Lip sync
14 years ago
Wednesday, 29 April 2009
Friday, 24 April 2009
Evaluation
The task that we undertook for our main task was to create an opening scene to a thriller movie. Our media product fits under the sub-genre; psychological thriller. We decided to focus on a domestic violence case so show this. Psychological thrillers emphasise the characters just as much, or if more than the plot, we have done this by focusing in on one character and really developing the emotions of what she is going through and how she has decided to cope with this. “The suspense created by psychological thrillers often comes from two or more characters preying upon one another's minds, either by playing deceptive games with the other or by merely trying to demolish the other's mental state.” Our media product challenges this idea as we have focused on only one character that is being tormented by another’s mental state. However a scene of abusive expression is shown briefly at the beginning to give the audience an idea of the plot but the other second character is not developed. In our media product we have developed and challenged the conventions of real media.My final media product represents the social group of young people particularly domestic violence victims. We have done this by basing the theme around domestic violence and using a young female character which can be related to by the target audience. The music and costume that come under the title of mis en scene are used also helped to represent the social group as it was a drum and bass track that young people are stereotypically related to and the clothes were relevant to the characters age and time of fashion.
Media institutions that would distribute my product would be those prepared to show real life issues that may be disturbing to some viewers and would also need to be an institution that targeted a young audience. Film4 would be a good example of this as they target a young audience and show English produced films. For their 2006 marketing campaign they used such celebrities as Lucy Liu, Christian Slater, Ewan Mcgregor, Judy Dench, William Dafoe, Rhys Ifans and Ray Winston declaring film 4 is now free in various situations across London. The fact that they used celebrities that are popular with young people today and a location that is situated in Britain shows that their target audience is that we are also aiming ours at so their institution would be an ideal distributor.
The audience of our media product is going to be young people. Our film is certificated a 15, this is due to such factors as inappropriate language, imitable techniques, threat and menace between characters but mainly the fact that it is a psychological thriller and uses deceptive and mystery games may be hard for people of a younger age to grasp. The product also deals with suicide, although the method is not glamorised a younger age range may find this disturbing whereas an older audience may be able to cope with it.
When considering the age range and how we would address it we had to take into account the mise en scene, editing and sound. The protagonist in our media product is a young female girl suffering from the abuse of domestic violence. So the audience could relate to the character we used clothing that is fashionable and realistic to what someone that age would be wearing. The clothes though were not formal and were casual as we decided that someone who was intent on suicide would not care about their appearance. We also used make-up to highlight the narrative by having cuts and bruises on her face, the audience can clearly see she has been abused. The language used is typical of young people and teenagers as they are using un-grammatical dialogue and inappropriate language, again this helps with the relation to the audience. The music used in the background helped with continuity and helped to build up adrenaline in the audience, it creates the sense that something is going to happen soon and there is a constant rhythm in the background helping to show the narrative is constant. The fact that it is a drum and bass track, remixed with a song that was recently in the charts means our target audience can relate to it and as drum and bass is stereotypically linked with young adults. The setting on the bridge showed an isolated area, by doing this the audience can see that there is something not quite right and that the character wants to be alone. There is also a scene in the bathroom. The water is running which could suggest she wants to wash herself of all the emotions and memories she has and create a relaxed atmosphere to calm herself down. In the bathroom there is also a low level lighting, this shows how not everything is clear and also helps with the mood of the character. All this helps with the narrative and atmosphere of the film. The camera shots used also help to create suspense and continuity. We have used cuts and also fades. The fade transition gives an eerie feel to the film as at one point there are two images of the character, one in a hard image and the other faint. This again helps with attracting and addressing the audience into the film and creating an atmosphere for them.
From constructing this piece of media I have learnt to use different technologies such as the camera, and software that we used to edit. Before the preliminary I was unskilled in using a video camera but now feel that I have learnt a lot. We were able to use tripods to give steady shots and different camera angles were undertaken. I had also never really used the software that we used to edit the product but now feel that I would be comfortable in cutting the film, adding audio or incidental music, transitions and fading two clips together.
From looking back at our preliminary task I can see that we have come a long way. By using the proper equipment such as camera stands we were able to keep the shots steady at all times and have also become more experienced with the use of camera shots and angles giving a more professional look to the final piece. The sound was a big issue with our preliminary as we were unable to edit it out, with the final one we were able to add a song in and cut it at different points so specific parts of the non-diagetic sound relates to the narrative. I also feel that I have become more confident with the technology and equipment we used such as the software to edit the final piece and the camera.
I am happy with the final product as we made sure we took everything into account and tried to make the film look as professional as possible.
Media institutions that would distribute my product would be those prepared to show real life issues that may be disturbing to some viewers and would also need to be an institution that targeted a young audience. Film4 would be a good example of this as they target a young audience and show English produced films. For their 2006 marketing campaign they used such celebrities as Lucy Liu, Christian Slater, Ewan Mcgregor, Judy Dench, William Dafoe, Rhys Ifans and Ray Winston declaring film 4 is now free in various situations across London. The fact that they used celebrities that are popular with young people today and a location that is situated in Britain shows that their target audience is that we are also aiming ours at so their institution would be an ideal distributor.
The audience of our media product is going to be young people. Our film is certificated a 15, this is due to such factors as inappropriate language, imitable techniques, threat and menace between characters but mainly the fact that it is a psychological thriller and uses deceptive and mystery games may be hard for people of a younger age to grasp. The product also deals with suicide, although the method is not glamorised a younger age range may find this disturbing whereas an older audience may be able to cope with it.
When considering the age range and how we would address it we had to take into account the mise en scene, editing and sound. The protagonist in our media product is a young female girl suffering from the abuse of domestic violence. So the audience could relate to the character we used clothing that is fashionable and realistic to what someone that age would be wearing. The clothes though were not formal and were casual as we decided that someone who was intent on suicide would not care about their appearance. We also used make-up to highlight the narrative by having cuts and bruises on her face, the audience can clearly see she has been abused. The language used is typical of young people and teenagers as they are using un-grammatical dialogue and inappropriate language, again this helps with the relation to the audience. The music used in the background helped with continuity and helped to build up adrenaline in the audience, it creates the sense that something is going to happen soon and there is a constant rhythm in the background helping to show the narrative is constant. The fact that it is a drum and bass track, remixed with a song that was recently in the charts means our target audience can relate to it and as drum and bass is stereotypically linked with young adults. The setting on the bridge showed an isolated area, by doing this the audience can see that there is something not quite right and that the character wants to be alone. There is also a scene in the bathroom. The water is running which could suggest she wants to wash herself of all the emotions and memories she has and create a relaxed atmosphere to calm herself down. In the bathroom there is also a low level lighting, this shows how not everything is clear and also helps with the mood of the character. All this helps with the narrative and atmosphere of the film. The camera shots used also help to create suspense and continuity. We have used cuts and also fades. The fade transition gives an eerie feel to the film as at one point there are two images of the character, one in a hard image and the other faint. This again helps with attracting and addressing the audience into the film and creating an atmosphere for them.
From constructing this piece of media I have learnt to use different technologies such as the camera, and software that we used to edit. Before the preliminary I was unskilled in using a video camera but now feel that I have learnt a lot. We were able to use tripods to give steady shots and different camera angles were undertaken. I had also never really used the software that we used to edit the product but now feel that I would be comfortable in cutting the film, adding audio or incidental music, transitions and fading two clips together.
From looking back at our preliminary task I can see that we have come a long way. By using the proper equipment such as camera stands we were able to keep the shots steady at all times and have also become more experienced with the use of camera shots and angles giving a more professional look to the final piece. The sound was a big issue with our preliminary as we were unable to edit it out, with the final one we were able to add a song in and cut it at different points so specific parts of the non-diagetic sound relates to the narrative. I also feel that I have become more confident with the technology and equipment we used such as the software to edit the final piece and the camera.
I am happy with the final product as we made sure we took everything into account and tried to make the film look as professional as possible.
Wednesday, 22 April 2009
Certificates and Target Audiences
After researching film certificates on the BBFC website, we decided as a group that our film was best targeted at a certificate of 15.
'15' – Suitable only for 15 years and overNo-one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video or DVD.
Theme
No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate to 15 year olds.
Language
There may be frequent use of strong language (eg 'fuck'). But the strongest terms (eg 'cunt') will be acceptable only where justified by the context. Continued aggressive use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.
Nudity
Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.SexSexual activity may be portrayed but without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour.
Violence
Violence may be strong but may not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. Scenes of sexual violence must be discreet and brief.
Imitable techniques
Dangerous techniques (eg combat, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on imitable detail. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.
Horror
Strong threat and menace are permitted. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable.
Drugs
Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse.
In terms of language our film does contain strong language but not of the strongest terms, it is used quite frequently so it would not be suitable for anyone below the certificate of 15. An imitable technique - suicide, is used in our film but is not dwelled on and the means of doing it is not glamorised, there is however the use of strong threat and menace between the characters but no gore. These are the reasons why we decided that 15 was the best certificate for our film along with the sub-genre of psychological thriller as deceptive games and elements from the mystery genre are used, so younger people may find it harder to understand.
'15' – Suitable only for 15 years and overNo-one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video or DVD.
Theme
No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate to 15 year olds.
Language
There may be frequent use of strong language (eg 'fuck'). But the strongest terms (eg 'cunt') will be acceptable only where justified by the context. Continued aggressive use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.
Nudity
Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.SexSexual activity may be portrayed but without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour.
Violence
Violence may be strong but may not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. Scenes of sexual violence must be discreet and brief.
Imitable techniques
Dangerous techniques (eg combat, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on imitable detail. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.
Horror
Strong threat and menace are permitted. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable.
Drugs
Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse.
In terms of language our film does contain strong language but not of the strongest terms, it is used quite frequently so it would not be suitable for anyone below the certificate of 15. An imitable technique - suicide, is used in our film but is not dwelled on and the means of doing it is not glamorised, there is however the use of strong threat and menace between the characters but no gore. These are the reasons why we decided that 15 was the best certificate for our film along with the sub-genre of psychological thriller as deceptive games and elements from the mystery genre are used, so younger people may find it harder to understand.
Thriller and Sub-Genres
Thriller
"Thriller is a broad genre of literature, film, television, and gaming that includes numerous and often overlapping sub-genres. Thrillers are characterised by fast pacing, frequent action, and resourceful heroes who must thwart the plans of more-powerful and better-equipped villians. Literatery devices such as suspense, red herrings and cliffhangers are used extensively."
http://www.answers.com/topic/thriller-genre
Psychological thriller
"Psychological thriller is a specific sub-genre of the wide-ranging thriller genre. However, this genre often incorporates elements from the mystery genre in addition to the typical traits of the thriller genre. Generally, thrillers focus on plot over character, and thus emphasize intense, physical action over the character's psyche. Psychological thrillers tend to reverse this formula to a certain degree, emphasizing the characters just as much, if not more so, than the plot.
The suspense created by psychological thrillers often comes from two or more characters preying upon one another's minds, either by playing deceptive games with the other or by merely trying to demolish the other's mental state.
Sometimes the suspense comes from within one solitary character where characters must resolve conflicts with their own minds. Usually, this conflict is an effort to understand something that has happened to them. These conflicts are made more vivid with physical expressions of the conflict in the means of either physical manifestations, or physical torsions of the characters at play."
http://www.answers.com/psychological%20thriller
Other websites I have looked at to help with research:
http://www.filmsite.org/thrillerfilms.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thriller_(genre)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological_thriller
"Thriller is a broad genre of literature, film, television, and gaming that includes numerous and often overlapping sub-genres. Thrillers are characterised by fast pacing, frequent action, and resourceful heroes who must thwart the plans of more-powerful and better-equipped villians. Literatery devices such as suspense, red herrings and cliffhangers are used extensively."
http://www.answers.com/topic/thriller-genre
Psychological thriller
"Psychological thriller is a specific sub-genre of the wide-ranging thriller genre. However, this genre often incorporates elements from the mystery genre in addition to the typical traits of the thriller genre. Generally, thrillers focus on plot over character, and thus emphasize intense, physical action over the character's psyche. Psychological thrillers tend to reverse this formula to a certain degree, emphasizing the characters just as much, if not more so, than the plot.
The suspense created by psychological thrillers often comes from two or more characters preying upon one another's minds, either by playing deceptive games with the other or by merely trying to demolish the other's mental state.
Sometimes the suspense comes from within one solitary character where characters must resolve conflicts with their own minds. Usually, this conflict is an effort to understand something that has happened to them. These conflicts are made more vivid with physical expressions of the conflict in the means of either physical manifestations, or physical torsions of the characters at play."
http://www.answers.com/psychological%20thriller
Other websites I have looked at to help with research:
http://www.filmsite.org/thrillerfilms.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thriller_(genre)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological_thriller
The Analysis of A Thriller - Reservoir Dogs
Before beginning the storyboard and thinking of any original ideas for my thriller opening I have watched a couple of opening scenes for thriller movies in preparation. I have decided to analyse Reservoir Dogs, a thriller; directed and written by Quentin Tarantino, certificated 18 in the UK to get ideas such as camera angles, lighting affects and themes.
The film begins with a black screen with the credits rolling with dialogue over the top; this creates a sense of un-expectancy for the audience as they don't know what is happening. The scene shown next is of a circle of men, while the character who was speaking over the credits continues. The shot to show this scene is over the shoulder and the camera tracks around the circle at shoulder level, by doing this the audience are excluded from the circle and not a part of what is happening, this creates a feeling of uncertainty and mystery.
The characters are stereotypical gangsters with a New York accent and suits, there is a definite authority figure that is standing up compared to the others who are sat down, and this puts him on a higher level showing his power. The dialogue of the characters matches their portrayal of gangsters, for example one character says "shoot this man" this aggressive talk and swearing which is used frequently relates to its certificate of 18. The characters are also smoking, by doing this the setting is in this fog of smoke and everything is not clear, this could have been used instead of the stereotypical dim lighting.
This scene carries on for a while but as the characters leave the setting another voice over begins in a New York accent, there is then a fade to a black screen and music that fits with the setting, characters and pace of the film begins and the credits start rolling again. While the music still carries on playing over the credits there is a voice over of a man screaming in pain and shouting "I'm going to die". The audience are clueless of what is happening; again this creates a sense of un-expectancy, mystery and suspense.
From analysing the opening of Reservoir Dogs I have learnt that effects such as a black screen, camera shots, voice over and music all create a feeling of ambiguity and keep the audience on tender hooks. I will definitely consider this when planning my opening scene.
The film begins with a black screen with the credits rolling with dialogue over the top; this creates a sense of un-expectancy for the audience as they don't know what is happening. The scene shown next is of a circle of men, while the character who was speaking over the credits continues. The shot to show this scene is over the shoulder and the camera tracks around the circle at shoulder level, by doing this the audience are excluded from the circle and not a part of what is happening, this creates a feeling of uncertainty and mystery.
The characters are stereotypical gangsters with a New York accent and suits, there is a definite authority figure that is standing up compared to the others who are sat down, and this puts him on a higher level showing his power. The dialogue of the characters matches their portrayal of gangsters, for example one character says "shoot this man" this aggressive talk and swearing which is used frequently relates to its certificate of 18. The characters are also smoking, by doing this the setting is in this fog of smoke and everything is not clear, this could have been used instead of the stereotypical dim lighting.
This scene carries on for a while but as the characters leave the setting another voice over begins in a New York accent, there is then a fade to a black screen and music that fits with the setting, characters and pace of the film begins and the credits start rolling again. While the music still carries on playing over the credits there is a voice over of a man screaming in pain and shouting "I'm going to die". The audience are clueless of what is happening; again this creates a sense of un-expectancy, mystery and suspense.
From analysing the opening of Reservoir Dogs I have learnt that effects such as a black screen, camera shots, voice over and music all create a feeling of ambiguity and keep the audience on tender hooks. I will definitely consider this when planning my opening scene.
Thursday, 26 March 2009
Preliminary Task
For the prelimary task I will be working in a group with Jess Broome, Jade Kernohan and Tyshea Holden.
The preliminary needs to include, a character opening a door, walking across a room and they need to then exchange dialogue. In our task we need to include the following 3 camera shots
The preliminary needs to include, a character opening a door, walking across a room and they need to then exchange dialogue. In our task we need to include the following 3 camera shots
- Shot reverse shot
- Match on action
- 180 degree rule
To make sure we included all of this the best option was to design a storyboard, this way we could plan before we went out and filmed it. While designing the storyboard we had to take into account: the dialoge that would be suitable for our target audience, where we will incoorperate the essential shots and where the location would be. Our preliminary includes the theme of drugs, taking this into account we will be aiming our film at teenagers as stereotypically they are involved with drugs.
When filming we decided to use toilets that looked abandoned and a typical place where drug dealing would happen. We began our scene with an establising shot and then a 180 degree rule. This was hard to do well as the location was very small and after editing we realised that we had to cut part of the 180 degree out from the film so it doesn't look as complete as it could. This will be taken into account for our final piece. We made sure that the protagonist of the preliminary who was the vitim was filmed from high angles to make them look vunerable and the threatening character was shot from a low angle. Match on action was included when a charater walks through into the room. We used a shot reverse shot to show the dialogue between the two characters, this helps with continuity.
After filming we uploaded the film and used Adobe Premier Pro. With this programme we were albe to edit the film by cutting some shots and adding transitions that were relevant so there was continuity. We would have liked to edit the sound out as there is a background noise, however we were unable to do this because of technical difficulties with the programme.
Overall I think the preliminary task went well and from it we can take on mistakes that we may have made and now know how to correct them in the main task.
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