Thursday 27 January 2011

Feedback on our pitch

"Clear up the narrative"- As a group we are going the clear the narrative so that everybody can understand the plot from the opening sequence.

"Clear up location"- We need to decide on a final location for our thriller opening sequence, we thought about shooting around addenbrookes hospital. but this would be difficult as they may have filming restrictions. If we do not film at addenbrookes then we are going to film elsewhere in a tall building to portray the intimidation and stalking that is a key part of our opening sequence.

"How will the dead body be presented?"- The way in which we will show the dead body is going to be a close up shot of the body and then a long shot from a different angle in silence to show loneliness.

"How will you get to the top of a building?"- We are going to film from the top of a building to portray intimidation and fear. we will film from the roof of a car park as it would be easily accessible.

Monday 24 January 2011

Planning For Pitch

Planning for our pitch to the class.

Narrative Description:
Unknown man (Stalker) is controlling the victim. Theres a dead body, and either the stalker or victim killed him, and the victim is being blackmailed by the stalker.

Sub-genre Conventions:
Centres around a crime.
The protagonist has a weakness which is exploited by the Antagonist.
Micro elements construct to build up suspence.
Themese of seeing, mirroring and reflecting.
The Title reflects the Protagonists state of mind.

Characters:
Jake Cowie- Stalker Guy
Jake Cotton- Victim

Locations: 
Around addenbrookes, with the high buildings, visually dynamic.
In a car park, somewhere totally random, so its obvious the Victim is being followed
In a house, so its personal to the Victim.


Wednesday 19 January 2011

Analysis of sound in thriller opening sequences.

Catch me if you can:
The sound track used in the opening sequence of this film had a large variety of high and low tones. There was a low xylophone which added a feel of mystery and darkness to the scene. Whereas the higher strings added a certain quirkiness and liveliness the the opening scene. The regular and rapid change of pace in this opening sequence keeps the viewer interested.


Surface:
The sound track that is used in Surface has a background layer of low and monotone sounds. these sounds make the viewer feel a sense of darkness and gloominess. The soundtrack is very contrasting in the sense that there are intervals of sharp, high sounds.


Se7en:
The soundtrack in this opening sequence is very quirky with a lot of low and high sounds. there is not a clear instrument that stands out as the main sound in this opening sequence. The sounds that are used are a mix of diegetic and non-diegetic sounds. The screams that occur every now and then are diegetic sounds, The other sounds are non-diegetic.

Wednesday 12 January 2011

Comparing two thriller opening sequences: 'Catch me if you can' & 'Dexter'.

'Catch me if you can' and 'Dexter'.

The opening sequence to "Catch me if you can" is a very unique one. The credits run throughtout the beginning but the filming is completely different, as reality isn't used and instead graphics show us the first part of the unravelling Thriller.
The typical thriller conventions such as the core of the narrative being a crime; which in this case is fraud. Also, during the opening sequence we are taken down a few possible routes to do with the fraud, and establishes enigmas which the audience expect to be resolved.
The sound used through the opening sequence is one track of music that sets the tone and atmosphere. The soundtrack is in a Minor key which automatically leaves the audience feeling that something isn't right, towards the end of the opening sequence, the music becomes darker, louder and more intense, getting the viewer on the edge of their seats ready for the next scene. The trills played within the music mimic the charaters state of mind, as he is thinking irationally, and the music portays this.

Another thriller opening sequence to the film "Dexter" is completely different the previous. The opening is composed of a range of close-up shots, which give us an insight into the mind of the main character, and establishing him. It seems perfectly normal, as it shows him doing day to day activities, and nothing out of the ordinary. This fits with the thriller convention; extraordinary things are going to happen in such ordinary circumstances.
The only shots which may give the audience an indication that all isn't as it seems are the shots where the main character squashes a spider on his own skin, showing he isn't phased by blood, and doesn't mind killing something that is more insignificant than himself. Also the shot where he shaves and his face bleeds, and we see droplets in the sink shows he isn't afraid to put himself in a little danger, which could be foreshadowing events.
The soundtrack to this opening is misleading because it doesnt sound mysterious or threaterning, which will leave the audience feeling unsettled because of the lack of explanation. The music is non-diegetic, but there are sounds such as frying and shaving that are diegetic.

The first opening sequence is more direct in its approach with its genre, whereas the second opening "dexter" is trying to conseal it, and only giving hints. Both have a soundtrack in which the credits run through and both establish a main character. The main differences are that one is reality filming, and the only is computer generated graphics. These both give different effects and appeal to different audiences, but in the end they both get the same point across, and are good opening to set the scene for the rest of the triller film.

Shona Addison

Thursday 6 January 2011

Evaluation for preliminary

During the filming of our thriller preliminary task we learnt which camera shots looked effective for this genre, which shots add tension and which ones looked less effective which we could improve on. We learnt what looks good onscreen, and how to portray the character in a conventional thriller.

We tried different locations to find the most appropriate place to portray anxiety and the fear of the unknown amongst the audience. Also, we learnt how lighting can play an important part in mise-en-scene because it sets the atmosphere. As well as lighting, props are useful when conveying realism in a thriller opening sequence.

The sound plays an significant role in mise-en-scene but unfortunately we were unable to put a soundtrack in as we were short of time.

The difficulties we faced during the filming process consisted of shooting the quality required during the given time period. Another difficulty we came across was the lighting around the college. In most areas the lighting is very light, so finding the right location was difficult. as wanted a dark location to portray the evil of our opening scene.

Preliminary task. Thriller

preliminary story board

DSCN1367