Thriller rough cut feedback

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The globe shaped puzzle implies the collectiveness of knowledge that Wikipedia embodies. The usage of Greek letters has connotations of advanced academia.

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.