Preparation - Planning

This is a brief mind map we created, as before we start to plan our film opening we decided to gather our thoughts collectively as a group,  discussing ideas and sub genres.

Target Audience

FILM AUDIENCE

 

First Stage Of Planning

This is a mind map of the first ideas we came up with for our film opening. These ideas are a combination of instant thoughts and minor detail we may use. However this is just the first stage of our planning, we hope to use this mind map to gather our thoughts and agree on a simple yet effective idea.

Title Sequences

Title Sequences

A title sequences is a method to present the film title, key credit productions and cast members. The opening credits of motion pictures are shown at the beginning and list the most important members of the production. The title sequence can be found on a blank screen or static pictures or sometimes on top of action. There may or may not be accompanying music. The use of art in title sequences is important as if the font size or colour doesn’t match the genre it may confuse the audience;

I watched several film openings and this convention was evidential;

Within Sleeping with the Enemy the blank screen and white large font follows the convention as the title of the film appears clearly after 40 seconds.

The title of the film follows the convention as it appears on top of action however its centre of the screen. The white bold font states the film title clearly appearing after 23seconds.

from researching and looking at how the title sequence follows the conventions, and in previous lessons learning the order in which they are presented, i now have an idea of how to adapt this to my piece in the future. Using the conventions and research we began to place credits within our prelim , this helped me put what i have learnt into practise.

BLOGGING DATES AND DEADLINES

Friday 1st Feb - Planning, Taking photos for storyboard.

Tuesday 5th Feb - Pitch Presentation.

Friday 8th Feb - Filming.

Tuesday 12th Feb - Filming.

Friday 15th Feb - FILM ALL DAY - INSET DAY.

Tuesday 26 Feb - Editing.

Friday 1st March - Editing.

Tuesday 5th March - Editing Rough copy deadline.

Friday 8th March  - Deadline.

Foley Sounds

Foley sounds are sound effects added to post production to enhance the quality of a film. Foley sound can include sounds such as footsteps, creaking doors, swishing clothes, breaking glass etc. They are used to recreate a more realistic film. The sound picked up from the boom mics can only pick up so much. For example, if a woman runs out the room in heels, the mic may not be able to pick up all of that. This is where Foley sound is introduced. 

How are they recorded? 

A sound artist would usually reenact the sound needed i.e the sound of heels on a wooden floor. They would do this by repeatedly stepping on a wooden floor. The sound artist, while recording, would be watching the clip which they are creating the sound effect for to make sure the sound they are making matches the the movement in the clip. This enhances the clip, giving it a more ambient sound.

Prelim Evaluation

Our Prelim was a semi success. It did have a lot of mistakes that we can now capitalize on when coming to make our real thriller opening. We did not finish adding all the titles to the clip because of time. Because of this, next time we can work on our time management. However, the titles that we did incorporate followed the conventions of a normal film opening. Also, the background sound was very muffled, thus bringing down the quality of the clip. Our clip did however follow the 180 degree rule, contained a shot reverse shot and a match cut of Torian (Group member) opening a door which was what was asked of us. I believe the lack of planning was the reason our prelim was not a total success. This is something that we as a group can work on for our real Thriller Opening.

Editing of the Prelim - Shots

Above, is a picture of 'Joel Ryan'  editing the prelim. We used the Apple Macs and the software 'Final Cut Pro' to edit the prelim. in this particular scene,  it shows the actor 'kevin Owusu' on the phone in the right box whilst standing next to 'his' car and  in the left box, it shows him pulling a 'sexy face'.

In the picture on the left, Ruth assists Joel in editing the prelim.

Prelim

Conventions

Conventions

The purpose of a film opening is to show action and begin the viewer’s interests so they can immediately get hooked into the film. The film opening will also clearly state the genre of the film; also most likely include the protagonist or antagonist.

Most film openings are around 2 minutes long but can very. However major blockbusters may be up to 5 minutes. Introduce the key characters, pre plot or beginning of the narrative. As the mise en scene establishes platform/ scene.

An example of a conventional film opening is Brooklyn’s Finest the crime drama orientated thriller film includes title credits, shows the production company logos, sets the location for the majority of the film, and also shows the audience the basis of the film. The non-diegetic music used throughout the entire opening creates an action packed surreal effect corresponding with the thriller genre. The use of establishing shots highlights key areas of ‘Brooklyn’ as the use of mise en scene and camera allow the audience to identify characters and their role within this film.

 Through researching the conventions of a thriller opening it has allowed me to gain an understanding of what is expected to be shown within the first 2-5 minutes. The opening of a film is an important factor to consider as not only does it set the genre it all so introduces key characters.  In the future when it comes to creating our own opening I can apply the convention I have learnt in order to achieve what is expected and gain views interests leaving them wanting to know more. 

Foley Sounds

Foley Sounds

Foley sounds are the reproduction of everyday sounds. The sound effects are added to the film during post-production. Without Foley, a film sounds empty and hollow as if the sound Foley sound effects are not controlled they can obstruct any of the dialogue. Foley sounds can also help establish a genre. As in the future we are going to base our final product on the ‘Thriller ’genre sound effects such as;

·      Footsteps,

·      Floor creaking

·      Paper folding,

·      Door’s opening and slamming,

·      Glass breaking,

·      Human screams

·      Heavy breathing

Can create suspense and tension following a convention of the genre. Personally I believe these sound effect can impact our work allowing the audience to understand and feel engaged with the action as for example if somebody was walking down a dark hallway the use of footsteps and heavy breathing can immediately create suspense hooking the audience, and making them feel as if something bad was to happen. From what I’ve researched I have come to an understanding that Foley sounds is an important factor for our production and editing stage.