Media Evaluation - In what way does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

Our primary goal was to create the opening to a new thriller movie. To create our final product, we had to go through several stages – planning (which consisted of seeking consumer feedback and coming up with an original film idea), filming and editing on iMovie.

                                                       The BBFC categorise their films into six main categories –                                                       U, PG, 12, 12A, 15 and 18. A traditional thriller tends to consist of a victim and the main perpetrator or ‘villain’ (sometimes - and going against convention - the main character in a thriller). The setting is usually dark and suspicious, but realistic, so that the audience can relate to what is happening and there is usually one object of particular focus in the shot, such as a weapon. Reaction shots of characters are also often used to add more depth to the scene.

One opening we studied was the unconventional ‘The Happening’. In this, there is no known villain. Instead, the killer is unseen, and acts in waves of mass murder, making it appear yet more random. Also, due to the demeaning way that the victims die, the viewer feels more empathy for the main characters in the story, causing you to feel more of a dislike towards the menacing, invisible killer. The scene makes heavy use of reaction shots, especially with two friends on a bench, who are the last people to be affected in this scene. The thriller theme is re-enforced by the viewer having no clear understanding of why any of this is happening, creating an heir of mystery, which is also linked into the ‘unseen killer’ theme. We tried to adapt the use of reaction shots (close-ups of the face showing emotion) and regular close-ups on important objects (i.e. the knife), especially with the bride character.

We also studied the ‘Psycho’ opening scene. In this, the victim is female, which goes with the typical ‘slasher’ theme. Over 60 individual shots are made, giving an effective, almost 360 degree view of the setting. Also, these shot changes get more fast-paced as the opening continues to put emphasis on the severity of the situation, creating (through the use of straight cuts) almost surgically precise view of a murder. This gives the impression that the murder was planned and done with clear intent. Like ‘The Happening’, we do not have a clear view of the murderer, but we get the impression that the murderer is female. Lastly, there is clear emphasis on the murder weapon; a less-than-professional-killer kitchen knife. We used a similar knife in our own production, and tried to re-create this technique, especially when the female character stabs the tree, towards the end of the opening. I have also noticed that our killer is also female (like ‘Psycho’) but this was un-intentional – we simply wished to go against the usual ‘male killer in a hooded top’ with an unconventional, female character, who (especially earlier in the scene) seems relatively harmless. This was our background knowledge, upon which we based our own opening…

Media Evaluation - How does your media product represent particular social groups?

Not only did we look into films in our research, we also studied representations. Religious, ethnic and social backgrounds were the starting point of our research, mainly to show us the ropes. We then took it further – looking into representation in film. For example, in one of horror’s sub-plots, the ‘teen slasher’, there are two main characters – the victim (usually a beautiful, young blonde girl) and the killer – a tall, dark, mysterious man wearing a hooded top (traditionally to hide some hideous disfigurement he feels ashamed of…).

We looked to less conventional thrillers when looking for inspiration for our own – we decided that we didn’t want to do the traditional bank-robbery or murder mystery thriller; not only would we -most likely- obtain less marks for something like this, we wanted to create something memorable, that would stand out to the audience. As such, we decided to create an antagonist who started as a happy bride (portrayed by our use of close-ups of the character’s facial expressions and her body-language) and changed to create a darker character, but also to create a feeling of transformation (perhaps in some ways similar to the killer in ‘The Silence of The Lambs’?). Also, the kitchen knife is a convention of the traditional female role.

In contrast, our -potentially- victim is male. You see him running and appearing in the background of some scenes. There is also a scene in which he is getting ready for the wedding, and the voice-over (his inner-thoughts) says that he “can’t do this”. You get the impression that he is vulnerable, especially with the close-ups of his unhappy facial expressions and when the camera appears to watching him; the audience is put into the place of the camera in real-time.

Media Evaluation - What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?

The big decision here was whether to go with a big film institution like Warner Bros. or New Line Cinema (creator of the infamous ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy and apparently with ‘The Hobbit’ now on the cards), or to create an ‘indie’ film, which is becoming more popular in today’s media industry. ‘Leon’, ‘Memento’ and ‘Moon’ are all popular and successful indie films, and while they lack the large (and undoubtedly useful) budgets of films backed by film institutions, they often make up for this with unconventional and unusual techniques that captivate the audience.

Thus, I think that our production should be an indie film, as (due to a far more limited budget) it would be more challenging, realistic to said budget, and would give us a more rich experience. I would also like someone like Baz Luhrman (director of ‘Moulin Rouge!’ and ‘Romeo + Juliet’) or Darren Aranofsky (director of ‘The Fountain’, ‘Requiem for a Dream’ and most recently, the highly-praised ‘Black Swan’) as I appreciate their unconventional techniques when composing a film. For example, Luhrman’s fast optical zooms in both ‘Moulin Rouge!’ and ‘Romeo + Juliet’ create and almost humorous tone out of a simple technique, whilst Aranofsky’s montage used to show drug-use creates a powerful, deeply moving effect that is still easy to understand.

After some research, I think that my Indie film company should be ‘Artisan Entertainment’, who produced ‘Reservoir Dogs’ and ‘Pi’, which are both thrillers, along with ‘The Blair Witch Project’, which, like our film, is set in the woods, and we may be able to adapt this idea.

Media Evaulation - Who would be the audience for your media product?

Between our questionnaire results and looking at our actual product, we decided to make our film a 15, following BBFC guidelines. This limits us with who we can address and -potentially- gain a profit from. On the other hand, it gives us additional creative freedom when making the film, and allows us to add / keep more graphical content, which will be useful, especially with the knife theme which runs through our piece.

So, we can only sell our product to those of 15 and above, which still leaves a large gap in the market, with the people that most often using the cinema being teenagers. Looking back at our questionnaire results (which we obtained from a total of 31 people), it is clear that the rating we have given our film is perfect – almost all of the people we asked were between 11 and 16 years of age.

As for other films we have looked at, ‘Donnie Darko’ was a 15, ‘Memento’ was also a 15 and lastly ‘The Happening’ was also a 15. Thus, the film we are creating also fits in well with films that other, more experienced directors have made.

Some of the information I found that told me how the guidelines are set I found on this website - http://www.bbfc.co.uk/

Media Evaluation - How did you attract / address your audience?

To attract our audience, we looked to our questionnaire results. We found that what most people wanted was action in the product. We tried to address this feature with the actions displayed by the characters – we had two running scenes (one for each character) which added pace to the piece. We also addressed their request when it came to audio – the people we asked wanted ‘intense’ music. Our theme music consisted of mixed evil and mysterious noises found on the internet and mixed in the ‘Garage Band’ programme.

Finishing our product, one member of our group posted our piece on Youtube and Facebook and asked for feedback. The general consensus was good – that we had done a good job in creating or thriller. Here are the sites we used:

This is a link to Youtube, where we originally posted our video -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3OC4Q5Gfgw

This is a link to a 'Facebook' post, where we addressed the audience once again, asking them to voice their opinions and tell us how to improve -

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001028088930&ref=profile#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=124840460917770&id=704723435

Media Evaluation - What have you learned about technologies from the process of constructing this product?

To create our product, we used two programmes. These were ‘iMovie’ and ‘Garage Band’. Garage band was not new to me, as I had used it in a previous year, but creating something for our thriller still wasn’t easy. We all had ideas (good ones at that) but finding the appropriate section on garage band proved to be harder that first thought. In fact, we didn’t even begin our search for a soundtrack on garage band – our original soundtrack was from a signed band, so we had to remove it. It was a strong blow to our product as we thought it went really well with the piece, and had trouble letting go of it. However, we eventually mixed together a few things (some found on Youtube etc.) and created a second soundtrack we were all happy with.

I don’t think any of us had used iMovie before, but we found that we picked it up quickly which allowed us to move ahead with our product. This is also an important note because we ended up making three final pieces (hopefully each was better than the last…) because the first two seemed to be missing something; we didn’t know what it was, but the whole thing just didn’t come together when we finished everything. Our tutor told us that it “didn’t quite make sense”, so we added in a few more scenes (we went and did some more scenes during our free periods and lesson-time) to fill in any gaps in the story-line.

Public Review - Facebook

Here's a link to our video (from Youtube) posted on 'Facebook', so that our friends and family could review what we had done.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001028088930&ref=profile#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=124840460917770&id=704723435

Our Final Product

Here's a link to our final piece, posted on Youtube by a member of my group.
Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3OC4Q5Gfgw

Media Evaluation - Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?

When we started our preliminary task at the beginning of the school year, we didn’t have the widest knowledge of the things we were going to use. I hadn’t used Garage Band in quite a few years and I had no experience in iMovie. On the other hand, we had all used cameras, which meant that we got all of our filming done quickly.

When we started to edit for the first time (in the prelim. task) we didn’t use many transitions between shots. This may’ve made our production I little jumpy. We managed to pick up our game and added more effects for the final product. We also cut out more un-necessary footage from our clips which made it smoother. On the other hand, we filmed longer clips so that we had more room to edit specific sections.

We had to use Garage Band to create the soundtrack to our piece. We didn’t use this in our preliminary task, so we had to get to grips with it in a relatively short period of time. Also, we had even less time because we had two plans previous to using the Garage Band programme. Firstly, we were going to use the Macs in the music room, but we were unable to get hold of relevant cables to link them onto the keyboards in time, so we had to call that one off. We also had a song (as mentioned earlier) that went well, but we couldn’t use it because it was from a signed band.

All in all, I think my group and I adapted quickly to using different technology and computer programmes within media.

The Prelim - Then and Now

The first time we whent out with the camera, it was a joy. We got a variety of interesting shots and plenty of footage. Somehow, through doing all this work, we also had fun!

All was not as it seemed. Although we got a lot done, there was still a lot to do. We found that we didnt really have everything we needed and we ended up filming the same (or simelar) scene in two different rooms. I think this happened because we didn't really have much experience using the camera, but that wasnt all.

Looking back now, after doing both our Preliminary  task and actual coursework, I can firmly say we didnt plan enough. We found ourselves searching around forn as setting we liked when really we should've done all this before hand. I say this because, one man down to a vicious case of flu (that man being me, both one of the camera-men and an actor in the piece), we still managed to get a whole morning-to-midday's filming done in about two hours. This was all down to planning.

FINALLY - media ideas pitch

More Filming ?

When asked to give their opinion on our product, we were given nothing short of an onslaught of 'ideas' and 'constructive' criticism.
Thus, one of my group members and I (the other was un-available, as she was helping another group) took the camera out for round two of student vs. media...

We got some good shots, and more improtantly, they filled in some of the missing links in our story. All we really did if filmed the bride-to-be doing a bit of casual stalking of her future husband, but it seemed to make a real difference, so go us!

Filming.. A look back on good times

Still waiting on the powerpoint of our pitch, but I guess it's getting to the stage were the show simply MUST go on !

--

As for filming, it was as much of a failure as it was a success. I would like to point out that this was no-ones fault...

Anyways, our actual filming went well - we got everything we originally planned to do done and in fact, we were finished in Peterborough (see below) before we knew what was happening... so we sat in McDonalds for about two hours (sshhh!). Equally, our filming in the 'wooded area' whent well, even if we did struggle to get there.

So, it would seem like everything was hunky-dorey, yes?

NO. Unfortunately, my crippling flu virus mixed with prancing about in sub-zero temperatures almost killed me. Sad times. But hey-ho, we pulled through and I'm all better now!

Here are the Cathederal pickies (not mine, unfortunately)

Media pitch..

Went well (I think)
slides of powerpoint will follow soon

Useful Site

Following here is a link to a site that will be useful in research..

http://www.bbfc.co.uk/

Cover Analysis - Donnie Darko

The first thing you are drawn to is the ball of light coming out of Donnie's chest. unless you have seen the film before, this won't make sence, suggesting mystery - a key connotation to the thriller genre. this light serves another purpose - it illuminates his face and shows his expression.

His expression is blank, but with the faint hint of a smile. The blankness suggests a lack of control, but the smile says that he is enjoying himself. It is almost a smug look. Could he be the villain? You also cannot see what he is looking at, but he clearly has focus. Purpose. Again, this suggests that our main character is not necessarily the 'good guy'. This, however, is just an idea fomulated by the viewer to draw them away from figuring out what is happening too quickly. This is known as a 'red herring'. This is a key theme to the genre.

The outside of the cover is in shadow, and it appears to be creeping up on the character. Wether this is portrayed to be interpreted litterally or metaphorically, it still re-enforces the underlying tone of darkness. This also links back to the character's moral standing, which I believe to be useful as it adds more mystery and a negative tone. This is foreshadowing a negative ending to the plot, but you are not shown exactly what is is (obviously, becuse that would ruin it...). The axe he carries so casually across one shoulder further adds to the dark theme, as does the background - this is also dark, suggesting night or dusk (the recession of light).

Lastly, the cover also shows text, most likely from 'Grandma Death's' book. To someone who has seen the film, this adds context and depth as it is part of the film. Also, it has a 'spooky' or mysterious appearance. It seems as though he is being analysed. This analytical approach questions the character and further re-enforces the idea of mystery, or something abnormal, adding to the thriller theme.

To conclude, throught colour, lighting and objects (such as the axe) themed to the film, a dark atmosphere and an heir of mystery is created. The ovetall theme of the film i sumned up well in this cover.

The Word Times (iii)

Also learned another new word recently that could come in handy at a later date...

Ideology - ''a system of values or beliefs indoctrinated throughout society''.

Question - How does Nolen convey Memento as a psychological thriller?

Response to ‘Memento’ - Opening scene

Nolen starts the opening to Memento with a blank screen (opening titles follow), followed by the development of a Polaroid in reverse. This instantly creates the most important element to a thriller – mystery. In fact, almost everything in the opening scene is played in reverse, and only later does the viewer come to terms with the fact that this is actually representing the main character’s mind or memories. Confusion – a form of mystery, further re-enforcing the theme of the thriller genre.

The music is haunting, and every important sound is enhanced. The firing of a shot. A scream. A bullet casing hitting the floor. These things add to the intensity, making the atmosphere far darker and more dramatic.

The camera shots are also important. Teddy, the main antagonist, is pictured on the floor, with the camera high above him – a ‘high angle shot’. This gives him a sense of vulnerability. Leonard, on the other hand, is pictured with a gun in his hand, standing over Teddy. This is a ‘low angle shot’, and gives him an aura of power, control. And the gun itself – a much-used weapon in the thriller genre; a connotation, if you like. Small, compact, discrete. At this point in the film, it could be the new James Bond.

Lastly, I find the director’s use of lighting clever. There always seems to be light shining on the main character – Leonard, however, there is hardly ever light shining on teddy in this scene, making him appear more dark and sinister, further adding to the mystery of the thriller piece.

Response to 'The Happening' - Opening Scene

With the school internet now fully up and running, here's some more work...

Response to ‘The Happening’ – Opening Scene

High Park, Manhattan. A normal moning, potrayed with 'nomal day conotations'. We start the scene with some establishing and mid-shots. We see close-ups of men with briefcases, couples walking dogs and people jogging. this, coupled with a relatively placid soundtrack, gives the overall impression that nothing is wrong.

We then cut to two people on a bench. Two women (steriotypical of a thriller as it is usually the woman that 'gets it'). And, as they are both women, the viewer may automatically see them as vulerable. One is reading, the other just sitting. Close-ups on their faces as they exchange in dialogue, talking about the plot of the womans book; a muder/mystery novel. Creepy connatations, or simply a woman reading her book? A sceam, with the audio singled out to make the viewer more aware of it. The music becomes more intense, signifying that something is afoot. We still don't know what it is, and there it is - the key to a good thriller; mystery.
In this part of the scene, certain elements of the audio are enhanced to the viewer, making them more promintent, adding emphasis. An example of this is the sceam eirlier mentioned, or the rustling of the leaves on the trees, suggesting that they have something to do with it. But how could they? After all, they are only trees.

The woman with the book's speach becomes confused and she repeats herself. Some reaction shots are 'thrown in there' to re-enforce her friend's expressions. She is clearly worried. The creepy music continues to rise in intensity, thickening the atmosphere. A close up on a hand, rising slowly, with purpose. This hand grabs a hair pin, and the camera follows it. The fact that the hand moves slowly is useful as it gives the viewer some time (if not enough) to figure out what will happen next. Another reaction shot; horrified. She should be. Excellent effects shows us 'book woman' stab heself in the neck, with no regard for her safety.
And then it gets worse.

Psyco - shower scene analysis (at last!)

I've finally find a way to get things onto blogger via. school, so here's some long-awaited work.

Psyco - Shower Scene Analysis

Starting with a docile scene of the victim undressing for the shower, the viewer has no idea of what is to come. This is good, as it will heighten the feeling of shock that the viewer feels is the following scene. The actress keeps a straight face (lacking in emotion) to re-enforce the safe, calm mood. Throughout this opening, the camera keeps level with the victim’s head and follows her. You could consider to be a point of view shot. The lighting remains dim to hint at a negative action to come.

Once in the shower, the camera cuts from one angle to another multiple times. There is a lot of circular imagery in the following scenes, starting with a shot of the showerhead, with the object in question in the very centre of the shot. When looking at the showerhead, we look at it through a low-angle shot, and it is also a close-up, making it appear ominous; powerful in some way, but not a way that we understand. You also have more shots at head-level, but they are not centring on her face, rather what is behind it finally, with rising tension, the camera pans slowly to a moving figure behind the shower curtain…

The camera snaps to a close-up of the curtain, or rather what is behind it – the villain, holding a kitchen knife. This is followed by another close-up of the knife itself. This racy use of straight cuts creates confusion, a confusion shared by the victim as the shower scene unfolds onto her vulnerable form. The ‘screeching strings’ music adds to the terror as she is repeatedly stabbed by the perpetrator. In one shot, she is seen cowering in the bath tub. This is seen from a high-angle shot, giving the victim an inferior appearance. The main colours in this scene are black, white and red. One could interpret these colours as anger, cruelty or cold, single-minded cruelty (not necessarily in that order).

In the final scene, the music has died down and is all but non-existent. This links to the now dead victim and her distinct ‘lack of life’. The powerful circular imagery continues to make itself apparent. The question is weather one should take it at the face-value of ‘that woman’s eye is the same shape as a plug-hole’, or weather it should be taken deeper – it could, for example,   have some relevance or meaning tied down to a sense of perpetuallity – for example, could this have happened before and this is just be another victim? The theme of black, white and red continues in this part of said scene. We then leave the victim in the bathroom and follow the murderer out of the bathroom (possibly via hand-held camera to create the feeling of walking) to look at an otherwise unimportant newspaper. However, the viewer does not have time to read the entire front cover before it cuts to a low angle shot of the house (most likely the house in which the murder took place). The low-angle shot appears to be from the bottom of the front garden, as if we are looking at the house from the killer’s eyes and the killer is escaping. This is a very dark shot and appears to b at night. The architecture of the house itself seems old, almost gothic, and is the last thing you see before the end of the scene.