First draft anamatic

We were given a task to produce an anamatic for our film to give a nice visual effect and a rough idea of what the title sequence of our film would look like. We firstly had to discuss and draw up a rough shot list to enable us to structure our storyboard slightly better. This is our first draft anamatic using all of our story board sketches that as a group we produced using combined ideas and cooperation. However we inverted the sketches to show our white images against a black background.

As this is our first draft there are some improvements that need to be made which is included in the feedback. But overall our anamatic successfully displays our film in a rough way. However a shot that was hard to portray in a drawing is shot 10, a especially long shot in our anamatic as it a shot of a 360 degree view spinning and it was hard to capture that accurately in a drawing however it is annotated on our storyboard. It was hard to get the timing right for our anamatic as the still sketches aren't as effective as a moving image, we may need to include some transition effects into our anamatic to enable it to have a moving image effect.

Feedback for anamatic:

• The inverted images were very effective.
• A wide variety of shots were used.
• However, too short, we may need: longer shots
• Missing titles: actors and actresses, the title of film, cinematography, editor, sound, producer, director.
• Diegetic sound is needed
• The pace of editing is good, a good sense of continuity.

Character sketches

As a group we tried to get a visual idea of what we wanted our characters to look like, this would make it easier for us to make a final decision in casting the characters.

Camera Practice

As a group we practiced our two main shots; the 360 degree shot, trying to judge speeds and clearness, then the shot of the feet, however we did not have the device (long board) to use to practice it so we had to improvise using a hand held camera, once again judging speed and clearness.

The image on the left is the camera we used 8 mega pixels, xacti digital water proof movie camera.

Initial shot list, props, costume etc.

This is our initial list as we need to change parts. We need to find our main character, we need double the amount of extras and we just need to change and adapt parts. The list will get bigger and more detailed.

The art of storyboarding, sound and colour

Storyboarding
M. Night Shymalan director of films such as Sixth Sense, The Village and Signs.
Shymalan believes in thorough storyboarding, he likes to plan and understand every shot to keep costs of the filming to a minimum, this eliminates mistakes and decisions to be made on set and in theory could speed up filming and keep costs of staff down. Shymalan prefers to keep camera angles more realistic he does not believe in "acrobatics" unlike other big Hollywood directors. He believes thriller films should have emotion, keeping realistic camera angles allows the audience to feel more connected to the film itself, building emotions like fear and intensity key conventions of the thriller genre.
Storyboarding is said to be visual screenplay "making the movie before you make the movie". Shymalan refers to the storyboard as a continual point of reference. A storyboard is shaping the movie it reveals the movie when the storyboard is completed it can be the worst version of the film.

Sound
In the sixth sense the sound editer and creater experiments with sounds, he layers different sounds whether they are breaths, general sounds or dialogue to create mysterious and eary effects. In part of the sixth sense he got many people to breathe, cry, groan and scream into a microphone then layered them all over eachother to create a ghostly mysterious effect that was quite chilling to hear. Sounds are very important to films, films from the thriller genre especially as they help to create an emotional and spiritual feel to the film.
In The Village film the main character is a blind girl so sound is very important as it's all she can recognise. The sound in this film helps to tell the story and in this case the sound represents the main character. For understanding of the blind girl the musicians and editors took a small part of the chime of a bell and replayed it and edited it to make a sound like the girl would here, this would have taken alot of presicion and focus to create.

Colour
Based on In the Mood For Love, Wong Kar-Wai
This film is a chinese film based on a love affair, the woman featured in this scene was the woman often left by her husband as he was having an affair with another mans wife, this man was falling in love with the beautiful woman based in this scene.
She wore a green dress and held a green/blue flask this denotes envy and jealousy, the feelings of this woman at the current time of the film, the same green colour is used through out the scene reinforcing her feelings, this is once again reinforced by the music. The colour blue used through out the scene represents her sadness, sorrow and depression, a blue luminous light acts as a spot light on her, this once against reinforces her feelings. This scene is controlled by the use of colour and lighting.

Continuity Task

We were given a task in which we had to film two people having a conversation, focusing of keeping good continuity between shots. We were given a shot list in which we had to abide carefully by. As a group we drew up a story board based on the shot list, our story board was good but in parts needed more detail, especially when showing what shots were which. When planning our filming we had to think of the 180 degree rule, we had to plan different places for the camera to go without breaking this rule. Our filming was sucessful and we had lots of shots to work with, however not all were right for the final film. Some shots had others talking and laughing in the background, some shots had minor views of others in them and some of the scripted conversation was interupted or wrong. We over came these issues during editing using cutting to get rid of parts of the shots we did not want or need and we also used adobe after affects to edit out the reflection of the camera and a person in the dark window. After alot of editing and tweaking our film finally and sucessfully came together.

This is the first part of the storyboard, it shows the opening of the door (close up), the shot of the door knob then the character in the background (extreme close up of door knob then extreme long shot of sofa), the shot of the character in the mirror (mid shot) and the shot of the character sitting down on the sofa (mid shot).

This is the second sheet of story boards it shows the character in the background and the other character walking over to the TV (long shot), the other character talking (mid shot), low angle shot of the other character (long mid shot) and a shot of both characters (extreme long shot to long shot).

This is the third sheet of the storyboards it shows the shot reverse shot of the two characters shouting (mid shots), the shot of both characters (long shot) and the shot of the head with the character in the background slightly out of focus (close up/ long shot).

The fourth sheet of storyboards show the characters expression (close up), the shot of the character exiting the location (long shot) and the final shot of the cats face (close up).

Targets: Set framing to foreground point, one part in the clip the actor lurches forward out of shot. Use of mid close up and close ups may be more effective in this clip.

Feedback: Effective use of sound both diegetic and non-diegetic, it is said to be "well mastered". Framing was mostly good but more close ups and mid close ups should have been used. Good continuity is the clip however there were some errors towards the end. Effective use of shot reverse shot. The 180 degree rule was abided by well. Use of after effects were acknowleged and approved of.

The grade we received was 32/60 putting us near the peak of level 2, I think this is an appropriate grade for our peice of work.

Ideas

Here is a mind map of our ideas, as a group we combined ideas, shared our own ideas and created an idea.

Exploring thriller openings

Mind map:
Here is a copy of the mind map we drew as a class whilst exploring thriller openings. You can see we looked at all aspects in detail.

Rules of a thriller opening:
Whilst looking into thriller openings we concluded that these are common rules amongst thriller openings; slow paced to begin with lots of dissolves, the text of the titles are usually white against a dark background being just a colour on the location, low key lighting is used through out to create fear and a dark mood, there is usually only one location this keeps the pace slow and classical music is usually used to keep the mood dark and eary.

Camera Practice

As a group we were given the oppetunity to gain experience with cameras. We were given a task each to film different angles such as; high angles and low angles. Different shots; long shots, extreme long shots, mid shots, close ups, extreme close ups. Views; birds eye view, worms eye view. Movements; panning, tilting and zooming. This task allowed us to get comfortable with the cameras and tri-pods however a little more experience is needed before actual filming.

BBFC

What is BBFC?
BBFC stands for British Board of Film Clasification, it has been around since 1912, they are a non-goverment organisation in which classify cinema films then videos since passing the Video Recording Acts in 1984.
Although BBFC have alot of power of classification of films there are council members who occasionally over rule the choices made by the BBFC.

15 Certificate
Suitable for only 15 years and over, no one younger may see a 15 rated film or rent or buy a 15 rated film. There may be strong violence however the film is unlikely to have pain inflicting scenes and gory scenes. Vague sexual nudity is allowed and non-sexual nudity however strong sexual scenes are prohibited. It is unlikely that a 15 rated film will have constant use of the strongest language, however strong language may be used throughout the film. Dangerous behaviour like suicide and hanging is only allowed to be vague and weapons like guns are not allowed to be seen as glamourous. Minor horror is allowed like a threat however if it is sexual it is prohibited. Drug use can be included in the film however not promoted or glamourised. No discrimination will be acceptable this means language and behaviour.

18 Certificate
No one younger than 18 may see, rent or buy an 18 rated film. When a film is at certificate it can show almost anything, however the film can be banned in some cases such as; if the film is on the breach of criminal law and has commited a criminal offence whilst making the film. Serious violence or sexual violence, serious drug use, if these aspects can affect the viewer or their morals then the film could be at risk of banning.

There is also a certificate called R18, this is mostly seen in USA, this is mostly used for pornographic films, films rated R18 can only be shown in specially licensed cinemas and sold in licensed sex shops to no one under the age of 18.

To produce this post I used the BBFC official website; http://www.bbfc.co.uk/general/index.php

My survey

This is a link to the survey I am conducting as part of my research into the thriller genre;
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=Om_2fEa2GbiO6tZV2e_2f1la9A_3d_3d

The results
42 people took my survey, I would rather have had more however not many people chose to respond.
Firstly majority of those who took my survey were female and between the ages of 16-20. I think this is a good age range to target as it is our age range allowing us to think of what we would want in a thriller as well as those who are older.
Majority of people watched films weekly which proves that majority of those who took the survey could be experienced viewers who know what they want and what they expect. However the majorities favourite genre is romance although the next highest is thriller which means that some may not what many thrillers but hopefully they can still give good advice.
Thankfully majority prefer films of the 15 certificate, I think this is good because I want our film to aim to be this certificate as I have not watched many 18 certificate films and I do not know much about them.

Most said "suspense" "action" "mystery" "crime" "an exciting twist" "horror" to this question. "For AS Media I am researching the thriller genre, in you own opinion what is a thriller genre?" I think this gives me a good idea of what to put into our thriller film to make it appealing to the audience.
Majority expect action and intensity in a thriller film as well as a gripping story line and murder.

Over all the survey has been a success in helping me with the start of planning my thriller, I think the target audiences will be young adults from the age of 16 maybe to about 25. My thriller has to include suspense and intensity and perhaps a murder but in this murder I have to be careful because too much detail could put the rating up to an 18 certificate which would effect the target audience.

Premier Pro

Premier Pro is the software we shall be using for editing and creating our thriller sequences. This software allows us not to only to edit the film by cutting and trimming but also adding transitions like fades and wipes, adding titles, inserting effects and animations and adding sound effects. I have previous experience with Premier Pro however I hope to successfully and accurately be able to create a high grade title sequence and add my own effects.

Se7en, David Fincher, 1995

Titles: In the opening sequence of Se7en the titles look to be scribbled or handwritten, the handwriting is quite childish and eary, this signifies a horror thriller genre. The is reinforced by the white text against dark backgrounds which is a common convention in the horror thriller genre.

Sound: The non-diegetic sound track is eary and mysterious this signifies the thriller genre. However to establish the horror sub-genre the high pitched shrieking sound occasionally heard in the track creates a sense of terror and creepiness.

Editing: The pace of editing is kept by the non-diegetic sound, both editing and sound are parallel creating a sense of continuity. There are many slow dissolves which causes images to overlap this allows the pace to become slower however when the straight cuts occur continuity is re-established.

Camera: There is little camera work used in the title sequence, there are series of close-ups and extreme close-ups to show details, there are no long shots etc, all shots establish the images shown.

Mise en Scene: In the title sequence there are a series shots of note books and notes which connotes mystery. A single shot of a razor blade is seen which denotes the horror genre as this could be used as a weapon. There are a series of shots of images of dead people, the denotes horror and murder establishing the horror thriller genre. Also near the end there are needles shaped into a cross which connotes religion which links to the title of Se7en and the seven deadly sins.

Sin City, 2005, Robert Rodriguez

Titles: There were no titles in scene one, this is uncommon in the thriller genre, however it signifies the unique style of this film.

Mise en Scene: The scene opens with a long shot of the black and white balcony, surrounded by the busy city, this is conventional to an action thriller. Followed by the introduction of a woman, the only colour in this image is her blood red dress and lips this signifies danger. A suited man walks into shot, he is only in black and white which signifies less importance, however he has a gun which signifies he could be the villain, also conventional in an action thriller. Low key lighting surrounds the location creating a dark and sinister mood. The low key lighting allows both characters to hide half their faces behind the light creating a conventional mysterious mood.

Camera: The scene opens with a centralised long shot of the woman surrounded by location. However when the man enters shot she is marginalised to the left which could signify her vulnerability. During conversation the camera jump cuts between close ups of the characters so create continuity, then is followed by a close up of the lighter which signifies danger, followed by a extreme close up of the cigarette which helps the audience to connect with the character. The camera changes to a long shot of the couple kissing then a jump shot to a mid shot of the killing, this is conventional of an action thriller.

Editing: Through out the scene there are a series of jump shots and straight cuts to produce continuity. It also is slow paced to reinforce that dark and mysterious mood which is quite conventional in a thriller.

Sound: As the scene begins low key non-diegetic jazz/soul music is played in the background, followed by non-diegetic narrative to keep the pace of the scene, the narrative is reinforced by diegetic conversation for continuity, accompanied by the ambient sounds of the city creating realism.

Walk on the Wild Side, 1962, Edward Dmytryts

Titles: The opening titles for this film are conventionally white against black, capitalised and in a serif font, this signifies the thriller genre as the titles are blocky and harsh, this is similar to the birds in which are also blocky and contrasts against its background.

Camera: The scene opens with a close up of the cat appearing from the pipe in which relates to the thriller genre as at first all the audience can see is the cats eyes in the dark creating an eary and mysterious mood. Through out the scene the cat is centralised and there are a series of high angles which signify the cats power.

Editing: The sequence is quite slow paced to build suspense as the audience tracks the cat this is reinforced by the dissolves between shots, however when the fight between the cats begin the pace speeds up, this signifies a thriller as there is usually violence in action thrillers.

Sound: There is a non-deigetic sound track through out the sequence, getting louder and high paced as the editing does. The music helps to keep the pace for this sequence, as the sequence ends the music slowly fades out as the imagery does.

Mise en scene: As the scene opens the audience is introduced to the black cat, walking down the street around pipes which could signify a construction zone or that the cat is stray and walking amongst the city scrap. The other cat introduced is a white cat which connotes a sense of good and evil, then the two cats fight which may signify a plot in this film being a fight against good and evil, which relates to the genre action thriller.

The Birds

The Birds, Alfred Hitchcock, 1963

Titles: The titles for this film are in a cold blue serif capitalised font over the contrasting dark birds in the background. This signifies the thriller genre as the cold blue creates a creepy and dark mood

Mise en scene: As the titles begin silhouetted crows fill the background fluttering uneasily behind the text. The colour of the birds can signify death, evil and fear, these aspects are iconic signifiers of the thriller genre. Next the location is introduced which is the city of San Fransisco this is common in the thriller genre to have a main busy city as a location, the audience then has an establishing shot of the blonde main character then another establishing shot of the birds. The importance of the birds are reinforced when the blonde character enters the pet shop.

Camera: Behind the text during the titles there is a mid shot of the crows which signifies importance as the audience can clearly establish the animal. Followed by an long establishing shot of the blonde woman, the woman is surrounded by mundane people allowing her to stand out, a long shot of the birds takes place so the audience can view the vast amount, then the camera tracks as she walks and pans around as she walks into the shop.

Sound: The sound for the titles is non-diegetic ambient bird sounds such as; piercing chirping and frantic flapping of wings, which creates a sense of realism plus the sound is quite dark and eary signifying the thriller genre.

Editing: As the titles begin there is a fade in and as the titles end they fade out and to introduce the opening sequence there is another fade in. Throughout the next sequence there is jump cuts to build continuity in the sequence.

What is a thriller?

Thriller is a genre of media text in which is categorized based on its codes and conventions. Through the conventional aspects of a film, the director allows the audience to interpret the genre, these are aspects such as narrative, characters, locations and semiotics. A thriller can be established through the convention of captivating, enticing and thrilling the audience by creating intense moods putting the audience 'on the edge of their seats'. The thriller genre promotes excitement, suspense, anticipation, uncertainty and anxiety. Alfred Hitchcock is said to be the ultimate director of the thriller genre, geniously captivating his audience and creating a high level of suspense and tension.

Thriller is a vague genre and it often accompanied by sub genres such as; action
Horror
Psychological
Crime
Western
Science fiction
Film Noir
Having a sub genre allows the director to blur the boundaries of the film genres which could create a more entertaining film.

http://www.filmsite.org/subgenres.html