Evaluation: Question 5) How did you attract/address your target audience?- Miss Begum

 

Question 5: How did you attract/address your target audience?

 

Importance of secondary research into existing films

Carrying out secondary research is an important process when producing a film production as it allows the researcher to gain information about existing films from the target audience before making important decisions about the conventions and characters. It was extremely important for my group and I to carry out secondary research before creating our final production. This was because we wanted to get the target audiences opinions and responses about their expectations when watching a thriller film and what conventions provoke their feelings and emotions. This made it easier for us to make the right and conventional decisions based on our film and the content surrounding it.
 

The target audience of thriller films and our chosen target audience?

After completing the secondary research we identified that the most common target audiences of thriller films were generally teenagers both males and females, from various ethnic groups including English, Bengali, Albanians and French, aged 15 and upwards who were still in education and young adults up to the age of 25, who were also in education and in employment. This is due to the excitement and tension that the young audience experience in comparison to the older generations who are unlikely to experience the same emotions and feelings of excitement as they do not find the storylines believable. The target audiences hobbies included going to the cinema regularly with their friends to watch films, going out with friends and having movie nights at home on the weekends. This was the audience we needed to attract. 

 

What the thriller audience enjoyed in terms of conventions and emotions and how we had to ensure that we were following these conventions in order to address a similar target audience and their expectations.

The thriller audience enjoyed seeing conventional characters including a protagonist, antagonist and victim as the relationship that takes place between these characters evokes emotions from the audience including sympathy and excitement. In order to address a similar target audience I ensured that I also used conventional characters including an antagonist, protagonist and anti hero allowing the audience to evoke similar feelings. Furthermore, our research confirmed that the audience enjoy and expect to see low lighting in thriller films reflecting the negative events and atmosphere therefore, we also used low lighting regularly during most of the events that had negative interpretations such as the murder scene that took place and in the presence of the antagonist promoting their negative intensions. Moreover, the audience expect to see frightening and reflective iconography such as blood, mirrors and guns supported by dark settings such as empty and small rooms and dark alleys which reflect the thriller genre and create suspense and tension for the audience. Therefore, we also used iconography that is threatening such as a gun, a red rose and a chair and dark settings including a small, white room and a dark road in order to evoke the same emotions and feelings of fear and threat from the target audience and encourage them to watch our thriller production.

The audience we wanted to attract for our thriller

Following the research we carried out into the genre and the BBFC guidelines, we identified and decided that the audience we want to attract for our thriller film is teenagers, both males and females aged 15 and upwards from various ethnic groups. We also want our target audience to enjoy watching thriller films and enjoy going to the cinema on regular occasions. This is because this is the audience that are likely to watch my thriller and obtain numerous emotions including tension, suspense and excitement.

 

Types of primary research we carried out and the importance of it?

Within our group, we each carried out a questionnaire in order to obtain as much information from the audience regarding what they like about thrillers and what they want to see in future thriller films. This was important for my group and I as we wanted to know what the audiences response was regarding thriller films and the conventions they enjoyed seeing which evoked their emotions. This was so important in attracting our target audience because we wanted to recieve direct, specific and quick feedback In order to plan decisions from early on in the planning process and take action accordingly. 

 

Key questions we asked to help make key decisions

Below are some questions that we asked our target audience: 

Multiple questions:

•  What subgenre of a thriller film interests you most?

Crime         Psychological        Action          Sci-fi             Other   

•  What type of lighting do you prefer to see in a thriller? 

Low key lighting       High key lighting 

Open ended questions:

• What appeals to you most about thriller films?
• List three common feelings/emotions you experience when watching a thriller film?

These key questions allowed us to make specific decisions regarding our thriller production and the conventions and characters within it. It also allowed us to attract our target audience and understand our target audience expectations and desires. 

Quotes received from our open ended questionnaires and how it helped to make key decisions

•  What appeals to you most about thriller films?

"The thing that appeals to me most about thriller films is the distinctive narratives which create excitement as the audience are unable to make predictions about future events and how to the storyline will unravel." - John, Aged 17 

 

• List three common feelings/emotions you experience when watching a thriller film?

" When watching thriller films, I experience excitement, fear and nervousness". -Lily, Aged 20

 

This helped me to make key decisions as I knew I had to make the narrative distinctive in order to allow the audience to experience excitement and uncertainty about upcoming events, and I had to ensure that my thriller allowed the audience to evoke feelings of excitement and nervousness. Therefore, the audience response has allowed me to understand what the audience want and from this, I was able to make decisions regarding my thriller in order to suit the audiences needs and expectations.

 

Below is images of my questionnaire with the questions I asked my target audience: 

Images of questionnaire

 

Results of key graphs

 

 

The importance of primary research and how It helped attract and address our target audience

 

Overall, primary research was important to carry out in order to receive first hand information and understand what the audience wanted and expected from our thriller in order to watch it. Without primary research we would be unable to be sure what the audience want to see and we would be unable to make the film meet their requirements. Carrying out primary research has been helpful as it has allowed me to directly attract and address my target audience by allowing them to complete the questionnaire and give their opinions about what they enjoy seeing in thriller films and what they want to see in future thrillers films, which can help us with decisions regarding it. Overall, the primary research was beneficial as it gave us a greater insight into the target audiences opinions through a quick and effective method. 

 

Audience Feedback

After producing my thriller opening, I held a focus group asking my target audience which were people aged 15 and over to view the production and give feedback regarding their views giving me a clear insight into how I met the target audiences expectations and how I didn't. Below is some of the criticism I received.

 

Focus group images...

 

 

1) One bit of positive feedback I received was from Stacey, aged 17:

This feedback made me feel pleased as I was able to attract my audience through the successful use of fast editing which evoked emotions for the audience.


2) Another piece of positive feedback I received was from Layla, aged 16:



This positive feedback made me feel glad that I pre-edited scenes as it attracted the audience, and made them enjoy the portrayal of the narrative to a greater extent.



3) Moreover, I received negative feedback from Mia, aged 16:

 

This feedback has made me feel more conscious about attracting my target audience as more edits could have encouraged a greater audience to be attracted.

4) Finally, I also received criticism from Jimmy, aged 15:
 

This feedback allowed me to take into consideration that the credits should have been on screen for a longer period of time as this would ensure that the audience were attracted to a greater extent. This has made me feel more assertive as I know for future productions that I must engage and attract a majority of my target audience.



Evaluation: Question 4) Who would be the audience for your media product?- Miss Begum

 

Question 4: Who would be the audience for your media product?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Planning: Storyboarding- Miss Begum

 

 Storyboarding

 

Introduction:

 

A storyboard is a graphic representation of how a film will unfold, shot by shot. It is made up of illustrations or images representing each shot that will be included in a film which is supported by important notes for each shot including the camera shot, location, props, lighting, actors, sound, dialogue, editing and narrative description. A story board is vital to have when creating a film as it used as a plan will be extremely useful as it will help us to understand what we want to achieve and is used as something for us to build on. When it comes to making the film we can use the storyboard to guide us with the film making and it will be less time consuming as we will already know what will be involved in each shot. 

 

Advantages of storyboarding

 

Storyboarding the final idea is advantageous to production companies as it helps bring their film to life and gives them a clear indication of what to expect when they create their film, it allows them to identify the importance of particular elements and allows the director to understand what each scene sets out to achieve and the response it wants to achieve from the audience.  Storyboarding was also advantageous for my group and I as we now know what we must do in order to make our production come to life in the expected form and it helps us to imagine our film making it seem realistic. It also allowed us to have a clear idea as to whether our idea was realistic and what we think we can achieve and what we cannot. This then allowed us to make improvements based on the storyboard.

Images of my storyboard 

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

 

Overall, a storyboard is vital to create before making a film as it allows you develop ideas and insert all the important information for each shot that you want included. When creating my storyboard I added all the important details associated with each shot therefore, when it comes to making the film the director can use the storyboard as a guide and ensure that it is being followed step by step. 

 

 

 

Preliminary Task:Preliminary Task-Mr Smith

 Preliminary Task 

What is the purpose of the preliminary task?

The purpose of the preliminary task is to be introduced to filming and editing gaining new skills and becoming familiar with the process. It also allows the group to prepare and have an insight of what the final filming task will consist of. By completing the preliminary task the group will be able to understand how to make improvements based on the weaknesses we experience. When it comes to filming our final production each group member will be more confident and we will perform to the best of our abilities ensuring that we do not make mistakes that we made in our preliminary task. Therefore, the preliminary task is extremely beneficial as it will give the group a feel of what is expected of us and will allow us to understand our roles. It will also help us to gain experience of working together as a group.

This is an example of our preliminary task:

 

The scenario

As a group we made suggestions about a scenario which would last 30 second, we decided to create a scene between Mohydin and Suweda who act as students who like each other and have a conversation about going on a date together:
 

 

 

The scene starts off with Mohydin asking Suweda what she will be doing later that evening and asks if she wants to go out to the cinema with him. During this shot an over the shoulder shot was used in order to see the characters facial expressions clearly. When taking this shot the camera was handheld in order to see everything that was needed to be seen.

 

 

 

Suweda accepts Mohydin's offer to take her to the cinema. During this shot an over the shoulder shot was also used in order for the audience to see the characters response clearly.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 After confirming their date, Mohydin offers to walks Suweda her to lesson and they are seen to be walking down the stairs. First a medium shot is used with the camera on a tripod allowing the audience to see both the characters and their body language clearly. Then a panning shot is used to show the characters walking towards the staircase making the shot look effective.

 

 

 

 

When Suweda opens the door to go to her lesson Mohydin confirms the time by saying he will pick her up at 7.00pm. Here, a medium two shot is used allowing the audience to see the female characters facial expressions and the male characters body language as he is at a distance in comparison to the female character.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, after dropping Suweda off to her lesson, Mohydin is then seen to walk down the stairs. A high angle is used to show the male character walking down the stairs allowing the audience to perceive his actions clearly and ending the scene with a clear narrative.

 

Group Roles

Within the group we allocated our roles according to the final production roles. We decided that I should be the camera operator as I will be taking on this role when creating the final production, therefore this allows me to have a clear understanding of how to use the camera effectively and learn how to overcome issues that I may have when completing my preliminary task. Furthermore, we decided that Mohydin and Suweda should be the actors as they will have the following roles in the final production, Mohydin has the role of location manager and story boarder which is not appropriate during the preliminary task and Suweda has the role of hair, makeup and costume and lighting which is also unnecessary during the preliminary task. Finally, Lara took on the role of editing the preliminary task as she is will be the editor in the final production therefore it will help her to gain experience and learn to use new software to edit effectively, when it comes to the final production she will not be new to the process and will be able to complete the editing to an expected standard.

Difficulties you encountered whilst filming

 

Whilst filming we encountered the following difficulties:

 

• We experienced other pupils and teachers walking past which caused the camera operator, director and the cast to keep stopping and having to restart filming the same scene. In the background of the evident shot there is a student while the cast are being filmed which makes the scene look unprofessional, therefore this was a difficulty and we must ensure that we do not experience the same problem when it comes to filming the final production.                                                                     
• Furthermore, we experienced the difficulty of sound echoing as the location we filmed created lots of echoes when others opened of shut the door or walked up the stairs, and trying to avoid this was extremely difficult as the location is a very busy area.             

• Moreover, another difficulty the camera operator experienced was positioning the camera in the correct place and moving it in the correct direction according to each shot. When the camera operator made the mistakes the shots had to be repeated.                
• When filming the actors found it difficult to act professionally without laughing which resulted in the shots having to be filmed multiple times in order to make the scenes look realistic and professional.
• Finally, another difficulty we experienced was being unaware of whether we filmed enough footage in order to make the film last 30 seconds. Therefore, we had to film more footage to ensure that we had enough.

 

Difficulties you encountered whilst editing

When editing we encountered the following difficulties : 

• We was unable to edit the lighting making the scene brighter and clearer, which resulted in the male actor not being seen clearly making the scene look unprofessional and hard to see.

• Furthermore, we found it difficult to edit the shots with the shots emerging into one another smoothly, and instead the editing looked choppy and unrealistic. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Another difficulty we encountered when editing was removing the sound of the echoes from the background which was caused when we were filming. This made the scene lack professionalism and made the scenes sound unrealistic as the sounds interfere speech.

 

What have you learned?

After completing the preliminary task I have learnt about the actions I must take in order to make improvements and complete the final production to a high standard. After taking the role of camera operator and filming the preliminary task, I have learnt how to use the camera properly and how to use the tripod effectively to make the movements look professional and smooth. Without completing the preliminary task I would be unaware of how to use the camera and tripod properly and effectively making the final production look unprofessional and of a low standard. Furthermore, the preliminary task has helped me to learn to work with my group members and understand their abilities which will be useful when it comes to producing the final production as we can work together each taking on the roles that we are confident with and can complete effectively. Therefore, the preliminary task has taught me to work with others in my group understanding their abilities and weaknesses which will prevent disagreements and people experiencing difficulties. Moreover, after completing the preliminary task I have learnt about what is expected of me when it comes to making the final production which is dedication and patience as the process can be difficult and take long to complete. Overall, I learned about what I must do in order to be successful in completing my final production and I have learnt to use and move the camera and tripod appropriately.

Conclusion: How has the task been beneficial?

 

The preliminary task has been beneficial for me as I now have a clearer understanding regarding the final production and how to make it successful and professional. Furthermore, it has been beneficial as it has taught me important skills such as team work, and working effectively together, being confident and motivated in order to make my production look enjoyable and professional sending the right message across to the audience and making them respond and react accordingly. Overall, the preliminary task has been beneficial for me as I have gained experience preparing me for the final production, and I now have a clear understanding about what I must do better in order to avoid making the same mistakes I made when creating the preliminary task.
 

Planning: Shot List- Miss Begum

 

Camera Shot List

Camera Shot List 

The camera shot list consists of the shot size/angle and movement of each shot that we intend on using during our filming. This should contain all the information about he shots that will be used in the production to ensue that the storyboard manager, director and camera operator are aware of each one avoiding problems occurring when filming. This is an example of our shot list:

 This is advantageous as it allows us to understand the shot sizes and movements that will be present in our thriller film. It also allows us to make a decision on whether we have a variety of the angles and movements allowing the thriller to be more effective. 
The shot list will be beneficial from the camera person as they will know what shot/angle and movement is necessary for each shot preventing them from experiencing confusion and filming different sizes and angles in contrast to the plan. This will also be helpful for the editor of the production as they will be able to understand if each shot has followed the plan and helps them to edit particular shots making the movements and angles more effective using the editing software.

Planning:Mise En Scene- Mr Smith

 

Mise En Scene 

Introduction

Mise en scene is made up of lighting, body language and facial expression, setting, costume, hair and makeup, and iconography. It is important to have mise en scene in films because the audience are able to have a clearer understanding of the events and understand whether the events occurring have positive connotations or negative connotations through the use of the mise en scene elements, for example, if there is low lighting supported by non diegetic sound that creates tension and suspense for the audience, it allows them to predict that the events that are going to occur are going to be fearful and horrifying with the victims and protagonist lives at risk. Mise en scene also allows the audience to understand the representation of the characters through their costume, hair and makeup and their facial expressions and body language, for example, if a character wears an all black outfit with a mask the audience are able to understand that the character is likely to be an antagonist with negative intensions due to the negative connotations of black which symbolise death and danger. I believe it is important to think about the mise en scene, especially in thriller films because the audience must feel suspense and tension throughout due to the events, therefore the mise en scene should highlight suspense and tension through the elements, for example, if dangerous iconography such as guns and knives are used by the antagonist the audience will immediately react with suspense and will fear for the victim and protagonist. This is also supported by the other elements.

Lighting
 

The lighting in the thriller opening will mainly consist of low lighting, top and under lighting supported by black and white colours. In the first shot when the professor is at his desk top and under lighting will be used allowing the audience to see the details clearly and understand that the protagonist is superior with positive intensions. However, when the camera shows him looking at the laptop screen, low key lighting will be used to demonstrate that the anti hero is in mentally unstable and is dangerous allowing the audience to understand and react with fear and tension. Furthermore, when the anti hero is in the mental institution low lighting will be used to support her feelings and personality which is currently mixed and will relate to her being in a dark place. When the camera switches from the anti hero to the flashbacks a white filter will be used to allow the audience to understand that the camera is switching to a flashback. During the flashbacks black and white colours will be used to symbolise that they are occurring in the anti hero's mind, black and white also contrast therefore relate to the anti hero's fragmented mind-set and her emotions.

 

Body language and facial expression 

• The professor will have an upright posture sitting by a desk with a curious facial expression demonstrating that he is concerned about the anti hero and is unable to understand her current mental state. This is conventional to a thriller film as it is expected for the protagonist to experience confusion making the audience react with suspense and tension as they question the protagonists abilities. 
• When the anti hero is first perceived in the mental institution she will have unstable body language followed by mixed facial expressions highlighting that she is demented and is not in control of her mind. However, during the first flashback the anti hero will have a relaxed body language demonstrating that she is content and is happy in her lovers presence, which will be supported by a loving facial expression symbolising that she is extremely happy. However, her happiness is short lived when she is caught by the antagonist causing her to react with a straight and mysterious facial expression worrying the audience as they can predict that the anti hero will act on what she has seen. During the second flashback, when the anti hero discovers her pregnancy she will have a tearful and happy facial expression demonstrating that her pregnancy is unexpected but also pleasant news for her. In the final flashback when she kills the antagonist she will have straight face suggesting that she has no emotions and then confidently kills the antagonist with a straight upright posture to symbolise her serious attitude. When the anti hero is then approached by the antagonist she has a fearful and frightening facial expression followed by a slouched posture as she moves away from the antagonist at a fast pace.
• The antagonist has still body language with a shocked facial expression during the flashbacks as she is unable to believe what she is experiencing and is shocked by the revelations, when the anti hero is about to commit her murder the antagonist is unable to move as she is in shock and freezes before being shot. When she enters the anti hero's room she will have an upright and straight posture demonstrating that she is serious causing fear and anticipation for the audience. This will be supported by a emotionless facial expression as the antagonists face lacks emotion demonstrating that she is determined to seek revenge. 
  
   

Setting

 

The film will begin in a white room used as the professors
office showing him sitting by a desk observing the anti hero's behaviour, the colour white also highlights that the professor is innocent and is the protagonist of the film. This causes the audience to respond with hope and confidence as they trust the protagonist and have faith that he will be able to solve the
problem. Furthermore, the anti hero will be in an empty white room symbolising a metal institution allowing the audience to understand that the anti hero is demented and is suffering from mental issues. The colour white also demonstrates that she is innocent however the size of the room will be small to highlight that she is not entirely innocent, only to the extent when her mind controls her actions. The audience react with suspense as they are intrigued to find out more about the anti hero and her past.  Moreover, when the anti hero begins seeing flashbacks, the setting will vary, during the first flashback when the anti hero and her lover are intimate they will be on the street down an alley way to demonstrate that they are hiding something and do not want to be seen by the public. This setting is conventional to a thriller film as it connotes danger and mystery creating suspense and anticipation for the audience. The second flashback will be set in a bathroom as the anti hero identifies her pregnancy which is conventional to the situation. The final flashback will be set on a quiet road where the anti hero shoots the antagonist, this is conventional to the thriller genre as it is expected for dangerous situations to take place in public places where the public can be harmed.

 

Costume, hair and makeup
 

• The protagonist will be formally dressed in a white shirt and tie followed by a lab coat and glasses to symbolise that he is professor and his intelligence will further be highlighted through his messy short hair. The use of the colour white symbolises the professors innocence and outlines his good intensions.
• The anti-hero will be dressed casually in a grey top and jeans, the use of the colour grey will be to symbolise the anti hero's split personality and suggest that although she is currently innocent and a victim of her own mind it demonstrates that she may have committed something in the past making her lack innocence. She will also have frizzy long hair to demonstrate that she is demented supported by a lack of makeup, with only dried mascara running down her face. During the flashbacks she will also wear light coloured casual clothing supported by straight hair demonstrating her knowledge and symbolising her innocence, however in the final flashback when she commits the antagonists murder she will wear black clothing with her hair covered by a hood connoting danger and mystery causing the audience to react in tension and fear the anti hero.
• The antagonist will wear formal light coloured clothing during the flashbacks to show that she is sophisticated and innocent as she is doing day to day routines, this allows the audience to relate to the antagonist. Her hair will be straightened however will have a design in it to further suggest that she is innocent. However, when she enters the anti hero's room she will have a dirty white dress on symbolising her lack of innocence and purity, which demonstrates her immediate change and makes he audience fear her as they are able to predict what she may do. She will also have long straight hair which will cover her face hiding her identity from the audience until she approaches the anti hero. When her face is discovered by the audience, they will be in shock as she will have a pale face with her eyes covered in blood.This image of the antagonist will cause the audience to respond with suspense and tension as they await for her to proceed and act aggressively.
• The lover will wear causal clothing consisting of a top and jeans which will be of dark colours suggesting that he lacks innocence and is guilty of coming adultery as he has an affair with the anti hero. He will also have short neat hair making him conventional to an attractive lover.

Iconography

When the protagonist is first shown, he is surrounded by iconography including a desk, laptop, stationary and coffee which demonstrates that the protagonist is knowledgeable and is observing the anti hero's behaviour, taking notes. The laptop is the first thing that is used to allow the audience to see the anti hero therefore has importance in the scene. There are also images on the wall behind the professor highlighting that she is his main concern that he is focusing on, trying to understand why and how she got into her current state.  Furthermore, when the anti hero perceived there is a chair in her room used for her to sit on which is supported by a tray of food on the floor for the anti hero. The lack of iconography in the room suggests that the anti hero is being observed and is not entitled to being surrounded by lots of things that may distract her or cause her to react negatively. During the flashbacks the iconography will consist of a rose given to the anti hero by her lover which has connotations of love however it has a meaning of 'first love' which will evidently be false after the audience see the lovers wife. During the second flashback a pregnancy test will be used when the anti hero identifies that she is pregnant. Finally, during the final flashback a gun will be used by the anti hero to kill the antagonist creating fear and tension from the audience as they are unaware of what to expect. Using conventional iconography is important as it the audience expect to see iconography such as guns which create suspense and anticipation.

Conclusion 

Overall, I have identified each element of mise en scene that I want to include in my thriller. My group members and I have discussed each element in detail and have ensured that our ideas are conventional to thriller genre creating suspense and anticipation from the audience. I will ensure I stick to my ideas and use them when creating my thriller opening by continuously referring back to the plans.

 

Planning: Pre-Production Paperwork- Miss Begum

 

Pre-Production Paperwork

Introduction

Before creating our thriller we produced pre production paperwork which is made up of a production schedule, camera shot list, location Reece, location release form, risk assessment and client release form. It is important to create these documents before filming in order to seek permission and have a clear understanding about the risks involved, the filming schedule and the locations were going to film at. Without these documents we would not be able to film effectively due to the risks we could face such as being stopped by police for setting up cameras to film in public, and being questioned by the owners of the locations. Therefore, creating the pre-production paperwork has avoided any problems from occurring. After understanding what each paperwork consisted of we split the roles between the group, We decided that Lara should complete the camera shot list and the production schedule as she has the role of being the producer, Mohydin should produce the Location Recee and Location release form as he has the role of location manager. Furthermore, we decided that Suweda should be responsible for creating the client release form while I create the risk assessment. 

Production Schedule
 

The production schedule is a summary of what is going to happen during the filming process. The document must be given to the cast and the crew members so they are aware of the information revolving the thriller such as the times and dates of filming, it should also be easy to understand avoiding confusion and ensuring that everybody understands what is expected of them. This is an example of the production schedule: 

 

Location Reccee
 

The location recee is a summary of the locations that the group have decided to use our the thriller. This document should be given to each person involved in the filming process including the film crew and the cast members so they have all the information regarding the locations that will be used. The Location Reccee should have visual information as well as reasons and choices for the chosen locations. This is an example of our location reccee: 

 

Location Release Form
 

A location release form is a legal document that discusses the terms and conditions for the company/council/ people that are giving permission for the group to film in their location. The form should be given to the company/council/people to show that they and the group have agreed to the terms and conditions and have understood everybody's rights. This is an example of our location release form: 
 

 

Client Release Form
 

A client release form is a legal document that discusses the terms and agreements for any factors in our thriller. It should contain an analysis of the risks and the locations making the cast aware of everything involved. The form should be given to all the cast members allowing them to have a clear understanding of the what is expected of them and signing the agreement accordingly. This is an example of our client release form:

 

Risk Assessment
 

The risk assessment is a legal document containing an analysis of the locations that will be used by the group with the risks that may arise identified and how the group plan to overcome them. The document should be given to all the crew members so they are aware of the risks and the actions they will need to take in order to deal with the issue. This is an example of my groups risk assessment: 
 

 

Advantages of the Pre-Production Paperwork

• The pre-production paperwork has been advantageous as it has increased the legitimacy of our filming process.
• It has allowed us to identify the importance of seeking permission to use locations, preparing the production schedule, identifying the locations.
• It has allowed us to identify the risks involved while filming.
• It now allows my group to film effectively. 
  

Planning: Micro-Elements- Mr Smith

 

Micro- Elements

Introduction

Cinematography is significant in films as it relates the angles, shots and movement of each scene and allows the audience to have a clearer understanding regarding the characters  representation and the events taking place in each scene. I believe cinematography is especially important in thriller films as it allows the audience to understand whether the character is a protagonist or an antagonist depending on the angle and shot, for example, a high angle evokes vulnerability symbolising that the character is a victim or protagonist. This creates a response from the audience as they react according to the angles, shots and movement. A tilt used on a antagonist for example would create suspense and tension from the audience. Some of the conventional cinematography used in thriller films include, extreme long shots which allow the audience to see the setting, characters and events occurring which creates more suspense and excitement for the audience. Furthermore, a zoom is conventional to the thriller genre as it allows the audience to see the characters emotions clearly creating more of a reaction from the audience. Finally, a low angle is commonly used on the antagonist demonstrating that they are superior and dominating which creates fear for the audience as they fear for the victim and the protagonist.

The cinematography we intend on using in our thriller consists of the following:

1) The first movement that will be using in the first shot will be a panning shot which will be used to show the professor who is sitting at a desk watching something on a laptop with photos of a women surrounding him. This will allow the audience to have a clear understanding regarding the professors occupation and will give them an insight on what he is doing. This will make the audience respond in a positive manner as they will understand that the professor has good tensions and is the protagonist of the film. However, they will also respond with interest as they will be unaware of what the professor is looking at and will want to find out more creating suspense and excitement. This is conventional to the thriller genre as it is expected for the audience to be introduced to the main characters and build a clear understanding revolving the character through their representation.

2)  We intend on using an over the shoulder shot when the professor is observing a demented woman on a laptop screen. This allows the audience to see what the professor is watching clearly, and causes anticipation for them as they want to understand more about the woman and about her present state. This is conventional to the thriller genre as it is expected for the audience to gradually find out more about the storyline and build an understanding about the characters. An over the shoulder shot is used regularly in the thriller 'I Spit On Your grave' I'm order for the audience to see the antagonist from over the victims shoulder suggesting their power and dominance. Therefore, by using an over the shoulder shot in the professors scene will also present the professor as dominant and intelligent highlighting this representation to the audience allowing them to have a clear understanding regarding the protagonist. 

3)  We are also planning to use a close up showing the anti hero's angry reaction after she sees a flashback of the antagonist catching her and the antagonist. This allows the audience to perceive the anti hero's feelings and emotions clearly understanding that she has mixed emotions and has a split personality immediately transforming her feelings. This creates a sympathetic response from the audience towards the anti hero as they are aware that the events have had a negative impact on her and caused her to react with anger. This is conventional to the thriller genre as it is expected for a close up to be used in order to show a characters facial expressions clearly. It is also conventional for the anti hero to have feelings of anger due to the antagonists behaviour which demonstrates that the anti hero can act aggressively as they have unpredictable personality. Close ups are continuously used in the opening scene of 'Scream' on the female victim to symbolise her feelings clearly to the audience allowing them to see her distress and vulnerability. This will therefore be effective to use in order for the audience to gain an understanding about the anti hero's anger. 

4) We will include a zoom shot after the anti hero sees her pregnancy flashback and is seen to her her stomach with a grateful facial expression. This allows the audience to see the anti hero's feelings clearly and see her facial and body reaction to the flashback,they are able to understand that she looks foward to having her baby and that she does not regret getting pregnant. This is conventional to the thriller genre as it is expected for zoom shots to be used allowing the audience to have a greater understanding about a particular character and their actions and reactions towards situations. A zoom shot is used in the thriller film 'Psycho' in the final scene when the camera zooms into the antagonist allowing the audience to see his emotions and facial expressions more clearly which is effective as it creates tension for the audience, therefore we will use a zoom shot in order to create the same response from our target audience. 

5)   We will use a long shot when the door of the anti hero's room slowly begins to open. This creates tension and excitement for the audience as they await to see who enters the room in anticipation as they do not know what to expect, the long shot allows the audience to see the full length of the door as it opens. This is conventional to the thriller genre as it is expected for unexpected and tense events to take place shocking the audience and leaving them on the edge of their seats in suspense and tension.

6) A point of view will be used to see things from the anti hero's perspective when she is aware of the antagonists presence. This allows the audience to see the antagonists emotions and they react by sympathising with the antagonist. This also creates a response from the audience who are left in suspense as to what is going to happen as a result of the anti hero and lover getting caught. This is conventional to the thriller genre as it is expected for the audience to evoke sympathy for particular characters and for them to be in suspense due to unexpected events occurring leaving  the audience unaware of the upcoming events to occur.

 

7)  We intend on using a high angle shot when the anti hero sees her pregnancy test and identifies that she is pregnant. This suggests that she is vulnerable as she was not expecting

the pregnancy and is left in shock due to the revelations as she is left in a difficult situation. This creates a response from the audience who are in shock about the situation and react with sympathy as they empathise with the anti hero. This is conventional to the thriller genre as it is expected for the anti hero to experience situations which leave them in a difficult position and make the audience question the anti hero's decision.

8)  A tilt shot will be used when the antagonist enters the anti hero's room. The audience first see the antagonists feet gradually tilting vertically towards her head. This creates suspense for the audience as wait in anticipation to find out who has entered the anti hero's room and more tension is built due to the antagonists threatening and frightening appearance. This is conventional as it is expected by tension and suspense to build for the audience as they await for the antagonists appearance to be identified.

 

9)  We want to use an extreme long shot when the anti hero shoots the antagonist. This will allow the audience to witness the murder and the surroundings. This creates shock and suspense for the audience as they are able to clearly see what is going on as well as observing the surroundings. This is conventional to the thriller genre as it is expected for murders to occur creating a twist to the plot heightening the tension for the audience.

Sound is also important in a film as it heightens tensions and gives the audience an insight into the events. Without sound a film would lack fluidity and would not create suspense or anticipation for the audience, sound is especially important in a thriller film as the dark and high tempo sounds create a response from the audience and adds to their excitement, during a frightening scene the sound allows the audience to be on the edge of their seats. 

We intend on using the following sounds in our film: 

1) We will use diegetic sound when the anti hero shoots the antagonist. This will be due to the sound effects of the gun shot that will be created. This creates suspense and shock for the audience as they cannot believe what has happened and is conventional to the thriller genre as it is expected for the sound of a gun to be presented after a shooting.

2)  We intend on using parallel sound when the anti hero and the lover are caught by the antagonist. This will be the when the antagonist reacts to the situation in shock and gasps,

this creates anticipation and sympathy for the audience. This is conventional to thriller genre as it is expected for the characters to react to certain situations in shock as they do not know how to respond at that certain moment. Parallel sound is used frequently in 'Scream' as the female victim screams in response to the antagonists actions which is expected. This then creates anticipation and suspense for the audience which will be effective to use in our production, as the audiences tension will build up as they predict how the antagonist will react to the events. 

3) We also want to use on screen sound through the anti hero crying repeatedly demonstrating signs of guilt and regret due to the situations. This suggests that the anti hero's emotions change repeatedly according to the situation, the on screen sound is conventional to the thriller genre as it is expected for the anti hero to show signs of sadness by crying.

4)  We will also include non diegetic sound through the use of a dark and high tempo soundtrack when the antagonist approaches the anti hero causing the anti hero to react and move away from her in a threating manner.  This suggests that the anti hero is threatened and feels intimidated by the antagonist causing her to move away. This is conventional to the thriller genre as it is expected for an intimidating soundtrack to used during a tense situation causing the audience to react with suspense and excitement as they await for further revelations to take place. Non diegetic sound is evident in the film 'Insideous' during the baby monitor scene when the soundtrack used creates tension as the audience wait in suspense. This is effective therefore using it in a similar situation will  create the same response from the audience. 

5) Another important sound we will use use is off screen sound through the sounds of traffic, during the flashback of the anti hero and her lover acting intimately. This demonstrates that the characters are in public which creates the risk of the characters getting caught, however it is conventional to the thriller genre as it is expected for the characters to experience romance in urban locations allowing the audience to relate to certain situations.

Editing is significant in a film as it completes a film by ensuring that each shot can easily be produced and easily followed by another shot without it being obvious to the audience eye. Different editing types have a different effect in the audience, for example fast editing increases excitement for the audience and is used during scenes such as a car chase. Editing is especially important in thriller films as the different edits create different moods for the audience, however the most common moods consist of excitement and fear.

We will use the following editing in our film: 

1) We intend on adding a reaction shot when the antagonist catches the anti hero and her lover acting intimately. This allows the audience to see how the  antagonist reacts to the situation and they are able to sympathise with her and may be able to relate to her. This is conventional to the thriller genre as it is expected for a reaction shot to be used in situations that evoke feelings of shock, anger, fear etc allowing the audience to perceive the characters emotions and understand more about the character and connecting with them and the film itself. 

2) We also want to use slow editing when the antagonist enters the anti hero's room. This creates a chilling response for the audience as the tension builds and they are able to predict the upcoming situation which will consist of the antagonist approaching the anti hero, the predictions cause  more suspense an excitement for the audience. This is conventional to the thriller genre as it is expected for slow editing to be used in tense and dangerous situations leaving the audience on the edge of their seats. 

3) We also want to add a shot reverse shot when the antagonist begins walking towards the anti hero. The use of the shot reverse shot allows the audience to see both the characters reactions and emotions creating more suspense for them and creating fear for the anti hero who is unaware of what the antagonist will do. This is conventional to the thriller genre as it is expected for a shot reverse shot to be used between the antagonist and other characters who are not as superior and lack confidence creating more anticipation for the audience who fear for the weak characters life. 

4) We are going to include a wipe cut when the shot changes from the professor looking at the laptop screen and changing into the camera zooming into the laptop screen. The use of the wipe cute allows the audience to have a clearer understanding of what is going on and prevents confusion for the audience. This is conventional to the thriller genre as it is expected for a wipe cut to be used when changing from one shot into another. 

5) We have decided to use fast editing when the anti hero is perceived to be acting insane and demented. The use of the fast editing allows the excitement to build for the audience due to fast pace action occurring. Fast editing encourages the anti hero's behaviour as it presents her as more demented and also reflects her fragmented mind-set. This is conventional to the thriller genre as it is expected for fast editing to occur during particular situations in order to increase the anticipation and tension for the audience. 

6) A fade to white will be used when the anti hero switches from reality to each of her flashbacks. This gives the audience a clear a understanding that the anti hero is seeing flashbacks and reminiscing on her past. This makes the audience respond with interest as they are able to find out about the anti hero's past and find out about how she got into her current state. This is conventional to the thriller genre as it is expected for the main character such as the anti hero to look back on significant parts of their life which has affected them also informing the audience using a fade to white avoiding confusion for the audience about the different tenses. 

Conclusion 

Overall, I have identified the importance of cinematography, sound and editing  in thriller films and my group and I have decided which cinematography, sounds and editing we are going to use in our thriller ensuring that they are conventional to the thriller genre and get the correct message across to the audience regarding the characters and events. For example, we have decided to use a high angle shot will be used when the anti hero is in a vulnerable situation and this also allows the audience to understand through the use of he characters size as she appears smaller and more intimidated.Therefore, cinematography, sound and editing must be used carefully and correctly to ensure that they fit the thriller genre.