Evaluation Question 7

Looking back at your preliminary task (the continuity editing task), what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to full product? 

When comparing our preliminary task to our final draft of our opening sequence, I can clearly recognise the skills that we have learnt along the way. We have come from producing really basic shots and editing skills to producing a very successful psychological thriller opening sequence that conforms to the codes and conventions of a mainstream thriller opening. I would argue that we have progressed purely down to research and practice.

Our understanding of mise-en-scene elements such as costume, voice/tone, lighting and so on has widened as the course has gone on. Within our preliminary task we merely focused on meeting the brief and including all the shots that we needed to, such as a shot reverse shot. In contrast, we put a lot of editing when location scouting, designing costume mood boards, finding props with connotational value, finding appropriate actors, finding light sources and the overall appearance of our film in general. This is a product of the research on the Thriller genre and film openings. Completing textual analysis' on thrillers such as Psycho, The Secret Window, and Shutter Island ,focusing on mise-en-scene and cinematography really helped us to further our knowledge an understand how to express the genre.

We used Final Cut Pro to edit our preliminary task as we did for our opening sequence. However the editing skills within the two extremely contrast . Within our preliminary task we used very basic transitions, which we believed appeared interesting. However when it came to editing our title sequence we learnt that we could do a lot more with our editing in terms of transitions and framing. . The editing software was relatively easy to use, once you'd had some practice.

The only shot sthat we used within our preliminary task were the 180degree rule, match on action and shot reverse shot. We did not experiment with over shots as it wasn't on the brief. However, within our final opening sequence, we used a variety of shots which we had discovered when researching, including; extreme clos up shots, panning shots, worms eye views, shot reverse shot as we enjoyed this shot in our prelim and believed it would look effective in our office scene, and many more. Our cinematography skills have intensely improved since completing our preliminary task.

Sound within our preliminary tasks was extremely limited. The only sound included was diegetic sound of our dialog, footsteps ant the slam of the door, we did not experiment with sound effects or music, as we focused on cinematography. Whereas within our opening sequence we included soundtracks, sound effects of the door opening, footsteps, voice overs and the diegetic sound of dialog, and the pill dropping into the water. Our final opening sequence reveals the skills that we have developed with music and sound effects.

 Our dialogue within our preliminary task was very basic and not exactly encapsulating, whereas the dialogue within our final draft of the opening scene was intriguing and has the effect of the audience wanting to know more.

We only used one location within our preliminary task. However, in our final film opening we used multiple locations , Holly Wood Forest, King Georges Park, my bedroom , and the office. We learnt that in order to keep the audience interested, a variety of locations must be utilised, as they would become easily bored looking at the same location throughout the opening.

Overall, I would argue that my group and I have come extremely far, and have developed a much deeper understanding of the aspects of film such as editing, cinematography and mise-en-scene. I would also argue that our final draft is an extreme improvement from our first draft. For every draft we set up a focus group, where would ask for feedback and what we could improve in order to achieve best results. One big mistake in our first draft was that we gave away too much information, and it was much like a trailer. Since our first draft we have added locations, scene, cut out scenes and made some small alterations to our opening. We invested much more time and effort into our film opening in comparison to our preliminary task, and took the opening much more seriously.

Evaluation Question 6

Evaluation Question 5

Evaluation Question 5 - How did you attract/address your audience?

Attracting our audience 

In our media product, which is a two minute opening sequence to a Psychological Thriller. Appealing to an audience is extremely important within a film. In order for our film to attract an audience, we had to ensure key features such as, surveys, focus groups, and advertisement were met. We aimed for the film to appeal to a particular age group, older teenagers, who were our target audience. Our film classifies as a 12/12A. Once we discovered who are target audience were, we researched advertisement methods that would successful grab their attention. One very successful method for us was advertisement via social media.

Social Media
Social Media sites such as Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube are considered as an important aspect of a teenagers life. As an older teenager myself, I am aware of the importance of social media to the younger generation. During filming days, I frequently posted videos of the process on Snapchat, such as our actors having our hair and make up done, travelling to locations, photos of the set, actors in action, and bloopers. These Snapchats were viewed by hundreds of English speaking teenagers, whom the film may apply to. We also posted some vlogs on our private Instagram accounts, letting our friend, family and followers know of the updates to our film, involving them. We sometimes released snippets of edited footage on our Snapchat, Instagram and Youtube accounts, in order for our audience want to see more.  people feeling as though they are part of the film making process, and want to see more. The consistent posts and uploads of the film making process keeps our film fresh in people's mind, and thinking about the film. Also by posting the process on popular sites results in the audience feeling as though they are involved in the film making process, seeing everything that has occurred, and wanting to see how the final product appears.


Addressing the audience

By breaching the stereotypical traits of traditional female and traditional male characters within film, we intrigued the audience, as these characters weren't commonly recognised within mainstream film. Our antagonist character is played by a female, which contrasts from the stereotypical view of the evil, manipulative and dominating character to be played by a male. We felt that independent women would enjoy this character, and feel that they can relate to her. Some women, commonly including feminists, dislike the stereotype of the female gender, where she takes pride in her appearance, aspires to find love, remains loyal to her male partner despite his actions, who is physically weaker than men, uneducated and domestic. These are very traditional traits of a woman. As time has progressed, women have changed, valuing themselves more. More and more women each year focus on careers, going to university and in some cases going back to college to gain qualifications , instead of staying at home and being a 'housewife'. Our female character represents female empowerment, and the rise of the new woman, which female members of audience appreciate.

During our film there is a plot twist at the end, where the audience are entirely shocked.In order for the audience to experience a real sense of shock we aim not to reveal too much information in the slightest.We do not reveal any obvious hints of the plot twist within the opening, nor do we in the rest of the film until it finally revealed at the end, where after there are shots of subtle clues. This keeps the audience engaged, wondering, and asking themselves questions.

Evaluation Question 4

Created using Visme. The Free Online Presentation Tool.

Created using Visme. The Free Online Presentation Tool.

Evaluation Question 3

Slide Set created by mia o'brien with GoConqr

Evaluation Question 2

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Evaluation Question 1

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Editing Techniques

Camera Review

Within our Psychological opening sequence we utilise a wide variety of shots, angles and movements. We aimed to conform to the codes and conventions of cinematography within mainstream Thrillers, only challenging the stereotypes of genders.

Close up shots:
We used a variety of close up shots, including medium close ups and big close ups. Close ups are used to draw the audience closer, involving them in the action. Close up shots are commonly used in thrillers to reveal emotions such as fear, upset, anger and evil.

Medium close up:
This medium close up expresses the importance of the three characters, as they are the only subjects within the frame.

Big close up:

This big close up reveals the evil expression on the antagonist face, she is smirking whilst the protagonist is experiencing upset and confusion. 

Establishing shot:

Establishing shots are commonly used at the start of a programme or film, or at the start of a new scene, to establish the relationship between the characters and the location/set.

Our establishing shot abides by the conventions of this shot. We show our establishing right at the beginning of our sequence, presenting our first location

Hand-Held shot & Head-On shot:

We included Hand-Held shots in our opening sequence. These shots are filmed with the camera not on the tripod, however held in hand often whilst walking.

Our Hand-Held shots are right at the start of our sequence. Our protagonist Sid, holds the camera whilst running.  This movement is very shaky, making the audience feel that the scene is more realistic. Our Hand-Held shot is also a Head-On shot. A Head-On shot is where the action comes directly toward the camera. Hand-Held shots are commonly used in thriller and horror film, such as Paranormal activity and The Blair Witch Project.

High Angle:

High angles provide a view from above the subject(s), and are used to communicate many messages.

We used a high angle in order to make our protagonist appear vulnerable, isolated and powerless, as he is controlled and manipulated by the antagonist.

Loose Frame:

Loose frame is a term to describe a shot where there is a lot of space surrounding an object or person.

We used a loose frame to highlight the protagonist's isolation and loneliness. The space surrounding the character makes him seem small. Within our film Sid, our protagonist is alone, receiving no help. His only companions are his good and bad conscious within his imagination, and his evil, manipulative psychiatrist.

Low Angle:

A low angle shot is a shot where the camera approaches a subject from below eye level.

We used a low angle shot when filming Sid running, in order to create a juxtaposition, abiding by Strauss' theory of Binary Opposites. This shot emphasises the size of his foot, making him appear big and powerful. However this isn't the case, as Sid has no power or control within the film.






Tight Frame:
Tight frame is a term that describes a shot that is composed with person or object given very little space around them.

We used a tight frame shot to make the protagonist seem trapped, and vulnerable.

Narrative Progress

When comparing our original story arc to our final draft of our opening, many changes are recognisable. As time has gone on , we have each gained more experience and knowledge on film, from methods such as research and practise. Scenes that we first believed would appear effective, were reviewed, and we realised that we could create more effective scenes, that abide by the codes an conventions of thriller openings.

Here is our original story arc.

1. Exposition Director- Claudia

The background artist, who plays a dog walker is strolling through the woods. There is close up shots of the woods.

2. Rising Action Director- Jordan
There is a male character running away from an unknown figure, he continuously turns to look behind him. Whilst looking behind , not focusing ahead, he misses the broken branch in front of him, leading him to fall and hit his head on a rock.


3. Exposition Director- Cailin 
The male character is unconscious laying on the floor in the woods, music continues to play from his fallen earphone.

4. Rising Action Director- Cailin
The mysterious figure's silhouette casts over the male characters body whilst he still lays unconscious.


5. Falling Action Director- Jordan
The male character snaps out of a daydream, finding himself in a psychiatrist's office. The psychiatrist asks if he is okay, how he is feeling, and repeatedly refers to him as "Sid", to which he does respond.


6. Exposition Director - Mia 
Male character is sleeping in a plain white bed. The audience is unsure of to where he is.

7. Rising Action Director - Claudia 
The psychiatrist walks up to the bed, appearing to check on him . She then puts powder into his glass of water on his bedside table next to his bed.

8. Rising Action Director - Cailin 
The male character wakes up startled and covered in sweat. He sees two figures flash next to him and assumes he is going mad. He then takes a large gulp from his glass of water, stands up and tries to work out where he is. It then cuts to an over shoulder shot from outside in the garden looking up on him in the window.

9. Rising Action Director - Mia 
The male character is sitting on the bed, putting his head into his hands. The two figures from before appear again beginning to flicker next to him. They both begin to whisper in his ear. One telling him that he is crazy and the other telling him that it isn't his fault. The character tries to convince himself that he is sane.

10. Exposition Director- Jordan 
The shot cuts back to the scene in the psychiatrist's office, where the psychiatrist continues to prod the male character with questions whilst his temper begins to build up


11. Rising Action Director - Mia 
The male character stands, looking at himself in a mirror , he is standing alone in the shot. The shot then positions from his perspective where voices are heard talking to him. As the short turns back to face the male character , the two figures appear again standing next to him. This is when the volume of the whispering voices increase.


12. Climax Director - Claudia 
The  voices get louder as the male character attempts to ignore them. The psychiatrist then asks one final question, leading the character to breakdown. As he is screaming, the shots jump from different perspectives of the scene.

We changed the start of our opening, completely cutting out our exposition and jumping straight to the rising action, where Sid is running in the woods. We decided that this would have a great effect on the audience, as most film opening begin with a sense of normality, and calm. We also cut out the second rising action where there is a silhouette over Sid's body. We thought it was too early to include another character, and decided to keep the audience's full attention on Sid.

Before our third exposition, where Sid lays sleeping in a plain white bed, we added the title 'SKITZ'. We though that this would be an appropriate place to put the title as it doesn't interrupt any rising action, being between falling action and exposition. By interrupting rising action it would remove the tense effect and destroy the intense climax.




We made a small alteration to third rising action, where the antagonist drugs the protagonist. We changed the drug from a powder to a pill substance, in order for health and safety reasons. We used a vitamin d pill that doesn't dissolve in water within our opening, in order to ensure that there would be no real effect on our actor.



Within our fourth rising action where Sid wakes up in the middle of night sweating, taking a gulp of his water, we cut out the flickering of the good and bad conscious, as they are seen flickering in the next scene, and we believed that the repetition of the flickering characters would remove the intended effect.


At the very end of our title sequence we added a completely new scene, where Sid sneaks into the psychiatrist's office and discovers his file on her desk, with a photograph of him attached.
He then opens up her laptop and finds his file, he clicks it and is waiting for it to load, as it is slowly loading, the psychiatrist is walking up the stairs.
We edited the footage so that it cuts from her feet, to the loading bar. This scene is where most tension is created, where the audience sit on the edge of their seats wondering if it will load before she gets there. She then turns the handle of the door and the footage cuts. We aimed not to give too much detail away in the opening, as we wanted the audience to remain interested throughout the entirety of our film, wondering what might happen.

Typography Decisions

SKITZ

This is our fourth draft and our final. We are generally really happy with the outcome for all hard we have put into our opening sequence. We believe that we have incorporated many effective elements of the Thriller genre and Psychological Thriller sub-genre, and have many connotational values throughout.

Reviewing Locations

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My Reflection on the Final Product

I am generally really impressed with the final product of our psychological thriller opening sequence. We abode by the codes and conventions of the thriller genre, in terms of cinematography, editing, mise-en scene and sound.

Cinematography

Shots such as big close ups are very common in thrillers. They reveal emotion; such as fear.













Editing 


Visual effects are typically recognised in psychological thrillers to represent insanity. We used visual effects such as overlaying footage to give hectic effect.












Mise-en-scene

Desolate locations such as forests,




 










Props that connote horror,

Dark tones and shades,

and low-key lighting, are all stereotypical conventions that are recognised in mainstream thrillers, and sub-genres of thriller , such as psychological thriller. By including these aspects in our opening, we successfully reveal the genre to the audience.









I think that as a group as well as individually, we have excelled, and have developed a much deeper understanding of the aspects of film such as editing, cinematography and mise-en-scene.This is visible when comparing our preliminary task and first draft of our opening to our final draft of our opening.

Focus Group (Draft 3)

We chose to show our third draft to a group of people, varying of ages and genders. We were looking for critical feedback, in order for us to edit and perfect our film, and achieve the best result we possibly can.

The group mainly commented negatively on the soundtrack, saying that it is very static and doesn't flow. We aim to successfully fix this, so that film flows and the soundtrack matches the action. Positive feedback was that they understood the narrative. When asked what could we do to improve, someone replied with "make a part two". This showed us that people were intrigued and wanted to see more.

SKITZ (third draft)

Overall we are really pleased with our third draft and feel that we only need alter our sound. Some of our tracks and sound over rule what is actually going on within the frame and draws the audiences attention to the sound rather than the action.

Soundtrack Developments

One very stereotypical convention of  a film within the thriller genre, is the suspenseful soundtracks an sound effects. Within thrillers, sound is used to create tension and suspense within the audience, making them experience a sense of fear and fright. Soundtracks help to build up the tension and intensify the climax. Commonly used sounds within thrillers include chilling, dark, and eerie soundtracks, alerting sound effects, and disturbing sound effects such as the ear ringing sound effect. Soundtracks usually begin at a slow pace, gradually speeding up, contributing to the build up of the climax.

For our Psychological Thriller opening sequence, we needed to find copy right free soundtracks, music that hasn't been used in any released films or openings already. Some examples of royalty free music that we experimented with for our opening were called:

• Royalty Free Desert Drone ( https://youtu.be/ftLnv_q8MSA)
• Drone Dark Suspense (https://youtu.be/sXKFoqN47Xs)
• Suspense Music- "Facing the Fear" Original Composition (https://youtu.be/uc0ts3-eUpY?list=PLAe66dxHkPb3fHcnu8JrA7FNERypDlBD-)
• Volatile Reaction (https://youtu.be/2pXa5jzaOBg)
• Tenebrous Brothers Carnival -Intermission (https://youtu.be/Hw6xkzqgURM)

All of these soundtracks follow the codes and conventions of sound within thriller. They create a tense atmosphere and have a frightening effect on the audience.

We also included some sound effects within our opening, including:

• Birds FX 02
• Ear Ringing Sound Effect
• Footsteps
• Door creaking open

The sound effects above are available on Final Cut Pro

We used sound effects to intensify moments, such as the footsteps added at the end to build up the tension, where the antagonist is about to find the protagonist snooping around in her office, and the scene where Sid, our protagonist is sat on the edge of the bed with his subconscious sat either side of him, the ear ringing sound represents what is going on within his unstable mind, juxtaposing from the deadly silence when he is seen on his own, in reality.