The final shot introduces the title to the film because it a title sequence. This reinforces the name much like “The Panic Room.” Once again, the black and white theme is still continuing through out the film. A deep, dramatic drum is played when this clip hits the screen. This emphasizes the pressure and tension of the film. This subverts the conventions of Hollywood. Not many films suddenly show the symbol of the film and the title. Credits are normally weaved in through out the first few minutes of the film. Subtlety is key.Monday, 29 March 2010
The final shot introduces the title to the film because it a title sequence. This reinforces the name much like “The Panic Room.” Once again, the black and white theme is still continuing through out the film. A deep, dramatic drum is played when this clip hits the screen. This emphasizes the pressure and tension of the film. This subverts the conventions of Hollywood. Not many films suddenly show the symbol of the film and the title. Credits are normally weaved in through out the first few minutes of the film. Subtlety is key.
Task 2- How does your product represent particular social groups?
A blind twelve year old girl name Lucinda has been held by the Government to help save the global phenomenon. Her in normality has been heavily influenced by the devil and her once disadvantage give by the devil has now become a unique gift that will save lives. She naturally starts to draw the pentagram that answers all questions. A governor sits over her observing and waiting. She finishes her drawing and the members of authority now are completely aware of what they must do.
We decided to chose a young English girl to fit the stereotype of horror films. This stereotype follows the scene of young girls that are vulnerable and scared. Normally, they are intimidated by other characters. Just like our film, Lou was asked to play a vulnerable girl that was held back of her ‘talent’ because of Russell. Eventually, she overcomes her fear and produces answers for the Government. Creating stereotypical characters helps audiences to understand the plot far better and allows the story to flow. With Russell, he played the character of an intimidating man that controls the situation.
Our film, FIVE was influence by two films in particular; Sixth Sense and Girl Interrupted. Both of these films incorporate a younger generation to portray the story. In particular, Sixth Sense uses a very young boy who can ‘see dead people.’ Extremely similar to FIVE, Lou was perceived as being able to read and understand the devil, in which she could then answer many questions. This is a great example for our film and it clearly shows how we found ideas and were heavily influenced by this film.
Girl Interrupted is not an extreme horror, yet is heavily set in tension and anticipation. Once again, the younger generation is used as the main character. We thought for our film that using a young girl as the main character really increases the ‘horror factor.’ The fact that such a young girl is forced to be independent only increases her vulnerability and further more adds tension. Using a younger audience as actors will bring in the younger viewers and only increase the audiences’ quality and in return make a larger gross profit.
Relevant News Stories
In the stage of creating and developing our idea we thought that we should relate it to real life stories, or at least near to. Obviously, our films plot would never be true of the real life, but an element of the truth increases the films tension. All of these articles below are similar stories that we started with. We researched true stories of murder, children and claims of understanding the spirit. From there we were able to develop an idea that had an underlying truth that could then be adapted to a thriller film.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3423777.stm
The judges said Mrs Cannings's case had broad implications for other cases involving parents accused of harming their children. The Cannings case followed a decision earlier last year to overturn solicitor Sally Clarke's conviction of murdering her two young sons, and the acquittal of pharmacist Trupti Patel on charges of murdering her three babies. The Crown Prosecution Service was also asked by Lord Goldsmith to review 15 ongoing cases involving an unexplained infant death. The Criminal Case Review Commission is now waiting to receive cases to review.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/629269.stm
Social service leaders in Leicester have admitted making errors in the case of a four-year-old child who was murdered by his mother's boyfriend. Gary Davis, 33, was described in court as "a monster" and jailed for life on Thursday for killing his girlfriend's son. The child died last February after contracting hypothermia when he was repeatedly thrown into an ice-cold bath as a punishment. On the day the four-year-old was murdered, he had more than 60 injuries on his body, including a ruptured liver.
The child's mother, Samantha Jane Tuff, was sentenced to two-and-a half years for cruelty. She was found not guilty of manslaughter. Two months before the boy died, his head teacher Chris Hassell warned Leicester social services and the police that he suspected the boy and his eight-year-old brother were being abused. The chair of the local Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC), which released its report on Thursday, criticized the police and social services for not interviewing the boy.
We decided to chose a young English girl to fit the stereotype of horror films. This stereotype follows the scene of young girls that are vulnerable and scared. Normally, they are intimidated by other characters. Just like our film, Lou was asked to play a vulnerable girl that was held back of her ‘talent’ because of Russell. Eventually, she overcomes her fear and produces answers for the Government. Creating stereotypical characters helps audiences to understand the plot far better and allows the story to flow. With Russell, he played the character of an intimidating man that controls the situation.
Our film, FIVE was influence by two films in particular; Sixth Sense and Girl Interrupted. Both of these films incorporate a younger generation to portray the story. In particular, Sixth Sense uses a very young boy who can ‘see dead people.’ Extremely similar to FIVE, Lou was perceived as being able to read and understand the devil, in which she could then answer many questions. This is a great example for our film and it clearly shows how we found ideas and were heavily influenced by this film.
Girl Interrupted is not an extreme horror, yet is heavily set in tension and anticipation. Once again, the younger generation is used as the main character. We thought for our film that using a young girl as the main character really increases the ‘horror factor.’ The fact that such a young girl is forced to be independent only increases her vulnerability and further more adds tension. Using a younger audience as actors will bring in the younger viewers and only increase the audiences’ quality and in return make a larger gross profit.
Relevant News Stories
In the stage of creating and developing our idea we thought that we should relate it to real life stories, or at least near to. Obviously, our films plot would never be true of the real life, but an element of the truth increases the films tension. All of these articles below are similar stories that we started with. We researched true stories of murder, children and claims of understanding the spirit. From there we were able to develop an idea that had an underlying truth that could then be adapted to a thriller film.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3423777.stm
The judges said Mrs Cannings's case had broad implications for other cases involving parents accused of harming their children. The Cannings case followed a decision earlier last year to overturn solicitor Sally Clarke's conviction of murdering her two young sons, and the acquittal of pharmacist Trupti Patel on charges of murdering her three babies. The Crown Prosecution Service was also asked by Lord Goldsmith to review 15 ongoing cases involving an unexplained infant death. The Criminal Case Review Commission is now waiting to receive cases to review.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/629269.stm
Social service leaders in Leicester have admitted making errors in the case of a four-year-old child who was murdered by his mother's boyfriend. Gary Davis, 33, was described in court as "a monster" and jailed for life on Thursday for killing his girlfriend's son. The child died last February after contracting hypothermia when he was repeatedly thrown into an ice-cold bath as a punishment. On the day the four-year-old was murdered, he had more than 60 injuries on his body, including a ruptured liver.
The child's mother, Samantha Jane Tuff, was sentenced to two-and-a half years for cruelty. She was found not guilty of manslaughter. Two months before the boy died, his head teacher Chris Hassell warned Leicester social services and the police that he suspected the boy and his eight-year-old brother were being abused. The chair of the local Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC), which released its report on Thursday, criticized the police and social services for not interviewing the boy.
The representational factor of child mental health disorders are relevant to our film. These stories, together, are similar to our film. They’ve helped us to develop the films plot. The honest and realistic stories from the News help to produce a more realistic film. Just like how our stereotypes have increased realism to the film, so has the plot. The media represented these people as ‘monsters’ but we wanted to portray them as strict and horrible characters. We portrayed Russell, the policemen as a kind yet forceful character. Unlike the news stories where lawful roles of society are portrayed and work as Samaritans and helpers.
Task 3- What kind of Media Institutions might distribute your media product and why?
A Media Institution is an established, often profit-based organisation that deals in the creation and distribution of advertising, entertainment and information. The Walt Disney Company, Sony as well as the BBC are a few of many Institutions.
For the film ‘FIVE’ Viacom would be used as the Media Institution. Viacom is keen to develop new ideas. This will heavily boost Paranormal Production’s first movie. I would have great confidence in trusting this Institution because they dwell on relationships with their audience as well as their clients. Advertising is a huge part of their work in Viacom. For such a small production company like “Paranormal Production’s” it is a perfect opportunity to have a great start. The boost of experience, time and money will only encourage and increase the popularity of this production. For Viacom to be advertising an amateur movie production company is a huge step in their year’s of success. For them it is a huge risk. “FIVE” could be a real success that can promote their Institution as well as the production company or produce too many faults that audiences will pick up on and produce simply a poorly made film. Viacom would definitely be a good institution that could boost the film. Viacom's goal is to be the world’s leading, branded entertainment company across television, motion pictures and digital media platforms. They focus on their consumers especially, enhancing their existing brands, developing new brands and executing on they amazing multiplatform strategy to reach this objective and sustain growth. By capitalizing on their already greatly creative strengths and deepening they relationships with audiences, advertisers, distribution affiliates, talent and licensees, Viacom is positioned to achieve continued or greater global success. This gives us; as first time production company great confidence that Viacom would help us through the journey of advertising and making the film a success. Obviously we would be trying to promote “FIVE” as much as we can independently, but we would expect Viacom to take most, if not all responsibility to advertise and campaign our film to a wide audience. Our Thriller film is targeted to a specific audience aged from 15 years old to young adults (25-30 years old) The film is part of a super natural genre that the older generation may not enjoy, yet our target audience can believe and follow. FIVE is rated as a 15. Any members of public younger than this age could be offended or extremely frightened by what they view. The film will be as realistic as possible, with accurate make-up, props and acting skills. Young children may believe in these actions that could cause permanent childhood fears. We believe both genders would equally enjoy the film. However, the male population may prefer the topic of film because of the strong stereotype of men taking control. The manipulation and controlling behaviors of the main character upon the woman may discourage female members of the public to watch this film. We would hope that our film would be shown globally. As long as the correct targeted audience and only members of the public who prefer graphic, fast moving scenes view our film, then it would be highly enjoyed.
However, as anfirst time film maker I am aware that we may need a lower budget institution for our film. Therefore we aim to use Warp to help fund our film. The British company would be more fitting to our film. In the past they have created This Is England as well as Donkey Punch. Donkey Punch relates to our film as it follows the story of three girls that take a trip to Spain that are seduced by three men that take advantage. The film progresses to life or death situations where the girls are fighting for their lives in an attempt to escape their grasp. The film is set in a horror genre, like our film. This is a good example for our film that relates back to our plot. Using Warp, our film would be well received by audiences because the company itself has a great reputation that could be carried on to our film. Hopefully, this would boost the films campaigns for advertisement and promotion, increasing the number of audiences. Because it would be a low budget British film we wouldn’t necessarily expect a major international release. It would be more of a platform release and therefore we would benefit from having Warp produce our film as they have prior experience with this with This Is England.
For the film ‘FIVE’ Viacom would be used as the Media Institution. Viacom is keen to develop new ideas. This will heavily boost Paranormal Production’s first movie. I would have great confidence in trusting this Institution because they dwell on relationships with their audience as well as their clients. Advertising is a huge part of their work in Viacom. For such a small production company like “Paranormal Production’s” it is a perfect opportunity to have a great start. The boost of experience, time and money will only encourage and increase the popularity of this production. For Viacom to be advertising an amateur movie production company is a huge step in their year’s of success. For them it is a huge risk. “FIVE” could be a real success that can promote their Institution as well as the production company or produce too many faults that audiences will pick up on and produce simply a poorly made film. Viacom would definitely be a good institution that could boost the film. Viacom's goal is to be the world’s leading, branded entertainment company across television, motion pictures and digital media platforms. They focus on their consumers especially, enhancing their existing brands, developing new brands and executing on they amazing multiplatform strategy to reach this objective and sustain growth. By capitalizing on their already greatly creative strengths and deepening they relationships with audiences, advertisers, distribution affiliates, talent and licensees, Viacom is positioned to achieve continued or greater global success. This gives us; as first time production company great confidence that Viacom would help us through the journey of advertising and making the film a success. Obviously we would be trying to promote “FIVE” as much as we can independently, but we would expect Viacom to take most, if not all responsibility to advertise and campaign our film to a wide audience. Our Thriller film is targeted to a specific audience aged from 15 years old to young adults (25-30 years old) The film is part of a super natural genre that the older generation may not enjoy, yet our target audience can believe and follow. FIVE is rated as a 15. Any members of public younger than this age could be offended or extremely frightened by what they view. The film will be as realistic as possible, with accurate make-up, props and acting skills. Young children may believe in these actions that could cause permanent childhood fears. We believe both genders would equally enjoy the film. However, the male population may prefer the topic of film because of the strong stereotype of men taking control. The manipulation and controlling behaviors of the main character upon the woman may discourage female members of the public to watch this film. We would hope that our film would be shown globally. As long as the correct targeted audience and only members of the public who prefer graphic, fast moving scenes view our film, then it would be highly enjoyed.
However, as anfirst time film maker I am aware that we may need a lower budget institution for our film. Therefore we aim to use Warp to help fund our film. The British company would be more fitting to our film. In the past they have created This Is England as well as Donkey Punch. Donkey Punch relates to our film as it follows the story of three girls that take a trip to Spain that are seduced by three men that take advantage. The film progresses to life or death situations where the girls are fighting for their lives in an attempt to escape their grasp. The film is set in a horror genre, like our film. This is a good example for our film that relates back to our plot. Using Warp, our film would be well received by audiences because the company itself has a great reputation that could be carried on to our film. Hopefully, this would boost the films campaigns for advertisement and promotion, increasing the number of audiences. Because it would be a low budget British film we wouldn’t necessarily expect a major international release. It would be more of a platform release and therefore we would benefit from having Warp produce our film as they have prior experience with this with This Is England.
Task 4- Who would be the audience for your media product?
Our Thriller film, FIVE is targeted to a specific audience aged 15 years old to young adults (25-30 years old) The film is part of a super natural genre that the older generation may not enjoy, yet our target audience can believe and follow.FIVE is rated as a 15. Any members of public younger than this age could be offended or extremely frightened by what they view. The forceful behaviour of Russell (our external actor) could be very influential to the younger audience. In the most dramatic circumstances, young children could start to believe that this behaviour and situation is how life is meant to be. Also expressing how 'children' should act. In all cases, Lou's personality is not true of reality. This behaviour could heavily influence younger children, damaging their up bringing or even psycholoically effect them. The film will be as realistic as possible, with accurate make-up, props and acting skills. This would only add to the realistic elements of the film that could once again effect childrens behaviour and beliefs.We believe both genders would equally enjoy the film. However, the male population may prefer the topic of film because of the strong stereotype of men taking control. The manipulation and controlling behaviours of the Russell upon the Lou may discourage female members of the public to watch this film. This may now be perceived as discrimination towards the female population, but instead we are trying to produce a controversial and different plot to what has been produced in the film industry before us.We would hope that our film would be shown globally. As long as the correct targeted audience and only members of the public who prefer graphic, fast moving scenes view our film. Otherwise the films reviews and reputation would be blown. I tihnk the film's audience is very particular, but if someone were to watch it that did not enjoy this type of theme and film they really would not enjoy it.Overall, the film could have a strong fan base. It has great potential to sell successfully in the film industry.
Looking back at your Preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the prgress from it to the full product?
Planning and Preparation
The preliminary task took far less time to plan than the full product. The preliminary task was simply a practice and test run for what we were to account for later on in the term with our film. We took about two weeks planning our Preliminary. The script was handed to us, so we did not have to spend time on writing a script for our actors. We had a simple job of asking two drama students to take a small part of their time to act for our assignment. The scene was only about two minutes long, so it was not a problem asking them to leave classes and miss a day of work for the filming, unlike the filming of the full product. In advance we had to find actors and actresses that would fit the part of our character who were also prepared to miss a day of school work for the film. As well as this, for our film we needed to hire an external actor. This obviously had to be planned before hand. Availability for external actors was slim and as a group we had to decide whether splitting the charge was worth it for the film. For the main task, many more serious decision had to be made that would all contribute to the success of the end product. We set up in a small drama room because we only needed a door and no other props. For the full product, we needed the studio for the whole day that we had to book in advance. We also needed a small outline of an interrogation room and props. This took much longer than expected. We had to ask two professionals who built small structured sets for films to come in and measure out our set and build it for us. With this, there was quite a large risk of producing the wrong set days before the filming.
Development of film-making
For the preliminary task, not a lot of technical skills were needed to produce a good shoot. We used the Sony DD170 camera and the boom mike. The filming was simple- using POV shots and different high and low angles. From the preliminary to the main assignment, my personal techniques and skills with the equipment have developed. We’ve had to stick to the 180 degree rule, in which the basic guideline is film making states those two characters in the same scene should always have the same left and right relationship to each other. At this point we were in our groups of four. In the preliminary, we almost felt that we had too many people for the jobs that we were asked to do. For the full product, it was almost the opposite. There were many tiny jobs that had to be done. Most of all, the smaller jobs were far more important. For example, getting a glass of coffee for the table, running to collect more paper and new pens or reapplying Lou’s make-up etc. For the final product we worked on a storyboard basis. Our structure of the day came from here. It helped us stick to the plot and the running of the actors. As apposed to the dialogue that we used for the preliminary. We had a very limited structure that did not help us control our time or keep us on target. Here, it was easy to drift from the main goal to produce a decent first time clip.
Development of Sound & Editing
With the preliminary task, we did not edit the clip at all. Nor did we add or emphasize any sounds. For that task, it really was a basic demonstration of what the film industry can do as well as giving us our first chance to use cameras and scripts.
For the final task, we took much more time in post editing and using after effects. The use of Final Cut was a dominant element for our film. Without this, our film would simply we sections and clips of the film. To edit, we had to process each clip and decide which ones we wanted to use for our final product. From here, we started to collect them into a chronological order. We took a lot of time cutting the scenes and adding clips back into the film. Collecting them all into the correct order was hard and frustrating, but once we had evaluated each clip we were able to smooth each out and gradually it began to look like a clip from a film. Through out the weeks, we carried on editing. Credits were added and finally, sounds were added in after effects. For our film, we added an echo to Russell’s voice to emphasize the interrogation room. We also added air conditioning in the room to emphasize that the young girl was captured and vulnerable.
The preliminary task took far less time to plan than the full product. The preliminary task was simply a practice and test run for what we were to account for later on in the term with our film. We took about two weeks planning our Preliminary. The script was handed to us, so we did not have to spend time on writing a script for our actors. We had a simple job of asking two drama students to take a small part of their time to act for our assignment. The scene was only about two minutes long, so it was not a problem asking them to leave classes and miss a day of work for the filming, unlike the filming of the full product. In advance we had to find actors and actresses that would fit the part of our character who were also prepared to miss a day of school work for the film. As well as this, for our film we needed to hire an external actor. This obviously had to be planned before hand. Availability for external actors was slim and as a group we had to decide whether splitting the charge was worth it for the film. For the main task, many more serious decision had to be made that would all contribute to the success of the end product. We set up in a small drama room because we only needed a door and no other props. For the full product, we needed the studio for the whole day that we had to book in advance. We also needed a small outline of an interrogation room and props. This took much longer than expected. We had to ask two professionals who built small structured sets for films to come in and measure out our set and build it for us. With this, there was quite a large risk of producing the wrong set days before the filming.
Development of film-making
For the preliminary task, not a lot of technical skills were needed to produce a good shoot. We used the Sony DD170 camera and the boom mike. The filming was simple- using POV shots and different high and low angles. From the preliminary to the main assignment, my personal techniques and skills with the equipment have developed. We’ve had to stick to the 180 degree rule, in which the basic guideline is film making states those two characters in the same scene should always have the same left and right relationship to each other. At this point we were in our groups of four. In the preliminary, we almost felt that we had too many people for the jobs that we were asked to do. For the full product, it was almost the opposite. There were many tiny jobs that had to be done. Most of all, the smaller jobs were far more important. For example, getting a glass of coffee for the table, running to collect more paper and new pens or reapplying Lou’s make-up etc. For the final product we worked on a storyboard basis. Our structure of the day came from here. It helped us stick to the plot and the running of the actors. As apposed to the dialogue that we used for the preliminary. We had a very limited structure that did not help us control our time or keep us on target. Here, it was easy to drift from the main goal to produce a decent first time clip.
Development of Sound & Editing
With the preliminary task, we did not edit the clip at all. Nor did we add or emphasize any sounds. For that task, it really was a basic demonstration of what the film industry can do as well as giving us our first chance to use cameras and scripts.
For the final task, we took much more time in post editing and using after effects. The use of Final Cut was a dominant element for our film. Without this, our film would simply we sections and clips of the film. To edit, we had to process each clip and decide which ones we wanted to use for our final product. From here, we started to collect them into a chronological order. We took a lot of time cutting the scenes and adding clips back into the film. Collecting them all into the correct order was hard and frustrating, but once we had evaluated each clip we were able to smooth each out and gradually it began to look like a clip from a film. Through out the weeks, we carried on editing. Credits were added and finally, sounds were added in after effects. For our film, we added an echo to Russell’s voice to emphasize the interrogation room. We also added air conditioning in the room to emphasize that the young girl was captured and vulnerable.
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