How did you integrate technologies – software, hardware and online – in this project?
We integrated technologies such as software such as Adobe Creative Cloud, hardware such as our camera and online technologies such as Blogger.
In terms of the software we used, Premiere Pro enabled us to edit the shots we took to create the opening sequence. We used different features, such as dip to black using the software to enable us to create our desired opening sequence. We realised that some of the shots which we took were not as good as we originally thought, so we decided to use the effects in order to keep the action flowing. The long moments of black create suspense while the action continues. We also used the technology to be able to create credits to close the opening sequence. In terms of the hardware we used, our small, lightweight camera enabled us to film shots on the move. This gave us a live effect, as if the audience are right behind. We also used a stand for the camera in certain locations, enabling us to be able to have focused shots.
In terms of the online technology that we used, Blogger gave us the ability to store our planning and research. This saved us having to create physical copies of the log sheets and also helped us to maintain a good level of organisation.
How do your products engage with audiences and how would they be distributed as real media products?
According to our survey, our target demographic for who would watch the film is 13-18 year olds. As well as this, thriller was the third most popular selection for our preferred genre, and just under 50% of people said that they had watched a thriller in the last 6 months, meaning they were likely to watch another one. This meant we were aiming towards making the opening for a mainstream audience.
In order to appeal to our audience, we decided to end the opening with a plot twist. This is what 50% of our responded said they preferred in a film. This would also keep the viewer watching if this was a full length feature. As well as this, 78% of our survey respondents were Caucasian. Whilst we didn’t intend to only represent one race, the 22% of people who weren’t Caucasian in our survey response may feel unfairly represented in the film opening.
If our film was a real thriller, it should have been distributed online. 63% of our target audience said they preferred to watch short films on YouTube, with another 9% saying they watched short films on designated websites. However, 25% of people said that they would watch a short film at the cinema. We would probably distribute it on YouTube because it’s free and easy to reach a wider audience. It also becomes easy for viewers to share the film if it’s on YouTube and attract more viewers that way. Many low budget short films like ours do the same. Considering a large percentage of our target audience said they would watch a short film at the cinemas or at a screening, it’s important to try and cater for them as well. However, distributing a film at cinemas is a lot more limited than online, and also far more expensive than releasing it online.
If we were to release the film at cinemas, it would be much easier to do so now thanks to modern technologies, and the BFI making sure cinemas now have the capability to play films from digital files, not just expensive analogue copies of the opening. However, other modern technologies like Vimeo and YouTube make it easy and cheap for anybody to distribute a film. These technologies have made it so much easier in producing our film, as YouTube is where we upload and watch the finished product.
My role in this production was the camera. I set up the camera how I wanted it too look in the frame. As I was the actress it was very easy to find the perfect shot and I could move around the camera in the way that I wanted. As Richard was editor it was very easy to work with him as well with continuity as I knew exactly how I acted in the take before and I did not move the camera to get the smoothest out come in the final product. In the evaluation I did question 2 as well as equally sharing the first question. I hugely enjoyed making this film and after all my research into the opening of a short thriller film I am over the moon with the final outcome.
Our target audience, is between the ages of 13 and 18. This is because it may seem scary or too violent for a younger audience. As there is a scene where it implies a murder, it may be distressing for an audience under 13. With our survey results showing most people around 13 to 18 watch thrillers, it made more sense to have this as our target audience. An older audience may not grasp the concept of a mistaken identity, as the hit man gets the wrong target, but is not hugely explained so may not be that clear for an older audience and they may miss the concept. The target audience seem the most interested into our thriller and will benefit most satisfaction from our film, as well as the ages between 18 and 30.
We decided not to have any sound as it might be distracting and take away the focus of the film. If we were to have sound it would be suspenseful to build up a tense atmosphere. We used a gun sound to resemble the death scene. It was also crucial to have a realistic location so we are going to use my house for the film and my friends house down the road for their roof terrace which has access to the street for the death scene.
Linear Narrative: Have the start of the film show a series of messages go to the hitman number showing details of the new target. It then shows her current location where the camera then cuts to that place. I can then be seen walking down the road with the hitman following behind. They are the both in the house, as well as the death scene when the character is pushed off the roof by the hitman.
Pro's:
- Not many locations, just my house and the house at the end of the road for the roof terrace so minimal travelling
- Only need a phone prop and a fake gun which we have
- Max number of actors is 3 and minimal actors are 2 which can be provided
Con's:
- May seem a bit gender bias that the hitman is a man and the target is a women
- Actors may look too young to be living on their own or being a hitman
- Potentially extend the 2 minute mark
This opening sequence does have many suspenseful moments, filled with wrong targets and dramatic scenes that can really capture the audiences attention and that is why we have chosen this to be our opening sequence.
At the beginning eerie music is played that provides a suspenseful atmosphere. The mother says to her child that "nothing bad will happen", which is quite misleading as later in the trailer we clearly see that the protagonist is in a great deal of danger. The boy mentions that three knocks symbolises that the Babadook is near, which then can be heard later in the trailer, creating a sense of mystery whether he is real or not. "Don't let him in" is repeated by the boy in a very distressed manor, which really builds up the tension of the trailer.
- The narrative is revolved around suspense and action such as a crime taking place.
- False paths that mislead the audience to provide a more unexpected shock twist at the end.
- Multiple puzzles and mysteries that are either left unsolved for added interest (to potentially lead onto a sequel).
- Having the wrong person or dopplegangers.
- Manipulation of perspectives such as using optical illusions.
- The protagonist is in some form of danger.
- The right music and lighting to provide suspense and mystery
- Shot size/distance - Camera angle - Focus
- Camera movement
Shot size/Distance:
This shows the camera position related to the subject.
Long Shot:This shows the entire object, along with the entire setting around it. Although this gives us a huge amount of detail, given the length of the shot, the characters facial expressions are usually too hard to see. When there is an extreme long shot of the start of a scene it is called the Establishing Shot.
Medium Shot:This shows the characters emotion and surroundings, which gives us a huge amount of information in one frame. This is the most common type of shot used.
Close Up Shot:A close up conforms the viewer into focusing onto something that takes up the entire screen. This enables an emotional emphasis as their facial expressions can be seen much clearer and can add emphasis towards an important object.
Extreme Close Up Shot: This is when the camera goes incredibly close to an object or person, which is often used in horror films. This creates an dramatic effect.
Camera Angle:
This is similar to shot size/distance. Angles to consider are High angle, Low angle and Canted angle.
High Angle: This is when the camera is held above the person or object, usually making them seem a lot smaller than they actually are. Making a character look smaller symbolises weakness and vulnerability.
Low Angle: The camera is positioned below the subject, often providing a sense of power and dominance in a character with this angle.
Canted Angle:A horizontal line runs diagonally across the frame as if the camera has been tilted. This gives the impression that the character is unstable or disorientated and is usually shot to dedicate intoxication.
Focus:
Deep focus and Shallow focus is when an image is sharp and in focus or is shallow which is blurry.
Deep Focus: This is when the foreground and the background are both in focus and are clear.
Shallow Focus: Either the foreground or background is sharp and the other is soft, usually to draw attention to a certain aspect of the frame.
Camera Movements:
These movements of the camera usually adds a sense of energy.
Dolly Based Movement: This is when a camera is on an object that can often resemble a train like figure and will be pushed or pulled around on tracks to make a movement smooth and controlled. This could be whilst someone is running the dolly will be pushed to keep up with the movement of the character.
Movement around a fixed point: This can be done either handheld or with a tripod, either including a pan or a tilt.
Steadicam: Gives the sense of a floating camera as there is no tripod and minimal hand shaking. As seen in the opening of Boogie Nights.
Handheld: The camera is usually on someones shoulders, but can be proven quite difficult as this is a heavy piece of equipment being held as still as possible, which will often lead to quite an unsteady shot of film. This does give a sense of realism which is why it is often used in filming documentaries.
Crane: A small crane is placed on set and this gives quite effective shots of the scene as it is able to zoom in from quite a height, as well as move around with little effort.
Helicopter/Aeriel: This adds emphasis on the narrative environment usually using a helicopter to get a view of the entire setting around the character.
