We recently filmed the pilot for our opening title sequence. Here is the product of this, filmed on a small flip camera with just our group as actors and the places we had around school as our location. There is no sound as of yet.
Tuesday, 10 December 2013
The Pilot of our Thriller Opening Sequence
Working Title: Target
We recently filmed the pilot for our opening title sequence. Here is the product of this, filmed on a small flip camera with just our group as actors and the places we had around school as our location. There is no sound as of yet.
We recently filmed the pilot for our opening title sequence. Here is the product of this, filmed on a small flip camera with just our group as actors and the places we had around school as our location. There is no sound as of yet.
Friday, 22 November 2013
Research Into Our Idea
Research: Spies
Seeing as our opening title sequence is going to be a spy-thriller, I thought a bit of research into spies, their lives and deaths, would be an interesting background to understanding the theme more.
The first spy I looked in to was Gareth Williams, who was found dead in a locked sports bag, a week after he had died. This was interesting because it showed me that spies do not normally die in normal circumstances, and their intricate lives don't come without consequences. It turns out Williams graduated with a phD in maths when he was just seventeen years old! Hereby conforming to the suspicion that spy agency chiefs look for, let's say, intelligent but slightly odd people. Therefore, we have decided to make our spy's bedroom slightly creepy, with an open window, and secret documents spread across a table.
The next thing I researched was where this man lived, and it turned out it was a very normal place, a flat in Pimlico, London. This helped my group and I establish what sort of location we want to use. However, this is going to be slightly difficult to find in Surrey, so we have a back up of an inconspicuous 'cottage' where you would unlikely find a spy.
Our first location choice would look something like this:
However, our second location choice would look like this:
So essentially, our ultimatum, after research on spies, concludes in location choice.
In the end it's...
Seeing as our opening title sequence is going to be a spy-thriller, I thought a bit of research into spies, their lives and deaths, would be an interesting background to understanding the theme more.
The first spy I looked in to was Gareth Williams, who was found dead in a locked sports bag, a week after he had died. This was interesting because it showed me that spies do not normally die in normal circumstances, and their intricate lives don't come without consequences. It turns out Williams graduated with a phD in maths when he was just seventeen years old! Hereby conforming to the suspicion that spy agency chiefs look for, let's say, intelligent but slightly odd people. Therefore, we have decided to make our spy's bedroom slightly creepy, with an open window, and secret documents spread across a table.
The next thing I researched was where this man lived, and it turned out it was a very normal place, a flat in Pimlico, London. This helped my group and I establish what sort of location we want to use. However, this is going to be slightly difficult to find in Surrey, so we have a back up of an inconspicuous 'cottage' where you would unlikely find a spy.
Our first location choice would look something like this:
However, our second location choice would look like this:
So essentially, our ultimatum, after research on spies, concludes in location choice.
In the end it's...
An Update
Storyboard Number Two
Here is an updated storyboard containing a lot more shots, with different angles and added sounds and light ideas:
We are continuing to update this and think of new and invented ideas to make this the best it can be.
Here is an updated storyboard containing a lot more shots, with different angles and added sounds and light ideas:
We are continuing to update this and think of new and invented ideas to make this the best it can be.
Our Idea
Our Finalised Thriller Opening Sequence Idea
Today is the day our idea has been finalised. This is very exciting and I know you've all been waiting for it...
We established that we wanted to do a spy-thriller, as this is an interesting subject and therefore quite a challenge to achieve. A brief synopsis includes a spy, doing missions, getting into trouble, explosions, villains, deaths, violence, suspense. THE WHOLE PACKAGE OF A SPY MOVIE.
Here is the opening title sequence narrative:
It is dark. We are in a bedroom of a middle aged man with a digital alarm clock, and he is asleep in his bed. The window is open, wind is blowing papers across a table. These have a spy-significance. We cut to the outside of the house in a POV shot, hinting to the audience that someone is watching him. We see a hand opening a door, then a shot to a kitchen, tap dripping, heartbeat and heavy breathing ensure suspense. A black figure sweeps past the camera and then cut to a corridor, and we only see the mans shoulders and the back of his head. He walks down the corridor into the bedroom. We have another shot of the alarm clock and suddenly it goes off, with one hand of the asleep man fumbling for it and one man seamlessly turning it off with one finger.
Here is the original storyboard:
Today is the day our idea has been finalised. This is very exciting and I know you've all been waiting for it...
We established that we wanted to do a spy-thriller, as this is an interesting subject and therefore quite a challenge to achieve. A brief synopsis includes a spy, doing missions, getting into trouble, explosions, villains, deaths, violence, suspense. THE WHOLE PACKAGE OF A SPY MOVIE.
Here is the opening title sequence narrative:
It is dark. We are in a bedroom of a middle aged man with a digital alarm clock, and he is asleep in his bed. The window is open, wind is blowing papers across a table. These have a spy-significance. We cut to the outside of the house in a POV shot, hinting to the audience that someone is watching him. We see a hand opening a door, then a shot to a kitchen, tap dripping, heartbeat and heavy breathing ensure suspense. A black figure sweeps past the camera and then cut to a corridor, and we only see the mans shoulders and the back of his head. He walks down the corridor into the bedroom. We have another shot of the alarm clock and suddenly it goes off, with one hand of the asleep man fumbling for it and one man seamlessly turning it off with one finger.
Here is the original storyboard:
Sunday, 17 November 2013
Production Meetings
In recent production meetings, we have been talking about storyboarding our opening title sequence ideas. We created a first draft of a storyboard which contained only 11 shots. We were then shown the final draft of something we should be aiming for from last year and were shocked to see it contained 48 shots!
So we decided to redraft. This time, our sequence having twenty shots, we hope to develop more shots as time progresses. We also made a list of props including an alarm clock which is a focal feature in our sequence. We have two characters in our scene, a victim and of course, a killer. We have casted our teacher, Adam, as our victim and are still struggling to find someone who is suitable to the looks of a killer. Inevitably, this type of person is very difficult to find in a sixth form college without causing offence.
There are more redrafts and new ideas for shots to come.
So we decided to redraft. This time, our sequence having twenty shots, we hope to develop more shots as time progresses. We also made a list of props including an alarm clock which is a focal feature in our sequence. We have two characters in our scene, a victim and of course, a killer. We have casted our teacher, Adam, as our victim and are still struggling to find someone who is suitable to the looks of a killer. Inevitably, this type of person is very difficult to find in a sixth form college without causing offence.
There are more redrafts and new ideas for shots to come.
Kyle Cooper Continued
My Three Top Kyle Cooper Graphic Designs
Firstly, I have picked Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol. This is because he uses one of his most famous techniques in which the audience 'follows' an object or a person, in this case the string on a stick of dynamite which is alight. This is effective because it takes the audience on a journey. Also, there is additional writing amongst the titles which looks like a computer screen in a secret spy intelligence base, hinting to the audience the genre of the film.
My second choice is The Mummy from 1999 which is around the time where Cooper was developing a name for himself but still using his unique styles and techniques. In this case, he uses block, vivid colours like red and black which is very typical and the red creates a sense of danger. We also travel through various locations giving the audience a clue that this is an adventure film.
Firstly, I have picked Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol. This is because he uses one of his most famous techniques in which the audience 'follows' an object or a person, in this case the string on a stick of dynamite which is alight. This is effective because it takes the audience on a journey. Also, there is additional writing amongst the titles which looks like a computer screen in a secret spy intelligence base, hinting to the audience the genre of the film.
My second choice is The Mummy from 1999 which is around the time where Cooper was developing a name for himself but still using his unique styles and techniques. In this case, he uses block, vivid colours like red and black which is very typical and the red creates a sense of danger. We also travel through various locations giving the audience a clue that this is an adventure film.
My final clip is from the TV series Band of Brothers in which he again uses his block colours of red, white and black. In this clip, he uses photographs in order to make it look old fashioned, and displays them in quick succession to make it seem slow motion. He also uses a grainy effect to show that this film is set in the past.
Friday, 15 November 2013
Research into Opening Title Sequences
Graphics: Kyle Cooper
Kyle Cooper is a very popular graphic artist who is very current in the movie world. He achieves many different styles and new, dynamic opening sequences, adverts and lots more. recently, he started a creative agency called Imaginary Forces.
A few words to describe Kyle are: abstract, lots of movement, artistic, imaginative and slick.
He uses many techniques such as: layering, fragmenting and also sticking to certain strong, basic and vivid colours to create his work.
Here is a demo reel:
Kyle Cooper is a very popular graphic artist who is very current in the movie world. He achieves many different styles and new, dynamic opening sequences, adverts and lots more. recently, he started a creative agency called Imaginary Forces.
A few words to describe Kyle are: abstract, lots of movement, artistic, imaginative and slick.
He uses many techniques such as: layering, fragmenting and also sticking to certain strong, basic and vivid colours to create his work.
Here is a demo reel:
Friday, 18 October 2013
Our Thriller
Establishing our groups and ideas
In class, we have been put into groups to start thinking about our ideas for our opening title sequence of a thriller.
We all shared our ideas, none of which we thought were either interesting or achievable. So we developed a new idea. We have yet to establish what the synopsis of the film is but the opening sequence is like this:
A close up shot of a digital alarm clock. It is dark and in a bedroom. The window is opening and there is wind coming in and blowing the curtains. There is a shot of a tap dripping making an eerie noise. All of this tension builds up with a heartbeat sound effect over the top of the clip, then suddenly the alarm clock starts blurting out music, and the man in the bed slams it off with his hand.
I will be working with Luke and Vlada in this task. One of the potential weaknesses could be that we could get bored as our idea is fairly simple. However, a potential strength could be that it is very effective as it is so simple.
In class, we have been put into groups to start thinking about our ideas for our opening title sequence of a thriller.
We all shared our ideas, none of which we thought were either interesting or achievable. So we developed a new idea. We have yet to establish what the synopsis of the film is but the opening sequence is like this:
A close up shot of a digital alarm clock. It is dark and in a bedroom. The window is opening and there is wind coming in and blowing the curtains. There is a shot of a tap dripping making an eerie noise. All of this tension builds up with a heartbeat sound effect over the top of the clip, then suddenly the alarm clock starts blurting out music, and the man in the bed slams it off with his hand.
I will be working with Luke and Vlada in this task. One of the potential weaknesses could be that we could get bored as our idea is fairly simple. However, a potential strength could be that it is very effective as it is so simple.
Media Terminology
Connotation and Denotation
We give labels to things to know the difference between similar things.
In using a name or a label which our audience has used before, we evoke a meaning for our audience. This is the meaning which we intend to evoke. This is denotation.
However, in using a name or a label which our audience has used before, we evoke not only the meaning we intend but also a varying range of personal memories of other occasions when this word or label has been encountered. This is called connotation.
For example, when we think of a kitchen knife, many things could come in to our heads as we think of things that relate to personal memories or simple stereotypes.
Denotation refers to the basic interpretation of the light hitting our eyes, but connotation refers to the meanings we then associate with what we are seeing.
If you make the connotations that the producer of the media text meant you to make, this is called a preferred reading.
If you make different connotations from those which the producer intended you to make, then this is called an oppositional reading.
We give labels to things to know the difference between similar things.
In using a name or a label which our audience has used before, we evoke a meaning for our audience. This is the meaning which we intend to evoke. This is denotation.
However, in using a name or a label which our audience has used before, we evoke not only the meaning we intend but also a varying range of personal memories of other occasions when this word or label has been encountered. This is called connotation.
For example, when we think of a kitchen knife, many things could come in to our heads as we think of things that relate to personal memories or simple stereotypes.
Denotation refers to the basic interpretation of the light hitting our eyes, but connotation refers to the meanings we then associate with what we are seeing.
If you make the connotations that the producer of the media text meant you to make, this is called a preferred reading.
If you make different connotations from those which the producer intended you to make, then this is called an oppositional reading.
Video
Preliminary exercise: Continuity task involving filming and editing a character opening a door, crossing a room and sitting down in a chair opposite another character, with whom she/he then exchanges a couple of lines of dialogue. This task should demonstrate match on action, shot/reverse shot and the 180-degree rule.
Main task: the titles and opening of a new fiction film, to last a maximum of two minutes.
All video and audio material must be original, produced by the candidate(s), with the exception of music or audio effects from a copyright-free source. Both preliminary and main tasks may be done individually or as a group. Maximum four members to a group.
Preliminary Task Video
Our Preliminary Task: The Final Product
Recently, I filmed a short sequence, the storyboard of which has been posted earlier. Seeing as I was ill on the day of actual filming, I decided to help another group with their editing instead of edit the film on my own that I filmed on a different day.
Here is the sequence we edited together:
Overall, I am pleased with what we put together and believe that we edited well considering it was our first project.
Recently, I filmed a short sequence, the storyboard of which has been posted earlier. Seeing as I was ill on the day of actual filming, I decided to help another group with their editing instead of edit the film on my own that I filmed on a different day.
Here is the sequence we edited together:
Overall, I am pleased with what we put together and believe that we edited well considering it was our first project.
Sunday, 13 October 2013
Opening Title Sequence Ideas
An Opening Title Sequence to a Thriller
Recently, we were asked to come up with four main ideas for a thriller opening title sequence. I shared all of these ideas with Adam and he decided this one had the most potential:
Synopsis- about a woman who is a maid and cleans hotel rooms for a living. She is in a dead end relationship and this could be a significant storyline. One day she meets a dodgy looking man who she is weirdly attracted to, they start talking as he is staying in one of the rooms at the hotel she works. Eventually, they meet up in the evening and it turns out he's a criminal.
Opening Title Sequence- All set in a hotel room: she could be vacuuming, making the bed, fluffing the pillows etc. when she finds something or notices something unusual. I have yet to decide what this should be but have made a spider diagram with a few ideas which should help me decide. This will also help with determining the complete synopsis of the film.
Here is the spider diagram:
If you click on the picture of the diagram it will enlarge.
Recently, we were asked to come up with four main ideas for a thriller opening title sequence. I shared all of these ideas with Adam and he decided this one had the most potential:
Synopsis- about a woman who is a maid and cleans hotel rooms for a living. She is in a dead end relationship and this could be a significant storyline. One day she meets a dodgy looking man who she is weirdly attracted to, they start talking as he is staying in one of the rooms at the hotel she works. Eventually, they meet up in the evening and it turns out he's a criminal.
Opening Title Sequence- All set in a hotel room: she could be vacuuming, making the bed, fluffing the pillows etc. when she finds something or notices something unusual. I have yet to decide what this should be but have made a spider diagram with a few ideas which should help me decide. This will also help with determining the complete synopsis of the film.
Here is the spider diagram:
If you click on the picture of the diagram it will enlarge.
Sunday, 6 October 2013
Editing: Part Two
Finishing our short sequence
This lesson we finished our first editing adventure (hooray) using Final Cut Pro.
We had a few problems in this lesson with understanding and correcting mistakes on the computer. We each took about three turns on the computer (as that was what time allowed) and 'seemingly' made our piece not fit together. We had problems with connecting the sound and video smoothly, but this was quickly resolved by using 'B' to cut the audio shorter and using 'A' to drag the pieces overlapping so they fit perfectly.
The video should be ready to upload soon (once we're told how to do that...) and then you can watch for your viewing pleasure one of the best short films you've ever seen.
Analysing Sequences: Kill Bill
Kill Bill: Beatrix Buried Alive
The other day in class we looked at a scene from Kill Bill involving one character being buried alive, here is the scene:
This scene specifically uses a lot of Diegetic sound which is enhanced for the audience to feel like they are in the movie. A unique thing about this clip is that in a substantial part of the sequence, there is no picture at all, only sound and a black screen. This creates suspense for the audience as we can only hear what's going on and therefore can't fully understand exactly what is happening. This type of effect allows the audience to create their own image inside their head and usually, as the noises we're hearing at horrific, e.g dirt being dumped and heavy breathing, it is more gruesome that it would be, giving the clip a powerful sense of mystery.
However, this clip also uses Non-Diegetic sound in the form of a tune being whistled. This adds to the effect of the scene as it creates a suspenseful mood and atmosphere. The whistling is quite a sad, melodic song and this tells the audience that what is happening isn't a good thing.
There is no speech in this clip, which also adds to the unusual atmosphere. As an audience who as only seen this clip and not the film, it makes you question about what is happening, and makes you feel as if you've missed something, like the reason for the woman being buried. This clip uses a lot of sound but no words but still has a powerful effect by using loud Diegetic sound to explain what is going on.
The other day in class we looked at a scene from Kill Bill involving one character being buried alive, here is the scene:
This scene specifically uses a lot of Diegetic sound which is enhanced for the audience to feel like they are in the movie. A unique thing about this clip is that in a substantial part of the sequence, there is no picture at all, only sound and a black screen. This creates suspense for the audience as we can only hear what's going on and therefore can't fully understand exactly what is happening. This type of effect allows the audience to create their own image inside their head and usually, as the noises we're hearing at horrific, e.g dirt being dumped and heavy breathing, it is more gruesome that it would be, giving the clip a powerful sense of mystery.
However, this clip also uses Non-Diegetic sound in the form of a tune being whistled. This adds to the effect of the scene as it creates a suspenseful mood and atmosphere. The whistling is quite a sad, melodic song and this tells the audience that what is happening isn't a good thing.
There is no speech in this clip, which also adds to the unusual atmosphere. As an audience who as only seen this clip and not the film, it makes you question about what is happening, and makes you feel as if you've missed something, like the reason for the woman being buried. This clip uses a lot of sound but no words but still has a powerful effect by using loud Diegetic sound to explain what is going on.
Thursday, 3 October 2013
Analysing Opening Sequences: Vertigo
In similarity to Goldfinger, this opening title sequence uses a woman's face therefore objectifying her. In most common thrillers, someone gets into trouble or murdered, and if the 'killer' has a series of victims, stereotypically the first one to die will be an attractive female. However, this shows a warped version of the woman's face turn into a spiral, this suggests that the film could be supernatural or involve someone with mental illness.
The use of the colour red in this clip signifies danger as when the camera zooms into a close up of her eye, she looks scared and then it turns red. This makes the audience think of blood and danger, two things that are specifically linked to the thriller genre.
The use of zoom and focus throughout this clip highly enhances the effect of the clip as it really draws the audience into what is happening. This sequence is very random and does not tell us much about the film, therefore leaving the audience on 'the edge of their seats' and wanting to watch more.
Wednesday, 2 October 2013
Analysing Opening Sequences: Goldfinger
This opening title sequence uses the device of keeping a colour scheme throughout, which is a fairly common for thriller films as it sets the mood. The gold here represents luxury and higher class and as people's faces are projected onto the gold body parts, we know that this is a signifier that these people are rich and in power.
As is common in a James Bond movie, there is a theme song running throughout. This song is called 'Goldfinger' and therefore the pictures on screen need to match with the song and vice versa. Within the editing, there seems to be almost a rhythm between how long a shot stays on screen to when it changes according to the music. This makes the audience want to watch the piece more as it flows and is easy watching.
Throughout the opening title sequence, we are shown snippets of the film to come, which is designed to keep the audience on edge and for them to continue watching. This is done inventively and uniquely using projections in order for the audience to be intrigued by the way they are presented.
Another theme throughout this sequence is the objectification of women. As they say in the industry, if you put a woman's body on screen in intriguing positions, the male AND female audience equally are interested in the aim and objective of this woman.
Saturday, 28 September 2013
Analysing Opening Sequences: Don't Look Now
Don't Look Now
Recently in class we looked at the opening title sequence of Don't Look Now, directed by Nicolas Roeg. Here is the clip we looked at:
The camera starts off with the close up of the water which is an evident theme throughout and also link to the drowning at the end of the clip. This shot also 'pulls' you into the water, giving the image of drowning. There are many establishing shots of lots of characters which allows the audience to know where she is and also how far away she is from her parents making the scene seem dangerous. There is also a lot of foreshadowing going on using establishing shots of the girl in the water. For example, when she throws the ball in the water for the first time, we see the girl's reflection in the pond.
The editing in this clip is also significant. The little girl throws the ball and the shot immediately goes straight to the mother catching something making a link between the two characters. There is also use of match-cutting when a glass breaks in the house and it cuts straight away to the mirror being smashed outside. Another example of this is when the mother puts her hands to her mouth and it immediately cuts to the little girl with her hands by her mouth, making a link.
There is a lot of tense music being played throughout this scene which gives it atmosphere and a dramatic mood. The humming from the man throughout also gives a sense of pathetic fallacy and makes you question the storm and rain and what's about to happen.
The little girl is wearing red throughout which adds to the overall mise-en-scene, hinting that there could be danger ahead. The title of the film in the water is foreboding and a warning to the audience 'don't look now' but in doing this, entices the audience to watch. Suddenly it stops raining just before she drowns, which could symbolise the calm before the storm. Another signifier could be the broken mirror, as this often symbolises bad luck.
Recently in class we looked at the opening title sequence of Don't Look Now, directed by Nicolas Roeg. Here is the clip we looked at:
The camera starts off with the close up of the water which is an evident theme throughout and also link to the drowning at the end of the clip. This shot also 'pulls' you into the water, giving the image of drowning. There are many establishing shots of lots of characters which allows the audience to know where she is and also how far away she is from her parents making the scene seem dangerous. There is also a lot of foreshadowing going on using establishing shots of the girl in the water. For example, when she throws the ball in the water for the first time, we see the girl's reflection in the pond.
The editing in this clip is also significant. The little girl throws the ball and the shot immediately goes straight to the mother catching something making a link between the two characters. There is also use of match-cutting when a glass breaks in the house and it cuts straight away to the mirror being smashed outside. Another example of this is when the mother puts her hands to her mouth and it immediately cuts to the little girl with her hands by her mouth, making a link.
There is a lot of tense music being played throughout this scene which gives it atmosphere and a dramatic mood. The humming from the man throughout also gives a sense of pathetic fallacy and makes you question the storm and rain and what's about to happen.
The little girl is wearing red throughout which adds to the overall mise-en-scene, hinting that there could be danger ahead. The title of the film in the water is foreboding and a warning to the audience 'don't look now' but in doing this, entices the audience to watch. Suddenly it stops raining just before she drowns, which could symbolise the calm before the storm. Another signifier could be the broken mirror, as this often symbolises bad luck.
Friday, 27 September 2013
Analysing Opening Sequences: The Shining
The Shining
In class, we watched the opening sequence of The Shining, directed by Stanley Kubrick. Here is the sequence we watched:
This is a very intriguing opening sequence. Nothing much happens but the overall mise-en-scene allows the audience to fully know the location and setting of the film in the first three minutes. This means the audience goes on the journey with the car, making the audience feel as if they are in the film, or maybe that something is watching the car from above, giving it a foreboding factor. However, the eerie music played over the beautiful landscapes allows the audience to understand the genre, and that perhaps the film is going to be mysterious and scary. It is also interesting how the camera never goes into the car in this sequence, providing something to be discovered later on in the film.
This opening sequence does include important factors like the names of the actors, director, music etc. which most films have and should have. However, this sequence does not tell you very much about the film, but adds to the mystery of the film, and the intricate details of the story the audience anticipate to discover.
In class, we watched the opening sequence of The Shining, directed by Stanley Kubrick. Here is the sequence we watched:
This is a very intriguing opening sequence. Nothing much happens but the overall mise-en-scene allows the audience to fully know the location and setting of the film in the first three minutes. This means the audience goes on the journey with the car, making the audience feel as if they are in the film, or maybe that something is watching the car from above, giving it a foreboding factor. However, the eerie music played over the beautiful landscapes allows the audience to understand the genre, and that perhaps the film is going to be mysterious and scary. It is also interesting how the camera never goes into the car in this sequence, providing something to be discovered later on in the film.
This opening sequence does include important factors like the names of the actors, director, music etc. which most films have and should have. However, this sequence does not tell you very much about the film, but adds to the mystery of the film, and the intricate details of the story the audience anticipate to discover.
Filming a short sequence.
Storyboard sequences.
We were given a preliminary storyboard, in which we had to prepare to film it.
This is the storyboard:
We were given a preliminary storyboard, in which we had to prepare to film it.
This is the storyboard:
This was filmed using the Sony NX5 that we were taught to use a few weeks ago. This is still in the editing process in which we are using Final Cut Pro. We learnt some important terminology and here are a few:
Rush Bin: This is the folder in which everything that is filmed is placed.
Log Bin: This is the folder in which the useful clips are put.
We also learnt a lot of shortcuts on the keyboard, for example:
'i' that is where you want the shot to start, and 'o' means that is where you want the clip to end. You find where you want to start and finish using the arrow keys to control the scrubber.
You can then drag the picture on the screen to the timeline and can cut by pressing 'b' for blade and dragging it somewhere else using 'a' for arrow.
We also learnt how to check in and out of the particular system we use at Hurtwood. This taught us how to access the server and our work from any computer.
Hopefully this short film will be posted soon.
Thursday, 19 September 2013
What is a thriller?
The dictionary definition of a thriller is 'a book ,play or film that has an exciting story, often about solving crime.' Many thrillers fit this definition as ultimately, what the audience are looking for in this genre of film is excitement and suspense.
A thriller, in my opinion, should provide thrills and keep the audience on edge throughout the film as the plot develops and we find out all of the secrets the film possesses. There should also be dangerous situations, evil motives and mysterious characters in order to create a full on thrilling movie.
A quote from James Patterson's book Thriller:
"Thrillers provide such a rich literary feast. There are all kinds. The legal thriller, spy thriller, action-adventure thriller, medical thriller, police thriller, romantic thriller, historical thriller, political thriller, religious thriller, high-tech thriller, military thriller. The list goes on and on, with new variations constantly being invented. In fact, this openness to expansion is one of the genre's most enduring characteristics. But what gives the variety of thrillers a common ground is the intensity of emotions they create, particularly those of apprehension and exhilaration, of excitement and breathlessness, all designed to generate that all-important thrill. By definition, if a thriller doesn't thrill, it's not doing its job."
This quote offers a basic insight into what industry professionals expect to see in a thriller and I am going to attempt to include many of these things within my opening title sequence at the end of the course.
A thriller, in my opinion, should provide thrills and keep the audience on edge throughout the film as the plot develops and we find out all of the secrets the film possesses. There should also be dangerous situations, evil motives and mysterious characters in order to create a full on thrilling movie.
A quote from James Patterson's book Thriller:
"Thrillers provide such a rich literary feast. There are all kinds. The legal thriller, spy thriller, action-adventure thriller, medical thriller, police thriller, romantic thriller, historical thriller, political thriller, religious thriller, high-tech thriller, military thriller. The list goes on and on, with new variations constantly being invented. In fact, this openness to expansion is one of the genre's most enduring characteristics. But what gives the variety of thrillers a common ground is the intensity of emotions they create, particularly those of apprehension and exhilaration, of excitement and breathlessness, all designed to generate that all-important thrill. By definition, if a thriller doesn't thrill, it's not doing its job."
This quote offers a basic insight into what industry professionals expect to see in a thriller and I am going to attempt to include many of these things within my opening title sequence at the end of the course.
Monday, 16 September 2013
My Second Camera Lesson
Actually filming something.
In this lesson, we set up the cameras as usual, but this time there was something new, actually recording something! We learnt how to use the record button and also all the right terminology the directors, actors etc. use on set. Here are a few:
Standby: This is used by almost everyone on set to show that you are ready. The director says it first and other important people like the actors, special effects etc. ensue.
Turn Over: This is said by the director when he/she wishes to start recording. This is the cue for the camera to press the start button.
Rolling: This is said by the camera man to let the director know he is filming.
Action and Cut: These are said accordingly at the beginning and end of a scene.
We also learnt how important continuity is, and that women are usually better at this (whoop). We also know now to shoot a scene several times at different shot sizes all the way through, which can then be edited to make a shorter and more fluid scene later on.
In this lesson, we set up the cameras as usual, but this time there was something new, actually recording something! We learnt how to use the record button and also all the right terminology the directors, actors etc. use on set. Here are a few:
Standby: This is used by almost everyone on set to show that you are ready. The director says it first and other important people like the actors, special effects etc. ensue.
Turn Over: This is said by the director when he/she wishes to start recording. This is the cue for the camera to press the start button.
Rolling: This is said by the camera man to let the director know he is filming.
Action and Cut: These are said accordingly at the beginning and end of a scene.
We also learnt how important continuity is, and that women are usually better at this (whoop). We also know now to shoot a scene several times at different shot sizes all the way through, which can then be edited to make a shorter and more fluid scene later on.
Wednesday, 11 September 2013
Shot Sizes
Shot Sizes
Today in Media we learnt all about Shot Sizes. These are different ways a scene can be filmed to portray emotion, time period, location etc.
Here they are:
Extreme close-up (ECU)
This is used to portray close up emotion
and to show the audience what the
character is feeling. Here, Will Smith
demonstrates a look of obvious confusion and anger.
Close-up or close shot (CU)
This shot only reveals the actors head and
shoulders. This is used for revealing
important moments or increase audience
identification with a character.
Medium close-up (MCU)
This only show the head and shoulders until
the upper chest. This is useful to portray
all kinds of stories.
Mid Shot (MS)
This is a shot only to the waist. This can
be used to portray a sense of time period
through costume or body language.
Medium-long shot (MLS)
This includes everything from the knees
up. This provides more physical information
but less detail emotionally.
Long Shot (LS)
This is the whole body of the actor. This
contextualises the location of the film or
TV programme. This can be used to show
loneliness through distance.
Wide Shot (WS)
This is an establishing shot which means
a location could be revealed and this is
normally used at the beginning and end
of a scene. This can also be used to
set up an atmosphere.
Over the shoulder (O/S)
This allows the audience to see what a
character is seeing. This can suggest
someone is being watched by an invisible
presence.
Two shot, three shot (2/5, 3/5) etc
This means framing two or more characters
providing a relationship between them, usually
a good relationship or a family bond. If characters
are in separate frames, it normally means they
don't get on.
Point of view (POV)
This shot provides perspective from a character's
point of view. This allows the audience to see
as one of the characters.
High Angle
This is a shot filmed from above and normally
depicts low status to the character it is
filming.
Low Angle
This is a shot filmed from below and normally
depicts a character with high status or
importance.
Sunday, 8 September 2013
My First Camera Lesson
An Introduction to the Sony NX5
The other day I had my first lesson in practical camera skills. I have never done anything like this before and therefore I was obviously quite apprehensive. We started off with the basics of this camera, as any beginner should.
The tripod is a simple gadget, and easy to stand up. The next, slightly more challenging part was attaching the camera to the tripod, which takes care. Then insert the battery, and wait for that satisfying click and you know you're set to turn the camera on.
There are four main essentials for a good quality picture, and here they are:
1) Zoom- this is used to control the mise en scene. It is controlled by the second wheel from the lens.
2) Focus- this is controlled by the first wheel from the lens. This is used to create a pristine picture. You use the zoom wheel to zoom in on one part of the picture fully, you then adjust the focus wheel to get a sharp image.
3) Exposure- this is used to control the amount of light that is taken in by the camera. It is controlled by the third wheel from the lens.
4) White Balance- this is controlled by a small button on the left side of the camera, and is pressed when you wish to balance the colour of the picture. To do this, you have to zoom in on something white so it fills the screen, you then press the button and it automatically balances the colour. Another feature is colour balance is the ND Filter, which is controlled by a switch and allows different amounts of colour and light to be taken in by the camera lens.
So there you go, the essentials of working a camera.
The other day I had my first lesson in practical camera skills. I have never done anything like this before and therefore I was obviously quite apprehensive. We started off with the basics of this camera, as any beginner should.
The tripod is a simple gadget, and easy to stand up. The next, slightly more challenging part was attaching the camera to the tripod, which takes care. Then insert the battery, and wait for that satisfying click and you know you're set to turn the camera on.
There are four main essentials for a good quality picture, and here they are:
1) Zoom- this is used to control the mise en scene. It is controlled by the second wheel from the lens.
2) Focus- this is controlled by the first wheel from the lens. This is used to create a pristine picture. You use the zoom wheel to zoom in on one part of the picture fully, you then adjust the focus wheel to get a sharp image.
3) Exposure- this is used to control the amount of light that is taken in by the camera. It is controlled by the third wheel from the lens.
4) White Balance- this is controlled by a small button on the left side of the camera, and is pressed when you wish to balance the colour of the picture. To do this, you have to zoom in on something white so it fills the screen, you then press the button and it automatically balances the colour. Another feature is colour balance is the ND Filter, which is controlled by a switch and allows different amounts of colour and light to be taken in by the camera lens.
So there you go, the essentials of working a camera.
Saturday, 7 September 2013
Me.
Hello
I'm Claudia and welcome to my blog. There are many things you don't know about me, most of which you never will know, but the most important fact you should know is that I love films. I think I first got this love of films from my dad who forced me to watch such films as Psycho, Vertigo, It's a Wonderful Life and all of those glorious 'oldies'. I'm currently studying Media Studies at Hurtwood House along with other subjects such as Theatre Studies. Acting, singing and dancing are also things I'm passionate about.
Here's something you don't know, and don't need to know. Did you know that it would take 12 honeybees a lifetime to produce one teaspoon of honey? (I'm also a lover of random information if you can't already tell.)
So this is just the beginning of my blog, and also just the beginning of my education in the world of Media. I hope you enjoy the ride.
I'm Claudia and welcome to my blog. There are many things you don't know about me, most of which you never will know, but the most important fact you should know is that I love films. I think I first got this love of films from my dad who forced me to watch such films as Psycho, Vertigo, It's a Wonderful Life and all of those glorious 'oldies'. I'm currently studying Media Studies at Hurtwood House along with other subjects such as Theatre Studies. Acting, singing and dancing are also things I'm passionate about.
Here's something you don't know, and don't need to know. Did you know that it would take 12 honeybees a lifetime to produce one teaspoon of honey? (I'm also a lover of random information if you can't already tell.)
So this is just the beginning of my blog, and also just the beginning of my education in the world of Media. I hope you enjoy the ride.
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