1. In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
My media product uses the conventions of classic Film Noir by using the character styles, atmospheric locations , lighting, narrative, use of shots, editing methods etc. Although my media product has developed on them in a more modern style, the desired effect is maintained by using similar methods as contemporary film noir. By following such genre stylistics, I have created a more up to date film noir, or "neo-noir". By using similar characters as a previous modern production like Brick(2005) Rian Johnson , I have included a femme fatale and a male protagonist who will ultimately manipulated and betrayed by her. By using low lighting and real life locations, I have created a visual image of the mood represented, similar to "Double Indemnity" (1944, directed by Billy Wilder). The props and costumes in my media product are basic like in most classic film noirs, also the use of voiceovers to show the characters thoughts, this is one of Film Noir most commonly used technique, the music chosen represents the mood and the tone is also a typical trait of film noir. One of the more obvious things that defines my opening as a film noir is the similar narrative, the ideas of love, betrayal, money, gangs and crime are all included in my product and are all part of the genre characteristics. Overall I believe my product uses and update the noir genre.
2. How does your media product represent particular social groups?
My media product represents a few social groups. The femme fatale is a attractive, controlling and mysterious woman, the male protagonist is your average working man led into a dark life which is a possibility with almost any man. The "Mr. Big" character is represented as a dark shadowy character and represents the darker side of life in crime. By using lighting and costumes we have created these characters effectively and by using locations to create a mood and atmosphere that fits the character and genre style.
3. What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
at the standard my product is at the moment only smaller film companies would be interested in distributing it. This is because of the low budget and limited resources it would always remain a student film meaning that my product wouldn’t be of high enough standard for the larger distributors to be interested in it. Of course anything with a large enough budget and resources could have the possibility to grow larger so if someone was to redo it with unlimited budget and resources it could be a success globally. Unless my product was a large success, it would initially only be seen at film festivals and independent cinemas for instance the sun dance festival or an art house cinema, which would only draw in a small audience. If my product was to be broadcast on television, it is most likely to be on late night and on a smaller channel like film four.
4. Who would be the audience for your media product?
I believe that my media product would be aimed at the main cinema audience from age 15 to 30. I think that this category of audience is appropriate because of the characteristics of my product. The idea of gangs and crime appeals to a wide audience because of the excitement in the stories and characters used. I think that the product would be rated a 15 by the BBFC which would obviously limit the younger audience. I think it would be a 15 because their is some violence and content may be inappropriate the younger audience. I think because the product is not a major production, only an active cinema going audience would go and watch the film reasons for this are the places it would have been shown are more popular with the audience and because it wouldn’t have a large marketing campaign or widely disrupted also because its not filled with famous stars of special effects.
5. How did you attract/address your audience?
I think by using younger talent in the product may attract younger viewers to view the product this would be because it would be easier to relate to them and it would seem more plausible, and by using a strong female character I have targeted a larger male audience but, also female because they may idolise the fmae character or be inspired by her . I have also attracted a large audience with the story of violence; crime and money.
6. What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?
Technologies I used in the initial research stage include: the internet, Blogs, You Tube, text books etc, that all proved to be useful in the process of planning and finding out information about film noir. I thought that blogs were very useful in getting inspiration from other people. Other technology I used in the planning stage was: adobe premiere pro to start my animatic and windows media player . The animatic software allowed me to put my storyboards onto a computer so I could edit them and see in rough how my film noir would flow and work out. windows media player allowed me to try out some music for our piece and play small video files like our animatic to see if it works. Technology I used in the production was a Sony DV camera, this allowed Dylan our cameraman to film the opening. also using rifle microphone's to record any dialogue that’s in the opening, tripod which was used to make using the camera at height easier and much smoother. Finally, adobe premier pro, which was the editing software we used, this allowed me to capture all of the footage together and add the music, titles and effects that we wanted on our opening.
7. Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?
I feel I have developed my skills in all areas of production since the preliminary task, but mainly on the editing software which was my main job, I feel that I have gained many new skills. As before I didn‘t know how to work a camera although still not a master I know the basics. I think since the preliminary exercise I have improved my editing ability and confidence. I also feel that more detailed planning allowed me to get better results. Because there was not much wasted time discussing how we would edit it also seeing the Detailed storyboards and location maps allowed me to visualise the final cut. Also doing all of the pre-production work allowed me to make sure that everything was prepared for the day of the shoot and have a back up plan in case something went wrong on the day. For the preliminary exercise we did not have much planning time and it shows in the final product, in contrast the film noir product had more planning and preparation time and was of a much higher quality. Also the content of my products have improved, I am now able to use editing, cinematography, mise-en-scene and sound effectively to create meaning more effectively than in the preliminary exercise.
Thursday 7 May 2009
feedback of 'STERLING'
First screening: audience feedback
We screened our product to our class and lecturer and these are the results we got back. I think this was a good idea because we’ve all studied this subject know so we should all show some understanding. Which means they should know what they are looking for, also should mean their feedback should be more detailed.
Positive feedback
1. Good use of music, goes well with the characters and corresponds with what is going on.
2. Good titles, work well with the mood created and whats on screen.
3. Clear narrative, easy to follow, nice enigma at the end.
4. Good storyline, develops and contains noir conventions.
5. Well constructed flashbacks, works well within the story.
6. Nice variety of effects and transitions.
7. Good quality shots, nice variety.
8. Lighting worked well to create an atmosphere.
9. Nice use of props and make up, excellent locations.
Negative feedback
1. Voice over doesnt fit well within music at parts.
2. Voiceovers voice doesn’t suite the characters.
3. Could have used more noir styled shots.
4. More voice overs could have been used.
Our aim was to attract a target audience of 15-30. Our feedback shows that we met that aim and our use of characters and the way we stylised them, speaks to the audience and entertains them. Also our representations work well, the femme fatale looks convincing and plays her role well, "mr big" looks dark and dodgy and threatening, the protagonist looks convincing, like your everyday working man who gets taken into a world of crime, and we achieved our goals by good use of mise en scene, cinematography, editing and planning.
Editing in full
For the editng we used the software called Adobe Premiere Pro. this was the first time i had used this software although i have experience with movie maker which gave a general idea. even with someone who has no prior experience with a movie maker program, once taught the basics is a very simply and effect program to use for this scale of production.
i was the editor along with Muhaimin however all members of the group had a say in the final choice. although it was mainly Hannah and myself that put imput into editing.
picture taken from
i found editing the voiceovers with the gaps in the lyrics of the songs a hard. and always found wtheres a crackle behind the voiceovers. overall i found editing the pictures easier than the sound.
The shoot in full
The day of the shoot was February 5th 2009. we were given the day off from our other classes so we could focus on our projects. we meet in class then went to the lord nelson pub where we spent several hours. then we had use of my car and went to a quiet lane to get footage of characters in the car (not used in final cut though). then we moved to Alexandra park which is adjacent to college. then moved to street close by to film the corner street scenes.
things that went well.
1. most of the shots we did get, were of good quality.
2. costumes and make up were good i think this was helped by the fact i practiced doing the stage make up on myself.
3. all footage was taken in the 1 day. meaning we got a head start in the editing suite.
things that didn't turn out so well.
1. The noise in the cellar of the cooling unit. This is one problem with filming on location. when we reliased that dialogue couldn't be heard this is the point when we decided to change it to voice overs.
2. the cooling unit made the room cold, this meant we didn't want muhaimin sitting still for too long, meaning we probably didn't get as many shots as we wanted.
3. The location was smaller than what we thought from the pictures the art director showed us. this meant there was certain camera angles we couldn't achieve.
4. the weather although not much we could do about. same situtation as no 2 caused a lack of shots.
overall our shoot was a success because our final piece has turned out well.
Permision for music
If we were to really make this film we would have to get permission to use the music. this is because someone wrote it and they deserve to profit it from it. for our film opening we used a song by 'Portishead' called 'only you'.To get premission for this there is a website PRS
http://www.prsformusic.com/Pages/default.aspx
http://www.prsformusic.com/Pages/default.aspx
the following information is taken from the above website.
How to obtain clearance for the use of music in feature films.
What are the rights covered under the scheme?
The scheme covers the mechanical (making copies of the music) and the synchronisation (using music with audio-visuals) rights.
How do you obtain product clearance under the scheme?
If you are using Commercial and Production music you must obtain clearance for both separately before manufacture of the product can go ahead.
Where using Commerical music only:
To obtain clearance you must complete an Information Supply form. Once returned to MCPS, you will receive an application form which must be completed and returned.
Where using Production music only:
To obtain clearance, please refer to the Production Music section of the website.
Please note that separate clearance must be received from the sound recording owners. 'Contact us' for more information.
How much do you pay?
Charges for the use of Commercial music in feature films are negotiable. They are generally set in relation to the budget of the film.
Charges for a film primarily for festival exhibition or for a student film are usually based on affordability.
How does the reporting and payment process work?
Where using Commerical music:
Request submitted to MCPS ---> MCPS discuss charges with relevant copyright holders (where MCPS members) ---> Request approved - MCPS inform you of charges ---> Application for clearance submitted to MCPS ---> Conditional clearance granted until payment received (within 7 days).
when you enter the site you will be welcomed by this;
1. click on playing, broadcasting and online music
2. click on for feature films
3.click on feature film
4 fill in the forms
Animatic
we were given the task to make an animatic.
Definition: a draft or preliminary test version of a movie filmed, taped or computer-animated version of the storyboard. Made up of a sequence of drawings with a soundtrack.
Unfortunately for our group we were unable to complete this task. Because of time constraints.
Definition: a draft or preliminary test version of a movie filmed, taped or computer-animated version of the storyboard. Made up of a sequence of drawings with a soundtrack.
Unfortunately for our group we were unable to complete this task. Because of time constraints.
Treaments
Treatment for cinematography on Film Noir shoot
The camera work for the film noir project needs to create the atmosphere and feel of a film noir. Lighting and various other aspects will also help to create the mood.To begin with the camera will focus on a dimly light chair and a totally black background. To make sure the audience can see the whole room and get a feel for the atmosphere, I want to use a medium long shot.Then for the next shot, the chair will have a person, who is tied up, sitting on it wearing a blindfold. I think a medium long shot will work best for this shot so the audience gets a clear view of the person tied up.Then, a point of view shot from the man who is tied up, he is looking around the room. Medium long shot, but the effect will make him appear disorientated as the woman enters from the side. There is little light so it is hard to make out the room.When the woman enters, a high angle shot to show the woman pacing around the man in the chair, the light should be focused on her and slightly reveal the man in the chair.As the woman begins to speak, the light will reveal her face slightly, big close up to show the importance of what she is saying. The background will not be visible as it is still dark.Then, a flashback of a busy street, this shot will be filmed at night; the only sources of light are streetlights. The shot does not require characters and is a very long shot.Long shot of the woman and her boyfriend walking down the street, she is carrying an envelope and is trying to fit in with the crowd. The light is coming from the street lights, they are hurrying along. The camera follows them.A very long shot of the woman, her boyfriend and the man who was tied up, walking into space under a streetlight, then just before they collide, it switches to an over the shoulder shot then when they hit the woman drops an envelope.A long shot of the man picking up the envelope and giving it to the woman then as he hands it back her boyfriend comes along and hurries her away. The man walks away and then a point of view shot of him watching her walk away, as she looks back at him.As the flashback ends, another medium shot of the woman pacing around the man in the cellar. The light is only on them and the rest of the room is still completely dark.As another flashback begins, you see the woman, and the tied up man sitting on the bench in a park, long shot that focuses on them in clear daylight.Then the flashback ends again, and the audience is returned to the cellar. Over the shoulder shot to show the woman still walking around the man who is still tied up. The light is still only on the two characters.The next shot is of a close up of a mobile phone vibrating on the dashboard of a car. As the hand picks up the phone it’s a close up of the person who has answered the phone having a conversation. This part is filmed in the day in a car park.Then the audience is once again returned to a cellar to see a medium shot of the woman still pacing around the man, the room is still dark and you can only see the chair and the woman.Then a close up of the man’s head, as the woman leans in and whispers into his ear. A pair of hands come out of the darkness and then the camera changes to a medium shot, as you see a man come out of the dark and place a bag over the mans head the light is still only in the chairs area.The screen then goes black, then after a short time, an extreme close up of the mans eyes wide open, the screen goes black again and the titles roll up.
Hannah Matthews – Art DirectorTreatment for the opening of our film noir project
Cellar scenes. The cellar will be dark and lit with a single light, to give a spotlight effect on the character tied up in the chair. The character in the chair will have make-up applied to make it look like he has been beaten up. There will be blood on his clothing to make it look like he has had a nose bleed. His hands will be tied behind his back and his legs will be tied together, he will also have tape across his mouth. The female in these scenes will be dressed in ‘sexy’ clothing, giving the impressing that she is in charge and that she dominates the character that is tied up. She will walk around him very seductively and also whisper into his ear. The character that has been tied up will look scared and anxious and the female character will look compassionate and seductive. The ‘Mr Big’ character will be wearing dark clothing and will look very intimidating and heartless. He will never look at the character sitting in the chair. ‘Mr Big’ will not talk to the other male character everything he says will go through the femme fatale. There will be some sort of classical music playing over the top. There will no be much in the background of these scenes other than the obvious things you would find in a pub cellar such as beer barrels and stock for the pub. The setting will look cold and very uncomfortable to be in. It will look very unpleasant.Car scenes. This scene will be set during the day in the middle of no where and then in the middle of a field to give the impression that the couple have to hide their love for each other. It will be a very intimate scene with the couple sitting on the back seat of the car talking, giggling and kissing. The male character (man tied up in cellar scenes) will be in very casual clothing to show that he is not involved in the same sort of circle of people as the femme fatale character. The female character will be dressed fairly smart to show that she has some sort of importance. The scene will be lit by the natural light. The females phone will ring and she look at the phone but act very uninterested and throw the phone back down.Park scenes. This, as well as the car scenes, will be in a secluded location to show the need for them to hide their love. They will both be dressed in similar clothing to the car scene and will act very comfortable around each other. They will embrace each other on arrival and will sit and talk. This scene will be filmed in during the day and so there will be no need for lighting.The ‘meeting’ scene. This will be filmed on a street corner. The location will be a fairly normal residential area. The female character and the male character will be walking towards the same corner and bump into each other; again they will be wearing similar clothes to the other outside scenes. They will look at each other lovingly and will talk and smile for a little while and then ‘Mr Big’ will come from the same direction as the female character he will look at the male character with an evil look in his eye and drag the female character away. The male and female character will continue to look at each other. This scene will be set in during the day so there will be no need for lighting. There will be one prop in this scene and that will be the bag that the female character drops as she bumps into the male character.
Treatment for editing and SFX- By Muhaimin Sofique
The titles will be appearing on and off at the start of the film for example it will show the first title then show a couple of seconds of the opening and then cut back to another title, this is so the audience wont get bored from just seeing the titles at the start straight away so it will be divided up, or the some of the titles might appear on the screen as well as the footage depending on how long the opening is going 2 be.In our opening there are going to be a couple of scenes which involve voiceovers so there fore were going to have to film the footage and then record the sound and when editing we shall put the dialogue over the footage we have to make sure that the dialogue is not too long and matches the length of the scene. Are film opening also includes some flashbacks therefore we are going to have to decide on what effects to use when cutting to a flashback, the programme already has a range of different effects, one of the ones I liked was the ghost effect where it makes the characters look ghostly as they move I think it will be a good effect to use but I am not particularly sure if it is the right one for are footage. Furthermore we may end up changing he flash backs to black and white to help the audience know that it is a flashback or we could end up using black and white for some of the scenes if the lighting is not very good.Also at the start of are opening when the male character is just regaining consciousness and starts to look around the room we are going to find an effect that will make him look kind of disorientated, and the shot be a bit blurry to show the audience that’s how he is seeing things at that moment.I have also found and selected a couple of different types of music which I think will fit in well with our opening, but me and my group are still to decide on which one we are going to use.It’s going to start of with a quiet, slow piece of music at the start and then gradually increase in speed and sound as the opening progresses.
The camera work for the film noir project needs to create the atmosphere and feel of a film noir. Lighting and various other aspects will also help to create the mood.To begin with the camera will focus on a dimly light chair and a totally black background. To make sure the audience can see the whole room and get a feel for the atmosphere, I want to use a medium long shot.Then for the next shot, the chair will have a person, who is tied up, sitting on it wearing a blindfold. I think a medium long shot will work best for this shot so the audience gets a clear view of the person tied up.Then, a point of view shot from the man who is tied up, he is looking around the room. Medium long shot, but the effect will make him appear disorientated as the woman enters from the side. There is little light so it is hard to make out the room.When the woman enters, a high angle shot to show the woman pacing around the man in the chair, the light should be focused on her and slightly reveal the man in the chair.As the woman begins to speak, the light will reveal her face slightly, big close up to show the importance of what she is saying. The background will not be visible as it is still dark.Then, a flashback of a busy street, this shot will be filmed at night; the only sources of light are streetlights. The shot does not require characters and is a very long shot.Long shot of the woman and her boyfriend walking down the street, she is carrying an envelope and is trying to fit in with the crowd. The light is coming from the street lights, they are hurrying along. The camera follows them.A very long shot of the woman, her boyfriend and the man who was tied up, walking into space under a streetlight, then just before they collide, it switches to an over the shoulder shot then when they hit the woman drops an envelope.A long shot of the man picking up the envelope and giving it to the woman then as he hands it back her boyfriend comes along and hurries her away. The man walks away and then a point of view shot of him watching her walk away, as she looks back at him.As the flashback ends, another medium shot of the woman pacing around the man in the cellar. The light is only on them and the rest of the room is still completely dark.As another flashback begins, you see the woman, and the tied up man sitting on the bench in a park, long shot that focuses on them in clear daylight.Then the flashback ends again, and the audience is returned to the cellar. Over the shoulder shot to show the woman still walking around the man who is still tied up. The light is still only on the two characters.The next shot is of a close up of a mobile phone vibrating on the dashboard of a car. As the hand picks up the phone it’s a close up of the person who has answered the phone having a conversation. This part is filmed in the day in a car park.Then the audience is once again returned to a cellar to see a medium shot of the woman still pacing around the man, the room is still dark and you can only see the chair and the woman.Then a close up of the man’s head, as the woman leans in and whispers into his ear. A pair of hands come out of the darkness and then the camera changes to a medium shot, as you see a man come out of the dark and place a bag over the mans head the light is still only in the chairs area.The screen then goes black, then after a short time, an extreme close up of the mans eyes wide open, the screen goes black again and the titles roll up.
Hannah Matthews – Art DirectorTreatment for the opening of our film noir project
Cellar scenes. The cellar will be dark and lit with a single light, to give a spotlight effect on the character tied up in the chair. The character in the chair will have make-up applied to make it look like he has been beaten up. There will be blood on his clothing to make it look like he has had a nose bleed. His hands will be tied behind his back and his legs will be tied together, he will also have tape across his mouth. The female in these scenes will be dressed in ‘sexy’ clothing, giving the impressing that she is in charge and that she dominates the character that is tied up. She will walk around him very seductively and also whisper into his ear. The character that has been tied up will look scared and anxious and the female character will look compassionate and seductive. The ‘Mr Big’ character will be wearing dark clothing and will look very intimidating and heartless. He will never look at the character sitting in the chair. ‘Mr Big’ will not talk to the other male character everything he says will go through the femme fatale. There will be some sort of classical music playing over the top. There will no be much in the background of these scenes other than the obvious things you would find in a pub cellar such as beer barrels and stock for the pub. The setting will look cold and very uncomfortable to be in. It will look very unpleasant.Car scenes. This scene will be set during the day in the middle of no where and then in the middle of a field to give the impression that the couple have to hide their love for each other. It will be a very intimate scene with the couple sitting on the back seat of the car talking, giggling and kissing. The male character (man tied up in cellar scenes) will be in very casual clothing to show that he is not involved in the same sort of circle of people as the femme fatale character. The female character will be dressed fairly smart to show that she has some sort of importance. The scene will be lit by the natural light. The females phone will ring and she look at the phone but act very uninterested and throw the phone back down.Park scenes. This, as well as the car scenes, will be in a secluded location to show the need for them to hide their love. They will both be dressed in similar clothing to the car scene and will act very comfortable around each other. They will embrace each other on arrival and will sit and talk. This scene will be filmed in during the day and so there will be no need for lighting.The ‘meeting’ scene. This will be filmed on a street corner. The location will be a fairly normal residential area. The female character and the male character will be walking towards the same corner and bump into each other; again they will be wearing similar clothes to the other outside scenes. They will look at each other lovingly and will talk and smile for a little while and then ‘Mr Big’ will come from the same direction as the female character he will look at the male character with an evil look in his eye and drag the female character away. The male and female character will continue to look at each other. This scene will be set in during the day so there will be no need for lighting. There will be one prop in this scene and that will be the bag that the female character drops as she bumps into the male character.
Treatment for editing and SFX- By Muhaimin Sofique
The titles will be appearing on and off at the start of the film for example it will show the first title then show a couple of seconds of the opening and then cut back to another title, this is so the audience wont get bored from just seeing the titles at the start straight away so it will be divided up, or the some of the titles might appear on the screen as well as the footage depending on how long the opening is going 2 be.In our opening there are going to be a couple of scenes which involve voiceovers so there fore were going to have to film the footage and then record the sound and when editing we shall put the dialogue over the footage we have to make sure that the dialogue is not too long and matches the length of the scene. Are film opening also includes some flashbacks therefore we are going to have to decide on what effects to use when cutting to a flashback, the programme already has a range of different effects, one of the ones I liked was the ghost effect where it makes the characters look ghostly as they move I think it will be a good effect to use but I am not particularly sure if it is the right one for are footage. Furthermore we may end up changing he flash backs to black and white to help the audience know that it is a flashback or we could end up using black and white for some of the scenes if the lighting is not very good.Also at the start of are opening when the male character is just regaining consciousness and starts to look around the room we are going to find an effect that will make him look kind of disorientated, and the shot be a bit blurry to show the audience that’s how he is seeing things at that moment.I have also found and selected a couple of different types of music which I think will fit in well with our opening, but me and my group are still to decide on which one we are going to use.It’s going to start of with a quiet, slow piece of music at the start and then gradually increase in speed and sound as the opening progresses.
Meeting 5
Part 5: editing finished
In the process of getting our final edit we have made several different edits each showing them to members of our class and receiving feedback. We have tried many different layouts. For example. Whether to have titles at the end or beginning over text or on separate pages. How to have the flash backs were to put the voiceovers etc.
Once we had finished our final edit there was a group showing of all films and all groups received feedback. Overall I think we preformed well as a group with some stronger members than others, and we produced a good attempt at a student film.
In the process of getting our final edit we have made several different edits each showing them to members of our class and receiving feedback. We have tried many different layouts. For example. Whether to have titles at the end or beginning over text or on separate pages. How to have the flash backs were to put the voiceovers etc.
Once we had finished our final edit there was a group showing of all films and all groups received feedback. Overall I think we preformed well as a group with some stronger members than others, and we produced a good attempt at a student film.
Meeting 4
Part 4: editing
After we filmed our project we had the task to edit it together to result in our final edit. This meant we had to load our footage using logging sheets onto the computer editing software. In this process we had to make sure we loaded a different variety of our shots, even if parts of the acting in the shots went wrong, as it could be helpful for cutaways if we had any problems.
During the edit we have made several changes to our project due to continuity issues and lighting problems. After we get some group feedback we will make our last minute changes.
After we filmed our project we had the task to edit it together to result in our final edit. This meant we had to load our footage using logging sheets onto the computer editing software. In this process we had to make sure we loaded a different variety of our shots, even if parts of the acting in the shots went wrong, as it could be helpful for cutaways if we had any problems.
During the edit we have made several changes to our project due to continuity issues and lighting problems. After we get some group feedback we will make our last minute changes.
something we had to pay attention to was the titles and what makes up a title. font, style, over action and seperate page.
Some possible different font and style otions for the title credits.
This is an example of title over action.
This is an example of title on black.
Meeting 3
Part 3: shooting
The day of the shoot all of the team members met at our classroom to get last minute advice from our teacher to get the best possible result. Due to illness I had organised and brought in most of the props.
Upon getting to the cellar location we discovered that when the location finders checklist had been completed when the cellar fans were off, which was not the case on day of filming. The fans were too loud to get dialogue and sounds, so with some quick thinking and use of our initiative and decided to use voiceovers which also goes well with the film noir codes and conventions.
The day of the shoot all of the team members met at our classroom to get last minute advice from our teacher to get the best possible result. Due to illness I had organised and brought in most of the props.
Upon getting to the cellar location we discovered that when the location finders checklist had been completed when the cellar fans were off, which was not the case on day of filming. The fans were too loud to get dialogue and sounds, so with some quick thinking and use of our initiative and decided to use voiceovers which also goes well with the film noir codes and conventions.
Meeting 2
Part 2: pre-production
As a group to make sure we would be ready to make our sequence was to complete pre production work that include location finders checklist, risk assessment and evaluation sheets, final script, storyboard and questionnaire. However due to lack of communication between the group outside of class time the questionnaire was never fully completed and handed out.
Once we had completed all our pre production work and were ready to progress onto the next stage of filming our initial project. I completed my script and presented my ideas to the group and made some changes after receiving their feedback. I was meant to of completed a treatment for the editing and sfx of our film however I had difficultly understanding what to write. Once I had knowledge of what was asked of me, another member of our group had completed that treatment and was found to be satisfactory.
Our intial script
WOMAN
I warned you the day we met
INT. CELLAR. DAY
Man exhausted in pain. WOMAN pacing around chair.
WOMAN
did you really think a girl like me
would ever be interested in a guy like you.
lets be honest the only reason I was with you
was to keep an eye on you for the....
Man comes out off shadows. Stands beside woman. Man whispers in her ear. Woman has distressed look on face. Man walks out of room. Woman then paces behind man. A clear plastic bag is placed over man’s head. He struggles.
WOMAN
As a group to make sure we would be ready to make our sequence was to complete pre production work that include location finders checklist, risk assessment and evaluation sheets, final script, storyboard and questionnaire. However due to lack of communication between the group outside of class time the questionnaire was never fully completed and handed out.
Once we had completed all our pre production work and were ready to progress onto the next stage of filming our initial project. I completed my script and presented my ideas to the group and made some changes after receiving their feedback. I was meant to of completed a treatment for the editing and sfx of our film however I had difficultly understanding what to write. Once I had knowledge of what was asked of me, another member of our group had completed that treatment and was found to be satisfactory.
Our intial script
INT. CELLAR.
Room is dark except spotlight overhanging an Old wooden Chair in centre of the room.
Room is dark except spotlight overhanging an Old wooden Chair in centre of the room.
INT. CELLAR. DAY
opens with a black screen with sound of someone being beaten up. Another option is to have black screen sound of male footsteps, button being pressed is heard, music starts then sound of person being beaten when picture appears the music turns diegetic. MAN sitting in chair blindfolded and tied up. He’s been beaten, Unconscious, heavy breathing. MAN awakens from unconscious, panic. Blindfold is lifted. Man is disorientated struggle to focus. MAN is nervous and in pain. MAN cannot see anything clearly just shadows. Woman walks out of the shadow and into the light. Woman paces around man. Woman then leans in over the mans shoulder and whispers
opens with a black screen with sound of someone being beaten up. Another option is to have black screen sound of male footsteps, button being pressed is heard, music starts then sound of person being beaten when picture appears the music turns diegetic. MAN sitting in chair blindfolded and tied up. He’s been beaten, Unconscious, heavy breathing. MAN awakens from unconscious, panic. Blindfold is lifted. Man is disorientated struggle to focus. MAN is nervous and in pain. MAN cannot see anything clearly just shadows. Woman walks out of the shadow and into the light. Woman paces around man. Woman then leans in over the mans shoulder and whispers
WOMAN
I warned you the day we met
EXT. TAVERN STREET. DAY
Busy street, Woman with a bag over one shoulder and man with hands in pockets/ texting on phone/ talking on the phone. Walking towards each other. Woman fumbles through bag, she drops it in front of man belongings fall out. man stops to help pick things up, there eyes meet. they stand and have conversation and flirt (no dialogue). boyfriend turns up girl then acts quiet, awkward look between boyfriend and man. Man then drags woman away (don't actually drag but resistance if obvious from woman)
Busy street, Woman with a bag over one shoulder and man with hands in pockets/ texting on phone/ talking on the phone. Walking towards each other. Woman fumbles through bag, she drops it in front of man belongings fall out. man stops to help pick things up, there eyes meet. they stand and have conversation and flirt (no dialogue). boyfriend turns up girl then acts quiet, awkward look between boyfriend and man. Man then drags woman away (don't actually drag but resistance if obvious from woman)
MAN V/O
I remember the moment it all began
My decent down this road, the reason I’m hear now
The day I met ELEKTRA
I remember the moment it all began
My decent down this road, the reason I’m hear now
The day I met ELEKTRA
few moments then both turn around and look at each other
INT. CELLAR. DAY
MAN in chair woman pacing around him. Man struggling to focus
MAN in chair woman pacing around him. Man struggling to focus
EXT. PARK. DAY
MAN and WOMAN sitting in park. Out of sight of other people. Laughing. Close to each other.
MAN and WOMAN sitting in park. Out of sight of other people. Laughing. Close to each other.
INT. CELLAR. DAY.
MAN in chair woman pacing around him.
MAN in chair woman pacing around him.
INT. CAR. DAY.
Opens on shot of phone vibrating on front seat of car, sound of laughter in background. The laughter stops woman reaches for phone answers the phone. Woman’s face changes as the phone call is from her boyfriend (phone call is not heard). Serious mood sets in. They start to get dressed. Panic sets in.
Opens on shot of phone vibrating on front seat of car, sound of laughter in background. The laughter stops woman reaches for phone answers the phone. Woman’s face changes as the phone call is from her boyfriend (phone call is not heard). Serious mood sets in. They start to get dressed. Panic sets in.
INT. CELLAR. DAY
Man exhausted in pain. WOMAN pacing around chair.
MAN V/O
So this is how it ends
So this is how it ends
WOMAN
did you really think a girl like me
would ever be interested in a guy like you.
lets be honest the only reason I was with you
was to keep an eye on you for the....
Man comes out off shadows. Stands beside woman. Man whispers in her ear. Woman has distressed look on face. Man walks out of room. Woman then paces behind man. A clear plastic bag is placed over man’s head. He struggles.
WOMAN
(whispering in his ear with a tear going down one cheek? kisses one cheek leaves lipstick kiss on cheek)
I’m sorry
Play dead/ I’ll be seeing you/ wait for me/ give me 20 minutes
fades to black then goes to ECU of mans eyes open then title credits begin.
I’m sorry
Play dead/ I’ll be seeing you/ wait for me/ give me 20 minutes
fades to black then goes to ECU of mans eyes open then title credits begin.
Meeting 1
Initial ideas for films
I have thought of 2 ideas for a film noir. Both I will put to the group and discuss possibilities for creating them. for both ideas i have collected some images that i feel are appropiate.
1.my first idea is about a male character who gets involved with a female. He becomes besotted with the female and is easily manipulated by her to do dodgy deals and commit crimes. This also involves other people who have a lot of power. Would be told by either a linear timeline of non linear (disrupted) timeline depending on overall feel desired for film.
2. My second idea is inspired by the film brick(2005) Rian Johnson. My idea was about an typical English high school but then a series of murders take place. With one person our main character searching for the murderer to find the killer he infiltrates the popular people and is forced to commit crimes to remain undercover. He comes involved with one of them that manipulates him to kill her ex-boyfriend. The story would be told through flashes from him in the police interview room.
Part 1:Initial ideas
In a group with Hannah Matthews, Muhaimin Sofique and Dylan Andrade. When we first started to research film noir we were asked to think of ideas for our own ideas for a film noir. This was because when we were put together in groups we had to brainstorm ideas and compromise on a final idea for a film. Before Christmas, we got together in our groups and decided what our film noir will contain, how we will film it and where. We have all been allocated jobs within our groups producer, editor, art director and cinematographer, I was allocated editor, this meant I am in charge of organising titles and editing, but we also decided for the producer and myself to share the 2 roles so I am going to write the script.
at this meeting we also decided our locations, we are going to use the cellar of a local pub 'The Lord Nelson', Alexandra park, a corner street and a quiet country road. Our actors will be Muhaimin playing the main male character, Myself playing the femme fatale and Dylan as "the boss".
We have also decided to call our production company 'hdml productions' which is the groups intials.
I have thought of 2 ideas for a film noir. Both I will put to the group and discuss possibilities for creating them. for both ideas i have collected some images that i feel are appropiate.
1.my first idea is about a male character who gets involved with a female. He becomes besotted with the female and is easily manipulated by her to do dodgy deals and commit crimes. This also involves other people who have a lot of power. Would be told by either a linear timeline of non linear (disrupted) timeline depending on overall feel desired for film.
2. My second idea is inspired by the film brick(2005) Rian Johnson. My idea was about an typical English high school but then a series of murders take place. With one person our main character searching for the murderer to find the killer he infiltrates the popular people and is forced to commit crimes to remain undercover. He comes involved with one of them that manipulates him to kill her ex-boyfriend. The story would be told through flashes from him in the police interview room.
Part 1:Initial ideas
In a group with Hannah Matthews, Muhaimin Sofique and Dylan Andrade. When we first started to research film noir we were asked to think of ideas for our own ideas for a film noir. This was because when we were put together in groups we had to brainstorm ideas and compromise on a final idea for a film. Before Christmas, we got together in our groups and decided what our film noir will contain, how we will film it and where. We have all been allocated jobs within our groups producer, editor, art director and cinematographer, I was allocated editor, this meant I am in charge of organising titles and editing, but we also decided for the producer and myself to share the 2 roles so I am going to write the script.
at this meeting we also decided our locations, we are going to use the cellar of a local pub 'The Lord Nelson', Alexandra park, a corner street and a quiet country road. Our actors will be Muhaimin playing the main male character, Myself playing the femme fatale and Dylan as "the boss".
We have also decided to call our production company 'hdml productions' which is the groups intials.
Wednesday 6 May 2009
Analysis of two film openings
To get some inspiration for our film noir opening I have decided to analyse some film openings to get ideas. I think this is a good idea because although they may not be the same style as our film they still use the techniques of filming. Although I could of picked different genre films I have decided to choose two film noir style films this is because they are more relevant to our given genre and also because I can compare the different styles of representing the same sort of genre. I will be studying the sequences for it’s micro features, narrative and its importance to the rest of the film.
It is a common thought that first impressions are important. The same goes for film. The opening title sequence of a film is that film’s opportunity to make a good first impression on the viewer. A well-crafted title sequence introduces the audience to the tone and theme of the film as well as the cast and crew.
For my first chosen film I am going to analyse the opening sequence of Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) Shane Black. Although this film has got a comedy twist I still feel that this is relevant to our project. I will begin by looking at the micro features.Cinematography: opens with shot from behind balloons this is bringing the audience into the action and also makes the audience feel like their there. This sequence of shots are all long in length and either tracking, panning or zooms. This creates a feeling of calm. This also has a glowing tint which has a representation of good a common use of this is in memories or heaven like situations. It then moves to focus on a stage which tells the audience that these characters are more than likely to be involved in the plot. After this sequence it changes to an animation. This part highlights the darker side of the film with the contents being of guns, blood, females and murder, this is in 2d and has a look of paper cut-outs.
Editing: the first shots are just simply cut together its not until the animation sequence when the interesting edits happen. This is when the transitions take a different form the action appears to move from one slide to another tending to use one piece from the previous to link them.
Mise en scene: the mise en scene in the opening real life action tells the audience they are in a fair/fate type scenario. Also that the film is probably going to be based in America because of the American flags. Then in the animation the mise en scene changes to a simply style of the cut-out image and using the motif colours of red, black, blue and white this is present on the DVD front cover.
Performance: the first characters we focus on are the boy dressed in a cloak with gives us the connotation of a magician and a young girl in a box which strengthens the idea of magician because this is a commonly known magic trick. It starts as though the trick is planned and safe, then the girl screams and you instantly think the trick has gone wrong this is when the camera focuses on a man running who we presume to be a father or guardian. Once we discover the girl was only acting the shot cuts to animation just as the male character is about to hit the girl.
Sound: the non diegetic music in this sequence has a childlike, whimsical fairground theme, with a slight twist. this is then accompanied by the diegetic sound of the fairground. This is a contrast to the non diegetic music accompanying the animation, this is when it changes to a darker tone of music more associated with a contemporary film noir because it has more of a beat and the instruments used.
I will now focus on the narrative and importance to the rest of the film. The beginning of the opening sequence is a key feature for the background information of the main characters and it is used again later in the film. Then the animation shows the main outline of the plot but details are changed, this tells the audience what to expect. The narrative of the opening is using enigma in the fact that we don’t know who the children are and how they are linked to main plot. Character development is used with the fact that the girl wants to be an actress and the girl and boy have a close bond.
For my second film analysis I have chosen lucky number slevein (2006) Paul McGuigan. This is crime, thriller, contemporary film noir that also has a twist of comedy. I 6think that most modern film noirs are now hybrids with comedy because its reaches a larger target audience. Again I will analysis the micro features, narrative and its importance to the rest of the film.Cinematography: this sequence is a mix of animation and real life action. This is very similar to kiss kiss bang bang but the order is different. The animation shots are shown to be lit only by a light which looks like a flashlight but flickers like a candle, This emphasises the text. With the real life action scenes a lot of shots are cut away this draws attendance to certain aspects of the action.
Editing: most of the shots are tracking but start from out of action. For example the scene when there in a room it starts with the camera facing the wall then tracks to the characters.
Mise en scene: in this sequence there is one character that is always hidden. This is the enigma of the opening because it makes the audience want to know who is the killer. The main motif for this opening sequence is the numbers and writing on lined paper. This is because all the titles start with numbers and transform to the words then does the same when exiting, also when the real life action is on screen over the top numbers as though written appear.
Performance: in this opening the main character is hidden but his body language always show a sense of calm which suggests that they are used to death and murder. Known of the characters are properly introduced its just setting the theme of the film.
Sound: the non diegetic music is the main sound which sounds like a harp playing this gives it a calm feeling but at the same time give it an eerie feel. Then behind the music there is another non diegetic sound of commentary of a race. Which is heavily attached to the narrative. Then in the real life action there is emphasised diegetic sounds of the gun fire, doors opening, foot steps and glass smashing.
I will now focus on the narrative and importance to the rest of the film. The beginning of the opening sequence is a key feature for the background information of the main characters and it is used again later in the film, except this isn’t made clear until the twist of the film at the end. The narrative of the opening is using enigma in the fact that we don’t know who the killer is are and how they are linked to main plot, and why they want the books they are carrying. Character development is used in the way that he is calm about killing people and is good at it we want to find out why their killing? Who their killing? What their getting from killing?
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