Evaluation 6 Alex Barker

In order to create our thriller film opening we needed to use a variety of technologies to create and improve, each having a unique purpose. For Example to edit our clips we record on a 1080p digital camcorder and we would use FinalCut Pro which is an editing software available on apple macs that were used in the college in lessons and free time.

To begin with to record the clips digital camcorder to collect all of the clips that was needed for our thriller opening. By using the digital cameras we were able to capture a vast-range of different clips, using many different angles and camera movements. For instance we would use close up shots and tracking shots. The tracking shots were done on a handheld. We thought this was a good idea because it would make the audience feel like they are following the character without her knowing. But when standing in the same spot when filming. To hold the camera in them shots, we would used a tripod to stable the camera in position. We did this so that we could capture the best clips as much as possible.

Secondly we used would lighting equipment to make sure the light up the shed so that we would have more control for our scene as we would have no control over the usual light. By doing this we were able to use the lights we would place them where we think would be best to shoot our clips. Furthermore by using the lights, we would use filters which were attached to the lights so that it create a specific mood in our case, we would it to be a dark depressing mood. Overall, the colours of the lights would give off  a range of different atmospheres in the room, which is a vital so you can create the mood of the scene.

Finally to edit our clips. We would use FinalCut Pro to edit them. We had to cut and crop our clips down in order to make sure the clips flowed with each other together. Once all the clips had been picked to the right size we would then put them all the clips together to make sure opening storyline made sense. Once done, we would add effects to the clips. For example we added a part-white faded transition between clips to show the idea that our character is suffering from illusions making the audience question upon what is going on.

Evalutation 7 Alex Barker

7. Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learned in the progression from it to the full product?

Here you need to explain how you think you have progressed from the preliminary task to the main task. You should discuss your development of technical skills – the use of camera, sound editing, vision editing, your use of continuity editing and your construction of character and story. Again, use screen grabs and make cross refs to earlier blog entries).

Looking back at the preliminary I have learnt a variety of beneficial techniques that I will be able to use in the future of AS media. But, when our group made the preliminary task I and my group went through a range of difficulties such as research, planning and filming throughout the progression. So in order to improve on our knowledge and tom prepare for the main task we studied the rules of camera shots that are the basis in thriller films. For example shot/reverse shot, match on action and the 180 degree rule are the main 3 rules that must be followed in order to achieve when filming. They can be found further down the blog for more information on what they are. To ensure that our final opening looked professional we followed these rules to gain the most marks we could.

When we came to planning and filming our main goal of all was to make the opening sequence contain tension to the audience. In order to show that, we learnt a variety of ways that each played a vital role in the opening sequence. 

 To do this is what I did:

Lighting:

I learnt how the impact in lighting can affect the tone and mood in the film which I got to experience when planning as we tested a variety of lights to see what they would do. However when filming the main task we used very lighting as the majority of our film was set outside in the woods where the sun was the main source of light. By using a range of different lighting and light filters I learnt they are an important part of filming and an improved way to change or create the atmosphere to the audience. For example, filming in a dark place particularly the shed at the start we were not able to see much of the characters/objects in the area. But by using the right lighting you are able to see the objects or characters and be able to create a specific tone in the atmosphere by either using light filters or making the light dimmer. But when we filmed indoors we would use very little lighting to show very little of the antagonist’s face to create the enigma idea upon “who is he?” to the audience and the idea of the unknown to create pressure.

Camera:

Secondly, the camerawork and camera skills that I did in the preliminary have improved. They were improved by taking time in lessons to practice and using a variety of different camera positions and angles which can give not only a better look but a different perspective in a sequence such as the mood and atmosphere. In our planning the following camera angles and movements I have experimented with are; pans, tracking, over the shoulder, different high and low angles, close up, longs shots and eye level.

Video Editing Techniques

In my opinion, my video editing skills have improved since the preliminary due to the fact that I've learned a range of new techniques such as how to input transitions particularly the fade and wipe as they were important so that they would show flashbacks between the present day. Also I got to experiment on video and sound filters which have been used throughout our thriller film opening as we would input royalty free music that were diegetic and we would add intense music which were set as non-diegetic purposes for the audience to experience the mood. Furthermore I had to use correction on the colour due to the light from the sun affecting every shot so I would balance all the shots out and also to make sure that the colours matched the mood of our shots.

Constructing The Character

When planning, we had to consider the following of our protagonist character such as the age and gender as they would both determine and have an impact on which our target audience for the sequence would be for. In the end we decided that our character would be a female age 18 who goes on jog but throughout her run begins to suffer from vision in her head for an unknown reason (the enigma)

Evaluation, question 5, Amy Sharp

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Evaluation, question 6, Amy Sharp

 Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SHmmiflcjs&feature=youtu.be 


Equipment:

Evaluation, question 7, Amy Sharp

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Pursue - Final Film

The YouTube link to our final film:

https://youtu.be/kDdE9xlX_2I

3 Title Sequences Reviews

I will be reviewing 3 Title Sequences in the Thriller genre.

Psycho (1960) Directed by Alfred Hitchcock Sequence made by Saul Bass

We are jumped into a set of grey lines moving across the screen. the sequence is also combined with the iconic non-diegetic sound of the film "Psycho" which are created by a variety of string instruments that are played in a sharp and fast paste tone to create tension and nerves throughout the sequence. As the grey lines go past the screen, the director name Alfred Hitchcock appears on screen in a white colour combined in a strong font in full caps. During the sequence there are no actors included. the whole colour of the sequence appears in white writing , black background and grey lines passing by. This creates a pressure of fear in the film as there being very limited colour in the film. The title name being "Psycho" creates the idea that the theme of the film is craziness and fear with madness. After 2 minutes the lines transition across to show a city in black and white to show the film plot is beginning.

Vertigo (1958) Directed by Alfred Hitchcock Sequence made by Saul Bass

In the beginning very much like "Psycho" the sharp string music jumps in. However, instead of a black background we are viewed with an extreme close up of a woman's closed mouth. this gives the impression of the unknown and that unknown character may have a vital part in the entire film. After 3 seconds the camera begins to track up keeping in that extreme close up only this time to her eyes. judging by her emotion we can tell that she is showing very little emotion showing that she may suffering from something that the audience has not discovered yet. Again after 3 seconds the camera begins to zoom in further to her left eye again showing little emotion. All of the writing appears see through with a white outline of the words. Then suddenly the filter of the shot turns into a violent red with the colour showing that it may be trying to represent love, danger and violence. then shots begins to black fade and vertigo lines in different colours appear for brief seconds each been different with the start been pink then turning into blue which gives the idea the vertigo lines and colour can show the idea of madness and illness. Finally it transition back to the woman's eye and black fades to show the film.





Fargo (1996) Directed by Joel Coen Sequence made by  Balsmeyer & Everett, Inc.at the start of the sequence we are given a black background with white writing saying how the film is a true story. while this is happening, sad acoustic guitar music and piano is playing. It then white fades into what we see a long shot of a car moving forward through a blizzard. the music is still playing only this time a sad violin is added in. This shot lasts for 1 minute and 2 seconds till the car drives past to which follows the next shot. Which is transitioned by a fade to what appears black bold writing of the title.

Title Analysis' - Sophie

(1) Inception
To begin with, the name 'Inception' is a good gripping name. 'Inception' suggest human action and drama, and not horror themes such as paranormal events (this works well with the thriller genre). The use of one word means that the audience are left asking questions about the films plot, story, characters, themes and so on, therefore creating enigma and mystery before the audience have seen the film. This is an effect we want to achieve with our title by using a one word name.
The film title design is key here as well for setting the genre and themes to the audience. The use of black and red makes an effective contrast between the background and the font (similar to what white and black creates), in addition the use of red reveals further meaning and information to the audience, as it indicates blood and danger. The font used is a very simple and medium sizes font which is effective for its simplicity.
Institutional Info & Actors etc.
'Written and Directed by Christopher Nolan'
Editor
Production Designer
Music
Leonardo DiCaprio 
Ellen Page
There is little (if any) institutional information, this suggests that it is an extremely well funded film.
Actors are mentioned early on in the title sequence and are quite a main focus of attention. This is most probably due to the feature of high quality actors  such as Leonardo DiCaprio. (we won't be putting our actress in our title sequence)

The whole of the title sequence is an animation. There are no images, clips or any footage in the background of the title information, just a black background. I found this effective however also slighting ineffective. This was effective in that the information surrounding the films plot and story was kept hidden, therefore adding enigma and keeping the audience guessing. In addition the colours used (black and red) work effectively at highlighting the genre of the film with black being associated with darkness and red with blood and danger.
However, personally I did find this title sequence a bit boring towards the end. As there was little information being fed through about the story, In contrast this could have been the film makers specific choice enable to make the audience intrigued in the story. 
All the sound in the title sequence is a non-diegetic sound track. the orchestral music works well to start the film off with high energy and engaging the audiences attention. For the last few seconds there is a sound bridge where the audience begin the hear the sound of rushing water/a rough sea. This quickly drowns out the soundtrack and bridges into the next scene (when the main character is washed up on a beach - hence the sea sounds). This use of upbeat sound contributes enormously to the over piece, adding energy and interest into the opening, additionally the use of a sound bridge works really effectively here to ensure continuity is intact.

(2) Dark Knight
The name of the film here is another example of a simple but effective title. The words 'Dark' and 'Knight' suggest both danger and action battles; therefore suggesting themes of fighting, good vs evil and high energy action; fitting suitably with the Thriller genre. The use of a name for the title as supposed to a place or just a general title (for example, Batman Begins as the first film of the trilodgy) grabs the audiences attention much more effectively as it raises natural questions such as; who is the dark knight? why is he/she dark? etc etc.
A running theme with the openings titles of the Batman trilodgy is that none of them contain a film title being shown during the opening titles. In fact, there isn't much of an opening title sequence at all.
Institutional Info
Warner Bros Studios
Legendary Pictures
DC Comics
Following the brief institutional information provided. There is an interesting animation that occurs on the screen which is very effective in drawing the audience in and setting the theme/genre. The cloud like feature in the frame has two main colours, deep purple and black. The combination of these colours work so well at converying danger, evil (especially the purple) and darkness.
Overall, In this title sequence I like the simplicity which I think works really well for this film and the specific sub genres / themes that occur in batman (eg/ Superheros, villains etc) however I don't think this would be effective in our thriller opening. 

(3) Transformers 4: Age Of Extinction 
The name of these films is pretty self explanatory. There is little mystery or suspense behind the name 'Transformers', however there is nothing that suggests this is a bad thing for this type of film. The full name suggests action and drama, which fits perfectly with the genre and the themes of the film.
Institutional Info
Paramount Pictures Presents..
In association with Hasbro..
Next there is a tracking (backwards) shot what is revealed to be space. As the camera moves back the frame reveals some metal space ship type constructions floating in the space as also the earth (or some kind of planet) begins to show to the left of the frame.
The title of the film is then shown on the screen very effectively, with each letter flipping round out of the background to reveal the word 'transformers'. The metal, spaced out and rigid font for the title creates a really good and effective relationship between the background and the title name. While this is happening the camera is still zooming/panning out, revealing more of the space setting and the space ships in it.
The music used during the title sequence of this film is another effective thing that I like. Starting off quiet and barely audible, It ends with a soundtrack playing as a climax, The music moves in relation to the revealing of the film's title name. The sound used is very orchestral for example, organs, horns, trumpets, drums, which works really well for the build up of sound. In addition a sound bridge is used between the soundtrack in the opening titles and the waterfall at the very beginning of the first scene.

Overall I enjoy this title sequence the most out of the three. It offers an effective amount of information while still keeping mystery into the plot and storyline, in addition there is an effective relationship between the music, background shots and the title font.

Title examples - fonts and placement

This is just to show various font and placement ideas to take inspiration from for our thriller title.

Amy's title analysis

Splice
 The sequence starts out with a series of animal x-rays that morph into the institutions logos, in this case its Warner Bros. pictures, Dark castle entertainment, Copperheart entertainment/ Gaumont and Vincenzo Natali. The X-rays each slightly move showing the animal is alive its disturbing and would capture an audience. The background appears to be underwater but with a dark green colour suggesting it may be a different substance, the text fades in and out repeating the institutions. Once the list of institutions finishes a non-diegetic soundtrack fades in, it is piano based which is calm compared to the previous images of the x-rays which is the opposite. The background shows a scale like surface within the dark green liquid and over a bump covered by skin, it is again disturbing and would make some audiences feel nauseous. The music intensifies building tension and makes an audience expect something to happen however it then goes quiet again and the camera passes through some bubbles.This would slightly confusing the audience as it is unclear what we are seeing as well as its relevance. The screen clears and we see a name made up on the scale like surface, it pans down more closely at the surface before seeing another name. The music is calm again and adds a mysterious thriller feel. The camera goes up a tube, the audience would assume the camera is traveling through something but they would be unsure of what exactly it is. This continues throughout the sequence, at points there are diegetic sounds of bubbles, thumping and cracking. The music intensifies close to the end of the sequence again building tension, as the music does this veins appear on the screen and spell out the title 'Splice', it is a disturbing end to the title sequence.
The sequence over all in unsettling and disturbing, it give little to no information about the film but works effectively with the way it blends the names with the surface.



Cape Fear
The institutions for this thriller are: Universal, Amblin entertainment, Cappa films, Martin Scornses and Tribecca productions. The music is subtle in the background whilst the universal logo is shown then a sudden music change progresses into the titles, the sudden change is almost a jump scare for the audience because is it so unexpected. The background seems to be rippling water however it is a gold highlighted colour. The music then changes again to intensify as an eagle fades out from the background, and moves out of shot as the main actors names appear on screen. The music continues to intensify keeping the audience on edge, it builds up to the title 'Cape fear' which from the opening doesn't signify or hint to what the film may be about. The title is shown early on in the sequence in the first minute it is unclear why this has been done but leaves the audience suspended in what it means in relation to the films story line. Facial feature fade in and out behind the rippling water effect of the background whilst it progresses through the crew and casts names. Near the end the golden highlights turn to completely red making the sequence more sinister and adds to the thriller aspect. Eyes appear on the red screen but turn blue, this neutralises the thriller genre of the sequence however this may be a hint towards the film. There is then a graphic match and zooming out onto a female face and she explains the phrase 'cape fear' for the audience. The film then begins.


Buried
The sequence begin with non-diegetic music building whilst showing the names of the institutions, in this case it is: Versus Entertainment, The Safran Company, Dark Trick films and Rodrego Cortes. The titles scroll down including various sliced frames, it is hard to make out what the pictures shown are of. It continues to scroll before reaching down to the title 'Buried' and the background changes from plain black to a dirt like picture. It is obvious from the title that the background signifies being underground, this is further reinforced by the sequence moving down showing the dirt background. Over the top of this blue writing and lines form the casts names and the lines form various boxes that could link with the films story line but it is not certain. The colour changes from blue to yellow and images of wood, rope, bullets, a metal object, money, writing and a clock. The sequence then finishes on the directors name. It is a capturing sequence that flows and give some hints of the films storyline which is effective.