Film Openings relating to the Briefs

Action

X-Men: First Class

The link for the opening scene:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dI7SEIKaKwE

Mise en scene- The mise en scen in this clip sets the time period. Their costumes, rain, sludge, and the narrow road all connote to negative representations. This suits the historical nature in Poland 1944. The lighting is very siignificant also, by adding to the tense, stressful atmosphere. The grey/dark blue filter portrays the clip in connoting death. Again linking in with the history.

Sound- The sound reinforces these connotations, as the diegetic sound: rain, screaming, and the gate slamming, adds to the dramatic torturous start, again relating to the history. Moreover, the non diegetic soundtrack, consisting of a low pitch drone overlapped by high pitch sting instruments adds to the ominous/tense atmosphere. The brass instruments were also added, to resemble the actions taking place in the scene (synchronous sound).

Titles- There is only one title in this opening 'Poland 1944'. This is used to help the audience understand the content. It is small and in the centre of the frame, and fades out.

Creativity- I would say that the lighting is used in great effect of setting the atmosphere. Also, the gate creaking open, adds to the subtlety of the super powers entering the film.

Audience- The audience is aimed at 12+ years olds. This opening is more suitable for a higher aging audience, as it subverts the action/comic book genre by adding distressing images.

Camerawork- They're many camera shots used, maily high/low angle shots to portray the child in being inferior, and the officers in have more authority. Moreover, establishing shots, and long shots were used to show the scene, maily aiming down on the people. Again showing them being inferior. The tracking shots were also used to symbloise their movement, in travelling to the concentration camp.

All of these codes and conventions used to create the clip portray a typical war film. The atmosphere and tension created reinforces this. However, the film is aimed for a younger audience (12-17). It uses normal looking characters in having super powers. The torturous atmosphere results in the opening, portraying the difficult circumstances the characters have been through, which enhances the evil/traumatising actions. This adds to the moral ambiguity at the end if the film, and subverts Tzvetan Tordorov's idea of starting a film with equilibrium. Which again adds to the build of suspense.

Researching Film Openings

Analysing the: Titles, Sound, and Camerawork for Sweeney Todd- The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, and I, Robot

Sweeney Todd- The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

This opening scene has many titles, and uses a wide range of camera shots. The sound used is also used to create a bigger affect to the audience. The titles were ordered from most important Production companies, and famous actors in the film. Then went to the less important people used to film the clip- casting, music supervisor... etc. Then ends with the most important people in creating the film, producer, director... etc. I also noticed that they only appeared on screen for no longer than 4 seconds.

I, Robot

I, ROBOT "title sequence" from JOSE ORTIZ on Vimeo.

This opening scene is very different to Sweeney Todd, mainly because they are a different genre, but this opening doesn't use as many titles. This shows that not all films show their credits at the start. I, Robot only state the main production companies. It again contrasts the first one film by the length of the titles screen time, in lasting 6 seconds. This proves their importance in this film being successful. Also, their is many camera shots used in the clip, and the editing changing from slow pace to fast paced decodes to the audience in them feeling tense. This again differs to the first opening scene by them building the pace throughout, rather than quick changes. These both have different effect on the audience, which I would think about for my film opening.

I shall use these ideas of the micro elements in these to clips. Also I will have to take into consideration the title screen time, and the pace of the clip to ensure that my clip clearly represents the genre chosen.

Some useful links for an opening sequence

http://www.artofthetitle.com/titles/

This website has many opening clips of films, so it enables me to research different opening for different genres.

http://www.youtube.com/user/cnsmedia

This YouTube Channel has many videos helping me to revise, research, and see other film openings produced by AS students.

I find that the title sequences in James Bond are contructed very effectively, and looks extremly impressive. I may use this to impire some of the editing techniques i may use in my opening.  Maurice Binder is responsible for the artistic designs, and magnifgicant editing of the James Bond title sequences. 

http://www.jamesbondwiki.com/page/James+Bond+Title+Sequences, this website shows some of the title sequences which has been included in the James Bond films.

Start of the 4 briefs for our 2 minute film opening

Got given the 4 briefs we can choose for our film production. We looked at them and began brainstorming ideas, and films in each of the genres. We then began to watch the opening scenes of some films to broaden our ideas on how producers use titles to suit there genre. 

Brainstorming ideas of films around each section of the brief

The 4 briefs:

1. A 'relationship' comedy/drama made by an independant production company, aimed at young adults.

2. Science fiction British adult audience.

3. A mainstream action film that will appeal to both 15-25 year old males and females.

Your film should appeaer to be based on a 'fiction' comic book.

4. A film that is based on a real event from the last 10 years. Your film should appear to be independently funded.

PRELIMINARY TASK COMPLETE

Very happy with the final clip. Its given me the experience to take towards the 2 minute film production.

We achieved the brief, and we attempted to try other camera shots and techniques. 

There were some minor errors, but overall I am happy with this clip we produced for the time given.

Editing

We have now began editing all of the clips to sort out the best shots to the worst. We ordered the clips, then cropped the parts where necessary to allow the clip seem more smooth, making it look more professional. Also, as our clip uses mainly a fast paced editing (quick shot changes), it means that it is more essential to the clip. 

We did not yet start applying the soundtrack to the piece, as we aim to do this in next lesson.

Filming

Just finished filming after our 1 hour filming session. We took several 'takes' to ensure that we can select the best clips we filmed. This helps us make the film the best i can. Also, practising this filming technique will help us in our 2 minute film opening as it gains our experience in filming.

Film Clips

I uploaded a film clip to Facebook, to aim to gain comments to improve my film making. 

First day of filming

Today- 16/01/2013

Today we learned how to set up the camera, and tripod. Then we set off on our filming. It was very exciting filming for the first time. I felt as though I was a real producer saying '3...2...1...ACTION'. 

The tripod set up for a low angle shot.

I have enjoyed this project thoroughly being told the brief, and pushing it to the limit. Our group bounced very imaginative/creative ideas to form our narrative. We have use lots of camerawork, and attempted to link a few representations/stereotypes in aswell- linking in our past topic area. 

I see myself having a speciality in music, as I have played piano/keyboard publicly. I try to find non-copyrighted music which greatly enhances the emotions the audience   endures. I understand the different keys, and styles of playing, which would help me set a minor/major tone, also trills and arpeggios can symbolise the actions on screen.

I may have the capabilities to produce my own soundtrack, if unable to find an existing soundtrack, to suit the correct theme, etc.




We learnt several different things we didn't think to plan, such as camera time and the acting. However, we applied our selves and improvised. I am impressed on some of the clips we have filmed, some need improving though. We have planned to do a last session tomorrow after school, and finish it off. 

Week Commencing Aims (Second week)-

• We will discuss the editing, and the cropping of the clips, to ensure the fluidity and movement of the narrative. 
• Adding sound to the project, ensuring perfect timing to greater the audiences emotions. 
• Finish the project

Communication

We organised our filming times at school, and if any problems occurred we made a group message on Facebook for emergencies. We also discussed ideas and views we had over the internet so we are all set for filming in lesson.

We created a diagram on whats happening and were the camera will be positioned at certain stages. There are lines 180 degrees to ensure the editing is correct. Colour coding the different characters and camera shots aids the clarity. Also, from the storyboard we added a few more shots and listed them all in order. This gives a clearer view of what shots need to be taken.

This is our booklet where we keep all of our notes and ideas    

Memory Stick- used to transfer information from home to college.

Editing

In our preliminary task, we have chose to use several editing techniques. Some of the editing techniques have been inspired by the YouTube videos earlier in the blog.

Such as:

Match on Action

I chose to use this technique to resemble the actions took place, and the emergence in certain scenes. I am thinking of using this technique in my 2 minute film opening, so this will enable good practise in using this technique.

Pace

The pace begins slow and gradually increases, till the climax of the clip, then halts to a slow pace. This symbolises the narrative of the clip, in being chased. Moreover, the pace helps mislead the audience in thinking the boy will get badly beaten. This aids the comedic effect at the end.

Prevalence

The screen time helps portray the small boy in being innocent, and weak towards the 'hoodies'. It shows the narrative of his point of view (POV), which makes the audience feel sympathy of him. This again aids the comedic effect being decoded to the audience.

180 Degree Rule

We are using the 180 degree rule to ensure Continuity within the clip, and because it is stated in the brief. We are planning to use this when dialogue is being exchanged- using overshoulder, and POV shots. It aids the fluidity of the clip, which creates a greater meaning for the audience.

Sound

Having a look at some sound tracks which would fit the theme. 

These are some websites I have visited

http://www.jamendo.com/en

http://freemusicarchive.org

http://www.royaltyfreemusic.com

These websites allow an easy search engine for various 'genre', 'artist', and filters you want to download.

From all of the sites we searched, we have decided to use this soundtrack.

Devastation and Revenge

We believe this clip adds to tension. We are applying this to our clip when the huddies enter the scene. Then when the chase scene occurs, the last section of this soundtrack will be used.

Dialogue

Dialogue is used within my clip, ensuring i meet the brief. The dialogue used aids the narritive, however it subverts the soundtrack, as it seems friendly, but spoke intimadatly. This enables a greater effect in entertaining the audience.

My Preliminary Task

We have decided that our preliminary task will show a brief representation of: age, gender, and ethnicity, and will challenge stereotypes of a social group. We have been given a time deadline to finish this clip in 2 weeks. The narritive of our clip is structured orderly going from, equilibrium to disequilibrium to a new equilibrium. Tzvetan Tordorov is the theorist we applied the plot to. This structure decodes a much greater effect to the audience in misleading them in being anxious.

Mise en scene

Location

We have decided the location of the clip, choosing a school. They're two scenes taking place: in a corridor and in a classroom. This location was chosen because it allows easy access (as im a post16 student), and it meets the brief. It also makes it easier for us to keep to the time deadline, as more takes can be filmed.

Lighting
We are mainly using high key lighting to reflect a school environment, but inside the classroom it is half dark connoting to the danger and loneliness. However, when the good deed is given the other half lights up. This technique misleads the audience in feeling tense, until the climax of the clip.

Costume/Props

We are using two types of costume. Two characters will be dressed as 'hoodies', wearing hooded tops, jogging bottoms, and trainers. The colours of the costume will mainly be dark, which enables them to stand out, as the corridors and lighting are bright. However, this contrasts in the classroom when they match the darkness, showing their status, as the boy is in an unfamiliar position. The boy will look reasonably smart, representing a typical school student.

Costumes used: 

Storyboard

We have thought of an idea and applied some camera angles. We bounced ideas off each other in how to portray the narrative, and added a false sense of danger. To enhance this we are going to add sound and fast paced editing to build tension.

We have finished our storyboards. We used sticky notes to allow easy reconstruction to edit different scenes. They make it much easier to keep them orderly, and to change the order. This storyboard will now be the basis of our mini production, but gives us the experience we need to apply on the 2 minute film clip.

Preliminary Task

We have began to plan and produce a storyboard of our preliminary task. We have decided to include severall types of camera shots, several editing techniques, and attempted to use certain elements to represent/subvert the emotions by using micro elements.

I am using this task to practise using the camera and to find the difficulties I face in producing the 2 minute film opening.

These clips helped inspire our idea

Film opening briefs presentation from Andy Wallis

How to get a top grade in your media cw from Jo H

I will use this slide show to guide, and help me gain the best grade possible in my coursework.

Using Media

YouTube is an extremely popular website, well known worldwide. It gives easy and quick access to any videos of your choice. It also promotes anyones ideas and talent by allowing free accounts to expand their popularity. I use YouTube to search: music videos, find information on fixing problems, and for general entertainment. I also publish videos ( My YouTube Channel ), mainly to gain 'comments' to improve my performing skills. I also attempt editing these videos using iMovie. I change the lighting (brightness), colour (contrast, saturation), intro's, video quality, etc. This software is great help, and will help me in media in creating the 2min+ film intro.

Both websites are use for people to talk to each other. It enables social groups, and tracking long lost friends. I use it to talk to friends, and to seek latest news on sports, and music. These sites again allow free accounts, and quick and easy access. This aids their popularity proliferate. These sites allow businesses/organisations to provide regular updates to keep good customer satisfaction. 

All of these sites are used in big media organisations well, as it helps share new information occurring in their businesses. These businesses work together as they allow the public to share links from each sites. This again increases their readership, and the public interest. They do this eventhough they are in oligopoly to each other. 

Films

My favourite recent films, are the new James Bond 'Skyfall' and the first of a trilogy 'The Hobbit'. 

I have always been a huge fan of 007, and I believe this is the pinnacle all of the James Bond films. I understand, and enjoy the thrilling experience of knowing the life of a secret agent. But this film is unique, showing the deeper emotions which decodes to the audience in giving a greater understanding of his pressure and responsibilities. In addition 007's family and linking his past into the film really adds to the effect to the audience.

I have only recently seen the Lord Of The Rings trilogy, which spurred me onto watching 'The Hobbit'. I enjoy the adventure, the thrill, and the comedy imposed in the film. Peter Jackson ensures excellence in combining the traits from the Lord Of The Rings, which aids their development of the characters' personalities. This helps the audience greater their knowledge about the 'Middle Earth'.