Following our pitch to the class we were given some feedback from both our teachers and peers on what they liked about our pitch and what we could do to improve it.
Feedback From Teachers:
Take pictures of your own of the places where we will be filming.
Improve the production schedule by adding where, when and what we will be filming.
Instead of showing some of the characters faces who would be older, just show below their face being as students we still look young.
Make sure to include pictures of all the areas we will be filming at
Monday: During the 3 hour media lesson. We went to go and buy stuff that we would need for when we start to film e.g: rope, duck tape. A great opportunity as we will all be together and we could look in different shops to make sure we get a good price.
Tuesday: No filming.
Wednesday: Lunch time - discuss what we want to film and when. Also contingency plan.
Thursday: No filming.
Friday: No filming.
Saturday: Film all the park scenes. (Location: Bruce Castle Park) Scenes shot: Safiyah walking through the park, kidnapper's kidnapping her, shots of the surroundings. ( multiple hot types and multiple angles)
Following Monday: During the 3 hour media lesson film shots of when Safiyah has been kidnapped and is tied down by the kidnappers. Location: music studio in college (consent by Alex's music teacher)Shots filmed: shots of the threats on phone, multiple countdown shots, close ups of mise en scene e.g: rope wrapped around her, duck tape around mouth
Tuesday: No filming.
Wednesday: At lunch on onwards. Location: One of the classrooms on third floor at college. Shots filmed: The crime board that we shall create, close ups of different key information on the story board, also crime scene investigators (Sasha & Shiloh) acting like they are investigating and putting things together.
In our opening title sequence we will make reference to the following characters:-
The Missing Girl
The Two CSI Agents
The Missing Girls Parent/s
Two Of The Missing Girls Friends
The Two Kidnappers
In the opening sequence we will highlight s few main stereotypes, For example, the kidnapped girl and her friends are going to be highlighted as the popular party girls on their way home from a night out.
Another stereotype we will portray is the kind of good cop bad cop routing that the two CSI agents will take on. This will make the clips more realistic as if it is a real event that is happening
We will also be showing the typical kidnappers; dressed in black with a black mask on.
We will be using Diagetic and Non-Diagetic sound in our title sequence. Some scenes will include short words or phrases from our characters and other may include dramatic music (Sometimes both!) We will use Non diagetic sounds such as loud crashes and epic tension rises.
We will use fast paced music as well to create more tension and unease for the audience as they're unaware of what will happen.
We may use the sound effect of a heartbeat to create more suspense and to replicate how the characters all feel in the scenes we present.
We will end the film with the flatline sound to create the highest point of tension where everything ends.
The type of title sequence we intend to create is a blank screen and titles on a moving image. The title sequence will start of with the idents of the production companies, then go on to a blank screen with plain white text (title credits). After the blank screen with credit appears a scene of the film will be played for a split second then the pattern with the blank screen will repeat for a while. Coming to the end of the title sequence, the blank screen will speed up and the audience will see more of the Film opening than the blank screen. Over the blank screen there will be a heart beat playing.
The Dark Knight title sequence has influenced our chosen title sequence because the blank screen adds the effects of being dramatic and keeps the audience engaged with wanting to know whats going to happen next.
The Taken title sequence has also influenced our title sequence due to the use of a plain black background with coloured simple text. Along the bottom of the screen is an animated silhouette of a red skyline.
a) We've decided to pick the font "Autos" as we found it creepy,sinister and it reflects the genre were filming. b) They will integrate with the action in our opening as we will be using glitches, fast cuts and flickering scenes.
c) To the right of the screen their is a rough template of the titles we intend to use.
a) The film genre that we have chosen is thriller. The reason for this is because we are all a huge fan of thriller movies so we have films that have inspired us making it easier for us to do a film
on this genre. We also picked this because there is a wide range of effective codes and convections that can be used to help demonstrate the genre of our title sequence.
b) The titles sequences in the same genre which have inspired us are: se7en and Taken.
We've decided to pick the font "Autos" as we found it creepy,sinister and it reflects the genre were filming.
We'll be using glitches, fast cuts and flickering scenes. An example of a title sequence that uses these techniques is the film "Se7en".
The colour of our font will be white as it contrasts well with the background that we'll be using which consists of shades of black. The title will move in different directions fading in and out. The speed of the titles will be fast. The titles will blend in with the scene behind them.
This is a fox 20th century ident. This type of ident is usually used in movies with a big budget and they are usually hollywood movies. A lot of thriller movies get a large audience and make it big in cinemas hence why this ident may be used a movie of a thriller genre.
Fox 20th Century is the type of ident that I think would be suitable for our genre of title sequence which is thriller, it is a very popular film company and many successful movies have been made by fox including many successful thrillers such as The Revenant.
I also think companies such as CBS would produce a film that has a story line like ours as they produce dramas and nail-biting thrillers such as The Woman In Black.
I think Paramount and CBS films would e the companies likely to distribute the film we are creating a title sequence for. This is because CBS are known for their dramatic films such as, The Woman In Black, Extraordinary Measures and the list goes on.
The Columbia Pictures ident is known by many people. I believe my title sequence would suit this ident as Columbia pictures is well known for Thriller,Action & Adventure. People know that this company specialise in these genre types which makes it easier to look for a specific type of film.
The title of our title sequence will be called: "Too Late".
The story line of it is going to be based around the kidnapping of a 19 year old girl and she's kept for ransom by a group of masked men. They demand a certain amount of cash within the next 24 hours or the girl dies.
The title sequence will begin with a heartbeat followed by directors, images and scene. Then suddenly the speed,volume and cutting of clips will all increase at a faster rate and end with a sudden black screen with the title fading in with no sound at all.
This is the feedback I have been given back from my first blogging health check.
As this is my first progress grade for media I am content with the marks I got, but there is room for improvement.
The targets that have been given to me will be done to my highest standard and i will continue to improve on the work that i know i can do better on
After reading my feedback I can see the ways in which I need to improve which will be done. I agree with the improvements that should be made and I will improve them before the next lesson. I will also use more apps so that it shows that I have used some effective use of ICT.
Once the location and the prop that we were going to be using was chosen linking them together to come up with a final idea was quite easy. As a group we all put our ideas together which is another reason why I didn't find the task difficult. I think our idea was extremely successful as we were able to come up with a title and a story board of how each scene was going to be filmed including the shots that we will be using. All in all it was a success however we could improve by using a wider range of camera shots.
I would love our title sequence to have an action/thriller theme. The reason for this is because I believe that there can be lots done to make this happen successfully. For our title sequence I want it to be based around someone that has been kidnapped and Crime Scene Investigators are looking for them.
The way in which we will plot this would be back and forth scenes of where the crime scene investigators are plotting and showing how much progress they have made with the kidnap and then it will show another scene of what is actually going on with the missing person. As simple as it sounds we will add special affects, and sound effects or music to set the tone and to help give a clue on what the genre is. There will be a point where the kidnappers are about to kill the person that has gone missing and at that exact same time the Crime Scene Investigators would've finally located where they are so there will be a tense atmosphere and everyone's adrenaline will be rushing + the fast paced music will have a huge influence on that.
My idea along with the groups put together will hopefully finalize our title sequence idea and it should just fall into place. There is a lot that can be done to make this a perfect piece.
For our title sequence project i want ours to be a kind of mystery/CSI/kidnapping scene. This fits under the genres of Thriller and Action.
The plot would be something like: A girl goes missing on a Friday night out with her 2 closest friends. She has supposedly been kidnapped? Friends and Family gather together with police and CSI agents at the missing girls house as a ransom video has been delivered, The video has the girl tied up with the masked kidnappers stating their demands:- £100,000 in cash within the next 24 hours or the girl dies. Then there is a whirlwind of discussion and panic.
The agents start interviewing people, there is a tense atmosphere and whilst they are trying too find the location of the missing girl. at the same time she is trying to escape her kidnappers. She does end up escaping but their hot on her tail as she tries to hide in a deserted skate park or woods etc. next to the warehouse she was being kept in. As the countdown to 24 hours is nearly up, everyone's on edge and when it hits 23 hours and 45 minutes is when they finally find the location of the girl after she has been recaptured after trying to escape. It is then a rush and a race against time as the agents and backup try to reach the address in time before its too late...
As you can probably tell i got really into this whilst typing... i really like scenes like this as it always keeps the audience on edge, so i hope that my group get to do something based around this.
This Film has been one of the most iconic animated films made in the past decade due to its amazing and unique opening scene. During the scene there are many different uses of sound that are all brought together to create an enjoyable experience for the audience.
Ambient Sound:- There is not much ambient sound used in this opening scene apart from the beginning where most of the sound comes in. We can hear the background noise whilst the wedding guests start cheering although it may be hard to hear.
Non-Diegetic:- There are a couple uses of non-diegetic sound used in this scene for example, when the wedding guests start clapping and cheering we can see them participating in the action, also at the very beginning of the scene we hear the flash of a camera and then we see it which is why we know where the sound has come from.
Song/Score:- Throughout the scene there is music being played which other that the sound in the beginning is the only other use of sound we hear throughout the scene.
Synchronous:- As mentioned before after the flash of the camera the music and the background noise starts playing at the same time and creates a happy and upbeat affect as there are different sounds coming from different places.
Sound Motif:- The music that is being played throughout the scene matches the emotions of the events going on. For example, when the couple is cloud watching and they find baby clouds in the sky the music is playful and happy, but when they are ijn the hospital room and the doctor has just given them some news about ot being able to have kids the music turns sad and dreary. it then goes back to having a kind of optimistic, thinking feel when they decide to start their dream of going to South America.
The idea I had in mind is based on a crime scene investigation. I have chosen this idea because I think it would be interesting to create a title sequence based on a CSI. The genre will be a drama, mystery as it fits the whole scenario of 'what happened that night?'. The initial story line will be about someone going missing during the night then found dead the following (early hours) morning. The investigator in charge of the case will be interviewing members of the family, trying to put together the pieces of what could have happened to the missing person. The personalities of the family members will vary as there will be a socialite mother and father that is always working so he wouldn't be around as much, a brother and a sister who only care about themselves and not so much for others. The setting of the crime scene will take place in a dark forest and the interviews will take place in a room at the family house.
My idea will be based around Clowns. Because of a recent rise in scary clown sightings around the time of Halloween, I feel like this would be suitable. The genre it fits the most is Horror and i think this would be one of the easiest genres due to the obvious codes and conventions(Blood and big weapons) which I believe could easily be recreated in my title sequence.
In terms of setting, the horror genre uses settings of of all types but with many being dark or isolated. This could be created by using parks, streets and even a hallway in a house.
The story line could be based around a social group of teenagers playing around and scaring people with masks. Until they come across a real killer clown that is out to get them all. Their personalities will vary as there could be the typical curious characters that end up dying early due to their stupidity. There could also be the smart and wary characters that sense things could go wrong. These characters can have personalities like this throughout their situations when they encounter the killer clown.
I like the use of sound in this film opening. There is use of diagetic sound and non-diagetic sound as music is being played and there's also shouting and chanting from the crowd as the two groups dance. Notice the non-diagetic sound which is the music is synchronous as it needs to go with the timing of the dancer's choreography. Overall the sound emphasises the energy in this film opening and makes it much more entertaining and intriguing to watch.
Sound in film is used to establish tone and atmosphere. It also helps give the audience an idea about the plot and the genre of the film.
George Lucas, director of the Star Wars franchise, argues that sound is 50%. From this he meant that without the sound you only have half of the product which is not a great experience. In terms of developing sound and the design of it there has been a lot pf progression over the course of history. Sound has now become a 3 dimensional visceral experience this make it more enjoyable to watch and listen too.
What is sound?
Sound can be music, speech and sound effects when recorded and used to accompany a film, video, or broadcast.
What is a soundscape?
A piece of music considered in terms of its component sounds
What is a sound design?
Sound design is the process of specifying, acquiring manipulating, or generating audio elements
What is 'suspending disbelief'?
To suspend ones critical views and believe the unbelievable for your own enjoyment
The use of sound in a film opening: Film: High School Musical 2. Genre: High-school.
Non-diegetic sound: Piano playing at the beginning, soft. Creating a nice calm atmosphere. Camera shows the school before everyone arrives.
Diegetic/dialogue: The teacher is teaching the class and speaking about the summer homework they must complete during summer.
Diegetic sound - Pens tapping on the table as the class start to get impatient waiting for the bell to ring for summer. The sound is like a ticking clock in our head, hearing the the speed of the pen tapping against the table also shows how agitated and impatient the class is getting.
Sound motif: The sound of the clock ticking is getting louder and is slowly starting to over power the teachers voice. Implies a countdown/impatience as the time for summer is near.
Diegetic/dialogue: The whole class sigh as the class nerd asks more questions. The sound shows the frustration of the class.
Non diagetic then Diegetic: One by one each member of the class starts to say Summer as the camera is on the clock ticking then it moves to the pupils saying summer as the time is near.
Diegetic: The clock rings and everyone throws their papers in the air.
Score: A song written and sang for the film in particular. Song name: ' What time is it, summer time '.
Four different types of Film openings: 1) Titles on a blank screen:
Historically this was the most common type of title sequence. It usually involves a white type face on a black background. Studios used them because they are low budget and for those who were lazy they were a simple and easy way to include relevant information needed at the beginning of the film.
2) Titles accompanied by still images:
Although this title sequence is not complex it it however more elaborate than the first type of title sequence. In the past the title borders and images were hand drawn. This title sequence was a way of combining the text with a visual image to hint the genre of the movie. With this type of title sequence studios were more willing to develop elaborate title sequences. The use of music also accompanies the still images in hinting what tone/genre the film is. 3) Titles with moving images: The moving image helps to offer either a metaphor or narrative thread. It also introduces the tone or story line to the audience.
4) Titles built around animation and motion graphics:
In the late 1990's the use of animated text in title sequences became popular. With the use of a lot of digital technology and stylized editing the titles were able to become a part of the moving images. 1 - Narrative: The titles are integrated onto the moving image and they begin as the film begins. 2 - Discrete: The titles are integrated onto the moving image but it is still not clear what the story line is. 3 - Stylized: These are highly stylized title sequences.
My favorite type of title sequence:
My favorite type of title sequence is the one built around animation and motion graphics. This is mainly because it is all I have ever known however in general I think this would always be my favorite. The reason for this is because it engages the audience from just the title sequence whilst giving a hint on what genre the film is. I love how the the type face also blends in with the genre and the moving images.
Sound is important in giving the audience an atmospheric effect and emphasising the actions of many of the main characters and what they have to say. They use sound in a variety of different ways.
Diagetic sound: This is sound created in the film such as dialogue between characters.
Non-Diagetic sound: This is sound created out of the film such as special effects, sirens, explosions and crashes.
Synchronous: This is when music or sound effects are in sync (happening in time with the film) i.e loud music or the exploding sound happening at the time of the explosion.
Asynchronous: This is the opposite of synchronous. Music or sound effects aren't in sync with the film.
Score: A song written for the purpose of a film.
Different sounds create different effects. Ambient sounds like wind,traffic and water create bigger environments instead of there being no sound with the film. Overall sound plays an important roll in the experience of watching films and creates an atmospheric effect for the audience.
My First favourite Genre would be Action. There are many reasons for this but most are due to the conventions linked to this genre. The main conventions for me is the fact that in every action film a mission or objective of some sort has to be completed. This then gives me excitement and hope that by the end of the film it will be complete.
Another convention would be of course the wide variations of weapons. From Guns,RPGs and Grenades, to Blades, Baseball bats or even Spears this keeps action films full of explosions and creates the usual conflict between two sides being the good and the bad.
One of the most common conventions in action films would be the outbursts in settings. Sudden outbreaks through doors, windows and walls keep me awake and ready for anything to happen. This is why action is one of my favourite Genre's.
Some of my favourite Action films are: Kick-ass,Avatar and The Dark Knight.
My next favourite genre is comedy. A convention in this genre would be the lighting. Lighting in comedy films are usually very bright and of different colours to show happiness. This goes the same for the setting so we see what's going on and to create a realistic environment.
Another conventions is the use of diegetic sound and non-diegetic sound. Diegetic sound refers to the sound in film and dialogue between characters. This will need to be loud and clear as the dialogue is one of the most important features of a comedy film in making people laugh. Non-diegetic sound refers to any sound effects that might be added i.e (the whistle type sound when someone is falling from somewhere high). This is added to put an emphasis on certain scenes in the film.
Some of my favourite comedy films are: Superbad, Napoleon Dynamite & House Party.
Another one of my favourite genres is Horror which has many conventions commonly used across all films. The main convention is the setting. They are usually set in small communities or isolated places, urban environments such as large cities,places with dark histories such as haunted houses or an insane asylum.
Their camera work is often very unnatural as it's shot from high and low angles to create fear and unease. POV shots are also used quite often to allow the audience to see through the eyes of a character fearing for their life. It allows the audience to experience what the character is going through. They may also use extreme close ups of the persons's face to express their emotion.
They use low-key lighting and shadows along with the colours black and red to create a dark,evil atmosphere. The use of props is a very common convention as well in terms of weapons. Chainsaws,machetes or axes are the usual props that give the audience an idea of how brutal the death of a character will be. Also the use of masks and the idea of a hidden face creates a sense of fear as the characters don't know who and what they are up against
Some of my favourite horror films are: Insidious, Sinister and Cabin in the woods
Having titles on a blank screen is known as a budget, simple title sequence. These types of titles involve different typefaces usually white on top of a black background as the two colours together have a high contrast. This type of title can give different effects to a film, such as an old fashioned, classic or authentic look to a film.
Titles on Still Image
This style involves having text with a visual image, this can make a title more visually appealing. This kind of sequence is more elaborate than using white text on a plain black background and also requires using different media to achieve the style.
Titles over Moving Images
Titles over a series of moving images can be simple of intricate. For example, images could be of a series of clouds moving. Normally there isn't any dialogue and the images don't mean anything until later on in the film.
Titles using Animation or Motion
Animating text became more and more popular starting in late 1990's.
My favourite type of title sequence is Animation because it's simple with bright colours and reflects the film. It also reflects a style of art.
The title sequence in this film is great in terms of relating to the film and engaging the audience. I think its a good title sequence because at the beginning its animated to look funky with different fonts that you would see in a school students diary, this suggests to the audience that there will be misbehaved school students. The music that plays along allows the audience to feel the mood that the school has. The sequence switches from animation to reality and instantly invites you to the school, this is done using different types of camera angles and shots, giving the audience a feel to what the setting of film is like. The credit order goes from distributor, producer, cast.
Friday, 14 October 2016
Favourite film title sequence analysis:
I think that the title sequence used in this movie is amazing. It completely relates to the movie and the transition between the cast credit is super cool. It starts of with planes blowing up and cars speeding through and out of the plane whilst its on fire, following this you have the name of the director. Straight away you know the genre of this movie: Action along with the cool upbeat music which keeps us awake and staring at the screen straight away. Next they show who it is written and produced by with a tank in the back of the screen followed by cars flipping which again is relevant to the movie. Whilst they show who the movie is edited by they show a small clip of the movie when vin diesel risks his life and jumps on another car whilst moving which shows the importance of this scene as its also used in the title sequence. The sequence begins with a dark black/navy mid-range shot. This was probably done to submerse the viewer into the location and set a mood for the sequence. The use of mise-en-scene throughout the sequence is highly constructive, the: cars, plans, explosions, tanks including the music form a very clear picture of the genre.There are many edits used in the title sequence from the explosions to the tanks and cars crashing into each other then one vehicle disappearing all whilst the credits are still popping up on the screen.
