Filming session Evaluation

Filming Session Evaluation


After many changes to our production 'The Hunt', Alec and I finally finished our shooting. We had done a lot of research and planning before our final shoot to make sure we were happy with our final production.

For our last filming session we needed to show the audience the ending of our opening, which was a vital aspect within our film opening because we needed to leave the audience guessing what would happen next- which is what me and Alec wanted to achieve.

Our last session had many different camera angles to convey the scene as best as possible, we began with slow and long takes to show the calmer side of the film. However, when the chase scene begins, we used very quick shots to emphasize the panic within the scene.

For editing, we took our time as we wanted to make it perfect. We began to include our opening credits, which included a font which is similar to most thriller films. In addition to this, we needed to make the font the correct colour so that it was visible for the audience. We also put colour filters over our scenes so that it was easier for the audience to see what is going on within the opening.

The Hunt (final copy)

Final Music Choice

Final Music Choice

For our production, we have decided the soundtrack we are going to use, we feel as if this soundtrack fits our production well with all the timings and fits all the thriller conventions.
The eerie feel of this soundtrack helps us to emphasize what we are trying to connote to the audience, fear and tension. Without this soundtrack, our production would have less of an effect on our audience.

Snapshot from film

Here is a snapshot of the production 'The Hunt'.  It is an establishing shot of a detective standing over a dead body. We felt that this shot is a very good shot to establish to the audience what is going on, this helps us to explain the narrative of the story. We will edit this shot to make it a little darker to make it easier to see.

7- Evaluation- sound clip

6- Evaluation- Prezi

5- Evaluation- Powtoon

4- Evaluation- powerpoint

4) Who is the main target audience for your target audience from alecjetha

3- Evaluation- Comic

2- Evaluation- Photo Sequence

1- Evaluation- News Article

1- In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?  (In the form of a newspaper article)

The Hunt, How Does it Compare to Other films?

With the new thriller film ‘The Hunt’ out this week, we look at how it compares to other film openings. The films directors Tom Edwards and Alec Jetha have been heavily influenced by other psychological thrillers such as 'Se7en'. With director Alec Jetha saying "Our film puts the audience on edge and uses no dialogue in the opening to keep the narrative mysterious." 

'The Hunt' opens with many different camera angles and shots to provide a good viewing for the audience. "This was important for us as we felt we needed some way of telling the narrative to our audience without dialogue, we tried to maximize our use of props and mise en scene" stated Tom Edwards.  The opening of 'The Hunt' also uses a soundtrack like many other film openings. The films directors felt that using an eerie sound opening would have an impact on the audience. This technique was similar to other film openings such as 'Se7en', 'Silence Of The Lambs' and 'The Godfather'.

The font of the films title and opening credits also fitted the conventions of a psychological thriller. The font again compares to other films such as 'Se7en'. We can see that Tom Edwards and Alec Jetha have many comparisons to conventions of real media products. Evidence of this is with the use of a soundtrack, mise-en-scene, titles and font type.


However, we can also see some ways in which 'The Hunt' challenges forms and conventions of other media products. This is because of the facilities the directors had. Other products have had the luxury of a high budget. This is something Alec Jetha and Tom Edwards did not have. This meant that they could  not use paid actors or vast amount of props. 

Attempted Editing

Attempted Editing

On the 14th of March we had our first editing session of our production. At first we found it hard to establish how long we wanted each shot to last. However, when we worked it out we felt as though it was a successful lesson. We learnt a lot more about final cut and the techniques needed to get a good shot.

The Hunt Film Title vs Other thrillers

The Hunt
This is our film title. We were mainly influenced by the title of the crime thriller 'Se7en'. The simple black background allows the audience to focus on the title name. The font of our title also fits the genre of thrillers and is very simple but effective.





















Se7en
This film title was mine and Alecs main inspiration when making our film title. As you can see, it is very similar to The Hunt. This is because of the simple black background and white font.

The Shawshank Redemption

This is another famous film that had an influence on me and Alec. As you can see it uses the technique of having a black background with white font. This simpleness makes the movie more intriguing for the audience.

Music Choices

Music Choices

We feel as if this soundtrack would be effective for our first scene, where we have close ups on the dead body and the props. It's simple and doesn't draw the audience away from the visual elements whilst also causing an eerie element. 

Creepy Halloween Soundtrack

Music Choices For Film

Music Choices For Film

Here is another soundtrack we ware thinking of using for our opening.

Music Choices For Film

Music Choices For Film

Me and Alec have recently been talking about what music we are going to use for our production. We have come across a number of soundtracks which we feel are suitable for our film opening. They fit the genre of our film very well. 

We had to make sure the soundtrack was copy right free which was shown by the creator of the music in the description of the video.

1- The Prestige

Second Filming Session

Second Filming Session

Throughout our second filming session we managed to use all the camera angles we wanted to use to show the narrative of our film. 

These included:

-Close Ups

-Extreme Close Ups 

-Establishing shots

-Tracking Shots

-P.O.V shot 

We also managed to use the props we wanted to include to help explain the narrative of the film such as the knife, mask and gloves.

One problem Alec and I encountered was the decision of some of the shots, we both had trouble working out how long some of the shots were and if they were accurate enough for the audience to understand. To solve this problem, we made sure we took multiple shots of each scene to increase our chances of pulling off a successful shot.  

Budget

Budget

For our film, me and Alec have had to make a budget breakdown to see how much our production will cost.

Mask- £5-£15

Prop Knife/Weapon- £5-£10

Plastic Disposable Gloves- £1-£2

Notepad- £1-£3

The cameras we are using are free as they have been paid for by the schools media department, furthermore the location we are using is a free public park which means no payment is needed. All costumes and most props have already been paid for and our cast of actors are free.

Budget of film- The budget of our film shall be below £25. 

Film Inspiration

Film Inspiration


After researching scenes from detective films, me and Alec have found a clip from The Wire. This scene does not use much dialogue which is why me and Alec feel as if it can help us for our filming. The mise en scene within the clip tells the narrative of the story, which is what we are aiming to do.
The many camera angles and shots of this clip also tell the audience the story. Close ups are a key feature they use to get every detail involved- this is something me and Alec want to achieve within our production.

Mask Research

Hannibal Lector

The mask of Hannibal Lector is similar  to a dog muzzle. This links to the narrative of the story, where Hannibal Lector eats humans. By covering the killers lower face, we can still see his eyes. This emphasizes fear and emotion from the killer.

Mask Research

Mask Research

Scream

The mask of scream is also a very famous image within horror and thriller films, the mask represents a ghoulish face black eyes. Not one feature of the killers face is shown. 

Mask Research

Mask Research

In order to make the killer in our film unique. I have decided to do some research on masks to gather ideas, by having a good mask we shall be able to emphasize the fear for the audience. 

Michael Myers 

The mask of Michael Myers is one of the most iconic and famous masks of all time, it has been shown in the Halloween movies and is arguably one of the most famous antagonists in horror/thriller film history. 

The mask has humanistic features which only reveal the eyes of the killer. This has a big influence on the audience and drives fear into his victims. 

Location Change

Location Change

For mine and Alecs production, we have decided to have a change of location. This is because Jubilee Park is not suitable for the shots we want to do. Our new location is more local which means it will be easier for us to carry props and equipment. 

Presentation feedback

Presentation  Feedback

After presenting our film plot to the class we have decided to make a few changes to our production. This is mainly the mise en scene aspects. 

• Mask- In order to make our film more unique, we have decided to change the idea of a hockey mask. We want our killer to have his own style. So we shall do some research on a good mask to use.
• Dialogue- After discussing with Alec, we have thought on using less dialogue within the film with maybe voice over to create effect. 
• Location-  Me and Alec shall discuss our location further to see if there will be any changes. 

The Hunt Presentation

Evaluation Of First Filming Session

Evaluation of First Filming Session

After our first filming session, Alec and I felt that we learnt a lot. I have decided to use this post to note down what went well and what we could have done better. This shall prepare us for our next filming schedule. 

WWW (What Went Well)

• We managed to use a lot of camera angles and techniques to emphasize what we were trying to show. 
• Alec and I worked well together and managed to communicate well and share ideas.
• Our location worked well for us and helped us to fit in the thriller conventions.
• We felt as though our actors performed well.

EBI (Even Better If)

• More script preparation 
• More scenes shot 
• Loudness of dialogue 

Location

Another View Of Location

Location

Location


Me and Alec decided to travel up to our location to take some pictures for research. We are happy with our location and we feel that it will work in well with our filming.

Final Casting List

Final Casting List

Here is the final list of cast for our film. We feel as if these are the right people for the characters they are playing:

Detective 1- Tom Edwards

Detective 2- Luke Watson

Victim- Sacha Hedington

The Killer-  Alec Jetha 

Character Bio

Character Bio 


Within our film 'The Hunt' we have a villain. Because of this I have decided to make a character bio so that we can understand him more.




Appearance

Our killer shall wear a hockey mask. This is to hide his identity and to emphasize the fear into his victims. Within our film he shall be responsible for the death of a young teenager. He shall be played by Alec.



Personality

The killer is intelligent within our film, this is because he is capable of getting away with his crimes. In this case, he is trying to get away from two detectives. Our killer is also very evil as he has no reason for his killings.

Company Logos

Company Logos



20th Century Fox

Paramount Pictures

Lions Gate

Universal 

Film 4 

Camera Angle Preparation

Camera Angle Preparation

For mine and Alec's film opening, we need to make sure that we know how to get the best shots to emphasise the feelings and emotions within the story. To do this, I have decided to use this post to research camera angles/shots and the rules that go with them.

The 180 Degree Rule

This shot can be used to show two characters or objects. It's an invisible line that acts as an axis to connect characters within the shot. The camera must stay on one side of the axis for every shot in the scene other wise it could confuse the audience. If the camera passes the line it is called 'jumping the line'.

Rule Of Thirds




The rule of thirds is a concept in which the frame of a shot is divided into nine imaginary sections. This shot is not always necessary but it is a rule which can be useful to convey conversations. An example of the rule of thirds can be seen with a 'people shot', the main line of interest is going through the eyes which is approximately 1/3 of the way down the frame.

Match On Action


This is an editing technique for continuity in which one shot cuts to another shot portraying action. The action carrying creates a visual bridge which draws the viewers attention away from slight cutting or continuity issues.

Shot Reverse Shot


This technique is often used in conversations or when a character looks at an object. It is often shot from behind a characters shoulder which is then followed by a reverse angle shot. This shot links to the 180 degree rule, it shows continuity and does not confuse the audiences sense of location or characters within the shot.



Inspiration For Thriller- The Silence of the Lambs

Inspiration For Thriller- The Silence of the Lambs



The Silence of the Lambs is a 1991 American thriller film that blends elements of horror and crime genres. The film is directed by Jonathan Demme and stars Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins and Scott Glenn. The film is based on Thomas Harris's 1988 novel of the same name. The film was released February 14th 1991 and grossed $272 million worldwide against its $19 million budget.

Inspiration For Thriller - Se7en

Inspiration For Thriller - Se7en



Se7en is a 1995 American detective-psychological film written by Andrew Kevin Walker and directed by David Fincher. The film stars Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman and Gwyneth Paltrow. This film genre is the same as mine and Alec's so it had an important influence on us. The film was released September 22nd, 1995 and grossing $327 million box office internationally.

Inspiration For Thriller Opening - Inception

Inspiration For Thriller Opening- Inception




For mine and Alec's thriller I needed inspiration for ideas. This post will be used to show how I have gained inspiration from some famous films of different genres.







Inception (2010)


Inception is a British-American science fiction heist thriller directed by Christopher Nolan. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon Livett and Tom Hardy. The soundtrack within the film is composed by Hanz Zimmer, the soundtracks within the film help to influence the audience and show the dangers within the film. This is what me and Alec must try to achieve within our film. The film had a budget of $160 million and made over $825 million.

The Importance Of Film Trailers

The Importance Of Film Trailers

Film trailers are a vital addition to a production within the film industry. This is because of many reasons:

- A trailer is the main attraction to get the public to watch the film. If there is no trailer people from the public are not going to have enough access to the film. 

-  Films will try to make the trailer look the film look attractive to watch. This means that productions will try to include the best/most interesting parts to attract an audience. 

-If the trailer is poor or boring people are not going to want to watch the production. This shows the importance of an important film trailer. 

-Trailers will link to the film and show off the genre.

Film Opening Script Template

Film Opening Script Template

Characters

Detective 1:Frank Harris

Detective 2 (partner):Isaac Rogers

Killer:Masked man (unnamed)

Victim:Tim Robbins

(shot opens with the main title, The Hunt. Then fades to dead body while titles appear, detectives start to talk and it cuts to the two detectives standing over the body)

D1: What  time was it called in?

D2: Around 6 am, man walking his dog saw his body laying by the river side.

D1: The body looks no older than 18, you got ID on the victim?

D2: His name,Tim Robbins 17 years old, attended Woodsbury secondary school and lives with his parents Jane and Ben Robbins just down the road from here

D1: Have his parents been informed?

D2: Yeah they said they last saw at around 8pm last night, he stormed out after an argument

D1: Right ok, we'll speak to them later. (short pause detective looks at body)

D1: He's got multiple stab wounds on his back, there are finger marks below his chin. (cuts to next scene where victim is walking walking through the woods

D1: Victim was likely to be alone in the woods, killer followed him, grabbed him from behind by the neck and stabbed him multiple times, from the tracks it looks like the killer then dragged the body and left it here ( All is a voice over while a flashback of the killing occurs)

(cuts back to the detectives)
D2: Ok well I need to head back to the station and file a report you coming ?
D1: Nah I see you there later, I've got a couple of jobs need doing home
D2: Ok Frank I'll see you later
(scene cuts to the killer looking at the two detectives, then as the detectives are walking the killer watches them in the background)


Shooting Schedule

Shooting Schedule

- Sunday 16th February: Look over locations to make sure they are in good condition. Make any changes if needed. 

- The cast shall consist of myself, Alec and two other students. 

- We shall be shooting in the early hours of the day. This is because it maximizes the time we have to shoot and it fits in with the narrative of our story. 

- The shooting shall consist of the week of half term (Monday 17th February- Friday 22nd February) 

- Any extra additions to the film or changes shall be filmed after half term. 

- Editing shall be done as soon as possible after we are happy with the shots. 

Music Choice For Film Opening

Music Choice For Film Opening

As mine and Alec's film opening is of the thriller genre, we need music that will suit the genre. However, for copyright reasons we will have to find a way to reach the rules. I have decided to do some research on music in the thriller genre to help me and to give us ideas.

We shall have a very eerie and dark opening, this means that our music must match this feeling to emphasise the drama to the audience. The track could be very slow and silent to show the tension, in addition to this, the music could be very distorted to match the panic with our P.O.V shots.

  

For the more dramatic and fast paced scenes within our filming, we will have to use a fast paced soundtrack to match the mise en scene. However, this soundtrack must match the feeling of a dark narrative to fit the story and to make it dramatic for the audience.

The Hunt Film Title

This is the title of our film 'The Hunt'. It shall be used as an opening for our film. 

Film Opening Story Board

Analysis Of The work of design companies

Analysis Of The Work of Design Companies

For our film opening, we will need to design and create our film title sequence and use design techniques to look creative. To help us do this, I have decided to do some research on design companies and designers. 

344 Design

344 Design is a Los Angeles based design firm specializing in work for creatively ambitious clients. The firm is headed by Art Director Stephan G. Butcher. He is the author of books 100 days of monsters, All Access and You Deserve a Medal. He has created designs for Sting and The New York Times. He has also designed film titles for director Tarsem Singh, with films such as The Fall, Immortals and Mirror Mirror. 

Alma Mater

Alma Mater is a Hollywood based visual studio working in design and animation. The studio was founded in 2012, it specializes in commercials, broadcast design and main titles for television and film. Head designer, Brian Mah, has worked on commercial for pepsi, coca cola and American Express. In terms of film, he has worked for Universal, Disney and Paramount.  

Aparato

Founded in 2008, Aparato is a motion design and animation studio based in Uruguay. It has worked for companies such as coca cola, Amex, Moviestar and Nestle. They have also worked on horror film Evil Dead.  

Film Opening Treatment

Film Opening Treatment

For mine and Alec's  film opening, we must go over what is going to happen within the project. This is so that the film has a good narrative structure and allows the audience to understand what is going on. To do this, I have decided to use this post to go over what we will do. 

1- The film will open with two detectives in the woods looking over a dead body. To do this shot we will use P.O.V shots and close ups to emphasize the dead body. (DETECTIVES WEARING SUITS)

2- Whilst the detectives are talking we shall use a flash back to show the audience how the murder occurred. To show that it is a flashback we will edit it to black and white and maybe have disorientating music and effects. (THE KILLER WILL BE WEARING A MASK).   

3- The flash back will end and we will use a moment of complete silence to make the scene more eerie.

4- Close up on part of dead body with sound of water in background.  

Horror genre animation

Mind Map Of Coursework Ideas- Planning

Horror Films - Analysing a Character

Horror Films - Analysing a Character

Within horror films, the main characters within the film are the most vital aspect of the film. Without a scary character, its highly unlikely that you will scare your audience. This is why I have decided to use this post as research into what makes a horror character scary and how to utilise them into your horror film. 



Penny Wise The Dancing Clown

This is Pennywise the clown. He was used in the film 'It' in 1990, based on the novel written by Stephen King. He is also known as 'Pennywise The Dancing Clown'. He is capable of turning into his victims worst fears and he mainly hunted children. He is one of the most famous and iconic horror villains of all time. The use of a clown will scare a lot of people us many people have a fear of them. The clowns teeth also suggest elements of fear and his eyes are fitting for a horror film.  

 

 

Michael Myers

 

Michael Myers first appeared in the 1978 film Halloween as a young boy who murders his older sister, then returns 15 years later to murder more teenagers. He is one of the most famous film villains of all time. He has appeared in novels, nine films, a video game and comics.
The mask is one of the most iconic images in the horror genre and caused much fear and excitement for audiences all over the world. From this film I noticed that even plain masks and props can cause fear and affect the audience. 

 

 

 

 

 

Billy The Puppet (SAW)

Billy is a puppet that appeared within the horror franchise SAW. It was used by the films main villain John Kramer aka (Jigsaw) to communicate and talk to his victims. The use of a doll is similar to the use of a clown as it will contribute to many peoples fears. Billy is now strong merchandise for the SAW franchise and is widely recognised as a evil character. The makeup and use of a bike make the doll seem more life like and scary. Furthermore, the evil laugh from the doll has become a key feature to scare audiences.

 

 

 

 

 



Hammer Horror

Hammer Horror

 

For this post I have decided to research the British film company Hammer Horror. I found that this would be useful research when looking at the success of British horror films.

 

Hammer is one of the UK's most known film brands. It has made many successful films such as The Woman In Black, Let Me In and the psychological thriller The Resident.

 

Since its debut in 1934 it has made over 150 feature films. Some of the most famous horror films created by Hammer Horror have been Dracula, The Curse Of The Werewolf and Frankenstein Created Woman.

 

Hammer Horror is a huge part of British film and the horror genre.  

Target Audience For Thrillers

Target Audience For Thrillers

 

 

Thriller films will attract audiences who like mystery, tension and excitement. Thriller films will also look at an active audience who will try to work out the plot and story line of the film  for themselves. Thriller audiences will also have to like the element of surprise as the main point of thriller films is to thrill the audience.

 

 

- Thrillers generally attract the age group of u25's

 

The highest audience for thriller films are the u25's. This is because the main protagonists and characters within thriller film contains young people. Thriller films also allow an affect of escapism for audiences and contain a lot of action for younger audiences to enjoy.

 

 

- Gender attraction

 

Thriller films will usually attract more of a male audience. However, it does appeal to both audiences. Males will prefer the action sequences within a horror film whereas females often like to watch for the aspect of emotion and tension.