About Me :)

Sunday 20 March 2011

Researching production companies

Here is a scan of some of my notes on companies that have produced/distributed British film in order to prepare for a case study.


Monday 7 March 2011

The British Film Institute

The BFI (British Film Institute) promotes understanding and appreciation of film and television heritage and culture. Established in 1933, the BFI runs a range of activities and services. On a current media trip, we visited the BFI in London, and here are some notes I have taken during the lecture.
http://www.bfi.org.uk/

What kinds of films are made in Britain?
-Drama
-Bleak
-Social Realism
-Heritage Drama
-Low-budget films

British films:
Four Weddings and a Funeral
London to Brighton
Elizabeth
This is England
The Bourne Ultimatum- Unlike typical British films, but sold 442 million.
The King's Speech- 130 million gross in the first two weeks of the release date.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince- Nearly 302 million gross.
Shifty- $90,658 UK gross.

Is British film (cinema) in crisis?
British film is perpetually in crisis. In the 1930's there was new 'talkies' Americanised cinema. 1990's was the demise of Film4, but the return of public funding with the UK film council receiving lottery money; the US success of 'Trainspotting'. In 2010, the UK film industry contributed £4.5 million to the UK's GDP and more than £1.2 billion to the Exchequer. The UK film industry also provides jobs for some of the UK's most highly qualified workers, with 58% of the production workforce university educated.

Heritage Cinema:
-Costume drama
-Presents the past as 'spectacle', 'museum aesthetic'
-Victorian/upper middle class
-Older, 'intelligent' audience
-Romanticised mise en scene of costume, architecture and transport
-Nostalgic fashion
-Late 20th century

Urban Fairytales:
-Romantic comedies
-1990's
-Contemporary London setting
-Middle class
-Urban and tourist landmarks

Gritty Realism:
-Opposite of Heritage cinema
-Critical of British life
-Doesn't reinforce patriotic values
-Challenges audience's comfort zone
-Shocking behaviour (smoking, drinking etc)
-Often filmed using a hand-held camera
-Unflattering location
-Example; Trainspotting- "It's shite being Scottish!"

Post-Heritage:
-Claire Monk
-Historical dramas
-Interrogates the past
-Questions how the past is represented
-Explores contemporary themes
-Enjoyed by fans of Heritage films
-'Dirty realism'
-Examples; 'Elizabeth' and 'Atonement'

Stereotypes of 'Britishness':
-Historical continuity- leads to a great respect for tradition and traditional values
-Politeness, a strong sense of decorum and of unwritten social rules (which are actually satisfying to obey)
-An ability to control emotion in order to preserve the status quo
-Respect for the social hierarchy
-Sense of nobility and pride in their own position
-The expectations of society are taken seriously instead of rebelled against
-If these rebellions occur then they seem to just reinforce the social order
-Pervasive sense of 'doing the right thing'- conforming to your responsibilities and not 'breaking rank' even when this is personally painful

Thursday 20 January 2011

Location shots and props

Victim's house
Church/graveyard































The two locations, a house and a church, contrast each other. I have chosen these deliberately, so that the audience are more tense when it gets to the second dark location of the church.

Props

 This is the character's costume. The red coat is the most significant prop because the colour red represents danger and death.
Fake blood


Skull necklace- represents death
 
Killer's weapon

Wednesday 19 January 2011

Evaluation of the final project

1. In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
I have used many conventions from a typical thriller genre, such as the element of surprise, like Hitchcock uses in his films. Commonly, Hitchcock uses a device whereby the audience knows something that the characters do not know. I use this convention in my media product because the audience knows that the ex-husband is stalking his daughter, when he thinks he’s stalking his ex-wife. This is because the red coat the daughter wears is meant to be her mother's. It also symbolizes danger and stands out. Like Hitchcock, I have used quick/jump cuts and camera angle changes, especially to the build up to the murder. For example, the daughter literally walks into her killing, and there is a quick shot of the knife being raised in the air, giving a sense of shock and suddenness. To add to the suspense, I have inserted the sound of a heartbeat. This builds tension as the heart beat gets faster as the cuts get faster. This challenges other media products because I have rarely seen this technique used.
I have used a close-up on the mother’s face to show her facial expression in more detail to convey her sense of worry. This leads to the transition of the flashback, which I have presented in black and white as a signifier to show it was in the past. I have also used a close-up of the victim after she is killed, showing her completely still and emotionless. I used dull lighting, another convention of this genre. Hitchcock’s film ‘Psycho’ uses dark lighting; not only because it's night, but inside so you can hardly see the character's faces. This makes it more mysterious. Additionally, there is a central key light that shines on the main character to make them stand out. I have taken this into consideration and I have now used it at the end of my media product; the light shines on the killer’s face and it also shines on the victim’s face. However, I have used a red light on the killer's face, not only to show his expression but using red to signify death, danger and blood. Unlike real media products, the budget (if any) is very low. By using a church/graveyard as one of the locations, it immediately represents a spooky atmosphere. It also indicates aspects of religion, and it's ironic that the victim is killed at the arch entrance of the church as it goes against the laws of God.

Moreover, sound plays an important part. I have used conventionally tense music at crucial moments such as when the killer is about to attack his victim and at the cliff-hanger ending.
The title ‘Inevitable’ means something that is incapable of being avoided or prevented. In this case, it is the daughter’s accidental murder that is the inevitable ending. ‘Psycho’ has also used a one word title; I think this is a good effect for a thriller genre because it’s quick, relating to the quick cuts used. 

The title and credits included in the short film are in the colour red to signify and represent that the film will include blood. They also have a plain black background so the audience is drawn to what is written, and it makes the colour red stand out also. The credits at the end, however, are not as important as the title so I have merged in an image of the grass where the knife has fallen. I think this gives a good, mysterious effect. It is also a common convention to show the murder weapon.


2. How does your media product represent particular social groups?
Gender is an important issue when analysing representation in the media. My media product clearly represents the dominance of men over women, as it is a man who is the killer, and a female as the victim. This may be very typical for a thriller genre, as in previous media products the male sex has been represented as stronger and more superior; where as female and feminine characters are shown to be weak and vulnerable. Such as, the father in 'Taken' when rescuing his innocent daughter when she has been kidnapped. This may also be to do with age.
Age is the next social group I will be discussing. The characters in my media product are made up of a teenager and two middle-aged people. I tried to achieve a trendy look for the teenager, as she wears a white low-cut top, black skinny jeans and boots. Not only can we tell that the teenager is at this age because of her looks, but I made sure she acted like it too. For example, she is argumentative and moody towards her mother when she doesn't understand something. This is typical for her age group. However, she is not involved in more rebellious actions, such as crime and drugs in the short film.  This may challenge the typical representation of the teen generation, and this would detract from the main plot. The older characters are more dominant over the teenager. The man may be dominant over the female, but he is also dominant over the teenager because he is older.
The class and status being represented is working class. Working class would suggest a council estate; in which I have used to film one of my locations. The social class category being presented is C2:

The family is ordinary; fitting in with the majority of the population and therefore this makes it easier for the audience to identify. I chose this class because it is the cheapest solution, and therefore a low-budget film. I have shown this by the smallness of the house in which they live and the plainness of their clothes. The locations are quite run down, the fairly poor economy, and therefore a killer is (typically) more likely to live or target in these areas.
On the other hand, what my media product does not contain is a range of ethnic groups. All the characters in my film are from a White-British background. However, it only includes three main characters and this short film is a maximum of 2 minutes so it is difficult to show a variety of races without more time to represent them, as well as other social groups. If I were to make a feature film (full length fiction film running over 60 minutes in duration) I would most definitely use and present a range of ethnicities and races so it would be a fair representation.  However, the plot doesn't focus on race so this might mean the characters can be from anywhere.

3. What kinds of media institution distribute your media product and why?
Film4 is a free digital television channel available in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, owned and operated by Channel 4, which screens films. I think the media institution Film 4 would distribute this media product because they already show thriller genres and I think this product would fit their criteria with the other programmes (such as 'Phonebooth'- http://www.film4.com/features/article/thrillers) and target the same audience. For example, here is what they think makes a good thriller (resource from Film4.com): "Edge-of-seat suspense, for one thing. Believable and compelling characters in unbelievable yet fascinating situations. Plot twists that leave an audience stunned and amazed at having the rug spectacularly pulled out from under their feet. Action scenes that, spectacular though they might be, serve to strengthen the storyline, not just blow up helicopters. And, most of all, the kind of stories that grip you like a vice, never knowing what's coming until the very end." 
The UCI cinema chain are most likely to show the film.

4. Who would be the audience for your media product?
Film4 is the most widely available free-to-air film channel in the UK amongst 16-34 year olds, so I have aimed for this age group to watch my product. However, my product has aspects of violence which may be unsuitable for younger viewers (such as, murder and the use of a knife), so the audience might differ slightly to 18 years and onwards. I think this age group would be more suitable, and by doing more research and interviewing participants, I have found that older people (over the age of 34) enjoy thriller genre films too. The social class that my film will apply to is working and middle class people. Working class people may be able to relate to the day-to-day lives of the characters, and the lower middle class people may be interested because there's an interesting plot and twist that they are able to follow and it may also make them feel superior to lower classes.
My media product should follow these guidelines:
http://www.bbfc.co.uk/classification/guidelines/18-2
U- 'Universal'- suitable for all.
PG- 'Parental Guidance'- general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children.
12- Suitable for 12 years and over.
15- Suitable only for 15 years and over.
18- Suitable only for adults.
R18- To be shown only in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops, and to adults of not less than 18 years.

5. How did you attract/address your audience?
I want to keep the audience interested and attentive but I also want to keep it realistic. I believe a first impression of a film is made in the first 30 seconds; therefore I attract my audience by immediately building suspense and giving an insight to the rest of the film, by using typical thriller conventions. At the beginning of the film, there is a point-of-view shot looking in on a woman through her window. This may build tension for the audience because they want to know who is spying on her, and why. In addition, towards the finale, more suspense is built up because we see a weapon (in this case, a knife). This makes it more intense for the audience.

Another clip I find interesting is the flashback; I rarely see them in films but when I do, I find them very symbolic and intense. The black-and-white flashback I have created shows the woman and the man's previous relationship. These include a happy moment, and a complete opposite moment which leads the man to kill in revenge. It is here when the audience realise why he follows the woman; he has psychological problems and wants revenge on the woman for breaking up with him. It leads to a massive build up at the end when there is a devastating effect on the audience when they first see the knife as the man climbs over the wall.

6. What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?

By constructing this product, I have learnt how to use editing technology. The programme I used in the editing process towards the final film product was called 'Adobe Premiere Pro'. I found by using this programme, I have learnt and acknowledged many different transitions and effects I can use in the piece. For example, I know how to adjust sound to make dialogue or sound effects louder, and how to change a short clip in the scene black and white, and other colour effects. I have also learnt that camera angles can represent a character's mood. For example, a close-up is used to show emotion on the character's face, and if the camera is at a high angle, looking down on the character, it may show that the character is feeling low/depressed, vulnerable or not very good about themselves.
Although I have had previous experience using Windows Movie Maker, I have used it for editing in more depth for the preliminary task. This prepared me for the editing process.

7. Looking back on your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?
I believe I have learnt independent skills, as in the preliminary task we worked as a group, and in the main task I worked on my own. This encouraged me to make my own decisions and avoid mistakes made in the preliminary task (such as continuity problems- there was a tripod in one of the shots).

I think I have improved on planning for the film; I checked out the locations before filming and decided on advantages and disadvantages of the location. For example, I was going to use a forest, but this would make the film more complicated and long, and I think the graveyard has more significance. I also organised actors and actresses, and I think they suited and played their roles very well. The plot idea is something that has been in my mind for a long time, as I love romance films, and it was exciting to think I could combine this type of aspect into a thriller genre.
Previously, I didn't have a lot of filming experience, so I think I have learnt several aspects of the filming industry by doing the preliminary task. The preliminary task was the first time I had used this type of camera. For the main task, I am more experienced with the camera, not only from the preliminary task but in my spare time I put these skills into practise.
When editing my final product, I found that it was too long for the brief given. I had to cut out some of the running shots of the killer across the graveyard. This could have caused many continuity problems as I was worried it wouldn't make sense. However, as it is a thriller, the shots are meant to be quick so shortening this made the scene sharper and have more impact on the audience.

Here is my evaluation in form of a prezi:

Thursday 6 January 2011

Initial ideas for the main task

When deciding on a name for my thriller, I came to the conclusion that it should contain one word only. I think it is more effective and relates to the thriller genre. Other thrillers that have used this are 'Taken' and 'Psycho'.
I have decided to name my thriller 'Inevitable' because it means an event is incapable of being avoided, and I think this fits in with my storyline.


Synopsis:
This year's most nail-biting psychological thriller is set in the quiet Norfolk countryside, but all is not as it seems. An ex-husband is devastated when his (previous) wife, Sarah, breaks up with him after he refuses to get mental help, and things turn dark when Sarah gets the impression she is being followed.


Representation of...
Genre- A thriller genre will be conveyed by the build up of tension through the clip. This will be shown by the use of dark lighting, shadows, edgy music, sound effects, vulnerability of the victim and fast cut editing.
Class- The small sized house represents Working class.
Gender- There is a clear gender representation that is being portrayed; a man is the killer and a woman is the victim. This is stereotypical, but I think this would make it more believable as men are usually portrayed as the stronger sex.
Age- It is the youngest teen character who is killed, but the main story is based around the ex-married couple, who are in there late 30's / early 40's.

Audience
The target audience for a generic thriller film is the young adult demographic from 18-25 year olds. However, I think the thriller I am creating can interest 15 year olds so I will extend this target audience age to 15-25 years. Young adults are more likely to watch this film because the characters in the film are a similar age, and they may be able to relate to the victim, which will make it more intense for the viewer.

Camera Angles/Shots
- Close-up
- Shot reverse shot
- Pan
- Mid shot
- Long shot
- Low angle
- Slanted
- Hand-held
- Zoom in/out
- Point of view
- Match on action
- 180 degree rule
- Establishing shot

Transitions
- A black and white colour effect for the flashbacks
- Fade in/out from black
- Jump cut
- Axial cut
- Cross fading
- Mosaic writing- to show the detached characters.

Costume
Woman- Casual/middle class clothing; winter wear. I also want the victim to seem innocent, so i may use light colours. She will also be wearing a red coat which will signify danger.
Daughter- Casual/trendy clothing for a teenager. At some point she will also be wearing the red coat, which shows something bad is going to happen to her.
Killer- Dark clothing, covering up skin so he is unable to be identified.

Lighting
Low-key lighting (dark shadows-dramatic). I may centre a light on the main characters face to show her role in the film. I may also use backlighting as it gives a good mysterious effect.

Sound
Diegetic sound (e.g. footsteps)
Non-diegetic sound (e.g. dark music that is edited in).

Props
- Photo- leads to the flashback
- Red coat- sign of danger
- Car- how the killer follows the victim
- Knife- killing weapon
- Skull necklace- although it is difficult to see the necklace she is wearing, it signifies death.

Location
It will be set in several locations, such as, a house, an old airport and a church/graveyard. I chose a house so the audience will feel at home with the victim and they can relate to their everyday lives, and so when she is killed the audience feels sympathetic towards her. An old airport, in my opinion, is a good place to film because it's not busy/public. In fact, it's the complete opposite and bare which makes it feel spookier. There is a church near, with a graveyard and some trees. This is an obvious choice for a thriller because it will look spooky and mysterious in the dark.

'Todorov's Narrative Stages' for my main production
Equilibrium- First setting is established, key characters such as Sarah are introduced.
Disruption- Other characters are introduced and a sense of something strange is going to happen- we know this because of the flashbacks.
Recognition of disruption- A man is following the character Sarah; this is the longest scene as it is building the highest point of tension.
Attempt to repair disruption- Someone gets killed.
Reinstatement of equilibrium- Unlike some other thrillers such as 'Taken', it is left on a cliff hanger and the viewers questions are unanswered.

Wednesday 5 January 2011

Researching thrillers

The Butterfly Effect
The Butterfly Effect is a 2004 American psychological thriller film written and directed by Eric Bress and J. Mackye Gruber. The title refers to the butterfly effect, a popular metaphor for the principle in chaos theory that in any dynamic system, small initial differences may over time lead to large unforeseen consequences. The film draws heavily on flashbacks and presents several alternate present day outcomes as Evan attempts to change the past, before settling on a final outcome. It contains aspects of a romance, like I will use when i create my thriller. 
































The Number 23
The Number 23 is a 2007 American psychological thriller film directed by Joel Schumacher. The plot involves an obsession with the 23 enigma, an esoteric belief that all incidents and events are directly connected to the number 23. This may relate to my thriller, as I'm planning on having the main male character to go mad, like the character Walter Sparrow does in this film. I think it leads to good suspense because the audience doesn't trust the character, but we know what they're going through. This can lead to an unexpected plot ending. It also involves the colour red on an important object (the book) where as, in my thriller I am going to use the colour red on a different object, such as a coat so it stands out and represents danger.
Click the following link to watch the trailer for 'The Number 23':
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ElUBr6-GLU