During our session of editing today, we encountered some problems as we had a limited amount of time, due to other lessons throughout the day. We had around 40 minutes to edit the footage, but we realized some of our footage didn't fit in with what we had, so we had to improvise with other scenes we had taken.
The order we had filmed our scenes was also a problem, as some of the scenes were hard to find. They were all in different places and it meant it was difficult to locate them and put them together, we also realized that we had to re-order some scenes as the ones on the storyboard didn't fit.
Andrea Gonzalez
Wednesday, 15 December 2010
Pros and Cons of Crime Thriller
Pros
- Using a crime thriller genre, would allow the audience to relate to what a real life situation may be.
- There are many successful films we could refer to if need be.
- It is easy to identify the genre, as the non-diegetic sounds and characters are easy to identify.
- We are able to add more effects with the editing software, therefore improving the opening sequence.
Cons
- Crime Thriller may not be appealing to everyone, as some would prefer other genres.
- Being original in our opening sequence is quite difficult as there are many films that have been created.
- A lot of props are needed, so stretching out the budget was necessary to create the full impact and understanding, of what we're trying to achieve and interpret.
By Andrea Gonzalez
- Using a crime thriller genre, would allow the audience to relate to what a real life situation may be.
- There are many successful films we could refer to if need be.
- It is easy to identify the genre, as the non-diegetic sounds and characters are easy to identify.
- We are able to add more effects with the editing software, therefore improving the opening sequence.
Cons
- Crime Thriller may not be appealing to everyone, as some would prefer other genres.
- Being original in our opening sequence is quite difficult as there are many films that have been created.
- A lot of props are needed, so stretching out the budget was necessary to create the full impact and understanding, of what we're trying to achieve and interpret.
By Andrea Gonzalez
Wednesday, 8 December 2010
Problems When Editing
During the editing process there were a number of problems!
Firstly the computer was not recognising the camera but we quickly resolved that problem. The next incident was that the program that we used to edit 'imovie HD' decided to letterbox all our scenes, this was problematic as it took a long time to do, and also the program stopped responding after we tried to cancel the letterboxing. After force quitting the program we then had to re-import the film, which was time consuming as it imports in real time and we had filmed over 30 minutes worth of scenes.
Lastly when we came to edit our film we realised that imovie HD had duplicated all our scenes half of them were letterboxed and half weren't. This took up even more of our time as we had to sift through over 80 frames deleting the letterboxed version, naming the ones we were and weren't going to use and then organising them into an order so that we could edit efficiently.
Georgia Feyi-Waboso
Firstly the computer was not recognising the camera but we quickly resolved that problem. The next incident was that the program that we used to edit 'imovie HD' decided to letterbox all our scenes, this was problematic as it took a long time to do, and also the program stopped responding after we tried to cancel the letterboxing. After force quitting the program we then had to re-import the film, which was time consuming as it imports in real time and we had filmed over 30 minutes worth of scenes.
Lastly when we came to edit our film we realised that imovie HD had duplicated all our scenes half of them were letterboxed and half weren't. This took up even more of our time as we had to sift through over 80 frames deleting the letterboxed version, naming the ones we were and weren't going to use and then organising them into an order so that we could edit efficiently.
Georgia Feyi-Waboso
Evaluation of My Role during Filming
We filmed over the period of one day as we wanted to take full advantage of the snow. We wanted to use the snow as it created a more sinister affect to our movie that darkness would have if we were able to film in it.
During the filming I was mostly acting, as the main character of the film I was in most of the scenes and even acted as a forensic scientist at the end of the film as we had a shortage of actors. During the filming process there were may problems, mostly with sound as the area's we were filming in were quite busy with cars or trains so I needed to raise my voice without shouting, I found this difficult because I didn't want to ruin the scenes by raising my voice too loud. Also on the day we forgot to bring the storyboard with us so we did not have clear direction as to what scenes needed filming, this proved very time consuming as we had to re-plan the scenes and also make adjustments when we realised certain things would not work.
The day ended very late and the whole group were beginning to tire, this meant that scenes were taking even longer as we kept taking breaks and not focusing. Over all I am pleased with how the day went, and hopefully the opening sequence of 'Stalking in Suburbia' is successful.
Georgia Feyi-Waboso
During the filming I was mostly acting, as the main character of the film I was in most of the scenes and even acted as a forensic scientist at the end of the film as we had a shortage of actors. During the filming process there were may problems, mostly with sound as the area's we were filming in were quite busy with cars or trains so I needed to raise my voice without shouting, I found this difficult because I didn't want to ruin the scenes by raising my voice too loud. Also on the day we forgot to bring the storyboard with us so we did not have clear direction as to what scenes needed filming, this proved very time consuming as we had to re-plan the scenes and also make adjustments when we realised certain things would not work.
The day ended very late and the whole group were beginning to tire, this meant that scenes were taking even longer as we kept taking breaks and not focusing. Over all I am pleased with how the day went, and hopefully the opening sequence of 'Stalking in Suburbia' is successful.
Georgia Feyi-Waboso
Wednesday, 1 December 2010
Age Certification
The age certification that we chose to have was a 15, we found that the age of 12 would not fit our sequence whereas 15 would fit into our opening sequence.
Andrea Gonzalez
This is because we found that a 12 certification would mean that any use of drugs, psychological threat and disturbing scenes also the use of pain or any harm to anybody else would need to be allowed, as young children of 12 may at some point copy this which could be dangerous.
Moderate violence is allowed, but no scenes of injuries and gory blood should not be permitted. any sexual violence should not be permitted, if done so, it must have a strong justification.
Whereas the age certification of 15, is more lenient on horror and thriller scenes, strong threat and menace are permitted. Dangerous behavior such as hanging and self harming is permitted but should not be see in detail as this could lead to an imitation of it.
Any strong language used is permitted but has to be justified. Any violence should not inflict any pain or injury. No gory images are acceptable as these images could inflict disturbing scenes to the audience of the that age. Any reference to sexual violence must be discreet and be strong in its contextual justification.
Therefore, choosing the age of 15 would mean we wouldn't be breaking any 'rules' and it would mean that we wouldn't have to keep thinking not to make scenes to discreet or use any 'strong' language. Also, having the age certificate of 15, it fits into other thrillers that we have chosen to analyse as they have an age certificate of 15.
Andrea Gonzalez
Idea's for Sound
Our film is a crime thriller therefore the film's sound and music must create the atmosphere of fear and suspense.
For the non-diagetic music played from string instruments such as violins and cello's create a tense and fearful atmosphere. And also there should be periods of silence just as a tense moment is about to arise and this will cause the audience to hold their breath and wait it suspense as this indicates that something is about to happen.
For the diagetic sound a voice over may be required for the dialogue in the opening sequence as not much of it can be heard clearly. Also as Georgia enters the house and there is a period of time where she is off scene a scream sound affect could be used to illustrate that something fatal has happened to her and give the audience more of an idea of what the story is about.
Georgia Feyi-Waboso
For the non-diagetic music played from string instruments such as violins and cello's create a tense and fearful atmosphere. And also there should be periods of silence just as a tense moment is about to arise and this will cause the audience to hold their breath and wait it suspense as this indicates that something is about to happen.
For the diagetic sound a voice over may be required for the dialogue in the opening sequence as not much of it can be heard clearly. Also as Georgia enters the house and there is a period of time where she is off scene a scream sound affect could be used to illustrate that something fatal has happened to her and give the audience more of an idea of what the story is about.
Georgia Feyi-Waboso
Treatment Of Sequence
PLOT:
Our film is a crime thriller based on the serious of CSI. It is called 'Stalking in Suburbia'. A stalker has an eye on a train passenger that boards the train and sits opposite him. He procedes to stare and he for the remainder of her journey and tries touching her feet, when she pulls away he rises and towers over her trying to touch her face, feeling scared and threatened and rushes off the train leaving her bag inside the carraige, the stalker then proceeds to look through her back finding her address book and takes down her address. Georgia (the passenger) walks down her road on the phone to her friend in obvious distress that she has left her bag on the train. As she approaches her house she realises that her front door is open she cautiously enters, disappears into the house and a scream is heard. The next scene cuts to Georgia's dead body on the kitchen floor followed by a forensic scientist investigating the crime scene. Lastly the main detective arrives ready to investigate the murder.
TARGET AUDIENCE:
The film is certified a 15. This means that the target audience is 15 year olds and above who are interested in crime thrillers.
LOCATION/SETTING WHY?:
The main location was Georgia's house in Woodford Green as this is where the murder takes place, also we filmed in Woodford Green which is in the suburbs of London as the film's title is 'Stalking in Suburbia'
and it is appropriate for the film and keeps within the theme of it.
CHARACTERS:
Georgia Feyi-Waboso - Georgia (Train passenger)
Claudia Zeppetella - Stalker
Andrea Gonzalez - Detective and forensic scientist
IDEAS FOR LIGHTING:
We did want to film in the evening to contribute to the fearful atmosphere we were trying to create and suspense. However we couldn't do that as there was no light showing on the footage that we had filmed and nothing could be seen so we chose to film during the daytime to gain more light in the shot, however on the day we did shoot it was snowing so this brightened up the scenes substantially.
PROPS AND COSTUMES:
Our main props where Georgia's bag and address book as they were vital for the flow and plot of the story. Also the crime scene tape was used to give the scene authenticity of being an actual crime scene. We also obtained white all in one costumes to look like forensic costumes for the forensic scientists as this would give a good effect for the scene and make it look like an authentic crime scene also.
ATMOSPHERE WE WERE TRYING TO CREATE:
We were trying to create a dark and frightening atmosphere. We wanted to create suspense and drama and also make the audience feel frightful for the welfare of the character Georgia. As the genre of the film is a crime thriller to thrill the audience and I hope we achieve this.
Georgia Feyi-Waboso
Our film is a crime thriller based on the serious of CSI. It is called 'Stalking in Suburbia'. A stalker has an eye on a train passenger that boards the train and sits opposite him. He procedes to stare and he for the remainder of her journey and tries touching her feet, when she pulls away he rises and towers over her trying to touch her face, feeling scared and threatened and rushes off the train leaving her bag inside the carraige, the stalker then proceeds to look through her back finding her address book and takes down her address. Georgia (the passenger) walks down her road on the phone to her friend in obvious distress that she has left her bag on the train. As she approaches her house she realises that her front door is open she cautiously enters, disappears into the house and a scream is heard. The next scene cuts to Georgia's dead body on the kitchen floor followed by a forensic scientist investigating the crime scene. Lastly the main detective arrives ready to investigate the murder.
TARGET AUDIENCE:
The film is certified a 15. This means that the target audience is 15 year olds and above who are interested in crime thrillers.
LOCATION/SETTING WHY?:
The main location was Georgia's house in Woodford Green as this is where the murder takes place, also we filmed in Woodford Green which is in the suburbs of London as the film's title is 'Stalking in Suburbia'
and it is appropriate for the film and keeps within the theme of it.
CHARACTERS:
Georgia Feyi-Waboso - Georgia (Train passenger)
Claudia Zeppetella - Stalker
Andrea Gonzalez - Detective and forensic scientist
IDEAS FOR LIGHTING:
We did want to film in the evening to contribute to the fearful atmosphere we were trying to create and suspense. However we couldn't do that as there was no light showing on the footage that we had filmed and nothing could be seen so we chose to film during the daytime to gain more light in the shot, however on the day we did shoot it was snowing so this brightened up the scenes substantially.
PROPS AND COSTUMES:
Our main props where Georgia's bag and address book as they were vital for the flow and plot of the story. Also the crime scene tape was used to give the scene authenticity of being an actual crime scene. We also obtained white all in one costumes to look like forensic costumes for the forensic scientists as this would give a good effect for the scene and make it look like an authentic crime scene also.
ATMOSPHERE WE WERE TRYING TO CREATE:
We were trying to create a dark and frightening atmosphere. We wanted to create suspense and drama and also make the audience feel frightful for the welfare of the character Georgia. As the genre of the film is a crime thriller to thrill the audience and I hope we achieve this.
Georgia Feyi-Waboso
Evaluation Of My Role In The Film Sequence
My role in the film sequence was that i was the camera person who filmed all the shots. At first we had filmed in the dark and the image quality was really poor so we had to film all over again. I learnt that the less lighting used the harder it is for us to see the image. We filmed whilst it was snowing, so the main problem I occurred was the snow going on the camera lens, which was annoying. So to prevent that from happening we held an umbrella over the camera. I learnt that if you zoomed in whilst filming the film looked really home made and so I made any zooming adjustments before I started recording. I really enjoyed being in charge of the filming as it was a hands on job which required full concentration at all times.
Claudia Zeppetella
Script
Script
We haven't got much narrative in the film apart from the following:
Georgia walking down the road "I can't believe I left my bag on the train, he was such a weirdo, I was so scared i don't know what to do, it had my phone in it and everything!!"
Georgia approaching the house "How am I going to get in the house my keys were in the bag!! Oh my god Andrea my door is open, my door is open, why is my door open, Shall i take a look? Stay on the phone whilst i check it out ok?"
Forensic person "Evening Detective"
Andrea "Evening, whats going on here then?"
Forensic person "It looks like a murder"
Andrea "Well lets take a look then"
Forensic person "Evening Detective"
Andrea "Evening, whats going on here then?"
Forensic person "It looks like a murder"
Andrea "Well lets take a look then"
The reason we didn't use much narrative is because we thought it would be more effective of a crime/thriller film if it wasn't full of narrative.
Locations Used
We filmed at the following stations:
Theydon Bois
Debden
Leyton
Epping
Stratford
We filmed on the train for the majority of the film
The next place we filmed was down a road in Woodford Green which leaded to Georgia's house.
Georgia's house was the last location we used which is in Woodford
Props Used
Forensic outfits-Builders website-used by Georgia and Andrea
Crime Scene tape-Ebay-used by Andrea
Georgia's bag-used by Georgia
Diary-Used by Georgia and Claudia
Phone-used by Georgia
Detective costume-used by Georgia
Georgia's costume-used by Georgia
Plastic bag for forensic evidence-used by Andrea
Claudia Zeppetella
Problems We Encountered
During the time in which we were filming we encountered some problems due to technical difficulties. When we started to film it, we realised when we got to the place we were going to film, that the video camera and tripod we were supplied with didn't have a battery, and also the tripod was broken.
When we filmed the scenes previously, we encountered some problems:
- The scene we had filmed was too dark, the lighting wasn't good.
- The tripod that was given was broken.
- The camera supplied, didn't have a battery
During the filming, we also had to change some of the scenes to make it flow better:
- Instead of 'the follower' walking into the train, we changed it to Georgia walking on instead, to create more suspense.
- When the stalker towers over Georgia, we did it all in one, this would cause less disruption to other people on the train and we also found that it flowed better.
- The conversation we had when Georgia was walking down the road was changed as we decided to change the location of the conversation.
- There was no close up of Georgia speaking.
- When Georgia arrives at her house, we changed the close up from medium to long shot.
- we didn't do a shot from the creek in the door, as we thought it might confuse the audience.
- We also changed the title from 'The Following' to 'Stalking in Suburbia' as we thought this would make it less obvious the plot of the story.
- We tried to include a police car but we couldn't, because they police where unavailable for the time we wanted, so we couldn't include them.
Andrea Gonzalez
When we filmed the scenes previously, we encountered some problems:
- The scene we had filmed was too dark, the lighting wasn't good.
- The tripod that was given was broken.
- The camera supplied, didn't have a battery
During the filming, we also had to change some of the scenes to make it flow better:
- Instead of 'the follower' walking into the train, we changed it to Georgia walking on instead, to create more suspense.
- When the stalker towers over Georgia, we did it all in one, this would cause less disruption to other people on the train and we also found that it flowed better.
- The conversation we had when Georgia was walking down the road was changed as we decided to change the location of the conversation.
- There was no close up of Georgia speaking.
- When Georgia arrives at her house, we changed the close up from medium to long shot.
- we didn't do a shot from the creek in the door, as we thought it might confuse the audience.
- We also changed the title from 'The Following' to 'Stalking in Suburbia' as we thought this would make it less obvious the plot of the story.
- We tried to include a police car but we couldn't, because they police where unavailable for the time we wanted, so we couldn't include them.
Andrea Gonzalez
Shot List To New Film
1. Georgia on train medium shot
2. Follower walks on train-point of view shot
3. Georgia looking up and then looks back to watch-medium shot
4. Follower sits down-point of view shot
5. Georgia looking around carriage-close up shot
6. Follower staring at Georgia 3 seconds-point of view shot
7. Georgia looks uneasy-Close up shot
8. Staring at Georgia again up and down-Point of view shot
9. Close up of Georgia's eyes looking side to side
10. Point of view of feet he touches hers she pulls away
11. Medium shot Georgia pulling out phone-scared
12. Point of view of Georgia sitting down and the follower towering over her
13. Point of view of Georgia leaping up and pushing past follower and gets off the train
14. Long shot of Georgia scared "I forget bag"
15. Point of view of bag opened at takes address book
16. Long shot of Georgia walking down the road
17. Medium shot of Georgia on the phone
18. Close up of dialogue
19. Point of view of follower looking through the window and following georgia with his eyes
20. Georgia approaches house and stops medium shot
21. Shot of door opening -medium shot
22. Close up of georgia saying "My doors open stay on the phone whilst i check it out"
23. Point of view of follower looking through creak of door at Georgia
24. Long shot of Georgia walking into the house
25. Wide shot of house and scream
26. The title "Stalking in Suburbia"
27. Close up of phone on floor with sounds of hello
28. Black fading
29. Shot of police tape-close up
30. Shot of police car lights-close up
31. Camera flashes close up
32. Markers around body-close up
33. Birds eye view of body
34. Wide shot of house, tape, forensic, police
35. Main detective walks under tape-long shot
36. Medium shot of her walking to door
37. Close up of detective taking gloves and glasses off
38. Policeman hands her pad
39. Medium shot of detective looking through
40. Medium shot of detective talking "tell me everything you know"
41. Silence and end credits.
Claudia Zeppetella and Georgia Feyi-Waboso
2. Follower walks on train-point of view shot
3. Georgia looking up and then looks back to watch-medium shot
4. Follower sits down-point of view shot
5. Georgia looking around carriage-close up shot
6. Follower staring at Georgia 3 seconds-point of view shot
7. Georgia looks uneasy-Close up shot
8. Staring at Georgia again up and down-Point of view shot
9. Close up of Georgia's eyes looking side to side
10. Point of view of feet he touches hers she pulls away
11. Medium shot Georgia pulling out phone-scared
12. Point of view of Georgia sitting down and the follower towering over her
13. Point of view of Georgia leaping up and pushing past follower and gets off the train
14. Long shot of Georgia scared "I forget bag"
15. Point of view of bag opened at takes address book
16. Long shot of Georgia walking down the road
17. Medium shot of Georgia on the phone
18. Close up of dialogue
19. Point of view of follower looking through the window and following georgia with his eyes
20. Georgia approaches house and stops medium shot
21. Shot of door opening -medium shot
22. Close up of georgia saying "My doors open stay on the phone whilst i check it out"
23. Point of view of follower looking through creak of door at Georgia
24. Long shot of Georgia walking into the house
25. Wide shot of house and scream
26. The title "Stalking in Suburbia"
27. Close up of phone on floor with sounds of hello
28. Black fading
29. Shot of police tape-close up
30. Shot of police car lights-close up
31. Camera flashes close up
32. Markers around body-close up
33. Birds eye view of body
34. Wide shot of house, tape, forensic, police
35. Main detective walks under tape-long shot
36. Medium shot of her walking to door
37. Close up of detective taking gloves and glasses off
38. Policeman hands her pad
39. Medium shot of detective looking through
40. Medium shot of detective talking "tell me everything you know"
41. Silence and end credits.
Claudia Zeppetella and Georgia Feyi-Waboso
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
Research into Crime Fiction Genre
Our new genre we chose is Crime Thriller, this genre deals with murder mystery. It involves crimes, their detection, criminals and their motives. It uses suspense, tension and excitement.
We came to an agreement as a group, that in most crimes, there is a common structure; first their is a crime (usually a murder), then an investigation, finally then an outcome or judgement which usually may result to the an arrest or death of the criminal.
Films :
Monster (2003)
This dark tale film - Monster is a typical Crime Thriller investigation, based on a true story of Aileen Wuronos (Charlize Theron) is focused during a 9 month period of her life between 1989 and 1990. Wuronos, who was a prostitute, was executed in 2002 in Florida. Aileen Wuronos was brought up in a cruel manner as a child being surrounded by drugs and abuse, by the age of thirteen turning to prostitution.
Aileen confessed to murdering six men, including a policeman, she claimed that the killings of these men were in self defence, as she was assaulted violently whilst working as a prostitute during which a love story begins although the horror of her life lingers.
Wurons is sent to Florida by her parents due to the fact she was pregnant and also in order to 'cure her homosexuality', yet Aileen is on the verge of committing suicide which is when she discovers love.
Aileen wanders into a bar bringing attention to herself as she looks distressed and is seen as scruffy and a complete mess and meets Selby, Aileen immediately clings to her as she feels something that she has never experienced before; the affection to be loved and cared for.
Aileen Wuronos continues hooking in order to keep their relationship alive, as money is very tight she takes the money but gives nothing in return except death. This enrages Aileen more, leading to the string of killings which leads her to the public eye as the first female cold-blooded serial killer - the Monster.
Andrea Gonzalez
We came to an agreement as a group, that in most crimes, there is a common structure; first their is a crime (usually a murder), then an investigation, finally then an outcome or judgement which usually may result to the an arrest or death of the criminal.
Films :
Monster (2003)
This dark tale film - Monster is a typical Crime Thriller investigation, based on a true story of Aileen Wuronos (Charlize Theron) is focused during a 9 month period of her life between 1989 and 1990. Wuronos, who was a prostitute, was executed in 2002 in Florida. Aileen Wuronos was brought up in a cruel manner as a child being surrounded by drugs and abuse, by the age of thirteen turning to prostitution.
Aileen confessed to murdering six men, including a policeman, she claimed that the killings of these men were in self defence, as she was assaulted violently whilst working as a prostitute during which a love story begins although the horror of her life lingers.
Wurons is sent to Florida by her parents due to the fact she was pregnant and also in order to 'cure her homosexuality', yet Aileen is on the verge of committing suicide which is when she discovers love.
Aileen wanders into a bar bringing attention to herself as she looks distressed and is seen as scruffy and a complete mess and meets Selby, Aileen immediately clings to her as she feels something that she has never experienced before; the affection to be loved and cared for.
Aileen Wuronos continues hooking in order to keep their relationship alive, as money is very tight she takes the money but gives nothing in return except death. This enrages Aileen more, leading to the string of killings which leads her to the public eye as the first female cold-blooded serial killer - the Monster.
Andrea Gonzalez
Deciding to Change our Genre
After careful consideration we decided that the genre we had first chosen to use was not going to be as affective as what we would have liked it to be.
We thought that the story we were creating wasn't making the genre obvious as people could not tell from our story that it was the Rom-Com genre.
The story in our Rom-Com genre was going to be one man taking two women out on a date only to get caught out and dumped by both of them in a comical manner. However when reviewing the Rom-Com genre the common story line was that a man and a woman fall in love however encounter problems and have to go through a few challenges before they an finally be together.
Because our story line didn't follow this pattern and we didn't want out film to be the same as a lot of others we decided to change our genre to crime fiction.
With the crime fiction genre we came up with a better and clearer plot which would be more effective in conveying the story line.
Georgia Feyi-Waboso.
We thought that the story we were creating wasn't making the genre obvious as people could not tell from our story that it was the Rom-Com genre.
The story in our Rom-Com genre was going to be one man taking two women out on a date only to get caught out and dumped by both of them in a comical manner. However when reviewing the Rom-Com genre the common story line was that a man and a woman fall in love however encounter problems and have to go through a few challenges before they an finally be together.
Because our story line didn't follow this pattern and we didn't want out film to be the same as a lot of others we decided to change our genre to crime fiction.
With the crime fiction genre we came up with a better and clearer plot which would be more effective in conveying the story line.
Georgia Feyi-Waboso.
Wednesday, 13 October 2010
Research into the Rom-Com Genre
Romantic comedy films (romcoms) are films with light-hearted, humorous plot lines, and based on romantic ideals about love and also encounter problems in finding love. Romantic comedy films are a sub-genre of comedy films as well as of romance films.
The Film:
The Wedding Planner -
This film is a romantic comedy, this is a hybrid of the comedy and also the romance genre.
The typical conventions of a rom-com is that two people usually the main characters fall in love but encounter some problems before they can be together. In this case it is the actress Jennifer Lopez and actor Matthew McConaughy.
The film opens with a plain black background and the titles appear in a light blue girly font which gives an indication that the film involves romance.
The film starts with a flashback into Mary's (Jennifer Lopez) childhood where she is seen playing with her barbies acting out a wedding scene. This relates to the title 'The Wedding Planner' as the audience can already see that her future will involves weddings in some way or another .
The scene then blends into the present as a nervous bride is having second thoughts about her upcoming nuptials. It then cuts to Mary consoling her and reassuring her that she is doing the right thing, she is very calm and obviously experienced in what she is doing. This introduces Mary as a successful wedding planner who people respect.
The lighting is light and the scene is decorated with various lights, flowers and candles to fit with the theme of romance.
As the scene cuts to Mary entering her home the mise-en-scene suggests that she lives alone and is very independent as she makes sure everything is neat an tidy and in its place. The lighting is sightly dim suggesting that she is unhappy with the situation. However her house is decorated in a light pink and has various girly attributes to it to keep with the theme of romance.
The use of non-diagetic sound of a slow romantic song also ties into the genre and indicates to the audience that this is a rom-com. It is obvious from this that the film is targeted at females.
Sex and the City -
The television series Sex and the City is another example of the rom-com genre. The opening sequence of the programme starts with a half shot of Carrie's (Sarah Jessica Parker) face, this is to signify the idea that Carrie is a small girl in a big city, also SATC's theme tune starts to play and this is instantly recognisable. It then cuts into a low-angle shot of the empire state building which is one of the most famous landmarks in New York City, this sets the scene of the programme. Then it cuts to another shot of Carrie's face, this time its a close-up of her looking around and smiling which establishes her position as the main character of the programme. The mise-en-scene of the city environment and her hair and make-up fully made up shows that she is a confident city girl. The scenes then change but are very quick shots of different facial expressions from Carrie and then of the surrounding skyscrapers around her. This is used to emphasise the title of 'Sex and the City' Sex being represented by Carrie, and the City being represented by the skyscrapers, car/cabs and people of New York.
Carrie then starts walking seductively through New York in slow motion this is to represent her sexuality and also ties into the genre of romance, however when she is caught by a car splashing a puddle over her it represents the problems she and her co-stars will face in the pursuit of love which is a typical convention on the rom-com genre. The opening sequence then ends with Carrie looking round embarrassed and confused which makes her relatable to the audience.
Georgia Feyi-Waboso
The Film:
The Wedding Planner -
This film is a romantic comedy, this is a hybrid of the comedy and also the romance genre.
The typical conventions of a rom-com is that two people usually the main characters fall in love but encounter some problems before they can be together. In this case it is the actress Jennifer Lopez and actor Matthew McConaughy.
The film opens with a plain black background and the titles appear in a light blue girly font which gives an indication that the film involves romance.
The film starts with a flashback into Mary's (Jennifer Lopez) childhood where she is seen playing with her barbies acting out a wedding scene. This relates to the title 'The Wedding Planner' as the audience can already see that her future will involves weddings in some way or another .
The scene then blends into the present as a nervous bride is having second thoughts about her upcoming nuptials. It then cuts to Mary consoling her and reassuring her that she is doing the right thing, she is very calm and obviously experienced in what she is doing. This introduces Mary as a successful wedding planner who people respect.
The lighting is light and the scene is decorated with various lights, flowers and candles to fit with the theme of romance.
As the scene cuts to Mary entering her home the mise-en-scene suggests that she lives alone and is very independent as she makes sure everything is neat an tidy and in its place. The lighting is sightly dim suggesting that she is unhappy with the situation. However her house is decorated in a light pink and has various girly attributes to it to keep with the theme of romance.
The use of non-diagetic sound of a slow romantic song also ties into the genre and indicates to the audience that this is a rom-com. It is obvious from this that the film is targeted at females.
Sex and the City -
The television series Sex and the City is another example of the rom-com genre. The opening sequence of the programme starts with a half shot of Carrie's (Sarah Jessica Parker) face, this is to signify the idea that Carrie is a small girl in a big city, also SATC's theme tune starts to play and this is instantly recognisable. It then cuts into a low-angle shot of the empire state building which is one of the most famous landmarks in New York City, this sets the scene of the programme. Then it cuts to another shot of Carrie's face, this time its a close-up of her looking around and smiling which establishes her position as the main character of the programme. The mise-en-scene of the city environment and her hair and make-up fully made up shows that she is a confident city girl. The scenes then change but are very quick shots of different facial expressions from Carrie and then of the surrounding skyscrapers around her. This is used to emphasise the title of 'Sex and the City' Sex being represented by Carrie, and the City being represented by the skyscrapers, car/cabs and people of New York.
Carrie then starts walking seductively through New York in slow motion this is to represent her sexuality and also ties into the genre of romance, however when she is caught by a car splashing a puddle over her it represents the problems she and her co-stars will face in the pursuit of love which is a typical convention on the rom-com genre. The opening sequence then ends with Carrie looking round embarrassed and confused which makes her relatable to the audience.
Georgia Feyi-Waboso
Prelim Task Evaluation
Whilst filming our Prelim Task we faced a number of complications. For example when looking over the footage we had accidently recorded over it, so we then had to film the whole sequence again. However when it came to editing the footage we found that the 'lost' footage was actually on the video recorder just further back then we thought. This was irritating as we had spent time filming it a second time and not as long editing it. We didn't struggle with the 180-degree rule and put it into practice. For our main task we will take into consideration the feedback given to us by the audience.
Audience feedback:
The class had told us that overall our film was very good however they thought it was too long and the dialogue wasn't clear enough. They also noticed the change in the lighting as we had filmed two shots at different time intervals so there wasn't as much sun in one of them.
Claudia Zeppetella
Claudia Zeppetella
Prelim Task Brief
For our prelim task we had to create a short film to show our use of:
- Continuity Editing;
- Shot reverse shot ;
- The 180 degree rule.
We had to show a character opening a door, crossing a room and sitting down in a chair opposite another character, with whom she then exchanges a couple of line of dialogue.
We were able to choose the setting, the content of the dialogue and characters. We worked in a group of three and each of us had our own individual role.
We had to use a range of camera shots and we used a tripod to make sure the shots were steady.
We used editing software to edit our footage to make sure the film was fluent.
Claudia Zeppetella
Claudia Zeppetella
Opening Sequences of films...
Opening Sequences...
For our main task we have to produce an opening sequence to a film including credits, so in class we have been looking at some famous ones. We had to write about the different conventions used which create the effects in the first few minutes of a film. We looked at Rocky 3 and Seven.
Rocky III
Rocky is a drama film which also shares many of the conventions of the action genre. In the opening sequence to Rocky III the film starts with the recognisable rocky theme tune which is also used in the previous films in the series. The film immediately catches the audiences attention with the large yellow font stating the name of the film. Within the first 40 seconds of the opening sequence we know straight away it will be about fighting, as we are introduced to the main character Rocky fighting. Each punch he throws to his opponent is backed up with a increase of tempo in the music. The fast paced music is a convention of action genre. Both Rocky and his opponent fall to the floor and the camera shots back to a close up of a ladies face which allows us to see her facial expression and her reaction to the fight. We also get long lingering shots on Rocky's face which is a convention of the drama genre as we know the film is about him. The increasing tempo of music creates tension whilst we wait to see if Rocky will win the fight and rise from the floor. The non-diegetic sound of commentators also builds up suspense and excitement, we also feel the need to celebrate with the crowd when Rocky wins as the volume of the commentators voices rise and we can hear the excitement in their voices and we can sense the high energry which is also a convention of the action genre.The establishing shot of the ring and crowd tells us where it's taking place. When Rocky is given the prize the music crescendos to show the importance of it and loud music is a convention of the action genre. Also we see a close up of Rocky's face when given the prize which focuses on a high point in his life, something which is discussed in a drama genre as we see dramatic happenings in his lifetime. The montage in Rocky of training then fighting scenes get mixed together by the shots being faded in and dissolving is a convention of an action film as its a non stop motion with a fast pace in addition the fast paced song 'eye of the tiger' in the background builds up suspense and makes the film exciting.
Se7en
Seven is a thriller and it fits within the sub-genre of a psychological thriller. At the start of the opening sequence because its in a dark setting and there is no diegetic or non diegetic sound it creates tension as silence makes you feel as though you are alone that is why its used so often in thriller films, because people are scared of being alone. Before the credits come on the man puts the metronome on to fall asleep, and the ticking sound increases tension as you think something is about to happen as time passes on by. Which is what the thriller genre is all about, keeping the audience on their toes. We know it fits under the psychological sub genre because in the credits the person peels his skin off his thumbs, this makes you think that no ordinary person would do such a thing, they must have something wrong with them and they must be disturbed. Thriller films use dark sinister colors which gives tells you there's a chilling atmosphere. The montage used between the name credits and the hands makes the audience feel uneasy as they don't know what is coming up after the next shot. The sinister writing and eerie music makes you believe that the character is a disturbed individual. The credits are in a font similar to the hand writing of a child's, this creates a sense of uncertainty in the audience.
Claudia Zeppetella
For our main task we have to produce an opening sequence to a film including credits, so in class we have been looking at some famous ones. We had to write about the different conventions used which create the effects in the first few minutes of a film. We looked at Rocky 3 and Seven.
Rocky III
Rocky is a drama film which also shares many of the conventions of the action genre. In the opening sequence to Rocky III the film starts with the recognisable rocky theme tune which is also used in the previous films in the series. The film immediately catches the audiences attention with the large yellow font stating the name of the film. Within the first 40 seconds of the opening sequence we know straight away it will be about fighting, as we are introduced to the main character Rocky fighting. Each punch he throws to his opponent is backed up with a increase of tempo in the music. The fast paced music is a convention of action genre. Both Rocky and his opponent fall to the floor and the camera shots back to a close up of a ladies face which allows us to see her facial expression and her reaction to the fight. We also get long lingering shots on Rocky's face which is a convention of the drama genre as we know the film is about him. The increasing tempo of music creates tension whilst we wait to see if Rocky will win the fight and rise from the floor. The non-diegetic sound of commentators also builds up suspense and excitement, we also feel the need to celebrate with the crowd when Rocky wins as the volume of the commentators voices rise and we can hear the excitement in their voices and we can sense the high energry which is also a convention of the action genre.The establishing shot of the ring and crowd tells us where it's taking place. When Rocky is given the prize the music crescendos to show the importance of it and loud music is a convention of the action genre. Also we see a close up of Rocky's face when given the prize which focuses on a high point in his life, something which is discussed in a drama genre as we see dramatic happenings in his lifetime. The montage in Rocky of training then fighting scenes get mixed together by the shots being faded in and dissolving is a convention of an action film as its a non stop motion with a fast pace in addition the fast paced song 'eye of the tiger' in the background builds up suspense and makes the film exciting.
Se7en
Seven is a thriller and it fits within the sub-genre of a psychological thriller. At the start of the opening sequence because its in a dark setting and there is no diegetic or non diegetic sound it creates tension as silence makes you feel as though you are alone that is why its used so often in thriller films, because people are scared of being alone. Before the credits come on the man puts the metronome on to fall asleep, and the ticking sound increases tension as you think something is about to happen as time passes on by. Which is what the thriller genre is all about, keeping the audience on their toes. We know it fits under the psychological sub genre because in the credits the person peels his skin off his thumbs, this makes you think that no ordinary person would do such a thing, they must have something wrong with them and they must be disturbed. Thriller films use dark sinister colors which gives tells you there's a chilling atmosphere. The montage used between the name credits and the hands makes the audience feel uneasy as they don't know what is coming up after the next shot. The sinister writing and eerie music makes you believe that the character is a disturbed individual. The credits are in a font similar to the hand writing of a child's, this creates a sense of uncertainty in the audience.
Claudia Zeppetella
Tuesday, 5 October 2010
Monday, 4 October 2010
Dialogue
Andrea: Come In
Georgia: Hi my name is Georgia, pleased to meet you
Andrea: Good afternoon, sit down please
Andrea: Could I have your curriculum vitae please
Andrea: So tell me, why do you think I should give you this job?
Georgia: Well Iv'e always wanted to do this ever since I was young. It has been a dream of mine and your establishment has a very very good reputation, so I would just love to work here. Iv'e got the experience, Iv'e got the skills and... I really want this job.
Andrea: Thank you very much and we'll give you a call back
Georgia: Thank you
By Andrea Gonzalez
Georgia: Hi my name is Georgia, pleased to meet you
Andrea: Good afternoon, sit down please
Andrea: Could I have your curriculum vitae please
Andrea: So tell me, why do you think I should give you this job?
Georgia: Well Iv'e always wanted to do this ever since I was young. It has been a dream of mine and your establishment has a very very good reputation, so I would just love to work here. Iv'e got the experience, Iv'e got the skills and... I really want this job.
Andrea: Thank you very much and we'll give you a call back
Georgia: Thank you
By Andrea Gonzalez
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
Tuesday, 21 September 2010
Our shot list
In our film shots will be Georgia and Andrea. Claudia will be filming..
Georgia looking at her watch - Medium Shot
Georgia walks towards the door - Close up of feet.
Georgia arrives at the door - Long shot
Andrea at desk - Close up
Georgia walks through the corridor (Camera filming from the back) - Long shot
Georgia opens the door - Close up
Georgia enters the room - High angle shot
Andrea greets Georgia - Low angle shot
Shot reverse shot of conversation.
Georgia Feyi-Waboso
Georgia looking at her watch - Medium Shot
Georgia walks towards the door - Close up of feet.
Georgia arrives at the door - Long shot
Andrea at desk - Close up
Georgia walks through the corridor (Camera filming from the back) - Long shot
Georgia opens the door - Close up
Georgia enters the room - High angle shot
Andrea greets Georgia - Low angle shot
Shot reverse shot of conversation.
Georgia Feyi-Waboso
Location, location, location...
We chose Mrs Vaughn's office in Keswick House to film our prelim task.
Why did we choose this location?
We chose this location because we think it is ideal for our set task. The reason being is it suits our script choice and also will give us a wide variety of shots to broaden the quality of our film.
This location gives us the opportunity to follow the brief correctly by allowing us to walk through corridors and conduct a conversation.
Georgia Feyi-Waboso
Georgia Feyi-Waboso
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