Teacher Assessment: Feedback on 'Plan'

Below is an assessment sheet completed by one of my Media Studies teachers. The teacher had to look through the 'Plan' posts on my blog, and comment on what I did well, and what could be improved on my blog. Once this part of my blog was looked over, a mark out of 20 was given, as well as a grade.

Teacher Assessment: Feedback on 'Research'

Below is an assessment sheet completed by one of my Media Studies teachers. In order for this to be filled out, my teacher had to look through my 'Research' posts on my blog, and find what I did well, and what could be improved. Once they reviewed this whole section of my blog, they then gave it a mark out of 20, as well as the grade they believe I am working at at the moment.

Peer Assessment: Feedback on 'Plan'

Below is an assessment sheet filled out by one of my classmates, based on my 'Plan' posts. They had to work through these posts on my blog, and mark what I had done so far. For each section, they had to give a level (seen in the research criteria) and also give their own opinion. An average level was then worked out, giving a final grade of what they believe the progress is at the moment.

Location Permissions

In order to film our opening sequence, we had to seek permission from the land/building owners to ensure that we were granted permission to do this. So, we had to ask a number of different people to allow us to film, these include:

Bronte's home owner (Bronte's mum):

School/Streets (Local coucil and a teacher):

Below are emails sent from another member of my group to the local council, and to a teacher at our school to see if they would grant us permission to film in specific locations:

   

Below is an application form for a filming license. The local council replied to our email, and requested that we fill it out to enable us to film in Sutton, Surrey: 
(Click on the document to enlarge)

Titles

Font:

For the title of the film: "Shattered", we have  the idea that we want the style of font to link  to the synopsis of the film; we want it to appear "shattered" itself. These are styles we think will look effective:


'Broken 74', found on www.dafont.com:

'Distorted and Scratchy', found on www.dafont.com:

'Cracked Dendrite', found on www.dafont.com:

'Cracked', found on Microsoft Word:

'Psychotic', found on www.dafont.com:

The cracks in the font put emphasis on the film's title, therefore allowing it to appear effective, as well as giving an insight to audiences about what is to come.

For the cast/crew of the film, we want to use the font called 'Didot', found on Microsoft Word. It would look like this: 

However, when editing our film and inserting the titles, we looked into what other fonts are available on 'Dafont', and found this font known as 'Optimus Princeps Semi Bold'. When editing, we decided to use this font instead as it appears more bold and striking to the audience.

We would want the titles to be in capitals as this would make it stand out and seem bold, as well as making a statement.

Content:

The titles will be played over a moving image - therefore intriguing audiences, as well as informing them. We also came to this decision because, when we carried out our questionnaires, the majority of respondents preferred titles to be presented over a moving image, rather than a black background.

Positioning:

The production/distribution companies, as well as the title of the sequence will be placed at the centre of the frame. Whereas the cast and crew of the film will be located at different points within different shots; their positions will change depending on where they fit/suit the shot best.

Order:

1. Distribution companies.

2. Production companies.

3. Title of the film

4. Film's cast: actors.

5. Film's crew: casting, editor, costume, director, etc.

Casting

Below are the Actors/Actresses names and their character roles in the opening sequence and why we have chosen them to portray that specific role:

Jessica as Emily: We have chosen Jessica to play the role of Emily as we wanted to challenge the gender stereotype. Commonly, thrillers do not portray females to being dominant so we wanted to emphasise this idea. We also felt that a female stalker would fit more into our story line.

Scott as Daniel: We wanted to use the same idea with challenging common stereotypes. This character is well built and seems to be intrepid, however comes across as being scared and vulnerable in the opening sequence. We chose Scott to play the main character as he has previous experience in playing different roles in Drama.

Character Descriptions

Jess' character 'Emily':
- Age: 25.
- Sex: Female.
- Occupation: Businesswoman.
- Relationship status: Single.
- Personality: A very misunderstood, isolated and mixed up person. Quite shy and vulnerable. She suffers from a slight mental illness.
- Appearance: Blonde, grey eyes, dressed in casual clothing, and is of medium height.
- Hobbies: Enjoys art, literature - likes simple things.


Scott's character 'Daniel':
- Age: 26.
- Sex: Male.
- Occupation: Businessman.
- Relationship status: In a relationship
- Personality: Bubbly, kind, well-mannered - complete opposite to Jess' character.
- Appearance: Well build, quite tall, hazel eyes, dark brown hair with blonde and red highlights, dressed in both a casual/smart manner.
- Hobbies: Enjoys watching and playing sports, as well as socialising with friends/spending time with family.

Shooting Schedule

We made a shooting schedule to ensure that everyone in our group knows exactly what we're shooting, where/when to meet, etc. A shooting schedule enables us to check we have everything we need, and by when. It keeps us on top of everything, and makes sure we on schedule to complete it.

Below is a YouTube video showing myself and Scott planning our sequence - in this video, it shows us arranging our shooting schedule: filling out times/dates, and also information on when/where, the roles of each member of our group, and any props needed to shoot our sequence:

List of Props, Costumes, Locations

Props:

Crow bar, 
Mobile phone,
Fake blood.


Costumes:


Scott's designs on costumes:



Prezi presentation explaining the costumes:

Costumes on Prezi

Locations:

Bronte's road:

This setting will be used for the shots of Scott's character lying dead. During the shots filmed here, we plan not to reveal too much information on both the location and Scott's character; we want to create an element of mystery, while still following the conventions of our genre.

Streets:

Streets will be used for the shots of Jess walking away. For these shots, the audience will witness Jess from a distance; they aren't being given the whole story - only hints and clues as to what has happened.

Storyboard

A gif playing our storyboard on our opening sequence:
We created a storyboard to act as a guide when we shoot our opening sequence. When filming, we will follow the storyboard shot-by-shot - it ensures we have as much information and details when filming; we know exactly what we're doing.

Below are a series of random images from the storyboard made larger so they can be read more easily:

Below is an animatic which displays each picture from our storyboard while the sound we want to be heard plays in the background of these pictures. This animatic is a general idea of what our opening sequence will look/sound like:

Peer Assessment: Feedback on 'Research'

Below is an assessment sheet filled out by one of my classmates, based on my 'Research' posts. They had to work through these posts on my blog, and mark what I had done so far. For each section, they had to give a level (seen in the research criteria) and also give their own opinion. An average level was then worked out, giving a final grade of what they believe the progress is at the moment.



My "WWW's" are:
- Good links between my research and chosen genre for the opening sequence I will soon be creating with my group.
- Good analysis of opening sequences, appearing supervisual.
 

My "EBI's" are:
- When analysing an opening sequence, make sure it isn't just text, ensure to include the use of screen-shots etc, so there is a clear reference - making it easier for whoever is reading my blog to understand what I am analysing.

Changes to be made:
- Come up with other ways to make my blog even more visual.
- Go over my existing posts, and either change/add to them with images and more analysis.

Sound

Below are some sounds that me and my group created that we thought would be effective for a 'Thriller' genre:

Rustling of leaves:

The sound of footsteps among leaves would be effective for a 'Thriller' genre - especially if heard over silence. The crunching  of leaves could be quite sudden in our opening sequence, with the sound of feet moving over them gradually becoming quicker - as if someone is in a rush to get somewhere/to catch someone - creating a sense of mystery, as well as a chilling atmosphere. This type of shot would also work because, like many 'Thriller' films, it keeps the characters identity hidden, and doesn't give audiences a lot of information about where/who is in the shot - therefore building up the anticipation and tension within the sequence.

Branches rustling:

In the clip, the sound of branches brushing past one another would be effective in a 'Thriller' film as it would create a cold and eerie atmoshpere. The sound is quite intruding, and would disturb an atmosphere if it was tranquil/calm. The hurried sound of the movement creates a sense of chaos, and also quickens the pace of the scene.

Footsteps:

Just like the footsteps on the leaves, this shot builds up the suspense to audiences as to what is to come/be revealed to viewers. If the sound of the footsteps was exaggerated (hyperbolic), or echoed within the scene, it would reinforce this idea of mystery, and would also make the sound seem quite creepy and eerie, as audiences are left unaware as to where the character is going, or who the character even is. In our opening sequence, we are considering having footsteps heard in the idea of someone walking up behind an unsuspecting character - as if it's unexpected, and a shock to the other character.

Sounds taken from the website: www.freesound.org

Phone ringing:

This sound would be used to interrupt and disturb Jessica's thoughts. We want the sound to be loud and piercing, so it shocks both the audience as well as the character. We want the sound to intrude on Jess, and whatever she is thinking - therefore, snapping her out of her daydream/worry.

Screaming:

Screaming could be used in our film when Jess' character either realises that her mental state is beginning to spiral out of her control, or when she realises what she has done. The sound would be chilling for audiences to hear - producing an uneasy atmosphere.

Heavy breathing:

Heavy breathing can be used within our genre, as it would create the idea that a character is in a rush, or in a state of panic/fear. Due to the speed of the breathing, it would also quicken the pace of the sequence, as well as unnerve audiences.

Ambient sound:

The use of ambient sound within our piece would insert a sense or normality and reality. However, if our ambient sound was able to sound like this piece provided, it would insert an element of unease - it builds up, so audiences will expect something at the climax of the sound. The echoes heard within the clip would reinforce the idea of the scene being eerie and disturbing.

Wind:

Just like the ambient sound, the echoes make the scene quite creepy. However, this prolonged sound would generate an unnerving and sinister atmosphere; viewers understand that whatever will appear at the end of this sound may be an uncomfortable image.

Shot List

Shot types to use for the 'thriller' genre:

1. Extreme Close-Up:

This particular shot type is common in 'Thrillers' as it withholds information from the audience - it doesn't give away too much. The use of this shot also hides a character's identity - creating a sense of mystery, and building up the suspense.

2. Close-Up:

This shot allows audiences to focus solely on facial detail and expression. This shot is essential as it will indicate to viewers the feelings/emotions of a character at a particular time, therefore generating a specific mood and atmosphere.

3. Mid-Shot:

Mid-Shot enables viewers to focus more on body language than facial expressions, because of this, audiences can witness how a characters is reacting to a situation, for example: open body language suggests a character is confident/inviting, whereas closed body language implies a character is uncomfortable/timid.

4. Long-Shot:

A long-shot allows viewers to gather information on both the character and their setting - this shot is helpful for viewers as it informs them of the activity of a character, as well as their position within a location.

5. High-Angle Shot:

This shot makes the subject appear smaller. As a result of this, it makes the character appear vulnerable or intimidated by a situation - this being effective in a 'Thriller', especially if a character is met with threatening circumstances.

6. Low-Angle Shot:

Contrasting to the high-angle shot, this shot type makes the subject of the frame seem bigger. Therefore, a character appears dominant and powerful in a scene.

7. Establishing Shot:

This shot enables viewers to know exactly where we are; it displays the location of the scene. This particular shot is usually seen as the first shot of a film, so audiences know from the very beginning where the film will take place.

8. Over-The-Shoulder Shot:

Just like an extreme close-up, this shot also withholds information as one side of the frame is blocked, as well as another character in the scene, therefore this shot type offers audiences a different perspective.

9. Two-Shot:

This type of shot portrays the body language between the two characters within the frame. It shows their relation - whether they are comfortable/uncomfortable around each other/the surroundings.

10. Big Close-Up:

Big close-ups offer audiences more information than a regular close-up. This shot may be used to shoot/track a character and their movement. This particular frame and its contents may be used in a 'Thriller' as it still holds back from giving away too much information; it hides the characters identity, therefore making it appear quite an eerie shot, as it fits with the conventions of our genre.

11. Extreme Long-Shot:

Much like an establishing shot, this shot type focuses more of the location of the film, rather than the activity of the characters. Although audiences will be able to see what a character is doing, this particular shot puts emphasis on the location - hinting to audiences that this location has a purpose, and is of significance.

12. Dutch-Angle:

This shot angle is used in a 'Thriller' film to unnerve the audience, as well as creating an uneasy atmosphere. This shot is also used to generate a sense of confusion - it does this because, as the angle is quite unnatural and different from other shot types, it puts across the idea of chaos and mystery.

Synopsis

Film Synopsis:

Our opening sequence will leave audiences asking the questions of how the two characters know each other, and why the activity of the characters has ended up the way it has.

We don't want to reveal too much information; we want to keep the audience intrigued as to finding out what has happened and the explanation behind it.

Our film will suit the 'Thriller' genre because, we will create a sinister/eerie atmosphere by the use of low-key lighting, a build up of tension and suspense due to the shot types, as well as music and editing that will fit in with the conventions of what a 'Thriller' film should include in order to be successful/effective.

Initial Ideas

Video showing our inital ideas:

The locations that we are considering to film in would be places that appear dark and eerie, as this would create a specific atmosphere. typical to the thriller genre. The use of low key lighting would reinforce this because, due to the lack of lighting, it wouldn't reveal much information to audiences. Together, we originally thought up locations within London, such as: Waterloo,  Piccadilly, etc, and also someone's house.

For the costumes and props we want  each character to have a specific style so that the audience can clearly identify them. The costumes need to communicate with viewers, and also need to suit the personality/attitude of each character. The props used need to link in with what's happening, e.g. a knife, fake blood etc.

When working together we developed our ideas around our basic point of challenging stereotypes. From there, we thought how we would be able to work around this. We each took turns in what we thought the synopsis could be, and if it would work well/look effective. We chose the genre of a thriller as we really wanted to concentrate on building up the tension/suspense to audiences, yet still giving an intriguing storyline, as well as this we wanted to break away from the typical stereotypes of the role of genders in this genre.

Audience Research 2: Analysing Results of Questionnaire

Results of the questionnaires showed that:

Although the gender varied slightly, the answered questionnaires all circled the age demographic of 16-20 years old; this is our target audience.

In order to fit in with our genre, from the answers gathered it implies that within our opening sequence we should include all the conventions of a thriller, as well as a fast-paced atmosphere, hints of fear/shock, and also a good twist in the story - this way, our opening sequence would then attract other audiences who may prefer other genres.

 

The responses also summed up what should be expected/learned from a 'Thriller' opening sequence, therefore informing us on what should definitely be included in our opening:
- Entice and intrigue the audience.
- Not to give away too much information, it only provides clues and hints.
- Elements of suspense and tension.

- Use of worrying music to create a specific mood.

This shows to us what audiences expect from a 'Thriller' opening sequence, and as a result of this, it proves to us what our target audience want - allowing us to ensure that all these elements are included, for example: 70% of our respondents prefer the titles over a moving image, while 10% of the respondents prefer the titles over a black background - therefore, we may be more inclined to display our titles over a moving image as the majority of our audience prefer this way.

 

The detailed answers about the locations of 'Thrillers' act as a guide to us as to what setting we should use. Answers included: dark, remote, ominous places, that are also empty/abandoned, such as: cellars, warehouses, etc. Some answers also stated the use of haunting and sinister settings are also effective, for example: houses and woods. These answers indicate to us that the use of low-key locations will be most effective as this will create a threatening, eerie and scary atmosphere.

This shows to us that a greater percentage of our target audience prefer the sub-genre of 'Psychological Thrillers' than other sub-genres within the 'Thriller' genre. This suggests to us that our chosen sub-genre is the correct one for our audience as more favour it, therefore it would be suitable for them.