All my Pre-Production thriller research

After collecting all my information together, with my two other group members. I am finally able to upload all my work, mine and others! to show you ALL of our pre -production work. I would like to thank Kennet Tanner for helping me get all my information together!

Surveys - completed by myself (one more version to come, but unfortunately i am un able to upload these until monday afternoon)

Survey Results

View more documents from Kenny Tanner.

Thriller Research Survey 2 Results

View more documents from Kenny Tanner.

After completing my first survey online, i decided for more research to complete another survey, on a person to person basis. My second survey is looking more into conventions, and what parts of thrillers audiences notice the most.

HWK

Media Homework – for 21/1/10

Audience – A group of people who have relations in interests, employing any media product.

Institution – An organisation or company that provides media content, whether for profit, the public, or other motivations the company may have. This includes your understanding that the media is a business, and you notice the relationships between the companies or organisations and the public. Allowing you to see the Media as a form of power.

Q – How many ways can you 'read' something produced by the BBC?

The BBC distributes its products through many different techniques, that have been improved with the technology, over the years. There main broadcasting techniques are;
BBC news, BBC radio, BBC online and BBC Tv. BBC news started as a 1 channel show, broadcasting important information to the UK and even British news to the republic of Ireland. Now the BBC have there 1 analogue channel (BBC 1) and there digital channels such as News 24 or news and weather etc. accessed through the red button. BBC radio have many channels these days, available through normal radio, digital TV, satellite Tv and Digital radio. One of the best known radio stations, from the BBC is Radio 1. As for BBC online, it has its main websites, with several branches to the local news, which is also viewed on Tv. It now has extra feature including BBC I player, in which you can download, or view online, Tv shows, or the news etc. that has been previously shown on Tv. BBC Tv are Tv shows funded, made and distributed all by the BBC.

Q - How can the audience engage with Doctor Who? How many different forms of ‘media’ are offered?

The audience can engage with doctor who in several different ways. Doctor who was a program put on Tv several years ago, so some of the older generation may be reminded of there childhood, and have a connection already made, drawing there attraction to the program. But Doctor who is also an idea that is slightly unique. We see other sci-fi programs such Start-Trek, but they do not connect to the british audience in the same way, as some of Doctor Who is set in London, allowing the audience to familiarise with the location, attracting them to the Tv show.

Doctor Who has many different ways of attracting its existing audience and newcomers even further into the show. It does this through its use of other media. Looking at the website, it has a main menu bar of; Home, episodes, characters, games, create and archive. Already becoming attractive enough, it excels its website with other links on its home page, with links to extra videos and many other features.

Convergence – Hardware and software converging together across the media, and companies coming together across similar circumstances. Making the distinction between different types of media and other media industries become more diffident.

Surveys and Reults! - Thriller research

there are two surveys to be uploaded, which i have completed, along with results. Unfortunately i am currently at college, and cannot use slideshare, nor google docs. Both surveys were designed using internet survey sites, such as freesurveysonline.com and surveymonkey.com.
The difference between the two:
The first survey i completed and published on the internet, allowing people to access the survey through there computer. However, the questions asked where not relevant enough, to research for OUR product.
The second survey was printed off and handed out. There are only 5 questions, as i just wanted to support my groups ideas for the present and the future. The questions asked relate to conventions of thrillers, so overall, using the publics honest opinions, we can now create a thriller opening, with a professional looking outcome.

watch this space for the questionnaires, very soon!

Case Studies - Half Light - Audiences

Audiences

Half light is a Drama, Mystery, Thriller, attracting thriller lovers in a beat. But its location and main character have added a new attraction to the film. Its location filmed in Cornwall, but known as Scotland in the film, has a particular spooky attraction to it, if well thought out. But the main character is what struck me the most. A strong and successful independent woman, and an assumed single woman. An interesting technique, a device you would expect to build you up for a highly dramatic event – most likely anyway. Watching the opening of this film, it is very easy to believe you have put the wrong disc in the DVD player, but the bright colours, happiness and atmosphere of the opening 5 minutes mixes nicely with the strength of the woman. This led me to be suspicious about what I had in store, but at the same time it pulled me in, leaving me wanting more! Overall the dramatic side of it has appealed to another audience all together.
User Reviews – IMDB
This movie is good, well acted, well scripted, well directed, and above all, it will keep you guessing to the end, I do not know enough about "The Technical Side" of movie making to comment, all i know is, if i see a film i like, or for that matter dislike, then i will make a comment on it, after all its only entertainment. Too many times you read about the, ins and outs of film making, and all the back stage stuff, when really all you want to know is, will i enjoy this film, and the answer to Half Light is yes, no swearing, very little sex content,just a nice put together thriller, enough twists and turns to keep the momentum going. i am trying to find something to moan about in this movie, and to be quite honest there is nothing, Demi Moore is very good in the lead role, and the mainly British cast is excellent Go see it, judge for yourself, i do not think you will be disappointed.
Beyond Hollywood -
Although billed as a thriller, “Half Light” is very much a supernatural ghost movie. It’s not “horror” in the genre sense, although there are ghosts and thrills aplenty. Written and directed by Aussie Craig Rosenberg (“After the Sunset”), there is a very noticeable European sensibility to the film’s pacing. Another oddity is that whenever ghosts aren’t involved, Rosenberg directs like he’s making a traveling brochure for Scotland’s Tourism Board. Which might not be such a bad idea if Scotland was ever in need of some good P.R., because the “Scotland” shown here (in actuality the LLandwyn Island of Isle of Anglesey in Wales), with its wide open beaches and tall grass bristling in the cool evening wind, is simply gorgeous to behold.
The beautiful scenery also makes for a stark contrast against the supernatural elements of the film. The cabin by the beach becomes the hub of ghost activity, as what seems like the spirit of Rachel’s dead son returns to haunt mom with a vengeance. And while Angus seems like a savior, he, too, turns out to be more than what he seems, making Rachel’s already fragile circumstance even less tenable. What’s a broken hearted novelist, already suffering from terrible guilt, to do when the one rock she thought she could lean on suddenly turns into mist?
“Half Light” doesn’t terrify as much as it creeps you out, especially the early scenes with Rachel’s dead son. Here, Rosenberg methodically introduces the film’s supernatural element a bit at a time, never offering up too much. It’s a tease, but an effective one. Rosenberg’s choice regarding the aesthetics of the Scottish locale makes the fear all the more intense when the scene shifts from the pleasant countryside to Rachel’s lonely and constricted cabin, or the towering, skeletal lighthouse nearby.
Of course the film is far from perfect. For one, an intelligent woman like Rachel seems a bit clueless as to the right course of action to take, even if she is currently locked in a haze of grief and mental confusion. Despite suffering from one ghostly encounter after another at the cabin, she continues to remain there, defying all logic and common sense. Later, when warned that if she should return to the cabin she will surely die, Rachel decides to return for her things anyway. The film also has a plot twist in its last act that threatens to torpedo most of what’s come before, not to mention lowering the scare factor tremendously. As well, the twist relies on a plot contrivance involving an elusive photo that is a little hard to swallow, especially in this day and age.
5 Star Reviews
Moviesyahoo – 3.5 Stars Time out (user reviews) – 5stars
Flixters – 3 Stars View London – 3 stars

Pre - Production Work!

After several attempts of a video diary, and being un-successful, i have gone for the traditional written words. Although, we did recently complete a video diary as a group, updating our group status' as well as talking about our own contribution.

My personal work will be uploaded very soon after this, but unfortunately, as i lack a scanner, only the documents can be uploaded.

Thriller Openings

VACANCY - horror thriller

Fact File:

• Made in 2007
• Acting by Luke Wilson and Kate Beckinsale
• Distributed by Screen Gems and Sony Pictures
• Budget - $19,000,000
• Gross Revenue - $35,300,645
• DVD release - 14th august 2007
• Prequel - Vacancy 2: The first cut

Music and Sound

• Tense music at the beginning to symbolise Danger.
• Diegetic sound (radio and car, also outside noises, natural)
• eery/spooky music to make us sense tension and an approaching moment.

Setting

• red/black titles give a dark and 'dangerous' atmosphere.
• falling and lengthening of letters give a bleeding effect.
• Maze effect gives a trapped sense/feeling.
• low lighting, not allowing full profile of characters.
• Mirror shot
• cliche car breakdown in the middle of nowhere, at night.
• motel
• jumpy

Characters

• 1st character not full profile
• 2nd character also in low lighting
• a couple, not happy together
• hidden characters, building tension

The Departed - gangster thriller

Fact File:

• Made in 2006
• Acting - Jack Nicholson and Matt Damon
• Distributed by Warner Bros pictures and Entertainment Film Distributors
• Budget - $90,000,000
• Gross revenue - $290,000,000 (worldwide)
• The film appeared on many critics top ten 2006 films.

Music/Sound

• Diegetic - narrative.
• Non diegetic - soundtrack music.
• Voice over
• Large alternate of diegetic and non diegetic
• typical gunshot sequence and sounds

Setting

• Boston - rough area
• Fighting
• Near sea
• Suburban parts
• Fighting throughout gang area.

Characters

• 1st character profile not revealed as they are in shadow.
• 2nd - young, innocent, being moulded
• 2nd - looks up to 1 as a role model.

Media Production Tips!

Diegesis

Is a way of combining diegetic and non-diegetic material to create meaning for the image or moving text.

Diegetic material - Usually sounds that exist in the world its self. This may be Dialogue or natural sounds, such as thunder, or birds etc.

Non Diegetic material - Usually sounds added for the audience. Sounds such as, atmospheric music, soundtrack or voiceovers etc.

Some types of sound are both diegetic and non diegetic. For example there may be a piece of dialogue as a characters thoughts, in a voice over technique. But would be non diegetic in the sense that other characters cannot hear it.

An example of film that contains a lot of Diegetic sound and Non Diegetic would be a Thriller. As atmospheric music is a must, but natural sounds such as footsteps or birds etc can also give an effect.

An example of film that is mainly Diegetic is Documentaries etc. As they contain a lot of dialogue and real noises, to keep us aware its reality.

An example of film that uses mostly Non Diegetic sound would be Nick and Norahs Infinite playlist. As the film has a large soundtrack.

Micro and Macro origination

Micro Macro elements - to shoot material that is appropriate to your film. And that relates to the genre of film you are making. Also other details such as: music, style of titles, dialogue, setting up and pace.

Pre Production is highly important! it gives you a guide presenting all your initial and final ideas that you need to create your film!

For example, if you were making a romance film, a three stage process:

First, study romantic comedy conventions using the micro macro strategy. Second, spend time developing a romantic comedy narrative. Third, spend time planning to shoot and edit material that looks right for the genre!

Camera Work And Framing

Using a tripod in filming is a must, as a steady shot is not as simple as you think. Most of your shots should be using a tripod, unless a handheld/realistic effect is required.

Its best to stay clear of zooming, as it makes your camera work seem un professional, and is rarely used in the industry.

A widescreen framing setting is advised as film uses fewer close ups than television.

For film it is suggested that mostly mid-shots and long-shots are best, a few close ups used sparingly.

The rule of thirds is a good way to get some exciting shots, that are thought about and will impress your audience.

Combining shot types and distances is essential to the 'language of film', for example, Long shots to mid shots, to close ups are sometimes a good way to display action. And over the shoulder shots etc are good ways to display a conversation to your audience.

Camera angle is a good subject to think on, making sure your subject is not interfered by other interesting subjects in the back ground. And the use of power, for example, a high angle makes your subject look less powerful, a low angle shot makes your subject look more powerful.

simple tips:

• practice shots before recording.
• shoot far more footage than you need to make editing easier.
• test microphones before filming, so you dont accidentally end up with a silent movie!
• switch off date and time on camera.
• be prepared to take several takes of each shot.
• be a perfectionist, if something goes wrong, redo it!
• make sure all your batteries get re-charged.

Mis En Scene

Mis en scene is an expression commonly used for film, meaning, all production aspects.

Its important to chose all details very carefully. And when i say details i mean:

costumes, lighting, props and location, to create that ultimate atmosphere and overall feel to

your film. As students we are often victims to simple mistakes such as, costume changes, hair cut mid sequence, poor acting, poor lighting and un realistic props etc.

Lighting

Most media students cant get access to industry standard professional lighting or equipment and this can sometimes limit there creativity. However there are certain techniques that can overcome some of these problems, here are 5 tips:

• Use natural light - sunlight, in shadow, mist, through rain (depending on the effect you need). Keeping in mind your patience and time scale on waiting for certain weather conditions.
• Use cheap and cheerful artificial light - as long as you have done your risk assessment you can use candles, firelight, torches, car headlights, security lights, neon signs and street lighting.
• create colour filters - shine light through, coloured liquid, vases and ornaments.
• position light source for effect - lighting scenes from different angles etc. can create different kinds of atmosphere, so experiment with this.
• Ultimately, lighting a scene is a scientific process.

Combining sound, image and titles

it can be hard to put footage together with sound and titles. You will need to look at every aspect and detail of your title, including finding a good time length for the title that will please your audience. Also where to place the titles near shots etc is also a factor to take into account.

using music to add ambience to the beginning of your film. Think very carefully about the semiotic value, keeping to the tone and pace of the film, and thinking about what your music represents. its a good idea to test music in the earlier stage of post production.