Thursday, 26 April 2018
Thursday, 19 April 2018
Evaluation Question 1
In what ways does the media product use, develop or
challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
camera was placed at one side of an imaginary 180° line, so that the audience was able to identify which characters were engaged in conversations with the utmost simplicity and the film was able to flow smoothly. Although in some instances, this imaginary line is broken for artistic purposes, our film maintained it throughout.
Shot-reverse-shot was also employed within
a fight scene between Tony and Daniel, coupled with some fast-paced editing,
creates a tense, frantic atmosphere between two characters, clearly at odds
with one another.
To maintain
continuity within the film, match on action was used frequently. This
technique, in which an action begins to take place within one shot and
subsequently completed in a succeeding shot is used so that acts are presented as appearing continuous,
was used in abundance in editing, partially to ensure that transitions were
smooth in between shots and to ensure continuity was maintained. Match on action was also used so that different angles,
portraying the same action were captured without breaks in continuity; most
notably, this was used in the final fight scene between Tony and Daniel, in
which Tony was attacked by a briefcase held by Daniel. Not only did this
create a fast-paced atmosphere, but also highlighted the, already established,
importance of the case.
Character Roles
Chase Scenes
The
costumes decided upon fit the conventions of a typical thriller, whilst also
reflecting the
At a technical level, our film incorporated a range of
media conventions to achieve a plethora of factors, such as the maintenance of
continuity and to create a film that appeared seamless.
180°
Line
In order to maintain the immersive effect
of our movie, we followed the ‘180° Rule’,
meaning that the
camera was placed at one side of an imaginary 180° line, so that the audience was able to identify which characters were engaged in conversations with the utmost simplicity and the film was able to flow smoothly. Although in some instances, this imaginary line is broken for artistic purposes, our film maintained it throughout.
Shot-reverse-shot
By
utilising the technique of shot-reverse-shot, a classic convention of many
thrillers, within our movie, we were able to display the emotions of our
characters clearly, by showcasing their facial expressions. This technique was
omnipresent within the film in order to establish a line of dialogue between
two characters in a clear and comprehensible manner.
Emotions were portrayed through the use of
this technique, for example, the expressions portrayed by the character of Tony
when he is reprimanded by his boss, Ms. Novinscak, are those of someone who
appears dejected, whereas Novinscak, herself, portrays her feelings of disapproval,
or even, disgust in her employee.
Shot-reverse-shot was also employed within
a fight scene between Tony and Daniel, coupled with some fast-paced editing,
creates a tense, frantic atmosphere between two characters, clearly at odds
with one another.
Match on action
To maintain
continuity within the film, match on action was used frequently. This
technique, in which an action begins to take place within one shot and
subsequently completed in a succeeding shot is used so that acts are presented as appearing continuous,
was used in abundance in editing, partially to ensure that transitions were
smooth in between shots and to ensure continuity was maintained. Match on action was also used so that different angles,
portraying the same action were captured without breaks in continuity; most
notably, this was used in the final fight scene between Tony and Daniel, in
which Tony was attacked by a briefcase held by Daniel. Not only did this
create a fast-paced atmosphere, but also highlighted the, already established,
importance of the case.
Settings
Within thrillers, a wide variety of settings are used to
indicate a variety of different things, this is also true of ‘Misplaced’. The
action begins in a park, to highlight the normality
of the situation, the
character who is initially there, Tony, is a seasoned veteran of his trade and
the tranquil nature of the park reflects his relaxed and comfortable nature.
However, to represent the shady, criminal nature of his activities, he is later
pictured within a poorly lit room along with his employer. Similarly, Daniel,
although technically the protagonist, is engaged in a series of illicit activities,
and thus this is reflected through his use of an isolated and hidden shed,
where he can escape to. The setting that best sums up the genre of the film and
the nature of the characters, however is the dark, damp woodlands where the
final scene takes place. This creates suspense, the narrow woods imply fear, as
though something could jump out at any moment; they are discreet, and
ultimately, dangerous.
Character Roles
Our
film generally follows the archetypal rules of thrillers, namely that there is a
protagonist (or in our case, an anti-hero), attempting to avoid capture or
death at the hands of an antagonist, who is out for revenge. This convention has
been utilised by many films; such as ‘The Terminator’ and ‘Road Kill’, from
which we drew inspiration.
The villainous entity within our film, is that of a hierarchical crime syndicate, headed by a strong female leader. Although the ‘pecking
order’ aspect of this is common place, as evidenced within movies such as ‘Pulp
Fiction’, where assassins Jules and Vincent are under the orders of
professional criminal, Marcellus Wallace, and thus forced to do his bidding.
This character is present within the James Bond series aswell, Ernst Stavro
Blofeld is the head of SPECTRE, and commands a legion of followers, yet, the
role of a dominant leader is typically reserved for a male. By including a
strict, aggressive leader of a criminal organisation in the form of Ms. Novinscak,
typical gender norms are subverted. A typically masculine leader of a syndicate
is used in order to appear threatening to the protagonist, yet within our film,
this proves to be irrelevant and women are shown to be of equal status to men,
capable of leading an association without the need for male assistance.
Chase Scenes
Through
the use of chase scenes, a common feature of thriller films, we were able to
create a nerve-wracking atmospheric tone for the audience; when coupled with
the
fast-tempo music and the hand-held point-of-view camera angles, this point
was exacerbated and the action on screen felt much more exciting. Chase scenes
have been found in many a film of the thriller genre, but our inspiration typically
came from Alfred Hitchcock’s, ‘North by Northwest’, and the James Bond film
series.
Sound
Most of the music within our film was non-diegetic
incidental music added in during the process of editing. Thrillers particularly
use fast-paced music in order to correlate to the general feel of their movie,
and ours is no different. Typically, much of the music within our feature is
that of the rock genre, alluding to the fast-paced action of our film.
Costume
The
costumes decided upon fit the conventions of a typical thriller, whilst also
reflecting the
Iconography
The briefcase is the
central and recurring focus of our film, as the plot followed Daniel attempting
to break into the case, and Tony attempting to regain it for his boss, Ms
Novinscak; the case connected all three characters. The case’s contents were
the main source of mystery within the film, a plot device inspired by Quentin
Tarantino’s 1994 film, ‘Pulp Fiction’, in which a briefcase acts as the device
connecting all the major plotlines. Similarly, to our film, the contents of the
case is not shown on screen for the duration of the movie, adding to the
suspense and creating a genuine thrill factor; keeping the audience guessing as
to what the contents may be.
What type of
pleasure did we attempt to create?
When applying Richard Dyer’s theory of entertainment and
utopia, our film tends to create an energetic feel. Watching characters,
onscreen, engage in combat or chase scenes, we are able to provide the viewer
with energy in their lives which otherwise may have been absent. In addition to
this, we also successfully created an intense pleasure filled with suspense and
excitement. Through the use of editing and fast paced music, we essentially
provide the viewer with joy, as though they were partaking with the action on
screen; a catharsis, or escape from otherwise tedious lives, into a larger than
life situation.
Wednesday, 18 April 2018
Evaluation Question 1
In what ways does the media product use,
develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
Continuity
and Editing
180
degree line
The 180 degree line of action is
an imaginary line between two characters whereby the camera must be kept one
side of that line, the line of action allows things such as the shot reverse
shot take place as separate shots of each character are needed in order to have
film continuity and in a sense make the scene flow and makes sense. During this
the filming will only take place in a 180 degree angle with it only being
broken in some films for artistic reasons. However, our film logically tends to
follow the 180 degree line so that the audience is aware of who is where , who
the conversation may be between, or which direction a character is going in.
Shot reverse shot
Shot reverse shot is a continuity editing technique used in things such as conversations between characters , the camera shoots in one direction and then another direction, during this the camera will get closer and take separate shots in order to see the characters expressions and understand how the characters are feeling during the scene. We often used shot reverse shot as a technique for establishing a conversation between two persons. This allowed the audience to understand who the conversation was between, 'Tony' and 'Ms. Novinscak' or 'Tony' and 'Daniel', and how the characters felt in the current situation. For example it was evident in the meeting scene that 'Tony' was being scolded and felt as if he'd let his boss down, due to the use of expressions and tone of voice included in the work of the shot reverse shot itself. Another scene with shot reverse shot was during the fight scene, whereby 'Tony' and 'Daniel' were struggling over the briefcase, the shot reverse shot was used to create a fast pace and establish the two characters were indeed struggling and essentially arguing. A number of thrillers and films of most genres use shot reverse shot.
Hunger Games Shot Reverse Shot
Match on action
Match on action is an editing technique used in films, to keep continuity, in which an action is started in one shot and continued onto the next. Match on action helps to create a continuous sense of action rather than portraying two different things. Most films use this technique so that continuity isn't broken and the flow of the film is smooth. Match on action within thrillers is used to create suspense, keep the audience engaged and as a tool to speed up the pace of the scene. Within our film we used match on action in one main instance. This was during the fight scene whereby 'Daniel' swung the briefcase over his head in one shot and was continued on to another shot, shown to have hit 'Tony'. In this case match on action was specifically used as a tool for creating a fast pace and keeping the audience engaged with the scene as well as establishing importance of the briefcase.
Elliptical editing is whereby irrelevant shots are taken out to show a passage of time or to speed up to process of the journey. We often used elliptical editing within our film to increase the pace of the film. Furthermore, taking out unnecessary parts helps keep the attention of the audience. In order to keep the thriller aspect constant, only scenes which are necessary to the plotline and scenes that are 'thrilling' are used.
Batman Begins - Elliptical Editing
Point of View Shot
A point of view shot is a shot that shows what the character is looking at, hence their 'point of view'. The main purpose of using point of view shots in our short film was to establish the importance of the character's viewpoint alongside the importance of what the character was looking at. In this case, the view of the briefcase is in sight which re- establishes its significance throughout the film.
Genre
Conventions
Point of View Shot
A point of view shot is a shot that shows what the character is looking at, hence their 'point of view'. The main purpose of using point of view shots in our short film was to establish the importance of the character's viewpoint alongside the importance of what the character was looking at. In this case, the view of the briefcase is in sight which re- establishes its significance throughout the film.
Setting
Settings
within thriller films can be very broad, any location can easily become a
setting from a particular scene. Within our film we used various locations, to
name a few we filmed within Parks, Forests, supermarket car parks and inside
buildings. One of the main features of our film however which relates the most
to the thriller genre is scenes based in forests/woods. Within this type of
setting the use of the surroundings creates a more isolated and mysterious
atmosphere. Often sites for forests/woods are abandoned and the whereabouts
cannot be established easily. This helps create suspense and once again mystery
for the viewer. We made us of this during the fight scene to build tension. Furthermore,
thriller films, more than not, use everyday places such as parks and houses
giving a sense of normality, making the scenes and characters more relatable
and establishing a greater emotional connection to the story and the
characters, therefore creating a better reaction. This is evident throughout our
scenes within a shed located in the 'Daniels' back garden, the car park of ASDA
and B&Q, and the beginning scene where the two main characters first meet
in a park.
Costume
Most
thrillers films, and films in general, have specific costumes to help establish
the roles the characters play and the importance they hold. We decided to dress
'Tony' in a shirt and tie to suggest he has great significance and has a role
that is higher up. A shirt and tie can be very open to interpretation, further
increase the sense of mystery, a recurring theme throughout our film.
Furthermore, the character 'Daniel' is dressed in casual sportswear and cap to
show the audience he is relatable, however the cap somewhat masking his
identity making it difficult to figure out whether is the antagonist or protagonist. Finally, the
character 'Ms. Novinscak' is simply shown wearing an all black turtleneck. This
helps keep the focus on her when shown in scenes as well as reflecting a role
of importance as people dressed in all black during thriller films often work
for crime syndicates. Overall the
costumes were strategically chosen to help reflect character personalities as
well as leaving room for interpretation from the viewer.
Pulp Fiction 'Suits' Costumes
Music
Music from our film is classed
as non Diegetic Sound - This is sounds that wouldn’t normally
be heard naturally within that shot (the characters can't hear it)
e.g. music, soundtrack and voiceover. Often thrillers have specific
genres of music to increase the ‘thrill factor’ for the audience. This involves
intense and fast paced action music such as rock within chase scenes or fight
scenes. Sometimes fast paced orchestral music is used as well to build tension.
These factors we took into consideration during the production of our film as
many scenes are fast paced and intended to build tension therefore we tended to
aim for the rock genre as well as using classic orchestral action music. This
helped us create an overall feel/atmosphere for the film allowing the audience
recognise the genre and therefore recognise the emotions intended to be felt. An
example of a thriller (and action) film which often made use of rock music is
the Korean film Fabricated City. They took advantage of the music in
intensifying scenes and creating a more edge of the seat experience, much like
our own film.
Iconography
A recurring focus of our film was the briefcase. The briefcase was the main constant factor throughout the whole film which portrayed its importance and helped increase the mystery as it remained unopened, until the end, and frequently used as a prop connecting all 3 characters. As the briefcase was important to our plotline, it played a significant role in establishing the thriller genre, as its purpose was to produce a sense of mystery and suspense. Somewhat similarly in Pulp Fiction, the audience questions what is inside the briefcase creating a greater thrill factor. However, Pulp Fiction allows the viewer to think of their own ideas as to what could be inside, whereas in our film, although doing this throughout, eventually the mystery is broken. This creates both somewhat satisfaction, from finally knowing what’s inside, and disappointment, from knowing that what is inside is actually insignificant.
A recurring focus of our film was the briefcase. The briefcase was the main constant factor throughout the whole film which portrayed its importance and helped increase the mystery as it remained unopened, until the end, and frequently used as a prop connecting all 3 characters. As the briefcase was important to our plotline, it played a significant role in establishing the thriller genre, as its purpose was to produce a sense of mystery and suspense. Somewhat similarly in Pulp Fiction, the audience questions what is inside the briefcase creating a greater thrill factor. However, Pulp Fiction allows the viewer to think of their own ideas as to what could be inside, whereas in our film, although doing this throughout, eventually the mystery is broken. This creates both somewhat satisfaction, from finally knowing what’s inside, and disappointment, from knowing that what is inside is actually insignificant.
Pulp Fiction - Briefcase
Audience Pleasure - Richard Dyer's Theory of Entertainment
Intensity
& Energy
Our film tended to fit into two main categories based on Richard Dyer's theory of entertainment. The first being intensity, which is whereby the audience feels that life is exciting, for example, when watching an action film it can offer audiences a sense of intensity. Secondly, energy, which gives off the illusion that you are energetic, for example, watching characters during chase scenes or fight scenes offers audience a sense of energy they may be missing from their lives. Within our film we used a chase scene at the beginning, not only give off a first feel for the film, but to exudes both energy and intensity for the audiences pleasure. As well as that, we used the fight scene at the end to hold a similar role. The plot of the film essentially revolves around a race against time creating a feeling of excitement and eagerness. The film therefore helps relieve viewers of repressed feelings and allows them to essentially gain an adrenaline rush without actually using any of their energy. The characters help play out audience fantasies and allow them the satisfaction of being involved in a life that is more exciting than their everyday lives.
Our film tended to fit into two main categories based on Richard Dyer's theory of entertainment. The first being intensity, which is whereby the audience feels that life is exciting, for example, when watching an action film it can offer audiences a sense of intensity. Secondly, energy, which gives off the illusion that you are energetic, for example, watching characters during chase scenes or fight scenes offers audience a sense of energy they may be missing from their lives. Within our film we used a chase scene at the beginning, not only give off a first feel for the film, but to exudes both energy and intensity for the audiences pleasure. As well as that, we used the fight scene at the end to hold a similar role. The plot of the film essentially revolves around a race against time creating a feeling of excitement and eagerness. The film therefore helps relieve viewers of repressed feelings and allows them to essentially gain an adrenaline rush without actually using any of their energy. The characters help play out audience fantasies and allow them the satisfaction of being involved in a life that is more exciting than their everyday lives.
Tuesday, 17 April 2018
Monday, 16 April 2018
Sunday, 15 April 2018
Saturday, 14 April 2018
Friday, 13 April 2018
Evaluation Question 2
Evaluation Question 2: How effective is the combination of your main product and the ancillary texts?
The short film we have created named "Misplaced" is mainly a Thriller genre with other genres such as comedy that run along side throughout the film. The film is a story of a man named Tony who is set the job to protect a briefcase, the content of the briefcase is unknown to Tony and the audience. He is led by a woman named Ms. Novinscak the leader of the crime syndicate. However a "small time thief" named Daniel wants to know more about the briefcase and whats inside and takes it away from Tony. Tony is set the task to retrieve the case and to kill the man in possession of it. This unfolds to intense chase scenes and finally revealing what is inside.
The aim of our project
We wanted to create a short film which gave great entertainment for our audience through intensity and energy throughout. We wanted viewers to experience the emotions in our film. We wanted to use fast paced editing and intense fast music to get these emotions across to viewer. Another aim of ours was to create a mysterious atmosphere throughout the film. We did this by not showing the audience what was in the briefcase and letting the viewers imagination decide for themselves.
How our project aims were reflected in our film poster and radio trailer?
Our project aims were reflected in our radio trailer as we made sure the audience knew what genre and what setting the film is going to be around. We used dramatic music and an intense voice over to give the sense of "edge of the seat" and mystery. In the radio trailer we used dialogue from the film itself to intrigue the audience into wondering whats going to happen next. This was also used to create intensity.
Our project aims were also used in our final film poster. We used iconography with the briefcase to show the audience this has meaning in the film which can lead to the mysterious atmosphere to the viewer. Iconography was also used with the two stick men as they were both running and one of them running after the other. which also create the sense of mystery and intensity. We used dark colours with bright red and white to make the title stand out. We did this as during our research we found that most of the thriller film posters we looked at included dark colours, and on other titles that stand out. For example the film poster from the film Shutter Island. Shutter Island includes a dark background with a standout iconography in the back with bright writing to contrast the title from the rest.
Film Poster Inspiration
One of the main influences on our film posters was from the film "Catch me if you can" Catch me if you can includes two figures chasing after each other which gives you a sense of what the film is about. We tried to do that with outs using the white stick men. This gives people a look into our film and what it is about by juts looking at the images on the poster. As mentioned before, "Shutter Island" is another example of inspiration. The faded face in the background gave us the idea to include this in our poster to show the audience who is in our films or what characters are included.
How effective were the two ancillary texts in selling our production?
We completed research from others films before completing our texts. Doing so allowed us to be more efficient and accurate when completing our media ancillary texts. In our radio trailer we included quotes from the film which we learnt from watching other radio trailers during our research. We also made sure i film poster looked the part by making sure the poster fitted with the story and explaining some parts of our film in the poster. Overall the film poster and the radio trailer did reflect our intentions and did help us in selling our production.
Thursday, 12 April 2018
Wednesday, 11 April 2018
Monday, 9 April 2018
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