Conventions of opening sequences - Horror #3

Film title: 'It'
Genre: Horror
Director: Brian De Palma
Release date:1990
Part 1 clip:

1) Sound

At the beginning of the film you hear the conventional horror music, high pitched and eery followed by a smooth transition into calming soothing music which is there to create suspense for the viewer. After the introductory music we hear a little girl singing which, in typical horror films is seem and perceived as frightening and sends a shiver down your spine. This predicts the future immediatly of the young girl and she is seen to be the main character. Soon after you hear a childs laugh which again sends you warning signs and makes you feel on edge. Directly after the childs laugh you hear a clown laughing. This again makes you frightened for the young girl. The sound of what you think is joy and happiness soon tirns into conventional horror film music which makes you feel anxious and uncomfortable. Shortly after the terrible incident that occurs, you hear sorrowful music which helps the audience to sympathise in the moment. A few minutes later you hear a mans voice which seems to be non-diagetic sound. You can hear his thoughts and feelings out loud which helps the audience understand what is going on and to create enigma codes.  Again another common feature of a horror film appears when we hear the phone ring and a dark voice picks up which creates suspence for the audience especially when the character does not reconise the voice on the other end. After this scene we hear piano music which you would think would lead to some kind of climax but only shows you who is playing the melody. These two scenes create cliff hangers and hooks which turn out to be nothing out of the ordinary. This method is used cleverly to keep the audience on the edge of their seat.

Sound effects are used widly to emphisis closing doors and dramatic points in the film which are inteneded to be noted with care. They establish the main points in the film and grip the viewers attention by causing suspence and fright.

2) Mise-en-scene

The location is typically rainy and the sky is full of dismal lightning. Typical of a conventional horror film.

We then see a little girl on a tricycle which shows the wet and damp ground from where it has been raining. This is typical of a horror film. The lighting is, however, very light unlike the other horror films which have been dark and hard to see.

Costume is very important int his film whereas it wasnt so much in the other two. The costume the clown wears does not only ditinguish his character but is memorable throughout the film so we dont forget him. It plays on our mind and makes us feel nervous whenever it is seen. It scares us as the costume is so bright and noticeable and somewhat familiar.

Props are also important in this film, we see a little girl on a tricycle and playing with a dolly. This reminds us of how innocent and nieve the little girl is and how what she though was a friendly figure (the clown) was far from it.

3) Colour, font and positioning of titles

As this film was taken from a book written by Stephen King, the first name to appear, unlike the others, is the original authors name and not the films title.

Then the title of the film appears in a smooth transition in bold red writing centered which signifies blood and danger which immediatly provides adrenaline for the audience.

 The titles of the main actors also appear inbetween the old fashioned photo memories of the town in past times. The old fashioned look with the pictures and the black and white as the main colour scheme not only make the main film title stand out and stay in your mind but also makes you ask questions as to why the pictures are there.

In the next picture you can see a smooth transition between and old fashioned picture and the real world where the picture becomes reality. This creates many enigma codes and leaves the audience wondering what is going to happen.

4) Enigma codes
Many questions are raised in this opening scene such as;

1. Why are the old fashioned pictured used in the opening sequence?
2. Why is the clown so twisted and evil?
3. What happened to the little girl when the clown attacked her? What led to hear death?
4. Why did the clown pick her? And what happened to the other children the clown attacked if he did attack them?
5. Why are the police so unaware of the problem?
6. Who is Georgie?

5) Cinematography

High angle shots are used to make us feel afraid of the scenery and to feel intimidated by what will happen. It sets the scene for the genre of film by pushing us to feel scared before anything has really taken place.

The match on action shot gives the effect of endless time. The smooth edit into it also creates the effect of a single shot. It creates suspence in the scene of what is to come.

The extreme long shot in this picture makes you feel tense and scared. Something about the shot, whether its because the girl is almost silloetted it makes you feel on edge and unsure of how safe she really is.

Last of all the shot of the clowns close up is so sudden and vibrant you jump and fear as you know there is danger just by looking at his face and by the effect of the close up. This makdes the audience feel frightened and fear for the characters in the film.

6) Editing techniques and effects

When the sheets are blowing in the wind and you hear the clown laugh you cannot see anything the first time, it looks clear and as though it is all in the young girls mind, that is until the edit is brought in where the clown appears and then dissapears. It give the effect that this may all be in the young girls mind which makes the viewers wonder if it is real or a dream-like situation.

Another great example of editing is when Georgie looks down the drain and sees the clown looking back at him. The edit of the clowns face in the drain has a great effect which is used to scare people.

7) Character representation and establishing

The first character we meet is the little girl. She is shown to be adorable and sweet. Small and blonde the little girl is defenceless against anything bad which may happen to her. A typical character for a horror film, a naive little girl who seems so sweet and daintly that if any harm to her the audience would be upset which is the main effect of picking such a character.

Next we are introduced to the mother, a caring woman. Not a main character at all, but creates sympathy with the audience after the dreadful incident.

Next we meet the devilish clown. The main person who brings supence, thrill and horror the the film. When we first meet him, we see him as a wicked person who will clearly cause damage and heartache through violance.

Our final main character is the inspector. Questionable to the mystery we know for sure he is a main character who will help solve the crimes that have been happening lately. He questions the main police inspector and will clearly take matters into his own hands to find out and uncover the crime.

8) Iconography
The main thing which is conventional in most horror films which is seen here is the small child singing in the introduction. This scares the audience as they know typically a young child singing is not only spooky but also leads to danger. The harmony cant last forever.

Next we are faced with the clown. Many horror films do contain figures of people or familiar items which are twisted to seem scary and dangerous to the audience.They ofetn know something is not quite right due to the genre of film. This makes them very aware of the danger and the fear.

Lastly we have the insepctor, of course trying to solve the crime. This isnt rare to find in a horror film, a single person trying to reseolve the problem. We instantly know this person is in trouble as soon as the audience understand that they are interfearing with the crime.

9) Target audience:

The target audience, much like the other two films analysed, are clearly aimed at people 15+. Clowns who younger children may find funny or friendly will soon change after the film. They take a clown and turn them evil giving the child scary thoughts and frightening them. This film also contains inappropriately scary images for younger children which could play and stay in their mind for a long time.

Conventions of opening sequences - Horror #2

Film title: The Ring
Genre: Horror
Director: Gore Verbinski
Release date: 2002
Part 1 clip: (0:00 - 7:30)


1) Sound:
At the very beginning of the film, there is no sound. Absolute silence. This is a great effect as the tension and fear builds up and the first sound they hear may make them jump.
Next we hear the traditional rain which instantly tells you - this is a horror film. A typical convention of a horror film which tells the viewer instantly what will happen during the film. Next we hear the two girls in the first scene talking. They are discussing science which suggests they are still in school. Their voices are dull and scary which creates fear. Later on in the opening sequence, we hear a phone ring. Yet another typical convention of a horror film. A phone ringing can only mean one thing - something bad is going to happen. The audience already know this and this effect creates an array of enigma codes. Honestly you would expect to hear a demon voice at the other end right? Well this time is much different. A call from her mother built tension and fear into the viewer, a trick placed in to fool you into being afraid of the unknown. We next hear a rustling from the TV. This is a frightening aspect. The main story line links back to the TV in every way so this effect scares the viewers.
The use of sound effects towards the end of the clip creates drama and emphasises the fear of the unknown. As the girl sees the film a Sharp screech is hear shocking the viewers and introducing the first real shock of the film.

2) Mise-en-scene:

A typical dark, scary and moving beginning to the film with the distinct sound of rain pelting down on the ground and the dark sullen looking house established in the first shot. It creates tension and fear. It tells the viewer exactly what genre the film is. The location is a typical scary house set in suburbia. Horror films are typically set in a scary dark house which scares the viewer instantly.
The costume is very important as the school uniform signifies and tells the viewer how young and naive the two girls are as they are only in school.

Props are not so important in this film until we see the TV blurred and turning on by itself which, after the story had been told by the girls, is a scary aspect to the film. The audience feels on edge and scared as they know what will happen.

3) Colour, font and positioning of titles:

At the beginning of the opening sequence the typical and conventional Dreamworks clip is shown. Typically, Dreamworks adapt their opening sequence to fit in with the theme of the film. For example; Shrek - the Dreamworks moon had Shrek ears. They aways base their clip on the theme of the film. In The Ring, they use lightening to create fear and to create adrenaline for the audience.

As you can clearly see the blurred lightening on the opening shot.
Unlike Scream, The Ring has no title except the Dreamworks clip. A short pause of black is used instead to create suspense with the viewer. This clever trick fools the viewer into not knowing when the film will start. The tension builds and they anticipate what will come next.

4) Enigma codes:

During the film many enigma codes are raised.

1. Who made the video that kills people?
2. Why was it made? 
3. How did they two girls get the film? Was it already in their house or...?
4. How did the TV automatically turn on?
5. Why were those images chosen for the film?

Many of the enigma codes which are obvious are answered in the first few seconds of the film as the two girls discuss the video and what it is all about. This tells the audience what to expect but still leaves a trace of fear as the video is made out to be a joke by the girls. Is this to be taken seriously or not?

5) Cinematography:

First off we can see an establishing shot of the main location if the film. A dark house with a dark setting. It is also raining heavily which is typical of a horror film.

Soon after we see a medium long shot of the main two characters which introduces them to the viewers and gives the viewers a chance to predict the future of the girls.

A shot reverse shot is used to create geography with the viewer. This is also a good tension building effect which makes the viewers feel involved in the film and the conversation. It pus the pressure on the viewers and not the characters.

 A match on action shot is used when the young girl runs up the stairs. This effect creates the effect of endless time and a continuous shot.

Along with this, many point of view and common long shots are used to create tension throughout the opening sequence.

6) Editing techniques and effects:

A clever edit with the match on action shot gives the effect on continuous time. It allows the viewers brain to engage in more interesting camera shots and show smoothly they are edited together.

Clean sharp cuts are used to flick between shots. No smooth transitions such as dissolves just pure sharp cuts to create tension.

Cuts between tension building scenes are again very successful in making the audience afraid of what will happen and allow them to ask the question; when will it happen?

7) Character representation and establishing:
The first few seconds of the film we meet the first two characters. Typically two dumb, vulnerable young girls. These characters are typically used in horror films to predict the future for them. Its a great effect which tells the viewer something bad is going to happen and soon.

These are the only two character which are really focused on in the main part of the opening sequence.

8) Iconography:

The main typical convention which is widely known to horror films is in fact the phone ringing. Most horror films have this convention to create tension and to scare the viewer. Typically when they pick up the phone nothing bad immediately happens. This is to fool the audience into thinking the drama will happen instantly.

Next we see the TV which creates a bad and dark feeling about the film. It is used to predict the future of the film and to scare and tell the reader of future events which will occur.

9) Target audience: 

The target audience is very clearly aimed at 15+ year olds. Disturbing scenes of the video may scare or play on a younger child's mind. Many scenes are deemed inappropriate for a younger audience. Scenes which will scare them are evident.

Conventions of opening sequences - Horror

Our homework task is to analyse three openings to horror films and list and discuss the typical conventions. This will include:

1. Enigma codes: What questions do the audience want answered? 
2. How characters are represented and established
3. Locations - Mise-en-scene
4. Editing techniques and their effects
5. Camera techniques and their effects - cinematography
6. Use of sound - diegetic and non-diegetic
7. Iconography
8. Genre characteristics
9. Intended target audience and their signifiers
10. Font, colour and positioning of titles
11. Lighting

 
Film title: Scream
Genre: Horror
Director: Wes Craven
Release date:  2 May 1997 (UK)

Part 1 clip:

1) Sound

Straight away when the film begins you hear a scream and the title of the film displayed in red. This gives the viewer a clear indication that the film is going to be a horror. The use of diegetic sound is very effective when, still on the title screen, we hear a phone. A typical horror convention. The scene then cuts straight to a shot of the young girl picking up the phone. Unusually a sound track is not played at all in the opening sequence but builds up suspense and tension in the way and form of diegetic sound. The young girl picks up the phone and we can hear the conversation. A deep and powerful voice can be heard. The effect of this on the viewer creates, not only tension and awareness of the situation but also creates a series of enigma codes. Throughout the opening sequence the phone continues to ring. This creates a short but effective adrenaline rush for the viewer and predicts in a way the future of the film.
Later on, when main story unravels, music is played into he film. This is non-diegetic sound. We can hear the music causing fear and fright but the character cannot.

2) Mise-en-scene

Dark and typically scary all round. These are all seen in the opening sequence and all are typical horror movie conventions. The rain and dark atmosphere gives off uncertainty of what may happen. It sets the scene and allows the audience to establish what genre of film it may be. The location a typical scary house. Very open plan and surrounded by windows to extenuate the horror and fear from the outside and bring it to life. Unclear to whether it is studio set or not, the lighting is clearly made to seem dark and mysterious. It builds tension and sets the scene for the film. The darkness of the light clearly linking in with the darkness of the theme and ideas.

The costume, not so much relevant on the main character as seen in part one but more relevant to characters as the film progresses. Props are very important in the opening sequence as they signify and represent the forthcoming events. When she has a conversation with the unknown character on the phone they discuss which horror films they both like. Also, during the discussion the young girl pick sup a knife. Why do this? Of course, to establish what may happen and to keep the viewers in suspense.

3)Colour, font and positioning of titles:

The beginning title is simple but very effective. Flashes of red behind the main film title instantly scream horror film. Along with the knife sound which ends in the film title glowing red immediately tells the audience that this film is going to be for the blood thirsty and the brave. Set on a jet black background and centred to be the main focal point, the title then transitions with a zoom effect and dissolves into the start of the film.

4)Enigma codes:

Questions the audience will want to be answered:

• Why did the young girl continue to pick up the phone knowing it would be the same person.
• How can someone be so naive?
• Why did you play along and not ring for the police earlier in the opening?
• Why did you say you didn't have a boyfriend when you did?

Enigma codes help identify what the audience want to know and ask but cannot. These can be useful as films can create a large amount of suspense and uncertainty in the film to keep the audience on edge. Sometimes they are answered for you in the beginning of the film (The Ring) but sometimes are held back and concealed for effect.

5) Cinematography

Right away we see a close up of the phone which creates suspense and shows the audience directly what is happening.

Later on in the opening sequence we have an establishing shot of the house in which the young girl lives. This shows the audience the setting of the film and emphasises how scary it truly is.

Many of the camera shots and angles are close ups of the young girl as she is the main character and needs to be the focal point of the film. The camera will always stay on her and what she is looking at. Point of view shots are used effectively to establish what the girl is looking at which creates fear for the viewer and helps them to emotionally relate to how she is feeling.

6) Editing techniques and effects

Right at the beginning of the film the title zooms and fades into the main film. This creates a sense of fear for the viewers as they know, from the scream before hand, that the film is going to be scary and a true horror. Eye line matches are used very effectively to show what the girl is looking at and to create suspense. This effect is used often. Not many editing techniques have been used in the opening sequence. The whole sequence is edited together very smoothly.

7) Character representation and establishing

Straight away the main character is introduced to you. As she goes to pick up the phone a pan to her face is shown. The typical horror movie character a young naive blonde girl who cannot defend herself against what will happen to her. This type of stereotypical character is very effective as many enigma codes can be produced from them and you can almost predict their future in the film. Vulnerable and weak the young girl is the focal point of the sequence. The audience know what will happen to her as soon as they are introduced to her.

8) Iconography:

The typical conventional horror film beginning...a phone ringing in pure silence. This effect is used widely in horror films as it scares the viewers and almost immediately tells you what the story will be. The opening title of the film shows red which instantly makes you think blood and horror. Later in the film the girl touches a knife. Instantly you know where the plot of the story is heading for. Iconography is very important in horror films to set the scene and genre and to prepare the viewers for whats to come.

9) Target audience 

The target audience is clearly 15+. It appeals to people from young teenagers to adults with a taste for a good horror film! Some parts may seem inappropriate for younger viewers and many scenes of violence are often shown. The imagery is clearly inappropriate for a younger audience.

Our coursework - thoughts

Today I began to think about coursework and what I would like to do and what themes and ideas I would like to incorporate. In our first lesson, which introduced us to the coursework, we looked at the first scenes of horror films and picked out common attributes that each had.
To me horror films are aimed at people who enjoy the thrill of the unknown and the spontaneous. They are designed to be full of adrenaline and suspense. It gives the viewer excitement as the film goes on and is usually packed full of enigma codes.

First thoughts to the topic:
Yes I want to do horror! Reasons being; its fun-people who I chose will be excited to act in it and as I will be filming I will be very excited to film it, the camera angles and shots can be made interesting and mysterious, the mise-en-scene will be exciting to research and create to get my desired effect, I can practise experimenting with lighting and finally I have many ideas for this genre of film which I am excited to show and explore.

As it is coming up to Halloween I will buy a lot of the items I need soon to save money in the long run and because it is more readily available this time of year.

So, all in all, I am very excited about starting our coursework and will enjoy the opportunity I am given.

H.x

Camera angles, Editing and Sound editing

I found this YouTube video just now and thought it was pretty useful to help with what camera angles you can use, what editing is useful and what sound editing is interesting. Its a long video, nearly 10 minutes but it's well worth a watch.

Lessons learnt in the preliminary task

Lessons I have learnt include:

1. Always plan ahead of storyboarding. The idea can be simple as long as it is effective when shot and edited. Make a list of ideas and narrow them down, even make a mind map to help you.
2. Always think of the mise-en-scene before picking a location for filming. Sounds simple but it makes all the difference especially with lighting and the general feel and mood of the shot. 
3. Pick reliable actors who will turn up and help you out, not ones who will let you down on the day. Plan this in advance so that when you come to filming you can get right on with it.
4. When filming be cautious of where you film. Make sure you are away from any other groups of distractions so you can get on with your work and not worry about anyone else's.
5. Use camera angles to make your work interesting. A variety of the same shot at different angles and on different camera settings wont hurt. You can always delete them. They might come in use. 
6. Look over your work before you upload it to a Mac. See if you need to re shoot any shots before you leave to make sure you have the effect you wanted.
7. Before you edit check for silly mistakes like an item of clothing being worn in one shot then not in another as if by magic. It doesn't look to good. Trust me.
8. Save the work to both computers so you both have evidence of the work. You can edit them separately to to create your own ideas and show what you can do.
9. Use a variety of sound effects and music to create the atmosphere in the film you want. 
10. Remember all these tips so next time it goes better!

Preliminary filming rules

I forgot to mention at the beginning of my blog the rules. Possibly the most important part of the filming. So here we go...

"A character opens a door, walks across a room, sits down opposite another character and exchanges two sentences." - Our brief.

The brief was simple to understand and take ideas from but the hard part? The rules.

Our preliminary task rules, we had to use:

1. 180 degree shot
2. Shot/reverse shot
3. Eye line match shot
4. Match-on-action shot

 180 degree rule:

Two characters in the same scene share the same left and right. You film the same side of each person as the other. This orients the viewer and creates geography. It also maintains the characters physical relationship.

 

Shot reverse shot:

One person is shown, often off screen, looking at another character and then the other character is shown looking 'back' at the first character.

Since characters are shown facing in opposite directions, the viewer unconsciously assumes that they are looking at each other.

A video example...

(Sorry no pretty picture this time)

Eye line match:

Based on the premise that the audience will want to see what the character on screen is looking at/seeing. 

This method begins with a character looking at something off screen, then there will be a cut to the object or person at which they are looking.

e.g. A man is looking off screen to his left and then the film cuts to the television he is watching.

A video example...

Match on action:

This means cutting from one shot to another that matches the first shots action on energy. This gives the impression of continuous time when the film is edited. This happens by having a subject begin on action in one shot and carry it through to completion in the next, the editor creates a visual bridge.

A video example...

Preliminary filming editing

Me and Lucy started to edit our preliminary task filming. To do so we used a piece of software called Final Cut. This is the best editing programme for Apple Macs as it allows flexibility with cropping clips and deleting sound. It is also easy to use so you can edit clips easily. We also used Garage Band. This is another piece of software which allows you to add sound and voice overs to your video clips easily and fast.

During our editing we noticed a selection of problems with our clips which we would change and take into account if we did this task again and we also noticed how smoothly some of the shots could be edited into each other.

1. When we started our editing we took out an extra shot we took. The shot was of the characters feet walking past the camera sideways and then off shot. We took this shot out because it was to fast and wouldn't fit into our film smoothly when edited.
2. When we edited the show of the person walking around the corner and the shot of the shot after really edited well into each other and looked very much like a single shot.
3. Another thing we noticed when editing our filming was in one shot our actor was wearing a cardigan then in the next shot they were not. Both shots were taken at different times. This really shows in our filming and is a problem we would consider if we did this task again. 
4. In another shot we noticed that the camera bag was in shot. If we did this again we would remove the bag and make sure all filming equipment is out of shot.
5. Some shots were very dark due to poor lighting and mise-en-scene. A use of lamps to enhance the lighting would be used if this task was done again.
6. We made sure that when we edited shots that they linked together smoothly and looked in order. Some shots we experimented with cut into each other suddenly and didn't seem to make sense. We fixed this problem and made sure everything linked together smoothly in the final film. 
7. One shot was able to be split into two shots to make more sense and to edit smoother into each other cutting out irrelevant film. 
8. Our final point was how the shots where there was dialogue they had to be cut down to 2 seconds instead of 3 as the filming would last to long for what we wanted.

Compared to our anamatic, our film was very similar but some shots we thought were either to dark or didn't flow with the editing easily were taken out. In our anamatic our character walked through two doors. In our filming the actor only walked through one. This was to stop confusion as to which door was the door mentioned in the brief. Some shots were also moved around to make sure the camera angles flowed together then the film was edited and also so the filming made more sense. We added some of the new footage in which we didn't mention in the anamatic to make the film flow.

Mise-en-scene: The mise-en-scene was a classroom which we felt perfect for our filming as the 'results day' theme fits in well with a school location. The scene was formal which built tension in the shots. The lighting was poor admittedly. Many shots were to dark and sadly couldn't be used. To enhance the lighting we will use lamps next time or pick a lighter location to film in. We used few props in our filming. We used; a folder for the teacher, a desk, 3 envelopes (one with the results in) and a book for the actor playing the teacher to read. These props made the filming look more realistic for a teacher/school theme.

Cinematography: The cinematography was simple. We used many static shots which stopped the camera shaking. To do so we used a tripod for many of the scenes. The over shoulder shots were filmed free hand for ease. We used shots such as over should shots, point of view shots, close ups, medium shots and long shots. These all created different effects which ultimately lead to a feeling of tension and excitement which built up to the results being opened.

Continuity editing: We used continuity editing to smooth over the discontinuity of the shots and to establish coherence between the shots. Continuity editing was very useful in our filming. For example, our long shot which showed an actor walking around a corner from behind and another shot of the actor walking around the corner from the front. These two shots had to be edited together smoothly to create the effect of one shot instead of two shots which do not fit together well. Another good example is when we filmed the actor walking through the door. She walked in and was filmed from behind walking in then we had to edit it so it immediately swapped smoothly to another separate shot of her entering the room through the door from the front. This had to be edited smoothly to create the effect we were looking for. The single shot effect.

Sound: After had had completed editing we decided to experiment with sound. We first deleted all sound (except the speech which we kept in the original filming) from the original film so every other surrounding noise was taken out. This was a good base to start adding our sound effects to Garage Band to add sound to our work again. At the start of our film we added soothing music to add a sense of calm to the filming and to keep the viewer interested for the finale. We also added a creaking door to the film to add more suspense. We did this to make the viewer feel excited and feel the actors emotions. We thought it would help the viewer feel part of the film. We added fades to the music so it wasn't a sharp stop to the music but a gentle transition out when the characters dialogue started. The sound we kept was the speech which was originally there from the first filming. We decided not to re shoot this as the speech was clear.

Our film:

Evaluation:

"A character opens a door, walks across a room, sis down opposite another character and exchanges two sentences." - Our brief.

Our brief was very clear and very simple to stick to. The hard part? The rules. 

Our preliminary task rules:

1. 180 degree shot
2. Shot reverse shot
3. Eye line match shot
4. Match-on-action shot

On all the rules we met each one in different parts of our film.

The 180 degree shot was used when the two characters spoke to each other. This kept the camera on the same side on both characters and created geography for the viewer. 

Here is how we used it:

 

As you can see in both shots the camera stays on the same side of both characters. This stops confusion for the viewer and keeps geography in the shot.

We also met the requirement for the shot reverse shot rule. This used the same scene as above. This was used to show the viewer that even though a character is off screen each time that the are still looking and talking to each other. 

Eye line match shot was a different scene from above. 

Our example:

As you can see, the character is shown looking at something off screen. The camera then flicks to what she is looking at to show the audience. 

Our last rule was the match-on-action rule. This was a good rule to help you learn a good standard of editing to create a smooth continuous edit and so the shot is scene as one clear shot not two separate ones. 

Here is our example:

 These two shots were separate when filmed but added together to create one smooth shot. The editing had to be exact to make the shot look clean and smooth. The effect of this was to show our editing skills and make the shot look like it was only shot once. The shot gives the impression of continuous time when edited.

Me and Lucy have, I feel, met the brief well as we included all of the rules in our filming and editing and made sure our editing was smooth and created the right effects. We added in the correct sound effects and music for the theme which helped to create emotion and feeling with a hint of suspense.

Top filming tip (plus do's and dont's)

Remember to...
1) Check out your location first. Plan ahead and make sure its the right place to film.
2) Do make sure you pick reliable actors to film. Its hard to find someone to act on the day so chose wisely is advance.
3) Make sure the lighting is good. Dull lighting for a happy scene wont work.
4) Try different settings on the cameras. It might make the lighting and mise-en-scene look better.
5) Make sure other people who aren't supposed to be in the shot are off screen.
6) Remember to talk about scenes you added which aren't on your storyboard.

Don't...
1) Share a room with other people filming. It makes filming complex as you have to work around each other.
2) Don't record in a loud room if you don't want it in your filming.
3) Do not pick a dark area if you need it to be lighter. The camera recording will look dark and dull.
4) Do not pick unreliable actors.

Evaluation of filming

During our filming we encountered a few problems or things we may have done differently. One of these things would be the mise-en-scene. The lighting was dull and didn't pick up the characters mood very well. It made me filming and camera work look dark and out of focus in some areas. In the future we would being a lamp so make it lighter in the area we film in which will make the shot sharper and clearer.
Another problem we found with the mise-en-scene was the location itself. The classroom scene was perfect for our 'results' themed film as it gave the impression of being in school and easily relates back to when people did actually collect there results. The downside to our chosen location was we shared the room with another group who filmed which made filming around them very hard. To take certain shots we would have to move the other group and stop them working to be able to get them off shot. Also when recording the speech it was hard to stop the other group working to allow us to record. It was somewhat inconvenient. In the future we will chose a location away from other groups with more space to work and less noise.
On the day our actors let us down and decided they wouldn't act for us. This made it hard for us to find another pair willing to act on camera. Luckily we found two people who wanted to act. In the future we will defiantly find actors who will not let us down at last minute to act for us and be dedicated. In the future we will pick dedicated actors in advance and make sure they will turn up to filming on the day.

Storyboarding 2

Here are the pictures and effects we decided for our storyboard.

Shot 1.

This image was the first opening scene. This was a close up of the characters feet walking. We chose this shot as it creates suspense and a sense of the unknown which keeps the audience interested.

Shot 2.

This image was a long shot of the character from

behind walking down the corridor.  This shot was chosen to show the rest of the mise-en-scene and orients the viewer.

Shot 3.

This shot is of the person opening the corridor door. This is a medium close up. We later changed this as we didn't want to confuse people and allow them to think this is the door in the brief. We chose a medium close up to create tension as to what was behind the door.

Shot 4.

This shot is a medium long shot of the character walking down the corridor towards us after they went through the first door. Again we chose this shot mainly to orient the viewer. We then changed this to a match-on-action shot.

Shot 5.

This shot is a medium long shot of the character walking up to the door mentioned in the brief. We chose this shot so the viewer could see the door and know it was the one in the brief.

Shot 6.

This is a close up of the characters hand opening the door. This shot builds suspense. This shot was sued to create a build up of excitement for the audience. We chose it also to show the door handle and the door being opened.

Shot 7 and 8.

Both these shots link in with each other and will be edited to appear a second after each other. These shots show the character walking through the door in the brief. Shot 7 shows a medium long shot of behind the character walking through the door. Shot 8 shows a medium long shot of the character walking through the door but from the front view. We chose to combine these shots to create a good effect and a smooth edit. It makes the shot look more interested.

Shot 9. 

This shot shows a medium shot of the character walking from the mid body down. We didn't use this shot but chose it originally to show a wide variety of shot types and to also create suspense.

Shot 10.

This shot shows the character walking across the room from behind. This is a long shot. We chose this to show the teacher in the background and shows the student also walking up to her. It makes the audience stay interested in the film as they want to know what will happen next.

Shot 11.

This shot is an eye line match. This matches what the character was looking at in shot 10. This shot shows a long shot of the second character sitting at a desk. We didn't use this shot in the end but chose it originally to show a eye line match shot which we incorporated elsewhere.

Shot 12.

This shot is a long shot of the first character sitting down opposite the second character. We chose this to set geography for the audience.

Shot 13 and 14.

Shot 13 and 14 show a shot reverse shot. It sets the scene and builds tension in the scene. The camera flicks from one over the shoulder shot to another. This also shows the 180 degree rule.  We chose this to incorporate the two rules together and to make it more interesting for the viewer. It also shows who is talking each time.

Shot 15.

This shot shows a close up of the results being passed from one character to another. This allows the viewer to get a sense of what is happening in the scene. This was chosen so the audience can see the main focus of the film and to set the story for them.

Shot 16 and 17.

These two shots show a high tilt from the results up to the characters face which almost feels like a POV shot from the results. Then it switches to a POV shot  looking down at the results so the audience can see what has happened. This was the eye line match shot. This shows the audience what they want to see.

Shot 18 and 19.

These two shots link in together very well. A close up of each persons face is seen after the other and they exchange two sentences.  This is chosen to show the audience who is talking each time which is a shot/reverse shot.

Shot 20.

This is the last shot. It shows character one getting up off the chair and walking out of shot. This shot is a long shot. This was used to end the scene pleasantly and to end the film on a happy shot which leaves the audience feeling happy too.