Sunday, 15 May 2016
Thursday, 21 April 2016
Font and Credit Study
What makes a font/credit style important in a film?
Having a specific font for a genre of movie can set the film up for the entire movie because the colour and the style of the credit gives off the impression of what type of atmosphere the movie is going to be. A good example of this is in 'The Exorcist' (1974), as the font colour is red and the style of the credit is right in the centre of the screen and the credits being very symmetrical and stiff. This makes the atmosphere of the film very unnerving and tense because the colour of red has connotations of death and danger, and with the credit being directly in the centre of the screen, it implies a sense of importance about the film, which can make the audience tense because it makes them wonder why there is an importance about this film.
1. Loverboy (1989)
1. Loverboy (1989)
- Colour of credits are bright - implies the show is very family friendly because bright colours imply warmth and fun.
- Font style is very cartoonish - large lettering and different sizes of letters highlight that this is a comedic and very exaggerated show.
- Credits positioned in different places - conveys the fact that the show's characters are all over the place like the credits.
2. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
- Colour of font is bright red - highlights the connotation of blood, makes the audience feel uncomfortable and tense because they don't know why there is blood.
- Font of the credit makes it look like the credit is written in blood - makes the atmosphere tense because the audience don't know who's blood that is or why there is blood.
- Style of the credit is very bold, highlights that this show/movie is very exaggerated - makes the audience feel unnerved because the bold writing makes the blood more prominent, as if it will feature a lot in the film.
3. We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks
- Colour of the font is white, contrasts from the theme of the show because white has connotations with innocence and truth, whereas the show is about spreading lies.
- Font makes the credits look technological (technological meaning conservative and important) - makes the audience feel involved with the show because it's almost like they are watching from a computer.
- Credits are primarily centre of the screen, implies that this show has some importance to it - makes the audience feel comfortable because they feel privileged to know about the importance of the topic of the show.
Wednesday, 20 April 2016
Location Plan
All our filming is taking place on the one site and we have been granted access to the entire site. We chose this suburban site to convey the feeling that the scenario can happen in any home, in any suburban life and that it is not always in isolated locations where danger and hunting take place.
Area 1 is an outside location with easy access. It is an area where only natural light can be used. This is part of one of the parking areas which may mean that when filming in this location we may have to move any vehicles parked here. This area is located next to a road, which may mean there will be background noise. This will be taken into account when filming in this area, but most of the scenes shot in this location will have music placed over them post production.
Area 2 is located along the hall way of the house. Apart from the shot of Chloe walking through the front door all other scenes shot in this area can only use artificial lighting as there is very little access to natural lighting here. The area is quite small in width so we will need to utilise the area in the doorways to film from into the hall. Also, the flooring is tiled, which may mean that there will be echoing, but we should be able to reduce the background noise and thus the echoing post production.
Area 3 is where the main section of filming will take place including the exorcism and the murder. Artificial lighting is accessible from the ceiling light, candles and from lighting equipment. Natural Light is also accessible from the window. The room is quite small and we have decided to film with several camera at the same time from different angles so we need to be conscious of the camera being able to see one another from the different positions.
Area 4 is a lot darker even with the artificial lighting, but this is alright as dark lighting conforms to one of the conventions of a horror film. As you can see the area is quite cluttered so we need to be conscious of making sure there is no irrelevant or distracting objects in the shots.
Site Layout
The location (highlighted in green) has road access and parking at the front and rear of the building, but there will be some filming at the front meaning we may have to move vehicles. There are toilets and catering facilities on site.
Aerial View Shot
Drawn out map of house
Area 1 of filming
Area 1 is an outside location with easy access. It is an area where only natural light can be used. This is part of one of the parking areas which may mean that when filming in this location we may have to move any vehicles parked here. This area is located next to a road, which may mean there will be background noise. This will be taken into account when filming in this area, but most of the scenes shot in this location will have music placed over them post production.
Area 2 of filming
Area 2 is located along the hall way of the house. Apart from the shot of Chloe walking through the front door all other scenes shot in this area can only use artificial lighting as there is very little access to natural lighting here. The area is quite small in width so we will need to utilise the area in the doorways to film from into the hall. Also, the flooring is tiled, which may mean that there will be echoing, but we should be able to reduce the background noise and thus the echoing post production.
Area 3 of filming
Area 3 is where the main section of filming will take place including the exorcism and the murder. Artificial lighting is accessible from the ceiling light, candles and from lighting equipment. Natural Light is also accessible from the window. The room is quite small and we have decided to film with several camera at the same time from different angles so we need to be conscious of the camera being able to see one another from the different positions.
Area 4 of filming
Area 4 is a lot darker even with the artificial lighting, but this is alright as dark lighting conforms to one of the conventions of a horror film. As you can see the area is quite cluttered so we need to be conscious of making sure there is no irrelevant or distracting objects in the shots.Props & Costume Research/Plan
Props List
Costuming of each character
Tabitha
For the character of Tabitha, who is played by Erin, we would like to have her in a loose white t-shirt and black leggings, whilst her hair is in loose plaits. This is our plan because the white contrasts with the black, with the white meaning innocence and goodness and the black meaning evil. Also, the loose plaits can be portrayed as very childlike, highlighting the innocent part of the character
Example of clothing choice
Priest
The character of the priest, played by myself, is dressed in a black shirt, black trousers, white socks and black shoes. This is because this is a stereotypical outfit for a priest, so we want to highlight the religious aspect of this character.
Example of clothing choice
Tabitha's mother
For the character of Tabitha's mother, played by Amber, she will be dressed in a very large cream coloured jumper with black leggings. This is because the overbearing jumper implies that Tabitha's mother wants to hide in her sorrows, as her jumper takes up most of her body.
Example of clothing choice
Chloe
Chloe, who is being played by Chloe, is dressed in modern day clothing: army green jacket with a grey top, black leggings and white shoes. This is because we want to highlight the time difference between the first part of the opening sequence and the second part of the opening sequence.
Example of clothing choice
Tabitha
For the character of Tabitha, who is played by Erin, we would like to have her in a loose white t-shirt and black leggings, whilst her hair is in loose plaits. This is our plan because the white contrasts with the black, with the white meaning innocence and goodness and the black meaning evil. Also, the loose plaits can be portrayed as very childlike, highlighting the innocent part of the character
Example of clothing choice
Priest
The character of the priest, played by myself, is dressed in a black shirt, black trousers, white socks and black shoes. This is because this is a stereotypical outfit for a priest, so we want to highlight the religious aspect of this character.
Example of clothing choice
Tabitha's mother
For the character of Tabitha's mother, played by Amber, she will be dressed in a very large cream coloured jumper with black leggings. This is because the overbearing jumper implies that Tabitha's mother wants to hide in her sorrows, as her jumper takes up most of her body.
Example of clothing choice
Chloe
Chloe, who is being played by Chloe, is dressed in modern day clothing: army green jacket with a grey top, black leggings and white shoes. This is because we want to highlight the time difference between the first part of the opening sequence and the second part of the opening sequence.
Example of clothing choice
Focus Group + Analysis
Focus Group
Analysis
What have we learnt?
From the process of doing this focus group, we have learnt about the essentials of making a horror film. An example of this is when we asked the question: "What is your memorable horror film and why?" We have learnt about the essentials of making a horror film from this question because when the participants of the focus group answer the question, it can give us an idea of what we need to include in our film. Also, if more than one of the participants say the same horror film, then as film makers, it gives us an idea of what films we can use for our inspiration.
Another thing we have learnt from this focus group is what things to avoid when filming our horror film opening credits. An example of this is when we asked our participants to watch trailers of different types of horror films, examples include: The Human Centipede; The Ring; and Shutter and looking at their responses to each trailer/scene from each film. Using this method helped us learn what things we need to avoid including in our horror film opening credits because the participants are our target audience, so if we were to include elements which our target audience don't like, then they wouldn't want to watch our film.
How can we improve?
One way we can improve our focus group video is by filming it when the background is quieter so there is no interference or distractions. An example of this is through the reaction process, it wasn't clear to distinguish what was the film they were watching and what was the background noise. Taking away the background noise will help us improve our focus group video because then the focus will solely be on the participants in our focus group video, so when it comes to analysing their opinions, it makes it easier for us as film makers to take their opinion and apply it to our film.
Another way we can improve our focus group video is by asking more questions to our participants. An example of this is by asking the questions: "What don't you like to see in a horror film?" and "What is your least favourite horror film and why?" Asking these types of questions to our participants, therefore adding to our total amount of questions will help us improve our focus group video because it will add to the information we are getting from our target audience, which will lead to making our horror film suitable for our target audience.
What have we learnt?
From the process of doing this focus group, we have learnt about the essentials of making a horror film. An example of this is when we asked the question: "What is your memorable horror film and why?" We have learnt about the essentials of making a horror film from this question because when the participants of the focus group answer the question, it can give us an idea of what we need to include in our film. Also, if more than one of the participants say the same horror film, then as film makers, it gives us an idea of what films we can use for our inspiration.
Another thing we have learnt from this focus group is what things to avoid when filming our horror film opening credits. An example of this is when we asked our participants to watch trailers of different types of horror films, examples include: The Human Centipede; The Ring; and Shutter and looking at their responses to each trailer/scene from each film. Using this method helped us learn what things we need to avoid including in our horror film opening credits because the participants are our target audience, so if we were to include elements which our target audience don't like, then they wouldn't want to watch our film.
How can we improve?
One way we can improve our focus group video is by filming it when the background is quieter so there is no interference or distractions. An example of this is through the reaction process, it wasn't clear to distinguish what was the film they were watching and what was the background noise. Taking away the background noise will help us improve our focus group video because then the focus will solely be on the participants in our focus group video, so when it comes to analysing their opinions, it makes it easier for us as film makers to take their opinion and apply it to our film.
Another way we can improve our focus group video is by asking more questions to our participants. An example of this is by asking the questions: "What don't you like to see in a horror film?" and "What is your least favourite horror film and why?" Asking these types of questions to our participants, therefore adding to our total amount of questions will help us improve our focus group video because it will add to the information we are getting from our target audience, which will lead to making our horror film suitable for our target audience.
Continuity Task - 4th Try
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDXotUKK6Hk
From all 4 continuity tasks, which one is the best?
From all of the continuity tasks that we have filmed, I believe that our 3rd one is the best one because it is the appropriate length (not too long and not too short) and although there are bags visible in the background, all of the skills that are required are featured in this continuity task
From all of the continuity tasks that we have filmed, I believe that our 3rd one is the best one because it is the appropriate length (not too long and not too short) and although there are bags visible in the background, all of the skills that are required are featured in this continuity task
Tuesday, 19 April 2016
Risk Assessment
1. Knife
How is this a risk?
Using not just one but an array of knives is a risk because we could severely cut ourselves open with the knives. Also, even though this outcome is not very likely to happen, if someone was misusing the knives, then it could lead to severe injuries, even possibly death.
Likelihood of us hurting ourselves: 4
Severity rating: 4
How to stop ourselves from misusing the knives
To stop ourselves from misusing the knives and hurting ourselves, we will put one member of our group in charge of the knives, so no one that doesn't need to touch/use the knives won't grab one of them and injure themselves.
2. Ice Knife
How is this a risk?
Albeit this knife not being as sharp as the kitchen knife, it could still heavily damage someone as the knife is very heavy.
Likelihood of us hurting ourselves: 2
Severity rating: 2
How to stop ourselves from hurting ourselves
Just like the kitchen knife, we will put one member of our group in charge of the ice knife so other members who don't need use the ice knife don't hurt themselves on it.
3. Candles
How is this a risk?
When the candle is lit, we could accidentally or unknowingly burn ourselves from the flame. Also, if close to any flammable objects, could possibly burn down a room in the house.
Likelihood of us hurting ourselves: 3
Severity rating: 4
How to stop ourselves from burning ourselvesTo stop ourselves from burning not just ourselves, but others in the household, we will move all the candles away from any flammable objects, such as curtains, so nothing burns in the room. Also, we will put one person in charge of the candles so no one goes near them unnecessarily.
4. Fire
How is this a risk?
As we are using fire outside, the weather outside could be highly windy. So if the wind were to blow in our direction, the fire will also blow in our direction, which could make it easier for us to burn ourselves.
Likelihood of us hurting ourselves: 3
Severity rating: 3
How to stop ourselves from burning ourselves
To make sure everyone is safe from the fire, all members of the group will have to keep a reasonable distance away once the fire is lit and burning. Also, when the fire is about to be lit, only one member of the group will go towards the paper to light it so no other group members get severely hurt.
Legal Paperwork
Actor Contract
Music Copyright Research
What is music copyright?
Music copyright is where the
music and lyrics of a particular song are owned by the songwriter and/or the
publisher of the song. Copyright can protect the originality of the song, in
terms of artistry and drama. A song is copyrighted as soon as a piece of music
is created and documented or recorded. If you have copyrights to a song, you
can possess a whole lot of actions which others can’t. These include:
·
Take the music from the
song to use on another song.
·
Sell copies of said
song to the public in any matter.
·
Perform the song at any
type of gig.
·
Broadcast the song on
any type of media.
If you were to copyright a
song in the UK, then the copyright lasts a period of 70 years from the end of
the year where the author of the song dies. If you were to copyright a song
outside of Europe, then “the copyright can last for as long as the music is
protected by copyright in its country of origin, provided that the length of
time does not exceed 70 years.” [information found from http://www.prsformusic.com/aboutus/ourorganisation/aboutcopyright/pages/default.aspx]
In order to get permission to use 2 music tracks in our film, Chloe attempted to contact the two artists who hold the copyright to the respective songs to grant us permission to use the songs.
In order to get permission to use 2 music tracks in our film, Chloe attempted to contact the two artists who hold the copyright to the respective songs to grant us permission to use the songs.
Moodboard
Breakdown of Mood board
Top 5 Pictures: Representative of the word "horror", show clear conventions and connotations of the word "horror". Such as: the colours red and black; and the asymmetrical writing.
Middle 2 pictures: Iconic horror movie characters, It the Clown and Hellraiser.
Bottom Middle 2 pictures: Representative of the word "demon"
Bottom 2 pictures: Representative of the word "exorcism"
Target Audience Questionnaire - Results
From our questionnaire we have found out that our target audience ranges from 15-17 year olds, predominantly males as 70% of the people who liked horror films were males. Therefore our product will be aimed at males ages between 15-18. 90% of our target audience have passed their GCSE’s and are now taking part in A Levels. 80% of the people who said they liked horror films also liked rap, this shows us that we might use this type of music in a part of our film. 75% of our target audience use all the social media platforms that we suggested. 95% of our target audience preferred to watch a supernatural horror, this was a key factor of us choosing which sub-genre to go with. From this 95%, 80% preferred to watch a supernatural horror involving a demon, for example: Annabelle. This result shows us that our film needs to involve a demon in some capacity so that we intake our audience to keep engaged with our film. 70% of our target audience said that their personal memorable scene from a horror film was the exorcism from the exorcist. This tells us that we need to include an exorcism in our film so that we can keep our target audience engaged with our film and so they remember our film for the right reasons.
Target Audience Profile
Noah Clifford
Age: 17
Biography: Noah lives in Lancaster with his, mum, dad and younger sister Sophia. He is currently studying Applied Science, Sport BTEC, Photography and Music at Sixth Form. He got B's in science and maths at GCSE and got C's across the rest of the board. Noah works part time at Topman, his parents work as an accountant and a primary school teacher.
Hobbies and Asperations: Noah plays rugby and enjoys going to the gym. He likes snowboarding with his friends. He plays base in a band called Bromance. He aspirers for his band to be as big as One Direction, "before Zayn left." He hopes he can continue a career in music.
He likes films such as Stigmata, Child's Play and The Chosen, he watches TV shows like Dexter, Doctor Who, Game of Thrones and American Horror Story. He listens to Muse, Fall Out Boy, Bring Me The Horizon and 5 Seconds of Summer.
Noah's psychographic group is that he is an aspirer. He is an aspirer because he is materialistic and is orientated by his image and appearance. He sees the attractiveness of the package is more important than the contents.
Age: 17
Biography: Noah lives in Lancaster with his, mum, dad and younger sister Sophia. He is currently studying Applied Science, Sport BTEC, Photography and Music at Sixth Form. He got B's in science and maths at GCSE and got C's across the rest of the board. Noah works part time at Topman, his parents work as an accountant and a primary school teacher.
Hobbies and Asperations: Noah plays rugby and enjoys going to the gym. He likes snowboarding with his friends. He plays base in a band called Bromance. He aspirers for his band to be as big as One Direction, "before Zayn left." He hopes he can continue a career in music.
He likes films such as Stigmata, Child's Play and The Chosen, he watches TV shows like Dexter, Doctor Who, Game of Thrones and American Horror Story. He listens to Muse, Fall Out Boy, Bring Me The Horizon and 5 Seconds of Summer.
Noah's psychographic group is that he is an aspirer. He is an aspirer because he is materialistic and is orientated by his image and appearance. He sees the attractiveness of the package is more important than the contents.
His demographic group is an E because he’s only a part-time worker as he is still in full-time education. His parents demographic group is a B.
Timeline of Credits
Chosen movie: Catch me if you can
- 0:00 - 0:08 - Studio Name (DreamWorks)
- 0:08 - 0:13 - Production Companies (Kemp Company & Splendid Pictures)
- 0:14 - 0:18 - Producer's name (Parkes/MacDonald)
- 0:19 - 0:24 - Director's name (Steven Spielberg)
- 0:25 - 0:28 - Top Actor's name (Leonardo DiCaprio)
- 0:30 - 0:33 - Second top actor's name (Tom Hanks)
- 0:47 - 0:50 - Movie Title (Catch Me if you Can)
- 0:52 - 0:54 - Secondary Actor (Christopher Walken)
- 0:55 - 0:58 - Secondary Actor (Martin Sheen)
- 1:01 - 1:04 - First Actress shown (Nathalie Baye)
- 1:08 - 1:10 - Second Actress shown (Amy Adams)
- 1:19 - 1:21 - Extra actors shown (James Brolin; Brian Howe; Frank John Hughes)
- 1:22 - 1:28 - Extra actors shown (Steve Eastin; Chris Ellis; John Finn)
- 1:33 - 1:36 - Casting jobs (Casting by Debra Zane; Casting Associate Terri Taylor)
- 1:37 - 1:40 - Co-producer (Devorah Moos-Hankin)
- 1:41 - 1:44 - Authors of the Book (Frank W. Abagnale & Stan Redding)
- 1:45 - 1:47 - Titles Designer (Kuntzel Deygas)
- 1:50 - 1:54 - Composer of the music (John Williams)
- 1:56 - 1:58 - Costume Designer (Mary Zophres)
- 1:59 - 2:02 - Film Editor (Michael Kahn)
- 2:04 - 2:06 - Production Designer (Jeannine Oppewall)
- 2:07 - 2:11 - Director of Photography (Janusz Kaminski)
- 2:12 - 2:15 - Co-executive producer (Daniel Lupi)
- 2:18 - 2:21 - Executive Producers (Barry Kemp & Laurie MacDonald)
- 2:22 - 2:25 - Executive Producers (Michel Shane & Tony Romano)
- 2:27 - 2:30 - Producers (Steven Spielberg & Walter F. Parkes)
- 2:31 - 2:35 - Screenplay (Jeff Nathanson)
- 2:36 - 2:40 - Director's Name (Steven Spielberg)
Nine Shot Analysis
Shot 1
In this first shot, towards the bottom of the screen, we can see a red liquid coming up to the top of the screen. This is implied to be blood because the from the 9th shot, we can see that this show is called Hannibal, based on the character from the classic 1991 horror film "The Silence of the Lambs". This use of colour and props makes the audience feel unsettled at first glance because the colour red has connotations of blood and death, whilst the audience don't really know where the blood has come from, making them feel tense before starting the show.
Shot 2
The credit in the second shot is near centre of the shot, whilst also being nearly surrounded by the blood. This implies for the audience that the character played by this woman could possibly be dangerous, making the audience feel tense. This makes them feel tense because with the name being nearly surrounded by the blood, it conveys the message that this actress is playing a character which is important in the show, also the blood has connotations with evil and death, making the audience keep a note of this actress to see what her character is like.
Shot 3
In shot 3, the blood is starting to comprise into what looks like a rib cage, with another credit being surrounded by the blood. This makes the audience more excited and tense because they are waiting to see what the blood on screen is doing. Also, the shot is on a white background, with the white contrasting with the red. This is because white has connotations of purity and innocence whilst red has connotations of anger and evil, making the audience tense as to what might be shown.
Shot 4
In the fourth shot, the blood which appeared in the first shot has now clearly made the face of a character, possibly the main character or possibly a victim in this show. The face made from blood can make the audience feel tense and on edge because they are left wondering why there is a face made from blood on their screens and who the face made from blood is.
Shot 5
With the credit in the 5th shot, the writing has changed to white, as opposed to the black writing in other shots. This implies to the audience that this character could possibly be the hero or the "good person" in this show. We can see this because the writing is written in white and white has connotations with goodness and angelic behaviour. This makes the audience suspicious because this writing contrasts the other writing shown in previous shots, making the audience wonder as to why this is.
Shot 6
In this shot, the face made from blood has a white light shining onto it, implying that there is some good trying the get out of this face made from blood. We can see this because the white light is shining directly onto the face, as white has connotations of forgiveness and honour. This makes the audience feel on edge because you are unclear as to what type of person this face is trying to be, as the white contrasts the red.
Shot 7&8
Same as above
Shot 9
The title of the show is dead centre of the screen, written in a dark red writing but getting lighter as it gets into the middle. This makes the audience feel suspicious as to who the character before was because from the writing, the dark red writing has connotations of evil and darkness, whereas the light red writing has connotations of there being some hope for this character, making the audience want to watch on to see how this character develops.
Opening Analysis of Horror Films
1. The Exorcist (1974)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LYBaRtOrBg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LYBaRtOrBg
Sound
- At the beginning of the title sequence, the director uses a loud monotonic sound, allowing the audience to automatically feel uncomfortable. This use of music makes the audience feel uncomfortable because the music is quite loud, making the audience automatically feel nerved because they weren't expecting something so loud at the beginning of the movie.
- As the movie went along, we start to hear the screeching sound of a violin. This happens as the opening credits start to appear on the screen. This piercing sound of the violin makes the audience feel more uncomfortable because the violin builds up tension for the audience as they try to expect something to happen at the end of the title sequence, making them uncomfortable and unnerved throughout the entirety of the title sequence.
Mise-en-scene
- At the beginning on the title sequence, we can see that the setting for the film is in a big city such as London, set in the olden times (around about the Victorian Era). This is uncommon for a horror film because the big city is not a stereotypical setting for a horror film, as horror films tend to be set in haunting places, such as the woods or an abandoned house.
- Towards the end of title sequence, we can see that the colour of the visuals change from black and white into a colour screen, making it more inviting for the audience. This is unusual for a horror film because with a horror film, they tend to make an audience uncomfortable for the entire film with a variety of different techniques, so making the film seem more warming for the audience takes away that classic element of a horror film.
Camerawork
- At the end of the title sequence, there is an establishing shot of the shadows of a woods, with the sun being in the foreground. This use of camerawork makes the audience unnerved because in reality, the sun is not typically that big when a viewer of the film sees it, so it makes them feel uncomfortable as to why the sun is this big in the film.
- Before the credits start to appear on the screen, there is a close up shot of a statue, more commonly found in church. This camera shot can make the audience feel uncomfortable because with the statue also being black and white, it implies that the statue is a significant part of the film, making the audience feel uncomfortable as to why the statue is a significant part of the film.
Editing
- For the opening credits, they are portrayed in a bright red colour. This makes the audience feel unnerved with the film because the colour red has connotations of blood and danger, implying to the audience that this film could make them uncomfortable.
- Also, the style of the credits are very straight and vertical, making the audience questioning why the credits are so straight. This use of credits makes the audience feel uncomfortable because with the straight and upright credit, they imply that the movie plotline will go as planned as how the director wanted it to go, in terms of scaring the audience.
2. Paranormal Activity (2007)
Sound
- Throughout the entirety of the opening sequence, the director uses a classic piece of ballet music, commonly found in jewellery boxes, and has slowed it down to create an atmosphere of tension. This makes the audience tense and uncomfortable because as the slow piece of music goes on and on, they are expecting something big to happen. When this doesn't happen, they are left feeling uncomfortable for the rest of the film.
- Throughout odd moments in the opening sequence, there were strange noises contrasting from the main piece of music playing, for example: the wind/fire and heavy breathing. These odd noises can make the audience feel tense because when they come out of nowhere, they feel as if they are part of the film themselves, making them even more uncomfortable than they already are.
Mise-en-scene
- From the odd moments that there are visuals on the screen, the audience can see that the film is set in a house, making them feel tense. This setting makes the audience feel tense because a house is an iconic and stereotypical setting for a classic horror, making the audience tense as to what is about to happen next.
- The costumes of the actors (from what we can see) are normal clothing, making it relatable for the audience. However, this also could make them unnerved. This is because with the actors wearing normal clothes, it can make the audience feel as if they are part of the movie as well due to them wearing normal clothes, making them unnerved due to them not wanting to be apart of a horror film.
Camerawork
- Majority of the camera shots that are used are close up of various different body parts and objects. Some examples include: feet whilst walking down the stairs; face whilst sleeping; and hand shutting the door. This can make the audience feel uncomfortable because it is as if the camera are the audience's eyes, getting closer into the action, making them feel uncomfortable but wanting to watch more.
Editing
- All of the action shots that are featured in this title sequence have been slown down, in order to create an effect of tension and an unnervingly silent atmosphere. This can make the audience feel tense because with the action being slown down, they wait to see if anything will pick up to the speed which they want it to be at, so when it doesn't they can sit uncomfortably for the entire film.
3. Insidious (2011)
Sound
- From the beginning of the opening titles to when the main title of the film appears on the screen, there is a slow build-up in the music where it starts of slow and quiet, but eventually gets louder and faster until it gets to the the title of the film where it reaches it's loudest and fastest. This can make the audience feel tense because during this build up, it makes the audience wait to see what happens at the big moment, but because there is a slow build up to it, the audience are shocked when it gets to the main point.
- During the actor's credits, you can hear a faint scream (believed to be a woman's scream) which gets louder and louder until the last part of the credits. This makes the audience feel unnerved because they have no idea where this scream is coming from, making them feel apart of this terrifying film for them.
Mise-en-scene
- The setting of the film appears to be in a house, which is a stereotypical setting for a supernatural horror story. This can make the audience of the film feel tense and in suspense because when a horror film is set in a house or a familiar setting for the audience, it can make them feel as if they are apart of the film, making them tense throughout all of the film.
- The lighting used in the action shots seems to be low key lighting, very dark and very ominous. This use of lighting can make the audience feel tense about the film because they will not be able to see a lot of things that are happening on screen, making them worry about if something is going to jump out at them.
Camerawork
- At the beginning of the title sequence, the director uses a long shot of a small boy in bed asleep. This shot can make an audience feel creeped out because it is unfamiliar for them to see this, making them feel unsettled in their seats, setting a tone for the entirety of the film.
- After the long shot of the boy sleeping, it goes into a tracking shot down a corridor towards what is believed to be a picture on the wall of a scary looking man. This tracking shot can make the audience feel tense because from when the camera leaves the boy on the bed, the audience are slowly awaiting to see where the camera is going, making them feel nervous.
Editing
- The credits for this film are all written in the colour red, implying that this film is highly scary and terrifying for the audience. This use of colour can make the audience feel tense because the colour red has connotations with danger, anger, death and blood, which can all be classed as iconic parts of a horror film.
Horror Genre Research
What is the genre of horror?
In terms of film, the genre of horror is set out to scare an audience so that they feel scarred when they come out from the cinema. Some classic examples of horror films include:
- The Exorcist (William Friedkin, 1974)
- The Shining (Stanley Kubrick, 1980)
- The Blair Witch Project (Eduardo Sanchez and Daniel Myrick, 1999)
- Nightmare on Elm Street (Wes Craven, 1985)
- Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Tobe Hooper, 1998)
What are the conventions?
When you watch a horror films, there are specific moments and elements of the film which are iconic to the horror genre and they can be easily identified within a horror movie. This is known as iconography and without these, they would not make a horror movie and enjoyable thing to watch.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack to any horror film is essential, in order to build up suspense and anxiety. A classic example of this is in the film "Psycho" (Alfred Hitchcock, 1960) in the infamous shower scene, the use of a staccato violin sound in used during the scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VP5jEAP3K4
This use of music is a classic example of how soundtrack is a convention of horror films because the use of this violin sound builds up tension for the audience and when the piece of music ends, it leaves the audience feeling shocked at what has just happened in front of them.
Special Effects
For horror films, the use of blood and gore is iconic, especially in gory horror films such as Nightmare on Elm Street and Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Gory horror films use this piece of iconography as part of the attraction of these films. A key example of the use of special effects in horror films is in Hostel Part II, in a scene where a surgery take place, the use of props and special effects makes it uncomfortable for the viewer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6r6armimdE
This use of special effects is a good example of how this is a convention of horror films because special effects, in particular blood, are an essential part of horror films as the blood has connotations of danger, making it uncomfortable and scary for the audience.
Wednesday, 10 February 2016
Target Audience Questionnaire
Please Circle your Answer
1. How old are you?
Less than 11 12-14 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30+
2. What gender are you?
Male Female Other
3. What United Kingdom Town or County do you live in?
...................................................................
4. Do you live with your parents and/or children?
Yes No
If Yes, Please Specify which:..................................................
5. What type of accommodation do you live in?
House/Bungalow Flat/Apartment Hotel Rented Accommodation Other
6. What level of education do you have currently?
BTEC GCSE A-Level's University Degree Other
7. What type of job do you have?
Unemployed Part-Time Full-Time
8. If Part-Time/Full-Time, please state what the job is.
.........................................................
9. What is your personal annual income?
£0 - £10000 £10001 - £20000 £20001-£30000 £30001-£40000 £40001+
10. What is your household's annual income?
£0 - £15000 £15001 - £30000 £30001 - £45000 £45001 - £60000 £60001+
11. What kind of films do you enjoy watching?
Horror Action Comedy Romance Drama Western Other
12. What's your favourite style of music?
Rock/Punk Rap R'n'B Pop Classic Reggae Other
13. How many films do you watch each month?
0-2 3-5 7-9 9+
14. What kinds of social media do you use? (multiple choice)
Facebook Twitter Snapchat Tumblr Instagram Other
If Other, Please Specify:.......................................
15. How often are you on social media a day?
0 - 3 hours 4 - 6 hours 7 - 10 hours 11 - 13 hours 14+ hours
16. What is your all time favourite horror film?
The Exorcist Rosemary's Baby Paranormal Activity The Shining Scream Other
If Other, Please Specify: ..........................................
17. What makes a horror movie iconic?
Special Effects Sound Setting Acting
18. Why do you watch horror films?
........................................................................................
19. What makes a horror movie bad?
.......................................................................................
20. In your opinion, what is the most iconic horror movie moment?
..................................................................................
1. How old are you?
Less than 11 12-14 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30+
2. What gender are you?
Male Female Other
3. What United Kingdom Town or County do you live in?
...................................................................
4. Do you live with your parents and/or children?
Yes No
If Yes, Please Specify which:..................................................
5. What type of accommodation do you live in?
House/Bungalow Flat/Apartment Hotel Rented Accommodation Other
6. What level of education do you have currently?
BTEC GCSE A-Level's University Degree Other
7. What type of job do you have?
Unemployed Part-Time Full-Time
8. If Part-Time/Full-Time, please state what the job is.
.........................................................
9. What is your personal annual income?
£0 - £10000 £10001 - £20000 £20001-£30000 £30001-£40000 £40001+
10. What is your household's annual income?
£0 - £15000 £15001 - £30000 £30001 - £45000 £45001 - £60000 £60001+
11. What kind of films do you enjoy watching?
Horror Action Comedy Romance Drama Western Other
12. What's your favourite style of music?
Rock/Punk Rap R'n'B Pop Classic Reggae Other
13. How many films do you watch each month?
0-2 3-5 7-9 9+
14. What kinds of social media do you use? (multiple choice)
Facebook Twitter Snapchat Tumblr Instagram Other
If Other, Please Specify:.......................................
15. How often are you on social media a day?
0 - 3 hours 4 - 6 hours 7 - 10 hours 11 - 13 hours 14+ hours
16. What is your all time favourite horror film?
The Exorcist Rosemary's Baby Paranormal Activity The Shining Scream Other
If Other, Please Specify: ..........................................
17. What makes a horror movie iconic?
Special Effects Sound Setting Acting
18. Why do you watch horror films?
........................................................................................
19. What makes a horror movie bad?
.......................................................................................
20. In your opinion, what is the most iconic horror movie moment?
..................................................................................
Friday, 29 January 2016
Dawn of the Dead & RocknRolla - Opening Credits Analysis
Dawn of the Dead (2004)
Camerawork:
- They use a montage of different clips showing different setting featuring a large panic of people. This use of a montage creates the impression of chaos because all of these clips are about 3 seconds long, so putting them all together makes the audience feel in a panic, due to what is being shown on the screen.
- Some of the clips are of news broadcasts about a certain epidemic/zombie apocalypse. This gives of an impression of anxiety and importance for the audience. This is because news broadcasts are usually shown to show important stories which can affect the entire world, therefore making the audience feel nervous and anxious as to whether they are in danger or not.
Mise-en-scene:
- Throughout the entirety of the opening credits, they use dull lighting to create an impression of eeriness. This use of dull lighting creates an impression of eeriness because dull and low key lighting has connotations of death and general darkness (in the sense of horror darkness), so this use of dull lighting sets the atmosphere for the entire movie.
- The setting for the opening credits of Dawn of the Dead are in America, more specifically Washington DC, the capital of the USA. This setting gives the impression of importance to the audience because Washington DC is one of the most important cities in the entire world, so having this city in a sense of danger makes the audience feel uncomfortable because the city that makes the world important is in danger so they feel in danger as well.
Editing:
- The credits that they have are in a bold font, making them stand out from the chaotic montage that is playing in between. The use of bold credits makes the audience feel uncomfortable because bold credits have connotations of importance and danger, therefore making the audience feel uncomfortable with what is about to happen
- The colour of the credits are in red, matching the atmosphere of the film. The colour of the credits make the audience feel anxious because the colour red has connotations with death, murder and anger, therefore making the audience feel uncomfortable because they feel unsafe with the amount of danger in the film.
Sound:
- The music playing throughout the entirety of the film is Johnny Cash's "The man comes to town". This song makes the audience feel worried because some of the lyrics included in the song include: "There's a man goin' 'round takin' names." and "When the man comes around.", which implies that the "man" being referenced in the song is death itself/the grim reaper, giving the impression of uncertainty and anxiety for the audience.
- At the beginning of the opening sequence, they use a soundscape of a variety of different chaotic sounds, such as: screams, muffled sounds, chants and news conferences. This makes the audience feel uncomfortable because hearing a variety of different sounds will not allow them to focus on the visuals of the opening sequence, getting distracted by the different sounds, therefore feeling anxious and uncomfortable.
RocknRolla (2008)
Camerawork:
- During the actor's credits, they zoom in on major stars, or important characters featured in the film, such as: Gerald Butler; Thandie Newton; and Tom Hardy. This makes the audience invested in the film because they are highlighting key characters and high profile actors featured in the film, making the audience feel excited about who's featuring in the film.
- At the beginning of the opening sequence, they use a zoom in shot on the main character (played by Gerald Butler) with his back towards the audience/camera. This makes the audience feel anxious because they are awaiting what is about to happen, whether it be impactful or not a lot.
Mise-en-scene:
- The colour saturation for the majority of the opening sequence is in the colour scheme of brown and black and is portrayed in a very gritty and dull. This implies that this film is of the western genre because generically, western films are portrayed in a gritty style, making the audience feel anxious at every moment of the film, which is how this opening sequence is playing out.
- The props used in the opening sequence include a bong and guns. This gives off the impression of worry and danger. This is because guns have connotations of action and death, making the audience feel worried because they don't want their favourite actor or character to die, making them feel anxious throughout the film.
Editing:
- They use a montage towards the beginning of the film, showing 2 or 3 second long shots of drug use, alcohol use and sex. This makes the audience feel uncomfortable because they wouldn't have been expecting to see something that graphic that early on in the film. Also, it sets the audience up for what they can expect throughout the entire film, implying that there will be sections of graphic content in the film.
- At the end of the opening credits, they use a dissolve from the actor's credits into a shot of the character of Archie, who is implied to be the narrator of the film. This suggests that he will appear throughout moments of the film, enhancing important moments of the film.
Sound:
- Throughout the credits (from start to finish), there is a prominent strong guitar beat playing. This suggests that this is a masculine film because a generic guitar sound has connotations of being on country songs or western songs, making the audience feel comfortable watching a strong film with a strong message.
- The narrator's voice is very low, implying that he is from East End London. This suggests that this will be a dramatic film because the east end or "cockney" accent has associations with drama and danger, making the audience excited with what they will show.
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