Evaluation Question 1
In what ways does your media product develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
The opening scene of my film both uses and challenges the codes and conventions found with films of the same genre. The aim with 'The Deal' was to create a recognisable action comedy film by at the same time create something that was new and interesting.
'The Deal' is about two school students who enter into a deal which is out of their depth and subsequently face the consequences. Martin is a shy boy but a genius inventor where as Taylor feels he can exploit Martins talents for his own financial benefit. As the deal at the start of the film goes wrong they spend the next 6 months on the run from these destructive criminals who want to use Martins devices as weapons. A friendship develops between Martin and Taylor throughout the feature which helps the add depth and meaning to the film.
Previous Genre Research; Conventions:
The conventions associated with action comedy films are:
-Fights
-Killings: death of loved ones
-Strong motive (preventing massive destruction)
-Hi tech equipment
-Located in a big modern city
-Weapons
-Relationships
-One smart character and one slower (funnier) character
-Awkward comedy moments
-Connection with characters
Ways in which I have matched and challenges there conventions of action comedies:
I have coincided with many codes and conventions of the action comedy genre in order to make it recognisable as that genre and familiar to the audience. 'The Deal' includes Hi tech equipment such as the mad inventions that Martin in capable of, this also adds sci fi elements to the film, as well as a strong motive for the action and destruction.
On the contrary to this I have also challenged and developed many forms and conventions associated with action comedy films. For an example of this I have decided to have two athletic lead characters in that of the school boys but one only mentally slower than the other. This differs from the likes of Hot Fuzz and the Jump Street films where half of the double act is there for slapstick comedy as well as just comedy in dialogue.
Another way in which I have followed the conventions of that my genre is that the protagonists of The Deal, play on the stereotypes of 'buddy cop' movies such as 21 Jump Street and Lethal Weapon. Taylor (Nathan Henton) is written as the arrogant, controlling type whereas Martin (Adam Francis) is the clever but more subdued one. They start on rocky ground but are forced to stick together after the events of the opening go south. Over the course of the film they would be set to see how much they each need each other in order to overcome the vastly superior and more experienced forces that oppose them eg. The Leader and his men. In this opening scene, the pair are clearly not close friends with Taylor controlling Martin from the outset and neither are they of one mind as Martin is forced to hand over the case. With our leads starting in conflict, we create the beginning of a character arc which we will follow the progress of throughout the rest of the film. These traits are very common in the action comedy genre.
MISE EN SCENE: (study: Knight and Day)
Nine Key Stills from my opening scene:
In the first still of my film (top left) I have an establishing shot to show the location and which production companies helped make the film, this sticks to the codes and conventions of modern action films. The font that I chose for the titles is also very typical of that of an action/comedy as you can see from the font used in my research film 'Knight and Day'.
The font used is Bank Gothic, a font which is often used in other staple action movie credits such as the Transformers series. By using a font which has preconceived connotations surrounding it, I have effectively aided the setting up of expectations and consequently heighten tension during the stable moments of the deal as the audience is expecting the outbreak of action at any moment.
The order that these titles appear in are typical following the conventions followed by Limitless and Knight and Day.(top left).
The setting between these films are both different however unlike my film, Knight and Day changes location twice in the opening sequence giving the opening a bit more direction and progression over my film opening. However the location in my film fits with the unknown aspect as well as the everyday ordinary feel that the location helps to portray, which really engages the younger viewers into the story.
The costumes are similar in both films as the 'bad guys' are all dressed in suits and smart clothing in both openings and the good are all in casual wear. The films are set in the same time period so the style and choice of clothes isn't that different between them.
Conventions of the Narrative:
The narrative of both films are very similar in that they both have a device which the bad side want, also that the plan goes wrong and the opening sequence ends with the good side getting away safely but are going to be followed by the other party. The narratives between these films are also presented at the start of the lead character on the good side not being that great of friends like wise in Knight and Day, but as the story progresses they become good friends likewise in Knight and Day. Again this conforms with the form of action comedies features. One way in which my film challenges the forms of the narrative is that the bad side aren't defeated at the end of the film but the initial threat is rounded up.
Location Forms/ Camera:
The Deal' opening is set both in a forest car park and inside the wood itself as the sun begins to set. The car park is an open space where everything is visible, a place of transit where people come and go swiftly as the participants of the deal seemingly intend to do. However once the deal goes wrong the action switches to the more claustrophobic confines of the forest, a wild place where sight lines are impaired and the situation is unpredictable. It is at this time that the sun sets for the night. In a large number of films, an obvious example being the Harry Potter series, forests at night are a place of danger and peril- consequently the tension is increased as the audiences preconceived notions of the nature of movies comes into play. The closeness of the trees compared to the openness of the car park also generates the feeling of the protagonists being trapped with no way out of their situation.I wanted to create a strong sense of disruption and disorientation when the titular 'deal' suddenly goes wrong. As a result, I made the choice to switch from camera angles which were locked down and stable on a tripod and switch to a handheld shaky camera style once the conflict ensues to convey the sudden change in stability of the world which was seemingly all so controlled moments before. The shots on the character of the Leader are always locked down on a tripod despite the chaos, in contrast to the later shots of Taylor and Martin. This is in order to convey how controlled and calculating the Leader is. The events at hand are all part of the business for him but for Taylor and Martin, the events are very much outside their control and comfort zone. A similar idea is present in the closing moments of David Fincher's Seven where the shots on the character of John Doe are solidly locked down on a tripod as he manipulates the rapidly deteriorating situation. The camerawork on Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman's detectives is, in contrast, shaky and handheld which demonstrates how the situation is out of their control. By following the conventions of a close feeling location it has vastly helped to further push the films feeling of tension and further portray the boys dilemma.
Evaluation Question 2
How does your media product represent particular social groups?
Age is a large group associated with my media production. In my film opening I decided to make age an important aspect of the film as it helps to demonstrate the power and experience gap between the two parties. The young 16/17 year old boys look innocent and 'powerless' where as the leader and the body guard look much older and more powerful. This is also represented by the fact that the leader and Diego drove to the scene in a large pickup truck whereas the boys were just on foot to further show the power gap.
By going with an all male cast this created a gender stereotype as men in most films represent power and sometimes wealth so by using a male cast member for the leader it shows dominance and wealth. In some films that I have watched men can often represent greed so by this stereotype we can derive that he would use the device for his own benefit in selling it or using it against others to better himself.
In the film 'Knight and Day' there is a similar character to Martin (left) in that he is a shy boy but is an inventor and can make very powerful products. He is also similar in a sense that the 'bad' parties are trying to exploit his intelligence for their own wealth and benefit.
Below shows a picture of Simon from the film 'Knight and Day'. In the film Simon conformed to almost all of the stereotypes associated with a 'nerd' or inventor. He wore glasses and his clothing was simple and didn't fit him well.
In my film 'The Deal' I decided to break away from all of the traditional stereotypes of the glasses and the long hair and decided to choose an actor who's hair was styled and didn't need to wear glasses. However I decided to keep the stereotypical clothing across both of my actors in order to show a huge contrast between the boys and the Leader who was in a suit and well kept.
I order to show his social awkwardness, I chose to have Martin eat breadsticks in a different way and really make a point about the odd food choice and the way in which we was eating them, in order to further portray his character.
The leader in 'The Deal' is a white British male, in many blockbuster american films they often cast a white British male as the lead bad role in the film. Therefore my film is conforming to the stereotype of a British male playing the bad role in a blockbuster.
By going with an all male cast this created a gender stereotype as men in most films represent power and sometimes wealth so by using a male cast member for the leader it shows dominance and wealth. In some films that I have watched men can often represent greed so by this stereotype we can derive that he would use the device for his own benefit in selling it or using it against others to better himself.
In the film 'Knight and Day' there is a similar character to Martin (left) in that he is a shy boy but is an inventor and can make very powerful products. He is also similar in a sense that the 'bad' parties are trying to exploit his intelligence for their own wealth and benefit.
Below shows a picture of Simon from the film 'Knight and Day'. In the film Simon conformed to almost all of the stereotypes associated with a 'nerd' or inventor. He wore glasses and his clothing was simple and didn't fit him well.
In my film 'The Deal' I decided to break away from all of the traditional stereotypes of the glasses and the long hair and decided to choose an actor who's hair was styled and didn't need to wear glasses. However I decided to keep the stereotypical clothing across both of my actors in order to show a huge contrast between the boys and the Leader who was in a suit and well kept.
I order to show his social awkwardness, I chose to have Martin eat breadsticks in a different way and really make a point about the odd food choice and the way in which we was eating them, in order to further portray his character.
For an example Tom Hiddleston plays the lead enemy role, Loki in 'Avengers Assemble' which shows that my film is coinciding with conventions of other action films. In many productions the lead bad guy often come from a troubled background to try and justify their acts of destruction and the leader in 'The Deal' is no different. The character represents (as you learn later in the production) the lower end of the working class and how he has risen to power and wealth through his own doing. He is also an example of how power and wealth can destruct your personality and develop you into a person who doesn't conform with the society and is therefore again it and wants to cause destruction and misery to the people who made his life hell in his younger years.
In the production of the Alex Rider series Storm breaker, the lead enemy is set out on revenge on the social classes which bullied him when he was younger. To some extent the leader represents this social class of people who seek revenge on those in their childhood.
Evaluation Question 3
Evaluation Question 4
Who would be the audience for your media product?
With every film production you need to have identified a target audience for the production. My target audience was the main film going audience of 14-25. However the certificate of the film would compromise some of my target audience as it would exclude anyone below a 15.
I decided to keep the bad language and violence in the film as without it the film would lack realism and would feel like it was made just to please a large audience.
My film audience would be similar to that of other action comedies like 21/22 jump street and Knight and Day however the rating of the latter is a 12A in the UK. My film contains more profanity and more bloody scenes therefore it is tailored for a slightly older audience.
Person 1's love of action film should spike his interest when it comes to this film as it is very action based. The fact that his favourite film is due date shows that he enjoys action comedies which coincides with 'The Deal'. Person 1's interest in pop music goes well with my film as it plans to use recent chart music for sections of the film to create the busy city atmosphere later on in the film.
I feel that my film would appeal to 'Person 2' as her favourite film is Star Wars meaning that she enjoys big blockbuster movies, which 'The Deal' is planning to be. The fact that she goes to the cinema every weekend shows that she is interested in many different genres meaning she would enjoy this film. This film also includes sci-fi elements which would also interest her.
Person 1's love of action film should spike his interest when it comes to this film as it is very action based. The fact that his favourite film is due date shows that he enjoys action comedies which coincides with 'The Deal'. Person 1's interest in pop music goes well with my film as it plans to use recent chart music for sections of the film to create the busy city atmosphere later on in the film.
I feel that my film would appeal to 'Person 2' as her favourite film is Star Wars meaning that she enjoys big blockbuster movies, which 'The Deal' is planning to be. The fact that she goes to the cinema every weekend shows that she is interested in many different genres meaning she would enjoy this film. This film also includes sci-fi elements which would also interest her.
Evaluation Question 5
Audience Feedback:
The general comments that I received on the film were about the issues that I faced with the dying of the light during filming. As the filming wasn't completed chronologically the scene was very dark in the forest scenes however the very last shot of the leader was in fading sunlight even though the previous shots were in darkness.
On the question asked about pacing everyone responded with the fact that it was well paced. This was an improvement over one of my early drafts as it cut out some of the slower action and removed parts that were dragging.
With the target audience I am trying to pull it is of the up most importance have a film that is well if not slightly faster paced to keep this younger generation engaged in the film.
Evaluation Question 6
What have you learnt about the technologies from the process of constructing the product?
Below is a video explaining about the technologies that I used during my film opening as well as the technical difficulties that I faced in the production.
Below is a video explaining about the technologies that I used during my film opening as well as the technical difficulties that I faced in the production.
I have learnt about the importance of planning and how much the shot list helped me on set as I was able to work very efficiently and get all my shots filmed on time.
I have learn that when filming in open spaces with chance of rain to always erect a shelter of some kind to keep all of the gear dry when not shooting, as keeping the gear dry is essential. The lack of crew members on set became an issue as it led to problems such as rain on the lens and the danger of gear being left unattended especially when moving at a very fast pace to keep on schedule.
Evaluation Question 7
Looking back at your prelim task, what have you learnt in the progression from that to your final media product?
Production Diary
Meeting 1 (9.11.15) :
Initial Ideas were written down and the genre was decided. The genre I decided on was Action/Comedy as I thought it would make for a powerful opening scene. My mood board was created with films such as 22 jump street as ideas and inspiration for my film opening.
Meeting 2 (10.11.15) :
A rough plot was created and the script writing process began with the initial stage directions for the actors.
Meeting 3 (10.11.15) :
I went with one of my actors to get some Recce Shots of 2 possible filming locations so that I could tailor the rest of my script in order to fit with the limitations that came with both locations. I found that using Galleywood Common would give us more freedom when filming and using guns then it would with outside the Essex records offices. Galleywood common would be a quieter place to film and would pose less issues then filming in a busy place in Chelmsford town.
Meeting 4 (11.11.15) :
The script was completed and the storyboard was started and 80 percent of the shots were planned and written down.
Meeting 5 (18.11.15) :
The storyboard was finalised and there was a big gear check in the evening preparing for the shoot the next day.
Meeting 6 (14.11.15) :
First Shoot Day was today and it rained throughout the entirety of the shoot. This made the progress very slow and trying to keep the gear dry was near impossible. This meant that not all of the shots were completed before sunset and therefore had to be added to the following shoots schedule which would make it very tight.
Meeting 7 (19.11.15) :
The second shoot day went well and we got all of the footage that was planned on the shooting schedule. The rain stopped after the first few takes so the pace of shooting was able to speed up so we could complete the schedule on time.
The shots we got differed from the storyboard slightly due to the location and the weather but overall the storyboard was followed and the shots that were achieved look very promising.
Meeting 8 (20.11.15) :
There was a footage dump onto an external hard drive and another backup was made on my spare iMac. The project files were all created and separate events were made for different parts throughout the scene. All of the footage was named and the corresponding sound files recorded using an external recorder were named to match up with the footage.
Meeting 9 (21.11.15) :
Music and sound effects were sourced and saved onto a hard drive and I wrote notes on where I was intending to use each one during my opening.
The edit also began today and I started to drag the clips and the corresponding audio files into the timeline and began to see a rough outing for my opening.
Meeting 10 (25/11/15):
The editing was continued and the slow-motion passage was completed and dragged into the main timeline. The atmospheric music was added and the fast pace chase music was added so that I could edit the chase in time with my audio.
Meeting 11 (26/11/15):
I went back to my location alone with a shotgun mic and a recorder and recorded some running in the car park and the forest. I also recorded foot sweeps, impacts and a wild track.
Meeting 12 (29/11/15):
I continued the edit and recorded me eating some crisps as foley for Martin eating the breadstick in the opening shots of the film.
Meeting 13 (30/11/15):
The First draft was completed and ready to hand in and upload to my blog. I submitted notes with the first draft to show what was missing and what I thought had to be changed for the final draft.
Meeting 14 (2/11/15):
I received my feedback for my first draft and with that created a shot list for what needed to be changed and the two shots that were missing from my draft.
Meeting 15 (5/12/15):
The Third and final shoot took place today and we got the close up timer shots and the establishing shot that were needed to complete the scene. I also shot some pickup shots to fill in gaps in the storyline that were unclear to the audience.
Meeting 16 (7/12/15):
The edit was continued and the extra shots were added to improve the scene and the Video Effects were started and completed by the next day.
Meeting 17 (8/12/15):
The sound design began, the sourced sound effects were added and the projects timecode was exported to start mixing the audio levels on a separate dedicated program. The final draft the nearly complete by the end of today only some final tweaks will be needed before submission.
Meeting 18 (10/12/15):
The colour grade on Final Cut Pro with the Photon Pro and Film Convert plugins took the entire evening of about 8 hours but was finished and I watched back my film on the main timeline and there were only a few tweaks which I corrected and then exported the final draft ready for submission.
Meeting 2 (10.11.15) :
A rough plot was created and the script writing process began with the initial stage directions for the actors.
Meeting 3 (10.11.15) :
I went with one of my actors to get some Recce Shots of 2 possible filming locations so that I could tailor the rest of my script in order to fit with the limitations that came with both locations. I found that using Galleywood Common would give us more freedom when filming and using guns then it would with outside the Essex records offices. Galleywood common would be a quieter place to film and would pose less issues then filming in a busy place in Chelmsford town.
Meeting 4 (11.11.15) :
The script was completed and the storyboard was started and 80 percent of the shots were planned and written down.
Meeting 5 (18.11.15) :
The storyboard was finalised and there was a big gear check in the evening preparing for the shoot the next day.
Meeting 6 (14.11.15) :
First Shoot Day was today and it rained throughout the entirety of the shoot. This made the progress very slow and trying to keep the gear dry was near impossible. This meant that not all of the shots were completed before sunset and therefore had to be added to the following shoots schedule which would make it very tight.
Meeting 7 (19.11.15) :
The second shoot day went well and we got all of the footage that was planned on the shooting schedule. The rain stopped after the first few takes so the pace of shooting was able to speed up so we could complete the schedule on time.
The shots we got differed from the storyboard slightly due to the location and the weather but overall the storyboard was followed and the shots that were achieved look very promising.
Meeting 8 (20.11.15) :
There was a footage dump onto an external hard drive and another backup was made on my spare iMac. The project files were all created and separate events were made for different parts throughout the scene. All of the footage was named and the corresponding sound files recorded using an external recorder were named to match up with the footage.
Meeting 9 (21.11.15) :
Music and sound effects were sourced and saved onto a hard drive and I wrote notes on where I was intending to use each one during my opening.
The edit also began today and I started to drag the clips and the corresponding audio files into the timeline and began to see a rough outing for my opening.
Meeting 10 (25/11/15):
The editing was continued and the slow-motion passage was completed and dragged into the main timeline. The atmospheric music was added and the fast pace chase music was added so that I could edit the chase in time with my audio.
Meeting 11 (26/11/15):
I went back to my location alone with a shotgun mic and a recorder and recorded some running in the car park and the forest. I also recorded foot sweeps, impacts and a wild track.
Meeting 12 (29/11/15):
I continued the edit and recorded me eating some crisps as foley for Martin eating the breadstick in the opening shots of the film.
Meeting 13 (30/11/15):
The First draft was completed and ready to hand in and upload to my blog. I submitted notes with the first draft to show what was missing and what I thought had to be changed for the final draft.
Meeting 14 (2/11/15):
I received my feedback for my first draft and with that created a shot list for what needed to be changed and the two shots that were missing from my draft.
Meeting 15 (5/12/15):
The Third and final shoot took place today and we got the close up timer shots and the establishing shot that were needed to complete the scene. I also shot some pickup shots to fill in gaps in the storyline that were unclear to the audience.
Meeting 16 (7/12/15):
The edit was continued and the extra shots were added to improve the scene and the Video Effects were started and completed by the next day.
Meeting 17 (8/12/15):
The sound design began, the sourced sound effects were added and the projects timecode was exported to start mixing the audio levels on a separate dedicated program. The final draft the nearly complete by the end of today only some final tweaks will be needed before submission.
Meeting 18 (10/12/15):
The colour grade on Final Cut Pro with the Photon Pro and Film Convert plugins took the entire evening of about 8 hours but was finished and I watched back my film on the main timeline and there were only a few tweaks which I corrected and then exported the final draft ready for submission.
Improvements Made as result of Feedback
First Draft Feedback
Teacher Feedback:
Class Feedback:
1)
2)
3)
What went well?
-Camera work
-Location
-Running Shots
Improvements:
-Production company title missing
-Titles need sorting
-Where does the diabetic sound go? (especially with the footsteps)
-Dialogue sound needs smoothing out
-Unclear what he is holding
-Sound needs to be included with what the leader says
-Don't put the film name at the end as it feels like a short film/ trailer
Action on Feedback:
Action on the teacher feedback is evident in my final draft as all of the improvements have been address in order to create a well executed and comprehensive film opening.
I went back on the third shoot day and shot some new shots to give a clearer understanding of what was happening and what the device was that Martin was holding. I also moved the film title from the end and had the final title as Written/Directed by.
I went back on the third shoot day and shot some new shots to give a clearer understanding of what was happening and what the device was that Martin was holding. I also moved the film title from the end and had the final title as Written/Directed by.
Class Feedback:
1)
Film Name and Font research
I have looked into lots of different films of similar genres at their title fonts in order to choose a font to suit my film.
This is the font that I have chosen:
I think that this is best choice as it represents the style of film I am creating and fits well with the opening scene. The text is easy to read and will be clear over the quite dark feel of the film.
For my research into the film name I found that films with one or two word titles had the most impact for marketing such a 'Jurassic World' and 'Skyfall'. Therefore I decided to have a short title for my film.
I chose the title of 'The Deal' as it creates enigma as it doesn't explain anything about the plot and it could be any kind of deal. The fact that by the end of the opening scene you still don't know what the deal was for, creates a hook for people to continue watching and be intrigued by the film.
For my research into the film name I found that films with one or two word titles had the most impact for marketing such a 'Jurassic World' and 'Skyfall'. Therefore I decided to have a short title for my film.
I chose the title of 'The Deal' as it creates enigma as it doesn't explain anything about the plot and it could be any kind of deal. The fact that by the end of the opening scene you still don't know what the deal was for, creates a hook for people to continue watching and be intrigued by the film.
UPDATE:
This is how the title of the film looked when the final draft was exported. The short title really works with the style of film and even in this still frame it creates enigma. Who are these characters? What are they dealing?
Music Research
There were 3 styles of music that I needed for my opening scene for the three distinct sections.
The conversation at the beginning and when the deal takes place. The running action passage in the woods and the suspense filled timer countdown.
To make it sound as if there was a unique soundtrack composed for the opening scene, I decided to use stems form the same score broken down at different times so that the music would flow between all the sections seamlessly.
SFX research
One of the main sound effects that I needed was one for the device being fired. I went through my SFX archive and used some from Video Copilots Motion Pulse bundle and added them together to make my final sound.
This is the final sound effect that I created.
The second main sound effect that I needed was the one for Diego's impaling. For this I used different sounds from the Triune Films Fight sound effects pack.
For the other sound effects I recorded then all on location after the light had faded and we couldn't film anymore. I recorded a track of me running around in the car park and in the woods as well as some impacts.
Risk Assessment
These are the risk assessments for all three of the shoot days. They have been checked and crew/ actors will be briefed on them when they arrive on the location.
Shooting Schedule/ Shot List
My three different shoot days were planned and the shots that I was going to get within the time limit of each day.
To complete my shot list I used the app 'ShotLister' for iPad so on the shoot day it would give ne a list of shots and tell me if I was behind schedule. It would also prompt we with the storyboard images and tell me what lens to use. Also it will show me whether to use sticks or handheld.
Planned Shots for the First Shoot:
Second Shoot:
Third Shoot:
Evaluation of Storyboard
The final storyboard was used on set as reference however it ended up being overshadowed by the very detail shot list that was available on the iPad during shooting. From the storyboard we were able to adapt it when planning out our shots whilst walking around the chosen location. Without the storyboard it wouldn't have been as easy to get the film style and look across. Scans from the storyboard drawings were used inside the app of shotlister for reference on the shot list, so that framing could easily be remembered and subsequently portrayed well.
Code and Conventions
The conventions associated with action comedy films are:
-Fights
-Killings: death of loved ones
-Strong motive (preventing massive destruction)
-Hi tech equipment
-Located in a big modern city
-Weapons
-Relationships
-One smart character and one slower (funnier) character
-Awkward comedy moments
-Connection with characters
I researched these typical codes and conventions of action comedies by watching a range of film in this genre.
These films included Limitless, Knight and Day, Kickass and Johnny English. These films all had themes and conventions in common so I compiled a list of different the conventions that were present in order to incorporate them into my film opening and storyline to create a familiar and recognisable genre.
This I created a spider diagram in order to collate my finding and then compared this to singular action and separate comedy films to film conventions specific to the combined genre. The spider diagram helped to display my thought process and single out specific conventions so that they could be condensed and written into a short list which can be worked into my film opening. This list will almost be a checklist for me when I have mapping out the timeline and writing the script so that it is a clear action/comedy genre.
-Fights
-Killings: death of loved ones
-Strong motive (preventing massive destruction)
-Hi tech equipment
-Located in a big modern city
-Weapons
-Relationships
-One smart character and one slower (funnier) character
-Awkward comedy moments
-Connection with characters
I researched these typical codes and conventions of action comedies by watching a range of film in this genre.
These films included Limitless, Knight and Day, Kickass and Johnny English. These films all had themes and conventions in common so I compiled a list of different the conventions that were present in order to incorporate them into my film opening and storyline to create a familiar and recognisable genre.
This I created a spider diagram in order to collate my finding and then compared this to singular action and separate comedy films to film conventions specific to the combined genre. The spider diagram helped to display my thought process and single out specific conventions so that they could be condensed and written into a short list which can be worked into my film opening. This list will almost be a checklist for me when I have mapping out the timeline and writing the script so that it is a clear action/comedy genre.
Props Research
I decided that the Leaders bodyguard needed to have a gun too show there perceived advantage over the younger boys in power. I decided to choose a small sub machine gun for Diego to use as it matched his role and charater.
I used this prop which I already had as after its original paint job it looked like a real weapon.
For the 'device' that martin uses I needed to find or make a prop with a opening to shoot from swell as a screen to display the countdown which I would add in post production. I found one of my old Camcorders in the house so I decided to modify it to look like a home made weapon that could have been made by Martin. To make this prop I used some blue tape and some spare wire I had in my workshop. I was very simple to make but I had a screen for the countdown to be edited onto and it had an opening (lens) for the shock wave to be fired from.
Final List of Props needed:
Silver Case
Black Case
Device
Gun
Pick Up Truck
Sunglasses
Cigarettes
Fake Blood
Breadsticks
For the 'device' that martin uses I needed to find or make a prop with a opening to shoot from swell as a screen to display the countdown which I would add in post production. I found one of my old Camcorders in the house so I decided to modify it to look like a home made weapon that could have been made by Martin. To make this prop I used some blue tape and some spare wire I had in my workshop. I was very simple to make but I had a screen for the countdown to be edited onto and it had an opening (lens) for the shock wave to be fired from.
In many blockbuster action films weapons are transported in silver cases. So I decided for the boys to have the device in a silver case. Money in films is also transported in briefcases so I chose a black briefcase I owned for the Leader to hand over.
Silver Case
Black Case
Device
Gun
Pick Up Truck
Sunglasses
Cigarettes
Fake Blood
Breadsticks
Script
Here is the Script for the opening scene.
When I got to the shoot day I made a few changes to the script but overall the structure stayed the same.
When I got to the shoot day I made a few changes to the script but overall the structure stayed the same.
Location
The wide tree and the stump shown in pictures 3-4 were the perfect set up for the impaling scene on the storyboard. Whereas the script and storyboard woulds have to be adapted for use in town or a different park.
The only problem we would face when filming in the car park is that if it was busy it would ruin the secluded deserted look the film was going for. Therefore to overcome this we would film in the middle of the day during standard working hours were the common would be at its quietest.
The gravel car park offered the exact look that I was hoping for, for the film as it looked discrete and mysterious.
Title Research
-In order to start my titles research I watched the opening scenes of many blockbuster action films as this was the genre of my film.
-By watching a lot of these different films I noticed that all the titles appeared in the same order apart from the film title.
-In Limitless the film title is the first that appears but in others I watched the film name could appear at the end of the titles or after the actors names.
-For my film I chose to have the film title appear after the actors names as it best suited my dramatic opening idea.
-In my research I also found that the titles would appear for approximately 3 seconds each time regardless of how many names were displayed at one.
-Therefore for my film opening I am going to have each title lasting for the same duration (roughly 3 seconds) as best I can when cut with the music and the moving shots.
-The order of titles that I determined were:
Steele Productions and Paramount Pictures Present
-By watching a lot of these different films I noticed that all the titles appeared in the same order apart from the film title.
-In Limitless the film title is the first that appears but in others I watched the film name could appear at the end of the titles or after the actors names.
-For my film I chose to have the film title appear after the actors names as it best suited my dramatic opening idea.
-In my research I also found that the titles would appear for approximately 3 seconds each time regardless of how many names were displayed at one.
-Therefore for my film opening I am going to have each title lasting for the same duration (roughly 3 seconds) as best I can when cut with the music and the moving shots.
-The order of titles that I determined were:
Steele Productions and Paramount Pictures Present
Nathan
Henton
Adam
Francis
Oliver
Steele
Eddie
Hamblin
The
Deal
Music
Ben Worley
Casting
Jack Sorphitude
Costume Designer
Graham Wallace
Editor
Andy Bloom
Ben Worley
Casting
Jack Sorphitude
Costume Designer
Graham Wallace
Editor
Andy Bloom
Production Designer
James Watson
Director of Photography
Oliver Steele
Producer
Becky Brown
Screenplay
William Freeman
Written and Directed by
Alexander Steele
James Watson
Director of Photography
Oliver Steele
Producer
Becky Brown
Screenplay
William Freeman
Written and Directed by
Alexander Steele
Feedback of Film Pitch
This is a small sample of the feedback I was given for my initial film pitch. The positives to take from the feedback is the fact that my idea wasn't confusing and everyones feedback showed that they had a clear idea on genre, audience and the general storyline which means that the film will appeal to a wide audience.
Pointers that I can take for future presentations are to include films which gave me inspiration and also to present ideas from where I would find inspiration for the title of the film.
Mood Board
This mood board was to show the initial ideas for my film and where all my inspiration came from. Doing a mood board helped me collate all of my ideas and inspirations in one place so that I could remember then in order to incorporate them into my film opening
Initial Ideas/ Planning
His this shows me creating the powerpoint and developing the initial idea of my film after the genre had been decided.
Coursework Task Analysis
They used an innovative may of displaying the title credits however I feel that it distracted from the story somewhat. Also the editing was quite slow paced but contrast to that some titles were not displayed on screen for long enough, to be able to read them, which could sometimes be an issue.
I could only see one use of foley in the sequence which was the click on the computer therefore I think they would loose marks on the sound as it was only one audio track applied for the duration of the song.
Overall I would grade this at a mid level 3 as it showed little in the way of story and shot selection wasn't diverse.
Sound
Diegetic Sound- What the characters of the film can hear.
Non-Diegetic Sound- What the characters can't hear that has been added. (eg. a voice over)
Asynchronous Sound- Diegetic sound that you can't see in the scene.
Sound Bridge- Linking two scenes together with sound.
In the lesson today we were informed once again about the importance of sound in film productions, as well as the different types of sounds included in films. Sound always adds more to the moving image on the screen, often in films you don't need to see something to know it is happening. Even the absence of sound can really adds to the scene or shot and then can become the main talking point of the sequence. An example of this is the lack of music in the new bond film Spectre in one of the main fight scenes on the train. People felt that this really added to the realism of the scene and made it more intense.
Non-Diegetic Sound- What the characters can't hear that has been added. (eg. a voice over)
Asynchronous Sound- Diegetic sound that you can't see in the scene.
Sound Bridge- Linking two scenes together with sound.
In the lesson today we were informed once again about the importance of sound in film productions, as well as the different types of sounds included in films. Sound always adds more to the moving image on the screen, often in films you don't need to see something to know it is happening. Even the absence of sound can really adds to the scene or shot and then can become the main talking point of the sequence. An example of this is the lack of music in the new bond film Spectre in one of the main fight scenes on the train. People felt that this really added to the realism of the scene and made it more intense.
Skyfall Opening Title Analysis
The people who fund the film are listed as the first title.
The Main character of the film is then showed.
All the further titles then last for roughly 3 seconds so they are in time with the music.
The title of the film is then displayed.
The rest of the main cast members then appear in order of significance.
The coproducers are next.
The script supervisor, Sound recordist, Electrical Supervisor and the Second Unit assistant Director.
Then a list of the main makeup crew is noted.
The Art directors and the Visual Effects producer are next.
Visual Effects and Associate Producer.
First assistant director
First assistant director
Casting and Main Titles Producers
Social Effects supervisor and the Stunt Coordinator
Costume Designer
Editors
DP
Production Designer
Music
Performer of the Main Theme
Executive Producer
Writers
Producers
Finally the Director
Summary:
The first titles to be displayed in the film were the lead actors and actresses with the film title appearing after the main character. The script supervisor and the sound crew were next to appear with the writer and producers coming at the end of the credits just before the director.
The first titles to be displayed in the film were the lead actors and actresses with the film title appearing after the main character. The script supervisor and the sound crew were next to appear with the writer and producers coming at the end of the credits just before the director.
The style of the titles is fitting with the type of film that Skyfall is. All of the titles are timed and animated to fit with the storyline that is being told throughout the opening credits.
Each title was on screen for an average of about 3-4seconds which. given that only a short amount are displayed at once, give the audience enough time to read each title clearly.
Each title was on screen for an average of about 3-4seconds which. given that only a short amount are displayed at once, give the audience enough time to read each title clearly.
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