Continuity Task - second shoot

shot list for second shoot;

1) establishing shot of doors, before the camera begins to zoom in.

2) we then see the two characters enter the door, one character behind the other.

3) matron action is shown in this scene as wee see the mother and son character walking through the hallway, the child character is behind the parent.

4) we then see the character in the classroom and we are introduced to the teacher

5) the parent conference conversation uses a shot reverse shot between all characters

6) at the end of the clip we see a fade to black editing technique used, along with a piano instrumental used as non-diegetic sound.

final shoot;

We again faced a few problems along the way with the second and final shot.  I admit now that maybe we should have learnt from these problems from the first time, for example, i feel we were quite unprofessional in the first shoot, with a lot of laughing when it should have been acting, for the second shoot, maybe we should have chosen different actors but keep everything else the same. this was a mistake we made again as we wasted a lot of time during the second shoot, shooting the same scenes and the same shots over and over again, it became frustrating at times. Although we improved a lot with using the camera, we didn't have any major problems with setting up the camera and setting up the tripod.

Continuity Task - first shoot

So far, for our first shoot we have faced a few problems with filming, uploading and editing, luckily we have overcome these problems and thought of some solutions, we have spent more time outside of lessons looking at the camera and looking at editing tools and what effect they have so that when it comes to editing our clip; we do not have to spend too much time testing out different effects because we know how each effect works.

In the image below, it shows how we have put the clip together and tried to ass different video and audio effects onto the clip, it also shows how we have learnt to use the cutting tool (before this project, I had no idea how to use this or the premier programme)

Here (in the image above) we have attempted a match on action shot, showing the movement of the characters without showing every second of them moving, we have tried to cut parts and use an editing effects to make the clip flow more. Out first attempt at this did not include the middle shot; but after taking the advice from out teacher and discussing  with my group, we decided that the only way to make our shot successful would be to be able to create a third shot, to track the movement of the characters more realistic.

analysis of first shoot:

Problems: The negatives we have noticed overall with out first shoot include the shot reverse shot. We concluded with the help and advice of our teacher; that we did not get the angle right with the shot reverse shot. We realised that we needed to me closer to being behind the characters rather than just facing them from a set distance and angle. Another problem we found was with our match on action - As explained above we thought it would be a better idea to takes three different shots, although the third part showed a problem. As it is a match on action shot, we are trying to track the movement of a characters(s), although in the third shot, we saw the characters already sat down. Also something that was my own personal fault as the person behind the camera, at the end of the clip when I zoomed into the boys face, you can see that I had realised that the camera had 'chopped' the top of the characters head off, you therefore see me realise this and move the camera up slightly which looks awful and makes a huge impact on the shoot. 


Solutions: We have noted the problems that we had and addressed the negatives with our clip, as a group, we looked at the shoot over and over again and discussed some of the ways in which we could improve our clip when we re-film for the second shoot. Firstly; we thought to address the shot reverse shot problem, when we re-shoot we are going to guarantee that we shoot the characters face on so that there is no mistake with the technique we are trying to use and the characters do not feel as if they have to look to the side at all to look into the camera. To improve the match on action shot, we are just going to change the final/third clip and show the characters about to sit down so that therefore we are continuing to show their movement. The only way I can I can improve the mistake that I made is just to concentrate where the camera is and make sure that it is in the correct position before filming and if the character moves during the shoot then just re-film to ensure that we get the best product at the end.

Overall feedback via teacher: 

Our teacher has given us some feedback about our video today and we are going to address the problems when we re-shoot and re-edit within the next few days. He told us that out 180 degree angle was fine and we had applied it correctly. The match on action shot that we had applied, we had used the dissolve transition rather than a straight cut, from the feedback we were given, we have been advised just to cut as we have been told to definitely not use the dissolve effect. The third shot of our match on action shot told us that we should show the the characters sitting down so that we are continuing to track the movement of the characters. Before the characters enter the scene, we have been advised to have an establishing shot, we have decided to ether have the camera looking at the door for a few seconds or we will stand the camera far away from the door so the establishing shot shows a lot of the background and then we will slowly zoom into the door to show that something important could be happening in the video. With our teachers advice we found problems with the characters sat outside the door, and we couldn't see the mothers face when she was speaking, as our shot reverse shot had failed later on in the video we are going to keep that part how it is apart from filing the last clip as the sons head was cut off at the top. The shot reverse shot is going to filmed outside the classroom from each point of view of each of the characters.

What have I learnt through this? I have learnt that it is no problem to re-shoot things, it doesn't take that much time and as a filmer and media student you should not settle for second best, you should keep shooting and keep editing until you are 100% satisfied with the product at the end otherwise there isn't a point. I have also learnt a lot of technical things through doing this first draft, for example using the cutting tool when editing as I had never used this before and had no idea what I was doing, also I learnt details about the match on action and the shot reverse shot, by looking at the solutions we have come up with the the details we would change you can see what we have learnt about the techniques. I have learnt that personally I need to be more careful when using the camera and where I am directing the camera as this caused a problem with our first shoot. 

Film Noir

Film noir is a cinematic term which is generally used to describe a stylish, Hollywood crime drama or thriller. The term was originally applied by french film critics. In the early 1940's; numerous screenplays inspired by american crime fiction were bought to our screens. This was done mainly by European film directors, these people shared the same expressions and feelings for the world of cinema. These directors included the likes of Fritz Lang, Robert Siodmak, Billy Wilder, and Otto Preminger

Following the tragedies of wold war ll ; movie audiences responded to this fresh, vivid, adult-oriented type of film — as did many writers, directors, cameramen and actors eager to bring a more mature world-view to Hollywood product. 

In 1946, in Paris, there was a huge increase in the popularity and the amount of people that found themselves wanting to watch dark and mysterious films, now known as thrillers. From then on it was known as either 'Film Noir' or 'Black Film' as a new Hollywood product.
During that time there were not that many thriller film makers, if any, only a few were able to create pieces of cinematic art as a thriller that would suitable and worth watching for the audience.

International Thrillers

When doing thriller research we have to be aware that there are many types of thrillers not just hollywood thrillers. There is such a thing called international thrillers. Looking at these thrillers gives us more options and different film techniques we could possibly use for our opening scene.

For example I started off by look at 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' this is a swedish thriller.

The use of cut away shots every second emphasises the pace of this film and the rate at which you have to keep up. It also keeps the audience on edge at all times gives you an insight to how much is going to be happening in the film.
The sound used in this opening scene begins with a howling scream- this type of non-diegetic sound that has been used, has been used to create an uncomfortable atmosphere when watching the seen, to make one feel awkward and trapped. Almost feeling what the people in the opening sequence are feeling. This brings me on to imagery:
The imagery used shows two people being tortured. This type of imagery for a thriller emphasises that this film is trying to make the audience uncomfortable and on edge the whole time. Making them feel as if they are the ones suffering and being tortured.

How Is Evilness Represented In This Scene

During the clip we see evilness represented in different ways through different characters. This is done by using a range of camera angles, sounds, editing techniques and within the use of mise en scene.  At the beginning of the scene, we see the character of master windu walking through an area that reminds of us of a hallway/walkway. He is filmed at a low angle and has people walking behind him. This shows us that the people behind him know their place and it shows that they know he is superior to them, this could trick the audience into believing that the character is evil and presents evilness through this character. It might make the audience think that master windu wants to make other characters feel smaller than him. We see him wearing a dark colours cape/coat which does not necessarily show evilness and neither does his light colours top underneath yet when he pulls out his lightsaber, he represents evilness when he attempts to arrest he older man in the scene. However the older man is represents the idea of evilness a lot more than the other characters, The chair he is sat on has a higher back in length than he is so from the back you cannot see his head. The room he is in is large spacious and looks expensive; this could present the idea that he is the antagonist and he feels he is superior and in charge of everyone else. All of his clothes are dark colours and he has a very humble voice; both of these factors could represent evilness depending on the way the audience see this. There is a shot-reverse-shot used between both the older man and master windu when that first try and arrest the older man, he questions them and says "are you threatening me?" this highlights that he is nor scared by them, although he is outnumbered by them and their weapons, he continues to believe that he is the superior character. This continues to make us believe that evilness is presented through him as a character and the way he speaks; dresses along with what he does as a character. When the older man fights back he manages to wipe out all of the background characters other than master windu, evilness is represented within this completely, it shows he has no emotion towards them, he does not care if he hurts them, he just likes the idea of winning.

The character of Anakin develops and changes a lot throughout the scene. When Anakin is first presented to us (about a minute and a half in the clip), we see the protagonist exiting his piece of aircraft that he arrived in, he is shown at a low angled shot at this point, this is used to highlight that he is superior. This shot provides us with the idea that he is a heroic character. Before Anakin enters the scene in his aircraft, we hear dramatic sounds, very loud in fact. These sounds immediately end as Anakin's aircraft lands, this emphasizes his entrance and again presents us with the idea that he is a superior character. As the music and the tempo slowly increases, gets faster and gets louder the suspense and the tension continues to build. This may also show the evil progressing, the idea the the protagonist could be turning into an antagonist.  The loud sounds of the aircraft produce parallel sound as it gets closer to the arrival of his character. anakin enters the scene wearing a dark cape as he runs into the building as if he knows something is wrong. This dark cape that he is wearing represents the idea of evilness because dark colours are often related to danger and the though of evil.

 However Anakin changes a lot through the scene, at the beginning his hair is light his facial expressions seem bright, he seems like a happy character. He is also portrayed as the protagonist, as the hero at the beginning of the clip, this view soon changes as you see more of the character, as much as Anakin does not know this, evilness is represented through his character a lot. Although, as we progress through the scene and view more of the clip, it is clear to us an an audience that Anakin appears as a darker and more evil character. This is due to the way that the clip has been filmed and edited, the light dims and the darkness increases. This happens as the scene reaches its climax and the plot becomes more interesting and exciting. Anakin's facial expressions also seem to become darker and more mysterious as the plot thickens. Anakin tries to save the older protagonist and succeeds with doing this - here Anakin is shown to be quite sly yet very persuasive, this can be seen as evilness by some parts of an audience. They may feel as if Anakin wants his own way and feels as if he is in charge. I feel as if Anakin possibly sacrifices himself to the idea of evilness and the effects of evil cause him to change as a character, this is presented to us through; body language; lighting; costume; sounds; and the destruction of conflict between the characters. The idea of Anakin's evilness is shown to us again and it is re-in-forced through non-diegetic sound as the music becomes more intense as the plot thickens and scene continues.

Overall, Evilness is represented through every character at one point in the scene, whether it is because the way hey act; the way the dress or the way they speak, or even the way the clip has been filmed and edited to make the characters seem evil. Evilness is projected to us more and more as the clip continues. The mise en scene, scenery, sounds and camera angles show us how the scene changes and shows us how evil destructed the conflict. 

Continuity Task - Production

Problems: We have faced a few minor problems so far with this task, simple ones such as setting the camera and the tripod up.  We also had problems trying to matron action a scene, we didn't realise that it would be a better idea to have 3 separate clips to show the movement of characters over quite a long period of time. We also realised when we looked closely at each clip whilst editing that the door was open while two characters were sat down outside the classroom, but when the third character came to invite the others into the classroom the door was shit, this is a simple problem that we can fix just by re-filming  that certain part of the clip.


Solutions: I think we have already learnt from our mistakes by simply looking closely at the camera and the tripod and each practising individually so that we all know how to set it up by ourselves. To fix the matron action problem we are going re-shoot and fit in another clip but try it from a different angle to try and make the movement seem as smooth as possible even though we are cutting parts out. Also to fix the problem of the open and then closed door, we are going to have to re-shoot but in future we are going to take a lot more notice of the setting and backdrop to ensure that the clip runs smoothly throughout.

Typography used in a thriller

'The Silence Of The Lambs' opening:

The font used in this opening sequence is San-serif font. All of the letters are capitalised - this makes the letters stand out as they look bolder. The black indicates that there is something dark and eery to come; the white outline around the letter highlight the this for example; death; gore; violence. The white outline also makes the black writing more readable, it makes sure that the black writing doesn't blend in with the background.

'Se7en' opening:

This opening also uses the San-serif font- this font appears to be rougher though, it looks as if someone has tried to shred the writing; it makes the opening look more violent and hints to the audience that the film is probably viscous and violent also - this again creates the idea that something dark and evil could be happening. The placement of the title on the screen seems to be random; it does not have a certain place on the screen and it seems to appear at different sizes during different parts in the film - this adds a sense of mystery.

'Shutter Island' opening:

San-serif font has been used yet again for another thriller opening, this shows that it is a popular font to try and get the message of a thriller across. Although the font is rather basic for this film; it doesn't have any added extras for example it doesn't look as if the words have been tampered with as they did in the 'Se7en' opening; this is strange as it doesn't appear to make the film seem mysterious yet the film is (this can be shown through the music). However the colour of the font is red; red is often linked with blood and gore; this indicates that there may be something within the film that is dark and evil.  It also represents the idea of danger. This opening sequence also uses a 'fade to black' o present the opening title.

Overall I have learnt that there are common traits used in thriller openings and repetition of a lot of techniques when making thriller opening sequences.The use of the San-serif font in all three of these opening sequences suggests the idea of darkness and creates a surreal effect and can create the ideas of having a psychological factor within the films. The colours used are often similar, it usually changes from black to red - this could be because both colours are associated with darkness and evilness, adding this to the opening sequence of the films, adds the idea of violence and tragedies to the thriller genre.

Continuity Task - Planning

For this task we will be creating a short 60-80 second simple clip. This will give us a chance to learn how to use a camera and learn to edit, this will help us overall as media students as we will learn a lot more to eventually help us with out coursework thriller opening. We are in the same groups that we will be in for our coursework. Together we have researched a lot and now it is time to make a clip. It also gives us a chance to realise how difficult it can be to do simple things such as setting up a camera and a tripod, or even just uploading a clip onto the mac. Overall very excited to start the task. We have been given a task sheet with advice and rules on to help us with our work.

As you can see above, there is a list of rules and advice for us to follow and look at to help us with our clip. This will help us to create a shot list and a storyboard to begin filing and editing. One rule that I found confusing as I hadn't heard of it before was the 180 degree rule. I found a diagram so that I could try and help me understand it more and get to grips with how to apply it to the filming.

Below you will find out first attempt at a shot list. We have tried to use a range of shot to fit the brief of the task.

We ended up changing our plan and changing our shot list, we did not have the two girls walking past the classroom laughing and we did not see the teacher leave the room from  the parents/students point of view. Although we kept the main focus of the shoot which was a parents evening and we had the parent and student outside of the classroom. A new shot list will be uploaded.

Alfred Hitchcock

Alfred Hitchcock is one of the most well known film directors in the world. Born in England in 1899, Hitchcock directed more than 50 feature-length films between 1920 and 1970. He was known as the 'master of suspense' throughout his directing life. Hitchcock first got into the field of film making in 1919 when he saw an advert in one of the cinema trade papers that a new film studio was being build in England.

1920-1930's
The first thriller he ever made was names 'Lodger' in 1926.  This film is based upon a woman  (a landlady) who believes that her lodger is a madman murderer who is killing women who live in London.

His next thriller in 1929 was a film named 'Black Mail'. This was Hitchcock's first film with sound and it was also Britain's first film with sound. This film was based on a woman who kills a man that tried to assault her. The woman's name is Alice. Alice goes to a fancy dinner party with her husband Frank Webber who is soon to become a very important detective. Alice begins to flirt with a male artist at a different table and he invites her into his studio, as she arrives he asks her to pose in nude. Alice doesn't take this in an complimentary way and stabs him to death. She then returns to dinner with her husband and tries to forget about what she has just done. 

In 1932, Hitchcock directed yet another successful thriller. This was called 'Number 17'.  This film was based on the original play by J. Jefferson Farjeon. This film is based on a group of criminals that take part in a jewel robbery and hide their money in an old house. The films title is due to the number of the house. Although an outsider intervenes with this plan with the help of a neighbour - this happens to be a police officers daughter. The film consists of tension throughout which starts right at the beginning of the film where a detective goes into a house up for sale and finds a dead body. The story continues from here.

1940's

In 1940, Hitchcock directed an Oscar winning thriller named 'Rebecca'. This film is seen as a film that is based around abuse in relationships. Others may view this as a film based on a man that is being haunted by his own past and haunted by the fact that he cannot control his own past. Hitchcock admitted that 'Rebecca' was one of his favourite films that he directed.

In 1942, Hitchcock directed yet again another successful film which goes by the name of saboteur. The film is based in an aircraft factory worker names Barry Kane. He goes on the run all over the USA when he is falsely accused of starting a fire that killed his best friend. This film is known as a universal studios spy thriller.

1950's

The 1950's were thought to be Hitchcock's peak years, he directed many brilliant pieces of work during that decade such as; Stage Fright; I Confess; Rear Window; The Wrong Man and Vertigo. During the 1950's; Hitchcock moved to paramount pictures where he directed Rear Window as his first film working for the company.

'Stage Fright' is one of Hitchcock's most famous crime thrillers. The film focuses on a young struggling actress who spends her time trying to help one of her friends prove his innocence after he is accused of murdering the husband of a high society entertainer. Thus throughout the film suspense is represented within each character as they uncover the narrative.

Vertigo is one of the most famous psychological thriller films Hitchcock ever directed. Its narrative focuses on a retired detective from San Francisco suffering from acrophobia, he begins to investigate the strange activities of an old friends wife, meanwhile he slowly became strangely obsessed with her.

1960's

Psycho is the most well known thriller film ever directed by Alfred Hitchcock. It is recognised and praised as a piece of cinematic art by international film critics. Psycho is a film about a secretary names Marion who steals $40,000 fro one of her employers clients. She goes on the run and checks into a motel run by a young man who is dominated by his mother. Everyone is told that Marion has disappeared, meanwhile when she takes a shower; the shower curtain is moved and a woman holding a large knife stood before her as the screams she is struck by the knife several times. The narrative continues and the estranged woman seems to murder more characters as the story goes on.

The impact Alfred Hitchcock has had on modern day thrillers...

Modern day thriller directors have taken on board the way Hitchcock directed his films and have used similar techniques, codes and conventions of the thriller genre to maintain the influence of suspense and tension throughout the films. As much as modern day directors will try and be influenced the the likes of Hitchcock and the way he produced pieces of cinematic art, they try to avoid repetition of this - this is why sub genres and hybrid genres have been formed.

 

What is a thriller? What are its sub-genres?

A 'thriller' is a complex genre is literature, film and television. Thrillers will be combined with a sense of mystery, crime and danger. It will keep the audience constantly in suspense. They are designed to be very intellectual pieces of film. A lot of thrillers will confuse the audience leaving them wanting to know more about the narrative.

A thriller is used to create tension and suspense and occasionally excitement as its main elements. They are used to stimulate and control the views moods and feelings - this gives the audience a high level of anticipation, surprise, excitement, anxiety and uncertainty. Films of the thriller genre are usually; gritty; filled with adrenaline; fast paced and usually make the audience feel on edge. A thriller film can provide the audience with a lot of different emotions - some viewers may feel scared whereas some may feel excited. Thrillers will use literary devices such as plot twists; cliffhangers and red herrings. A thriller is usually driven my the antagonist and the protagonist is faced with various problems which build tension and suspense that they must overcome. 

Sub-Genres of Thriller:

Action thriller: This uses mostly physical activity to build tension and suspense. As a traditional action film would have, an action thriller would contain motion and action including; races; fights; physical stunts; and overall a sense of danger. Examples of this type of film include; Die Hard; The Bourne Identity and Taken / Taken 2. 

Psychological thriller: These types of thrillers would most likely be a book of film. As well as the usual thriller aspects, this type of thriller would use mystery and drama to create the suspense and tension. The protagonists and antagonists will have to rely on their mentality. This type of thriller will emphasize the psychology of the characters and focus on their mental emotions. Psychological thrillers because of their nature will sometimes cross over into the horror genre. Examples of this kind of thriller include; Memento and Rear Window.

Conspiracy thriller: This normally includes a hero or heroine who are stereo-typically investigators or journalists - they always find themselves within a powerful organisation. The antagonists in the film will try and contain the organisations as a a secret through wither propaganda or lies. These people are bought down by the protagonist. Examples of these thrillers include The Bourne Ultimatum and The Game.

Crime thriller: This is the hybrid between a crime and a thriller film. These films often focus on criminals and their activities. Crime thrillers normally emphasize the action. they also include a psychological aspect. Crime thrillers will usually include; murder; robberies; chases; heists; and high intensity violence. Examples of a crime thriller would include Inside Man, Seven and A Perfect Murder.

Political thriller: This genre looks into the stability of the government. commonly used scenarios include the US government and their elections, also, the prevention of world wars occurring. Examples of these films include State Of Play and The Contender.

Religious thriller: This type of thriller connects to plots which have been influenced highly by religions. These films normally uncover the good and bad parts to religions; particularly in Catholicism. It normally focuses on the journey to uncover the truth. Examples of this kind of thriller include; The Ninth Gate; Angles&Demons and Devils Advocate.

Techno thriller: this looks at the manipulation of technology and looks at the technology taking a prominent part in the film - this can include mankind being taken over by robots. This sub-genre is purely focused on fictional narratives. Common themes linked with this type of sub-genre include action, world wars and science fictional occurrences. Examples of this film include Terminator; The Matrix; iRobot and The Thirteenth Floor.

Supernatural thriller: This genre is filled with tension and suspense. It will have an unexpected twist at some point in the film. Either the protagonist or the antagonist (depending on the narrative) will have a supernatural gift. This sub-genre is closely linked with religious thrillers. It will normally include; alien life; demons entering the human body and possession. Examples of a supernatural thriller include Fallen; The Others and The Skeleton Key.