Research: Questionnaire- Miss Begum

 

Questionnaire

Intro: What is the importance of primary research? Relate to direct, specific audience feedback.

Primary research is research that is collected first hand by someone, examples of primary research includes surveys, interviews and observations. Primary research is important as it allows people to conduct research and gain new information about a certain product. It allows the researcher to receive information from specific audiences their products are aimed at. Different aged groups are likely to have different views about a product therefore the researcher can see the similarities and make their product based on the outcome of the research. For example a thriller film is aimed at both males and females from aged 10 and above therefore a questionnaire will allow me to collect information based on the target audiences responses. 

 

 

What is the advantages and disadvantages of questionnaires?

 

Advantages of questionnaires include:

• A large sample of the given population can be contacted at relatively low cost. 
• They are relatively easy to analyse.
• The format is familiar to most respondents
• They should be simple and quick for the respondent to complete
• Information is collected in a standardised way
• Respondents have time to think about their answers; they are not usually required to reply immediately.
• Allows you to collect information from a specific audience that your product is targeted at.
• Allows you to ask questions that you need to find out about making them product suitable for the audience meeting their expectations. 

Disadvantages of questionnaires include:  

• If you forget to ask a question, you cannot usually go back to respondents, especially if they are anonymous
• It is sometimes difficult to obtain a sufficient number of responses, especially from postal questionnaires
• Those who have an interest in the subject may be more likely to respond, skewing the sample
• Respondents may ignore certain questions
• Questionnaires may appear impersonal
• Questions may be incorrectly completed
• They are not suitable to investigate long, complex issues
• Respondents may misunderstand questions because of poor design and ambiguous language
• Questionnaires are unsuitable for some kinds of respondents, e.g. visually impaired students
• There is the danger of questionnaire fatigue if surveys are carried out too frequently
• They may require follow up research to investigate issues in greater depth and identify ways to solve problems highlighted.

Who did you ask and why?

   

 I asked twenty people consisting of ten males and ten females from ages 10 to 28 and older in order to get fair results from different point of views. Children under the age of 10 do not tend to watch thriller films as it is not appropriate for young children therefore I did not ask anybody under 10 years old. The results I got from the target audience allow me to understand what they want to see in thriller films and what they don't, making it suitable for the audience meeting their expectations. 

Examples of your questionnaire uploaded.
 

Conclusion: How has this research been beneficial? 

This research has been beneficial as it has allowed me to gather information about thriller films based on the target audiences expectations. It has also allowed me to ask important questions that I need to know, for example I asked "Do you prefer the antagonist to me a male or female?", based on the results I am able to act accordingly when choosing an antagonist, without asking the audiences opinion I am unable to make valid decisions as I cannot be sure of what the audience want. Therefore the questionnaire research has been benfeicial as I have collected information from my target audience making it easier for me to make decisions about my thriller film. 

 

Research:Opening Credits -Mr Smith

       

 Opening Credits 

  

What are opening credits? 

Opening credits are shown at the beginning of a film listing the most important people who have contributed to the production of a film. They are usually presented as text superimposed on a blank screen or during the opening scene of a film accompanied by off screen sound. During the opening credits the names are presented strategically in order of importance with the most important name last. For example, the director of the film is usually presented at the end after the other names because the director is the most important person in production. 

 

What is their purpose? 

The purpose of opening credits is to introduce the significant stars who are playing in the film and the production team to the audience allowing them to see who is starring in the film and the names of everybody who have contributed to produce the film. 

 

What information do they provide? Order of appearance? 

 

Opening credits usually appear in two common formats in different films.One format includes the name of the studio such as Univeral, miramax etc being presented first followed by the production company, producer, director, starring, film title, editor and story boarder. The second format consists of the production company presented first followed by the title, lead cast, music composer, editor, producer, writer and then the director. Opening credits allows the audience to identify which person is  responsible for each task in helping to produce the film.In the first format the director and producer are near the beginning of the credits suggesting that the production roles are in a hierarchy with the most authoritative role near the beginning followed by the other roles. This allows the audience to identify the importance of each role and the person responsible for the role. In the second format the director and producer have their names closer together towards the end of the credits as they have the more authoritative roles so the audience are more likely to remember their names. The celebrities starring in the film are near the beginning of the credits immediately introducing the celebrities to the audience in the second format.  Overall, the opening credits provide essential information to connect with the audience so they know more aware of the production.

Example

The opening credits from the film 'Catch me if you can' follows the second format as spoken about above, it begins by introducing the production company, however, instead of the title appearing the most famous actors 'Leonardo Di Caprio' and 'Tom Hanks' are introduced allowing the audience to identify the importance of these characters, the format is then reinforced  as the title appears 'Catch me if you can.' After the title the lead cast is introduced which is then followed by the music composer and editor. Finally, the producer, writer and director are introduced after one another. This structure is a common structure used in many films and it works we'll as the audience can identify the importance of roles in the films, and after identifying the lead cast the audience are able to make predictions about the film and characters based on particular knowledge about the actors. Overall, it allows them to immediately connect with the film as they are being introduced to the people who supported the production of the film before watching the film. 

 

How do they make the audience feel?

Opening credits have different effects on the audience according to their presentation. if credits are accompanied by an unexpected and dark soundtrack the audience may experience feelings of fear and tension as they can predict what is going to occur in the film. However, if there is no images behind and the credits are presented on a black screen the audience wait in suspense as they are unsure of what to expect from the film as there is no indication  of what the narrative will be about, however the use of a black screen symbolises darkness and a fear of the unknown.  Furthermore, opening credits can be more effective and have a greater effect on the audience if there are moving images which do not make sense accompanying the credits making the audience question what is going on. This creates excitement as the unpredictability adds to the fear and threat the audience is experiencing.


Opening from a thriller film that has been analysed?

 

In the opening scene from the film 'Se7en' the credits are accompanied by moving images of various books and drawings that are being handled by the antagonist, it is obvious that the hands belong to the antagonist as they have an unhygienic appearance with plasters. These moving images create fear and tension for audience as they question what the antagonists intensions are as it is not clear from what is going on. The soundtrack used in this opening also creates tension and adrenaline for the audience as it has sounds of machinery and blades illustrating that problems are going to occur involving danger. The squeaky, eerie sounds created make the audience quiver with suspense as they do not know what to expect after seeing these images and hearing the sinister soundtrack. The presentation of the names begins with the production company then actors names appear who star in the film immediately making the audience aware of what to expect from the actors, then the other names of people contributing to the production such as producers of music, makeup and iconography are presented giving the audience a chance to understand what roles certain individuals had in the making of the film. Finally, the producer and directors names appear at the end of the credits as these individuals had a huge impact on the film production and therefore have a right to remain memorable by the audience who are likely to remember these names. Overall, this opening of the thriller film 'Se7en' has the correct impact on the audience as they respond with unpredictability and tension.


Conclusion: What information will you use in your opening credits?

When I create my thriller opening I will ensure I include my production company name first so my thriller immediately looks professional and provides the audience with information about the productions of the film. Then I will go on to introduce the names of the people who participated in producing the film in order of importance putting the directors and producers name at the end making them memorable for the audience. The opening credits will be accompanied by a eerie soundtrack creating fright and suspense for the audience heightening the adrenaline they experience. These emotions enable the audience to build up their excitement and prepare for the events to come. I will put the credits on the back of a black screen so the audience do not know what to expect building tension and suspense for them as they await nervously for the film to start. I will also produce a soundtrack that heightens the nerves and creates adrenaline for the audience. This will ensure my opening credits are successfully produced obtaining the correct response from the audience and making my thriller opening exciting and tense.
 

Research: Results from questionnaire- Miss Begum

 

Results From Questionnaire

 

Intro: Why is it important to get and analyse feedback? Relate to direct, specific audience feedback

 

 Feedback is the data received from research, feedback is important as it allows the researcher to see the trends and similarities highlighted through the research. Once the feedback is collected the researcher is able to make decisions based on the popularity meeting the target audiences expectations. For example, I asked "what sub-genre of a thriller film interests you most", 9 out of 20 people said psychological thrillers interests them the most which allows me to make an easier decision about the sub genre of my thriller. Without clear feedback I am unable to make decisions therefore, analysing feedback and identifying the results will allow me to make a successful thriller film. 

 

 

Example of various graphs you have created
 

 

Conclusion: How has the research been beneficial?

 

The research has been beneficial as it has allowed me to identify what the audience want in a thriller film and therefore, it has made my decisions easier. The graphs I have created have allowed me to discover the popular questions and answers, for example, I asked "what lighting do you prefer to see in a thriller?", everybody said low key lighting which has now clarified that I need to include low key lighting in my thriller film rather than high key lighting. Overall, the research has been beneficial as it has encouraged my decisions and allowed me to identify what the public likes and wants to see in a thriller. 

Research:Film Censorship-Mr Smith

                 Film Censorship 

Who are the BBFC and what is their role?

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is an independent, and powerful body which has been set up since 1912 classifying cinema films and in 1984 begun classifying videos and DVD's. The BBFC is a trusted guide to media content. The BBFC has many roles including allowing the audience to make informed viewing choices, provide an cost effective, effective classification service and respond to social attitudes towards media content through research. However the BBFC's main role is to protect the public, especially children from content which may raise harm and risks. 

Why is the role of the BBFC important to the film industry? Logo 

 

The role of the BBFC is important to the film industry as the highly experienced experts are able to rate films giving them
an age certificate which is appropriate according to the genre of the film and the content involved. Without the BBFC giving films an age certificate, it could affect young viewers if they were to watch a film that has strong violence and is only suitable for 15 year olds and older audiences. Furthermore, the BBFC can help the audience to identity what to expect from a film and the conventions that are likely to be evident in the films. Parents of young children can decide whether or not they want their child to view the film according to the content. Overall the BBFC is important to the film industry as it certifies films and keeps the audience safe from particular content that is not appropriate by either banning it, cutting it or censoring it. Once the film has been given an age certificate, the audience cannot change this or watch films that are not within the age limit of the age certificate. 

What things get censored and why?

There is a variety of things that get censored for the audiences safety to ensure they are not effected by the content or influenced in any way. Things that get censored include:

- Extreme violence 

- Graphic representation and realism

- Corrupt the young 

- Controversy and the press 

- Sex and nudity 

- Sexual violence

- Religion

- Class

- Language 

- Shock 

- Drug abuse

- Culture 

- Race

- True events 

Some of these things such as sex and nudity, sexual violence and language are evident in 18 films, however must not be exaggerated or detailed to impact the audience. These things can cause problems if they are not censored. 

What is difference between films being cut and banned? Examples

 

Cut 

 

When a film is edited or has had scenes taken out of it to make it appropriate for viewing. For example, an exaggerated nudity scene may be cut from a film that has an age certificate of 15 as this is not appropriate for young viewers and may make them uncomfortable. Examples of films that have been cut includes: 

- A Serbian film: This film had to be cut numerous times before it was classified 18. 

- The Human Centipede: After 32 cuts this film was finally given an 18 rating. Some Sexual violence and Graphic violence has been cut from this film to make it suitable for viewers. 

Banned 

When a film is taken away from cinema viewing due to indecent, harmful or offensive material. For example if a film has extreme violence, nudity and sexual violence throughout the film frequently then the BBFC may decide it is inappropriate for all viewers as it could be influential and have a negative impact, therefore they may decide to ban the film from entering cinema screens. 

Films that have been banned in the past includes: 

- Reservoir Dogs (1992): This film caused controversy in Britain that it was banned from VHS 

- Grotesque (2009): This film was banned due to the extremely disturbing footage including amputation scenes and eye gouging. 

- The Exorcist (1973): This film was banned due to being horrifyingly scary and in some cases for religious reasons. 

Discuss the Forna and kemode debate , and then discuss where your own opinions lie on this matter

Journalist and broadcaster Aminatta Forna makes the case for censorship while film critic and broadcaster Mark Kermode makes the case against.

Forna recognises the importance of freedom but recognises that freedom comes with responsibility. Allowing some groups use freedom to stir racial hatred removes the freedom of minorities to live without persecution. Despite the Race a relations Act, Forna argues that the BBFC passed uncut 'Romper Stomper' a film which consists of a group of skinheads on a mission to keep their neighbourhood white. This film promotes racism and could be influential for viewers therefore the use of censorship limits exposure and stops the audience from responding to films and TV shows. 

On the other hand, Kermode, argues that cuts and edits to a film can change the meaning of a film and does not expose the correct message to the audience therefore should not be censored in order for the audience to understand the film properly and the meaning. He believes that everybody who watches films have different interpretations and different views meaning that film censorship will not stop the audience from forming interpretations therefore is irrelevant in his eyes. 

After reviewing the two arguments I believe that film censorship is needed to keep the audience safe as people have different views and some people can be easily influenced by particular content. Therefore without censorship, exposure of nudity, sexual violence, language and corrupting the young would be allowed in films and could lead to more crimes and problems in society due to the audiences influences. Overall, film censorship is for the audiences safety and only allows viewers to see content that it is appropriate for them without affecting them and influencing their thinking. 

 

Conclusion: What have you learned about film regulation and what do you need to consider for your own thriller? 

After researching film regulation I have discovered that a film must be censored, cut or banned if there is inappropriate content such as extreme violence, race related themes and strong language to ensure that the film meets the viewers expectations and does not affect them negatively.  When creating my own thriller I will ensure that the content I produce will consist of appropriate themes. For example If I use race or religion in my film I will deal with the situation carefully not exaggerating it and causing issues. Overall, film regulation is important to films as it produces films that are suitable for viewers by cutting out or censoring any irrelevant and disturbing content. 

 

Research: Age certificates- Miss Begum

 Age Certificates

 

What is the role of the BBFC and why are they important to the film industry (relate to parental guidance/appropriate of the content)?

 

The British Board Film Classification (BBFC) has a role of protecting the public by rating films appropriately according to the content in the film and the audiences age group. The BBFC rates all films that are produced before they are allowed to be viewed by the public, they decide on the age group the film is targeted at and then rate the film with an age certificate. The BBFC is important to the film industry as it allows the public to be safe and only watch films that the BBFC think are appropriate for their age. For example, they believe a film that contains strong language and explicit images of sexual activity has an age certificate of 18 as this content is aimed at adults and is not appropriate for younger generations. Furthermore, the importance of the BBFC is that they provide the parents with information about the film allowing them to make a decision on whether or not they want their child to watch the film based on the content involved.

What are that different age certificates? (examples of films)


U

U stands from universal. A U film is aimed at children aged four and older as it is set within a positive moral framework. There is only very mild bad language such as 'damn' and 'hell' and sexual behaviour such as kissing and cuddling however there is no apparent focus on sexual behaviour. There is no significant focus on issues such as
 discrimination, drugs, imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex, threat or violence. There is no reference to drugs as this is not understood by young children however there may be minor references to violence when characters are in danger or brief fight scenes take place. A U film can explore a wide range of themes that are appropriate for children.

An example of a U rated film is 'Despicable Me' as it follows the conventions of a U rated films and does not contain inappropriate content or language. 

PG

PG stands for parental guidance. A PG film is for general viewing. However may contain unsettling scenes therefore a parent is recommended to decide whether or not it is appropriate as some children may be sensitive about certain content shown. Very mild bad language such as 'Son of a bitch' is appropriate in PG films but the context in which it is delivered is important. Undetailed sexual references are included that a child is unable to understand. Violence is likely to be mild with blood, and frightening scenes may be included as long as they are not intense and uncomfortable for the young audience to watch. There may be passing reference to drugs however there is no emphasis on this to ensure the audience are not affected or influenced. 

An example of a film rated PG includes Wreck-it Ralph as this film only includes mild violence and is therefore appropriate for general viewing and young viewers accompanied by adults. 
 

12A

12A films are suitable for children aged 12 and over and children under 12 must be accompanied by adults. Content in a film may be upsetting for children under 12 and may contain material that adults find inappropriate. Adults taking children under 12 to view a film that is rated 12 A must decide whether or not they think the film is suitable for the child. Strong language such as 'f***' may be used depending on the manner or situation and the character using the language. Moderate violence is allowed to be used however it should not be detailed. There may be use of weapons however certain weapons such as knives should not be glamorised in a 12 A film and scenes of violence such as fights may take place. There may be sexual references in 12A films such as nudity however should be discreet with no emphasis. 

An example of a 12A thriller film is 'The Expendables 3'  which is appropriate for children aged 12 and older accompanied by adults due to having moderate action violence such as bombings and fights throughout the film.

 

12

 

A 12 age rated film has similar rules as a 12A does however may differ in some aspects. A 12 film is when the material is suitable only for children aged 12 and older and cannot be viewed  by a younger audience. Works classified in this category may upset children under the age of 12 or may contain content that many parents will find unsuitable for their children. 12 films contains strong language as it is allowed in this category, language such as 'f***'  can be used infrequently depending on the situation it is involved in and who uses the terms. Sexual references may be used according to what 12 year olds are likely to learn and hear at school however must not be used continuously. Violence can be used such as fighting and blood and weapons can be also be used such as guns and knives but must not encourage the viewers influences. There can be some threat evident including scary scenes which are intense, however only occasional gory scenes can be shown. The 12 category exists only for video works, no one younger than 12 may rent or buy a 12 rated video work.

An example of a 12 age rated film includes 'The Amazing Spiderman 2' as there is moderate violence such as fights and threat.

15

A 15 film is aimed at children aged 15 however nobody under the age of 15 is permitted to watch a 15 rated film. A 15 film may contain strong language, strong violence, strong verbal references to sex, drug taking and brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to sexual violence. Content may have a controversial element to it but there shouldn't be any discrimination and although drugs may be touched upon but must not promoted. Strong language has no upper limit however continued or aggressive use will not normally be passed 15. Sexual references and nudity is allowed and can be portrayed but usually without strong detail and must be justified by context. There may be strong violence however it should not dwell on pain or injury. Strong gory images and sadistic violence is unlikely to be acceptable. There can be strong threat and horror however there should be no focus on these situations.

An example of a 15 age rated film includes 'Brokeback Mountain' as their are controversial elements such as homosexuality and there is violence through the use of weapons.

 

 

 

18

An 18 film must not be viewed by anybody under the age of 18 as it is aimed at adults and is not suitable for children. 18 rated films contain very strong violence which can exposed in strong detail and may even dwell on pain and injury. Strong language/ very strong language such as 'c***', uses can be aggressive and used in any situation. Strong portrayals of sexual activity is allowed with strong portrayals of sex and sexually explicit images revealed. Strong horror and strong blood and gore can also be portrayed.  18 age rated films can portray the use of drugs however the film must not promote or encourage drug misuse.
 
An example of an 18 age rated film includes 'I spit on your grave' which includes nudity and rape and excessive violence.

 Discuss 12A rating- Spiderman and comic hero films

12 A is a new age rating that came out in September 2002 as a result of the film 'Spiderman'. This was in response to parents complaints who thought it was not suitable as a PG rating. They thought  the content was too violent for children and under 12's could not cope with the controversial narrative. Therefore, due to the complaints BBFC decided to give the film a 12 rating. However, other viewers argued that Spiderman was a childhood comic hero that young children perceived as a role model, so it was only fair that children under 12 were allowed to watch it. The BBFC then introduced a 12A rating giving Spiderman a 12A rating which meant that children under the age of 12 could watch the film if they were accompanied by an adult.

What age certificates do thrillers tend to get and why (relate to content)?

Thriller films tend to get an age certificate of 15 or 18. This is due to the content involved.  There is likely to be disturbing scenes including strong violence such as fights, rape and killings which is inappropriate for children under the age of 15, the weapons used includes guns and knives which is also disturbing for young children and may influence their actions. Greater violence and more disturbing murders such as psychotic murders in films may cause them to be rated 18 as the scenes may only be suitable for adults to view.There is also likely to be strong language used by the characters when they get angry or are angry at one another  that is not suitable for children below the age of 15. There is likely to be sexual references portrayed such as the characters discussing sex making a thriller a 15, however more extent sexual references and films containing explicit sex scenes are likely to be rated 18. The content involved in thrillers therefore give them an age certificate of 15 or 18 based on the depth of the inappropriate content. All thrillers have similar conventions therefore the majority are likely to be certified as 15 or 18. Examples of thrillers with age certificates of 15 and 18 includes:

Lucy has an age certificate of 15:








The November man has an age certificate of 15:







I spit on your grave 2 has an age certificate of 18:

 

 

 

 

 

What age certificate would you give you thriller?

 

 
When I create my thriller I intend on giving it an age certificate of 15 as this is a common age rate for thrillers. The content I include will contain violence such as attacks, murders and fights using iconography such as weapons including guns and knives making it conventional  to the thriller genre. This will help to create a chilling response from thee audience who will be in suspense and will be uncertain about the outcome. Therefore an age certificate of 15 will be appropriate for my film.

Conclusion: What have you learned about certificates and what you need to consider for your own thriller in terms of what is appropriate for the different age groups?

 

After researching age certificates I have learnt that 12 and 12A age certificates have very similar conventions and follow similar rules with the only difference being that a 12A means a child under 12 must be accompanied by adults due to some content being inappropriate. Furthermore, an 18 age certificate differs as it allows the adult audience to view explicit images and scenes that could be influential. All the certificates vary in that the rules differ for each, for example in a PG film is for general viewing while a 15 is not for children below the age of 15, these certificates vary due to the content involved in the film. When creating my own thriller I must consider selecting content that is appropriate for children aged 15 and older, however I must ensure I do not select content that is classified as 18 such as the use of very strong language or strong portrayals of sexual activity as this content is not appropriate for children below 18 and could cause controversy. Therefore, I will ensure I select content appropriate for a 15 audience but ensure I do not promote drugs or use frequent strong language when it is not appropriate. The characters I will use in my thriller film will be a protagonist, antagonist and a victim as these are the conventional characters and are appropriate for a 15 rating film. The themes I will include will consist of violence and vengeance however I will ensure these themes are not exposed in a serious and over exaggerated way affecting the audiences psychological state. Overall, In my opinion age certificates are essential to have rating films as it protects the audience from certain topics and only allows the audience to watch films that are suitable for them and contains themes that are appropriate for them. For example, a film rated 15 protects the young audience from extreme topics such as promoting drug use and continuous sex scenes. Without age certificates a young audience would be exposed to inappropriate content which could affect them psychologically.

 

Research:Mise En Scene- Setting and icongraphy-Miss Begum

 

             Setting & Iconography

 

 

 

What are setting and iconography and why is it an important convention? How can it help with audience understanding? Discuss connotations and denotations?

Setting is the location where the events in the film are filmed and it is an important convention as it allows the audience to understand where the events are taking place, it helps add to the audiences understanding as they can predict the mood of the film and the type of film it is. For example, if the film takes place in a forest the connotations include darkness and danger and the audience immediately feel a sense of fright and a fear of the unknown is highlighted. Iconography is the objects evident in the film and used by the characters, examples of iconography used in thriller films include: guns, knives, phone and blood. The denotation of these objects connote danger and thrill for the audience as they symbolise death. Iconography is an important convention as it adds to the excitement and without them the film would not be of high quality and wouldn't be as enjoyable to watch. Overall, setting and iconography are important conventions as they play important parts in the film adding to the film's importance.
 

Setting: What are typical thriller setting and why? Discuss connotations and denotations- Use examples.

Typical thriller settings include suburban locations such as homes, empty buildings, forests, confide corridors but may also take place in urban locations such as busy roads if it is an action thriller. An example of an action thriller that takes place in urban locations including busy roads is 'Fast and Furious' which creates suspense for the audience due to the danger the characters are surrounded with. These are typical settings because they have a greater effect on the audience and add to the tension. the denotation of Suburban locations are expected as they connote loneliness and unpredictability for the characters. On the other hand, the denotation of urban locations connotes fast action and panic. Examples of thriller settings include: 

Forest 

 

 

 

  The trailer from the film 'The Borgman' is set in a forest.The denotation of a forest connotes danger as it is a rural location and symbolises isolation and threat. This setting is conventional to the  thriller genre as it is expected for the victim to be alone and trying to get away from the antagonist who is after them. They are unlikely to be able to escape due to the size of a forest and the uneasy access if escaping,  increasing the tension and suspense for the audience.

Empty & Abandoned Houses

 

The denotation of an empty, abandoned house connotes danger as it is expected for the victims to be under pressure and battling the antagonists which are likely to be ghosts creating additional fear for the victims. This creates a chilling response from the audience who witness the events taking place helplessly.

Busy Roads 

This scene from Fast and Furious is set on a busy road. The denotation of busy roads connote danger as the characters lives are at risk due to the speed the cars are travelling at. This creates a chilling response from the audience as they are aware of the danger the victims are under.

 

 

Setting and sub genre: How are settings dependent on sub-genres? Use examples

Settings are dependent on subgenres as a setting cannot be chosen if there is no subgenre, as it would not make sense and the audience would not be able to understand why the location has been chosen. A setting must be chosen after the sub genre has been decided in order for it to make sense to the film and the audience. Examples of settings and sub genres working well together include:


Sci-Fi thriller

A sci-fi thriller would be expected to be set in a forest, laboratory and space ships. These settings are conventional to the subgenre as the audience would expect to see the events taking place in these particular locations as sci-fi involves science and the unexpected.
 

Laboratory

Forest

Spaceships

Crime thriller

A crime thriller would be expected to take place in a rundown location such as a hospitals and empty apartments. This is helps to create the criminal as an individual with a demented mind-set. This also creates a chilling response from the audience as they fear for the victims life due to them being unable to seek help and the setting connoting coming death.

              

         Hospital

Empty apartments

Psychological thriller 

A psychological thriller would be expected to take place in suburban locations such as haunted houses ,hospitals, alleyways . This is expected as these locations encourage a sense of loneliness and helplessness for audience and prevents the crime from being identified by the protagonists. These locations are conventional to the thriller genre as the audience expect to be left horrified and excited throughout the film through the use of setting as it had a huge impact on the overall film, and encourages the events to have a full effect on the audience making them respond with a chilling response. 

Haunted house

Alleyway

 

Hospital

 

Homes

Action Thriller

 

An action thriller would be expected to take place on busy roads, rooftops and empty buildings. This is because the audience would expect lots of action to occur such as car chases and fighting in order to create tension and excitement for the audience. This is conventional to the thriller genre as it is expected for the protagonists life to be at risk while fighting the antagonists.

 

Busy roads

Empty buildings

 

 

 

 

Rooftops

 

 

Iconography and subgenre: How is iconography dependent on sub-genre? Use examples

 
Iconography is dependent on a subgenre as the objects used in a film cannot be selected unless the sub genre is decided as different sub genres require different iconography. For example a mobile phone is conventional to the psychological sub genre as this is used by the antagonist to threaten the victim. Examples of iconography in sub genres include:


Psychological Thriller

In a psychological thriller the iconography that is identified includes rocking chairs, mobile phones, knives, letters, flowers  and photographs. These denotations connote danger as it is associated with psychotic antagonists who use the conventional iconography such as phones and letter to threaten the victim and physically affect their minds. This is conventional to the thriller genre as the audience expect to be in suspense due to the hidden identity of the antagonist creating fear and feeling sympathy towards the victim.

Blood

Mobile phone

knives

Letters

Photographs

Guns

An example of a film that includes conventional iconography is 'AL INTERIEUR':

 

Crime Thriller 
 

In a crime thriller the iconography used is likely to be guns and knives as violence and crime is going to occur. The denotation of guns and knives connote death and threat therefore makes the audience react with a chilling response as they are unable to predict what is going to happen and fears for the victims and protagonists lives. This is conventional to the thriller genre as it is expected for the antagonists and protagonists to use guns and knives, the protagonist may carry a gun for safety and protection while the antagonists uses guns and knives against the protagonist and victim and may use it to attack them.

Guns

Knives

An example of a crime thriller including this conventional iconography is 'Brick Mansions':

 

 

 

 

Action Thriller 

In an action thriller the iconography evident includes cars, drugs, guns and blood. The denotation of cars, drugs, gun and blood connotes danger and death. This creates a chilling response from the audience as they wait in suspense to see what is going to happen and whether the protagonists will defeat the antagonists. This is conventional to the thriller genre as it is expected for the protagonist to experience difficulty from the antagonist and use this particular iconography in order for support, for example, a car may be used by the protagonist to chase the antagonist.

Cars

Drugs

 

 

 

Guns


 

Blood

An example of action thriller including the conventional iconography is Fast and Furious:

Sci- Fi  Thriller 

In a sci- fi thriller the iconography used includes technology, gun and needles. The denotation of this iconography connotes mystery and danger as the audience are unsure of what to expect and may fear that the antagonist can produce a virus affecting society which the protagonist is unable to prevent. This creates a chilling response from the audience as they doubt whether or not the protagonist will be able to deal with the problem and fear for the victims life as she may have involvement in the antagonists plan. This is conventional to the thriller genre as it is expected for the iconography such as technology to be used in order to present the difficulties the protagonist may face.
 

Technology

                                                      

              Gunk

Needles

 

 An example of a sci- fi thriller containing conventional iconography includes 'Matrix':

 

Thriller scene analysis. Analyse a scene identifying the use of setting and
iconography- use PEER
 

 

 

In this scene from the film 'Mission Impossible 2' when Naya is injecting herself with Chimera the setting is in a rural location as the characters are in a lab surrounded by technology. The use of a rural location does not allow the victim to escape from the antagonist and makes it extremely difficult for the protagonist to defeat him due to the confined space. This is conventional to the thriller genre as it is expected for the victim to suffer difficulties while being in the antagonists presence due to being in a rural location, she is expected to have to follow the antagonists commands to prevent being killed as she has no other choice. Furthermore, the use of iconography is important in this scene, the iconography evident includes a gun full of a virus called 'Chimera' and a gun used by the antagonist to threaten and protect himself. The denotation of guns connote threat and death symbolising the danger the female victim faces. The gun full of virus has importance throughout the scene as it is used to show that it is the antagonists main interest. The use of the gun used by the antagonist is used to threaten the female victim putting her in a difficult situation. This is conventional to the thriller genre as the audience would expect to react with a chilling response after seeing the victim helpless and the protagonist unable to protect her making the audience fear for their lives. The audience would also feel uneasy as the iconography represents violence and they are unable to predict the outcome.

 

 

 

Conclusion: What types of setting and iconography are you planning to use and why?

After researching setting and iconography I now have a clear idea of their importance within a film and their dependence on the sub genre. When I create my thriller film I will set my film in a suburban location such as an abandoned home or a hospital as these settings connote darkness and fear, and negative interpretations are perceived by the audience who feel uneasy and in suspense about the outcome. The use of a suburban locations creates suspense for particular characters such as the protagonist as he is unsure of what to expect and is unable to identify whether his life or the victims life is at risk. Tension builds for the audience who are in anticipation while watching the events take place. Suburban locations are conventional to the thriller genre as they create a  chilling response from the audience and allows the film to fulfil it's gruesome and horrific connotations. Furthermore, after researching I intend on using conventional iconography such as blood, guns and knives. This is due to these iconographies creating adrenaline for the audience as they know the denotations of blood, guns and knives connote crime, death and violence adding to the excitement and the fear of the unknown. Iconography is an important element as it is device used in a film to identify the genre of the film, therefore I know I must select the correct iconography in order to portray the thriller genre clearly.