More Sound - Using Garageband software

This shows me experimenting with sounds, instruments, editing and adding layers, creating an overall piece. My knowledge in music helped me to learn and understand how to use this software. Knowing beats in bars, and different instruments allowed me to make it sound more free-flowing. 

This is my first attempt at making a soundtrack for an opening scene to a sic-fi film.

This is an extended version of the first soundtrack.

Shows us (our group) using Facebook to communicate and express different ideas. This helps save time in having to wait till lesson.

Lighting

This is a screen shot of Tom's Blog post on lighting. It portrays the different types of lighting we are planning on using. I could also add that we may use a grey/dark blue filler to create more of an atmosphere. Also these are ideas on what we will be using, not definite, but we will decide on best lighting available to us in enhancing the power and status being portrayed through the lighting.

This is an example of the lighting we will use at the beginning. It will be emphasised on the protagonist, as it emphasises his front of his body where it will have a greater impact on the audience. We was thinking about using the backlight effect right at the beginning in the title sequence,  which helps setting the scene and creating atmosphere. 

Mise en Scene and Props

This screen shot is taken from Tom's Blog, it shows his research, and us planning on what to use for the interrogation scene. It shows a brief analysis on why we chose certain props in setting a tense atmosphere. Which gain interest from the audience by adding more suspence which adds to the excitement of the opening. These props my be changed later, but gives us a short insight on what we need to create the scene.

Past Students Productions

This is a link to OCR Media Studies A Level's Blog: http://ocrmediastudies.weebly.com/coursework-with-levels.html

This is a Blog which I will use to see how other students have produced their work. It will again add to my inspiration on how to conduct a good, effective opening. It also shows productions with less marks, this again shows some of the mistakes which I can identify and avoid, giving the best chance of gaining a high level.

These are some examples,

Title Planning

The different types of editing software:
Cinematic 4d:


 Adobe After effects:



Sony Vagas:

Cinematic 4d ;is a very professional but easy way of creating different types of 3d Text and you can also create 4d movement pieces with shapes words by capturing frames and singles movement and putting a large amount of frames together to create a smooth movement and  above i have put the simplest way of creating 3d text .

Adobe after effects ; 
This is were the software get more complicated which is why i have put a few videos links from youtube to give you a chance to try different way of putting the 3d Text either into a video or a photo .
depending on how you want your tittles in your opening scene to the video depends which video you choose to try out and use to get the best look .

Sony vagas;
Is just another software which can give you a great effect in video use but it is a lot harder to use but i have placed a easy clip to follow if you or i decide to use this in editing my tittles in the opening sequence .

Overall i think that Adobe after effects would be the easiest once to use because of the wide range of different tutorials which is on to offer and this software is also the easiest one to get hands on at college or home and will give me a better chance on trying out the software to get better and therefore creating a better professional effect for the views .

This information was found by Tom, it shows the importance and difference between different text types to use for the title sequence. He has researched into three different types of software for us to use on the opening sequence. The different softwares have different: tutorials, operations, and capabilities, which we will have to take into account when producing the title sequence. 

We also had ideas on blending the titles into the scene, so we will have to choose the correct font and size to ensure fluidity. This is because the titles are significant in recognising the genre, and can give an insight (foreshadow events) for viewers.
This information shows us working together in order to keep up-to-date. Sharing ideas and themes shows great time keeping and shows us using our initiative to share information researched. This is all in order to create the best film opening possible.

Organising and Keeping up-to-date

A plastic wallet

Media Checklist

1. I am using a wallet to keep all of the media coursework safe and altogether. This helps reduce time in finding sheets, and it keeps everything in order. 
2. It is quite difficult to communicate outside of school, so we use social networking sites, such as Twitter and Facebook to keep in touch. 
3. The checklist is crucial in me knowing sections I need to improve on in my coursework, also it allows me to check what work needs to be finished. 
4. We have used the checklist to distribute the tasks evenly, whilst sharing and improving our ideas.

My Screenplay Script

Screenplay Script 1

From the storyboard I could figure out when characters spoke dialogue. According to the short video on script making this is too short (as it states that a page = a minute of filming), therefore changes may have to be made. However I believe this is a good first attempt, and further additions and edits to this script will be made. I found that using the layout from the celtx website defiantly helped me developing it. It gives choices on different styles of scripts and gives good hints and tips to improve your script-making skills.

The script shows: the transitions between scenes, and dialogue, and a brief description of the setting and actions taken place. It portrays that they are three flashbacks which greaters the knowledge upon the audience in the scientist past. This helps appeal and gather interest for the audience as it gives them more knowledge than the interrogator. It also creates an enigma in what, where, and how the scientist got himself into the situation.

Script Writing

This will be the website i will use to print and produce my script. It gives tutorials and recommendations on the best ways to produce a script. I have used it because it allows me to use the basic demo form of the software, this lasts for 15 days so it gives us enough time to produce the script.

The Social Network Screenplay Script
This is an example of a screenplay script from The Social Network. It shall be my guide when producing a script. I will inherit their layout, and some techniques they have used to make our script the best it can be. It is also important as it gives people involved a clear insight of what is happening in each scene.

Planning Storyboard

I have produced a basic shot-by-shot storyboard of my film opening. I used sticky notes again as this was a good technique in the Preliminary task. It will help me in keeping on track with how many/which shots are needed to be taken. Also if more shots/scenes need to be added later you can simply rearrange the order, making it quick and easy to edit.

The basics of Script Writing and Storyboarding the film

This video helps me how to layout, and produce a script for my film opening. It given my the understanding of the importance of planning and structuring a script.

Moodboard

These are images which has inspired me to produce this storyline, relating to the brief...

These ideas express our thoughts, and we have considered who the target audiece is aimed at. For example, the suspicion and tension linking in with the interrogation scene would appeal to an older audience, and the science lab adds to the excitement in what will happen. Interlinking these scenes adds a bigger effect in intriguing the adience.

Lighting

When filming we will have to take into account where emphasise the light. These three points are the basis of lighting which will aid us in deciding the imagery encoded. For example lighting up specific parts of the mise en scene to add extra layers in meaning by emphasising certain objects/emotions.

Key Lighting
This will be the main lighting used in our opening. It creates more of a tense atmosphere, and helps portray the scientist in being inferior as it emphasises his emotion and fear from the interrogation of other characters.




Light Graffiti/Light Painting
















These are different techniques of filming and using light. It is used by using a slow shutter speed setting on the camera. A good friend of mine is a photography student who shown me some really effective techniques to create different forms of light- rather than the basic high key lighting. Looking at these photos, it helps me explore in using different lighting. These different uses can add to the genre, in adding something supernatural entering a scene.

Costumes

The Scientist (protagonist)
He will be dressed in a suit and lab coat.
This is the stereotypical dress for a scientist. However, this is a crazy scientist, so will dress more untidy, for example crazy hair, un buttoned shit.

The Evil Mastermind (antagonist)
He will be dressed very smartly, similarly to an evil mastermind. Wearing a suit and tie reinforces these stereotypical representations of a evil mastermind.













The bodyguard
He will also look very smart, but he will look alot more aggressive, and powerful. Dressing like his boss shows he too is evil. 





We are not planning on using any make up, but may use water or a substance to create false sweat. This will be used on the scientist to portray his fear and it helps emphasise the two mens dominance in the scene.
False Sweat- http://www.ehow.com/how_6943383_make-false-sweat-glycerin.html

The Interrogation scene- ideas

These clips show different ways in which an interrogation scene can be represented. I shall take into account all of these clips in the making of my opening. They give me ideas on the micro elements. 
The dialogue used will help me form a script for the characters. We are trying to make the scientist seem inferior to the two men, but this idea changes when he uses his power.
The camerawork will also inspire me in different ways to make the protagonist seem more inferior.

http://www.globaltv.com/rookieblue/interrogationroom/index.html
This website shows the types of questions the police asks. It is a virtual game which portrays the more effective questions on the offender. I may take some of these questions into consideration for the two minute film clip.

The Pitch

Our pitch-

Two men interrogate a scientist. A flashback to his mad experiment- he drinks a potion. Then evades the room using his power.

This links into the brief clearly, by using a 'power' to enhance the protagonists outlook. Also the costume and setting connotes to a thriller/action scene- attracting an adult audience. Power and status, and social groups will also be represented by reinforcing/subverting stereotypes. This will intrigue the audience to watch further. It also increases the effect for the opening as it fulfills the expectations an opening needs, in exciting the audience to watch further.

Websites - Science Fiction

 http://marvel.com/ironman3

This website is advertising the new Iron Man 3. It appeals to their target audience as the stereotypical codes and conventions for a science fiction film.  It gives us an insight of what the film may include, for example the robots.The layout o the website allows the audience to see further into the film, as the menus and links are around the edge of the screen. This again aids the attraction decoding to the audience.

http://www.jurassicpark.com/splashpage/index.php

This website is very effective to the audience, as it allows them to expore images, the trailer and the story line of the new Jurassic Park. The background image and text signifies the film in adopting their font style. This informs the viewers about the film and portrays the adventuristic nature of the film, also the high quality image creates versimilitude proliferating the effct on the audience.

http://pacificrimmovie.warnerbros.com/index.html

 This website also has a great impact on the audience. The high quality again creates realism, but it also links to the narrative of the film. Giving  them an insight into the film, again heavily appealing to their genre- science fiction. The images and the titles reinforce the sterotypical codes and conventions of a sci-fi genre as it interlinks a non real object (robot) with a real location (beach). The titles reiforces the furturistic style in using robots. Linking these coventions together enhances the verisimilitude decoding to the audience.

Classifications- BBFC

British Board of Film Classification (BBFC)

http://www.bbfc.co.uk/

The BBFC enforce strict laws to ensure that film are rated according to their content.

These are the areas the film examiners have to assess

"We look at issues such as discrimination, drugs, horror, dangerous and easily imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex, and violence when making decisions."

This is a quotation from their website. It shows what they have to asses before rating the film. These rules are applied to films in producing DVD's, Blue-Ray player, and in cinemas This is to ensure the safety of younger viewers in watching something offensive.


Sci-fi Films Classification Certificates:

The Avengers ----------- 12A
The Hunger Games -----PG
Battleship -------------- 12A
Prometheus ------------ 15
Iron Sky 2012 ---------- 15
Dredd ------------------ 18
Looper -----------------15

These are examples of highly successful films which have been targeted for different audiences. The producers/cinematographers have to take into account the assessment of the examiners from certain companies such as BBFC. From this research it shows that on average a 15 age rating is enforced. This could imply that they are aimed for a more adult audience. Meaning that they would be good films to watch and take inspiration from, as they link to the briefs target audience.

My Creations - Public views

I sent out the links to the videos, using social network sites. I gathered that they all thought that they had links to a science fiction film. 
The two favourites altogether, are Media 4 and Media 5.

They thought they the soundtracks linked more to the sic-fi genre, because:

• futuristic instruments
• it has a beat
• It sets a atmospheric mood

Overall, i am happy with the sounds I have researched, as it has taught me the different sounds used.

My Creations - Experimenting with sounds

These are not finished soundtracks, it just shows the me taking inspiration from setting different moods. Also, shows me experimenting with different sounds to link to a sic-fi film.

These are clips of me playing the keyboard and guitar, in search of a soundtrack to use for my 2 minute film opening. I experimented with different ways to link it a science fiction genre.

I have used a variety of techniques, such as:

• change in tempo
• change in instruments
• change in layers
• change in melody

Experimenting of a variety of techniques will defiantly aid the choice selection, in encoding different moods/emotions to the audience. For example the string instruments help enhance the tense atmosphere which are encoded to the audience. Also I have used electronic sounds- for example the drone. This is to symbolise the futuristic elements within the film, adding a more of a modern outlook. This will make the opening seem more futuristic. For example on 'Soundtrack 5' I have used an electronic beat, but included a  Spiccato (staccato string instrument) this combines new and old. Which could resemble:

• Old/young character
• Old/new technology
• Present/futuristic

Many connotations are encoded to interest and intrigue the audience. The fast/uptempo beat also could resemble a rush/panic/emergence. Also, with the string instruments layering with the synthesisers, helps enhance the minored atmosphere. Using sounds in synchronous to the scene defiantly helps portray the emotion on screen. I would use this technique in my 2 minute film introduction. 

These clips give us more variety to choose a soundtrack for our film- not just by searching the internet.

Sound Design

The Diner Music website 

https://www.thedinermusic.com/branch/dev_v2.2/?gclid=CPis4oztprUCFdLJtAodQFEACw#/home

This website allows easy searching for the type of soundtrack. It allows you to choose which: mood/style/tempo/interments you want to search for. This makes it quick and easy to find the perfect soundtrack.

This website also allows you to search for soundtracks. It has again many categories for you to search for. Which again make it quick for users to find the correct soundtracks. 

Freesfx website

http://www.freesfx.co.uk/soundeffects/horror_sci-fi/

This website acts similar to The Diner Music website, as it to offers users to download sound effects and royalty free soundtracks. This image shows me searching for different sound effects which I could use for my 2 minute film opening.

This shows the many categories you can search. Using the figures (in brackets), The Diner Music seems to have more choice. However they both have s the same effect on the users, making it easy and quick for users to search.

Audiences for all Genres- Survey

This table shows the interest of film genres out of 5930 participents. I am going to compare the Science Fiction genre to all of the other film genres.

This table inform me that out of the people suveyed, Middle aged people (26-49 years old) have a bigger interest in science fiction films. By having a bigger percentage of 8.6%. This suits my brief as I will be aiming our film introduction towards adults. The younger and older audience has less interest compared to middle aged poeple. Overall, the science fiction genre is ranked sixth according to this table. This is found out by adding all the frequencies and comparing them with the other genres.


This table shows the difference in ethnicities, in their different interests of film genres. 5860 people participated. I am going to compare the Science Fiction genre to all of the other film genres.

This table shows the different interests which different ethnicities have. It portrays that the Asian race has the biggest interest in sci-fi films as it has the biggest pecentage, in being 12.5%. I think this is because stereotypically Asian countries have more advanced technologies, this could link to them having a bigger appeal towards futuristic sci-fi films. This could link to my film opening relating more to a Asian audience, as it would have more viewers, prolferating our exchange. This would be an effective way of targeting an audience if it was going to be produced.




This table shows the difference in gender, in their different interests of film genres. 5930 people participated. I am going to compare the Science Fiction genre to all of the other film genres.

This table shows that men are more interested in watching sci-fi films, as it has a greater percentage of 10.7%. It seems that males are appealed to this genre, as it is placed third, after action/adventure and drama. However, females seem very uninterested as it is placed 7th, in comparison the other genres, as it has only 4.6% of the total votes. This implies that my 2 minute film clip will be aimed moreso at a male audience.

Overall, from this research I gathered, the demographics I am aiming preferably to is:

Middle aged people

Asian ethnic group

Males

This will help me base my film on a specific audience, and will have to organise the micro elements to support this.

How Posters use Codes and Conventions to portray a Sci Fi film

This poster promotes Total Recall. they use many conventions to make it more appealing to their target audience. The titles clearly states the name, slogan, and the main actors. This is an effective way to advertise the film as it allows the audience to grasp the type of film. In addition, the actors aid the recognition, again enhancing the popularity. The text type relates to their genre, as it is bold/silver/metal-like.

The background consists of many scenes which are included in the film. It shows that it is set in London, and the city above on the upper half of the poster could connote to two worlds colliding. Furthermore, it portrays an action/thriller/sci-fi genre by the props. The weapons and costume suggest that they are special forces

This poster promotes the film Battleship. The background has been constructed very effectively. The huge robot raising from the ocean prominently portrays the genre. It also shows the audience the size of  their task (protagonists). The character faded into the clouds connoted them having to control the mighty robot. The scale of the task enhances the audiences interest. The clouds use pathetic fallacy to connote that the storyline has disruption. 

The titles used prestigiously promotes a science fiction film using metal-like, bold font suggesting a modern approach in producing a film. Also, it mentions their main/famous actors to proliferate their popularity, and exchange. Making a more successful business. 

This poster promotes The Hunger Games. The poster portrays the main protagonists in in the film. They decode the audience in having to survive, combining this with the title adds a greater effect. The female looks more emotional which reinforces stereotypes, but juxtaposes this with her props (arrows). Also the fire adds to the poster by reinforcing the survival theme, also it can connote to the danger and distress the character face. The titles are again bold, and metal-like portraying a modern film. The gold text could also symbolise the characters in having to achieve gold to survive, the colour further connotes to flames which reinforces the survival.

This poster promotes Men in Black 3. The poster clearly illustrates the main characters. Their costume links to the title. Moreover, their facial expressions portray a very serious, and looking very unemotional similar to a robot- linking into their genre. Also the background looks hypnotising in repeating 'MIB3', this makes it eye catchy, and signifies the characters in being the prominent features.

The text used is again very similar to the other posters as the font is bold and silver connoting to the modern nature of the film. This again allows links to a science fiction film.

From researching these posters it gives me a bigger insight on how real production companies portray a science fiction film.

Ideas on codes conventions gained:

• Use bold/metal-like/coloured (linking with narrative).
• Use a modern conventions to portray the future.
• Ensure that the location/background/mise-en-scene links with the emotion on set- pathetic fallacy.
• Facial expressions
• Use connotations of micro elements relating/foreshadowing events.

Public Views

I posted questions on both Facebook and Twitter to see their views and opinions on the publics favourite genre. This is to have an idea of the expectations of certain genres.

Overall I found that most people either liked the Rom/Com or the Science fiction genre.

I gained many comments for the Science Fiction genre saying that they enjoyed the:

• unpredictability of a science fiction film
• seeing the foreseeable future
• exploring new technology
• huge fight scenes between humans and new species

 I gained many comments for the Romantic Comedy genre saying that they enjoy: 

• The comedic value
• Relating it to your own life
• Happy endings 

According to IMDb 

The top Sci Fi films voted by users are:

1.		Add to WatchlistStar Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)   8.8/10  As Luke trains with Master Yoda to become a Jedi Knight, his friends evade the Imperial fleet under the command of Darth Vader who is obsessed with turning Skywalker to the Dark Side of the Force.Dir: Irvin Kershner With: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie FisherAction | Adventure | Sci-Fi124 mins.
2.		Add to WatchlistInception (2010)   8.8/10  In a world where technology exists to enter the human mind through dream invasion, a highly skilled thief is given a final chance at redemption which involves executing his toughest job to date: Inception.Dir: Christopher Nolan With: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen PageAction | Adventure | Mystery | Sci-Fi | Thriller148 mins.
3.		Add to WatchlistStar Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)   8.8/10  Luke Skywalker, a spirited farm boy, joins rebel forces to save Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader, and the galaxy from the Empire's planet-destroying Death Star.Dir: George Lucas With: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie FisherAction | Adventure | Fantasy | Sci-Fi121 mins.
4.		Add to WatchlistThe Matrix (1999)   8.7/10  A computer hacker learns from mysterious rebels about the true nature of his reality and his role in the war against its controllers.Dir: Andy Wachowski, Lana Wachowski With: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne MossAction | Adventure | Sci-Fi136 mins.
5.		Add to WatchlistTerminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)   8.6/10  The cyborg who once tried to kill Sarah Connor is dead, and another T-101 must now protect her teenage son, John Connor, from an even more powerful and advanced Terminator, the T-1000.

http://www.imdb.com/search/title?genres=sci_fi&num_votes=1000,&sort=user_rating,desc&title_type=feature

These are recently the most successful sic-fi films according to IMDb. I shall watch these films and pick out significant features which could be used for my 2 minute film clip. Further this is also a good example of having an audiences interacting with their views. This helps show the oligopoly between different films, and companies.