Electronic story board

The group originally put together a story board on pen and paper as a rough copy which we could refer back to, however we decided it would make far more sense to go ahead and create an electronic story board for a more accurate and detialed understanding.

The story board was created to give the group a sense of direction and a further understanding to shots taking place and scenes being used. It allowed the group to have aclear structured underdtanding to what was happening, this proved beneficial as it avoided misshaps occuring .

Roles

To ensure appropriate roles were assigned we categorized the contributions each member of the group brung, we then concluded that Sophie are main actress held previous experience in this area of drama and she would therefore fit the part.

Having studied various films and film openings we gained an understanding that male dominance was a key facter expressed throughout the majority of film openings especially those concerning violence and suspense, as mentioned in the film review.

The group needed to ensure the actress was young, lifely and active possibly holding a simialr upbringing and understanding to the character being played. We put into consideration that Sophie was the only member of the group holding any theatre related qualification, for this reason she took on the role of Rose Kensnignton.

Originally two directors rolls were going to be assigned however after much thought and consideration it was decided it could end up in conflict and confusion ultimately reflecting crossed views and opinions. The group decided that Layla would hold the upper-hand over other members as she has previous experience in this line of work and this is what the group needed, a certain area of confidence and manageabillity.

The group needed an experience member to hold the camera and make general justifications to the camera in order to create special affects and gain suitable, accurate footage. It was important that the camera shots were carried out correctly and in some cases a certain level of experience was required in order to manouver the camera and make general operations and adgustments to create the affects nessacary, having assigned a director and actress I took on the role of the Camera man.


Although the film would be controlled by the group in general and different aspects would be implemented by different members it was important that their was an authoritive position assigned to each and every member so a general level of responsibillity could be placed. This helped to put the film into prospective and it also got the ball rolling.

Shot lists....

To ensure the film goes according and achieves the objectives it is important that the camera shots used are appropriate as these will be the cornerstone of the movie, putting into place that our film focuses on anger, confusion and a sense of security the film is likely to carry a number of POV's, as these shots will work the best.

By introducing a POV it allows the viewer to get in the mind of the acter and gain an understanding to the feelings, perhaps synthezing with them therefore creating a more powerful affect. This is important because our film is in relaiton to true events, and we want to enforce the idea and awareness of the wider wold and the dangers out their.

By introducing an opening establishing shot it allows the setting to take place, it introduces the idea of tranquillity making the reader aware that something will happen ultimately building suspense and anticipation, close ups are then used to reflect the state of Rose, followed by an extreme close up showing her disturbed awakening. By introducing an extreme close up it draws the viewers attention thus reflecting the girls state of mind this is then followed by a POV of which the viewer can relate to. This is an important facter as it allows them to understand an uninticipated awakening from a some what abnormal night. By creating imagery to a previous experience the reader is setting their mind for the rest of the film.

Because it is so important that a range of shots are used we tried to implement them where possible, however because are film worked around the build of tention we wanted to implement a number of POV's, though this seemed unproffesional and perhaps poor. We layed out our story bord and analyzed possible shots we could use in each scene, we then established the shots we hadn't used.....

An extreme close up will be placed on the incident in which the drug is dropped in the drink, this is important as it is the bases to the film, and potentially the plot set. The idea of the drug being placed into a drink was affectively stolen from the "stone in the pond" affect where the stone pierces the surfaces and ripples then follow. This creates imagery to our film in which the extreme close up emphasizes the bullet to the hear, and the change in atmosphere and scenery. The ripples are associated with the ongoing affect of Rose going out that night.

Script

The group got together and focused on the different ways in which the film could go though to ensure the film pulled off the image we wanted it to with regards to the realistic world and dangers that surround us today we placed our selves into the dilema and decided on the following:

Name: Rose Kensington

We wanted to introduce the idea that Rose was not a normal person, she was to be a spoilt individual who lived in a bubble taking little notice of the surroundings, to create this image it was essential that the name had a difinitive ring to it and that it didn't come across to lower class, hense the name "Rose Kensington", this reflects wealth and perhaps authority within the family.

Age: 19 Years of age

Having decided on a name we needed to now needed to place an appropriate age on it. When deciding this we put into account the average range of individuals who attend clubs and having carried out secondary research as to the average age limit we concluded 22. Had there been more time available and we werent restricted to a number of weeks we would have considered carrying out primary research, though this is not neccasarily essential.

Although 22 years of age was the retrieved figure we felt this would not suit the film, at the age of 19 some people can be very nieve, and lost with their ongoings, we therefore decided that 19 years would be appropriate as teenagers are starting to explore the limits, thus making the film more realistic.

The background consists of a rich family with whom the daughter makes consistent quarrels and disagreements with regards to the way she choses to lead her life, Rose is very dependant on her parents and is not half shy to ask for money.

She is highly educated and has experienced private education amougst many of her other friends.

Our film "Black-out" focuses on the harsh truth that lies at hand with todays teens, it focuses on one girl in particular who takes life as it comes untill one day when out on the town things start to change and life does not appear so perfect.

Nineteen year old Rose Kingston approaches the town with a large smile, when all of a sudden her drink get spiked, and yet does she know it but she is about to wake up in the woods the following morning....

Unexpecting and exhausted Rose, stumbles to her feet but can't quite remember what happened or what is going on, panicked she staggers through the woods..... but is she the only one?

The film continues in an investigtion for the Body of Rose, though it is apparent that she is nowhere to be found. The film continues on the bases of Rose being captured and an ongoing enquiry reveals more than her friends are willing to reveal.

Shots have not been included in the script as directions are looked down upon by many directors.... though shots will be discussed between the group at a later date.

Equipment list and scene settings

The majority of the film is taking place in the woods. This is where the focus of the film is taking place and where most of the action will be concerned. Whereas the flashbacks will take palce in a lively environment, possibly the drama studio where the group can take full advantage of the facillities.

This area was chosen because it best suits the ideas expressed amougst the group, it also accompanies the issues we want to express.

Below is an equipment list.

Equipment

Camera
Tripod
Tape
Tablet

Props

Glass
Paracetomol
Table
Alcoholic bottles

Costume

Dress
Heels/shoes
Heavy make-up
Ripped tights
Heavy make up

Because there are few scenes in are shots and little focus on anyone other than our main actor there is little equipmentn needed. Costume is a very important factor to our film as it illustrates Rose (our main actresses) state of mind which is in effect a major part to the film.

AS Film evaluation

Lock stock

The first film i evaluated was Lock stock and two smoking barrels by Guy Richie. This is a greatly enspiring film and certain aspects I would ideally like to introduce in to my groups film although this would have to go through the direcet, Layla of whom may chose to discuss it amougst the group.

The film gets off to an intense start featuring a chase, it follows a range of different shots featuring close ups and mid range to long range shots to show the drama taking place, and to ensure the viewer is drawn into the movie, the first few minutes are important, if the viewer is not drawn they may not view the rest. From the beginning of this film I have learnt to ensure that every aspect of my groups production will need to be powerful and effective, entising the viewer..... I have also learnt from the use of camera shots that this can place a large affect on the film, coupled with music. If the camera shot is distant and long range the music may be sudden building up momentum, of cause this will vary depending on aims and objectives set by the Director.

The film envolves four main characters,much like the film I am envolved in, I therefore gain the understanding that with such a succesful film rated 8/10, mine can equally be very good and it does have the potential to work as four characters are present in it also...... however this film is based on commedy and violence where the film I am focusing on is potentially based on the theme of horror , with slight reflection on commedy.

Snatch

The second film I set out on watching was "Snatch" again produced by Guy Richie, both films share simialr characteristics as you may expect and focus on humour and action.

The film combines several stories, from the heist of a diamond to an incomprehensible gypsy with a mean right hook (Brad Pitt). One main element I like about the two films is the fact, Guy Richie manages to cleverly weave these segments and ideas into a whole, however having been a great fan of Guy Richies movies this second and perhaps not so succesful movie seems a little patchy featuring to many uninteresting and unneccasary characters and dialouge reflecting poorly upon the film.

This is an aspect I do not want to carry over to my film, it is important that the characters are lively and play respective rolls, with little or no dialogue present hense few roles have been assigned and no speech will be taking place.

A strong element is the commedy throughout, Brad Pitt plays the role of a Pikey really well, reflecting someone who may be more than he seems. I wish for my film to be exciting and equally leaving the viewer in suspense, throughout Pitts role he continues to excite the viewer and offer suspense, wth humerous lines written by Guy Richie.

Again, having watched the pair their is an undeniable sense of, been there done that with pervades the whole film. The two share very simialr camera shots, starting with close ups on the quick fire opening.

Of course, I and my group are focusing on the introduction to a film so this does not place to greater affect. We will need to look at a variety of camera shots to ensure there is a differential facter keeping the viewer entertained.

Having analyzed both productions I realise how there is allot of focus on close ups, and mid ranged shots placing emphasis on action, whereas shots grabbing the viewers attention and escalation focus on establishing shots.

Though my film will not present commedy, nore dialogue general elements such as the range of shots and the way they are grouped will be introduced to the film.

To gain an accurate understanding to film oppenings and understand why these shots have been performed and the affect placed on the reader I looked at a different genre, which didn't focus so much on commedy.

Lost

The third film analyzed was Lost. Lost is a fairly cheaply producded film, but to no extent is it working with a simialr to budget to that of mine. Season one is an action packed set, featuring large distrubing noises, fires, explosions and abductions...... My film is based on simialr events and settings, I have therfore taken close note to the camera shots and diagetic and none diagetic noises used to see the effect on the viewer and film. This will also help when planning my story board, as i can take note of the individual cuts and set lists.

The film uses a variety of shots to build up tention and suspense In the film, emphasis is also built with the use of a POV placing the viewer in the actors position. The film my group is focusing on bares simialarity to thee of lost. It is set in a jungle/forest and it focuses on an individual being lost, tention is then built up through the use of clever shots, and POV's enforcing the idea of lonelyness allowing the viewer to emphasize with the character, perhaps linking it to a personal experience.

Lost is based on trauma, and action implements a vast amount of this. A strong feature to lost is the flashbacks in which the character flashes back to a moment in which they remember, this is an effective characteristic to the film and it shares the same roll in this as it does mine. Because they have a simialar story line the flashbacks are introduced to pick up the pace of the film, and perhaps give the viewer a greater understanding to what is actuallly taking place, it also build up momentum which is an important factor in the initial five minutes, to draw attention and ensure that the reader wants to see more....

One element that cannot be implemented is, character development. There is a vast amount of characters in the Lost series, these have been cleverly picked and developed, Lost is based on relationships whereas "Black-out" the film I am focusing on is based on deseat and betrail, though this can equally be displayed in the Lost series as survivers gain an understanding they are not the only ones on the island, this provides anticipation which is inevitably a very important aspect.

Of the lost collection season one was picked because it is clearly the first segment to the season, however the main reason being that season one is in effect one great, long introduction to the complete series so this is a mirror to the first five important minutes of my film...... having purchased a copy in blue ray and watched the series two or three times over I am confident that this has worked very well, and the small slice of footage and introduction is all that is needed in order to hook the viewer and ensure they purchase/want to watch the rest.

Having looked at a suitable range of films that potentially place an effect on my film, I have decided to watch a number of shorter, introductories to films simialr to the task set so i can gain an understanding of the quality being produced.

I focused on retrieving information with regards to mise en scene, dialogue and camera shots used in these short introductions. I wanted to see what i was up against, and perhaps gain an understanding of special affects to gain an understnaidng to what software etc, was required.

Five minute movies

I looked at house wifes 14, this is a powerful renowned film famous for it's abillity to engage the audience and keep them entertained, it achieves this through it's choise of commedy, camera shots and mise en scene .

The clip analyzed focused on love and relationships, it emphasized this through the use of dim lighting and red props, reflecting the theme of love and passion. The clip also has a slight twist as you expect the couple to participate in sexual activity, then an argument breaks out giving the viewer the understanding that the red is equally related to hatred, this idea is then reinforced by dimlighting and close camera shots on the face.

This films bears imagery to ours, it poses various camera shots to emphasize the characters state of mind and the mood is set by the lighting surrounding, this is an important factor as lighting plays an important role and it can and will be used to set the mood fo the film.

Trainspotting

The opening five minutes to this film are very effective as they introduce a different stlye of filming to what the average person baring an interest in film is use to. It combines mixed shots ranging from close ups and mid range shots placing emphasis on anger and agression to long range shots placing focus on a different area.

The film kick starts witha chase followed by an extreme close up on a number of characters posing in the form of a "mug shot" thus creating the impression that the film is perhaps violent and drug related. From the first five minutes you are geared up for an intense film but left after the five minutes is up.

One very clever element to this film is the use of a Match on action shot which creates a physcologically great feel to it and it also works very well the way it is used, this would be a shot I would love ti implement though it would seem tricky and it may prove hard finding a suitable scene to shot it.

Never the less this is a very powerful start to a film and although this has a different theme to my groups, certain aspects such as the upbeat music and general pace to the movie will be adapted.

To conclude the film reviews it has been a great help admiring other pieces of art and picking certain aspects which I believe would work well with our film, certain elements such as rhythem and beat to music used to illustrate violence and action, or perhaps Male dominancy and authority.

I concentrated on films that would ultimately place an effect on my final production, be it small or large each film contributed towards decisions made, however to ensure I have a full understanding I will continue to watch films relating to my groups interests.

Films I plan on watching consist of the following:

1. The complete lost series one: In order to greaten my understanding of shots and affects used and see how I can relate them to mine.
2. The cast away: Again this film features a simialar story line about one man (Tom Hanks) who gets cast away and inevitably he goes mad.
3. Shaun of the dead: This is a slightly different film to one you may expect, though it features a handful of action scenes and from this i hope to look at the shots used.
4. The minority report: Very intense opening addressed the film directly .
5. Carpenter: Believed to carry an effective opening wit reference to the tite
6. Saw: Holds an interactive opening which poses danger from the offset.

AS Media, regarding the letter of permission - Song choice

This is a copy of the letter sent direct to the copyright holder of Pendulem reflecting how the group wanted to tackle things proffesionally and obtain rights to play the song..... This was an important step as without this we may have needed to look elsewhere for a song which may not have been so appropriate.






We then needed to obtain peace of mind that It would be okay to play "Kings Of Leon - Closer", and in order to do this we contacted Sony.....

"Dear Sear/Madem,

I am writting with regards to a Media assignment in which requires me to obtain the right to play Closer by Kings Of Leon. This will mearly be used in a media assignment and it is in no way profitable.... It will only be used for educational purposes.

If you could get back to me that would be great,

Thanks for you time."