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.

Audience Reseach 1: Answered Questionnaires

Four out of the ten questionnaires my group created are displayed below - each comprises of nine questions:

Location Photos

The idea of shooting in an alleyway would suit the 'thriller' genre as it would create a claustrophobic, as well as creepy atmosphere. The sound of footsteps against the stones would make it eerie and unsettling towards audiences. The depth of the shot portrays a black area - this connoting to mystery and the idea that the outcome won't be good.

Shooting in a field would follow the genre of a 'thriller' because, it's an abadoned, isolated area. As a result of shooting in a remote/empty location, it allows any characters to appear vulnerable and helpless if any danger were to occur. The lack of lighting would allow the film to make use of low-key lighting - therefore producing shadows, and also makes the scene sinister and disturbing.

The location of a warehouse would fit the 'thriller' genre because it's a private and secluded environment. The idea of the location being cut-off from everywhere else makes the film seem even more disturbing, as well as spine-chilling towards the audience. The minimum lighting on/nearby the warehouse, makes it seem frightening, threatening, and also dangerous.

Conventions Of A Psychological Thriller

Conventions associated with the 'Psychological Thriller' genre:

- Low-key lighting - producing shadows within the film, making it creepy and disturbing towards audiences.

- Quick cuts: creating a fast-paced atmosphere, giving audiences lots of information, as well as hinting at a climax during the introduction.

- Use of a Dutch angle may be included to create a sense of confusion/chaos.

- Uneasy/eerie music, use of a sound bridge - builds tension and suspense.

- Titles of the film's cast and crew are usually seen in quite cold colours (for example: blue or white) - making it quite cold and chilling towards audiences.

- Generally take place in an isolated and remote environment.

- Camera movements, i.e. panning/tracking are used to portray key elements, as well as drawing the audience in.

- Normally a certificate 15 or 18.

- Close-ups hide the characters identity and withold information from audiences. As a result of this, it generates an element of mystery.

- Lack of dialogue in the opening makes it quite uncomfortable and unnerving for viewers.

- A long-shot will be used for an establishing shot; it shows where the upcoming events of the film will take place. 

'The Orphanage', (Bayona, 2007, Spain)

The film opens with the production companies, then it fades from this to the camera tilting down from the sky to the setting of the film. The long shot is an establishing shot; audiences now know where the film is set. The scene then shows children playing games - suggesting that there's nothing suspicious going on, and that everything is normal. The diegetic sound of birds and the voices/laughter of children reinforces this sense of normality.

The close-up of an adoption file hints to audiences that a child will be leaving soon - the sense of unity and friendship seen amongst the children will be broken.

The camera is placed behind the female character - therefore it follows the convention that 'thrillers' withold information, and like to reveal their characters slowly. Her dialogue mentions the character of "Laura", and the use of cross-cutting forges a connection between the two characters, and implies to audiences that the woman's activity will affect the child.

The high-angle shot used makes the actor's appears smaller - as if vulnerable to the upcoming situation - supports that the children are innocent. The non-diegetic music that plays throughout the opening produces a sentimental and sombre tone.

The film abruptly cuts to black as soon as 'Laura' catches her friend - confirms to viewers that she will soon be taken away from her friends. The titles of the cast and crew are then displayed over ripped wallpaper - allowing the titles to link thematically to the house seen in the previous shots. The shadows seen within the titles produce feeling of fear, and also disturb audiences.

The children's arms that rip the wallpaper seems quite unnatural; there's something about innocent children being the main subject of the opening titles that makes it quite chilling and scary. The paper ripping over non-diegetic sound makes it eerie, and because the sounds are quite sudden, it sounds sinister and creepy.

The music at the end of the titles becomes faster in its tempo, therefore it quickens the pace of the film, as well as building up the suspense as to what is to come. This is a clear contrast to the beginning of the film: calmness was introduced - this being seen by the lack of cutting between shots. However, as the film continues, cuts become more frequent - therefore, it fits with the music speeding up; the pace is getting quicker - as if something is going to happen.

Opening sequence of 'The Orphanage':

'The Shining', (Kubrick, 1980, US)

Presentation on the Opening Sequence of 'The Shining':
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The shining’, (kubrick, 1980

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Opening Sequence to 'The Shining':

More Conventions Of A Title Sequence

Prezi Presentation:
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More Conventions Of A Title Sequence on Prezi

What Titles?

In a title sequence, the names of the film's cast and crew will appear in a particular order. Examples of titles included within the sequence are:

- The logos of the film's distributors are given, as well as text stating so also.

- The titles of the film's production companies.

- Main character's name is usually seen early on in the sequence - especially if the actor is well-known, this is done to excite audiences, and make them familiar with the film already.

- The title of the film will then appear - viewers know exactly what they're watching. 

         

- Other actors that appear in the film will follow: if they are main characters, they will usually have the screen to themselves, yet if they are supportin actors, they will share the screen with fellow actors.

           

- After the cast, the casting director's name will appear. A casting director is the person who holds the auditions, contacts the actors agent, chooses the role for people, etc.

          

- Costume design/production design: the people who create the costumes worn by the actors, and the people who design the set for the film.

         

- The person behind the film's soundtrack/score will then be credited.

- The film's editor will then appear. An editor pieces all the shots together, cuts the shots so that they are the right length, and makes sure the story of the shots makes sense.

- The director of photography/cinematographer then comes up. This is the person who sets up the camera - they decide its position, the lens the film will use, etc.

- Executive producers of the film will then be listed. An executive producer, although they don't get directly involved with the film, they organise the money that commissions it.

- The titles of who produces the film is then seen - although they are more on the business/financial side of the film, they are more hands-on and creative than executive producers.

- The films writer will appear. If the film says "written by", it is an original story, however if it says "screenplay by", the story has been adapted - whether it be from a book etc.

- Finally, the director of the film is credited. A director controls/guides the actors; they are responsible for bringing the script of the film to life. Directors may also work closely with the films editor in the production stages, to ensure the story is clearly put across to audiences.

- An establishing shot is usually seen here: marks the beginning of the film, and allows audiences to know where the location of the film will take place.

'The Others' opening sequence: