Camera – we used it to reflect our genre. 90% of the film was shot using handheld cinematography. This helped to give our film a realistic, documentary style feel, creating a high sense of verisimilitude which is key for our film. We also shot the film in HD to give it a cinematic look and feel despite its documentary like, realistic roots.
Boom – We used it to record ambient sound and to ensure the best quality possible.
Voice – we used the sound recorder to record interior monologues for certain scenes within our film.
Final Cut – this was the key tool in our entire production, arguably. This allowed us to edit and control how we wanted the scenes to be handled, to alter audio levels, to add special effects (i.e., “Earthquake,” for the ending), filters (Colour correction for the day for night scenes and the flashback) and to add music.
Indesign – It was used to create both the poster and the article. We used this to effective present a coherent brand identity with our media products. We used text boxes and “swatches,” (colour tools) to create both an article and a poster that looked very professional and convincing.
Photoshop was used in order to edit the photos used. We encountered a problem with one of our photos because the date from the camera used to take it was imprinted on it, so we used the ‘stamp tool,’ to correct it. We also altered the colours within the photograph to make it much more suited to the look and feel we wanted for our media products (i.e., foreboding, mysterious and scary).
Blogger was used during the research and planning stages in order to upload analysis of media products, such as short films and magazine articles. Blogger allowed us to keep a detailed, cogent, chronological account of our entire production process, from preproduction to evaluation, and in so doing, it heightened the professionalism and our expertise.
Powerpoint was used to collate all of our information in our evaluation and to provide specific details about every facet of our production on an interactive level.
Sunday, 14 February 2010
Evaluation Question 3) What have you learnt from your audience feedback (Final Cut and Ancillary Tasks)
The audience feedback which we received for not only the final cut of our film but also the ancillary tasks (the poster and the magazine article) were very positive and highlighted aspects of our products which we thought were key and which we wanted to engage with the audience. For example, one audience member praised us on our use of camera shot and soundtrack, specifically during the opening scene, which she called “Engaging...” Another audience member, for instance, applauded us on our adhering to the conventions of thriller films, with this comment: “I like the way you’ve used the music and the really heavy use of blood...It’s really scary and gruesome!” A comment such as this, we feel, indicates that we successfully achieved our intentions to make the film very frightening, visceral and, at times, disturbing. Finally, in terms of our ancillary tasks, one audience member commented very highly on them, stating that “You clearly have a very coherent style, through the use of your main image, your use of language, the lighting of the images used, the use of fonts and your style, which, in particular, is very similar to many posters and magazine articles that I have seen and read.” This comment, we feel, is the epitome of all the hopes that we had venturing into this project and what we wanted to achieve with our production in general.
Evaluation Question 2) How effective is the combination of your main product and ancillary tasks?
We feel that the combination is very successful in staying in keeping with the same themes seen within our film, such as the use of colour (black, red and light blue) and use of images (the bloody red hands being taken directly from our film and a promotional still inspired by a scene within the film).
The text and language used in our magazine article is reflective of our genre (“a bunch of manically scary, giggling children...”). This use of language helps to stay in touch with the chilling nature of our film.
The font used in both the poster, the title card of the film and in parts of the magazine article (Charlemagne Std) is very jagged, edgy and raw, and is very much in keeping with the nature of our film. Also, the use of the tagline, “Always look back,” is very reflective of not only the content of the film, but also it complements the foreboding nature of the photograph.
The layout and colour scheme used within the photograph seen in our poster is very interesting, with Dammy in the foreground and Steven in the background and it helps to connote a sense of foreboding and implies a constant underlying threat that is prevelant throughout the entire film. The dual use of black and white and colour suggests a sense of isolation, and Dammy’s staring down at the wallet while Steven stares at him menacingly suggests a sense of deadly oblivion.
The use of the poster in accordance to the release of our film would inform our audience of when the film would be released and would reflect our genre, with the use of colour, image and tagline. The use of the website would allow our audience to interact with the film on a technological level and would allow us to reach an even wider audience.
The article would give our perspective audience a written look into the film, analysing and criticising both the positives and the negatives our of film, and with its use of images, key facts and trivia and quotes, it would entire our target audience and filmgoers in general.
The text and language used in our magazine article is reflective of our genre (“a bunch of manically scary, giggling children...”). This use of language helps to stay in touch with the chilling nature of our film.
The font used in both the poster, the title card of the film and in parts of the magazine article (Charlemagne Std) is very jagged, edgy and raw, and is very much in keeping with the nature of our film. Also, the use of the tagline, “Always look back,” is very reflective of not only the content of the film, but also it complements the foreboding nature of the photograph.
The layout and colour scheme used within the photograph seen in our poster is very interesting, with Dammy in the foreground and Steven in the background and it helps to connote a sense of foreboding and implies a constant underlying threat that is prevelant throughout the entire film. The dual use of black and white and colour suggests a sense of isolation, and Dammy’s staring down at the wallet while Steven stares at him menacingly suggests a sense of deadly oblivion.
The use of the poster in accordance to the release of our film would inform our audience of when the film would be released and would reflect our genre, with the use of colour, image and tagline. The use of the website would allow our audience to interact with the film on a technological level and would allow us to reach an even wider audience.
The article would give our perspective audience a written look into the film, analysing and criticising both the positives and the negatives our of film, and with its use of images, key facts and trivia and quotes, it would entire our target audience and filmgoers in general.
Evaluation Question 1) In what ways do your media products use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
Film:
Camera shots – conventional, for the most part. Repeated use of over the shoulder shots, low and high angles, tracking shots and extreme close ups. However, we also used a lot of handheld shots (particularly with the tracking shots) to give the film a very realistic, documentary style feel, which to reinforce the idea of verisimilitude that we tried to portray within our film. Also, the use of canted angles and, especially, the low angle shots, were used to convey a sense of surrealism and bizarreness, themes which are, once again, prevalent within our film (specifically the final scene).
Costumes – used to connote naivety (in Dammy’s case, with the light colours, very childlike and innocent, but at the same time, urban and in keeping with current fashion trends). The killer – very masculine coat, conveying his strength and threatening presence. Also, use of colours, such as red, black and grey, help to convey a sense of uneasiness and danger.
Locations – bedroom, very warm, comforting, very much Dammy’s environment (i.e., the shots of the items in and around his room). The exterior locations, such as the streets and the flat block, help to connote a sense of exposure, in that he has nowhere to run, he is trapped in a maze-like situation, evident in that we are always seeing him walking towards a place (his friend’s house) that he will never reach.
Lighting – since most of the film took place outdoors, we could only shoot at certain times of the ay in order to maintain a sense of continuity, and that the light levels would not seem out of place in certain shots. Also, in a metaphorical sense, we used light as a means of pathetic fallacy by, as the film progresses and our main character falls further and further into danger, the light slowly darkness to reflect the severity of his situation.
Props: The bloody wallet is used as one of the two biggest indicators of the violence which takes place prior to the events in the film taking place. The second is the bloody coat. These props are used to connote fear, death, and the threat that the killer brings. More specifically, the blood helps to give a very gruesome but, at the same time, a realistic edge to the film. The use of the keys helps to lure the audience, through Dammy, into a false sense of security, so that when the Killer is shown as pulling out the baseball bat, we finally realize what is about to take place.
Dialogue: Very minimal use of dialogue, but the dialogue that is used is crucial to the overall impact of the film. The killer’s forceful delivery of the dialogue, as opposed to Dammy’s stuttering and nervous delivery clearly represents where the power lies, and also, just how threatening and violent the killer is. Also, the use of interior monologue, seen throughout the film, helps to offer the audience an insight into Dammy’s shift in thought from happy-go-lucky to scared and frantic.
Soundtrack – we utilised a downbeat score during our crucial confrontation scene between our two characters, which is suggestive of the underlying threat which is always present between them. In contrast, we hear an upbeat piece of music at the beginning of the film to suggest a lighthearted and happy feel. Throughout the film, we hear a repetitive ambient, surreal and eerie score, which helps to represent the state of mind that Dammy’s character is in, and the extent of his nervousness and fear. Also, when the wallet falls from the Killer’s pocket, and in the scene in which Dammy and the Killer walk towards each other, we utilised highly dramatic orchestral scores, to heighten the tension and to fully convey the seriousness of the situation which is unfolding on screen.
Characters – two characters in our film, arguably the complete antithesis of each other. Whereas Dammy is presented as being weak, naive and childlike, the Killer is presented as violently threatening and menacing. Also, whereas Dammy has much to say and is seen contemplating his situation (both, largely, through the use of interior monologue), there is a definite sense of mystery about the killer’s presence.
Narrative: We followed a linear structure, which has an appropriate beginning, middle and end. The violence which occurs at the end of the film complements the events which preceded it perfectly, and is the only logical conclusion.
Compare:
1) Blood and Chips – Firm narrative, addressing issues of racism and current social issues (i.e. youth violence in the inner-city), urban locations and stereotypically urban characters, sound and camera angles (blood and chips utilises ambient sounds and canted angles to reflect the tension present in the scene [shots of the frying pan, customers, etc], and this is comparable to our film when he is faced with a deadly situation, as we use canted angles and synthetic ambient sounds (such as animals) to portray this situation], dialogue with heavy use of slang which presents a stereotypically urbanised portrayal of innercity life, also signifies threat and character thought/mindset.
2) Black Hole – use of ominous/strange props as plot devices which enter the main character into a situation that they cannot easily get out of (i.e., the black hole, or the bloodied wallet], use of sound which helps to create a very heavy and intense atmosphere. Use of narrative very strange and minimal, unconventional in terms of the story that it tells, the characters – both male characters generally going about their day, ordinary people put into strange circumstances. The ending – both very shocking, but also the only logical conclusion. Very much story based, rather than situational – both films, though they may seem minimal, tell a story and comment on aspects of human nature and society. (i.e., greed, violence).
3) Pound – Location, very urbanised surroundings (similar to our film), use of costume (i.e., tracksuits), suggestive of youth culture, stereotypically ethnic, mannerisms and dialogue (i.e., ‘That’s my wallet you got there, fam,’ greetings, etc all very urban, all very typical portrayal of urban life).
Contrast:
1) Occupied – completely different from our film in terms of costume, character, location, story, etc. Whilst Occupied is arguably about a woman on a mission, our film follows a young boy just generally going about his day. Whilst Occupied seems very active and extraordinary, our film seems very subdued at first, and then very surreal and strange. Also, the use of locations – our film takes place in several different locations all over inner city London, whilst Occupied takes place in a single bathroom. Whilst Occupied tells its story within a fairly brief space of time, our film takes its time to tell the story, building tension and trying to lure the audience into a state of shock. Whilst Occupied does try to build tension by luring the audience into a false sense of what is happening (i.e., the sabotage of an airplane), it takes a different and comical turn by actually presenting us with a woman who wants a cigarette, whilst with our film, what does appear to be happening (i.e., impending violence) does happen.
2) Pound – though both films are set in an urban area, Pound is more comical whilst our film takes itself much more seriously. Also, whilst Pound ends where it begins, suggesting an unending cycle, our film ends on a more expectedly shocking note, considering the events which takes place before it. Also, where our film has a beginning, middle and an end, Pound seems to be much more interested in depicting a situation rather than a conventional story.
Poster – we feel our poster is very conventional. This is due to our use of poster and film advertising conventions, such as the prominent featuring of star names, the title of the film, and the tagline, all of which are presented using harsh, edgy looking fonts and colours (such as black and red) help to create the sense of danger and threat which is present within our film. The featuring of the film's website allows our audience to engage with the film on an interactive level and allow us to branch out into an even wider audience. The use of the film's production company helps to give the poster and the film alike a professional feel, and the implication that this is part of a wider spectrum of films. Also, the use and proximity of the main image and the way it has been presented (i.e., with a combination or juxtaposition of black and white/muted and harsh, bright colours, and the killer being presented in the foreground, symbolising his constant underlying threat and the naivety of Dammy's character, absent-mindedly staring at the wallet) Also, compared to the way in which pre-existing film posters (such as the poster for the History Boyss), our poster gives to the viewer an indication of the events which are depicted within the film, , and thus creates a a coherent and clear brand identity and link between film and advertising technique.
Magazine - our magazine article is inspired by articles featured in magazines such as Empire (an example has been presented). The use of images shown within the article are either directly from or inspired by certain scenes present within our film (such as the bloody red hands), which help to imply not only a threatening, thrilling atmosphere about our film, very much suggestive of our genre, but also creates a coherent brand identity, as well. The use of key facts and trivia offers the audience a unique behind the scenes insight into the film, allowing them (like the website featured in the poster) to interact with the film on a more personalised level. The written review itself is, we feel, very much in keeping with and typical of reviews seen in film magazines, as it is balanced and non-biased, and this helps to give our magazine article a sense of professionalism, integrity and honesty that is seen when critical opinions of films are analysed and looked at closely.
Camera shots – conventional, for the most part. Repeated use of over the shoulder shots, low and high angles, tracking shots and extreme close ups. However, we also used a lot of handheld shots (particularly with the tracking shots) to give the film a very realistic, documentary style feel, which to reinforce the idea of verisimilitude that we tried to portray within our film. Also, the use of canted angles and, especially, the low angle shots, were used to convey a sense of surrealism and bizarreness, themes which are, once again, prevalent within our film (specifically the final scene).
Costumes – used to connote naivety (in Dammy’s case, with the light colours, very childlike and innocent, but at the same time, urban and in keeping with current fashion trends). The killer – very masculine coat, conveying his strength and threatening presence. Also, use of colours, such as red, black and grey, help to convey a sense of uneasiness and danger.
Locations – bedroom, very warm, comforting, very much Dammy’s environment (i.e., the shots of the items in and around his room). The exterior locations, such as the streets and the flat block, help to connote a sense of exposure, in that he has nowhere to run, he is trapped in a maze-like situation, evident in that we are always seeing him walking towards a place (his friend’s house) that he will never reach.
Lighting – since most of the film took place outdoors, we could only shoot at certain times of the ay in order to maintain a sense of continuity, and that the light levels would not seem out of place in certain shots. Also, in a metaphorical sense, we used light as a means of pathetic fallacy by, as the film progresses and our main character falls further and further into danger, the light slowly darkness to reflect the severity of his situation.
Props: The bloody wallet is used as one of the two biggest indicators of the violence which takes place prior to the events in the film taking place. The second is the bloody coat. These props are used to connote fear, death, and the threat that the killer brings. More specifically, the blood helps to give a very gruesome but, at the same time, a realistic edge to the film. The use of the keys helps to lure the audience, through Dammy, into a false sense of security, so that when the Killer is shown as pulling out the baseball bat, we finally realize what is about to take place.
Dialogue: Very minimal use of dialogue, but the dialogue that is used is crucial to the overall impact of the film. The killer’s forceful delivery of the dialogue, as opposed to Dammy’s stuttering and nervous delivery clearly represents where the power lies, and also, just how threatening and violent the killer is. Also, the use of interior monologue, seen throughout the film, helps to offer the audience an insight into Dammy’s shift in thought from happy-go-lucky to scared and frantic.
Soundtrack – we utilised a downbeat score during our crucial confrontation scene between our two characters, which is suggestive of the underlying threat which is always present between them. In contrast, we hear an upbeat piece of music at the beginning of the film to suggest a lighthearted and happy feel. Throughout the film, we hear a repetitive ambient, surreal and eerie score, which helps to represent the state of mind that Dammy’s character is in, and the extent of his nervousness and fear. Also, when the wallet falls from the Killer’s pocket, and in the scene in which Dammy and the Killer walk towards each other, we utilised highly dramatic orchestral scores, to heighten the tension and to fully convey the seriousness of the situation which is unfolding on screen.
Characters – two characters in our film, arguably the complete antithesis of each other. Whereas Dammy is presented as being weak, naive and childlike, the Killer is presented as violently threatening and menacing. Also, whereas Dammy has much to say and is seen contemplating his situation (both, largely, through the use of interior monologue), there is a definite sense of mystery about the killer’s presence.
Narrative: We followed a linear structure, which has an appropriate beginning, middle and end. The violence which occurs at the end of the film complements the events which preceded it perfectly, and is the only logical conclusion.
Compare:
1) Blood and Chips – Firm narrative, addressing issues of racism and current social issues (i.e. youth violence in the inner-city), urban locations and stereotypically urban characters, sound and camera angles (blood and chips utilises ambient sounds and canted angles to reflect the tension present in the scene [shots of the frying pan, customers, etc], and this is comparable to our film when he is faced with a deadly situation, as we use canted angles and synthetic ambient sounds (such as animals) to portray this situation], dialogue with heavy use of slang which presents a stereotypically urbanised portrayal of innercity life, also signifies threat and character thought/mindset.
2) Black Hole – use of ominous/strange props as plot devices which enter the main character into a situation that they cannot easily get out of (i.e., the black hole, or the bloodied wallet], use of sound which helps to create a very heavy and intense atmosphere. Use of narrative very strange and minimal, unconventional in terms of the story that it tells, the characters – both male characters generally going about their day, ordinary people put into strange circumstances. The ending – both very shocking, but also the only logical conclusion. Very much story based, rather than situational – both films, though they may seem minimal, tell a story and comment on aspects of human nature and society. (i.e., greed, violence).
3) Pound – Location, very urbanised surroundings (similar to our film), use of costume (i.e., tracksuits), suggestive of youth culture, stereotypically ethnic, mannerisms and dialogue (i.e., ‘That’s my wallet you got there, fam,’ greetings, etc all very urban, all very typical portrayal of urban life).
Contrast:
1) Occupied – completely different from our film in terms of costume, character, location, story, etc. Whilst Occupied is arguably about a woman on a mission, our film follows a young boy just generally going about his day. Whilst Occupied seems very active and extraordinary, our film seems very subdued at first, and then very surreal and strange. Also, the use of locations – our film takes place in several different locations all over inner city London, whilst Occupied takes place in a single bathroom. Whilst Occupied tells its story within a fairly brief space of time, our film takes its time to tell the story, building tension and trying to lure the audience into a state of shock. Whilst Occupied does try to build tension by luring the audience into a false sense of what is happening (i.e., the sabotage of an airplane), it takes a different and comical turn by actually presenting us with a woman who wants a cigarette, whilst with our film, what does appear to be happening (i.e., impending violence) does happen.
2) Pound – though both films are set in an urban area, Pound is more comical whilst our film takes itself much more seriously. Also, whilst Pound ends where it begins, suggesting an unending cycle, our film ends on a more expectedly shocking note, considering the events which takes place before it. Also, where our film has a beginning, middle and an end, Pound seems to be much more interested in depicting a situation rather than a conventional story.
Poster – we feel our poster is very conventional. This is due to our use of poster and film advertising conventions, such as the prominent featuring of star names, the title of the film, and the tagline, all of which are presented using harsh, edgy looking fonts and colours (such as black and red) help to create the sense of danger and threat which is present within our film. The featuring of the film's website allows our audience to engage with the film on an interactive level and allow us to branch out into an even wider audience. The use of the film's production company helps to give the poster and the film alike a professional feel, and the implication that this is part of a wider spectrum of films. Also, the use and proximity of the main image and the way it has been presented (i.e., with a combination or juxtaposition of black and white/muted and harsh, bright colours, and the killer being presented in the foreground, symbolising his constant underlying threat and the naivety of Dammy's character, absent-mindedly staring at the wallet) Also, compared to the way in which pre-existing film posters (such as the poster for the History Boyss), our poster gives to the viewer an indication of the events which are depicted within the film, , and thus creates a a coherent and clear brand identity and link between film and advertising technique.
Magazine - our magazine article is inspired by articles featured in magazines such as Empire (an example has been presented). The use of images shown within the article are either directly from or inspired by certain scenes present within our film (such as the bloody red hands), which help to imply not only a threatening, thrilling atmosphere about our film, very much suggestive of our genre, but also creates a coherent brand identity, as well. The use of key facts and trivia offers the audience a unique behind the scenes insight into the film, allowing them (like the website featured in the poster) to interact with the film on a more personalised level. The written review itself is, we feel, very much in keeping with and typical of reviews seen in film magazines, as it is balanced and non-biased, and this helps to give our magazine article a sense of professionalism, integrity and honesty that is seen when critical opinions of films are analysed and looked at closely.
Saturday, 2 January 2010
Completed Magazine Article
Here is our completed magazine article, which is intended to accompany our finished film poster:
This is our finished film poster. We feel that this poster effectively communicated our intentions for our short film (that is, to create a film that is very surreal, suspenseful and mysterious) and also contributes heavily to a cohesive brand identity across all three of our products. We sought inspiration from classic thriller films and film posters such as ‘Halloween,’ and ‘Friday the 13th,’ where the Killer is constantly depicted as looming in the background and is a constant underlying threatening presence in the main character’s lives. The use of the font, which is very gothic and jagged, and the accompanying colours (red, black) once again connote a heavily violent atmosphere, which we wanted to create with our filmed piece. We also used ‘directors’ quotes’ which are sentiments that we had towards the film, in order to give the readers of the magazine a ‘behind the scenes’ insight into our motivations behind the film. Also, the use of cast and crew credits, production company and official website have all been used to create a poster which seems very expert and convincing, and to give our production a push from amateur to professional.
This is our finished film poster. We feel that this poster effectively communicated our intentions for our short film (that is, to create a film that is very surreal, suspenseful and mysterious) and also contributes heavily to a cohesive brand identity across all three of our products. We sought inspiration from classic thriller films and film posters such as ‘Halloween,’ and ‘Friday the 13th,’ where the Killer is constantly depicted as looming in the background and is a constant underlying threatening presence in the main character’s lives. The use of the font, which is very gothic and jagged, and the accompanying colours (red, black) once again connote a heavily violent atmosphere, which we wanted to create with our filmed piece. We also used ‘directors’ quotes’ which are sentiments that we had towards the film, in order to give the readers of the magazine a ‘behind the scenes’ insight into our motivations behind the film. Also, the use of cast and crew credits, production company and official website have all been used to create a poster which seems very expert and convincing, and to give our production a push from amateur to professional.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
