In today's lesson, we received a selection of feedback regarding our rough cut. The feedback consisted entirely of positive comments that mainly focused on positive aspects of our piece.
Particular elements of cinematography and editing that were found worthy of comment were the use of black and white, time lapses to generate atmosphere and the slow down and speed up of time.
Our soundtrack was also found particularly effective and tied in well with the atmosphere of the filming, it was noted for being particularly effective at building up tension towards the end of the scene.
The piece received no actual suggestions for improvement but we know which bits to focus at and improve upon from this feedback.
Friday 12 March 2010
Thursday 11 March 2010
Friday 5 March 2010
When are they going to film: 7th March 2010, 16:00.
Who is going to pick up and bring back the camera and tripod: Charlie Raiser or Greg Annetts.
Where are they going to film: Near the train station in Cambridge (Cineworld). We have chosen this area because it shows a good view of the city for our time-lapse shots. Each of us will use a different method of transport to get to the designated location. Matt - Moped along with Pete and Luke. Greg and Charlie will be using public transport i.e bus. The location is public and there will be no health and safety regulations to follow.
Lighting: we will be filming towards dusk as it is the perfect lighting for our film. We wont need any portable lighting.
Actors: Every member of the group will be taking part: Greg - Julius, Matt - Danny, Luke - Lewis, followed by Charlie and Pete as extras.
Film Crew: Pete will be the cinematographer, Charlie will be the sound editor.
Props: Knife, Spliff, Squibs, Mobile phone.
All of the sections are going to be filmed on the day.
Everything will be covered, all sound will be included and most camera shots/angles.
Who is going to pick up and bring back the camera and tripod: Charlie Raiser or Greg Annetts.
Where are they going to film: Near the train station in Cambridge (Cineworld). We have chosen this area because it shows a good view of the city for our time-lapse shots. Each of us will use a different method of transport to get to the designated location. Matt - Moped along with Pete and Luke. Greg and Charlie will be using public transport i.e bus. The location is public and there will be no health and safety regulations to follow.
Lighting: we will be filming towards dusk as it is the perfect lighting for our film. We wont need any portable lighting.
Actors: Every member of the group will be taking part: Greg - Julius, Matt - Danny, Luke - Lewis, followed by Charlie and Pete as extras.
Film Crew: Pete will be the cinematographer, Charlie will be the sound editor.
Props: Knife, Spliff, Squibs, Mobile phone.
All of the sections are going to be filmed on the day.
Everything will be covered, all sound will be included and most camera shots/angles.
Location
We decided to choose this location as our filming spot as we will be taking a time-lapse shot from on top of the bridge over the train track. We thought this would be a good place as it shows a clear view of a key city area.
Thursday 4 March 2010
R2-46 review
Their blog is good as they have posted many videos showing they have researched a lot to help them with their opening. they have clearly shown there ideas of their film opening with story boards, scripts and discussions of their soundtrack. so far they are up to date with posts and are doing well.
We have decided to give our piece a rating of 15 due to adult content and themes included within. Not only because of adult scenes of drug taking and violence, but also due to the mature ideas included within, such as social class differences and gang culture which would not be suitable for a younger audience.
Bbfc film certificate: 15, contains strong violence, frequent drug use and strong language
Final decided Main Themes and Genre
Themes:
Crime
Drugs
Gang Culture
Status
Social class differences
Genre:
Gangster Thriller
Crime
Drugs
Gang Culture
Status
Social class differences
Genre:
Gangster Thriller
Cast and Roles
Name: Charles Raiser. Character name: Julius. Occupation: Assassin.(Main character)
Name: Luke Andrews. Character name: Lewis. Occupation: College student (Target)
Name: Matt Dockerill. Character name: Danny. Occupation: Gangster (Julius' boss)
Name: Peter Evans. Character name: Extra 1 Role: Blogger
Name: Greg Annetts. Character name: Extra 2 Role: Cinematographer
Name: Luke Andrews. Character name: Lewis. Occupation: College student (Target)
Name: Matt Dockerill. Character name: Danny. Occupation: Gangster (Julius' boss)
Name: Peter Evans. Character name: Extra 1 Role: Blogger
Name: Greg Annetts. Character name: Extra 2 Role: Cinematographer
Guy Ritchie 'Snatch' and Noel Clarke 'Adulthood'
Snatch
Adulthood
We have looked at clips from both 'Snatch' and 'Adulthood' and are planning to take ideas from them both using some of the cinematography techniques and the same type of music for our soundtrack. Our opening sequence will have elements from both the films as the genre is the same as ours a Gangster Thriller genre. We our planning to use the same type of quick camera shots used in 'Snatch' where they use quick shots of different scenes so it shortens the length of the journey to England from America. We will copy this idea but instead do the shot of Matt (Danny) rolling up a joint(prop will be used to avoid actual drug intake!) We will also take other ideas from the films but approach them with original ideas.
Adulthood
We have looked at clips from both 'Snatch' and 'Adulthood' and are planning to take ideas from them both using some of the cinematography techniques and the same type of music for our soundtrack. Our opening sequence will have elements from both the films as the genre is the same as ours a Gangster Thriller genre. We our planning to use the same type of quick camera shots used in 'Snatch' where they use quick shots of different scenes so it shortens the length of the journey to England from America. We will copy this idea but instead do the shot of Matt (Danny) rolling up a joint(prop will be used to avoid actual drug intake!) We will also take other ideas from the films but approach them with original ideas.
Editing and soundtrack for Thriller Trailer
When it came to editing our trailer we started by cutting up raw footage. Although the footage is not really relevant to what we are aiming for in the final piece, it reflects the effect wanted and the kind of shots that we shall be using. We wanted short clips to make the film tense and punchy, but also to give a blurry kind of feel where the viewer has to really think to grasp what's going on. We put the whole sequence in black and white to make it appear more grimey and to add to the dark atmosphere we are aiming for. The titles we added read; "One mans mistake...", "Leads to one mans downfall." This makes the viewer want to watch the finished product by giving an uncertain feel. The soundtrack also gives a dark sense to the footage, with very slow epic piano mixed together with a hiphop beat to make the grimey aspect stand out. Sound effects used include a police car and helicopters etc. The beginning of the clip starts with a voice over of a simulated phonecall ordering a hit on one of the main characters. This sets the audience up for one of the main themes of the movie, and makes them want to find out more.
Tuesday 2 March 2010
Filming and logistics difficulties
On Saturday the 27th of February, three members of our group travelled to Cambridge to complete filming for our currently untitled project. The weather was slightly overcast, but this was perfect for the the atmosphere we are trying to generate with our project. However, due to prior commitments experienced by members of our cast and due to electronic failure, no filming actually occurred. Despite this setback, we did not waste the opportunity and spent our time scouting potential locations for filming and refining our ideas for dialogue and cinematography. We intend to try again this coming Sunday and have locations in mind such as the top of Cineworld car park for timelapse shots of urban Cambridge and around the Catholic Church for other shots.
Friday 26 February 2010
Note to reader:
The beginning sequence of this movie follows the character of Lewis, however. Lewis and his life are just a passing thing in the life of Julius, and the existence of crime and death he leads.
Rough script plan
To appeal to our target audience and for realism, our actors are communicating in urban slang.
Lewis comes walking out of college. The conversation goes like this:
Lewis: wagwan boys what's gwan?
Randomer no.1: nutn g, what's you man sayin?
Lewis: Nutn g just chippin off town for some MacDONALDS. You got any draws cuz?
Randomer no.1: Nah bro ain't got jack gettin ma reload later, my boy Johnny's got dry peng though.
Lewis: safe cuz hook me up with some of those tasty nugs.
*Lewis walks over to Johnny, the conversation is as follows*
Johnny: You alright geez, what you after?
Lewis: Not much bro just a likkle cheeky tens ya know.
Johnny: Yeah rudeboy here ya go selecta,.
*The transaction is carried out*
Lewis: Safe cuz, here comes my bus i'm duckin out quick sef sef *Fistbang*
*Lewis bowls over to the bus, gets on, buys a ticket*
*various shots of iconic Cambridge icons.*
Meanwhile, in an undisclosed location Danny is on the phone to Julius.
Julius: Easy boy.
Danny: Don't call me boy soppy bollocks. i ain't in the fuckin mood.
Julius: what's the problem fella?
Danny: his name's lewis, i want him dead within 24 hours, i can't have people muggin me off. My reputation's on the line, 24 hours jules, I want him dead. *hangs up*
MEANWHILE
Lewis gets off the bus, there are various shots of him bowling around town, we see him goin in and coming out of MacDONALDS's.
He is spotted by Julius, he panics and starts running.
There is a chase scene, with lots of shots. The chase leads to a dead-end alley.
There is a lack of conversation at this point.
Julius: playtime's over soundboy.
Lewis: Come on man don't do this i got so much to live for.
Julius: we've all gotta make a living.
*shank*
some other shots with some deep emotional music and Julius doin some stuff.
Lewis comes walking out of college. The conversation goes like this:
Lewis: wagwan boys what's gwan?
Randomer no.1: nutn g, what's you man sayin?
Lewis: Nutn g just chippin off town for some MacDONALDS. You got any draws cuz?
Randomer no.1: Nah bro ain't got jack gettin ma reload later, my boy Johnny's got dry peng though.
Lewis: safe cuz hook me up with some of those tasty nugs.
*Lewis walks over to Johnny, the conversation is as follows*
Johnny: You alright geez, what you after?
Lewis: Not much bro just a likkle cheeky tens ya know.
Johnny: Yeah rudeboy here ya go selecta,.
*The transaction is carried out*
Lewis: Safe cuz, here comes my bus i'm duckin out quick sef sef *Fistbang*
*Lewis bowls over to the bus, gets on, buys a ticket*
*various shots of iconic Cambridge icons.*
Meanwhile, in an undisclosed location Danny is on the phone to Julius.
Julius: Easy boy.
Danny: Don't call me boy soppy bollocks. i ain't in the fuckin mood.
Julius: what's the problem fella?
Danny: his name's lewis, i want him dead within 24 hours, i can't have people muggin me off. My reputation's on the line, 24 hours jules, I want him dead. *hangs up*
MEANWHILE
Lewis gets off the bus, there are various shots of him bowling around town, we see him goin in and coming out of MacDONALDS's.
He is spotted by Julius, he panics and starts running.
There is a chase scene, with lots of shots. The chase leads to a dead-end alley.
There is a lack of conversation at this point.
Julius: playtime's over soundboy.
Lewis: Come on man don't do this i got so much to live for.
Julius: we've all gotta make a living.
*shank*
some other shots with some deep emotional music and Julius doin some stuff.
Thursday 25 February 2010
Evaluation Questions
The following questions must be answered in your evaluation PowerPoint:
1. In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
Our thriller introduction challenges forms and conventions of current thrillers by adding elements of gangster and action films. For example the storyline is very much like a gangster film, a hit is ordered on a character and they are hunted down by another character. The action element we have included is a chase scene to make the scene a bit more fast paced for a short amount of time before we return to the nature of a thriller film. To keep our film in the thriller category we had to ensure that we kept it sinister and included a good amount of suspense. In the respect it is back to the original values of a thriller, just with our own unique twist.
2. How does your media product represent particular social groups?
Our film represents youth culture but also takes on a very obvious gangster storyline which also gives it a bit more of a sinister appearance.
3. What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
Our media product would be distributed and published by an independent media institution, similar to films such as kidulthood and adulthood, two films we are drawing allot of ideas and themes from.
4. Who would be the audience for your media product?
Our media product is aimed at younger adults that enjoy typical gangster sort of films but also our product represents present youth culture in some areas which would obviously make it very appealing to younger generations.
5. How did you attract/address your audience?
We attracted our audience by including many elements of everyday life that a teenager experiences. For example we begin in a college environment where obviously most teenagers will be spending allot of time. This seems a safe environment because it is an everyday thing, however we will show a more sinister twist.
6. What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing the product?
During the process of bringing our product together we have learnt how to use the filming equipment effectively e.g. camera and tripod etc. We have also learnt how to use the editing software to bring all our clips together and make the transitions between them smooth and also to add credits. Finally we used garage band to create a sound track to go over the sequence that fitted in with the mood of the scene.
7. Looking back to your preliminary task, what do you feel that you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?
We have become allot better at gathering the necessary footage and also allot better at efficiently editing it all together and using more advanced editing techniques for a much better finish.
1. In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
Our thriller introduction challenges forms and conventions of current thrillers by adding elements of gangster and action films. For example the storyline is very much like a gangster film, a hit is ordered on a character and they are hunted down by another character. The action element we have included is a chase scene to make the scene a bit more fast paced for a short amount of time before we return to the nature of a thriller film. To keep our film in the thriller category we had to ensure that we kept it sinister and included a good amount of suspense. In the respect it is back to the original values of a thriller, just with our own unique twist.
2. How does your media product represent particular social groups?
Our film represents youth culture but also takes on a very obvious gangster storyline which also gives it a bit more of a sinister appearance.
3. What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
Our media product would be distributed and published by an independent media institution, similar to films such as kidulthood and adulthood, two films we are drawing allot of ideas and themes from.
4. Who would be the audience for your media product?
Our media product is aimed at younger adults that enjoy typical gangster sort of films but also our product represents present youth culture in some areas which would obviously make it very appealing to younger generations.
5. How did you attract/address your audience?
We attracted our audience by including many elements of everyday life that a teenager experiences. For example we begin in a college environment where obviously most teenagers will be spending allot of time. This seems a safe environment because it is an everyday thing, however we will show a more sinister twist.
6. What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing the product?
During the process of bringing our product together we have learnt how to use the filming equipment effectively e.g. camera and tripod etc. We have also learnt how to use the editing software to bring all our clips together and make the transitions between them smooth and also to add credits. Finally we used garage band to create a sound track to go over the sequence that fitted in with the mood of the scene.
7. Looking back to your preliminary task, what do you feel that you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?
We have become allot better at gathering the necessary footage and also allot better at efficiently editing it all together and using more advanced editing techniques for a much better finish.
Tuesday 2 February 2010
Shot list
Shot 1
Establishing shot/tracking shot of Lewis, dust time, semi dark. Frame freezes and has character info.
Shot 2
Medium shot of Lewis on the bus.
Time lapse of Cambridge from car park
Shot 3
Medium shot - Julius in a house smoking a recreational spliff :) (time freezes and character intro ensues) on phone to the Danny (character intro ensues) ordering hit on Lewis.
Shot 4
Time lapse of people walking past, looks like persons walking through the crowd
Shot 5
Tracking shot leading to point of view of Lewis - seeing Danny. Then a over Dannys shoulder shot of Lewis.
Shot 6
Medium shot linking both characters to the location and Lewis starts running.
Shot 7
Hand held running shot to add tension, really quick transitions to add to mayhem. The chase leads to alleyway in which there is an over the shoulder shot of Lewis over Danny's shoulder. He is now holding a knife.
Shot 8
See the knife going towards Lewis neck and flashes of the knife at neck, black, blood on the neck, black, falling, black, hitting the ground in slow motion.
Shot 9
Extreme close up at a canted angle of Danny on phone too Julius. 'is it done?'
Shot 10
Fade out to black.
Establishing shot/tracking shot of Lewis, dust time, semi dark. Frame freezes and has character info.
Shot 2
Medium shot of Lewis on the bus.
Time lapse of Cambridge from car park
Shot 3
Medium shot - Julius in a house smoking a recreational spliff :) (time freezes and character intro ensues) on phone to the Danny (character intro ensues) ordering hit on Lewis.
Shot 4
Time lapse of people walking past, looks like persons walking through the crowd
Shot 5
Tracking shot leading to point of view of Lewis - seeing Danny. Then a over Dannys shoulder shot of Lewis.
Shot 6
Medium shot linking both characters to the location and Lewis starts running.
Shot 7
Hand held running shot to add tension, really quick transitions to add to mayhem. The chase leads to alleyway in which there is an over the shoulder shot of Lewis over Danny's shoulder. He is now holding a knife.
Shot 8
See the knife going towards Lewis neck and flashes of the knife at neck, black, blood on the neck, black, falling, black, hitting the ground in slow motion.
Shot 9
Extreme close up at a canted angle of Danny on phone too Julius. 'is it done?'
Shot 10
Fade out to black.
Friday 29 January 2010
Idea 1
The scene will start with a tracking shot of Lewis (Luke) coming out of college as it is getting fairly dark. Conversation with random people ensues until the bus arrives and he gets on it into town. In town it is now dark and gloomy. meanwhile Danny (Greg) who happens to be smoking a recreational cannabis roll-up with a roach orders out a hit on Lewis on the phone to his man Julius. Time passes with shots of town and cars and stuff. Then Julius (Matt) sees Lewis walking across town, Lewis also clocks Julius and a chase ensues. The chase leads to a dead-end and Julius shanks Lewis once in the stomach. Thinking that Lewis is dead Julius turns around and calls his boy Danny. Danny is on the other end and the camera switches to him, the phone goes dead and then switches back to the dead end where Pedro is lieing dead with blood pouring out of his neck. Ends with a shot of Lewis hobbling away holding his stomach.
Thursday 28 January 2010
Mood board
This is our mood board. It reflects our initial idea's and concepts that we will try to include in our piece.
Tuesday 26 January 2010
Other pupils work analysis.
This piece follows many of the conventions of psychological thriller. The non-diegetic soundtrack creates an atmosphere of suspense & tension reinforce the apprehension the swift shot cuts build up. Tracking shots help us to follow the action as the plot unfolds. The mise en scene features a fat guy and other elements that are typical. The motif of the chess set as a recurring theme through the piece draws intrigue.
The Condemed
This movie is an action thriller starting hard man Vinnie Jones and ex wrestler Steve Austin. The choice of actors gives the film its rugged edge, along with its fast paced camera angles and dramatic non-diegetic soundtrack make this an action thriller. The cinematography used in the film is all brisk, featuring panning and zooming shots that emphasise the action packed pace of this particular genre. The mise en scene features a lot of guns and explosives which is typical of this kind of action thriller.
Friday 22 January 2010
Plans for filming
For the mise en scene of our filming we plan that the two gangster debt collectors to be wearing jeans or tracksuits with Nike Air Max trainers. And the person in debt to be wearing scruffy clothes looking like they have been living ruff. Shots take place in gloomy area multistory car parks, ally ways. The sound in the sequence would be quite slow and eerie to keep the suspense ongoing and then in certain parts of the intro until the chase scene when the tempo of the music changes completely and
Thursday 21 January 2010
Tuesday 19 January 2010
Alfred Hitchcoccks essay Why Thrillers thrive
We believe that the main points that Hitchcock is trying to put across in the article that thrillers are used to put a insecurity to the viewer to make them feel as if there in the characters shoes 'we don't sit by as spectators; we participate' therefore we are subconsciously afraid of what is going to happen and keeps them on the edge of their seats. It gives the impression that they are there feeling what the character is feeling but with the assurance that they are in a safe environment.
Tuesday 12 January 2010
1958 Classic Hitchcock thriller
Spinning shapes in the eye - see what she is feeling.
The shapes are showing what you would see if you experienced vertigo.
The non-diagetic music giving suspense to the viewer wondering whats going to happen next, feeling trapped.
Hypnotic spinning images.
The shapes are showing what you would see if you experienced vertigo.
The non-diagetic music giving suspense to the viewer wondering whats going to happen next, feeling trapped.
Hypnotic spinning images.
Friday 8 January 2010
Thursday 7 January 2010
Prelminary task
In our preliminary task we had to demonstrate match on action, shot/reverse shot and the 180 degree rule. We decided to shoot outside in the snow and do someone throwing a snowball as our main theme.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)