Planning: Preliminary - MR S

Preliminary task

The purpose of the Preliminary Task

The purpose of the preliminary task has helped us to learn and develop our skills on how we can operate a camera to capture different camera angles and shots. While filming we had to experiment with the camera such as trying out different shot angles, trying these different shot angles will allow us to develop the correct skills in order to film our final product effectively. 

The scenario

Our location was in a class room which we found useful as it was quiet and a conversation was built between two characters.

This screen shots above are some different angles that we have used in our preliminary task. While filming, we used shot reverse shot which helps the audience to understand the conversation between the two characters. Also we have used a 180* shot to capture the characters facial expression within their conversation. However, by experimenting the different camera angles, I was then able to make sure that I do not repeat these mistakes again when filming our final product. 

Group roles 

During filming the preliminary task we have changed our roles starting with Asli and Hazal were operating the camera and me and Amani were were acting in the film. During editing our clip, Hazal done the editing. The preliminary task our group had separate roles. For example I was the director and I was also helping out with the camera operator. Asli was videoing the whole scenes. Amarni and Gizem were the actors. However, we all contributed with the editing. My whole group contributed with the paper work. 

Difficulties you uncounted whilst filming/ editing

We did have difficulties after filming as we are new to editing and my group struggle to put the videos together. While we was editing we found it difficult to upload our videos because  the editing system didn't accept our video which made our pace slower and took us longer to edit our video. Also as we were new to edit our clip using Final Cut pro, it was hard for us to edit our clip in a professional way. 

What have you learned

I have learned how to act professional in front of a camera as I need to be careful by acting calm for the clip to seem interesting. I have also learnt to use different camera shots/ angles and movements to capture scenes in a more professional way.  

Conclusion: How has the task been beneficial

This task has helped my team to develop their knowledge on how to add/ cut and edit clips together in order to make it effective. This task has been beneficial to me as now I know how to get my audience to engage in my thriller film. Also this task has helped me to prepare to film for our final production as now I have a clear understanding of what steps I need to take in order to be more professional. 

Planning: Micro- Elements - MR S

Micro-Elements

Cinematography

When my team start filming, we are using different photographic elements just as different camera positions which will enable the audience to get the feeling of being on set. It will also give the audience different outlooks within the scenes. We are using different lighting sources, starting with high key lighting. Which will help show the antagonist as powerful and strong whereas the second lighting technique is low key lighting which will able the protagonist to look as if he needs help and is out of control. Cinematography creates tension for the audience as different camera angles could mean something different for each audience. 

Editing

After filming our thriller, we are going to edit our scenes In order for it to look professional and effective. We are using different shot angles such as close up shots which helps the audience identify the characters facial expression, then we are using point of view shot film express the audience having the feeling of being in the antagonist or protagonists position. 

Sound

We are using 2 different sound techniques which include diegetic sound and non- diegetic. includes diegetic sound, and non-diegetic sound. 

The first Micro-Element that I will use is Sound:

1. Non-Diegetic sound - This sound effect is going to create confusion as different voice overs will appear that is not a part of my thriller.
2. On Screen Sound - This is going to help audience understand the Thriller clearly from the characters, as this sound technique allows the audience to see where the sound is coming from. 
3. Off Screen Sound - Is going to help create suspense as the audience cannot see where the spud is coming from. 
4. Parallel Sound - This is going to help my Thriller look very professional as this sound technique is very natural and may make my Thriller look very real in person. 
5. Contrapuntal - This is going to help my audience well on edge as the sound track is not going to connect to their expectations. 

The sound Micro-Elements that i will be using is Editing:

1. Straight cut - This editing technique will not confuse my audience as one shot moves into another shot in an edit. 
2. Fade to Black - I will be using this editing technique to create fear to my audience as from one scene to another a black filter will appear. 
3. Montage - This is going to create a flashback scene as i will edit different shots into a fast montage.
4. A reaction shot - this will allow my audience to feel like emotion my character may be in.

The finally Micro-Elements that I will be using is Cinematography:

1. Extreme Long Shot - from head to toe, this will allow the audience to know the representation of the character.
2. High Angle - the camera is placed on top of head looking up which is going to create power and strength for the representation of my characters. 
3. Point of View - this is going to help the audience feel in the characters point. 
4. Estabilising Shot - this is a whole shot of the scene including the scene as this helps the audience know what it may be like to be in that position. 

Conclusion

This research has allowed me to understand the three main Micro-Elements that I need to use in order to get effective feedback from the audience. 

Planning: Pre-Production Paperwork - MS B

Pre-Production Paperwork

Introduction
 

Before we started filming, we have produced pre-production paperwork which is made up of production schedule, location reece, location release form, risk assessment and client release form. Creating these documents were very important as before filming, we have a clear understanding of the risks involved and that we have permission to the locations that were filming at. Without these documents, we cannot film as we may get stopped by police and may be asked to clear the area due to the set up for the thriller that we are about to film.

Production schedule

The production schedule is very important and is given out to all 4 members in the group. As each member should be aware of the information revolving the thriller such as the date, time and location.
 

 

 

Location Reece

The location reece is given out to each member of the filming team and this location reece is very important as it has the locations listed so we know where to film. This is our example of A Location Reece:

 

 

Location Release Form

The location release form, is a very important document as its legal to discuss the terms and conditions for the company, council and people to allow our team to film in their location. This is an example of a Location Release Form:

Client Release form

The Client Release form contains the risks and locations making everyone involved of what is going on. This is our example of a Client Release form:

Risk Assessment

The reason why we have carried out a risk assessment as it is legal and it is important that the crew is prepared for a safety statement which will prevent accidents from happening while on set.  This is our example of a Risk Assessment:

 

 

 

Advantages of the Pre- production paperwork:

• It has allowed us to identify the risks that may be caused. 
• It has helped my team to understand the importance of seeking permission to use various locations 

Planning: Character Representation - MS B

Character Representation

In our group, we have different scenes with different character roles. In our Thriller, it is important that the character is presented well in order for the audience, to know the characters role.

Name: Amani

Character role: Antagonist 

Age: 19

Gender: Male

Costume: Black tracksuit with hoodie also a white dressing gown 

Body Language & Facial Expression: upset, shocked, mental, ill and confused. 

Represented as: An normal boy coming home from outside 

Role within the narrative: brother of the little sister 

Gender stereotype of role: His processed but he doesn't realise that until he kills his sister. He does know how or why he is processed but at the beginning of the film he is the hero but at the end the audience realises is that he is the antagonist. 
Costume: at the begging of the film he is wearing a white top with light blue jeans at the end of the film he has blood on his white top with black track suite. 

Planning: Mise en Scene - MR S

Mise en Scene

Introduction

Mise en Scene is very important to Thrillers as it allows the audience to hasa clear understanding of the narrative. Mise en Scene is made up from Lighting, Body Language and Facial Expression, Setting, Costume, Hair Make up and Iconography. The important part of a mise en scene analysis is not just identifying the components of the shot, but explaining the meaning or significance behind those components and connecting the shot to the themes of the film.

Lighting

In my Thriller we are using different lighting as we want the clip to be natural as if the lighting changes by its self or even the lighting looks natural when capturing different scenes. The first Lighting were using is 'Black Lighting' as Black light will make objects seem more realistic and this will impact the audience as the audience will feel as if the clip is real. Another type of Lighting that we will using is 'High Lighting,' as it  is to capture a moment in very high contrast on the whole of the subject whatever it maybe.By using reflectors and miniseries this reduces the chance of shadows being produce and makes a sharp and crisp image or scene.By using filters any hard light on low key will gone on high key lighting. Examples of high key lighting can be found in other genres of film,especially romances.

Body Language and Facial Expression

• The Antagonist (hidden identify) will have a upright body Language as the audience will hae the understanding ooof the antagonist being as a evil role.
• Amani the male character will have a straight face as he is walking down the road and his body language, his shoulders will be forward to show that he is harmless. 

Setting

In my filming team, we have chosen 3 locations, such as, A house, A drama room and A hut of a flat. 

Our opening scene is set at a hut which presents people walking to their house and it also seems to be realistic. 

Costume, Hair and Make Up

Our male character Amani will be wearing 2 different costumes, following with, a black track suit as this illustrates a daily wear and his second costume will be a white dirty grown which makes him look mental and disturbed. 

Iconography

In my thriller I will be using blood,lenses and a knife in order to make them conventional to the thriller genre, these objects make the audience respond with terror and make the film produce suspense for the audience. These iconographies are efficient and will create an impact on the characters as well as the audience. The knife will be used to create tension as we will go from one scene to another and in the last scene, the proantagist will be in a house holding a knife. This will create suspence as the audience will be confused on why the proantagist is holding the knife. 

Planning: Storyboard - MS B

Storyboard

In my filming team, Me and my team member Hazal have created this story board. Our StoryBoard is a graphic representation of our Thriller clip. A story board will help us as we will have information and directions to each scene. 

Planning: Production Roles - MS B

Production Roles

What is Production Roles?

Production roles is in a film crew and different people take different roles and the responsibilities for that role. It is important that in making a film, the set of specific people know their role as they need to be organised and prepared for what is to come. 

Roles within your group?

In my group we are 4 people including myself and we have spoken about the different roles that we would want to take out on set and it was also important that we are ready to take charge and responsibility to film our clip, 

Gizem

• Camera Operator 
• Lighting 
• Sound 

Asli 

• Costume and Hair
• Camera Operator 
• Storyboard

Hazal

• Producer
• Editor 
• Lighting 

Amani

• Director 
• Location

The 9 Production Roles: 

1. Camera Operator - A camera operator prepare and operate the camera and they organise the scenes by working alongside the storyboard. Making sure that the camera is operating correctly as to capture different shots, angles and sizes.
2. Producer -  A producer make sure that all roles are correct.
3. Director - Responsible for finalizing decisions.
4. Lighting Operator - responsible for the lighting used in scenes.
5. Location Manger - Responsible for finding a suitable location. 
6. Make - Up Artist - creates the characters role within the film.
7. Storyboard - an outline of every shot and how that shot will be produced. 
8. Editor - montages all the shots to make it into a film.
9. Sound - creates the tension within the scene.

Planning: Final Idea - MR S

Final Ideas  

Introduction: After reviewing each of our ideas that we came up with, we put all of our ideas together and developed a more realistic plan. 

Genre: Thriller

Sub-genres: Psychological and Crime.

Characters: 

Male antagonist - Amani

A teenage brother aged 18, who has killed her younger sister who is the pro-antagonist in the clip. The audience do not know why he has killed her sister but all they know is he has flash backs of his going mental in his head from feeling guilty.

Female pro-antagonist - Ruth

A young girl who has been killed by her big brother, when the antagonist is having flash backs then we are introduced to the little girls voice who says 'why me always me, its not my fault. I don't like you anymore.' This will only be given to the audience which then they will figure out what is the reason for this young girl to die because of his brother. 

Narrative: Our first scene is set as our male antagonist Amani is walking towards his house which the camera captures a close up shot of the characters hand holding the keys to the door. Then he will be walking into the hut which he has to walk up the stairs to go to his house, he comes across blood that is splatted all over the stairs and then while he walking up the stairs, he comes to the top of the stairs and realises that the blood is leading to his house and that his fronts doors of his house is silently open. So he runs into the house to come across to his sisters body, Amani is the person who killed his sister but because he is guilty, he's acting like he does not know how it happened, He then starts to have flash backs which he hears his sisters voice talking to him. 

Aristotle (theme)- Our thriller is conventional to Aristotle theory as there is a clear beginning, middle and end, however the end is left with a cliff-hanger. This helps to create anxiety and fear for the audience as the audience do not know what is about to happen later on. 

Mise en scene:

• Lighting: Low key lighting will be used to build tension and create fear for negative events. 
• Cinematography: I will be using close up shots to capture the antagonists to facial expression and I will also use a crane shot which will help the audience to understand what kind of surrounding the antagonist and pro-antagonist may be in. 
• Sound: I will use non-digetic sound which means that the sound will not match what is playing on the screen so it will create suspense for the audience. 
• Costume, hair and makeup: The antagonist will be wearing black jeans and a white jean which may show that he is trying to cover up blood stains on his trousers. The pro-antagonist will also be wearing white which shows that she is a innocent child.
• Setting: The first scene that the audience is introduced is the hut scene which shows a ordinary boy walking up the stairs. Then the house scene appears and the reason why we have set this scene in a house is because this builds tension for the audience as a house scene is conventional to thriller films.
• Iconography: The only object that we will be using is a knife which represents violence and fear.
• Body Language and facial expression: The pro-antagonists body language shows the audience that she is helpless as her body is laying on the floor, she does not move at all. The antagonists body language and facial expression show that he is guilty for what he has done, as she is leaning forward and tilting towards her body which show that he is wanting he back but its too late. 

Conclusion

Overall, I want my audience to feel engaged to my thriller film as I have ensured that I use all of the Micro- elements in order to present our thriller as realistic as possible. I want my audience to respond back with fear, suspense through the themes of violence. I want the audience to understand how guilty the antagonist is after what he has caused for his innocent little sister. 

Planning: Opening Scene Narration - MS B

Opening Scene Narration

Starter:  Amarni walks in the hut while his walking he sees blood drops on the floor this makes Armani walk faster just to see what happens because his sisters at home alone and he panics. When amarni runs through the long balcony he realises that his front door is wide open. Amarni stops at and slows down because his in such a shock that who would go into his house and do such a thing like that. Amarni shouts his sisters name out and there's no response from his sister. Amarni takes slow footsteps into his house.  He realises someone's on the floor the first thing he sees is a hand. He runs towards the hand and stops and slowly looks at this sisters wondering what has happened to her. He is In such a shock that he is wondering why someone would kill his sister. Armani's sister is covered in blood. 

Middle: Amarni steps back sits on the floor and wraps him self in a ball wondering why this has happened to him. The camera blacks out and amarnis in a black room and is processed all he can see is his sister looking at him and she has blood all other her. Amarnis trying to reach out to his sister but she keeps fading away. Amarnis getting weaker and weaker. Amarni starts to fight him self. his sister whispers 'why I was your sister' respectively. 

End: Then the camera switches back to amarni being at home with a knife covered in blood with his sister on the floor dead. 

However, in our story board we have included a protagonist. We have changed our idea and took the antagonist out and we have twisted the roles and idea so the video can finish with a cliff hanger.

Planning: Initial Ideas - MS B

Initial Ideas

Initial Ideas of a group

In a group of four we had to discuss the ideas that each of us came up with. We listed down all of the ideas and this has given us so many ideas that we could include in our final idea for the thriller production. Overall we have decided to use different parts form each members idea to put together in our final idea. For example from my idea we may take the CCTC idea and from Amani's idea we are planning to use the gang or making this a group of friends.

First idea created was by Me:

Narrative: A supernatural women who murdered her 2 daughters because her partner has cheated on her so the women character has flashbacks of her killing her 2 daughters which makes her crazy and mentally ill so then she is taken to a mental hospital which she then starts killing her doctors.

Title: Killer

Sub-genre: Science Fiction
Characters: Two daughters, husband, mother and the two doctors
Location:House and Mental Health Hospital
Iconography: Blood, knife.
Costume of character: Mother dressed in brown t-shirt and jeans.
The husband dressed in a black suit and white shirt.
The two daughters are dressed in similar colours pink and white dresses.
Advantages of the idea:The advantages of this thriller is that the structure isn't so confusing as the audience would easily understand what is going on. The idea may mean that some of the audience could related that they went through the same mind set as they were cheated on too and this would create a relationship between the character and the audience.
Disadvantages of the idea:One disadvantage of this idea is that it may become too difficult to actually show the audience why the lady decided to kill her daughters and not her husband.

Second Idea by Hazal:

Narrative: A lady Sleep walks to her daughters room and kills her daughters by biting her neck. When she goes back to sleep, she has flashbacks of her biting her daughters neck and she thinks its a nightmare, she goes to her daughters room that her daughters room and she comes across to her daughters death. She could hear voices; 'You killed your daughter.' Her daughter disappears and there is no sign of her daughter. No one believes her and she is therefore sent to mental hospital and is taken care of. She has attacks at the end and has killed herself.
Title: Lady asleep
Sub-genre: Psychological Thriller
Characters: Mother, Daughter, Doctors and family friends.
Narrative structure:
Location: House and Mental Health Hospital
Iconography: Blood, sharp teeth, Cross necklace
Costume of characters: The mother wearing a black nightgrown.
The daughter is dressed in a white and pink striped pajamas.
Advantages of the idea: The idea of the mother being the killer and her sleep walking allows the audience to wonder if she actually commited the crime or if someone else did. This creates mystery and fear. Also it has clear structure allowing the audience to understand who is who and what is happening.
Disadvantages of the idea: The idea of the mother killing the child and not knowing that she killed her may be confusing for the audience as we only see the mother being the antagonist. If the mother states that she hasn't killed her daughter then who did. There are questions that haven't been shown and this may confuse the audience.

Third Idea by Amani:

Narrative: Boy on the path to success with a good education is led on the path to destruction after his brother is killed by a gang. He takes revenge on the gang by wiping out each member but the further he goes the deeper into darkness he gets and the more he finds about his brother.

Title: Revenge
Sub-genre: Action Thriller
Characters: two brothers, two gangs including about 5 boys in each gang present in the gang scenes.
Narrative structure:
Location: Street
Iconograpy: knife, blood, two different gang coloured symbols.
Costume of character:
The brother who is well educated in a casual jean and white top showing that he is normal guy minding his own business and also that he is someone innocent.
The brother who died in black t-shirt and tracksuit and blood all over him.
The gang members in dark coloured t-shirts and tracksuits with different coloured symbols like hats or gloves that show they are member of a certain gang.
Advantages of the idea:The idea is well written. It has a flowing structure and allows the audience to understand what is going on. Simple characters and costumes used to allow the audience to identify who is who in the action thriller.
Disadvantages of the idea:The filming of the gang members may become difficult as there are alot of people. The location of the thriller could become challenging as there might be people outside who may think the arguments are real between the two gangs.

Fourth Idea by Asli:

Narrative: Takes place in a school. One of the employees of the school watching the CCTV footage everyday after school. He/She starts to see something appearing in some of the classrooms and cuts are made of the CCTV footage. When He/She goes to the classrooms to check of there is anything wrong but tables moved around. In seven days, Seven students goes missing from the school.
Title:Missing Seven
Sub-genre: Crime
Characters: Employee of the school who checks the CCTC, the seven students.
Narrative structure:
Location: School
Iconograpy: blood
Costume of character: The seven students are dressed in school uniform with blood and mud all over them.The employee is dressed in a black suit and he has no hair.
Advantages of the idea: One advantage of the idea is that it shows obsession. Allows the audience to watch more and find out who the killer actually is.
Disadvantages of the idea:One disadvantage is that it is in a school. The idea may have been better if it took place somewhere else like a library or a hospital.

Research: Opening Credits - MR S

Opening Credits

What are opening credits?

Opening Credits are shown at the very beginning of a Thriller/ Film, and opening credits is a list of the most important members of the production. They are now usually shown as text superimposed on a blank screen or static pictures, or sometimes on top of action in the show. There may or may not be accompanying music. 

What is their purpose? What information do they provide?

The purpose of opening credits is for the audience to identify the major actors and crew, while the closing credits list an extensive cast and production crew. 

How do they make the audience feel?

Opening credits are effective in films as they are usually followed by a soundtrack which automatically helps to build up tension among the audience. Images are often used in opening credits to make the audience ask questions about their relevance.

Example:

In this opening credits clip taken from the thriller, Se7en, the editor has put the text on graphic images. This builds tension for the audience as the font and size of the writing allow the audience to understand that this thriller film is fearful therefore this engages the audience to watch the film. 

Conclusion

When creating my own Thriller, I will ensure that my production name comes first as it will look professional to my audience and also I will include my main characters as it is important too let the audience know who is starring in the Thriller. I would also make sure that images are as a background  while the opening credits are shown because this will interest my audience as my target audience is younger teens which they could get bored after while watching the opening credits alone. 

Research: Typography - MR S

Typography

What is Typography?

Typography is how the text in the film is presented to the audience. e.g the size of text, the font, colour and texture of the text. Therefore this can impact your thriller in many ways as it needs to be interesting and attractive in order to get audiences attention. The arrangement of type involves the selection of typefaces, point size, line length, leading (line spacing), adjusting the spaces between groups of letters (tracking) and adjusting the space between pairs of letters (kerning).

Examples of Typography:

The typography used in this Thriller, is very upcoming as the text above pops up to the screen then dissolves throw a black filter. This creates an exciting emotion as in seconds the text disappears within a blackness. 

The typography used in this Thriller expresses Murder as the text is white plain and the background for the text is black.

Conclusion

When creating my own Thriller, I am going to use normal size font as I want my typography simple but effective as I am going to use white text colour on a dark background as this will appeal to he audience and give them a hint of what is excepted 

  

                                          

Research: Results from questionnaire - MS B

Results from questionnaire

What is the importance to get and analyse feedback?

It is very important that you are aware of your audiences expectations and it is also important that you get the right information that are audience has given you as you will need it to analyse and that you then analyse the key areas that  your audience may want to see your own Thriller in. 

Graphs that I have created using my feedback from audience:

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

This research has been beneficial as I now know what key information that I should be aware of when creating my own Thriller. I know what the audience may like now, I could add that to my thriller and also I know what key aspects my audience may except from me.

Research: Questionaire - MS B

Questionnaire

What is the importance of primary research?

Primary research is very important as you will look for the topic you need in order to help you, the creation of your own research, whether a question that you ask to your friends and family or a survey put together alongside and agency and administered to a wide panel. Primary research will instantly let you feel more in control of your project; and that is the exact position you will find yourself in. You choose the questions and select your panel through qualitative research, allowing you detailed responses from individuals.

Who did you ask and why?

I asked twenty people and my aim was at ages 10 to 25+ ages. From the results I got, I now know what is suitable for my audience and what my audience may want to see from my Thriller. When giving out my questionnaire I made sure that i give both males and females the similar number of questionnaires to answer, the reason for this is that I want to know what both genders think about Thrillers because in my Thriller I will be having different genders acting so I now know what a male audience would except from my thriller as well as females

Advantages and Disadvantages of Questionnaires:

The advantages of questionnaires:

1. Large amounts of information can be collected from a large number of people in a short period of time and in a relatively cost effective way. 
2. When data has been quantified, it can be used to compare and contrast other research and may be used to measure changes.
3. The responses of a questionnaire are gathered in a stardard way, so questionnaires are more like objectives also known as more like interviews.
4. they are relatively easy to analyse
5. they are familiar to library staff and managers
6. a large sample of the given population can be contacted at relatively low cost.

The disadvantages of questionnaires:

1. Questionnaires, like many evaluation methods occur after the event, so participants may forget important issues.
2. if you forget to ask a question, you cannot usually go back to respondents, especially if they are anonymous
3. it is sometimes difficult to obtain a sufficient number of responses, especially from postal questionnaires
4. those who have an interest in the subject may be more likely to respond, skewing the sample
5. respondents may ignore certain questions
6. questionnaires may appear impersonal
7. questions may be incorrectly completed

Thriller Questionnaire

Conclusion

From the feedback, I received It has been beneficial as now when I am creating my Thriller, I know what my audiences exceptions are and what will engaged them to my Thriller. I have asked 3 different types of questions; closed, open and multiple questions. Firstly, for Closed questions i gave to options 'YES' or 'NO,' For Open questions I have given lines for my audience to write their answer in more detail. And finally for Multiple questions I have provided my question with answers.