Thursday 31 March 2011
Wednesday 30 March 2011
Research on Media Institutions: Dimensions Films – Monica Jane Wyithe
Dimension Films is an American film motion picture company which is part of The Weinstein Company. The most famous films they have made are: Halloween, Scream and Sin City. This media institute releases a certain number of films per year and not only do they create famous films but they also so help get foreign lanugage films get distributed within the United States and internationally, this also goes for low budget films.
I chose this media institute because I thought that since Dimension helps low budget films get distributed and although it may not able to get to the cinema, it would be similar to their films as most of them are horror/thriller films and if their target audience like those kinds of films then it is more likely that their target audience would be similar to ours.
Monica Wyithe
Film Equipment Used
Sony HQ Camera and Sony Microphone
This digital video (DV) camera is an excellent example of how technologies have developed over time. Increasingly, in the media industry, DV cameras have become the preferred format for shooting short and full-length films due to many factors which include that DV cameras are: smaller, lighter, more mobile, easier to operate and footage can be edited at home on a PC or Apple Mac. Therefore, they are accessible and versatile since they are ideal for both budding and professional film makers.
The above mentioned really appealed to us and we realised that DV cameras such as the Sony HQ Camera that we were lucky enough to have access to, are perfect when shooting a low-budget film and there was no problem travelling to our location because the camera was easily portable. Furthermore, the microphone attached to the camera was really effective for recording dialogue, plus we were able to alter the focus of the camera which was a useful feature because in our sequence we have shots where the main protagonist's are in sharp focus,whilst we blurred the background, to highlight the importance of the characters and to draw the audience's attention towards them specifically.
Adjustable Tripod
This piece of equipment helped to maintain the professional appearance of our sequence as it kept the camera stable and our shots accurate. Also, the fact it was easily adjustable proved extremely useful because we could use it when filming both low-angle and high-angle shots.
iMovie
iMovie is another example of how media technologies have been introduced to the masses and we could use this software to edit our preliminary task and our main task with ease. We were given access to an array of transitions, shot effects, audio effects etc and it proves that the use of computer generated imagery (CGI) isn't neccesary in order to create a film with a quality appearance. Another way in which we found the software useful was that because the concluding shots of our main task were noticeably darker than the rest, we could edit this to an extent on iMovie using the contrast and brightness control and were able to brighten the shots slightly without losing much picture quality, also helping us to maintain continuity.
Sophiya Ali
Tuesday 29 March 2011
Sunday 27 March 2011
Analysis of an Opening Sequence - Tormented - Lucy Johnston
Tormented is a 2009, British, horror film by BBC Films in association with Pathé and Forward Films. Tormented was directed by Jon Wright, and was distributed by Warner Bros. Tormented is considered a low budget film at £700,000 and received mostly positive reviews. The opening sequence of Tormented, is quick similar to the opening sequence of our film, as it starts with the aftermath of murder opposed to the beginning, however while our film starts in somewhat the middle of the film, Tormented starts at the end.
The starts of the film is a shot of a police car, this first frame signals to the audience that something bad has happened and that the situation is trying to be controlled. The camera then moves into a long shot, slightly tracking a pair of paramedics, also confirming something bad has happened, both of these are foreshadowing of injury or death. The music is deep and intense, and there is no overlaying of sound or speech, this makes the scene more dramatic, and as the vocals start, we see a girl being brought down the stairs. The audience assumes the events are happening in a school, as there are people dressed in uniform. School is linked with children and adolescents, signalling to the audience that these are the main characters within the film. The lighting in the first scene is dull and clouded, indicating to the audience that bad events have transpired in the school.
There is then a cut to a close up of the girl being escorted down the steps. The girl is also in a uniform and is being escorted by a police women, this makes her character seem unsteady, her face is also very pale and ghost-like, this shows the audience that she is at the hearts of the events, ad she is the first face we see. The sharp cuts of her walking down the stair fragment her position in the frame. This could be representing her mental state, as she could be very disorientated, from her shallow face, the audience can tell that she has been crying, and she so far looks like a victim. We put into the police car, the camera is still focused on her face, and as the car door closes, another girl steps into frame, in the reflection from the car window. This signals to the audience that there could be a relationship between the two girls, but the closing of the door, could symbolise the ending of that friendship, and that the girl in the car could be a villain.
As the music and vocals continue, there is a cut to black, and a caption showing ‘5 days earlier’, this then shows the audience that they have gone into the future, and makes them curious as to how they will get there as they progress through the story. The caption then fades, as does the music, and there is a cut to back to the girl. In the past her character is less pale, indicating that she is happier, and the fact that the music stops also uplifts the mood. However we then see that she is speaking in a church, at a funeral. Most of the people in the pews are wearing all black or suits; the girl however is in school uniform. Black in this context signifies mourning and loss, the fact that the girl is wearing a uniform, shows that she is not in mourning, and that her speaking is more a formality than a desire.
At the word “friend” a small boy with glasses stands up and swears. Although he is also in uniform, showing that he perhaps also isn’t in mourning, he shows that he has connections with the diseased, revealing to the audience that “Darren didn’t have any friends, that’s why he killed himself.” This revelation could spark sympathy for the dead boy and his friends. However the boy stating that all in at the funeral murdered him, makes him seem strange and a bit crazy. A man in a tracksuit throws out the boy with ease. This shows his weakness and makes him look more pathetic. This confrontation between them, the older man telling the boy to “show some respect”, could signal to the audience that there are further disagreements to come within the film. The boy also scrambles to his feet, showing his small frame, his glasses also symbolise that he is non-athletic, and lacks strength.
As the doors close, there is a cut to a long shot of the boy throwing stones at the church. This signifies to the audience a lack of faith, and his anger towards those inside. As a church is a place of worship, it can be said that the boy is already contradicting the man, as he is not showing respect for the building, and those that dwell within. The music then starts again, making the shot seem more disturbing and depressing. The camera then tilts up toward the top of the church, perhaps going toward the higher power, or instead a prettier way to end the shot.
The is a cut to a family and a women, probably Darren’s mother, putting a small bear on the grave. There is a cut to an extreme close up of the bear, with a baby blue jumper, with “forget me not” stitched in. The fact that the bear gets a close up, forebodes that we will see the bear again, and that it has importance within the narrative. There is then an over the shoulder shot of the girl, showing that she is being watched, and by a shot-reverse over the shoulder shot, we learn that it is the small boy with glasses that is watching her. These exchanged looking makes the boy seem intimidating, but also shows that there will be further clashes between the pair. It is the girl that then ends the exchange by turning and walking away, her exit is greeted with rock music, contradicting the previous style of music. This change at the end of the opening sequence also signals a change in the mood of the film, or perhaps that the girl herself is going to change.
Lucy Johnston
Friday 25 March 2011
Thursday 24 March 2011
Opening Sequence Analysis "The Disappeared" - Monica Jane Wyithe
For my research task i chose to analyse the opening sequence of the teen horror/ thriller "The disappeared", directed, produced and written by Johnny Kervorkian . The film was made in 2008 and was filmed as a low budget British feature film, this inspired us to make our own thriller/horror opening sequence as it has the similar qualities that we intended for our film.
The Sequence starts off with a medium close up shot of main protagonist, Matthew. He is framed at the right hand side while looking down at the ground showing the audience that he may be ashamed of himself and that he may of done something wrong. The location of the film is also discovered in the scene as there are nurses in the background which gives an idea to the audience that he is in some kind of ward or hospital and needed to be taken care of. While this is happening the music fades in and the tension increase when the music gets louder. The next shot is a mid shot of Matthew through the opening of a door, it looks as if someone is watching him. However, this may reflect on his personality and emotions as part of the door is covering part of him which could mean that part of his life is dark and closed off, like a secret.
In the next scene, there are different shots of a different location; a council estate, which is part of the mis-en-scene, the different shots, show the different parts of the council estate, but is shown with tension and emotion. This was done by creating a sense that the place was empty and lifeless as the weather and time of day was late afternoon so the lighting is dim and grey, just like the atmosphere of the film. While this is happening the background music is a kind of creepy and chilling track, which creates the atmosphere.
The title of the film then fades in with tear drops in the background, which could symbolise the emotions of the film. The next shot is a mid tracking shot of the father and son walking back home, while Matthew is walking behind him looking down, still giving away the fact that he has done something wrong. The fact that Matthew can't look at his dad gives this emotion away to the audience as it shows regret and distress the way his body language is speaking to the camera.
In the next scene they arrive at the flat and the boy goes into the room and straight away the audience can notice a little boy's school bag hanging from the door hook which Matthew opens the door, this highlights the fact that there is something to do with a younger child within the movie. The next shot is a mid-shot of a stripped bed, maybe insinuating that someone is gone or has 'Disappeared' in his life, the shot then cuts to a toy fire truck, probably his brothers toys and then to a picture frame of the him, his father and his little brother. The mother isn't there meaning that they have probably lost her before this has happened. The way Matthew looks at it these objects, the audience can see the remorse in his eyes, and the audience can tell that he has something to do with the disappearance. It is then cut back to the fire truck but then loud music starts to fade it and a flash back occurs at the scene which by then the director has created a match on action technique with the fire truck, which gives a little history of what had happened.
The loud music insinuates a party of some sort, with teenagers. Alcohol, drugs and expletive language is expressed within this seen which represents the stereotypical view of teenagers; destructive and boisterous. The teenagers are drunk and acting doltish signifying that teenagers are ignorant and irresponsible about their behaviour. Matthew's little brother then comes up to his older brother; Matthew as if he looks up to him and complains that he is bored, which also means that when Matthew isn't with his friends and getting high, he may have been spending time hanging out with his brother. However, when the little brother decides to go to the playground and Matthew agrees but has a patronising tone towards his little brother, the shot goes straight into a long-shot of a playground but at a different part of the day meaning that the flash back has come back to the present, and even though there is a little boy on the swings, it gives the idea to the audience that it might be his little brother. While this is happening the sad music comes back on and an ambulance siren starts which could mean that the neighbourhood isn't safe especially for younger children and by themselves is worse.
A wipe transition is made of a mid shot of Matthew in the center of the frame, smoking. This portrays him as a rebellious teenager but could also mean that he is troubled in life, and that he may think that smoking is a way out of it or to help him. He is staring into the playground as if he was reminiscing or remember someone in his past. When he is finished with his cigarette, he walks to the left of the frame meaning that he is trying to go back to the past to fix something that he had done, the mistakes he has made. There is another wipe transition into a close up shot of Matthew playing with the remote, this can symbolise boredom and loneliness and the camera tracks up to his face the audience can tell that even doing that he is concentrating because he is so bored he is normally entertained by something but you can also tell that he is troubled. Time passes by and he keeps fidgeting around the place and starts to play with a toy dolphin. The audience automatically assumes that its his littles brothers toy, you could easily tell that he is obviously thinking about his brother through his emotions, while he stares into space.
Matthew then gets up and goes to a cupboard where boxes are filled with things in there, obviously which are important to him. He then takes out a box and rummages through it, this makes the audience wonder what he is looking for but he then takes out a new paper article of a missing boy; his little brother. This is shown as a an over the shoulder shot, so we can see it from their point of view and in this case Matthews point of view. The camera then get an extreme close up and tracks along the news paper which highlights the words "Young boy, 8, missing on London Estate" and tracks to his little brothers picture. There is then a cute transition of Matthew looking up, expressing emotions of guilt as his eyes starts to widen. He then takes a video tape but pauses for a while illustrating the sense of hesitation in his actions he then puts it in the video player.
The next scene the television is at the center of the shot and it just a news report of the CCTV footage for his brother in the park, sitting by himself on the swings. The camera then tracks into the television while the father is talking in a conference room about his brother, by the end its a close up of his dad's face as he says how much he misses his son and wants him back. You can see the desperation in his eyes as if he was talking to the criminal that took his son away from him as he is looking straight into the lens of the camera, by this time the audience has sympathised with the father for the loss of his son. While the TV is still playing the video tape a child's voice is saying "Matthew", the audience get a an idea that it may be his little brother trying to talk to him, and goes into an extremely close up of Matthew and you can feel his shock as the audience can feel how he feels. Then there is a fast track on to his face from the left to an extremely close up of his face with his eyes wide open, you could see the fear in his eyes. The child's voice says "Matthew" again but this time it gets louder and while that happen the camera tracks up while he jumps up really quickly, showing his frustration and fear.
The next shot is a low angled long shot of himself but behind an open door, like someone is watching him but looking up at him. Which may be his little brother as he is short and he looks up to his brother, this is also a giveaway because of the voices he is hearing. Paranormal activities start to happen like noises start to happen and he starts pacing around the room calling for his dad. Thinking it may be just his dad coming home from getting food. You can sense the fear and anxiety he is feeling as his emotions are pouring out of this scene. Matthew then watches it for the 3rd time just to make sure its not his imagination and the child voices repeats itself again, you can see the concentration in his eyes as a close up is used in this shot. He then gets frustrated and takes the tape out of the video player and sits himself down, this is a high angled long shot telling the audience that he is weak and scared.
The Sequence starts off with a medium close up shot of main protagonist, Matthew. He is framed at the right hand side while looking down at the ground showing the audience that he may be ashamed of himself and that he may of done something wrong. The location of the film is also discovered in the scene as there are nurses in the background which gives an idea to the audience that he is in some kind of ward or hospital and needed to be taken care of. While this is happening the music fades in and the tension increase when the music gets louder. The next shot is a mid shot of Matthew through the opening of a door, it looks as if someone is watching him. However, this may reflect on his personality and emotions as part of the door is covering part of him which could mean that part of his life is dark and closed off, like a secret.
In the next scene, there are different shots of a different location; a council estate, which is part of the mis-en-scene, the different shots, show the different parts of the council estate, but is shown with tension and emotion. This was done by creating a sense that the place was empty and lifeless as the weather and time of day was late afternoon so the lighting is dim and grey, just like the atmosphere of the film. While this is happening the background music is a kind of creepy and chilling track, which creates the atmosphere.
The title of the film then fades in with tear drops in the background, which could symbolise the emotions of the film. The next shot is a mid tracking shot of the father and son walking back home, while Matthew is walking behind him looking down, still giving away the fact that he has done something wrong. The fact that Matthew can't look at his dad gives this emotion away to the audience as it shows regret and distress the way his body language is speaking to the camera.
In the next scene they arrive at the flat and the boy goes into the room and straight away the audience can notice a little boy's school bag hanging from the door hook which Matthew opens the door, this highlights the fact that there is something to do with a younger child within the movie. The next shot is a mid-shot of a stripped bed, maybe insinuating that someone is gone or has 'Disappeared' in his life, the shot then cuts to a toy fire truck, probably his brothers toys and then to a picture frame of the him, his father and his little brother. The mother isn't there meaning that they have probably lost her before this has happened. The way Matthew looks at it these objects, the audience can see the remorse in his eyes, and the audience can tell that he has something to do with the disappearance. It is then cut back to the fire truck but then loud music starts to fade it and a flash back occurs at the scene which by then the director has created a match on action technique with the fire truck, which gives a little history of what had happened.
The loud music insinuates a party of some sort, with teenagers. Alcohol, drugs and expletive language is expressed within this seen which represents the stereotypical view of teenagers; destructive and boisterous. The teenagers are drunk and acting doltish signifying that teenagers are ignorant and irresponsible about their behaviour. Matthew's little brother then comes up to his older brother; Matthew as if he looks up to him and complains that he is bored, which also means that when Matthew isn't with his friends and getting high, he may have been spending time hanging out with his brother. However, when the little brother decides to go to the playground and Matthew agrees but has a patronising tone towards his little brother, the shot goes straight into a long-shot of a playground but at a different part of the day meaning that the flash back has come back to the present, and even though there is a little boy on the swings, it gives the idea to the audience that it might be his little brother. While this is happening the sad music comes back on and an ambulance siren starts which could mean that the neighbourhood isn't safe especially for younger children and by themselves is worse.
A wipe transition is made of a mid shot of Matthew in the center of the frame, smoking. This portrays him as a rebellious teenager but could also mean that he is troubled in life, and that he may think that smoking is a way out of it or to help him. He is staring into the playground as if he was reminiscing or remember someone in his past. When he is finished with his cigarette, he walks to the left of the frame meaning that he is trying to go back to the past to fix something that he had done, the mistakes he has made. There is another wipe transition into a close up shot of Matthew playing with the remote, this can symbolise boredom and loneliness and the camera tracks up to his face the audience can tell that even doing that he is concentrating because he is so bored he is normally entertained by something but you can also tell that he is troubled. Time passes by and he keeps fidgeting around the place and starts to play with a toy dolphin. The audience automatically assumes that its his littles brothers toy, you could easily tell that he is obviously thinking about his brother through his emotions, while he stares into space.
Matthew then gets up and goes to a cupboard where boxes are filled with things in there, obviously which are important to him. He then takes out a box and rummages through it, this makes the audience wonder what he is looking for but he then takes out a new paper article of a missing boy; his little brother. This is shown as a an over the shoulder shot, so we can see it from their point of view and in this case Matthews point of view. The camera then get an extreme close up and tracks along the news paper which highlights the words "Young boy, 8, missing on London Estate" and tracks to his little brothers picture. There is then a cute transition of Matthew looking up, expressing emotions of guilt as his eyes starts to widen. He then takes a video tape but pauses for a while illustrating the sense of hesitation in his actions he then puts it in the video player.
The next shot is a low angled long shot of himself but behind an open door, like someone is watching him but looking up at him. Which may be his little brother as he is short and he looks up to his brother, this is also a giveaway because of the voices he is hearing. Paranormal activities start to happen like noises start to happen and he starts pacing around the room calling for his dad. Thinking it may be just his dad coming home from getting food. You can sense the fear and anxiety he is feeling as his emotions are pouring out of this scene. Matthew then watches it for the 3rd time just to make sure its not his imagination and the child voices repeats itself again, you can see the concentration in his eyes as a close up is used in this shot. He then gets frustrated and takes the tape out of the video player and sits himself down, this is a high angled long shot telling the audience that he is weak and scared.The Whole Experience - Monica Jane Wyithe
As a whole experience with filming the opening sequence of our low budget teen horror/thriller British film, it has been very eventful and a lot of hard work has been put towards the sequence. It may have been hard work but it has been successful, I think that our final piece creates the shock for the audience that we were intending to have and also makes them want to continue to watch the whole film.
Filming was a challenge as it was extremely cold but we were able to get the footage we wanted, the set was done up properly and we planned where the body started and where the body had to be carried to this made sure that the actors knew where to carry her. Directing the actors went well, as they listened to instructions and most of the filming went according to plan. We all got along well with each other during the filming between us and the actors as they were very understanding of the cold circumstances so we got everything done without hassle.
Creating the blogs were also a challenge as we had to plan out what we needed to write. Therefore, I made a list of the different kinds of blogs we needed so that there was a backbone for us to use and that we made sure the blogs had quality and quantity within them so we took our time blogging while Lucy did the editing for the opening sequence.
Filming was a challenge as it was extremely cold but we were able to get the footage we wanted, the set was done up properly and we planned where the body started and where the body had to be carried to this made sure that the actors knew where to carry her. Directing the actors went well, as they listened to instructions and most of the filming went according to plan. We all got along well with each other during the filming between us and the actors as they were very understanding of the cold circumstances so we got everything done without hassle.
Creating the blogs were also a challenge as we had to plan out what we needed to write. Therefore, I made a list of the different kinds of blogs we needed so that there was a backbone for us to use and that we made sure the blogs had quality and quantity within them so we took our time blogging while Lucy did the editing for the opening sequence.
Dead Giveaway - Sound and Music
At the start of our opening sequence 'Dead Giveaway', when the opening credits are shown, birds are heard chirping loudly and this immediately gives the audience an idea that our film is set outside amongst nature. Whilst the birds are chirping, a deep drone is heard beneath this which expresses a chilling sound and identifies our film as a thriller.
Then as soon as our film title appears, the bird chirping becomes quieter and as the drone is still held. Five single notes of the piano are played in a high pitch which signifies a spooky and haunting story. The music then dramatically cuts off when the group of teens portrayed in our sequence drop the dead body on the forest ground. Since this is quite a shocking moment, the fact that the music comes to a sudden halt is effective in the sense that it grabs the audience's attention.
Birds are still heard singing and chirping in the background underneath our character's dialogue because we thought the peaceful connotations of nature contrasted well with thriller genre and the chaos that occurs in our opening sequence.
We tried snapping twigs next to the microphone as this sound startles the anxious female character, Jenny. However, this wasn't loud enough when we heard it back on iMovie and we decided to go to www.sound-effects-library.com and found various twig snap soundbites from this website and included them in our sequence. Furthermore, we found an audio clip of foxes howling which added to the eerie atmosphere we were aiming to create.
At the end, the teens run away from the scene and another deep drone is heard and a different piano sequence is played in a minor key which foreshadows danger and evokes the vulnerability of the characters.
Sophiya Ali
Then as soon as our film title appears, the bird chirping becomes quieter and as the drone is still held. Five single notes of the piano are played in a high pitch which signifies a spooky and haunting story. The music then dramatically cuts off when the group of teens portrayed in our sequence drop the dead body on the forest ground. Since this is quite a shocking moment, the fact that the music comes to a sudden halt is effective in the sense that it grabs the audience's attention.
Birds are still heard singing and chirping in the background underneath our character's dialogue because we thought the peaceful connotations of nature contrasted well with thriller genre and the chaos that occurs in our opening sequence.
We tried snapping twigs next to the microphone as this sound startles the anxious female character, Jenny. However, this wasn't loud enough when we heard it back on iMovie and we decided to go to www.sound-effects-library.com and found various twig snap soundbites from this website and included them in our sequence. Furthermore, we found an audio clip of foxes howling which added to the eerie atmosphere we were aiming to create.
At the end, the teens run away from the scene and another deep drone is heard and a different piano sequence is played in a minor key which foreshadows danger and evokes the vulnerability of the characters.
Sophiya Ali
Types of Shots
Looking back at our opening sequence after we had filmed and edited it, we realised that we did not vary our types of shots and we didn't have enough. We should have shot more close ups to capture the emotions of the characters and so that the audience can feel involved in the situation. Even though we didn't get enough footage, we did get some good shots.
For instance, in the first bit of the opening sequence, there is a extreme close up of the dead girl Emily. This creates tension and shocks the audience, making them wonder how she died and who killed her. Her eyes are wide open giving a sense that when she died it was a shock to her.
The next scene, there is a shot where they are looking down at the body (the camera) and talking to each other and the frame goes from blurred out (out of focus) to in focus.This way the audience can get to know a little bit about the characters as their emotions are expressed when they are looking down at the body, this still makes the audience shocked.
In the next scene, there is a close up of the body being dropped from a the top of the frame to the bottom of the frame, creating a 'thud' noise as they drop her, this creates tension and mixed emotions of being rushed and fear. The light reflecting on the dead bodies face, defines the paleness of her skin, illuminating the fact that she is dead. We shuffled the leaves around her to show the fact that she is being buried in the woods.
Monica Wyithe
In the next scene, there is a close up of the body being dropped from a the top of the frame to the bottom of the frame, creating a 'thud' noise as they drop her, this creates tension and mixed emotions of being rushed and fear. The light reflecting on the dead bodies face, defines the paleness of her skin, illuminating the fact that she is dead. We shuffled the leaves around her to show the fact that she is being buried in the woods.Monica Wyithe
Studio and Production Company Name
We chose the name 'Vision Studios' because the word 'vision' represents the future yet in literal terms, the word means the ability to perceive with the eyes and a key aim of ours was to convey a great visual spectacle for our target audience to enjoy. Furthermore, our studio name suggests we have a clear 'vision' of what we aspire to create which gives the impression that our studio is trustworthy and professional. 
The name for our production company is 'Master Volume'. We came up with this name as the word 'master' comes with the connotations of control and power and this suggests that we have created a powerful and meaningful film for our viewers. In addition, the word 'volume' implies sound and this relates to the dialogue and the complex narrative that is presented in our film. Lastly, it also alludes to the fact that the quality of sound is outstanding.Monica Wyithe + Sophiya Ali
Research into media institutions: Film4 Productions - Sophiya Ali
This particular media institution prides itself on working with the most original talent in the UK, whether established or upcoming and this encourages a diverse group of directors to propose a range of different ideas. Essentially, the institution’s aims and objectives are to discover mainly new talent and then help them to establish their talent, by providing them with the platform of having their film shown on the Film4 channel and potentially make it to cinema release. An example of this is ‘This Is England’ which was shown on Film4 first and then proceeded to transform into a massive box-office hit.
Furthermore, they produce/co-finance such an array of films and especially take interest in developing low-budget British films like the psychological thriller ‘Dead Man’s Shoes’ (2004) directed by Shane Meadows and Paddy Considine. ‘Dead Man’s Shoes’ began with a small budget of £723,000 yet it still managed to receive wide positive acclaim from many critics, mainly describing the film as an ‘outright masterpiece’.
They chose to produce texts by paying attention to upcoming directors with fresh, new ideas to offer. Additionally, anyone can get in contact and submit a proposal via the website which provides the availability for everyone to get in touch. Film4 Productions really provides an accessible platform for new directors and low-budget films and can transform them into a success, like ‘Dead Man’s Shoes’ and ‘How to Lose Friends and Alienate People’. Also, the fact they produce films of many different genres is appealing as this becomes an opportunity and potential platform in order for directors to exhibit their films.
Lastly, since our film is a low budget British teenage thriller, we thought that a media institution such as Film4 Productions may be ideal for new, budding film-makers and from this research it’s clear to see that they have produced thrillers that have become incredibly successful.
Sophiya Ali
Problems
During filming and editing of our opening sequence we faced some problems. While we were filming, time wasn't on our side as it got dark really quickly and by the end of the opening sequence the audience could hardly see the characters. For our opening sequence it was supposed to be filmed in the early hours of the morning and getting lighter. As a consequence, we had to find a way to it to make it less shocking that it was getting darker. We then decided to add a 'fade in' transition as so it was less of a shock to the audience at the fact it was getting darker. Even though filming didn't go according to plan, it did create an negative and chilling atmosphere within the storyline of the opening sequence, which we were trying to create in the first place, so it having it getting darker wasn't a major problem as we found a way to make good use of it.
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| The jogger is circled in red |
Another problem we faced was while we were filming we did not realise that there was a jogger in the background on top of the hill. Although the jogger maybe be tiny and could hardly be seen, it wasn't a big deal as we couldn't do anything about it anyway because the only software we were using was iMovie and was not able to remove him from the shot.
Within our opening sequence there is a scene when Jenny hears twigs snap as if someone was there or watching them. However, we thought that we couldn't hear the twigs very well as it blended in at the part when Micheal was digging up the dirt. We realised we needed to make the twig snap harder and louder so we replaced it with an audio clip we found online so it could be heard better.
Our last problem with our opening sequence was the fact that we didn't film enough shots as we intended to as it got extremely cold and getting darker quickly. This also had a impact on the actors and ourselves because we were all getting cold and impatient. Therefore, we had learnt from our lesson but unfortunately did not have enough time to film on another day.
Monica Wyithe
Wednesday 23 March 2011
Friday 18 March 2011
Thursday 17 March 2011
Questionnaire
We designed this questionnaire in order to conduct audience research.
Our target audience are dominantly British teenagers/students since our thriller film 'Dead Giveaway' revolves around a group of British teens, enabling our audience with the chance to relate. Furthermore, each character possesses a different personality and social status within the group, which can be reflective of teen friendship groups in real-life, allowing the audience to perhaps identify with certain characters they feel most alike to.
Because we had already established our target audience, we handed out this questionnaire to a number of our friends and siblings, ranging from the ages 15-18, and then collected the results for analysis.
Most common results:
1.) Horror/Thriller - Our sample gave evidence that this genre is popular amongst teenagers and we felt glad we were aiming our thriller film at a teenage audience.
2.) 'I find the genre and build up of tension exciting.' - Most answers were similar to this one and we concluded that tension and suspense are key conventions of thriller films. Therefore, our opening sequence had to be gripping and mysterious in order for our viewers to become enticed and eager to watch the whole film and follow the story.
3.) Once a month - We initially thought the answer to this question would be that our target audience visit the cinema more often. This result maybe due to the fact their is a deficiency of horror/thriller films specifically aimed at teens/students.
4.) Friends - This suggests our audience are very sociable and enjoy sharing the film experience together. Our film is based on a corrupt group of teenage friends and this can make it identifiable with our audience.
5.) Full time/part-time student - Teenage students are most likely to be interested in our film, making our target audience more specific.
6.) 'Good acting and believability.' - We thought many gave this answer as they feel verisimilitude of the film is extremely significant and a successful film should be able to create this sense of realism from an opening sequence, which is what we aspired to do.
7.) Included: 'I Am Number Four', 'Black Swan', 'Rango', 'Unknown' - 'My friend recommended it and the trailer caught my interest.' - The majority of the films listed were psychological thrillers but comedy animation films such as 'Rango' and 'Despicable Me' were also popular. Such films have had strong marketing campaigns which have gained mass media attention and have released merchandise. We think releasing a soundtrack for our thriller film would be effective as this type of synergy would give us another platform to gain recognition and success for our film.
8.) Included: 'Donnie Darko', 'Inception', 'Clueless' - There was a mixture of recent psychological thrillers and classic comedies, signifying the wide taste in films from our audience.
9.) 'They create adrenaline and suspense in the audience and usually have a mysterious storyline.' - All answers were very similar to this one and it reinforced the idea that creating suspense, mystery and a build up of adrenaline within our audience will keep them watching.
10.) Included: 'Sorority Row', 'Shutter Island', 'Prom Night' - Films given were primarily recent American thrillers that have all made it straight to the cinemas. However, this only made us more determined to create a low-budget British film that is worthy of cinema release and we thought focusing on the narrative and camera shots would help us achieve this goal.
Sophiya Ali
Dead Giveaway Plot Synopsis
The film opens with four teenagers burying a dead girl's body (Emily). This takes place in the woods at dawn and the group of teenagers fall into a clash over what has happened and whose fault it is. As the body is being deeply buried, dark rainclouds begin to gather above them and they begin to hear loud twig snaps from nearby and foxes howling. The teenagers become increasingly paranoid that they are not alone and decide to leave the scene in the darkness. After they have left, we hear heavy footsteps and see the feet of someone standing over Emily's grave. There is then a flashback to 8 hours earlier.
The flashback depicts an establishing shot of a large college and Emily is approaching the entrance, walking past a group of four teenagers: Sara, Jenny, Michael and Jason. Although Emily goes past unseen, it is a teacher that brings her to the attention of the teenagers. Chasing her up for late coursework, Emily is told off by one of her teacher's and Sara steps in to antagonise the situation. Her efforts are cetainly not appreciated by the teacher, yet they are by Jason, who laughs, while Jenny just tries to ignore everything. Emily then runs off inside the building.
Afterwards, we see Emily in various lessons, not paying much attention and failing in her work. It is then lunchtime and the stressed Emily is in the canteen queue when the group cut in front of her. Before realising it is them, Emily gets angry and yells at them, only when they have turned around and she witnesses Sara's evil glare does she soon regret it.
Still during lunch, Emily is in an art room, when she hears Sara coming along the corridor. Sara and Jenny enter the room after seeing the art cupboard close as they enter. Sara and Jenny go inside the art cupboard only to find Emily there seemingly looking for supplies. There is then a heated argument, in which Sara says to Emily that she must show respect. Sara goes to push Emily, but Jenny steps in front of her, Sara get even angrier, and pushes them both. Emily is then knocked into the side of the cupboard banging her head. Sara then shouts to wake her, Jenny soon realises that Emily is also bleeding from her side, seeing the blood on the floor and Stanley knives sticking out of the side of the cupboard. Jenny then starts screaming and crying hysterically. Hearing this, Jason and Michael enter the art cupboard; both shocked at what they see; however Jason begins to laugh. Michael begins to comfort Jenny and the group formulate a plan. They lock the art cupboard and keep the keys.
In the early hours that night, after atteneding a house party, the group break into the school and move the body into Jason’s car and drive into a desolate woods. Suddenly, they hear noises from inside the boot. Sara and Jason go to investigate, seeing a dying Emily in her last breath, Sara then hits her with a shovel and she dies. Not knowing what Sara and Jason have done, Jenny still continues to cry and is comforted by Michael, who explains that they have to do this so they don’t get into trouble. We then see the opening sequence repeat and watch the burial of Emily after knowing what has happened to her. The group flee the scene and we again see the feet of an unknown person standing by Emily's grave.
The next day goes by, and no one seems to notice that Emily isn’t there. It is only at the end of the day when the teacher wanting coursework asks Jenny where she is. Jenny replies that she doesn’t know and after school starts freaking out, and must be calmed down by Michael. It is then that we see a person watching them, but then they disappear.
Lucy Johnston
The flashback depicts an establishing shot of a large college and Emily is approaching the entrance, walking past a group of four teenagers: Sara, Jenny, Michael and Jason. Although Emily goes past unseen, it is a teacher that brings her to the attention of the teenagers. Chasing her up for late coursework, Emily is told off by one of her teacher's and Sara steps in to antagonise the situation. Her efforts are cetainly not appreciated by the teacher, yet they are by Jason, who laughs, while Jenny just tries to ignore everything. Emily then runs off inside the building.
Afterwards, we see Emily in various lessons, not paying much attention and failing in her work. It is then lunchtime and the stressed Emily is in the canteen queue when the group cut in front of her. Before realising it is them, Emily gets angry and yells at them, only when they have turned around and she witnesses Sara's evil glare does she soon regret it.
Still during lunch, Emily is in an art room, when she hears Sara coming along the corridor. Sara and Jenny enter the room after seeing the art cupboard close as they enter. Sara and Jenny go inside the art cupboard only to find Emily there seemingly looking for supplies. There is then a heated argument, in which Sara says to Emily that she must show respect. Sara goes to push Emily, but Jenny steps in front of her, Sara get even angrier, and pushes them both. Emily is then knocked into the side of the cupboard banging her head. Sara then shouts to wake her, Jenny soon realises that Emily is also bleeding from her side, seeing the blood on the floor and Stanley knives sticking out of the side of the cupboard. Jenny then starts screaming and crying hysterically. Hearing this, Jason and Michael enter the art cupboard; both shocked at what they see; however Jason begins to laugh. Michael begins to comfort Jenny and the group formulate a plan. They lock the art cupboard and keep the keys.
In the early hours that night, after atteneding a house party, the group break into the school and move the body into Jason’s car and drive into a desolate woods. Suddenly, they hear noises from inside the boot. Sara and Jason go to investigate, seeing a dying Emily in her last breath, Sara then hits her with a shovel and she dies. Not knowing what Sara and Jason have done, Jenny still continues to cry and is comforted by Michael, who explains that they have to do this so they don’t get into trouble. We then see the opening sequence repeat and watch the burial of Emily after knowing what has happened to her. The group flee the scene and we again see the feet of an unknown person standing by Emily's grave.
The next day goes by, and no one seems to notice that Emily isn’t there. It is only at the end of the day when the teacher wanting coursework asks Jenny where she is. Jenny replies that she doesn’t know and after school starts freaking out, and must be calmed down by Michael. It is then that we see a person watching them, but then they disappear.
Lucy Johnston
Monday 14 March 2011
Production Log: 14th March 2011 - Chosen Film Title
'Dead Giveaway'
From our three possible film titles mentioned in a post below, we have finally made our choice. Our thriller film is called 'Dead Giveway'.
We all agreed this was the best option as it fits the thriller genre effectively and so much can be interpreted from this title. For example, it foreshadows the theme of death which is a key convention of the horror/thriller genre and the word 'giveaway' makes reference to discovering a dead body or a deep, dark secret.
Another reason we selected it is because it exudes mystery and suspiscion into the minds of our audience as they will surely feel eager to find out the 'Dead Giveaway', the consequences and the whole story behind it. Moreover, the simplicity of the title and the fact the word 'dead' is very striking tempts the audience to watch the film, which is a key reason to why we chose this title.
Lastly, it suggests conventional thriller themes, such as: death, secrecy and suspicion.
Sophiya Ali
Monday 7 March 2011
Production Log: 7th March 2011 - Possible Film Titles
She Lies Beneath
This title implies that the film is a thriller as it hints that a character is buried beneath the earth and forsehadows that someone knows and it is not a secret. It also has a sense of mystery about it and entices our target audience to watch our film, as people want to know who lies beneath?
However, this title is similar to the 2000 supernatural horrror 'What Lies Beneath' and this film includes the idea someone in a body bag, much like our film. Therefore, a negative aspect of selecting the title 'She Lies Beneath' is that it's too similar to an existing horror title and we want ours to be unique.
Emily
'Emily' is the name of the dead character in our thriller film and adopting this as the title for our film hints that the female character has a significant role/meaning. Also, the pure innocence and simplicity of the name contrasts with the fact our film is a thriller; a genre associated with death, blood and evil.
On the other hand, having a key character's name as the film title can be viewed as a generic convention of the comedy genre. For example: 'Borat', 'Alfie', 'Bruno' etc.
A point to consider is that we could challenge the typical key conventions of thriller films by choosing 'Emily' as our film title, even though this is usually common in comedies.
Dead Giveaway
This fits the thriller genre effectively as is foreshadows the theme of death and the word 'giveaway' hints to someone possibly uncovering a dead body or a dark secret. Additionally, it is mysterious and intriguing because the audience will surely feel eager to discover the ' Dead Giveaway' and the story behind it.
Conversely, a negative aspect surrounding this title is that it fails to be memorbale since it's not short and sharp as opposed to 'Emily'.
However, the vagueness of the title taunts the audience into watching the film and it suggests key themes of a typical thriller, such as: death and secrecy.
Sophiya Ali
Saturday 5 March 2011
Costume Analysis
When selecting costumes for our actors, it was important to consider each character's personality and base their outfit around this. Also, it is dawn and they have just come out of an all night/day rave so we took this into account and chose costumes we feel that typical teenagers would wear on a night out.
Sara has a 'thug-like' personality yet her costume consists of a ruffled black high-waisted skirt and a vest top which makes it quite feminine and highlights the fact she has come from a party. We felt this outfit suited her personality as she is a very self-centered, vain individual who obviously enjoys keeping up with the modern clothing trends of society. The contrast between her feminine costume and aggressive persona shows that she is perhaps more delicate than people think, as in our sequence she conveys a worried and vulnerable side.We also made her wear a hoodie under the hard exterior of the leather jacket, indicating that she has a softer side underneath the ignorant personality that she has.
Jenny is a softer character and this is reinforced by her costume. She is wearing a light-coloured hoodie which conveys her sensitive and soft personality. Furthermore, she is wearing a white top with a colourful butterfly print which emphasises her innocence, vulnerability and childlike nature.
Micheal is portrayed as caring since he is protective over Jenny. However, this is juxtaposed with his costume as he is wearing a white t-shirt covered and smeared with Emily's blood. The white t-shirt is symbolic of purity and innocence but since it is covered in blood it shows how he's been tainted by the corruption of the group and their actions. In addition, all of our characters have blood on their hands to signify they are responsible for the death of Emily and this burden will permanently remain with them. Also, it adds to the thriller genre because blood relates to death, brutality and evil.
Jason is wearing dark coloured clothing to correlate with his dark personality which is shown in our opening sequence. He doesn't have as much blood on his hands along with Sara, as opposed to the more vulnerable characters such as Jenny and Michael. This is ironic as Sara and Jason are more aggressive individuals who show no remorse and this indicates that they enjoy getting others to do their 'dirty work' for them, highlighting similar characteristics they both share.
Ultimately, a binary opposition appears as Jenny and Micheal naturally team up while Sara and Jason team up too. This is shown through the costumes as Jenny and Michael are wearing lighter clothes than Sara and Jason, who are depicted in darker clothes, representative of evil and malice.
Monica Wyithe + Lucy Johnston + Sophiya Ali
Research into Alternative Media Institutions - Lucy Johnston
BBC Films is the feature film making part of the BBC, it is firmly established as one of the major studios for British Independent film makers, also working to co-produce with other studios such as Pathé, making approximately 8 films a year. BBC Films will also work with UK and international film distributors in order to achieve aims to make the British film industry strong with a broad range of films on offer, such as 2010s Tamara Drew and 2009s Tormented. Both of these films are very different, but are both successful. BBC Films are committed in finding new talented film makers collaborating with some of the best writers and directors in the industry.
Other media institutions could include Film4 Productions. a company owned by Channel 4, prides itself on working with original talent and also helping up and coming artists to make and distribute their films either on the Film4 channel or for full cinema release. anyone can get in touch through their website. Films such as This Is England, 2006, gave much critical acclaim to Film4, and it's director Shane Meadows, who has also collaborated with Film4 on other projects, such as Once Upon a Time in the Midlands, 2002.
As our film is lo budget, either of these companies would be ideal for distributing our film.
Lucy Johnston
Other media institutions could include Film4 Productions. a company owned by Channel 4, prides itself on working with original talent and also helping up and coming artists to make and distribute their films either on the Film4 channel or for full cinema release. anyone can get in touch through their website. Films such as This Is England, 2006, gave much critical acclaim to Film4, and it's director Shane Meadows, who has also collaborated with Film4 on other projects, such as Once Upon a Time in the Midlands, 2002.
As our film is lo budget, either of these companies would be ideal for distributing our film.
Lucy Johnston
Friday 4 March 2011
Location Research
The location we selected to film our thriller sequence in was Richmond Park. We chose this particular location because it was extremely spacious and open, which expressed an isolated and spooky landscape, thus defining our film as a thriller as it meets the key conventions of the genre . Also, because Richmond Park is so vast, we searched for the perfect area to shoot in and discovered a large hill deep into the park and close to it was a small forest with towering, skinny, bare trees, which created an eerie and intimidating atmosphere. Furthermore, our sequence was filmed in the late afternoon and the golden, twilight lighting that emerged through the branches of the trees created tension within our footage and added a mysterious ambience due to the tall shadows they would create upon the muddy, woodland floor. All of this contributed to the desolate and eerie mise-en-scene our group aimed to capture and the photos shown in the blog post below clearly portray this.
Text: Sophiya Ali
Text: Sophiya Ali
Thursday 3 March 2011
Wednesday 2 March 2011
Production Log: 2nd March 2011 - Final Day of Filming
We returned to Richmond Park today in order to re-shoot our footage for our opening thriller sequence. This time we were much better prepared and organised, considering that we re-drafted the script and drew up a final version of our storyboard. Also, the weather was far more pleasant than last Saturday since it was sunny and dry which meant we could all perform under these conditions. We began filming at 4pm and the lighting was really golden which added to the illusion that our sequence was set at dawn and we were hoping to convey this to our audience. Furthermore, we discovered a different part of Richmond Park that seemed to be more ideal to shoot in as it evoked an eerie, mysterious and isolated atmosphere which would define our film as one from the thriller genre. However, we encountered some problems such as, we should have shot even more footage than we needed because this would make the editing process easier and we should have worked faster, as the sun began to set towards the end of our footage and this altered the lighting. As a group, we have definitely learnt from this and using iMovie we hope we can enhance the brightness and contrast of a couple of shots towards the end to maintain the continuity of our sequence.
Sophiya Ali
Tuesday 1 March 2011
Production Schedule No.2 - Wed 2nd March
Wednesday 2nd March 2011
Richmond Park
Near Kingston-upon-Thames
- Establish a new location within the park; one that is much more haunting.
- Rehearsals (shot-by-shot)
- Test shots
- Complete run-through of sequence
- Film footage
Richmond Park
Near Kingston-upon-Thames
- Establish a new location within the park; one that is much more haunting.
- Rehearsals (shot-by-shot)
- Test shots
- Complete run-through of sequence
- Film footage
- We learnt from our errors last time we attempted to shoot and we want to improve on every aspect. This is beginning with the location within the park. Instead of filming on flat land with hills and slopes in the background, we aim to film amongst an eerie forest with bare, skeleton-like trees to create a chilling mise-en-scene, clearly defining our film as a thriller.
- This time we plan to rehearse with our actors shot-by-shot, in short steps so we have more time to ensure every shot is of equal quality.
- Test shots are still significant to us and we hope to make sure our frames are tightly packed to convey how the characters are 'trapped.'
- After rehearsing shot-by-shot, full run-through's of the entire sequence must be carried out to ensure everything looks smooth and natural.
- Since we have experienced a learning curve from our last attempt, we feel we are much better prepared and organised. Therefore, we all hope we can film everything we want to on this day.
Monday 28 February 2011
Analysis of an opening sequence: 'Summer Scars' - Sophiya
I chose to analyse the opening sequence of the teen thriller ‘Summer Scars’ directed by Julian Richards in 2007 and it’s based on a real life hostage situation that occurred in Richards childhood. This low-budget British feature film has acted as inspiration for our own thriller opening sequence.
The sequence begins with the opening credits presented in a graffiti style font sprayed on to a brick wall, which instantly emits a sense of rebellion and disorder. In addition, non-diegetic music is heard which gives off a mischievous, young feel due to its moderate tempo. This is all reflective of the characters attitudes shown later in the sequence and indicates the film will revolve around troubled youths. We then see the credits wipe to reveal a close up of a school bus window and the shot is disrupted when a teenage boy outside hits the window and the camera pans round to show two teenage boys asking for confrontation with those on the bus. A mid-shot is shown with the boy who hit the window at the front of the shot whilst the other is positioned behind him. This signifies the boy closest to the camera is a more dominant, troublesome character who clearly possesses the most power. The clip shows a long shot of the bus driving away, hinting the teens should be on it and then cuts to a mid-shot of the boys laughing and using expletive language, highlighting their carelessness and negative behaviour. The mise-en-scene of this particular shot tells us a lot about the characters. It presents the boys wearing ‘trackies’ plus they have their hoods up which signals the stereotypical view of teenagers; threatening and mischievous. Also, the run-down council flats in the background signify the teens are working class and the lack of vibrant colour in the shot indicates there is little happiness in their lives. The shot is then frozen with the most dominant boy pointing at the bus whilst laughing and by freezing the shot here; it highlights his high social status and intimidating persona. Moreover, the music heard has transformed into a rap which enhances the gangster image the boys portray.
The sequence wipes to show a long shot of an elderly woman in an allotment and a motorbike in the centre of the frame. The camera cuts to a mid-shot of another teenage boy and then pans round to reveal a teenage girl; they both have their hoods up which signifies rebellion and fearlessness. We witness them stealing the motorbike and they drive off whilst the camera tracks along the line of action to follow them, indicating they have prevailed and possess power over the woman who is captured in another freeze-frame to contrastingly imply her low status and distress.
Another ‘wipe’ shot transition is used and presents a mid-shot of a teenage boy pushing another boy in a wheelchair and the camera tracks to follow them until they disappear from the frame and we are left to see the two boys from the beginning of the sequence. This shows a contrast of character status and the audience get a sense of who has the most authority since the teens we’ve seen earlier still have their hoods up and the dominant one is smoking a joint, suggesting his tough persona. We then see a long shot of the boy being lifted out of the wheelchair by the boy who was helping him, which presents a sign of true affection and care. However, this is juxtaposed with a close up of the other two teen boys smoking the joint which is an example of cross-cutting juxtaposition editing and foreshadows the conflict within the group. The wheelchair is then dumped behind a bush, indicating it was perhaps stolen which adds to the constant theme of rebellion embodied in this sequence. Furthermore, the mise-en-scene of this long shot is foreboding to later events in the film as there is a sign reading ‘Danger. Keep Out’ on a fence behind the boys and the leafy surroundings suggest they are heading for the woods. The camera then focuses on the disabled teen being carried by the boy looking after him and the camera tracks to follow them walking down a winding path behind their two friends, which implies the everyday struggle the teenagers face in the world.
The camera cuts to illustrate the two teens introduced earlier, speeding on the motorbike along a path surrounded by trees, hinting that they are heading to the same place as the others and the audience recognise they are all linked as friends. Additionally, the camera shows them enter the shot then pans round to capture them leave, which highlights the immense speed they are travelling at, signifying their lack of fear and disregard of possible consequences.
We soon witness a high-angle shot of the four teenage boys when they reach their destination which suggests that the location is more intimidating than them and the audience realise that the woods can be a very isolated and dangerous place, identifying the film as a thriller. Also, the two dominant characters are chanting and sprint out of the shot and the camera slowly tracks to follow the other two behind, representing the differences the characters share even though they are a group of friends. Furthermore, a long shot of the mise-en-scene shows that this is the teens ‘escape’ from society and that they have visited this place before, due to the shed, chair and punching bag that appear in the frame. A mid-shot shows the two dominant teenagers boxing with the punching bag which is symbolic of the aggressiveness and violence that will occur later in the film. On the other hand, this is juxtaposed against a mid-shot of the other boy helping the disabled teen sit down, showing another clear sign of care and warmth.
The sequence cuts to reveal a mid-shot of the two teens with the motorbike and the boy steps forward so he is positioned closest to the camera and whistles. The camera then cuts back to the teenager’s ‘den’ and a mid-shot of the most dominant, rebellious boy imitates the whistle back. This reciprocal signal suggests a bond between them as friends and symbolises how they stick together. The camera then focuses on the disabled boy and his closest companion playing clapping games, highlighting the true innocent nature of the youngsters and foreshadows they are perhaps the most vulnerable characters. This image is quickly juxtaposed with the dominant boy locating his friends and pouncing on them in an immature manner. This is captured in a freeze frame, reminding the audience just how childlike and naive the teenagers really are.
Lastly, the film title ‘Summer Scars’ appears in a graffiti style font, which draws attention to the rebellious characters and the non-diegetic rap music fades down with the last lyric that is heard being : ‘If it all kicks off, what the hell are you gonna do?’ This foreshadows that the teenagers will find themselves in a disastrous situation beyond their control and out of their hands, which becomes the narrative of the film.
Sophiya Ali
Saturday 26 February 2011
Production Log: 26 Feb 2011 - First Day of Filming
Today was the first day we had planned to film footage for our main task; a teen thriller set in Richmond Park. We chose this location due to it being so spacious and open, plus it has a forest and also hills so we can vary the mise-en-scene. Unfortunately, we didn't manage to capture any usable footage today due to the rainy and windy weather conditions which made it extremely difficult to film in and hard for our actors to perform to their best. Also, the fact that there were dark rainclouds up above us made the lighting really poor and we tried using torches but it didn't appear to look like natural daylight, which was necessary for us to shoot a clear shot. The footage we shot didn't meet our expectations at all and we agreed as a group that we would much rather film everything again on a different day next week to a high standard and ensure that all our original actors can make it, as we had to find replacements for today's shoot. Despite all of these problems, we are determined to capture footage that meet our expectations and then begin editing as soon as possible.
Sophiya Ali
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