Final Cut Of Thriller

Shots for Analysis

Post Filming Analysis

Whilst making our thriller we encountered a few problems, regarding our story boarding it became tedious trying to keep to the identical shot types and order. Although our final product does show a lot of similarities to the original storyboards with the use of shot types it does not keep to the same order. This is no real problem as we are content with the way it has worked, but it did teach us that it is not always bad to veer off the story board if the original is not working out to a satisfactory level. Our Soundtrack was one of the most difficult choices as 'Garageband' offered limited loops of the sounds we were looking for. We ended up using a controlled mix of previously made drones and a few sounds from the 'FX' section of Garageband which offered a suitable selection of sounds which maintained the theme of our thriller. If we were to re-do this project or if we had more time then we would plan on perhaps finding more suitable locations for the thriller. However, we do feel that we made the best of the resources we had and capitalised on the surrounding area by filming in locations which were related to our content.

Target Audience/Certificate

For our thriller we have tried to aim for an audience of around 15-30. The film will appeal to people of this age as it contains themes which are associated with this age group (Gangs, violence and psychotic behaviour) Although it is not to say that people above the age will not enjoy the movie but it may be less relevant to them as the content could be considered as popular culture which is associated to young adults and teenagers. Our film would not be suitable for persons below this age as it does contain moderate violence and the narrative may be too difficult for minors to understand and fully comprehend. The film does not deserve a higher rating as it does not contain material deemed inappropriate by the BBFC ( e.g excessive use of drugs, portrayals of sexual or sexualised violence which eroticise or endorses the behaviour).


The following information is taken of the BBFC site (http://www.sbbfc.co.uk/categories_15) :

What sort of issues might I find in a ‘15’ film, DVD or video game?
‘15’ works are stronger than '12' or ‘12A’ rated works and could include any of the following:

• strong violence
• frequent strong language (eg 'f***').
• portrayals of sexual activity
• strong verbal references to sex
• sexual nudity
• brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to sexual violence
• discriminatory language or behaviour
• drug taking

Occasionally there may be uses of the strongest terms (eg 'c***'), although continued aggressive use will not normally be passed at ‘15’. For more detailed information on the ‘15’ category click here to read the BBFC guidelines

Evaluation draft deadline mon 22nd 9am, final deadline mon 29th 9am

Thriller Film Opening Sequence Evaluation - 1500-2000 words
PowerPoint uploaded to moodle

1. In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge conventions of real media products?
What conventions of professional products have you used in your own film? (narrative conventions, character conventions, genre, camerawork, sound, editing, special effects, mise-en-scene? Use screen grabs of your own sequence to illustrate each example where you have followed conventions or gone against (challenged) conventions. Also use images from the films that have influenced you where relevant.

2. How does your media product represent particular social groups? (gender, age, ethnicity etc.)
Compare a character in your sequence to a character in a professional film (use images). If you have included a villain/victim character, does the character follow conventions of characters in professional films. For example, is your villain male? Is your victim female? Therefore how are you representing gender?

3. What kind of media institution would distribute your media product?

Discuss similar professional films and their production companies (use images of the films and logos). Which production Company do you think would distribute your film? (if it was professional and if you had made the full film).

4. Who would be the audience for your media product? (BBFC and target audience) Use images from a similar product with a similar target audience. Remember that target audience is not the same as classification.

5. How did you attract/address your audience?

Refer to Significant moments in your sequence where you have tried to generate a response from the spectator (a close up to encourage identification with a character, music that encourages the spectator to feel suspense, tense, visceral reaction etc.) What techniques have you used to encourage the spectator to want to see the rest of the film? (Clues about narrative, character, etc.) Use screen grabs of your own sequence.

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

(blog, camera equipment, editing software – Final Cut Express, istopmotion, Garageband etc.) Use screen grabs/photos of all these things. Be very specific about tools/effects/techniques learnt not just ‘I have learnt a lot about the software’

7. Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to your final product?
Discuss your second preliminary task that you did in a week before starting Thriller. Discuss what you have learnt since then about construction of micro elements in order to create meaning, how to use different techniques, practical skills etc. How have you built on your knowledge that you learnt from the prelim task? Use screen grabs of your prelim task and your sequence where relevant.

Response to feedback

1) What comments do you agree with/disagree with and why?
In our feedback is mentioned a few times that the scenes do not connect to each other and that it doesn't make sense. We feel that although this is a fair comment, the way we have edited our sequence this is the effect that we wanted. The narrative is not meant to be entirely clear as we believe that a thriller should be something which constantly leaves people guessing. Also, the fragmented structure is meant to convey the state of mind of the protagonist and show how he is 'torn'. One point that was raised was that the opening would benefit from titles, we agree with this and have decided to include titles throughout our sequence otherwise the opening could be mistaken for a trailer (a point also made). Are soundtrack received mixed reviews, some thought it was too simple and some thought it fitted well, we may decide to add some more layers of sounds so that it does not over complicate the soundtrack, but makes it more engaging and interesting.

2) What can you do at this stage to respond to the feedback and make improvements? (Film, effects, sound, filters)
At this stage it is possible to make some changes to our opening relevant to our feedback. Firstly, it was mentioned that the opening would benefit from titles, this will be possible to do through final cut. Also, our soundtrack could possibly sound better with the use of more sounds but with the limited loops available on 'Garageband' it may be hard to find the appropriate sound to consistently keep up the atmosphere that we have worked so hard to create.

Rough Cut Feedback - 12/03/2010

S2 - 52
+ Atmospheric
+ Creates suspense
+ Fluid editing
- When guy is being kicked on floor the rewinding voices sound odd
+ good sound effects.
- Soundtrack is good but may need to vary in certain scenes as its slightly repetitive.

S2-53
It was very good. Edited very well. It feels/looks too much like a trailer. The scenes don't seem connected 2 each other. The use of the flickering light was very chilling. We feel it looked too much like a Horror movie. The rewinding of time was done very well. We felt the main character (Justin) seemed like a schoolboy not a Bad policeman.

S2-54
AMAZING!!!!!!!!!
really good.
the editing is really good, the fast cuts make it build tension so there isn't much more editing you need to do. the soundtrack is good and the simplicity really works. we don't think you need to do much more for the soundtrack because it makes you watch it more intensely. the way it jumps from scene to scene also creates tension so we really like it.


S2-49
We think that your entire sequence is really effective and especially well edited. Although you have included a lot of content we think you should have credits running through the majority of it so that the viewer can see that it is the opening of the film. We think that the storyline is pretty clear. We think that your soundtrack is good and we like the simplicity but maybe you should make it slightly louder towards the end in conjunction with your editing.

Group S2-50
The sequence is well edited and the pace of it is appropriate as it doesn't drag on. We didnt think the plot of the sequence was clear as the scene didn't seem to link in together so it did feel somewhat like a trailer. The light bulb was effective. The soundtrack was also really good but got a bit repetitive. Overall it was really good .

rough cut

For our feedback we are particularly interested in what people think of the soundtrack and should there be more? The simplicity is intended as it goes with the theme of our film but we don't want it to be to dull. Also, we would like to know peoples view on the storyline and if the content in our video is misleading in anyway towards the story line. Feedback will be much appreciated.

Shot List

Storyboarding

Storyboarding

Pre-credits:
1. Close up pan of gangsters faces.
2. Mid-long shot of kid being beaten up.
3. Close up pan shows the rest of gang.
4. Long shot of the gang sitting on the wall.
5. Close up of detectives face.
6. Long shot of the hang standing against a wall.
7. Extreme long shot of the gang with the film title above them.

Shots in order post preliminary introduction:
1. Close up shot of light bulb turning on.
2. Medium length shot of the detective sitting at a table in the room.
3. Close up shot of newspaper.
4. side medium shot showing detective at table, face covered up.
5. medium shot slightly tilted upwards behind the detective showing him being fired.
6. Birds eye shot of detective sitting at desk.
7. Long shot of gang walking down a road.
8. Over the shoulder shot of detective sitting at table.
9. Side medium shot of gangster against wall.
10. Close up of light flickering in room.
11. Long shot from slightly above showing gang playing pool.
12. Over the shoulder shot of detective in the room writing on paper.
13. Low shot of detectives feet and legs under the table.
14. Medium long shot of detective sitting down at the table, facing from the front.
15. medium long shot of gangsters walking away down a street.
16. medium close up from the front of detective sitting at the table.
17. Close up of gangsters face, cigarette in mouth.
18. Close up of detectives eye.
19. Medium close up of gangsters face with a cigarette.
20. Medium close up with a slight tilt upwards of detectives face.
21. Shot of light turning off.

5/2/10

Today after college we are planning to film the 'gang' sequence, which are presented in the flashback format. We will be recruiting several of our close companions, so that there will be a natural on screen chemistry. Preferably we will use a setting that contains graffiti on a run down wall to create the atmosphere of a deprived area.

Setting - Office Area

We've found a location where we're planning to shoot the office scene of the protagonist frantically working. The setting is located within the college and i currently used as a utility area for the cleaners etc. We believe that it conveys the appropriate and desired atmosphere, as it is dingy and dark.

Title Font

We've found a font title that we've chosen. We believe it matches convention of films such as 'This is England'.

Title Shortlist

We still haven't come to a solid conclusion in reference to the film title. However we have shortlisted the title 'Victus Vir'. This would also act as the name of the protagonist. 'Victus' is a pun of 'Vicus' which translates to 'Street' in latin. 'Vir' is a direct translation to 'Hero' in latin. We believe the term 'Street Hero' would be relevant as the protagonist os of heroic nature, but on a smaller scale - on the streets; as opposed to a Roman war hero, Victus would be the contemporary equivalent.

However there are several problems which have occurred to us. for example, the name 'Victus Vir' appears to be out of context and of some eastern European decent, whereas our character is a British detective.

TImes and Dates we will be filming.

Our plan will be to film on the 6th of February for the whole day. For this me, Justin and Ruaridh will film the section of the opening where the protagonist is in the room. This will involve setting up a room and filming various shots of Justin as the protagonist. Also, if we do have time we will film sections of the flashbacks but we were mainly planning on filming the flashbacks a week later with our fourth member of our group, Will.

List of equipment

Video camera
Tri-pod
Props
Wheelchair for steady filming
Jackets/shirts
Notebook
Chair
Desk

Make up/Hair

Make up will not be necessary for any of our characters as the scene will be mostly dark and we do not need any make up to create any specific affect. The person we will be using for our protagonist already has dark medium length hair which is what we will need so we will have to change nothing with him. For the gangsters there will also have to be no significant change as these scenes will be very quick so attention to detail will not be entirely necessary. As long as characters are dressed appropriately this will suffice.

Lighting - effect - equipment

As the atmosphere for our thriller opening will be predominantly dark. The lighting will be low key in the room with the protagonist. If possible, we will want one dim light bulb in the middle of the room above the protagonist so it provides a spotlight on the protagonist as well as dimly lighting the whole room around him. For the flashbacks we will film as it gets dark so it continues with the atmosphere of the credits. If we were to film in the day it would contrast too much with the shots of the man in the room.

Props

Props will be minimalistic as for most of the scene the filming will take place in one room. In the room there will be mostly open space in darkness. In the middle of the room we will put a desk and a chair where the protagonist will sit. Also, we will collect numerous articles to put on the walls so we can pan over these with the camera. A single notebook and pen will be on the desk which the protagonist will be using.
In the flashbacks there will be only limited use of props. Perhaps fake weapons for the gangsters.

Costume

As our scene will be in low key lighting then costume is not a vital issue with our protagonist. However, he will be dressed in a dark jacket and all round dark clothing. In the flashbacks when the detective is remembering his assignment we see the Gang that he worked with all own similar jackets (Harrington) to make it obvious that they are all part of a gang. These will also be darkly coloured to go with the whole theme of the opening titles. Below is an example of the costume for the gangsters. These jackets were also used by skin head gangsters in real life so this will add context to the scene.

List of thing to do.

Costume
props
lighting
make-up
list of equipment
times and dates you want to film including back up plan
locations
actors
production roles-camera, actors, directors, producer, production, coordinator etc.
Test photos/footage

Watching Thriller Openings

Heat:
In Heat the opening scene is of a train moving away from the camera, this could represent that the narrative has started, playing to a thriller convention of entering the narrative straight away. This is reinforced by the majority of the shots of Robert Deniro walking away from the camera. Also, whilst Robert Deniro is walking through the hospital the environmental sounds are heightened so that they are unrealistically loud. These sounds add contextual intensity as the noises are relevant to the scene. Making diegetic sounds louder than they actually are could be useful when making our thriller opening as it helps create atmosphere.



No Country For Old Men:
Initially there are several long shot contrasting with the expected convention of jumpy shots used to create tension. The one diagetic sound during the shot is of a strong wind representing the antagonist, as the one wind reflects how one character can ruin a tranquil community - which is created by the long shots of the barren landscape. The protagonist is introduced trough the medium of sound, another contrast to convention.During the scene in which the antagonist strangles the police offer we are presented with several different camera angles throughout. These, when quickly cut portray the police offers struggle and imminent death. We will use quick editing in our production to portray our protagonists state of mind in a similar way.

Feedback

We told the rest of our class our pitch. We told them about the narrative, and the mise-en-scene, then the class gave us feedback. The pitch went well as we recieved minimal negative feedback. One point that was raised was that the narrative after the initial opening scene was not initially apparent and the opening scene gives no clue to the resolution. We explained the resolution of the film nd how it wasn't necessary to include a clue to the resolution in our credits. This would ruin the mysterious feel to the film.

In all feedback was primarily positive and our peers seemed to enjoy the narrative and looked forward to seeing the final product.

Aphex Twin - Rubber Johnny

This video has provided inspiration in several aspects, in terms of the; mise-en-scene, camera work and special effects used. It's especially relevance as maximum affects are achieved with minimum funding. Chris Cunningham uses and transforms certain aspects of his body to create the creature. He uses his scrotum to create his abnormally large head. Shock tactics are used to create the initial tense and edgy atmosphere.

Planning For Our Thriller!

These are the following ideas we have for our thriller project.

Characters:
Mad man
Detective
Gangsters

Narrative:
He was an undercover detective part of a gang. However, the man became too involved and was cut from the case but decided to continue his investigation through his own methods. Furthermore the man is internally torn between his allegiance to the gang and their lifestyle, and his integral morals and detective background.

Atmosphere:
Inside the room: Dark and dingy. Flickering lights. Minimalistic. Mysterious.
Flashbacks: Desperation. Reminiscent. Quick.

Micro-elements:
Camerawork - A selection of extreme close-ups - close ups - medium shots and long shots to create a feeling of disorientation.
Mise-en-scene - Minimal amount of props in room, only simple items; pen, paper, light, desk, chair. low key lighting.
Editing - Quick and edgy. Unpredictable. Sporadic. creating viewer disorientation.
Sound - dark and dingy sound effects. (dropping of water, wind sound efects, high pitched noises over a low base sound)
Special Effects - Minimal amounts as this may destroy realism. May use 'night-vision' or an archaic effect on flashbacks.

Our Prouction Logo/Video

This is the final version of our production company logo; Blunt Productions.

Review of professionally made Thriller.

We have chosen to review 'The Dark Knight'. This movie is, without a doubt, a very prolific thriller.

The movie uses ironic iconology. The main antagonist has the appearence of a clown which can be taken from different perspectives. Firstly there is a hint of ironey as traditionally clowns ca nconnot jest and humour. However the more contemporary approach to clown is one of contempt and is now a common phobia within out society. As a reverberation of this, his appearance connotes fear etc. On the other end of the spectrum, the protagonist is portrayed as a bat which is also ironic in that a bat is another common fear. Showing that the two characters are similar but also completely different in their motives. This similarity between the antagonist and protagonist is a common trait in many a Thriller movies. A particular point in the film.

Review of previously made Thriller

This short title sequence embeds many features of the criteria, concluding in its level 4 status. We believe this is appropiately rewarded as the video meets the thriller criteria. It especially excels in factors such as the mise-en-scene. For instance, the colors in particular; red is used as it can connote looming danger and blood- death. Furthermore, the accompanying music has been well considered, create an eery atmosphere and tension is created. However a few of the designated settings - the bedroom- stand out in a negative light and makes the production seem less professional as it breaks the continuity.

Cape Fear is a 1991 thriller film, directed by Martin Scorsese. The Introduction to this film is also done by, Saul Bass. We watched this opening to see if we were given any clues about the film itself.

At the beginning of the sequence we are shown water, this theme of water stays throughout the whole of the title sequence, this gives us the idea that water plays a big part within the film. Looking at the water, we see a reflection of many things. One of the things that we see is an eagle. This bird of prey connotes that there is an element of death within the film. Within the water we can see an eye, this tells us that maybe voyeurism plays a large part within the film. The eye moves from side to side as if the person is scared. We then get shots of random features upon a persons face, which could give a clue to characters within the film. Whilst we look at the water, the water occasionally shows hints of red. This colour has many connotations including, death, danger, and fear.

Vertigo

Vertigo is a 1958 American thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The film's credits were created by the well known title sequence editor, Soul Bass. We watched this opening sequence to see what we could understand about the theme and narrative of the movie and how it conforms to conventions of a thriller.

We are first shown an image of what we guess is a woman's face which we can assume may be a main character in the film. Later, the camera focuses on her eyes and show a jaunty movement and the eyes widen as if she is possibly scared or seen something which gives us a clue towards the narrative of the movie. Shortly after, the whole screen slowly turns red. Red is obviously a connotation for blood and danger, this makes the audience expect possible death in the movie. Dizzying animations come out of the eye and fill the screen. The word vertigo is an experience people get when they are frightened of heights. The animations could be portraying this emotion through its slow, disoriented spinning. Also, the animations regularly change colour and shape so that the viewer remains engaged. The music which accompanies the title sequence with its eery high pitched noises paired with low bass as well, creating an over all mysterious sound. Which we would expect of a thriller as most thrillers contain some kind of 'mystery'.

Sub-genres within a Thriller

Within the main genre of a thriller many 'sub-genres' are existent. Although, when we categorize a film we usually just call it a 'thriller'. One of these sub genres is a supernatural thriller. An example of a movie which would fit under this sub genre is paranormal activity. Another sub genre is an 'action thriller'. These are very common and often television series fit under this sub genre, shows such as CSI epitomize this genre. Movies under this sub genre would include 'se7en' and 'the godfather'. Sci-Fi thrillers are relatively new with the recent advance in technology which allows CGI to bring films, which were once impossible, to life.

When creating our film it will be important to label our movie under a specific sub-genre as this makes our target audience more apparent.

Conventions of a Thriller

As most genres, a Thriller must follow certain conventions.

Sets: A Thriller film tends to use low key lighting, this creates a dark atmosphere, and usually invokes mystery. Tight spaces within a set usually emphasize a characters mental state, and the situation that they are in. Weather is used to express emotion within in a scene, this is known as pathetic Fallacy.

Characters: Usually within a thriller film characters are dark and sinister, this adds to the mystery and dark atmosphere. Characters are often exaggerated to a specific stereo-type so it is easy for the audience to relate to the narrative. As well as a protagonist, often, it also includes an antagonist. Although there is the used of both characters, both of the characters are held back, and have shady backgrounds.

Narrative: The Narrative is usually hazy and unclear, this allows for the audience to figure out and interpret the story for themselves. As the audience does not know what is going to happen, it adds to the general ambience of the film.

Props (mise-en-scene): Usually props within a thriller include a weapon, usually a hang gun. They use a small gun within a film so it is not over the top, so it does not get confused with a blockbuster action film, and it can relate to real life. None of the objects used within a thriller usually use a lot of colour, this adds to the darkness of the film.

Dialogue: Complicated dialogue accentuates the narrative which the audience have to work out/interpret. Technical language shows how people (possibly police) are specialized in their fields.

Preliminary tasks.

We were instructed to create a short preliminary video which included a few of the main shots used when creating a film. One of these shots, and the one used first, is the establishing shot. This shot should, in theory, create a setting for a beginning of a scene so that the audience can understand the narrative. In a thriller, an establishing shot would usually put the scene into context. A close up accentuates a particular aspect or important detail in the film. It can also be used to create confusion. For instance, in a thriller movie, a close up of a gun could be shown, but the gun would not be identifiable right away, only later would the viewer learn that the close up would of been a gun. Another important shot is the 'match on action shot'. This is of paramount importance when you are wanting a scene to flow. Action is shown from a different point in time and is relative to the previous shot. An example of this is when a door opens you get a shot of the door opening from inside the room. It allows the viewer to catch the reaction of the character going into the room. A 'Reaction shot' improves fluidity as well as encouraging the audience to believe that characters are in the same scene and geographic space. Although, if over used it can become tedious for the viewers. Long shots are primarily used to show 2 or more characters in a scene. In the case of a thriller, it may be used to show characters' positions relative, both to one another as well as their surroundings. An over the shoulder shot allows the audience to gage the reaction of the opposite character. Also, it can be used to emphasize dominance as the character we are seeing in front of the shoulder can appear smaller.