Main Task Location List.

Description and photos of each location and reasons which link to our synopsis.

Nisa Shop – Used for shop scenes that both the boy and girl will visit at different time periods. We will film outside to see both characters come out having brought items at separate times during the night and day. We may still have to ask permission to film outside the premises.

Paston Church – The place where the boy will visit the girls grave. The church is situated central to all our other locations so we chose this particular church to make it easier for us to travel to and from different locations.

Gravestone – The girls grave we will see the boy place flowers on. The grave stone we have chosen is next to the main pathway to allow us to place the camera on steady ground, not grass.

Girls Bedroom – Were she will wake from a drunken night out. We chose a bedroom that looked subtly girly and was big enough to fit the cameras and crew in without coming into shot. We also made use of the mirrored wardrobe to create reflective shots. The locations were all situated within the same area, we only had to travel a few minutes up the road to each location which made it easier to transport equipment.

Boys Bedroom – Where he will wake. We chose this bedroom because it was a typical male bedroom and again was big enough for the camera and crew to use.It also belonged to our male actor and therefore seemed perfect for his role.

Photos (on slideshow) taken by Kirsty Clark.

We also used another location in Gunthorpe to film the running over/car scene. We had planned to use the road near the Nisa shop, but due to safety issues we chose to use a quiet residential road instead. However in the final film it only features for a few seconds as we chose to cut out the character actually being run over to keep it more subtle.

Main Task Roles.

Roles in our Main Task Film.

Acting
Laura – (Katie) Party loving Female character set in the past.
Nathan – (Jeremy) Grieving Boyfriend set in the present.

Camera
Kirsty or Laura
Acting as Director, choosing the best angles to shoot, working with the actors to put the story across.

Process Photos
Grace or Kirsty
Photos to be taken at each stage of filming to create a story of how we achieved certain scenes and to show everybody’s evolvement. We will also use the photos to create a Process Diary of our filming schedule and scenes.

Production / Editing
Kayleigh
Developing our scenes, looking after props and creating transitions between shots, polishing off our final scenes and creating a flow.

We are aiming to film everything in about seven days spread over two months (Feb/Mar) so we are able to begin editing with enough time to complete it to the best of our ability.

Main Task Checklist as of Jan 2010

Checklist for Media

• Roles Laura - Acting, Nathan - Acting, Kirsty - Camera, Grace - Process Photos & Kayleigh - Production/Editing.

• Costume Description of each character with photos of them in costume with reasons why they dress that way, give dimension to the characters.

• Prop List Pictures of the props and how they will enhance the story.

• Location List Description and photos of each location and reasons, link to story.

• Synopsis Written version, notes.

• Storyboard Drawn version, rough version picture.

• Slideshow Anamatic on Windows Movie Maker Shows the storyboard as a moving picture like the film will look like and reasons for doing this.

• Filming Schedule Dates and times of filming and what scenes it will be, who is involved and descriptions.

• Improvements and any problems that occur throughout.

• Evaluations at each stage.

Main Task Research Questionaire.

Target Audience Questionnaire (Psychological Thrillers)

Example of our questionnaire that we will carry out to determine if our storyline will match up to what our target audience (16-25 teens) expects from a film of our chosen genre.

(Tally next to one only)

Gender
Male
Female

Age Group
12-15
16-18
19+

What makes you want to see a Thriller film?
Level of violence
Fear factor
Certain Actor appearing
Trailer/ Taster clip

What would scare you the most?
Clowns/Creatures/Monsters
Fantasy becoming a Reality
Suspense of something unknown
Masked Killers
Torture/Experiments

What convention do you consider the most important to a Thriller?
Dark isolated conditions
Blood and gore
Use of weapons
Suspense and fear
The Killer/Murderer

Main Task

Titles and opening of a new action film lasting roughly two minutes.
We have chosen a Demographic of 16 to 25.

Initial Idea
A girl and her family move to Houston, Texas from England. Then one night whilst watching T.V. a crazed man, who has just escaped from a local Mental Health Asylum, breaks into the house and slaughters Holly's family in front of her. He leaves her for dead. The movie is set 10 years after the murders and a nineteen year old Holly discharges herself from a psychiatric ward. The audience follows her pathway to a new life. She has no memory of her past as doctors trialled a new drug which has wiped her slate clean. A few months after her freedom she begins to suffer with flashbacks. Follow the journey of discovery but how will she handle the truth? and will the urge for revenge take over? (common conventions)

We chose not to use this idea because we wanted a storyline that wasn't as common or had never been used in a psychological thriller before. We also wanted to steer away from some of the more common conventions such as killers/murderers to give our audience a fresh outlook for the genre 'psychological thriller', without going to off track.

Chosen Idea - 'A distant memory'
Set in Britain, the movie follows the story of two teenagers. One teenager (girl) has a mental illness and has turned to alcohol to solve her problems. The other teenager (boy) is more reserved and seems to be troubled by something. We later discover that the teenage girl is living two years in the past and the teenage boy in the present. The girl had died those two years ago and her spirit had remained trapped there, reliving that moment. The teenage boy was going out with her at the time of her decline and has never really recovered from her death, making frequent trips to her grave. The movie shows her decline in health (through flashbacks and split screen editing), her addiction to alcohol and eventually her death. (Common conventions)

We chose this idea because it remained a psychological thriller but didn't have so many common conventions that would make it predictable, boring and uninspiring to watch. We believe that this idea would appeal to our target audience of teens 16-25 because it would create a fresh outlook on this type of genre as well as creating that enigma needed for them to continue to watch. Our film remains original whilst sticking to some of the conventions that keep it a Psychological Thriller.

Preliminary Task

Continuity task. This involves filming and editing a character opening a door, going across a room and sitting down in a chair opposite another character with whom they will exchange words with. Demonstrate match on action, shot reverse/shot and 180 degree rule. (see picture.)


Match on action - A technique used in film editing that connects two different views of the same action at the same moment in movement by carefully matching the movement across the two shots.
Shot reverse/shot - is a film technique wherein one character is shown looking at another character and then the other character is shown looking "back" at the first character. Since the characters are shown facing in opposite directions, the viewer assumes that they are looking at each other.
180 degree rule - A basic guideline in film making that states that two objects in the same scene should always have the same left/right relationship to each other.

Preliminary

Evaluation

We had some problems with the editing and trying to get the individual clips to flow together as one. As a result some of the transitions are rather jumpy or not in sync. Also our Match on Action was a little weak and would need to be improved if creating a professional film.
We also had some problems with the sound equipment which resulted in some clips not picking up our conversation and this caused us to use voice over dubbing instead which made a noticeable pitch change to our speech halfway through.
In conclusion, as our knowledge of the camera and editing software develops we can prevent these problems from occurring in any future filming. We will focus more on the continuity between shots and the fact that re filming has to be scheduled in case of difficulties such as a lack of sound between shots. The preliminary Exercise has helped us to develop our skills in camera work and the understanding of camera angles, transitions and editing techniques.
We also had a first attempt video with cut footage, which shows how our sound was lacking for the character in orange - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jefJTtImFzE

Gladiator- Timeline of opening titles.

0.02 Dreamworks clip begins but to match with feel of the film it’s in sepia, creating an older look and adds depth to the scenes later on. The sound track for the film is playing throughout instead of the usual soundtrack attached to the Dreamworks clip.

0.22 Universal clip begins, again in sepia to match the films setting and to create a distressed, older look. The soundtrack again is the films not the original Universal track.

0.46 “Dreamworks Pictures and Universal Pictures present.” Again in sepia and in a font most likely to represent how Roman Numerals would be displayed, perhaps Times New Roman. Fades in.

0.56 “Gladiator” fades in.

1.07 “At the height of its power the Roman Empire was vast. Stretching from the deserts of Africa to the borders of Northern England.” Tells the story and sets the scene, again its sepia with smoke creeping in and its fades in as well.

1.11 “Over one quarter of the world’s population lived and died under the rule of the Caesars.”

1.20 “In the winter of 180 AD Emperor Marcus Aurelius twelve year campaign against the Barbarian tribes in Germania was drawing to an end.” More story setting and again the smoke is present.

1.27 “Just one final stronghold stands in the way of Roman victory and the promise of peace throughout the Empire.”

1.40 Grasses scene, close up of a man’s hand running their fingers through the long grass. The shot is blurred as if the man is disorientated and the camera wobbles as he walks, it looks like the camera is walking with him. The colours from earlier scenes link to this first moving shot with the colour of the grasses.

Making a Film.

Development
Producers look for a story to turn into their blueprint for a film. This can either be an original idea or a story reproduced from a novel. They then create a detailed description of the story with moods, character ideas and sketches the help visualise key points.
This is then handed over to a screenwriter who will re write and develop their initial idea further to get the best from the story.
A film distributor may be contacted at this point to discuss the film ideas potential success and its suitability for an audience.
After this the producer and screenwriter prepare a pitch to present to their potential investors, if successful the contract are signed and they can move on to pre-production. By now the film should have a clear marketing strategy and target audience.

Pre Production
At this point the film is designed and planned. The production company is created and a production office is established. The film is made into a storyboard and visualised with the help of illustrators and concept artists. The production budget is drawn up to help them plan for expenditures.
The producer hires a crew which is determined by the budget and nature of the film.
Hollywood Blockbusters would hire a crew much larger than low budget independent films.

Crew Positions
A few key positions in the crew:

Director- Creative decisions and portraying the story on screen.
Assistant Director- Filming schedules and logistics of production.
Casting Director- Finding appropriate actors.
Location Manager- Finds suitable locations to film, may include closing off public areas.
Composer- Creates an original soundtrack for the film.
Art Director- Makes production sets, manages the Art Department.
Costume Designer- Works closely with actors to create the right look.
Storyboard Artists- Creates a visual aid for the Director and Producer.

Production
At this stage the film is shot. More crew are hired as required such as editors for the sound and picture.
A Script Supervisor will note any continuity issues and any technical issues will be logged. Additional takes may be required.
The Production Office is kept up to date with a report after every day shooting and production schedules are referred to.
Sometimes the cast will gather to watch the days filming to review how they think it went.
Work days can last anything up to 18 hours non stop and to thank the crew for all their efforts a wrap party organised by the Production Team often takes place at the end of filming.

Post Production
The film is given to the Film Editor. The original camera work is the converted and developed for editing with a computer editing software. Production sound is also synced to the video picture frames.
The Film Editor builds a rough cut of the film to select the best shots.
The Director works with the Film Editor at this point to get the best from his picture, they then create a seamless flowing version by shortening scenes and creating the story. This is then shown to and approved by the Director.
At this point it is usually previewed by the target audience and any feedback through questionnaires may result in further shooting or edits to the finished film.

Distribution and Exhibition
This is the final stage where the film is released to cinema or occasionally straight to DVD.
The film is duplicated as required for distribution to cinemas.
Press kits, posters and other advertising materials are published and the film is advertised. Film companies usually release a film with a launch party, press releases, interviews with the press, press preview screenings, and film festival screenings. Most films have a website. The film plays at selected cinemas and the DVD typically is released a few months later.
The distribution rights for the film and DVD are also usually sold for worldwide distribution. The distributor and the production company share profits.

Psychological Thrillers - Main Task Research.

Comparison between four Psychological thrillers, over four years and with a variation of age groups.

This can be used as research for our main task film to compare target audience and how that affects the story, conventions and whether we will stick to them or try something different, popular camera angles, lighting, colour and props (mise en scene) that will help us convey the right image.

The Number 23 - 2007 15

Synopsis
Walter, an animal control officer, is bitten by a dog at work. This event causes him to be late in picking up his wife, Agatha. Agatha is waiting for him in front of a book store, and decides to go inside to kill some time. Today is Walter's birthday so she purchases a book, "The Number 23," as a gift. As Walter reads the book, he finds the story is almost a parallel to his life, as if the writer was writing about him. The only problem is that people in the book become obsessive with the number 23, and they end up dying. The number becomes a curse to anyone who discovers its meaning.

Conventions
Murder, Obsession, Blood, Killer, Insanity, Fantasy turning into Reality, paranoia & Psychiatrist.

Camera Angles, Lighting, Colour & Props
Close up to show emotion, Shots from above to show the outside picture you are looking into the action, Shots from below to show intimidation and emphasis on height and dominance. Dark lighting, everything is poorly lit or takes place at night; very few scenes are set with clear blue skies. The colours are often subtle, sepia or a chilling blue (see poster). Props used are often scribbled on tatty note books, weapons such as knives and the vibrant red book; I think red was used for the book because of its connotations such as blood, the devil and hell.

The Strangers - 2008 15

Synopsis
After returning from a wedding reception, a couple staying in an isolated vacation house receive a knock on the door in the mid-hours of the night. What ensues is a violent invasion by three strangers, their faces hidden behind masks. The couple find themselves in a violent struggle, in which they go beyond what either of them thought capable in order to survive.

Conventions
Harassment, Murder, Paranoia, Insanity, Blood, Invasion, Killer & Violence.

Camera Angles, Lighting, Colour & Props
Close ups to show the emotion of each character, Panning shots towards the danger, Mid shots to get the bigger picture. Again the lighting is dark, poorly lit by either candles or torches. Most of the film appears to take place at night. The colours are again rather dull, sepia or subtle. Props used are masks for the killers which makes the audience more uncomfortable, their identities are hidden. Knives are used again to show a sense of vulnerability but trying to survive.

Lady in the water - 2006 PG

Synopsis
Cleveland Heep, a stuttering apartment superintendent, encounters a girl named Story swimming in the complex's pool. He soon learns that she comes from the Blue World, and has a message for mankind. Will he be able to help her complete her mission?

Conventions
Healers, Attack, Accident, Insanity, Fantasy turning into Reality, Invasion, Fear & Unusual.

Camera Angles, Lighting, Colour & Props
Establishing shots, Close ups on water, Hand held camera moving with characters adding fear as if you are there experiencing it. Most scenes take place at night and areas are poorly lit. The colouring is much the same, dull and subtle. Not many props are used in this film to add much to the story.

Hard Candy - 2005 18

Synopsis
For three weeks, 14-year-old Hayley Stark has been chatting on-line with 'Lensmaster319', a 32-year old fashion photographer, named Jeff. The two agree to meet at a coffee shop called Nighthawks. They hit it off, despite the massive age difference. Hayley appears to flirt with Jeff, and Jeff generally restrains himself, even admitting that he must wait 4-years until he can be with her. But his reservations are apparently not enough to decline when Hayley invites herself over to his house. Once at the house, manipulation becomes the name of the game and Jeff has to endure her torture.

Conventions
Torture, Violence, Psychopath, Abuse, Blood, Murder, Revenge & Stalking.

Camera Angles, Lighting, Colour & Props
Close ups on faces and eyes, Establishing shots and shots that show a change in time. Most scenes take place in a house during the day but the rooms still appear dark and cast shadows. The colours are brighter than expected for a thriller. Props used are unusual as well such as wheelchairs and scenes in the bathroom.

Films watched this month - Wide audience range.

This will help with our Research into Target Audiences and the variety of ways films are watched between age groups

What films have people watched this month (January), How & Why?

Two Older (50)

1. Land that time forgot 1975 – On TV, saw it when it first came out wanted to see it again now to remember it.
War of the worlds 2005 – On TV, not seen the new version wanted to compare it with the old version.

2. Land that time forgot 1975 – On TV, saw it when it first came out wanted to see it again now to remember it.

Two My Age (18/19)

1. Sherlock Holmes 2009 – Cinema had good reviews.
Toy Story 2 3D 1999 – Cinema, classic film from childhood.
District 9 2009 – On TV/DVD, word of mouth
Animal Farm 1954 - On TV/DVD, word of mouth
10 things I hate about you 1999 – On TV/DVD, word of mouth
My sister’s keeper 2009 – On TV/DVD, word of mouth
Snoop Doggs hood of horror 2006 – On TV/DVD, word of mouth.

2. Sherlock Holmes 2009 – Cinema was an interest of theirs.
Did you hear about the Morgans? 2009 – Cinema, Mutual choice, friend wanted to see it.
A walk to remember 2002– On TV/DVD, many recommendations.
Juno 2007 – On TV/DVD, needed to for media work.
Knowing 2009– On TV/DVD, was a Christmas present.

Two Younger (13/14)

1.Twilight 2008 – On DVD, was a Birthday present.
What happens in Vegas 2008 – On DVD, was a Christmas present.
Ghost Ship 2002 – On DVD, watched it at a sleepover.
The Haunting 1999 – On DVD, watched it at a sleepover.
Mean Girls 2004 – On TV, wanted to watch a certain scene.
Cinderella Story 2004 – On DVD, bored.

2. Narnia, The Lion, Witch and the wardrobe 2005 – On TV, sister had the remote
Twilight 2008 – On DVD, because it was in the DVD player
Ghost Ship 2002 – On DVD, watched it at a sleepover
The Haunting 1999 – On DVD, watched it at a sleepover

From this research I can conclude that younger people are more likely to watch more films and in a variety of ways, whereas older people are less likely to venture to the cinema or download a film, instead they catch films on TV.
Younger people are more likely to watch a film because they liked the look of it, through word of mouth or for social reasons such as a sleepover. Older people are more likely to watch a film because they had seen it before or wanted to compare a remake to the film they remembered.
Over a month younger people have the time to watch many more films and the older people have to fit watching films around other commitments such as work.
Teenagers seem to watch the most films, which is why our target audience research would consider this.