The last week before the final deadline wasn't easy-going. Although we had already completed our main project, we had to create our own commentry, which we were unsure on which method we were going to use. Plus, we had to create our own DVD with all 3 clips of Preliminary Task, Thriller Opening (The File) and Commentry.
We finally decided that due to the length of our film, it was best to film our commentry separate to the film, but when editing it we would include some extracts from our film to provide evidence of the points we were making in our answers. It wasn't easy once editing it, the timing of the audio extracts were crucial which made it easy for the sound and video to go out-of-sync. However, we are very pleased with the end product considering the amount of time spent on it.
Another crucial part that had to be completed was the DVD with all 3 pieces of footage. We were very pleased to find out that the program was fairly easy to use and it didn't take long to produce the DVD.
Hopefully our commentry will be up here soon!
Friday, 9 April 2010
Thursday, 18 March 2010
Tuesday, 9 March 2010
Editing (music):
After having a few sessions teaching ourselves on Garageband we were ready to create our soundtrack.
We based our music from some of the influence of our audience research. People were looking for suspence, uneasy tension and to have a dramatic effect. So we listened to a lot of different drums, synths, bass etc to come up with a great and energetic mix.
Our piece of music starts quiet, with a synth (that is included throughout the whole piece of music) and a thunderstorm sound so that it makes our logo sound more threatening. Then the first shot of the female character running has also got the orchestra strings playing, this is so the tension is already building. Then at the end of the first shot, the orchestra stings fade out and an electric drum kit and loud bass sound are added, to increase the tension a step further. Then a couple of shot later, only the bass is playing to add an extra bit of depth to our music. The next shot until the end of the running sequence includes a guitar, electric drum kit, african percussion, loud bass and an electric piano. This sudden burst of energy increases the tension and matches the action of the footage perfectly. This first section was very difficult to create. The timing was very tricky to get perfect, especially the timing of the music and the beginning of the shot are totally spot-on. Although it was totally worth as we are both very pleased with the outcome.
The next section is when the car turns up, so our music had to quickly fade and change to make it clearer to the audience that this part of the opening was a different time to the running sequence. So the previous music elements were faded out, leaving the synth and a new and slightly different synth with a quieter bass sound. This was because the dialogue was coming up, so the music would have to be almost silent. This would avoid out opening looking like a music video and also so that the dialogue could be heard well.
The last shot is when the music/sound is at the end of the tension as it reveals a bit of information. A gun shot sound is heard before the title "THE FILE" comes up on the screen which was from cutting a sound of a drum beat to a very short sound.
Overall, after all the alterations, we are very pleased with our outcome. It was worth spending a lot of time over the music because it can be believed that the music is what makes the piece come alive!
We based our music from some of the influence of our audience research. People were looking for suspence, uneasy tension and to have a dramatic effect. So we listened to a lot of different drums, synths, bass etc to come up with a great and energetic mix.
Our piece of music starts quiet, with a synth (that is included throughout the whole piece of music) and a thunderstorm sound so that it makes our logo sound more threatening. Then the first shot of the female character running has also got the orchestra strings playing, this is so the tension is already building. Then at the end of the first shot, the orchestra stings fade out and an electric drum kit and loud bass sound are added, to increase the tension a step further. Then a couple of shot later, only the bass is playing to add an extra bit of depth to our music. The next shot until the end of the running sequence includes a guitar, electric drum kit, african percussion, loud bass and an electric piano. This sudden burst of energy increases the tension and matches the action of the footage perfectly. This first section was very difficult to create. The timing was very tricky to get perfect, especially the timing of the music and the beginning of the shot are totally spot-on. Although it was totally worth as we are both very pleased with the outcome.
The next section is when the car turns up, so our music had to quickly fade and change to make it clearer to the audience that this part of the opening was a different time to the running sequence. So the previous music elements were faded out, leaving the synth and a new and slightly different synth with a quieter bass sound. This was because the dialogue was coming up, so the music would have to be almost silent. This would avoid out opening looking like a music video and also so that the dialogue could be heard well.
The last shot is when the music/sound is at the end of the tension as it reveals a bit of information. A gun shot sound is heard before the title "THE FILE" comes up on the screen which was from cutting a sound of a drum beat to a very short sound.
Overall, after all the alterations, we are very pleased with our outcome. It was worth spending a lot of time over the music because it can be believed that the music is what makes the piece come alive!
Audience Research (music choices)
We asked 15 people to listen to three thriller tracks, that we downloaded from itunes, and to choose which one was the best in their opinion. Then, after a little mix-up, we were going to decide from our results what elements we should include in our own soudtrack. Some answers were very simple and other comments gave us the answers that we were looking for.
The three tracks were:
1. Jack's Theme - Torchwood
2. Jagged Edge - I Am Ledgend
3. Agressive Expansion - The Dark Night
We played 30 seconds of the three tracks in that order, but didn't tell anyone where the tracks came from to make sure that the results would not have been altered from peoples judgements.
Our results were:
Track no.1 - 4 people liked this track. Some reasons included "because it's exciting and energetic", "I can imagine someone running away in a suspending way" (which was an answer we wanted to hear) and "it creates a tense feeling". We were fairly surprised that only 4 people preferred this track, but then I agree with the people that didn't choose this track that the music sounds more like it comes from an action film, rather than a thriller.
Track no.2 - 8 people liked this track. This track is seen as more of a thriller and people generally found the track more creepy and disturbing. Some wrote "it creates tension and makes me want to know what's coming next", "it creates suspicion and gets the audience ready for the big event" and "it builds suspence and uneasy tension". These results assured us that people were beginning to create a picture of our opening in their minds.
Track no.3 - Only 3 people liked this track. This was because it took ages to build up to a faster pace, meaning that people tended to get bored quite easily. The reasons why people preferred this track was because "it builds tension" and "its more 'actiony'", which to us comfirmed that these results were the least impressive and generally gave the impression that the people that preferred this track couldn't explain their reason easily.
To sum all this up, our opening (according to the survey) should include elements that were creepy but fast paced, with a quieter bits as well to build tension and suspense.
The three tracks were:
1. Jack's Theme - Torchwood
2. Jagged Edge - I Am Ledgend
3. Agressive Expansion - The Dark Night
We played 30 seconds of the three tracks in that order, but didn't tell anyone where the tracks came from to make sure that the results would not have been altered from peoples judgements.
Our results were:
Track no.1 - 4 people liked this track. Some reasons included "because it's exciting and energetic", "I can imagine someone running away in a suspending way" (which was an answer we wanted to hear) and "it creates a tense feeling". We were fairly surprised that only 4 people preferred this track, but then I agree with the people that didn't choose this track that the music sounds more like it comes from an action film, rather than a thriller.
Track no.2 - 8 people liked this track. This track is seen as more of a thriller and people generally found the track more creepy and disturbing. Some wrote "it creates tension and makes me want to know what's coming next", "it creates suspicion and gets the audience ready for the big event" and "it builds suspence and uneasy tension". These results assured us that people were beginning to create a picture of our opening in their minds.
Track no.3 - Only 3 people liked this track. This was because it took ages to build up to a faster pace, meaning that people tended to get bored quite easily. The reasons why people preferred this track was because "it builds tension" and "its more 'actiony'", which to us comfirmed that these results were the least impressive and generally gave the impression that the people that preferred this track couldn't explain their reason easily.
To sum all this up, our opening (according to the survey) should include elements that were creepy but fast paced, with a quieter bits as well to build tension and suspense.
Saturday, 6 March 2010
Filming (reflection):
As expected, filming didn't go quite to plan on our first attempt. We managed to film every shot that were meant to be included in our piece within 2 hours, starting 6am on a sunday morning till 8am. However one extreme close-up shot of the male characters eyes was missed out. The schedule started with the car shots (working backwards due to sunrise), then the dialogue was filmed second, then once the sun was getting brighter the running sequence was filmed. Roisin and I shared roles of camerawork and directing fairly equally. However, as predicted, after the footage was uploaded onto the school macs, some of the shots were too dark. On reflection, too much time was spent directing our actors instead of getting our footage shot, because the sun was rising quickly meaning that some shots would be too light. We also started too early, because the first shot of the car pulling up etc was far too dark and in contrast the dialogue shots were much lighter. This made our piece have bad continuity. On the other hand, the shots of the dialogue and the running sequence was really good and didn't need to be re-shot at all.
So just under a week later, I managed to film some more footage of the shots including the car driving into the car park. The shot of the extreme close-up of the male characters eye was successful but the light was fading quick, so to avoid filming for the third time I decided to film the 3 shots of the car as soon as possible. This included the car pulling up and driving past the camera, the car stopping infront of the camera and the male character getting out of the car (in that order) being filmed almost continuously so that different sunset stages were captured. However, there were other continuity issues after playing back the footage the next day at school. Unfortunetly there were other cars in the background and the male character wasn't wearing the same coat, so another filming session was organised.
A couple of days later, Roisin and I set out to record all three shots again. We both made sure that there would be no continuity issues by asking politely for other people to move their vechicles away from where the camera was placed and capturing our footage. We also made sure that the male character was wearing exactly the same outfit. The footage was much better and, again, the shots were recorded almost continously to insure the right amount of light was captured. After reviewing the first and third day of filming, Roisin and I are very pleased with what we have accomplished.
So just under a week later, I managed to film some more footage of the shots including the car driving into the car park. The shot of the extreme close-up of the male characters eye was successful but the light was fading quick, so to avoid filming for the third time I decided to film the 3 shots of the car as soon as possible. This included the car pulling up and driving past the camera, the car stopping infront of the camera and the male character getting out of the car (in that order) being filmed almost continuously so that different sunset stages were captured. However, there were other continuity issues after playing back the footage the next day at school. Unfortunetly there were other cars in the background and the male character wasn't wearing the same coat, so another filming session was organised.
A couple of days later, Roisin and I set out to record all three shots again. We both made sure that there would be no continuity issues by asking politely for other people to move their vechicles away from where the camera was placed and capturing our footage. We also made sure that the male character was wearing exactly the same outfit. The footage was much better and, again, the shots were recorded almost continously to insure the right amount of light was captured. After reviewing the first and third day of filming, Roisin and I are very pleased with what we have accomplished.
Monday, 1 March 2010
B.E.A.R Productions Logo
When designing the logo for our production team we had to relate it to ourseles, by combining our initials we found we could spell the word "bear". Keeping in reference to the animal we created the bear paw print and placed our name inside it. oOur colour composition was considered and we decided to keep the simplicity of black and white because we felt that gave it a sophisticated look.
Editing
Problems and Acomplishments
AFter filming our piece we downloaded our clips on to the computer only to find that some scenes were not what we expected. As they were unsatisfying to finial goal we set about re-filming some scenes, when we had our end product we then had the task of placing it all together.
Each sequence was placed in the correct order, we picked only the best of what we had filmed. We had filmed many of the scenes more than twice to ensure we had the perfect out come. then came the task of timing, each scene was adapted to the verysecond to allow the film to flow smoothly when needed.
At the beginning of our film we felt the need for a time difference to be shown was crucial, by changing the clips to black and white our audience was able to relate it being in the past or future. Because of this element there is a feeling of mystery created as the audience try to figure out whether the dialogue is in the past or present.
The dialogue was edited to be delivered quickly making the characters speech seem angry and fustrated. The lighting was kept natural as the underlit lighting helped set the scene. The camera angles kept the characters in view at all times making them the audiences focus.
The credits and the title sequence were placed in red to give the mis-en-scene of danger and blood, the title was placed in a type writter form as the audience associate this with documents which is what the film circles around.
AFter filming our piece we downloaded our clips on to the computer only to find that some scenes were not what we expected. As they were unsatisfying to finial goal we set about re-filming some scenes, when we had our end product we then had the task of placing it all together.
Each sequence was placed in the correct order, we picked only the best of what we had filmed. We had filmed many of the scenes more than twice to ensure we had the perfect out come. then came the task of timing, each scene was adapted to the verysecond to allow the film to flow smoothly when needed.
At the beginning of our film we felt the need for a time difference to be shown was crucial, by changing the clips to black and white our audience was able to relate it being in the past or future. Because of this element there is a feeling of mystery created as the audience try to figure out whether the dialogue is in the past or present.
The dialogue was edited to be delivered quickly making the characters speech seem angry and fustrated. The lighting was kept natural as the underlit lighting helped set the scene. The camera angles kept the characters in view at all times making them the audiences focus.
The credits and the title sequence were placed in red to give the mis-en-scene of danger and blood, the title was placed in a type writter form as the audience associate this with documents which is what the film circles around.
Thursday, 28 January 2010
Filming Schedule
The File
- Start filming at 5:30am (ish)
- Bring warm clothing and extra blankets; so when not filming actors can keep warm
- Start by filming the car pulling up and male character stepping out of the car, also female shielding her eyes against the glare of the headlights
- Go to the end of piece and film female running away with male pulling up gun
- Then dialogue between characters is filmed
- Eye shot of male from in the car
- Female running to meeting place; from many different angles
- (Hopefully) DONE!
- Then lots of editing....
Political Thriller Presentation
Note: This was presented with a powerpoint, but as yet i have not been able to load it on to here, this will hopefully be on here at a later date.
Wikipedia Thoughts
This thought gives the audience, script writers and directors the basic outlines for what a plot line might hold in this film genre. Though many films of this particular genre may have male roles, as stereotypically men are dominant in the political world, Wikipedia has suggested that women can play the main role, for example The Interpreter. The caption also states that the main protagonist maybe employed by the government in question, however some films such as State of Play do not hold to this.
Original Plots
These plots can also link in with other sub-genres, such as historical but they still contain the same convections: like the non-diegetic music, the under-lit settings and the heart-stopping explosions. The elections link in with political side of the film genre, for the script writers this creates an excellent opportunity to make plot lines for sabotage, betrayal, even murder all of these can be link with M.E.S and keep he thrill alive for the audience.
Directors
These directors have all been known for their accomplishments in creating excellent thrillers.
What Makes A Political Thriller?
The political side of the thriller is explainable on its own, how it is made in to a thriller is where the twists and turns of the plot come on. I feel that the under-lit set and shadows help create the dark and fearful side of the film more emphasis. Characters themselves with the specific costumes can create great effect, for example in Vantage Point the President wears grey, this shows that he is neither good or bad, a combination which shows he is willing to make any necessary decision to protect his country, whether this may create war or avoid it.
Study Of The Clip
The grey elevator reflects the unfocused images of the men whom enter it. As the doors close the audience has a feeling of privacy, the men only discuss business in the presence of each other, the closed elevator represents them locking themselves away from the rest of the worlds ears.
Coming out of the elevator the men walk through the corridor filled with shadow and light showing the contrast between their debate n the subject. When entering the room the T.V is put on, this is a reminder to the audience that the President has committed an offence and should not really be there.
As their discussion carries on they see the double being shot, this appears to be a warning. A bomb then goes off outside, this appears to reflect how the danger is getting closer and bigger for the President, finally the assassin enters, wearing black a dark and dangerous colour showing he brings death, the assassin kills everyone in the room but the President.
The audience is left on a cliff hanger as time is rewound to the start of 12:59. This is a very important time as all the “parts” are linked to it and how they are linked together: revealing the importance of time in a thriller.
Analysis Of Thriller: TAKEN
TAKEN
When introduced to the main character he seems to have a very dark and clouded life, there are flashbacks of happier times but these are clearly all left in the past. The under-lit set is soon brightened when the character visits his daughter, it is her birthday party and the change of scene is quite different it terms of brighter, fresher and cleaner colours, showing the many differences between the father and daughter. Though it has been revealed to us that the male character is a protector of sorts and good at his job, this does not seem to have protected his marriage, his wife has gone for his opposite; a rich business man, who provides everything, and more for the daughter.
When staying in France from the daughter the rooms are very light, this represents that she can see everything, whereas the father back at home is in darkness, showing that he cannot see what she can. This prevents him from helping his daughter and so she is taken from him.
When in France the character does a lot of night time investigation, the darkness co-notates that there is something hidden which the character cannot see. With the darkness comes the prostitution, showing the women in the dark to be hidden and taken from their society, as they have been taken this also leads to connections of their virginity being taken from them. The women also wear vey revealing clothes signifying that they have nothing left to hide now that their innocence have been stolen.
There are many chases in which the audience is left on the edge of their seats watching the amazing stunts pulled as the character dodges bullets in unbelievable ways. The disgusting circumstances in which the character searches for his daughter find the audience in a very sympathetic position. After taking a few false leads the character finds the men who took his daughter in the first place, they are stereotypically foreign and after some clever trickery the character thwarts them, finding out that he kills all but one; the leader who physically took his daughter. After a horrific torture scene, the character comes closer to finding his daughter.
Friday, 22 January 2010
Main Male Character: Costume
This is our main male character in the costume that we think will suit the characters persona the best. He is meant to be portraying a sinister villian
Storyboards
Here are our two pages of storyboarding: (If you click on the photo, then it will show all of the picture)
Friday, 15 January 2010
Location Site Pictures
We location scouted and decided that this graveyard/church was a brilliant place to shoot come of our concept.
Dialogue:
Between the female and male character:
Female: Carlos.. es esto usted? (Is that you?)
Male: He's going to be a bit late, might not even make it at all.
Female: You!
Male: Stop wasting my time, you know what I want.
Female: I think I'll take my chances. [turns around, we then see the male character pull a gun out, a shot is heard).
Female: Carlos.. es esto usted? (Is that you?)
Male: He's going to be a bit late, might not even make it at all.
Female: You!
Male: Stop wasting my time, you know what I want.
Female: I think I'll take my chances. [turns around, we then see the male character pull a gun out, a shot is heard).
BLACKOUT.
Possible Music Choices (Updated)
Aggressive Expansion - The Dark Knight - Hans Zimmer & James Newton Howard
The Jagged Edge - I Am Legend - James Newton Howard
Captain Jack's Theme - Torchwood - Studio Orchestra & Ben Foster
Tuesday, 12 January 2010
Props (updated)
- Red File
- Engagement Ring (possibly)
- Gun (x2)
- Silver Toyota Landcruiser
- The headlights from the car for lighting
- Engagement Ring (possibly)
- Gun (x2)
- Silver Toyota Landcruiser
- The headlights from the car for lighting
Shot List
Opening Credits With Running Female:
- close-up of feet
- mid-shot of female running past
- establishing shot
- long-shot from behind character; looking back
- high-angled-shot with female running underneath
Car Driving Into Carpark
- drivers eyes in rear-view mirror; close-up
- mid-shot of car coming round the corner; headlights on full beam
- close-up of female; put her hand up as headlights blind her
- low-shot of the bottom of the car showing part of the wheel and headlight. Keeps headlights on
- still at low-shot car door opens, foot of driver steps out
- tracking feet as they walk towards the front of the car
Monday, 11 January 2010
Possible Music Choices
Angels and Demons - God Particle
The Dark Knight - Aggressive Expansion
King Arthur - Budget Meeting
Pearl Harbor - Attack
I Am Legend - Darkseeker Dogs, The Jagged Edge
Casino Royale - African Rundown, Stairwell Fight, The Switch
Quantum Of Solace - Time To Get Out, The Palio, Target Terminated
Star Trek - Nallin' The Kelvin, Nero Sighted, Nice To Meld You
Torchwood - Theme, Captain Jack's Theme
The Dark Knight - Aggressive Expansion
King Arthur - Budget Meeting
Pearl Harbor - Attack
I Am Legend - Darkseeker Dogs, The Jagged Edge
Casino Royale - African Rundown, Stairwell Fight, The Switch
Quantum Of Solace - Time To Get Out, The Palio, Target Terminated
Star Trek - Nallin' The Kelvin, Nero Sighted, Nice To Meld You
Torchwood - Theme, Captain Jack's Theme
Costumes
Female:
dark boots
skinny jeans
white shirt
grey coat
light coloured scarf
Make-Up:
light foundation
bronzer/blusher
black eye-liner
black liquid-eye-liner
mascara
Male:
pointed-lace-up black shoes
black suit
dark grey shirt
black tie
long black trench-coat
dark boots
skinny jeans
white shirt
grey coat
light coloured scarf
Make-Up:
light foundation
bronzer/blusher
black eye-liner
black liquid-eye-liner
mascara
Male:
pointed-lace-up black shoes
black suit
dark grey shirt
black tie
long black trench-coat
What To Expect...
Female character running across a feild, at night, towards a building with a playground beside it.
A car turns in to the car park, it's headlights blind her for a moment.
As she walks towards the car the driver's door opening, a male character gets out. The female realises it's the wrong person.
There is some dialogue, the female then turns to flee, the male character lifts up a gun. There is a blackout at the same time as the shot is made.
A car turns in to the car park, it's headlights blind her for a moment.
As she walks towards the car the driver's door opening, a male character gets out. The female realises it's the wrong person.
There is some dialogue, the female then turns to flee, the male character lifts up a gun. There is a blackout at the same time as the shot is made.
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