an initial establishing shot to introduce is to the scene. The zoom invites us in and provides a sense of unknowing which suggests that the character is realizing and so reassess themselves. We then see an over the shoulder shot which allows to connect to the character as we see what they see. This is done because if we connect to the character, then dramatic scenes are emphasized. The character (A) then turns to face us, this makes us as an audience feel involved of the scene which again connects us to the character. We also see a follow shot of the dinner which again makes the audience feel apart of the scene. Then the character walks in to the back and we are presented with a POV shot of the character looking at the slaughtered animals. A jump cut flashes to a medium shot to show the expression of character A and back to the POV of the dead animals. The rapid period of which the shots change, speed up the scene and creates fear and tension in both the character and the audience. Character As unnerving expressions connotes horror which is reinforced by the tunnel vision effects. Character A is attacked by the protagonist in quick shots to reinforce the action that is taking place. We see an initial over the shot of character A which briefly shows the villain. The camera then flashes to a over the shoulder shot of the protagonist so the audience can view the attack from their perspective. At this moment Character A wakes up from his dream suggesting none of the past evens were reality confusing the audience. A pan shot is used to slowly reveal the waitress in order to create tension and uncertainty as the audience wondered who the woman was. The waitress picks up a plate with blood on it suggesting death and conveying the narrative of pain. This links to the dead animals in the kitchen, demonstrating suffering. The blood is red which again signifies danger to come later on in the film.
Lighting:
The initial establishing has very low light which immediately conveys the horror genre. Dark colours like black are often used portray something evil and scary. It has negative connotations and is a very effective way to connote death. When we are presented with the establishing shot, we see a flickering sign which suggests danger, this again links to the colour black, It is as though the sign is warning us of the danger within the diner. The next shot inside the diner shows us the light shinning into the diner from outside. This side light conveys danger within the restaurant as it is darker inside suggesting secrets. The light shinning in could represent the exposure that is to come regarding the killer. The harsh sign lighting behind character A suggests a uncomfortable atmosphere. This also links to the fire in the next scene. The extreme light contrasts the low light suggesting a unsettling scene which is felt by both character A and the audience. When we first see the antagonist there is extremely low light hardly revealing the character,. This is to create an enigma surrounding him and to build up the suspense for the attack we see later. The imagination is the best way to create an enigma as it often creates exaggerates what is actually seen, this then effectively makes the dramatic more intense.
There is an initial establishing shot to introduce is to the scene. The zoom invites us in and provides a sense of unknowing which suggests that the character is realizing and so reassess themselves. We then see an over the shoulder shot which allows to connect to the character as we see what they see. This is done because if we connect to the character, then dramatic scenes are emphasized. The character (A) then turns to face us, this makes us as an audience feel involved of the scene which again connects us to the character. We also see a follow shot of the dinner which again makes the audience feel apart of the scene. Then the character walks in to the back and we are presented with a POV shot of the character looking at the slaughtered animals. A jump cut flashes to a medium shot to show the expression of character A and back to the POV of the dead animals. The rapid period of which the shots change, speed up the scene and creates fear and tension in both the character and the audience. Character As unnerving expressions connotes horror which is reinforced by the tunnel vision effects. Character A is attacked by the protagonist in quick shots to reinforce the action that is taking place. We see an initial over the shot of character A which briefly shows the villain. The camera then flashes to a over the shoulder shot of the protagonist so the audience can view the attack from their perspective. At this moment Character A wakes up from his dream suggesting none of the past evens were reality confusing the audience. A pan shot is used to slowly reveal the waitress in order to create tension and uncertainty as the audience wondered who the woman was. The waitress picks up a plate with blood on it suggesting death and conveying the narrative of pain. This links to the dead animals in the kitchen, demonstrating suffering. The blood is red which again signifies danger to come later on in the film.
Lighting:
The initial establishing has very low light which immediately conveys the horror genre. Dark colours like black are often used portray something evil and scary. It has negative connotations and is a very effective way to connote death. When we are presented with the establishing shot, we see a flickering sign which suggests danger, this again links to the colour black, It is as though the sign is warning us of the danger within the diner. The next shot inside the diner shows us the light shinning into the diner from outside. This side light conveys danger within the restaurant as it is darker inside suggesting secrets. The light shinning in could represent the exposure that is to come regarding the killer. The harsh sign lighting behind character A suggests a uncomfortable atmosphere. This also links to the fire in the next scene. The extreme light contrasts the low light suggesting a unsettling scene which is felt by both character A and the audience. When we first see the antagonist there is extremely low light hardly revealing the character,. This is to create an enigma surrounding him and to build up the suspense for the attack we see later. The imagination is the best way to create an enigma as it often creates exaggerates what is actually seen, this then effectively makes the dramatic more intense.
Monday, 5 December 2016
Target Audience research
Our target audience is 15 to 40 as this age group particularly enjoy this genre. This is evident through our Surveymonkey results as the majority of the response was between this age group. However, this does not restrict older people to watch the film.
From our results our target audience prefers a psychological thriller in an abandoned house in the forest. This isolated location is prefect to build suspense which again is wanted by the audience. The audience enjoy being scared and anxious so we will also need to create an interesting story line as this was requested by the survey takers. The gender of the main character is not preferred either way, male of female, this is easier for us as the producers as it can give us new dimensions and takes on the film and explore a range of ideas.
Our first narrative idea
The overview
The narrative of the film followers a psychopath as he commits brutal killings on innocent people. We first see the villain in the first couple minutes, in an establishing shot, this is to create an enigma surrounding this character as it will intrigue the audience. For our opening sequence it shows the point of view of the victim which creates a sense of realism in which the audience can feel, this done through point of view shots. we want to make a connection between the characters and the audience to make events impact more.
We will use the editing skills we have developed from making the short films, "The life of a Kit Kat chunky" and "The life of a cup of tea". These include continuity editing as we created smooth transitions between shots which will improve the quality of our film. My group and I will look at our survey results and incorporate the ideas that our target audience have.
The narrative of the film followers a psychopath as he commits brutal killings on innocent people. We first see the villain in the first couple minutes, in an establishing shot, this is to create an enigma surrounding this character as it will intrigue the audience. For our opening sequence it shows the point of view of the victim which creates a sense of realism in which the audience can feel, this done through point of view shots. we want to make a connection between the characters and the audience to make events impact more.
We will use the editing skills we have developed from making the short films, "The life of a Kit Kat chunky" and "The life of a cup of tea". These include continuity editing as we created smooth transitions between shots which will improve the quality of our film. My group and I will look at our survey results and incorporate the ideas that our target audience have.
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